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Losing My Way #1
Love's Changes
**This is an erotic novella featuring graphic and explicit language and sexual content between consenting adult men in a loving relationship. Reader discretion is advised.**
A near-fatal shot through his chest teaches Lieutenant Bryan Smyth of the NYPD two things: He wants to live to see more days and he wants to spend them with his estranged husband, Justice.
Poor decisions made under the strain of grief split the seams of their marriage. Now it's up to Bryan to show Justice there's still enough of their love left to salvage from the ruins, still something worth the battle ahead.
Bryan's shooting has opened Justice's eyes to new lessons too. The first, tomorrow isn't promised, the second, life's too short to live in misery. Justice has watched Bryan shuffle back and forth attempting to balance the man he is at home and the man he has to be at the precinct for too long. Now, he's done. The only problem is, Justice's heart is having a hard time adhering to the exit strategy in his head.
Desperate to repair their bond, Bryan does the only thing he can to keep his marriage intact, he calls his crazy sister-in-law, True to stir up some organized chaos. She's a wildcard, yes. As unstable and deadly as nitroglycerin, but she gets the one thing Bryan needs more than anything, results.
The only question left: Is family and fidelity enough to get them through love's changes, or is this really the end?
**This book is a spin off from the Queens of Kings series featuring Bryan Smyth and Justice Amare. Although related to the Queens of Kings world, you do not need to read that series to understand this one.**
A near-fatal shot through his chest teaches Lieutenant Bryan Smyth of the NYPD two things: He wants to live to see more days and he wants to spend them with his estranged husband, Justice.
Poor decisions made under the strain of grief split the seams of their marriage. Now it's up to Bryan to show Justice there's still enough of their love left to salvage from the ruins, still something worth the battle ahead.
Bryan's shooting has opened Justice's eyes to new lessons too. The first, tomorrow isn't promised, the second, life's too short to live in misery. Justice has watched Bryan shuffle back and forth attempting to balance the man he is at home and the man he has to be at the precinct for too long. Now, he's done. The only problem is, Justice's heart is having a hard time adhering to the exit strategy in his head.
Desperate to repair their bond, Bryan does the only thing he can to keep his marriage intact, he calls his crazy sister-in-law, True to stir up some organized chaos. She's a wildcard, yes. As unstable and deadly as nitroglycerin, but she gets the one thing Bryan needs more than anything, results.
The only question left: Is family and fidelity enough to get them through love's changes, or is this really the end?
**This book is a spin off from the Queens of Kings series featuring Bryan Smyth and Justice Amare. Although related to the Queens of Kings world, you do not need to read that series to understand this one.**
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2016
8 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
LaQuette
82 books566 followersLaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
June 22, 2016I'm in a super crabby mood today so instead of bitching about this book, I'm going to post my update statuses, the notes I made to myself to help me remember the book for a review. (Cuz I'm old, OK?)
1. Together 21 years.
2. Married 5 years.
3. Still in the closet.
4. Still use condoms (False alarm. Husband 1 suited up, husband 2 said, "Don't you trust my fidelity?").
5. Amare family names:
6. Husband in the closet changed his last name 5 years ago but never told his out-of-the-closet husband.
7. Amare kids call their dad "Sir" because he is a General and demands respect.
8. Out-of-the-closet husband's sister thinks making her brother jealous is the way to repair their marriage.
9. The jealous strategy is working.
89% I'm gonna go ahead and DNF right here. I'm done.
The above are the facts. I hope it helps you in your decision.
1. Together 21 years.
2. Married 5 years.
3. Still in the closet.
4. Still use condoms (False alarm. Husband 1 suited up, husband 2 said, "Don't you trust my fidelity?").
5. Amare family names:
a. Law
b. Free
c. Justice
d. True
e. Heart (cousin)
f. Honor
6. Husband in the closet changed his last name 5 years ago but never told his out-of-the-closet husband.
7. Amare kids call their dad "Sir" because he is a General and demands respect.
8. Out-of-the-closet husband's sister thinks making her brother jealous is the way to repair their marriage.
9. The jealous strategy is working.
89% I'm gonna go ahead and DNF right here. I'm done.
The above are the facts. I hope it helps you in your decision.
June 1, 2016
38 year old Lieutenant Bryan Smith and his husband Lieutenant Justice Amare are at a crossroads in their five year marriage. After tumultuous few years, Justice asked Bryan for a divorce. Justice has been openly gay for most of his life but Bryan isn’t out. Justice cannot take being the secret anymore and if Bryan can’t be open acknowledge their relationship, and then Justice is ready to move on from the man he has loved for twenty-one years.
Bryan loves Justice and doesn’t want to dissolve their relationship. But as a career marine, can jeopardize the respect, admiration and accolades he has garnered over the years?
I enjoyed this novella and the writing as this short story packed a quite a punch. It featured broken characters and a broken relationship that was eventually healed because of love. Bryan and Justice were able to mend their marriage and it was thanks to family. I love stories that revolve around family units. I really like Justice from the onset and later Bryan.
“Love’s changes will happen whether we want them too or not. But that’s what love is; change, evolution, growth. If we don’t change, don’t adapt, we die, it dies.”
This story is a perfect example of how love and familial support or lack thereof affects the acceptance of one’s sexuality. I like how the author made the characters complex, but still likable. Both men are obviously good people, they just need to find their way back to each other. At the beginning, I was sad but I was quickly encouraged by the response of those who loved Bryan and Justice. The author definitely left a thread of optimism to encourage the reader. People can get to their breaking point and still find their way to love.
I haven’t read the prior books in this series but the Amare families were great secondary characters. I have to read them so I can get some of the background but the dad and sister added pizzazz to this novel. This is definitely an engaging beginning to a new series.
