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Right and Wrong #2
The Wrong Man
8 hrs 1 min
Successful owner of an upscale boutique in fabulous West Hollywood, Brandon Good swears by his personal edict to “live in the present.” After a bad breakup, he agrees to dog-sit to keep his mind off his ex. Never did he expect the dog to belong to a man from his past, the only man to ever truly break his heart.
When Jake Westley relocates to join the WeHo fire department, the last thing he anticipates is reuniting with his secret high school love. Thrilled with the prospect of reconnecting with Bran, Jake feels no guilt in using his charming old dog as an unwitting matchmaker. As he and Bran rekindle their friendship, it becomes clear the intense attraction they once felt is stronger than ever. But as hard as they try to leave the past behind, painful memories resurface. Bran will have to confront his fears and consider the possibility that the man he swore was absolutely the wrong one might be perfect after all.
Successful owner of an upscale boutique in fabulous West Hollywood, Brandon Good swears by his personal edict to “live in the present.” After a bad breakup, he agrees to dog-sit to keep his mind off his ex. Never did he expect the dog to belong to a man from his past, the only man to ever truly break his heart.
When Jake Westley relocates to join the WeHo fire department, the last thing he anticipates is reuniting with his secret high school love. Thrilled with the prospect of reconnecting with Bran, Jake feels no guilt in using his charming old dog as an unwitting matchmaker. As he and Bran rekindle their friendship, it becomes clear the intense attraction they once felt is stronger than ever. But as hard as they try to leave the past behind, painful memories resurface. Bran will have to confront his fears and consider the possibility that the man he swore was absolutely the wrong one might be perfect after all.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 6, 2015
50 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
105 books1,718 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars
Here are all the stars for Mack, the sweet 13-year-old golden retriever who stole my heart.
And even more stars for the epilogue that made me sob happy tear!
Be prepared for angst. And tears. And angst.
But also for sweetness and a rekindling of a first-love, take-my-breath-away romance that's broken by one boy's desperate fear.
We only get Brandon's first-person POV in this book, and he's not an entirely reliable narrator. I desperately wanted to know what Jake was thinking!
Bran is self-conscious and so wrapped up in his insecurities, he misses what's right in front of him. Until he breaks his own rules and finally SEES.
There is just the right amount of love and sex in this book. It isn't overtly dirty, but it's plenty hot, sensual, and tender.
The small moments, sharing coffee, braving the beach, falling asleep on your boyfriend's shoulder at a soccer game, are everything.
The parade of ex-boyfriends, particularly Jake's ex, the beautiful, self-assured Derek, really got on my nerves. But that's ME. Once a relationship is done, I want it under lock and key. I don't keep in touch with any of my exes, and I wanted Derek and Trevor, Bran's shallow actor ex, to take a long hike to nowhere.
I didn't read the first book, and this easily holds up as a standalone.
Hayes' writing is lovely and evocative; the epilogue took my breath away.
I love dogs in real life and in books, and I appreciate the way Hayes made Mack an honorary MC. Mack is joy and life, all the good in us we have to dig deep to see.
Here are all the stars for Mack, the sweet 13-year-old golden retriever who stole my heart.
And even more stars for the epilogue that made me sob happy tear!
Be prepared for angst. And tears. And angst.
But also for sweetness and a rekindling of a first-love, take-my-breath-away romance that's broken by one boy's desperate fear.
Love isn't a fairy tale. The real thing challenges you. It aks for your time, your faith, your understanding, and a fuckload of patience.
We only get Brandon's first-person POV in this book, and he's not an entirely reliable narrator. I desperately wanted to know what Jake was thinking!
Bran is self-conscious and so wrapped up in his insecurities, he misses what's right in front of him. Until he breaks his own rules and finally SEES.
"Why do you think I'd risk life, limb, and another perfectly good pair of Italian loafers at the fucking beach?"
There is just the right amount of love and sex in this book. It isn't overtly dirty, but it's plenty hot, sensual, and tender.
The small moments, sharing coffee, braving the beach, falling asleep on your boyfriend's shoulder at a soccer game, are everything.
The parade of ex-boyfriends, particularly Jake's ex, the beautiful, self-assured Derek, really got on my nerves. But that's ME. Once a relationship is done, I want it under lock and key. I don't keep in touch with any of my exes, and I wanted Derek and Trevor, Bran's shallow actor ex, to take a long hike to nowhere.
I didn't read the first book, and this easily holds up as a standalone.
Hayes' writing is lovely and evocative; the epilogue took my breath away.
I love dogs in real life and in books, and I appreciate the way Hayes made Mack an honorary MC. Mack is joy and life, all the good in us we have to dig deep to see.
February 8, 2015
The second story in Lane Hayes's Right and Wrong series tells the story of successful boutique owner and decorator MC Brandon Good. (Yes, this can be read as a stand-alone. The first book The Right Words centers on Brandon's best friend Luke and his relationship with soccer player Michael, but The Wrong Man does a good job of explaining Luke and Michael so you won't be lost.) Brandon reconnects with old, closeted high school boyfriend MC Jake Westly after 12 years. Jake has recently moved to the area and taken a position at the local fire station. (Sorry fellow men-in-uniform fans, no firefighter scenes. Jake's job is in name only. We don't even get to go to the station.) The catalyst that brings Brandon and Jake back together is Jake's geriatric yellow lab, Mack, who isn't in the best of health.
Brandon lives by the motto of always living in the here-and-now, never the past, and has never allowed an ex-boyfriend back into his life, even for platonic friendship. While sparks initially fly between the couple, Brandon resists, choosing his life motto to taking a second chance with Jake. Of course, that doesn't last and the boys start a hot 'n heavy physical relationship best described as "friends with benefits". Well, at least as far as Brandon is concerned, since the story is told strictly from his POV, so we never do get a glimpse into Jake's head. I made up my own mind as to what Jake was thinking, and given the ending, I was spot on. *dreamy sigh* Loved him!
It isn't all smooth sailing for the boys and this is a nice, medium angst story. How the two of them fall in love and deal with life's hurdles was delightful and sweet and lovable Mack was a personal favorite. Interesting characters, heart, hot sex and an easy to follow story line made this a great read and I can highly recommend it to any and all M/M romance fans. I actually enjoyed it much more than the first story The Right Words.
By the way, I have to give a huge thanks to Lane Hayes for
March 2, 2015
A second chance love story “The Wrong Man” is the second book in Lane Hayes’s series “Right and Wrong” and tells the story of Brandon and Jake. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I didn’t have any problems getting into it. So you can read this one (and every book in the series) as a standalone.
Brandon Good is the owner of a successful boutique in West Hollywood. His store makes him happy, but lately he’s less than happy and content in his personal life. Since he broke up with his ex, he’s been a little cranky. One day he agrees to dog-sit for one of his employee’s neighbors. Never did he expected the man in cause to be his first love and his first heartbreak, Jake Westley. Brandon doesn’t hate him anymore for hurting more than 10 years ago. While Brandon was out and proud when they were in high school, Jake was deep in the closet and didn’t want to come out at that momeent. In the process he lied and betrayed Brandon, hurting the first boy he cared about.
