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Amberly #0
Stray Home: Welcome to Amberly Book 1
“It’s always been you … because you belong with me.”
When a stray Golden Retriever puppy steals the bacon right off his table, hunky army veteran turned carpenter Mike Sudbrock takes his new furry friend to the vet. The last thing he expects is for the doctor to be David Parker, his childhood friend and first love.
“All I know is, when we’re together, I know where I belong.”
David’s father forced him into the closet years ago, and now David’s a divorced dad to twin girls. But after an apartment fire leaves him homeless, Mike offers him a place to stay ... and it’s soon clear that the pull between them is as strong as ever.
“If I love him, that means I want what is best for him, not what is best for me.”
Overwhelming chemistry isn’t enough to make things easy; David is still caught between his family, his career, and his feelings for Mike. Is he destined to lose the best thing that ever happened to him -- again? Or will their shared "puppy love" blossom into something much more?
Stray Home is a full-length, standalone romance about second chances. There are no cliffhangers or cheating and a happy ending is guaranteed!
When a stray Golden Retriever puppy steals the bacon right off his table, hunky army veteran turned carpenter Mike Sudbrock takes his new furry friend to the vet. The last thing he expects is for the doctor to be David Parker, his childhood friend and first love.
“All I know is, when we’re together, I know where I belong.”
David’s father forced him into the closet years ago, and now David’s a divorced dad to twin girls. But after an apartment fire leaves him homeless, Mike offers him a place to stay ... and it’s soon clear that the pull between them is as strong as ever.
“If I love him, that means I want what is best for him, not what is best for me.”
Overwhelming chemistry isn’t enough to make things easy; David is still caught between his family, his career, and his feelings for Mike. Is he destined to lose the best thing that ever happened to him -- again? Or will their shared "puppy love" blossom into something much more?
Stray Home is a full-length, standalone romance about second chances. There are no cliffhangers or cheating and a happy ending is guaranteed!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
43 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
August 1, 2016Hoping for friend reviews! :)
Confirmation has been made that this one is a stinker by my GR friends. I'm gonna pass.
August 1, 2016
Yet another book with so much potential, where the plot and story arc made me so angry I had to DNF at 80-85% and return for refund.
David is a DOUCHE! There I said it, since nobody else in the book wanted to! And Mike is way too good/nice/sensible for a character of David's behaviour.
David and Mike were best friends since childhood, they ended up in a relationship before David's father pressured him to let Mike go, or else he would withdraw his financial support for David's education. David does as told, because he needs an education (fair enough (??)) He's 19, and he needs the education to get out from under his father's thumb... David mentions this himself, at some point!
Fast forward 10 years; David and Mike meet again, after Mike moved back into his childhood-home and found a puppy. He takes the puppy to the vet, who is: David (at David's father's clinic).
And this is where things start to irritate me; David freaking broke Mike's heart (again that is explicitly mentioned in the freaking book) and not ONCE when they start up the relationship again does David apologize. Mike says: You broke my heart, David says: I know, I'm sorry....
Like what?!? And everything is just honky dory?????
WHERE IS THE FREAKING APOLOGY for not being a very nice person then and breaking his heart.
Also Mike: Why do you accept it?
If it was me, I would be WAY more cautious in entering in a relationship, with a man who is still clearly reluctant to standing on his own feet and being a freaking grown-up!
David is STILL not out from under his father's thumb, 10 years, a broken heart, a divorce and 2 children and he is STILL trying to please 'Daddy-dearest'... UGH!
Okay, so some things happen; not a lot of drama in the middle of the book there, just me becoming more and more frustrated with David and his inability to stand up for himself AND Mike.
"My dad bought me a car at 16, and I still drive it, and he decided what car I should drive..." Boo-freaking-hoo David, buy another car! You're a grown up, with 2 kids and an ex-wife
I like the supporting cast; Danielle and Sarah are especially cool. (And for those of you who hate when females are the 'evil' guys, that is not the case in this one. The girls are supportive and are trying to kick David into gear, without being all 'femaley' about it :-))
But then, THEN David's father figures out that David is back with Mike, and he decides to pressure David AGAIN, so David won't damage his name and legacy! Whatever the fuck that means for a vet in 2016.
And David is like... Okay...
He goes back to Mike and tells Mike what happened, and that David probably needs to go back in the closet (he never really came out) or hide it or put their relationship on hold until his father signs over the clinic.