Bryan loves Justice and doesn’t want to dissolve their relationship. But as a career marine, can jeopardize the respect, admiration and accolades he has garnered over the years?
I enjoyed this novella and the writing as this short story packed a quite a punch. It featured broken characters and a broken relationship that was eventually healed because of love. Bryan and Justice were able to mend their marriage and it was thanks to family. I love stories that revolve around family units. I really like Justice from the onset and later Bryan.
“Love’s changes will happen whether we want them too or not. But that’s what love is; change, evolution, growth. If we don’t change, don’t adapt, we die, it dies.”
This story is a perfect example of how love and familial support or lack thereof affects the acceptance of one’s sexuality. I like how the author made the characters complex, but still likable. Both men are obviously good people, they just need to find their way back to each other. At the beginning, I was sad but I was quickly encouraged by the response of those who loved Bryan and Justice. The author definitely left a thread of optimism to encourage the reader. People can get to their breaking point and still find their way to love.
I haven’t read the prior books in this series but the Amare families were great secondary characters. I have to read them so I can get some of the background but the dad and sister added pizzazz to this novel. This is definitely an engaging beginning to a new series.
June 26, 2016
*side-eyeing all those stellar reviews*
What the author was aiming for: A story about one tough cop and one Marine going through emotional turmoil, trying to save their marriage and their love with the help of their family.
What we got: A story about two emotionally immature teenagers trapped in a grown men's bodies going hot and cold over each other, keeping us in a suspense, since we never know which one is going to be; Justice's family with their...interesting names...and their living arrangement that for the life of me I couldn't figure out (are they all living together in one house or everyone has its own apartment, or does Justice's father own a building, so everyone has a separate flat, but practically all live together?...I've no idea).
Can't recommend.
What the author was aiming for: A story about one tough cop and one Marine going through emotional turmoil, trying to save their marriage and their love with the help of their family.
What we got: A story about two emotionally immature teenagers trapped in a grown men's bodies going hot and cold over each other, keeping us in a suspense, since we never know which one is going to be; Justice's family with their...interesting names...and their living arrangement that for the life of me I couldn't figure out (are they all living together in one house or everyone has its own apartment, or does Justice's father own a building, so everyone has a separate flat, but practically all live together?...I've no idea).
Can't recommend.
June 4, 2016
4.5 Stars.
This is something new-literally and figuratively from author LaQuette, and I was delightfully surprised. Authors who step outside of their "comfort zones" take big risks. They can misfire and or lose fans. But the one thing they can always say is "I did that!"
And guess what? LaQuette did that!
This is not my first gay male romance, but this is my first AA gay romance, and I loved it! This is the story of two, grown, mature, professional men in a loving, albeit troubled, committed relationship. The story of Bryan and Justice was a satisfyingly romantic quickie.
Bryan and Justice have been a couple for twenty-one years and are on the verge of a painful divorce. Bryan, a cop, is nearly mortally wounded, and that, coupled with the devastating loss of their daughter, and the fact that Bryan is still in the closet for the most part, sends Bryan into a downward spiral that Justice can no longer tolerate. Reading how these two find their way back to each other is the good part.
I love that this story focused on the love between Bryan and Justice and wasn't just another hyper-sexualized gay romance (Oh, but the loving is hot!) I really wanted more (hence my 4.5 stars) because it felt like the story started "in the middle".
I hope the author considers a follow-up and take us back to when Bryan and Justice first met. Great story!
*ARC provided in exchange for review*
This is something new-literally and figuratively from author LaQuette, and I was delightfully surprised. Authors who step outside of their "comfort zones" take big risks. They can misfire and or lose fans. But the one thing they can always say is "I did that!"
And guess what? LaQuette did that!
This is not my first gay male romance, but this is my first AA gay romance, and I loved it! This is the story of two, grown, mature, professional men in a loving, albeit troubled, committed relationship. The story of Bryan and Justice was a satisfyingly romantic quickie.
Bryan and Justice have been a couple for twenty-one years and are on the verge of a painful divorce. Bryan, a cop, is nearly mortally wounded, and that, coupled with the devastating loss of their daughter, and the fact that Bryan is still in the closet for the most part, sends Bryan into a downward spiral that Justice can no longer tolerate. Reading how these two find their way back to each other is the good part.
I love that this story focused on the love between Bryan and Justice and wasn't just another hyper-sexualized gay romance (Oh, but the loving is hot!) I really wanted more (hence my 4.5 stars) because it felt like the story started "in the middle".
I hope the author considers a follow-up and take us back to when Bryan and Justice first met. Great story!
*ARC provided in exchange for review*
June 12, 2016
LaQuette is a new author to me, but I took the chance because I am sucker for established couples who somehow lose their way. That is the premise of this story, and it delivered in all the ways that I loved most.
Brian and Justice have been together for many, many years, but the chaos of life has begun taking a toll on their marriage and relationship. Brian is closeted at work at the NYPD, and Justice can’t take it anymore. He feels like he is playing second fiddle to Brian’s career. Sadly, Brian is a major part of their problem as he initially pulled away from Justice first. These two have a lot to work through and overcome, but the only thing never in question was their love for each other.
Many books about established couples involve boredom, or infidelity. That is not the problem here. The biggest issue was Brian’s lack of communication about exactly why he couldn’t be out at work. We, the reader, get it, but Justice is left in the dark. Fortunately, with the interference of Justice’s crazy militant family, these two are able to overcome and become a loving and committed couple again. It was a little nutty in some ways, as I was really thrown off by the interfering family dynamics, but in the end, it was all good.