Jake has recently moved in WeHO taking a position at the local fire station. He never forgot Brandon or how much he hurt him. He regrets and he’s willing to do anything the other man to really forgive him. As they rekindle their friendship, it seems Brandon starts to forget the past and their attraction they once felt is stronger than ever.
Is Brandon ready to confront his fears and to let go of the past and embrace the future with the man he wants?
Even if this was not my fav book from this author, I enjoyed it. The story is sweet and sexy, but angsty as well. I liked both Brandon and Jake. Brandon is really like he says – fabulous- and I just loved his personality. He’s flamboyant and he loves his designer clothes. He’s sweet and strong and a great boss and friend. Jake is sweet, funny, charming and attentive and for sure knows what he wants, or more exactly who he wants. Their character development is great and I liked how naturally their relationship progressed. I loved the way they are with each other and how great their connections is. Their chemistry and sexual tension are fantastic and the sex scenes were hot and intense at times.
I absolutely loved Mack who’s Jack’s 13 years old gold Labrador. Unfortunately Mack is old and terminally ill. He really stole my heart. There are some scenes very sad and maybe even emotional for some readers.
The side characters are great too, Brandon’s friends Luke and his employs.
I didn’t like Brandon and Jack's exes. I wanted them out of the picture as soon as they were introduced. Anyways, I’m glad there was no drama with them or any kind of cheating. The entire story is told from Brandon’s POV and overall I enjoyed it, but I must admit in this case I really wanted a dual POV. There were more times than I can count when I really wanted Jack's POV.
Overall, a feel good, enjoyable read!
February 12, 2015
4 Stars!
This was a really solid second chance love story.....of "fabulous" Brandon and his once secret lover Jake! Reunited after 12 years.
There were times Brandon was a bit too high maintenance.
And I really wish the exes would have been a bit less present! While there was no cheating or anything like that they both just needed to go away!
I enjoyed the slow build of Jake and Brandon's relationship. After their fallout in high school, to becoming friends and eventually lovers.
There was just the right amount of steam and drama.
But ultimately....a sweet lab named Mack really stole the show in this book!
He saved one guy from the pains of his past and gave two people a second chance at love.
This was a really solid second chance love story.....of "fabulous" Brandon and his once secret lover Jake! Reunited after 12 years.
There were times Brandon was a bit too high maintenance.
And I really wish the exes would have been a bit less present! While there was no cheating or anything like that they both just needed to go away!
I enjoyed the slow build of Jake and Brandon's relationship. After their fallout in high school, to becoming friends and eventually lovers.
There was just the right amount of steam and drama.
But ultimately....a sweet lab named Mack really stole the show in this book!
He saved one guy from the pains of his past and gave two people a second chance at love.
February 10, 2015
This book-
I've enjoyed every Lane Hayes book I've read, but this is probably my favorite since Better Than Good. A favorite trope of mind is second chance story lines and she certainly delivered a good one.
What I loved:
*It was a great combination of sweet and sexy.
*Story flowed naturally. Not a dull moment.
*The characters- including Mack the dog.
*Character development, growth.
*The way she developed their relationship.
*The epilogue. I became so emotional and before I realized it, I was crying. Beautiful. Probably one of the best- if not the best I've ever read.
What I didn't love:
*It's written in first person POV. We only get Brandon's voice. I so badly wanted to be in Jake's head- hear his thoughts.
Overall, this was a home run for me. Exquisitely written. Cannot recommend this book and this author enough. 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5. Can't freaking wait for this author's next book!
June 14, 2016
The Wrong Man
is the second book in Lane Hayes’s newest series, Right and Wrong. Honestly, I haven’t read the first book but I found no problems getting into it. This is a very solid second chance slow-burn type of story with a help from a beloved Labrador dog. When Brandon Good accepted his employee’s request to babysit her neighbor’s dog, he never thought that he would be meeting with his (sort of) ex high-school boyfriend again, Jake Westley.
I thought Hayes was able to paint Brandon’s fear in a realistic and engaging way. Brandon was pretty much betrayed by Jake twelve years ago when Jake, who was still in the closet at that time, backed out from their plan to go to prom together and blatantly showed PDA with another teenage girl in front of Brandon. I could feel his hurt, the way he kept people at arms’ length. The way Brandon refused to acknowledge his feelings for Jake or admit that Jake was anything more than just ‘friends with benefits’.
I can be a sucker for characters who build walls around their hearts because when the walls fall down, it can deliver emotionally satisfying scenes. And it did here – the part where Brandon finally came undone made my eyes a little watery; especially because it involved Mack.
And I need to tell you about Mack. OMG, Mack. He was a thirteen year old Labrador and he stole my heart completely. In fact, he is probably one of the most beloved secondary characters I ever encountered in MM romance. It was clear that Brandon’s caring for Mack helped him to open his heart to love; to cherish every single day being with someone (or some dogs) even if there is a possibility of losing them one day. And that helped Brandon to try rekindling his relationship with Jake even with his trepidations.
There was nothing dramatic about how Brandon and Jake found their way back to love. I thought they had beautiful chemistry and everything flowed quite naturally, even if they had a few bumps here and there. Brandon and Jake were an opposites-attract type of couple and it worked well here.
I also loved how they didn’t really have ‘external’ issues to deal with – I mean, sure there were both Brandon’s and Jake’s exes in the picture but it was clear from the beginning that both men were committed with each other, even if they had not defined their relationship as, well, a relationship. Neither Brandon nor Jake gave their exes excuses to think they had any chance with them.
I do wonder about the exes though ... in my experience with her Better Than series, Hayes sometimes matched two men whom I never thought would be together. Could she plan Derek (Jake’s ex) and Trevor (Brandon’s ex) to be involved somehow? That might be very intriguing …
Anyway, this is definitely my favorite Lane Hayes’s story so far. I will try to go back and see if I enjoy the first book as well.
PS: I do have a question in my head – since Brandon has been together for several months with Jake, and Jake pretty much lets Brandon take care of Mack, and sometimes spend the night, I find it a bit strange that Brandon never knows where Jake lives! Oh, and personal pet peeve alert, the hatred endearment 'baby *blah*.
I thought Hayes was able to paint Brandon’s fear in a realistic and engaging way. Brandon was pretty much betrayed by Jake twelve years ago when Jake, who was still in the closet at that time, backed out from their plan to go to prom together and blatantly showed PDA with another teenage girl in front of Brandon. I could feel his hurt, the way he kept people at arms’ length. The way Brandon refused to acknowledge his feelings for Jake or admit that Jake was anything more than just ‘friends with benefits’.
I can be a sucker for characters who build walls around their hearts because when the walls fall down, it can deliver emotionally satisfying scenes. And it did here – the part where Brandon finally came undone made my eyes a little watery; especially because it involved Mack.
And I need to tell you about Mack. OMG, Mack. He was a thirteen year old Labrador and he stole my heart completely. In fact, he is probably one of the most beloved secondary characters I ever encountered in MM romance. It was clear that Brandon’s caring for Mack helped him to open his heart to love; to cherish every single day being with someone (or some dogs) even if there is a possibility of losing them one day. And that helped Brandon to try rekindling his relationship with Jake even with his trepidations.