Basically lie and cheat and hide Mike/leave Mike AGAIN, because David is apparently a 29 year old vet with a job, a house (burned down, but still), a car, 2 kids and an ex-wife and still he's a freaking immature baby, that cannot stand up to his father and for ONCE be there for Mike.
And guess whose fault it is... I'll give you one guess... WHAT THE FREAKING FUCK??
Oh, OH and gues who does stand up to David's father... I'll give you one guess: UGH!
Yeah, NO, this does not work for me. I think I understand where the author wants to go with this; like David REALLY does need to grow up at his own pace, but with the above-mentioned reasons and David's family and job it's a total miss for me, and David comes off as the most selfish, idiotic MC I've read in a long time.
I liked Mike's 'voice' and character in this book, but David's inability to say: "I'm sorry for being a douchecanoe" and Mike's decision to accept that, totally ruined this for me.
Mike could have done better!
David is a DOUCHE! There I said it, since nobody else in the book wanted to! And Mike is way too good/nice/sensible for a character of David's behaviour.
David and Mike were best friends since childhood, they ended up in a relationship before David's father pressured him to let Mike go, or else he would withdraw his financial support for David's education. David does as told, because he needs an education (fair enough (??)) He's 19, and he needs the education to get out from under his father's thumb... David mentions this himself, at some point!
Fast forward 10 years; David and Mike meet again, after Mike moved back into his childhood-home and found a puppy. He takes the puppy to the vet, who is: David (at David's father's clinic).
And this is where things start to irritate me; David freaking broke Mike's heart (again that is explicitly mentioned in the freaking book) and not ONCE when they start up the relationship again does David apologize. Mike says: You broke my heart, David says: I know, I'm sorry....
Like what?!? And everything is just honky dory?????
WHERE IS THE FREAKING APOLOGY for not being a very nice person then and breaking his heart.
Also Mike: Why do you accept it?
If it was me, I would be WAY more cautious in entering in a relationship, with a man who is still clearly reluctant to standing on his own feet and being a freaking grown-up!
David is STILL not out from under his father's thumb, 10 years, a broken heart, a divorce and 2 children and he is STILL trying to please 'Daddy-dearest'... UGH!
Okay, so some things happen; not a lot of drama in the middle of the book there, just me becoming more and more frustrated with David and his inability to stand up for himself AND Mike.
"My dad bought me a car at 16, and I still drive it, and he decided what car I should drive..." Boo-freaking-hoo David, buy another car! You're a grown up, with 2 kids and an ex-wife
I like the supporting cast; Danielle and Sarah are especially cool. (And for those of you who hate when females are the 'evil' guys, that is not the case in this one. The girls are supportive and are trying to kick David into gear, without being all 'femaley' about it :-))
But then, THEN David's father figures out that David is back with Mike, and he decides to pressure David AGAIN, so David won't damage his name and legacy! Whatever the fuck that means for a vet in 2016.
And David is like... Okay...
He goes back to Mike and tells Mike what happened, and that David probably needs to go back in the closet (he never really came out) or hide it or put their relationship on hold until his father signs over the clinic.
Basically lie and cheat and hide Mike/leave Mike AGAIN, because David is apparently a 29 year old vet with a job, a house (burned down, but still), a car, 2 kids and an ex-wife and still he's a freaking immature baby, that cannot stand up to his father and for ONCE be there for Mike.
And guess whose fault it is... I'll give you one guess... WHAT THE FREAKING FUCK??
Oh, OH and gues who does stand up to David's father... I'll give you one guess: UGH!
Yeah, NO, this does not work for me. I think I understand where the author wants to go with this; like David REALLY does need to grow up at his own pace, but with the above-mentioned reasons and David's family and job it's a total miss for me, and David comes off as the most selfish, idiotic MC I've read in a long time.
I liked Mike's 'voice' and character in this book, but David's inability to say: "I'm sorry for being a douchecanoe" and Mike's decision to accept that, totally ruined this for me.
Mike could have done better!
dnf
December 12, 2016I can't get past the way the story has been written. So disjointed and seeming like a random joining of thoughts and actions happening around the characters. I've DNFed at 14%.
December 24, 2016
*** Mike, 6'6", muscled, tattooed ex- soldier, now 29, and his business is home remodels.
*** David, slim, 6', blonde Veterinarian, divorced with twins, is also 29. Ten years ago each man went his own way and left town; they've known each other since 4th grade. They meet at the Vet Clinic, when Mike brings in a puppy he found.