I never care whether my characters are white, black, or Chinese; all I want is that connection, but many people are looking for books containing minority characters. If that’s you, then I’m happy to present a loving and committed black couple in Brian and Justice. Enjoy…I did.
The Blogger Girls
Brian and Justice have been together for many, many years, but the chaos of life has begun taking a toll on their marriage and relationship. Brian is closeted at work at the NYPD, and Justice can’t take it anymore. He feels like he is playing second fiddle to Brian’s career. Sadly, Brian is a major part of their problem as he initially pulled away from Justice first. These two have a lot to work through and overcome, but the only thing never in question was their love for each other.
Many books about established couples involve boredom, or infidelity. That is not the problem here. The biggest issue was Brian’s lack of communication about exactly why he couldn’t be out at work. We, the reader, get it, but Justice is left in the dark. Fortunately, with the interference of Justice’s crazy militant family, these two are able to overcome and become a loving and committed couple again. It was a little nutty in some ways, as I was really thrown off by the interfering family dynamics, but in the end, it was all good.
I never care whether my characters are white, black, or Chinese; all I want is that connection, but many people are looking for books containing minority characters. If that’s you, then I’m happy to present a loving and committed black couple in Brian and Justice. Enjoy…I did.
The Blogger Girls
July 30, 2016
I am SO glad I didn't read some of the reviews before I started this story. SO glad !! I loved this story !! The guys have been together for 21 years, married legally for 5 of those years. In those 5 years some real sad life crap happens to them. The story is about how they work through it. I've seen some complaints that jealousy was used as a tactic for opening ones eyes. The complaint is laughable because while it may be the oldest trick in the book ( side eye ) the manipulation continues to work haha I loved it !!! As much as we want to believe our books, love is love, everyone should be able to be who they are and love who they want to love, its just not reality for every single person and Bryan's continued worry of the risks of being outed, because of his job, IMO are realistic. I loved how the author delved into the guys loss, the reason Bryan struggled with that loss and how Justice had gotten it wrong. I loved this story !!!
June 2, 2016
After NYPD officer Bryan is recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest he begins to think about what he wants in his life, his estranged husband, Justice. The only problem with that is that Justice is ready to call it quits and asks him for a divorce. Bryan decides to try to attempt to win Justice back. They both still love each other but Justice isn't sure that is enough. He he tired of Bryan keeping their relationship a secret and pushing him away.
For being a short novella I thought this one had emotion in it. Both MCs were so broken. This story really showed how different upbringings can cause deep seated fear and resentment that continue into adulthood. Justice came from such an accepting and loving family, while Bryan was not so lucky. My heart broke for both of them at times in this one. I also liked that this story takes place after the MCs are married. So many times in romances, marriage means "happily ever after" but realistically relationships always take work.
This book is part of a series involving the Amare siblings (Justice's family). I haven't read any of the others in the series but I felt as if this was a good stand alone. That being said, I think I want to go back and read about the other members of the family because you can't help but love them too.
* * I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. * *
For being a short novella I thought this one had emotion in it. Both MCs were so broken. This story really showed how different upbringings can cause deep seated fear and resentment that continue into adulthood. Justice came from such an accepting and loving family, while Bryan was not so lucky. My heart broke for both of them at times in this one. I also liked that this story takes place after the MCs are married. So many times in romances, marriage means "happily ever after" but realistically relationships always take work.
This book is part of a series involving the Amare siblings (Justice's family). I haven't read any of the others in the series but I felt as if this was a good stand alone. That being said, I think I want to go back and read about the other members of the family because you can't help but love them too.
* * I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. * *
June 6, 2016
I was waiting for this story and in her usual flair Quette did not disappoint. I wanted more of Them more of Their story.... I was happy with the care Quette took into sharing their story. She was able to convey the Truth that, Love knows Love and Nothing else matters. I was very pleased in the manner in which Quette took on this new step from traditional romance theme. She handled it with substance for a novella. We felt the love vibrate off the pages. You wanted Jussy and Brian to make it, you wanted them to have the everlasting and forever. They felt like family and to accomplish that in a novella, hats off to you LaQuette. I look forward to the next... and the next.... and the next... great job as always LaQuette
April 19, 2018
Short, sweet, believable character dilemmas
These characters are such fun. It’s lovely to see characters working to keep a relationship going rather than beginning or ending one, and the things these guys go through are believable obstacles. And of course, the steamy bits were H O T. Definitely recommend!
These characters are such fun. It’s lovely to see characters working to keep a relationship going rather than beginning or ending one, and the things these guys go through are believable obstacles. And of course, the steamy bits were H O T. Definitely recommend!
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April 22, 2018I really enjoyed this! Two men on the rocks in their relationship getting their crap together and getting back to each other, with the help of family.
It took me a little bit to get into, but once I did, I just enjoyed the ride. The Amare family is huge and there was definitely the feel of walking into a bit of a family saga there (which given that this is a spinoff, makes sense) but I love series with big families, so I'll probably go back and read LaQuette's other books.
I did kind of want to see what happened with Bryan and whether he eventually tells the force he's gay (and married). Even though I kinda suspect they know, 'cause really. That's a hard secret to keep. Hoping there will be a followup book!
Just a warning that there's a mention of the death of an infant (stillborn).
It took me a little bit to get into, but once I did, I just enjoyed the ride. The Amare family is huge and there was definitely the feel of walking into a bit of a family saga there (which given that this is a spinoff, makes sense) but I love series with big families, so I'll probably go back and read LaQuette's other books.
I did kind of want to see what happened with Bryan and whether he eventually tells the force he's gay (and married). Even though I kinda suspect they know, 'cause really. That's a hard secret to keep. Hoping there will be a followup book!