There was nothing dramatic about how Brandon and Jake found their way back to love. I thought they had beautiful chemistry and everything flowed quite naturally, even if they had a few bumps here and there. Brandon and Jake were an opposites-attract type of couple and it worked well here.
I also loved how they didn’t really have ‘external’ issues to deal with – I mean, sure there were both Brandon’s and Jake’s exes in the picture but it was clear from the beginning that both men were committed with each other, even if they had not defined their relationship as, well, a relationship. Neither Brandon nor Jake gave their exes excuses to think they had any chance with them.
I do wonder about the exes though ... in my experience with her Better Than series, Hayes sometimes matched two men whom I never thought would be together. Could she plan Derek (Jake’s ex) and Trevor (Brandon’s ex) to be involved somehow? That might be very intriguing …
Anyway, this is definitely my favorite Lane Hayes’s story so far. I will try to go back and see if I enjoy the first book as well.
PS: I do have a question in my head – since Brandon has been together for several months with Jake, and Jake pretty much lets Brandon take care of Mack, and sometimes spend the night, I find it a bit strange that Brandon never knows where Jake lives! Oh, and personal pet peeve alert, the hatred endearment 'baby *blah*.
June 25, 2019
4 Stars!
I honestly didn't think I was going to finish this book. I didn't think I could handle the whole book being in Bran's head. But I gave it my 5 chapter rule and ended up sticking with it because of one special reason. Mack. I'm a sucker for a pooch. I have one of my own and find myself doing ridiculous things to make her happy. So to see Bran let down his guard and do things he normally wouldn't do just to make Mack happy, really tugged at these old heartstrings of mine.
But besides the cute Lab, I really liked Jake too. I just wished we were able to get his POV as well. I wanted to know what he was thinking. Although I wasn't sure about Brandon in the beginning, he really grew on me. He had this confidence about him but also had some insecurities that have followed him since his first heartbreak. Since then he has been determined to live in the present. He doesn't look back. The past is the past for a reason. That is until his past comes back in the form of his first heartbreak and first love. They meet again by chance and from there a friendship blooms that soon builds into a slow romance.
They didn't fall into bed which I appreciated. Bran was pretty guarded and was having a hard time with his feelings. I think it was pretty obvious that Jake had strong feelings for Bran from the beginning. (Oh how I wish we got to be in his head!)
The relationship is a slow build of trust. Eventually they get there but not without some hiccups along the way. I could have done without the amount of times the ex's showed up. Although Trevor annoyed me, Derek didn't. I would actually like to see him get a story.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I honestly didn't think I was going to finish this book. I didn't think I could handle the whole book being in Bran's head. But I gave it my 5 chapter rule and ended up sticking with it because of one special reason. Mack. I'm a sucker for a pooch. I have one of my own and find myself doing ridiculous things to make her happy. So to see Bran let down his guard and do things he normally wouldn't do just to make Mack happy, really tugged at these old heartstrings of mine.
But besides the cute Lab, I really liked Jake too. I just wished we were able to get his POV as well. I wanted to know what he was thinking. Although I wasn't sure about Brandon in the beginning, he really grew on me. He had this confidence about him but also had some insecurities that have followed him since his first heartbreak. Since then he has been determined to live in the present. He doesn't look back. The past is the past for a reason. That is until his past comes back in the form of his first heartbreak and first love. They meet again by chance and from there a friendship blooms that soon builds into a slow romance.
They didn't fall into bed which I appreciated. Bran was pretty guarded and was having a hard time with his feelings. I think it was pretty obvious that Jake had strong feelings for Bran from the beginning. (Oh how I wish we got to be in his head!)
The relationship is a slow build of trust. Eventually they get there but not without some hiccups along the way. I could have done without the amount of times the ex's showed up. Although Trevor annoyed me, Derek didn't. I would actually like to see him get a story.
Happy reading dolls! xx
September 12, 2016
Gigi wrote an amazing review that says it all much better than I can.
February 2, 2015
This book wins all the win! God I just LOVE Lane's writing style. I've never been disappointed by her and I think I like this one better than the first. And can I say how much I adore her for writing a POC? Just lovely.
June 26, 2016
4.5 Stars
Audiobook Review
The author created an amazingly fabulous character in Brandon Good and the narrator brought him to life. The Wrong Man is the second in the Right and Wrong series but can be read/listened to as a standalone. I haven’t read/listened to The Right Words yet (Luke and Michael’s story) but I immediately went and added the audiobook to my wish list when I finished The Wrong Man. I was so glad to see that it was the same narrator because Michael Ferraiuolo fits this series perfectly and I heard just enough of Luke and Michael to know I needed to hear more, especially of Michael, I mean, that accent, daaaayyyuuuuummmmm.
Overall the story isn’t overwhelming on the angst-meter in that there was no manufactured drama, just overcoming of teenage broken hearts and a reconciliation of teenage feelings with adult reality. Brandon and the oh-so-very delicious firefighter Jake are reunited in a little meet-cute through Jake’s dog Mack, who I LOVED. As the story progresses we get more insight into the past these two shared and it’s so very bittersweet and realistically heartbreaking.
The build-up is paced well with Brandon’s trepidation and trust issues when it comes to reconnecting with Jake. And, while I wanted to throttle him for his insecurities at times, he sounded real and I completely understood his reasoning and I have to chalk that up to the narrator. He balanced Brandon’s fabulous persona that he shared with the world with his true feelings and very sweet heart. Jake was the perfect match in that he saw right through Bran’s diva moments, called him on them and then pushed him (very gently) out of his comfort zone and into Jake’s life again.
There were a parade of ex-boyfriends along the way on both sides that provided the drama and difference between the teen years and their grown up selves. Those guys needed to be there to create some outside conflict and emphasize the difference of who they were to who they had become.
When the full story is revealed about what happened to Jake after high school, the story really moved past the push and pull of their budding relationship and into the realm of true adult communication. Jake had been through enough, so he was already there, but Bran’s teenage broken heart took a little longer, but it wasn’t overly drawn out and Bran was stubborn but not unreasonable.
The epilogue was perfectly perfect and all pet lovers, dogs especially will absolutely love it. I appreciated the author didn’t use Mack for anything over the top, but instead made him part of the family just as he should be.
**a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review**
Audiobook Review
The author created an amazingly fabulous character in Brandon Good and the narrator brought him to life. The Wrong Man is the second in the Right and Wrong series but can be read/listened to as a standalone. I haven’t read/listened to The Right Words yet (Luke and Michael’s story) but I immediately went and added the audiobook to my wish list when I finished The Wrong Man. I was so glad to see that it was the same narrator because Michael Ferraiuolo fits this series perfectly and I heard just enough of Luke and Michael to know I needed to hear more, especially of Michael, I mean, that accent, daaaayyyuuuuummmmm.
Overall the story isn’t overwhelming on the angst-meter in that there was no manufactured drama, just overcoming of teenage broken hearts and a reconciliation of teenage feelings with adult reality. Brandon and the oh-so-very delicious firefighter Jake are reunited in a little meet-cute through Jake’s dog Mack, who I LOVED. As the story progresses we get more insight into the past these two shared and it’s so very bittersweet and realistically heartbreaking.