As David helps with the puppy, he and Mike find their feelings are still strong.
They are comfy in each other's company, with the sparks still present. When David's apartment burns down, Mike takes him in. The cute dog got them back together, and united them, plus the dog also loved everyone in the family.
They get some sexy times, and Mike is "all in". He wants the relationship. David is still deeply in the closet, and still ALLOWING his Dad to control him. David is spineless and wishy-washy, but Mike has the patience of a saint. Mike deserves so much more. But I guess the heart knows best.
We do get more sexy times ! On another vein, Mike's sister and her son, Noah, needs to get away from her loser husband, Ian, and Mike and their brother Josh are ready to get her when she gives the word. FINALLY David is ready to "man up" and make decisions and stop being controlled. But not before he breaks Mike's heart once again. But like I said, Mike is patient, and trudges along with life, while David is off straightening up his life, facing his dad, and taking control. David did have to do this for himself in order to be strong and self sufficient, at last. Still, I feel he could have been nicer to Mike, and let him know he wanted him, while he was getting himself together.
When his twin's birthday rolled around, Mike delivered the doll house he promised, and David threw himself in Mike's arms ready to be together.
Why hadn't he called Mike, and gone to him, instead of keeping his distance?
I really liked Mike and the dog, and David still hadn't redeemed himself enough for me, but they were moving on and doing well in the epilogue.
Give it a try. I know not all our characters are supposed to be perfect.
ENJOY !
=============
I've read the next story, Tiger Tricks, and liked it so much more.
====================
*** David, slim, 6', blonde Veterinarian, divorced with twins, is also 29. Ten years ago each man went his own way and left town; they've known each other since 4th grade. They meet at the Vet Clinic, when Mike brings in a puppy he found.
As David helps with the puppy, he and Mike find their feelings are still strong.
They are comfy in each other's company, with the sparks still present. When David's apartment burns down, Mike takes him in. The cute dog got them back together, and united them, plus the dog also loved everyone in the family.
They get some sexy times, and Mike is "all in". He wants the relationship. David is still deeply in the closet, and still ALLOWING his Dad to control him. David is spineless and wishy-washy, but Mike has the patience of a saint. Mike deserves so much more. But I guess the heart knows best.
We do get more sexy times ! On another vein, Mike's sister and her son, Noah, needs to get away from her loser husband, Ian, and Mike and their brother Josh are ready to get her when she gives the word. FINALLY David is ready to "man up" and make decisions and stop being controlled. But not before he breaks Mike's heart once again. But like I said, Mike is patient, and trudges along with life, while David is off straightening up his life, facing his dad, and taking control. David did have to do this for himself in order to be strong and self sufficient, at last. Still, I feel he could have been nicer to Mike, and let him know he wanted him, while he was getting himself together.
When his twin's birthday rolled around, Mike delivered the doll house he promised, and David threw himself in Mike's arms ready to be together.
Why hadn't he called Mike, and gone to him, instead of keeping his distance?
I really liked Mike and the dog, and David still hadn't redeemed himself enough for me, but they were moving on and doing well in the epilogue.
Give it a try. I know not all our characters are supposed to be perfect.
ENJOY !
=============
I've read the next story, Tiger Tricks, and liked it so much more.
====================
February 13, 2017
KUed this. I'm going to make this quick and to the point ...
This book had potential, it did. The thing, or person, that ruined the book for me (and perhaps for everyone else in this book's world [i.e. Mike, Bacon - the adorable golden retriever puppy, and all the chill secondary characters]) was David and David alone. David does apologize for his own stupidity and he DOES (absolutely) make it right, but it was too little too late for me in that I felt like everyone else around him set the stage for him finally taking his life back, and he might not have without the strength around him. I wanted him strong way waaaay sooner - I wanted him to stand up to his father in a (much) more direct manner; I wanted to witness it!!
Shame. Mike was a really good guy and Bacon was too sweet a puppy to deserve a 2 star review. Blame David, it's entirely his fault. Because while David was definitely a good guy too, his initial back-and-forth annoyed me enough to leave him with little to no comeback power.
Also, weird niggle but ... why weren't Jessica and Joshua, Mike's brother and sister-in-law, present during family Saturday breakfast in the epilogue?!? I found it odd that they were absent. If you read the book you'll know why I emphasize this.