Just a warning that there's a mention of the death of an infant (stillborn).
June 3, 2016
4 Hearts
Justice and Bryan have been together for twenty-one years, but the last five, since losing their daughter, has been a fight for the survival of their marriage. Justice has finally had enough of Bryan’s closeted lifestyle, and unwillingness to fight for them, and is ready for the divorce Bryan asked for five years ago.
Bryan is recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest, and after coming out of his coma, and healed enough to start physical rehab, he is finally ready to make things right with Justice, and let go of the guilt that has consumed him since their daughter’s death. But now that Justice is giving up, Bryan has to trust that his sister-in-law can use her cunning to keep Justice from making the biggest mistake of the couple’s life.
This was impressive. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but it is clear that LaQuette is a skilled writer of romance. I was engaged with this couple from the first page, and felt the love and torment throughout the story.
Being an established couple, there wasn’t much in the way of relationship development, but the character development was strong, and the backstory worked to show how this couple evolved, and broke. Both strong personalities, it is difficult to see how this relationship will work itself out, but the hope is there that it will. I had to giggle at True’s statement ”All. Men. Are. Stupid.” when questioned about her simple, yet most likely effective, plan to bring Justice back. I really liked her and would love to spend more time with True. Take charge, and take no shit, is exactly how I like my women. But I digress, this is about the men…….
The pacing of this story was good. It wasn’t squashed into a couple of days or weeks. It was broken up over time, which made it believable, with the seriousness of the plot.
Both characters got a point of view, so it was easy to see what was going on with each of them. I felt for them both, and understood where each of them were coming from. The communication problem, I’m going to assume is because of their time separated by their professions. Justice is career military, and Bryan is an NYPD lieutenant, so their time together is sparse. It was elluded to that most of the time they have together was reconnecting physically, rather than working on repairing their broken hearts after their daughter passed. Be that as it may, there was the somewhat typical breakdown of communication, which contributed to the bitter feelings they both had towards each other. But the connection, love, and want was all there, and I was pulling for them to get back together.
I am actually sad there isn’t a full length novel for this couple. The entire family is worth all the novels. LaQuette is an impressive storyteller, and this world she has created, with the military based family, and strong characters is something I am eager to read more of.
I don’t know if this is the first MM story LaQuette has written. It’s certainly the only one listed on her website, so maybe the first published piece?! It didn’t read like a first, and I would happily read anything else that comes out in this sub-genre. I would especially like to see the entire unfolding of this couple’s relationship and how they overcame the first part of their journey. This story was great, but it definitely left me wanting more.
Justice and Bryan have been together for twenty-one years, but the last five, since losing their daughter, has been a fight for the survival of their marriage. Justice has finally had enough of Bryan’s closeted lifestyle, and unwillingness to fight for them, and is ready for the divorce Bryan asked for five years ago.
Bryan is recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest, and after coming out of his coma, and healed enough to start physical rehab, he is finally ready to make things right with Justice, and let go of the guilt that has consumed him since their daughter’s death. But now that Justice is giving up, Bryan has to trust that his sister-in-law can use her cunning to keep Justice from making the biggest mistake of the couple’s life.
This was impressive. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but it is clear that LaQuette is a skilled writer of romance. I was engaged with this couple from the first page, and felt the love and torment throughout the story.
Being an established couple, there wasn’t much in the way of relationship development, but the character development was strong, and the backstory worked to show how this couple evolved, and broke. Both strong personalities, it is difficult to see how this relationship will work itself out, but the hope is there that it will. I had to giggle at True’s statement ”All. Men. Are. Stupid.” when questioned about her simple, yet most likely effective, plan to bring Justice back. I really liked her and would love to spend more time with True. Take charge, and take no shit, is exactly how I like my women. But I digress, this is about the men…….
The pacing of this story was good. It wasn’t squashed into a couple of days or weeks. It was broken up over time, which made it believable, with the seriousness of the plot.
Both characters got a point of view, so it was easy to see what was going on with each of them. I felt for them both, and understood where each of them were coming from. The communication problem, I’m going to assume is because of their time separated by their professions. Justice is career military, and Bryan is an NYPD lieutenant, so their time together is sparse. It was elluded to that most of the time they have together was reconnecting physically, rather than working on repairing their broken hearts after their daughter passed. Be that as it may, there was the somewhat typical breakdown of communication, which contributed to the bitter feelings they both had towards each other. But the connection, love, and want was all there, and I was pulling for them to get back together.
I am actually sad there isn’t a full length novel for this couple. The entire family is worth all the novels. LaQuette is an impressive storyteller, and this world she has created, with the military based family, and strong characters is something I am eager to read more of.
I don’t know if this is the first MM story LaQuette has written. It’s certainly the only one listed on her website, so maybe the first published piece?! It didn’t read like a first, and I would happily read anything else that comes out in this sub-genre. I would especially like to see the entire unfolding of this couple’s relationship and how they overcame the first part of their journey. This story was great, but it definitely left me wanting more.
June 8, 2016
Curiously, what drew me to this book was the series title, Losing My Way. I was unfamiliar with the author or the earlier series Queens of Kings that this one is associated with. I couldn't resist a story about these guys who had been married and together a long time only to stumble and be on the brink of parting.
The novella is associated with the other series and I believe the characters- at least Bryan- were in the earlier series. That being said, I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. However, I am now interested in going back for the others after meeting the broader cast of characters.