The build-up is paced well with Brandon’s trepidation and trust issues when it comes to reconnecting with Jake. And, while I wanted to throttle him for his insecurities at times, he sounded real and I completely understood his reasoning and I have to chalk that up to the narrator. He balanced Brandon’s fabulous persona that he shared with the world with his true feelings and very sweet heart. Jake was the perfect match in that he saw right through Bran’s diva moments, called him on them and then pushed him (very gently) out of his comfort zone and into Jake’s life again.
There were a parade of ex-boyfriends along the way on both sides that provided the drama and difference between the teen years and their grown up selves. Those guys needed to be there to create some outside conflict and emphasize the difference of who they were to who they had become.
When the full story is revealed about what happened to Jake after high school, the story really moved past the push and pull of their budding relationship and into the realm of true adult communication. Jake had been through enough, so he was already there, but Bran’s teenage broken heart took a little longer, but it wasn’t overly drawn out and Bran was stubborn but not unreasonable.
The epilogue was perfectly perfect and all pet lovers, dogs especially will absolutely love it. I appreciated the author didn’t use Mack for anything over the top, but instead made him part of the family just as he should be.
**a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review**
February 13, 2015
4.5 Stars.
How could I not love this story when one of the main characters is called Macky...well it's Mack really, but there's definitely a 'Macky' moment happening. He's blonde, gorgeous, lovable, handsome, loyal, sweet, loving and gives great tongue...okay...the tongue is slobbery, he's got four legs, a tail, and he pees on trees but...Yay!...I'm sort of in a Lane Hayes book...I'm a dog ...but I'm in a Lane Hayes Book! Hahaha....
Oops, I'm digressing now, so back to how much I loved everything else about this story.
Just like Frank Sinatra had his 'Brat Pack', I've got my 'Mack Pack' of go to m/m romance writers who never fail to deliver what I think of as the perfect feel good m/m romance, and Lane Hayes is one of its members. Palpable chemistry, tummy tingling sexual,tension, hot yummy sex, three dimensional characters you can't help loving; that's my shtick and Lane Hayes has never disappointed in ticking any of those boxes so I wasn't surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Having met and taken to Brandon's character in The Right Words, I was really looking forward to his story, and pairing him up with a hunky fireman and a cuddly golden lab certainly didn't hurt its chances of pulling me in.
Brandon is quite fabulous. He's outwardly gay; flamboyant, very well put together, loves his designer clothes and is a touch neurotic. He play's the 'Diva Queen' very well, but that's the show he tends to put on for acquaintances and it works well for him with his easily impressed, rich clientele, who shop at his designer store. But beneath the fussy, camp persona is a savvy, strong willed, business man who started life in an abusive family environment and suffered the pressures of being an openly gay teen at school. I really do love Brandon.
Jake is the gorgeous fireman who breezes back into Bran's life with his adorable, old pooch: Mack. The only problem is that Brandon's memories of his ex school boyfriend, in the days when when Jake was the quintessential 'straight' Jock and he was the conspicuous gay teen, aren't happy ones at all. Their secret relationship ended badly and since then, he's had other relationships but has been able to fully give himself emotionally to any of them. Newly single after yet another good looking but shallow guy has let him down; even though he gets the tingles when his ex walks in the door of his shop, Brandon's walls go up the moment he sets on eyes on the man who broke his heart. No way is he letting him back into his life...or that's what he thinks! Because who can resist the lure of a beautiful and strong but gentle natured man, with an extremely loveable, friendly dog that's as cute as a button? Especially when that man begins to sweetly pursue first a friendship, then a romance, using the canine cutie to reel Brandon in. A man who can still make his heart flutter. He gave me a few palpitations too...of the "be still my beating heart" kind!...
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1KBhr0d
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
How could I not love this story when one of the main characters is called Macky...well it's Mack really, but there's definitely a 'Macky' moment happening. He's blonde, gorgeous, lovable, handsome, loyal, sweet, loving and gives great tongue...okay...the tongue is slobbery, he's got four legs, a tail, and he pees on trees but...Yay!...I'm sort of in a Lane Hayes book...I'm a dog ...but I'm in a Lane Hayes Book! Hahaha....
Oops, I'm digressing now, so back to how much I loved everything else about this story.
Just like Frank Sinatra had his 'Brat Pack', I've got my 'Mack Pack' of go to m/m romance writers who never fail to deliver what I think of as the perfect feel good m/m romance, and Lane Hayes is one of its members. Palpable chemistry, tummy tingling sexual,tension, hot yummy sex, three dimensional characters you can't help loving; that's my shtick and Lane Hayes has never disappointed in ticking any of those boxes so I wasn't surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Having met and taken to Brandon's character in The Right Words, I was really looking forward to his story, and pairing him up with a hunky fireman and a cuddly golden lab certainly didn't hurt its chances of pulling me in.
Brandon is quite fabulous. He's outwardly gay; flamboyant, very well put together, loves his designer clothes and is a touch neurotic. He play's the 'Diva Queen' very well, but that's the show he tends to put on for acquaintances and it works well for him with his easily impressed, rich clientele, who shop at his designer store. But beneath the fussy, camp persona is a savvy, strong willed, business man who started life in an abusive family environment and suffered the pressures of being an openly gay teen at school. I really do love Brandon.
Jake is the gorgeous fireman who breezes back into Bran's life with his adorable, old pooch: Mack. The only problem is that Brandon's memories of his ex school boyfriend, in the days when when Jake was the quintessential 'straight' Jock and he was the conspicuous gay teen, aren't happy ones at all. Their secret relationship ended badly and since then, he's had other relationships but has been able to fully give himself emotionally to any of them. Newly single after yet another good looking but shallow guy has let him down; even though he gets the tingles when his ex walks in the door of his shop, Brandon's walls go up the moment he sets on eyes on the man who broke his heart. No way is he letting him back into his life...or that's what he thinks! Because who can resist the lure of a beautiful and strong but gentle natured man, with an extremely loveable, friendly dog that's as cute as a button? Especially when that man begins to sweetly pursue first a friendship, then a romance, using the canine cutie to reel Brandon in. A man who can still make his heart flutter. He gave me a few palpitations too...of the "be still my beating heart" kind!...
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1KBhr0d
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
June 22, 2019
***4.5 I love Mack stars***
Another winner in a series I had somehow neglected in my reader/Audible library!
This a second chance romance, featuring Brandon Good, Luke's BFF from The Right Words. At 29, despite some early set backs in his life, Bran seems to be the picture of success, and one could say he is. He's young, healthy, and easy on the eyes. He has trusted and beloved friends, some, like Luke, are chosen family, he owns a thriving home decor store in trendy WeHo, and yet ... a sense of blah has crept in. Luckily the past comes knocking on his door in the form of Jake Westley, his former boyfriend, and his dog Mack. Mack who is perhaps one my favorite characters in any book I've read. He's freakin' awesome.