I am confident that Line reviewed and summed it up best!! Check out her review right here!!
Wrote this on the go. Pardon any typos.
This book had potential, it did. The thing, or person, that ruined the book for me (and perhaps for everyone else in this book's world [i.e. Mike, Bacon - the adorable golden retriever puppy, and all the chill secondary characters]) was David and David alone. David does apologize for his own stupidity and he DOES (absolutely) make it right, but it was too little too late for me in that I felt like everyone else around him set the stage for him finally taking his life back, and he might not have without the strength around him. I wanted him strong way waaaay sooner - I wanted him to stand up to his father in a (much) more direct manner; I wanted to witness it!!
Shame. Mike was a really good guy and Bacon was too sweet a puppy to deserve a 2 star review. Blame David, it's entirely his fault. Because while David was definitely a good guy too, his initial back-and-forth annoyed me enough to leave him with little to no comeback power.
Also, weird niggle but ... why weren't Jessica and Joshua, Mike's brother and sister-in-law, present during family Saturday breakfast in the epilogue?!? I found it odd that they were absent. If you read the book you'll know why I emphasize this.
I am confident that Line reviewed and summed it up best!! Check out her review right here!!
Wrote this on the go. Pardon any typos.
August 10, 2016
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
It was the first book by this author and I didn't know what I could expect. The blurb sounded very good, I mean often enough the tags "friends to lovers", "puppies/animals" and "second chances" are enough to capture me.
This time it wasn't different. So, after happily expecting something I like I was really entertained.
The opening scene was very vivid, lively with the dog's sudden appearance and his ludacrious behaviour. ;) His given name by maincharacter Mike is very fitting: Bacon.
So, this little ball of fur hit right into my heart, the same as Mike did.
Mike is a pleasant main character. Built as a hulk - he describes himself as such - with impressive tattoos and a solid appreance, former soldier in the Army he is now settled in a house of his own, a heritage by his parents.
Being in ownership of a puppy Mike has a great reunion with his former best friend and secret crush after ten long years.
You can expect how things went from there and I wasn't disappointed. The connection I would expect from friends who know each other since they were in the elementary school until they were teens but then separated due of David's decisions are very authentic. It was like a fitting glove. Although you didn't really know the reason of ther separation the connection is palpable, the chemistry between them hot burning, the confidence rebuilding.
Although it was funny, as well as hot and - of course - sappy sweet both guys have to deal with a lot of their own problems... The reunion itself isn't enough and so troubled times were following.
I don't want to reveal the books end but a HEA is garanteed. And it's good to have it. It calms the heart.
The tone in general and style of the book was very fitting. It was 3rd POV but not past tense but present tense. It was definately different but not unpleasant.
The switch from Mike's POV and David's was a great mix. This way you got both sides and not only one exclusively.
I was both times amused, thrilled but also sometimes angry, sad for the guys but and felt sympathy for them.
I am thankful to got this book as an ARC, this way I explored a new author and it won't be my last book I read by Edith Scott, that's for sure.
So my overall rating is
5 out of 5 stars
It was the first book by this author and I didn't know what I could expect. The blurb sounded very good, I mean often enough the tags "friends to lovers", "puppies/animals" and "second chances" are enough to capture me.
This time it wasn't different. So, after happily expecting something I like I was really entertained.
The opening scene was very vivid, lively with the dog's sudden appearance and his ludacrious behaviour. ;) His given name by maincharacter Mike is very fitting: Bacon.
So, this little ball of fur hit right into my heart, the same as Mike did.
Mike is a pleasant main character. Built as a hulk - he describes himself as such - with impressive tattoos and a solid appreance, former soldier in the Army he is now settled in a house of his own, a heritage by his parents.
Being in ownership of a puppy Mike has a great reunion with his former best friend and secret crush after ten long years.
You can expect how things went from there and I wasn't disappointed. The connection I would expect from friends who know each other since they were in the elementary school until they were teens but then separated due of David's decisions are very authentic. It was like a fitting glove. Although you didn't really know the reason of ther separation the connection is palpable, the chemistry between them hot burning, the confidence rebuilding.
Although it was funny, as well as hot and - of course - sappy sweet both guys have to deal with a lot of their own problems... The reunion itself isn't enough and so troubled times were following.
I don't want to reveal the books end but a HEA is garanteed. And it's good to have it. It calms the heart.