Lt. Bryan Smyth of the NYPD was shot in the chest and recovered enough to be home and ready to start doing what he needs to get back on the active duty roster. He also did some soul searching about his personal life. But right when he's ready to take things in hand including his marriage, his husband, Justice Amari, slaps him with divorce papers accusing him of being ashamed of his marriage and always keeping Justice a dirty secret not to mention Bryan's own wavering desire to stay married after the loss of their baby daughter. The accusations and the divorce announcement hurts, but he knows he wasn't there for Justice and Justice probably deserves better. Give up or fight for his marriage? The Amari family helps him fight for love.
Justice has been holding his marriage together for five years. He and Bryan had been in love and together since Marine boot camp. They both served and he still serves while Bryan is a cop. Separate dangerous careers, deployments, Bryan's hateful parents, the loss of their child and now Bryan nearly dying have taken their toll. Bryan has held him at a distance and all along has kept him secret at his work. Justice can't do it any more. But right when he actually signs and hands over the legal papers, he is brought up short by the fateful decision he is making to walk away from love. And his family all caution him to consider carefully.
This one is a novella so it develops fast. I have no way of knowing if the characters got much page time in the earlier series, but I was well satisfied with the development and plot of this one. It is sad to see a long-time marriage on the brink and even sadder when the reasons why start to come out. Neither man are completely wrong or right. It's like the series title says, they've lost their way. This story was the process of them finding their way back.
Now it wasn't all doom and gloom. Whether it is a pairing of a hot and fit Marine and Cop (scorching hot bedroom time) or the antics of Justice's sister plotting to help Bryan keep the marriage together, this was an engaging read. Justice comes from a remarkable, close and loving family. Bryan does not, but he has the Amaris at his back.
All in all, I enjoyed this fast and heartwarming read that is full of heat, but also an engaging story. Easily recommended to M/M Contemporary Romance fans.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
The novella is associated with the other series and I believe the characters- at least Bryan- were in the earlier series. That being said, I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. However, I am now interested in going back for the others after meeting the broader cast of characters.
Lt. Bryan Smyth of the NYPD was shot in the chest and recovered enough to be home and ready to start doing what he needs to get back on the active duty roster. He also did some soul searching about his personal life. But right when he's ready to take things in hand including his marriage, his husband, Justice Amari, slaps him with divorce papers accusing him of being ashamed of his marriage and always keeping Justice a dirty secret not to mention Bryan's own wavering desire to stay married after the loss of their baby daughter. The accusations and the divorce announcement hurts, but he knows he wasn't there for Justice and Justice probably deserves better. Give up or fight for his marriage? The Amari family helps him fight for love.
Justice has been holding his marriage together for five years. He and Bryan had been in love and together since Marine boot camp. They both served and he still serves while Bryan is a cop. Separate dangerous careers, deployments, Bryan's hateful parents, the loss of their child and now Bryan nearly dying have taken their toll. Bryan has held him at a distance and all along has kept him secret at his work. Justice can't do it any more. But right when he actually signs and hands over the legal papers, he is brought up short by the fateful decision he is making to walk away from love. And his family all caution him to consider carefully.
This one is a novella so it develops fast. I have no way of knowing if the characters got much page time in the earlier series, but I was well satisfied with the development and plot of this one. It is sad to see a long-time marriage on the brink and even sadder when the reasons why start to come out. Neither man are completely wrong or right. It's like the series title says, they've lost their way. This story was the process of them finding their way back.
Now it wasn't all doom and gloom. Whether it is a pairing of a hot and fit Marine and Cop (scorching hot bedroom time) or the antics of Justice's sister plotting to help Bryan keep the marriage together, this was an engaging read. Justice comes from a remarkable, close and loving family. Bryan does not, but he has the Amaris at his back.
All in all, I enjoyed this fast and heartwarming read that is full of heat, but also an engaging story. Easily recommended to M/M Contemporary Romance fans.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
July 30, 2016
This book hit too many of my pet peeves for me to be able to recommend it.
First peeve: An entire family with ironic and unusual names—The main character is Justice Amare and other family members are named Law, Free, True, Heart and Honor.
Second Peeve: A character uses jealousy to get his man back.
Third Peeve: Most of the exciting stuff in the couple’s life, including the stuff that has them splitting, happened before this story.
Those things aren’t the only things in this book that I didn’t like.
The story centers around Bryan Smyth and Justice Amare. They’ve been together for 21 years and married for five, but things have gone wrong and they are contemplating divorce. We’re told this in the beginning but then the story slides into a sex scene, which, to me, is contradictory. Things are so bad they’re close to a split but they’re still living together and having hot, passionate sex?
Eventually, through some dialogue but mostly exposition, we’re told the reasons why Bryan and Justice are having troubles. Very compelling stuff here—if the readers weren’t just being told about it. It would have been so much more emotional if we’d seen it happen instead of being told how it happened.
Another dramatic thing that happened apparently did so in another book by the author where Bryan and Justice were supporting characters. An aspect of that story involved Bryan being a cop and his co-workers not knowing he’s gay or married. Despite being together for twenty years and Bryan being on the force for a good portion of that time no one he worked with had a clue he was gay. That seems extremely unrealistic.
So we don’t see the truly dramatic moments, but we’re front and center for their split. Bryan is determined to win his husband back so what does he do? He goes to Justice’s sister for help. And her solution is to use Bryan’s personal trainer to make Justice jealous. Because jealousy is such a healthy emotion. But it works so I guess it’s okay.
I never connected to either of the main characters because the author never gave me a deep POV. Add in some spelling, grammar and formatting errors and I just can’t recommend this one.
Reviewed at Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
First peeve: An entire family with ironic and unusual names—The main character is Justice Amare and other family members are named Law, Free, True, Heart and Honor.
Second Peeve: A character uses jealousy to get his man back.