Jake and Bran were a couple during their senior year of high school, but only Bran was 'out' and things didn't end well. It's now 12 years later and both have travelled far from their teenage selves. Jake, particularly, didn't have a smooth ride but he's an adult now. He might be a bit frayed around the edges, but he also knows who he is and what he wants. Bran thinks he knows what he wants, but a pair of brown liquid eyes (belonging to Mack) and Jake's steady, solid, presence are about to show him that the best plan is the unexpected one.
I liked everything about this. I liked that though Bran had these rules, and who he thought Jake was, there was no long, contrived 'will they? won't they?' The attraction clearly hadn't abated, and neither of the MCs did the coy dance. I liked how the relationship developed organically, during the course of months over which they shared deep conversation, silly times, and scorching smexy times. I love how Lane Hayes brings to life characters who may have been through the wringer but are still on their feet and living, without schmaltz but with tons of heart. Speaking of hearts, I'll just say that Mack now owns mine.
I only have two quibbles.
1) Towards the end (at around 80%) some 'stuff' happens and Bran acts a little stupid.
2) I did the audio by Michael Ferraiuolo, and he did a bang up job except that at one point Michael Martinez, from The Right Words appears (he and Luke stop by Bran's store) and for some reason the narrator decides to give him an 'accent', which is bizarre because he didn't have one in the previous book, and as far as I know, though of Mexican parentage, he was born and raised in California. *Things that bother me. Shrug*
Another winner in a series I had somehow neglected in my reader/Audible library!
This a second chance romance, featuring Brandon Good, Luke's BFF from The Right Words. At 29, despite some early set backs in his life, Bran seems to be the picture of success, and one could say he is. He's young, healthy, and easy on the eyes. He has trusted and beloved friends, some, like Luke, are chosen family, he owns a thriving home decor store in trendy WeHo, and yet ... a sense of blah has crept in. Luckily the past comes knocking on his door in the form of Jake Westley, his former boyfriend, and his dog Mack. Mack who is perhaps one my favorite characters in any book I've read. He's freakin' awesome.
Jake and Bran were a couple during their senior year of high school, but only Bran was 'out' and things didn't end well. It's now 12 years later and both have travelled far from their teenage selves. Jake, particularly, didn't have a smooth ride but he's an adult now. He might be a bit frayed around the edges, but he also knows who he is and what he wants. Bran thinks he knows what he wants, but a pair of brown liquid eyes (belonging to Mack) and Jake's steady, solid, presence are about to show him that the best plan is the unexpected one.
I liked everything about this. I liked that though Bran had these rules, and who he thought Jake was, there was no long, contrived 'will they? won't they?' The attraction clearly hadn't abated, and neither of the MCs did the coy dance. I liked how the relationship developed organically, during the course of months over which they shared deep conversation, silly times, and scorching smexy times. I love how Lane Hayes brings to life characters who may have been through the wringer but are still on their feet and living, without schmaltz but with tons of heart. Speaking of hearts, I'll just say that Mack now owns mine.
I only have two quibbles.
1) Towards the end (at around 80%) some 'stuff' happens and Bran acts a little stupid.
2) I did the audio by Michael Ferraiuolo, and he did a bang up job except that at one point Michael Martinez, from The Right Words appears (he and Luke stop by Bran's store) and for some reason the narrator decides to give him an 'accent', which is bizarre because he didn't have one in the previous book, and as far as I know, though of Mexican parentage, he was born and raised in California. *Things that bother me. Shrug*
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars
Lane Hayes nailed this one.It reminded me why i liked the Better than series so much.
This would have been a 5 star book for me, if i had Jake's POV too.I liked Brandon's witty, sarcasric and honest voice but i kind of needed Jake's thoughts at certain scenes.For example, when they first saw each other after all these years or when .
Anyway, it was still a fabulous read.Of course Mack and his amazing personality was the one who stole my heart.I don't remember having read a book where the dog was such an amazing presence.It was clear that the author adores animals and is sensitive towards them.
Right amount of sex and great moments of companionship.I also liked that the backstory of the MCs was told in small doses-i wouldn't call them flashbacks- and did not steal time from the present.
I didn't mind the exes as long as they don't get their own book.But god, they were such douchebags!
And what an epilogue!I cried my eyes out.One of the best written i' ve ever read.
Well done!!!
Lane Hayes nailed this one.It reminded me why i liked the Better than series so much.
This would have been a 5 star book for me, if i had Jake's POV too.I liked Brandon's witty, sarcasric and honest voice but i kind of needed Jake's thoughts at certain scenes.For example, when they first saw each other after all these years or when .
Anyway, it was still a fabulous read.Of course Mack and his amazing personality was the one who stole my heart.I don't remember having read a book where the dog was such an amazing presence.It was clear that the author adores animals and is sensitive towards them.
Right amount of sex and great moments of companionship.I also liked that the backstory of the MCs was told in small doses-i wouldn't call them flashbacks- and did not steal time from the present.
I didn't mind the exes as long as they don't get their own book.But god, they were such douchebags!
And what an epilogue!I cried my eyes out.One of the best written i' ve ever read.
Well done!!!
September 26, 2015
3 Stars
All my enjoyment of this story lies solely with Mack, the beautiful old Lab! He won my heart the moment he arrived on page, and was pretty much the only thing keeping me glued to the story all the way through. I'm a dog lover (obviously) and I want to give props to the author for portraying the relationship and love between dog and owner so perfectly. I found the bonds built between Mack and Brandon to be even more entertaining and moving than the growing relationship between Brandon and Jake. Like with book one, I just didn't connect to the (human) characters here - although Bran and Jake were definitely a step up from Luke and whats-his-face.
I had a few qualms with the dialogue - I hated the way Brandon continually "zoned out" when people were talking to him and I most certainly had a problem with the way all the characters (particularly Brandon and Jake) kept cutting each other off when they were speaking. It drove me bonkers to say the least!! So freaking rude!
There is just something missing for me in this series that I can't quite put my finger on. Luckily, Mack was enough to sate my reading needs this time around!
BR with R! :)
All my enjoyment of this story lies solely with Mack, the beautiful old Lab! He won my heart the moment he arrived on page, and was pretty much the only thing keeping me glued to the story all the way through. I'm a dog lover (obviously) and I want to give props to the author for portraying the relationship and love between dog and owner so perfectly. I found the bonds built between Mack and Brandon to be even more entertaining and moving than the growing relationship between Brandon and Jake. Like with book one, I just didn't connect to the (human) characters here - although Bran and Jake were definitely a step up from Luke and whats-his-face.
I had a few qualms with the dialogue - I hated the way Brandon continually "zoned out" when people were talking to him and I most certainly had a problem with the way all the characters (particularly Brandon and Jake) kept cutting each other off when they were speaking. It drove me bonkers to say the least!! So freaking rude!
There is just something missing for me in this series that I can't quite put my finger on. Luckily, Mack was enough to sate my reading needs this time around!
BR with R! :)
June 11, 2017
Basically a no fuss, no muss story about second chances. I give credit to Hayes for writing a low angst romance, with a well executed progression of reconnecting with the past and building on a foundation of friendship. However, I didn't readily connect with MC Brandon, and I would have really appreciated insight from Jake's point of view. To say that a dog pretty much stole the show, means something - what, I don't know. This didn't hit a lot of my favorite romance buttons, but overall it was easy breezy reading.