The tone in general and style of the book was very fitting. It was 3rd POV but not past tense but present tense. It was definately different but not unpleasant.
The switch from Mike's POV and David's was a great mix. This way you got both sides and not only one exclusively.
I was both times amused, thrilled but also sometimes angry, sad for the guys but and felt sympathy for them.
I am thankful to got this book as an ARC, this way I explored a new author and it won't be my last book I read by Edith Scott, that's for sure.
So my overall rating is
5 out of 5 stars
August 4, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the story. It was cute and heartbreaking and sweet and fun. But I just didn't enjoy the writing.
I enjoyed the story. It was cute and heartbreaking and sweet and fun. But I just didn't enjoy the writing.
November 26, 2016
1.5 stars
.5 stars just for the cute dog... yeah. That bad.
.5 stars just for the cute dog... yeah. That bad.
March 2, 2021
2.5 Stars. I wanted to like this one more than I did. Mostly that is David's fault - I just didn't like him all that much and talk about being a wimp. David breaks Mike's heart when they are in college (and I can kind of understand how this happens - his dad is paying for his college and won't continue to pay if he is with Mike). I say kind of because so many people manage to work and pay for school themselves so he had a different choice he just didn't make it. Fast forward 10 years and this is where the problems begin. David is still doing everything his father wants him to. He's still in the closet, he has an ex-wife and 2 kids and still won't stand up to his father. Why because he wants him to sign his vet business over to him. His dad isn't even really part of the business. Seriously start your own business - you'll end up with all the same clients (it isn't as if they won't move with you). Mike comes back and the two begin a relationship again. I think this happened way to easily and IMO Mike would/should have been more leery about getting back into a relationship with a guy who hurt you and still hasn't managed to stand up to his dad. Now this is the point when I get really frustrated
I really liked Mike, I adored the secondary characters and this one had a kick-ass ex-wife which was wonderful to see. But David drove me nuts and therefore I can't give this more than 2.5 stars.
I really liked Mike, I adored the secondary characters and this one had a kick-ass ex-wife which was wonderful to see. But David drove me nuts and therefore I can't give this more than 2.5 stars.
October 13, 2016
I'm so sorry I never got to write up my review as a honest reflection after my receipt of this book, sent to me as an ARC. Almost losing my 13 year old Scottie girl kept me from both reading and reviewing. Surgery and an extended recovery with set backs made nothing else as important. Then my little eight pound nearly 3 year old Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund also became ill. Both my girls are finally better and I can get back to a semblance of a normal life with chronic pain, work, and exhaustion. The pleasure of reading and reviewing has been a thing of the past. I am now finally getting back into the swing of things. This first book by Edith Scott stood out in my mind even though I read it a couple months ago.
Nearly fifty persons have reviewed this story, surprisingly with several being rather negative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I expected there to be some errors, which beta readers and editors are supposed to assist in catching. I fell in love with the three MCs, especially Mike and Bacon. The beautiful cover was a definite draw. The storyline was thorough and mostly endearing. There is one bad character that remained controlling and threatening throughout his son's David's life. David's fear is the central theme of this story. Because of it he changed both his and Mike's lives forever.
Despite a nearly shotgun wedding, David is lucky in his choice of ex-wife. She is a wonderful secondary character, along with David's friend / receptionist at the clinic. Unlike some other books the women in this book are caring, supportive, and strong advocates. Something David really needs, since he has continued to allow his father to control his life, as his supervisor and owner of the veterinarian clinic. David loves his career. Like his receptionist he realizes something that I've definitely noticed the multiple times over the past couple years I've visited the vet with my own elderly Scottish Terrier, that most of the dogs I see have white on their chin / muzzle. We owners talk in the veterinarian waiting room asking ages and many are over age ten. Years and years of unconditional love. The cat folks speak about thirteen and sixteen year-olds.
And everyone ooohs and aaahs over young pups and small kittens. Reminiscing about their dogs' younger, often destructive years. It's so easy to forget how bad they were as pups. The MCs reflect on the passage of ten years and how much their lives has changed, as well as how much time together had been lost. But without those lost years neither would have become the man he is. A strong, sturdy, OCD, sincere, veteran who has become a master carpenter. And a man who always loved animals became a veterinarian, lost his best friend, continues to cave to the demands of his homophobic father, but also was a loyal though misguided husband, and a wonderfully loving father of twin girls.