Third Peeve: Most of the exciting stuff in the couple’s life, including the stuff that has them splitting, happened before this story.
Those things aren’t the only things in this book that I didn’t like.
The story centers around Bryan Smyth and Justice Amare. They’ve been together for 21 years and married for five, but things have gone wrong and they are contemplating divorce. We’re told this in the beginning but then the story slides into a sex scene, which, to me, is contradictory. Things are so bad they’re close to a split but they’re still living together and having hot, passionate sex?
Eventually, through some dialogue but mostly exposition, we’re told the reasons why Bryan and Justice are having troubles. Very compelling stuff here—if the readers weren’t just being told about it. It would have been so much more emotional if we’d seen it happen instead of being told how it happened.
Another dramatic thing that happened apparently did so in another book by the author where Bryan and Justice were supporting characters. An aspect of that story involved Bryan being a cop and his co-workers not knowing he’s gay or married. Despite being together for twenty years and Bryan being on the force for a good portion of that time no one he worked with had a clue he was gay. That seems extremely unrealistic.
So we don’t see the truly dramatic moments, but we’re front and center for their split. Bryan is determined to win his husband back so what does he do? He goes to Justice’s sister for help. And her solution is to use Bryan’s personal trainer to make Justice jealous. Because jealousy is such a healthy emotion. But it works so I guess it’s okay.
I never connected to either of the main characters because the author never gave me a deep POV. Add in some spelling, grammar and formatting errors and I just can’t recommend this one.
Reviewed at Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
June 3, 2016
High 5!!
First of all, I was blown away when I discovered Justice was a guy....the author did a stupendous job keeping that under wraps until the big reveal. With that bein said, this book reads like any other LaQuette book....meaning the heat and romance is there in abundance. You truly forget it's about two guys; I did and that says a lot about how the author grabs and keeps your attention!
I cannot wait for the continuation of this series....five star read!!!
First of all, I was blown away when I discovered Justice was a guy....the author did a stupendous job keeping that under wraps until the big reveal. With that bein said, this book reads like any other LaQuette book....meaning the heat and romance is there in abundance. You truly forget it's about two guys; I did and that says a lot about how the author grabs and keeps your attention!
I cannot wait for the continuation of this series....five star read!!!
July 1, 2016
This one didn't work for me. Given the length of time this couple had been together, I thought the struggle they were going through was unrealistic.
I just found the plot and resolution unbelievable.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I just found the plot and resolution unbelievable.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 23, 2016
Cute, sexy and well written.
I was given a copy of this sort by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this sort by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
The start of this story broke my heart. Stories about marriages in trouble do that to me epsecially when the characters obviously love each other. At a point I was pissed off at Justice. But hey, the end justifies the means, I guess. All's well that ends well. BTW, some of the characters names made me LOL. And the Amare family shenanigans made for comedy heaven. Short and steamy. I'll take it, thank you.
July 22, 2019
Little more telling than showing for my taste. Interested by the themes and wished that there had been a bit more lead up and deeper delve into everything, hard for a novella to do though. Fast read.
June 11, 2020
Hot and Heart Wrenching
Loved this!!! Delightfully steamy and so emotionally satisfying, I cried and cheered for Bryan and Justice and their beautiful HEA!
Loved this!!! Delightfully steamy and so emotionally satisfying, I cried and cheered for Bryan and Justice and their beautiful HEA!
June 11, 2020
Hot and delicious!!! Couldn't stop rooting for Bryan and Justice, and absolutely got teary eyed over their HEA! Looking forward to the rest in the series!!!
June 30, 2023
This story needed WAY more than 75 pages
June 11, 2016
While this novella is related to the series King of Queens, it works perfectly as a stand alone (and I haven’t read King of Queens). We are faced with Bryan, a cop, and Justice, a Colonel, who have been together over twenty years. For the last five they have faced numerous challenges to their relationship and Bryan asked for a separation and presented divorce papers. Justice has been fighting for their relationship and his man for five years but Bryan getting nearly fatally shot has made him realize nothing is going to change and it isn’t working. Justice had to make decisions about Bryan’s care while keeping his “secret”, of having a husband, from his fellow police. He’s done watching this man he loves slowly guilt himself to death.
Justice comes from an incredibly strong, sometimes too much, family. They are named for the attributes their parents hoped them to take on. Justice, True, Law, etc. They support each other, they interfere with each other and they order each other around. They’ve opened their arms to Bryan, who’s family is definitely not like that. He had a life planned that was taken away when he was caught with a boy at 17. He was beaten nearly to death by his father and shipped off to the military, with a choice of Marines or die. Luckily, though, this is where he met Justice, who accepts him, loves him and gives him family.
I liked these guys immensely and wanted them to work it out. The one problem I had, which caused my rating to dip just a little, was that despite Bryan for 20 years hiding Justice and for five years pushing him away, serving papers, etc, it felt like the blame for everything was laid squarely on Justice when he in fact finally says enough. He himself takes blame on and my god, that man tried to keep it all going, while he himself was also suffering.
The Amari family says, oh no you don’t, and a plan is put into place to get the two back together. This is the family you wish everyone had. They all work dangerous jobs, yes, and they are extremely military, but they are tightly knit and bonded.
While the novella is fairly short, 143 pages on my iPad, I definitely didn’t feel anything was missing. It fully encapsulated this difficult period in an established couple’s lives. If anything, I wish for more information about the past five years and how Bryan was acting. They went through some incredibly stressful things. While the sex between them is smokin’, I loved that they both understood that sex was not the way to reconciliation and it wasn’t enough to solve their problems. That was maturity. Here’s hoping these guys get what they deserve – a happily ever after, forever.