February 6, 2015
One of my favourites from this author. I love the opposites-attract style of pairing. The relationship was slow burn and the sex was great. This author is able to inject a feeling of credibility into her dialogue and stories that I really enjoy.
February 12, 2015
4.5 STARS!
So... holy crap. I wasn't expecting that much from this but it totally exceeded my expectations. It's an unpopular opinion but I liked the first book but this one just slayed that first one. I don't know how Lane Hayes would follow this one up so that would be a big challenge for her.
Anyway, this story was about Brandon (the POV of the story) and Jake's relationship and how they rekindled it. It was beautifully written and the way they came together was amazing. Brandon wasn't a "Oh my gosh, you make my knees shake again so I'll give you a chance" nor a "ugh you better work for it. HARD" kind of guy. He knew how to be cautious but also accepting.
But you know who stole the show? Mack the dog. I fell in love with Mack as I was falling in love with Jake and his relationship with Brandon. I almost teared up at the last few scenes with Mack.
I really wanted to know Jake's thoughts. He's funny and charming and sweet! He remembered a lot of things about Brandon and that tickled my fancy. I think I would've given this a 5 star if it had Jake's POV.
Their chemistry was just there. It felt like it never really was gone after how many years they were apart. IT felt comfortable and right. Speaking of, I felt that the flashbacks to their past were placed properly in the story. It felt relevant to flash back to that moment. Their sexual tension was amazingly high and steaming. Their sex was just... woah. SUPER HOT.
There were some very minor angst but they did well in talking about things. And that's a really great thing because stupid misunderstands are not endearing especially if it happens frequently in a book.
The Epilogue? One of the best I've ever read. The last few paragraphs were amazing and properly worded.
Overall, a very very great read. ♥
So... holy crap. I wasn't expecting that much from this but it totally exceeded my expectations. It's an unpopular opinion but I liked the first book but this one just slayed that first one. I don't know how Lane Hayes would follow this one up so that would be a big challenge for her.
Anyway, this story was about Brandon (the POV of the story) and Jake's relationship and how they rekindled it. It was beautifully written and the way they came together was amazing. Brandon wasn't a "Oh my gosh, you make my knees shake again so I'll give you a chance" nor a "ugh you better work for it. HARD" kind of guy. He knew how to be cautious but also accepting.
But you know who stole the show? Mack the dog. I fell in love with Mack as I was falling in love with Jake and his relationship with Brandon. I almost teared up at the last few scenes with Mack.
I really wanted to know Jake's thoughts. He's funny and charming and sweet! He remembered a lot of things about Brandon and that tickled my fancy. I think I would've given this a 5 star if it had Jake's POV.
Their chemistry was just there. It felt like it never really was gone after how many years they were apart. IT felt comfortable and right. Speaking of, I felt that the flashbacks to their past were placed properly in the story. It felt relevant to flash back to that moment. Their sexual tension was amazingly high and steaming. Their sex was just... woah. SUPER HOT.
There were some very minor angst but they did well in talking about things. And that's a really great thing because stupid misunderstands are not endearing especially if it happens frequently in a book.
The Epilogue? One of the best I've ever read. The last few paragraphs were amazing and properly worded.
Overall, a very very great read. ♥
"The simplicity of listening to another person isn't so simple really. The very act requires you give a piece of yourself."
October 6, 2024
I am usually not a fan of too much time passed and now we are in love again types of stories. This was that and it totally wasn't.
I don't like those kinds of stories because they normally focus on the I can't be with you, I won't be with you, kiss me, get away from me, I don't want you plot.
This one didn't.
This one made sense. This didn't have any of the push away stuff, this one wasn't based on a hurt so deep that I couldn't understand the forgiveness. This wasn't really a story about forgiveness at all.
This was a story about love and two men meeting each other and regardless of a past, it wasn't about the past at all.
Honestly, their past became so insignificant but also a foundation. It was done brilliantly.
I hate exes being a part of any book though and although one ex had some what of a right to come back the other did not. So, I didn't like that part, but it didn't ruin anything and I guess it was used as drama for the sake of drama. Whatever. I didn't need it but again, it didn't ruin anything.
Overall, this was just a story of two men, one a romantic and one not, one hoping for true love and one not believing in it. It was a story about two men who found a friendship with more and ran with it. It was quite lovely.
Oh, and mostly, there was a dog. A dog who was written by someone who has or has had a dog. Refreshing that is. Real. No days going by without mention of the dog. The dog was on every page. It was real. He was a beautiful addition to the story. Actually, he was glue. I loved Mack.
I wonder who is next?
I don't like those kinds of stories because they normally focus on the I can't be with you, I won't be with you, kiss me, get away from me, I don't want you plot.
This one didn't.
This one made sense. This didn't have any of the push away stuff, this one wasn't based on a hurt so deep that I couldn't understand the forgiveness. This wasn't really a story about forgiveness at all.
This was a story about love and two men meeting each other and regardless of a past, it wasn't about the past at all.
Honestly, their past became so insignificant but also a foundation. It was done brilliantly.
I hate exes being a part of any book though and although one ex had some what of a right to come back the other did not. So, I didn't like that part, but it didn't ruin anything and I guess it was used as drama for the sake of drama. Whatever. I didn't need it but again, it didn't ruin anything.
Overall, this was just a story of two men, one a romantic and one not, one hoping for true love and one not believing in it. It was a story about two men who found a friendship with more and ran with it. It was quite lovely.
Oh, and mostly, there was a dog. A dog who was written by someone who has or has had a dog. Refreshing that is. Real. No days going by without mention of the dog. The dog was on every page. It was real. He was a beautiful addition to the story. Actually, he was glue. I loved Mack.
I wonder who is next?
May 28, 2015
Ok, so I really, really, really liked this one!!! It's better than the first one in the series (and that one was super cute).
We have one cute, flamboyant, social and funny Brandon (he owns a interior design boutique)
+
a sexy, goodhearted, patient and HOT firefighter Jake (he fights fire :P)
+
*squee!!* an old, lovable and most precious labrador Mack
You can tell from the blurb, what's this about but I just want to say that the way these two (well three if you count Mack, and you have to, he's like a 3rd MC) reconnected and fell in love was so, so sweet and wonderful. I wish I had a love story like this, with dates and dogs and beach fun and hot fun *wiggles eyebrows*. There's a bit of angst at the end (you know, the 70, 80% mark :P) but it's handled quickly and nobody suffers for a long period of time. There are a few scares with Mack (he's an old dog after all), but this book was DELICIOUS!!!
Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a beautiful, almost angst free love story :D
April 14, 2015
I already liked Brandon in the first book but loved him in the second. But my top favorite character is Jake’s 13 years old Labrador Mack. What a dog! He acted as the perfect matchmaker.
The Wrong Man was an enjoyable, funny read without too much angst. The romance is beautifully told and Brandon and Jake are adorable. But Mack… Mack stole my heart. Loved the dog to bits!
March 15, 2016
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
3.5 Stars
So about a third of the way through this I remembered something. I'd read this author before and I hadn't loved the books that I'd read. Turns out the same issues I had with the 'Better Than' series I had with this one as well. Brandon was not that easy to like (I didn't hate him near as much as I did Curtis the douchenozzle in 'Better Than Friends' though) and I couldn't really see what Jake saw in him.