For me this book is definitely a keeper. I re-read most of the book for a second time prior to writing this review. I fell in love with Mike all over again, felt David's anguish as he tried to stay closeted while his feelings for Mike resurface despite his plans to keep his distance. Their love and care for an adorable abandoned Golden Retriever puppy, Bacon makes it kinda hard when they actually end up living in the same house.
I liked the alternating character voice in each chapter. It gave more incite on both men. David's waffling was annoying, but understandable since he truly feared his father. It may be hard for some to realize how years of negative conditioning can cause certain behaviors. Even when the person becomes an adult, the fear of disappointing his parent, of loosing something very important, such as his education or career, and he can't see beyond the conditioned behaviors of denying his true desires and keeping himself deeply closeted.
It takes Mike's unconditional love, Bacon's sweet puppy behaviour, his friend's and ex-wife's intervention, and a final realization that he had to man up. I just wish it wasn't at the expense of Mike's heart.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about a loving pup, a fierce but cuddlely teddy bear, a cute closeted veterinarian, great friends, a man having to overcome some of his OCD in order to keep the puppy who had stolen his heart, second chances, and little twin girls.
Nearly fifty persons have reviewed this story, surprisingly with several being rather negative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I expected there to be some errors, which beta readers and editors are supposed to assist in catching. I fell in love with the three MCs, especially Mike and Bacon. The beautiful cover was a definite draw. The storyline was thorough and mostly endearing. There is one bad character that remained controlling and threatening throughout his son's David's life. David's fear is the central theme of this story. Because of it he changed both his and Mike's lives forever.
Despite a nearly shotgun wedding, David is lucky in his choice of ex-wife. She is a wonderful secondary character, along with David's friend / receptionist at the clinic. Unlike some other books the women in this book are caring, supportive, and strong advocates. Something David really needs, since he has continued to allow his father to control his life, as his supervisor and owner of the veterinarian clinic. David loves his career. Like his receptionist he realizes something that I've definitely noticed the multiple times over the past couple years I've visited the vet with my own elderly Scottish Terrier, that most of the dogs I see have white on their chin / muzzle. We owners talk in the veterinarian waiting room asking ages and many are over age ten. Years and years of unconditional love. The cat folks speak about thirteen and sixteen year-olds.
And everyone ooohs and aaahs over young pups and small kittens. Reminiscing about their dogs' younger, often destructive years. It's so easy to forget how bad they were as pups. The MCs reflect on the passage of ten years and how much their lives has changed, as well as how much time together had been lost. But without those lost years neither would have become the man he is. A strong, sturdy, OCD, sincere, veteran who has become a master carpenter. And a man who always loved animals became a veterinarian, lost his best friend, continues to cave to the demands of his homophobic father, but also was a loyal though misguided husband, and a wonderfully loving father of twin girls.
For me this book is definitely a keeper. I re-read most of the book for a second time prior to writing this review. I fell in love with Mike all over again, felt David's anguish as he tried to stay closeted while his feelings for Mike resurface despite his plans to keep his distance. Their love and care for an adorable abandoned Golden Retriever puppy, Bacon makes it kinda hard when they actually end up living in the same house.
I liked the alternating character voice in each chapter. It gave more incite on both men. David's waffling was annoying, but understandable since he truly feared his father. It may be hard for some to realize how years of negative conditioning can cause certain behaviors. Even when the person becomes an adult, the fear of disappointing his parent, of loosing something very important, such as his education or career, and he can't see beyond the conditioned behaviors of denying his true desires and keeping himself deeply closeted.
It takes Mike's unconditional love, Bacon's sweet puppy behaviour, his friend's and ex-wife's intervention, and a final realization that he had to man up. I just wish it wasn't at the expense of Mike's heart.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about a loving pup, a fierce but cuddlely teddy bear, a cute closeted veterinarian, great friends, a man having to overcome some of his OCD in order to keep the puppy who had stolen his heart, second chances, and little twin girls.
December 11, 2016
Where do I start? Did I like the story? Yes, I loved it! The secondary characters felt like home to me! Sibling support... friends that have your back during the tough times... yep, this was a wonderful set of secondary characters! David and Mike... they were meant to be... but first...
David's father... he is NOT just a character in a book! He is a reality that many young men and women have to deal with on a daily basis, whether they be gay, or want to pursue a different career than his choosing, the list goes on and on. This man and many others like him have made an already difficult situation even more so and see absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. One would think that his love for his child would let him show compassion and understanding... but some just aren't capable of that. Our country is being overrun by homophobic, intolerant politicians which just add fuel to the fire, that were voted into office to serve the people... not just the straight, white people, but every single citizen of this country!