Justice comes from an incredibly strong, sometimes too much, family. They are named for the attributes their parents hoped them to take on. Justice, True, Law, etc. They support each other, they interfere with each other and they order each other around. They’ve opened their arms to Bryan, who’s family is definitely not like that. He had a life planned that was taken away when he was caught with a boy at 17. He was beaten nearly to death by his father and shipped off to the military, with a choice of Marines or die. Luckily, though, this is where he met Justice, who accepts him, loves him and gives him family.
I liked these guys immensely and wanted them to work it out. The one problem I had, which caused my rating to dip just a little, was that despite Bryan for 20 years hiding Justice and for five years pushing him away, serving papers, etc, it felt like the blame for everything was laid squarely on Justice when he in fact finally says enough. He himself takes blame on and my god, that man tried to keep it all going, while he himself was also suffering.
The Amari family says, oh no you don’t, and a plan is put into place to get the two back together. This is the family you wish everyone had. They all work dangerous jobs, yes, and they are extremely military, but they are tightly knit and bonded.
While the novella is fairly short, 143 pages on my iPad, I definitely didn’t feel anything was missing. It fully encapsulated this difficult period in an established couple’s lives. If anything, I wish for more information about the past five years and how Bryan was acting. They went through some incredibly stressful things. While the sex between them is smokin’, I loved that they both understood that sex was not the way to reconciliation and it wasn’t enough to solve their problems. That was maturity. Here’s hoping these guys get what they deserve – a happily ever after, forever.
June 10, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Bryan and Justice have been together for over twenty-one years, but the last five years have taken a toll on their marriage. So much so, that Justice asks Bryan for a divorce, even if they are still very much in love with each other.
Not wanting to lose his husband, Bryan accepts his crazy sister-in-law's help as his last resort. Will her plan to bring them together work or will it be the last straw in their already distressed marriage?
This is a different kind of story for me. There's an established relationship between Bryan and Justice, one that's lasted for over half their lives. I really liked that the author gave enough background information regarding how they met and a very brief account of their marriage and what went wrong with it, along with Bryan's shooting and how that changed things for him.Would I have liked to read more of that backstory? Sure, but there was enough of it that I didn't feel lost as I read how fractured their marriage had become and what they were going through. It was enough for me to root for them and see how much they actually loved each other and wanted to fight for what they thought was right, even if it was different for the two of them.
Bryan and Justice had amazing chemistry and I just loved that with some help they managed to find some common ground.
All in all, this was a very good book! Enjoyable, fun, with two very hot MCs that I could root for and some angst thrown in for good measure. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Bryan and Justice have been together for over twenty-one years, but the last five years have taken a toll on their marriage. So much so, that Justice asks Bryan for a divorce, even if they are still very much in love with each other.
Not wanting to lose his husband, Bryan accepts his crazy sister-in-law's help as his last resort. Will her plan to bring them together work or will it be the last straw in their already distressed marriage?
This is a different kind of story for me. There's an established relationship between Bryan and Justice, one that's lasted for over half their lives. I really liked that the author gave enough background information regarding how they met and a very brief account of their marriage and what went wrong with it, along with Bryan's shooting and how that changed things for him.Would I have liked to read more of that backstory? Sure, but there was enough of it that I didn't feel lost as I read how fractured their marriage had become and what they were going through. It was enough for me to root for them and see how much they actually loved each other and wanted to fight for what they thought was right, even if it was different for the two of them.
Bryan and Justice had amazing chemistry and I just loved that with some help they managed to find some common ground.
All in all, this was a very good book! Enjoyable, fun, with two very hot MCs that I could root for and some angst thrown in for good measure. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
July 22, 2016
I fell in love with both Bryan and Justice. These two men are both so strong, have strong jobs( one a marine the other a cop and former marine) but they lack one thing in their relationship.... Communication.
These two men have experienced so much hurt in the past in their relationship when they lost their daughter. It affected each men differently and instead of turning to one another they handled their grief differently.
Because of their lack of communication their marriage is on the rocks and it may not be able to be fixed especially since Justice has decided it was time to file for a divorce and put an end to their pain, heartache, and hurt from one another.
This book is a perfect example of what the lack of communication and thinking what the other feels instead of actually talking about it can end up ruining a perfectly happy marriage. It is an example that no matter how long u have been together that no one is a mind reader and we can all misunderstand what the other is thinks no or feeling if we do talk to one another.
This was only a short story but it was very powerful with a lot of emotions flowing through it that me as a reader was able to feel. Hoping their will be more of these two in a longer book in the future cause they are definitely worthy of more.
Great book and look forward to reading more by Laquette in the future.
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
These two men have experienced so much hurt in the past in their relationship when they lost their daughter. It affected each men differently and instead of turning to one another they handled their grief differently.
Because of their lack of communication their marriage is on the rocks and it may not be able to be fixed especially since Justice has decided it was time to file for a divorce and put an end to their pain, heartache, and hurt from one another.
This book is a perfect example of what the lack of communication and thinking what the other feels instead of actually talking about it can end up ruining a perfectly happy marriage. It is an example that no matter how long u have been together that no one is a mind reader and we can all misunderstand what the other is thinks no or feeling if we do talk to one another.
This was only a short story but it was very powerful with a lot of emotions flowing through it that me as a reader was able to feel. Hoping their will be more of these two in a longer book in the future cause they are definitely worthy of more.
Great book and look forward to reading more by Laquette in the future.
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
February 18, 2017
This was such a beautiful novella. It's rare that a story of this length (75 pages) has the depth of plot and character that Love's Changes has.