But. (There is always a but.) *giggles*
I wanted to read something easy and fluffy and a little bit comforting and it had all those things. It also had Mack. A 13 year old golden Labrador.
I'm a total sucker for a puppy and this guy just stole my heart and the show if I'm honest.
He is one bright shining star all by himself.
Jake was a sweetheart and while Brandon can be unlikable he acknowledges his flaws. The secondary characters had the potential to be wonderful but they all felt a little flat which was a pity and regardless of all my issues (*cough* member *cough*) I'm going to read the rest of this series. I seriously can't explain why. I'm just going to put them in the 'I like a little something that's bad for me' section and move on.
I mentioned Mack right?
"Love isn't a fairy tale. The real thing challenges you. It asks for your time, your understanding, and a fuckload of patience."
3.5 Stars
So about a third of the way through this I remembered something. I'd read this author before and I hadn't loved the books that I'd read. Turns out the same issues I had with the 'Better Than' series I had with this one as well. Brandon was not that easy to like (I didn't hate him near as much as I did Curtis the douchenozzle in 'Better Than Friends' though) and I couldn't really see what Jake saw in him.
But. (There is always a but.) *giggles*
I wanted to read something easy and fluffy and a little bit comforting and it had all those things. It also had Mack. A 13 year old golden Labrador.
I'm a total sucker for a puppy and this guy just stole my heart and the show if I'm honest.
He is one bright shining star all by himself.
Jake was a sweetheart and while Brandon can be unlikable he acknowledges his flaws. The secondary characters had the potential to be wonderful but they all felt a little flat which was a pity and regardless of all my issues (*cough* member *cough*) I'm going to read the rest of this series. I seriously can't explain why. I'm just going to put them in the 'I like a little something that's bad for me' section and move on.
I mentioned Mack right?
"Love isn't a fairy tale. The real thing challenges you. It asks for your time, your understanding, and a fuckload of patience."
February 10, 2015
4.5 stars
This was way better than the first book. There I found Brandon to be a bit bland and didn't care for him much. This time he was a very lovable guy. I liked both, him and Jake together, but Mack - he totally stole the show. As I am a proud mommy to our lab, Henry, who is now 5 years old, I can totally imagine him being Mack's age. I think the author did a great job to show how much fun an old dog still can have in life. And how important a pet can be! I also appreciated that although both exes appeared time and again, there was no over the top drama.
Overall, a well-balanced story that brought one or two tears to my eyes:)
This was way better than the first book. There I found Brandon to be a bit bland and didn't care for him much. This time he was a very lovable guy. I liked both, him and Jake together, but Mack - he totally stole the show. As I am a proud mommy to our lab, Henry, who is now 5 years old, I can totally imagine him being Mack's age. I think the author did a great job to show how much fun an old dog still can have in life. And how important a pet can be! I also appreciated that although both exes appeared time and again, there was no over the top drama.
Overall, a well-balanced story that brought one or two tears to my eyes:)
July 2, 2020
Wow. Just wow.
I don’t have words to describe how fantastic this book are.
It’s beautiful.
Filled with emotions.
At times even poetic.
Brandon and Jake was such a fantastic couple. I needed them to get their second chance of happiness so badly. I don’t know if I have ever needed a couple to get to their HEA more than I needed Brandon and Jake to get theirs.
Then there’s the epilogue. The epilogue with a big E. This epilogue is everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.N.G!
I would have wanted Jake’s point of view though. Seriously, that man is swoon worthy.
I don’t have words to describe how fantastic this book are.
It’s beautiful.
Filled with emotions.
At times even poetic.
Brandon and Jake was such a fantastic couple. I needed them to get their second chance of happiness so badly. I don’t know if I have ever needed a couple to get to their HEA more than I needed Brandon and Jake to get theirs.
Then there’s the epilogue. The epilogue with a big E. This epilogue is everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.N.G!
I would have wanted Jake’s point of view though. Seriously, that man is swoon worthy.
January 6, 2016
4 stars from me. I loved Jake and Mack, Brandon was a bit of a handful but then I knew that from the previous book, hehe. I would love the next book to have something to do with either Alex or Lo....or both!! ♥♥♥♥
Read
February 10, 2015No rating
I don't know if it's me or the book. But I've put this one down.
I don't know if it's me or the book. But I've put this one down.
February 13, 2015
4.5 stars
This was good. Really, really good.
When I first read of Brandon in the last book, I thought he was campy, flirty and completely out there, but that’s just not the case. He's so much more grounded than that. He's all about staying in the here and now. He believes every relationship has taught him something but that revisiting them is never a good idea. But what he doesn't get, and can't see, are the walls he's built around himself. He's had a broken heart in the past and without realizing it, he's settled in every relationship since because he doesn't want to experience that kind of pain again. It takes the cause of that heartbreak, Jake, an adorable old Lab named Max, and a pinch of playful manipulation to set in motion some changes within Brandon. He soon realizes that a second chance might mean finding your heart with the right guy, and that it's the moments we share with people, and not the things they can offer, that are important.
This is such a sweet, gentle journey and romance. It was all about the little moments these two men shared. Even when they couldn't voice it to each other, there was no doubt that there was love in their actions. I adored these two men together.
I have to mention two things. First, that epilogue is perfection.
Complete perfection. I could continue to gush over it, but you'll see what I mean when you read it. And second, Mack stole my heart. I love that old yellow Lab and the gentle reminder of the important things he signifies. He had me in tears. Happy ones of course.
I can't recommend this story enough. It’s a standalone so there’s no need to read the first one. It will be interesting to see who gets the honor of the next installment.
This was good. Really, really good.
When I first read of Brandon in the last book, I thought he was campy, flirty and completely out there, but that’s just not the case. He's so much more grounded than that. He's all about staying in the here and now. He believes every relationship has taught him something but that revisiting them is never a good idea. But what he doesn't get, and can't see, are the walls he's built around himself. He's had a broken heart in the past and without realizing it, he's settled in every relationship since because he doesn't want to experience that kind of pain again. It takes the cause of that heartbreak, Jake, an adorable old Lab named Max, and a pinch of playful manipulation to set in motion some changes within Brandon. He soon realizes that a second chance might mean finding your heart with the right guy, and that it's the moments we share with people, and not the things they can offer, that are important.
This is such a sweet, gentle journey and romance. It was all about the little moments these two men shared. Even when they couldn't voice it to each other, there was no doubt that there was love in their actions. I adored these two men together.
I have to mention two things. First, that epilogue is perfection.
Complete perfection. I could continue to gush over it, but you'll see what I mean when you read it. And second, Mack stole my heart. I love that old yellow Lab and the gentle reminder of the important things he signifies. He had me in tears. Happy ones of course.
I can't recommend this story enough. It’s a standalone so there’s no need to read the first one. It will be interesting to see who gets the honor of the next installment.
February 10, 2015
5.0 Stars
Holy wow. HO-LEEEE WOW! I loved this book. I don't care that I didn't get to spend any time in Jake's head. I don't care that I cried just as much as I laughed. I don't care that I didn't get to spend ANY time at the fire station (hello, closet firefighter groupie here!). I. Do. Not. Give. A. Shit.
This book pushed all my buttons and kept me in my happy place from beginning to end. It probably had a lot to do with Mack (absolutely awesome!) and the fact that I'm a bona fide dog lover. But I couldn't have asked for Brandon's story to be any better. It was character driven, well-paced, angsty, sexy, and sweet.
Bottom line: Perfection! Highly Recommend! (Read: stop reading this and go read this book!)
Holy wow. HO-LEEEE WOW! I loved this book. I don't care that I didn't get to spend any time in Jake's head. I don't care that I cried just as much as I laughed. I don't care that I didn't get to spend ANY time at the fire station (hello, closet firefighter groupie here!). I. Do. Not. Give. A. Shit.
This book pushed all my buttons and kept me in my happy place from beginning to end. It probably had a lot to do with Mack (absolutely awesome!) and the fact that I'm a bona fide dog lover. But I couldn't have asked for Brandon's story to be any better. It was character driven, well-paced, angsty, sexy, and sweet.
Bottom line: Perfection! Highly Recommend! (Read: stop reading this and go read this book!)
March 9, 2020
I love Lane Hayes's Better Than series, but was a tad disappointed in The Right Words. It was missing that umph that I had previously gotten from reading Hayes. But, that umph was back with this book. Brandon and Jake were a great couple to watch unfold in their relationship. And Mack....I usually don't enjoy when a pet seems to take up a lot of page time, but I really enjoyed the dog and his hold on Brandon and Jake in this story. And I'm also so glad Hayes didn't
This is a great story that I highly recommend.
This is a great story that I highly recommend.
February 27, 2015
Review Now Available @ Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Lane Hayes does it again!
Lane Hayes does it again!
March 9, 2024
DNF @ 45%
It's always a very bad sign when I've spent multiple days reading a book (3 days in this case) and I've only managed to get through 100 pages. I really liked Brandon and the inclusion of Mack (Jake's 13 year old dog) was great, but the second chance aspect was lackluster and the romance was very generic, to the point where I was bored.
My favorite aspect was that Brandon is one of those grumpy grumps who is also flamboyantly gay, which is a combo I adore. In particular, I loved how he knew that many straight women go nuts over a very flamboyant gay guy so he'll push the camp lever up to max when he's trying to sell his over priced home decor items to rich Hollywood ladies in his shop. Brandon's social intelligence was really high and that made him an interesting character. And Mack was adorable, especially because the author did a great job having Mack behave the way a 13 year old retriever with health issues would. Another plus was that the author used Mack in a believable way to bring the MCs into frequent contact.
My big problem was that the author didn't seem interested in doing justice to the second chance romance part of the story, which was my main attraction to it. Jake and Brandon had a brief relationship in high school and one of the problems for me was that by the time I stopped reading at the halfway mark, we still barely know anything about that first relationship. Making things worse is that the story is from Brandon's POV and although he claims Jake was his first and most important love, the guy doesn't pine for Jake and when they come back into contact, Brandon mostly treats Jake like a friend. There was no chemistry between them, despite Jake being physically affectionate with Brandon from the time they come back into contact.
The other problem was that the author focused way too much on side characters and for some odd reason - the ex-boyfriends of both MCs. Both Brandon and Jake had recently gotten out of serious relationships and their ex-boyfriends kept popping up and taking up page time. The whole thing was bizarre because the main point of a second chance romance is that the MCs are supposed to be the most important ex-boyfriends in the story, not random other dudes. But because Brandon treated Jake like a friend and there was so much focus on the ex-boyfriends, it would have made no difference if Brandon had met Jake at the start of the story and that's one of the big no-nos on my list of Things Not To Do In A Second Chance Romance.
With the second chance romance aspect falling flat, the rest of the story was generic and boring. By the halfway point, there had been little forward movement in the relationship between Jake and Brandon and instead, we'd gotten tons of repetition. Loads of internal angsting, tons of irrelevent details about side characters, lots of interactions with ex-boyfriends, many scenes of Mack being cute (which were the only highlights), Brandon friend-zoning Jake etc. Although the writing style was good, I felt the author wasn't doing justice to the second chance romance aspect and there wasn't anything else happening that kept my attention.
Sidenote: Another reason I picked this up was because I found it on a list of firefighter romances but unfortunately, Jake could have had any other profession with odd hours because by the halfway mark, him being a firefighter had very little impact on the story. Overall, nearly everything in this story was a disappointment.
It's always a very bad sign when I've spent multiple days reading a book (3 days in this case) and I've only managed to get through 100 pages. I really liked Brandon and the inclusion of Mack (Jake's 13 year old dog) was great, but the second chance aspect was lackluster and the romance was very generic, to the point where I was bored.
My favorite aspect was that Brandon is one of those grumpy grumps who is also flamboyantly gay, which is a combo I adore. In particular, I loved how he knew that many straight women go nuts over a very flamboyant gay guy so he'll push the camp lever up to max when he's trying to sell his over priced home decor items to rich Hollywood ladies in his shop. Brandon's social intelligence was really high and that made him an interesting character. And Mack was adorable, especially because the author did a great job having Mack behave the way a 13 year old retriever with health issues would. Another plus was that the author used Mack in a believable way to bring the MCs into frequent contact.
My big problem was that the author didn't seem interested in doing justice to the second chance romance part of the story, which was my main attraction to it. Jake and Brandon had a brief relationship in high school and one of the problems for me was that by the time I stopped reading at the halfway mark, we still barely know anything about that first relationship. Making things worse is that the story is from Brandon's POV and although he claims Jake was his first and most important love, the guy doesn't pine for Jake and when they come back into contact, Brandon mostly treats Jake like a friend. There was no chemistry between them, despite Jake being physically affectionate with Brandon from the time they come back into contact.
The other problem was that the author focused way too much on side characters and for some odd reason - the ex-boyfriends of both MCs. Both Brandon and Jake had recently gotten out of serious relationships and their ex-boyfriends kept popping up and taking up page time. The whole thing was bizarre because the main point of a second chance romance is that the MCs are supposed to be the most important ex-boyfriends in the story, not random other dudes. But because Brandon treated Jake like a friend and there was so much focus on the ex-boyfriends, it would have made no difference if Brandon had met Jake at the start of the story and that's one of the big no-nos on my list of Things Not To Do In A Second Chance Romance.
With the second chance romance aspect falling flat, the rest of the story was generic and boring. By the halfway point, there had been little forward movement in the relationship between Jake and Brandon and instead, we'd gotten tons of repetition. Loads of internal angsting, tons of irrelevent details about side characters, lots of interactions with ex-boyfriends, many scenes of Mack being cute (which were the only highlights), Brandon friend-zoning Jake etc. Although the writing style was good, I felt the author wasn't doing justice to the second chance romance aspect and there wasn't anything else happening that kept my attention.
Sidenote: Another reason I picked this up was because I found it on a list of firefighter romances but unfortunately, Jake could have had any other profession with odd hours because by the halfway mark, him being a firefighter had very little impact on the story. Overall, nearly everything in this story was a disappointment.
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