This is a story of miscommunication, misunderstanding and fighting for the one you love. Bryan and Justice have been together for 21 years, but shortly after getting legally married five years ago, something happens that tests their limits and puts them under a lot of stress. Add in their poor communication, long absences due to work and fears about being out and you have a recipe for heartache--and this story delivers that heartache beautifully. So many feels. I could really feel not only the despair of these characters, but their love, their fear, their hope.
I was incredibly impressed with LaQuette's storytelling and the depth of the characters she's created. Even those we saw for only a few pages, such as Justice's brother Law and his father, were vibrant and realistic. I really look forward to reading the next novella in this series.
This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on Wine Between the Lines
This is a story of miscommunication, misunderstanding and fighting for the one you love. Bryan and Justice have been together for 21 years, but shortly after getting legally married five years ago, something happens that tests their limits and puts them under a lot of stress. Add in their poor communication, long absences due to work and fears about being out and you have a recipe for heartache--and this story delivers that heartache beautifully. So many feels. I could really feel not only the despair of these characters, but their love, their fear, their hope.
I was incredibly impressed with LaQuette's storytelling and the depth of the characters she's created. Even those we saw for only a few pages, such as Justice's brother Law and his father, were vibrant and realistic. I really look forward to reading the next novella in this series.
This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on Wine Between the Lines
June 20, 2016
Love's Changes by LaQuette
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Infant death
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This was a sweet story, however, I felt that this was only the beginning of their story. Most of this was about their background, how they came to where they are presently in their life, their relationship and how they see themselves.
This was a very quick read, with a lot of information in it. The reader has to quickly understand what's going on, because LaQuette's story is fast paced.
I wish that there had been more - I felt that this was an unfinished story and one that LaQuette could have drawn a great conclusion with, but chose not to. I am hoping that there will be more to follow, but at the same time, hope that it is not drawn out in to 3 or 4 more books, because that would just be very annoying.
Overall though, this was sweet and a great start to what could be a great story.
4 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Infant death
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This was a sweet story, however, I felt that this was only the beginning of their story. Most of this was about their background, how they came to where they are presently in their life, their relationship and how they see themselves.
This was a very quick read, with a lot of information in it. The reader has to quickly understand what's going on, because LaQuette's story is fast paced.
I wish that there had been more - I felt that this was an unfinished story and one that LaQuette could have drawn a great conclusion with, but chose not to. I am hoping that there will be more to follow, but at the same time, hope that it is not drawn out in to 3 or 4 more books, because that would just be very annoying.
Overall though, this was sweet and a great start to what could be a great story.
July 18, 2016
~I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review~
3 stars M/M
If this book would have been longer I think it would have been better. Bryan was shot in the line of duty and realized that he wants to stay with his estranged husband Justice. Justice has wanted to be with Bryan the whole time, while Bryan didn’t but has now decided enough is enough. This was basically just a book with the two of them fighting back and forth on if they should stay together or not and then Justice’s family intervenes and helps them to find out what is best for them both. If we would have gotten more of the back story BEFORE the shooting and not just bits and pieces I think it would have been much better.
3 stars M/M
If this book would have been longer I think it would have been better. Bryan was shot in the line of duty and realized that he wants to stay with his estranged husband Justice. Justice has wanted to be with Bryan the whole time, while Bryan didn’t but has now decided enough is enough. This was basically just a book with the two of them fighting back and forth on if they should stay together or not and then Justice’s family intervenes and helps them to find out what is best for them both. If we would have gotten more of the back story BEFORE the shooting and not just bits and pieces I think it would have been much better.
August 8, 2016
I wasn't a fan. There was too much that I didn't like:
1. Jealousy as a way to get your husband back?
2. Together for 21 years, married for how many? Separated for 5, but they still live together and have hot sex.
3. One is in the closet, but only at work, and one is out, but yet the one out thinks the one in is ashamed?
4.
5. No real communication.
6. Meddling family
7. Father orders his kids around at home, since he's a General and all and the kids actually salute him.
8. Have I mentioned the jealousy angle?
9. I can't leave out my biggest pet peeve, the overuse of each others names while talking to each other. Drives me up the freaking wall.
1. Jealousy as a way to get your husband back?
2. Together for 21 years, married for how many? Separated for 5, but they still live together and have hot sex.
3. One is in the closet, but only at work, and one is out, but yet the one out thinks the one in is ashamed?
4.
5. No real communication.
6. Meddling family
7. Father orders his kids around at home, since he's a General and all and the kids actually salute him.
8. Have I mentioned the jealousy angle?
9. I can't leave out my biggest pet peeve, the overuse of each others names while talking to each other. Drives me up the freaking wall.
June 16, 2016
I purchased this in May and with so much going on, it slipped my mind to start it. I have loved Mac and her Amare cousins since Heart of the Matter. I got comfortable and started reading. Omg, I sooo loved the story you created for Bryan and Justice. The emotional turmoil they were going through was so relatable. Loss of a child and long distance relationships definitely take a toll. I knew my girl, True, was gonna get Justice straight, lol. Thank you for such a well written story of love, a love that withstood years and struggle but was still solid.
July 24, 2016
Lost....and the changes
Child's death is one marriage strain. For thus couple that's were the brake started. Both Justice n Bryan were going through but Family! Lived that the family helped n was as passionate about their marriage.
Still waiting on True.... I feel she go more secrets then anybody.
I guess Martin ain't so straight
Child's death is one marriage strain. For thus couple that's were the brake started. Both Justice n Bryan were going through but Family! Lived that the family helped n was as passionate about their marriage.
Still waiting on True.... I feel she go more secrets then anybody.
I guess Martin ain't so straight
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