This fear that David felt was not just his need to "grow a pair"... it was a justified fear for himself and the ones that he loved! As a teenager, as many teenagers in real life, he was controlled and demeaned by the one man in his life that should have shown him love, compassion and support! Until you have walked in his shoes, don't judge his choices! As a man of twenty-nine years of age he realized that only he could make his life what he wanted and needed it to be... and he does! Was it easy? NO, fighting life's battles are never easy... but was it worth it? Yes, it always is!
One of the things I liked most about this story was the fact that there wasn't a single "perfect" person in it! Just like in real life, they had all made mistakes at one time or another... well, maybe not Josh! This made the story "real" for me and is what got it 4-stars instead of 3!
Why did it almost get 3-stars? Someone needs to explain the proper usage of commas to this fine author. And the fact that "missing words" will distract a reader from the story. This was my first story by this author, and I look forward to reading many more! She wrote with passion and told a story that worked well for me... I just hope for a few less grammatical errors in future books! *grin*
Side-note: I found myself skimming most of the sex scenes, which is so not like me. I am not sure if I felt there were too many or if I was just in a hurry to get my HEA... ;p
David's father... he is NOT just a character in a book! He is a reality that many young men and women have to deal with on a daily basis, whether they be gay, or want to pursue a different career than his choosing, the list goes on and on. This man and many others like him have made an already difficult situation even more so and see absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. One would think that his love for his child would let him show compassion and understanding... but some just aren't capable of that. Our country is being overrun by homophobic, intolerant politicians which just add fuel to the fire, that were voted into office to serve the people... not just the straight, white people, but every single citizen of this country!
This fear that David felt was not just his need to "grow a pair"... it was a justified fear for himself and the ones that he loved! As a teenager, as many teenagers in real life, he was controlled and demeaned by the one man in his life that should have shown him love, compassion and support! Until you have walked in his shoes, don't judge his choices! As a man of twenty-nine years of age he realized that only he could make his life what he wanted and needed it to be... and he does! Was it easy? NO, fighting life's battles are never easy... but was it worth it? Yes, it always is!
One of the things I liked most about this story was the fact that there wasn't a single "perfect" person in it! Just like in real life, they had all made mistakes at one time or another... well, maybe not Josh! This made the story "real" for me and is what got it 4-stars instead of 3!
Why did it almost get 3-stars? Someone needs to explain the proper usage of commas to this fine author. And the fact that "missing words" will distract a reader from the story. This was my first story by this author, and I look forward to reading many more! She wrote with passion and told a story that worked well for me... I just hope for a few less grammatical errors in future books! *grin*
Side-note: I found myself skimming most of the sex scenes, which is so not like me. I am not sure if I felt there were too many or if I was just in a hurry to get my HEA... ;p
July 30, 2016
I wanted to like this book sooooo bad!!!!!
It had awesome potential. Retired, beefy army guy? Check! Adorable puppy? Check! Second Chance Romance? Check! But I just couldn't get passed David and his dad... was A-holes!
Okay, so here's the deal; David and Mike were best friends turned lovers when they were teens, but David's dad found out and gave him an ultimatum; stop even looking at Mike or I'll stop paying your tuition and you won't live here anymore... He'd disown him...a nd I get it... for a teenager, just wanting to start his life and follow in his dads footsteps...I get that, it'd be a scary thing... Cut to, 10 years later when he's almost 30... and his daddy is still calling those shots? Still running his life like it's his to run and was that real??? The part where he thought his degree was ONLY good at his dad's practice? How can anyone be that stupid.... He was a veterinarian... you can work ANYWHERE!
I'm really really disappointed that we didn't get to see him tell his dad where to shove it... that would have maybe let him redeem himself a little bit; or his ex wife saying that they could no longer see his grandkids?? That should have been David standing up for himself, like he should have done the moment he left their home. The whole thing was just ridiculous and he pushed Mike away.. AGAIN.. 10 years later and came back, no apology, no explination.. which lemme tell ya, his leaving him the second time was so ignorant... he literally did it for nothing because he'd already made up his mind on what he was going to do so he honestly done it for no reason and it hurt Mike AGAIN in the process..... I dunno, I just wasn't impressed at all... It made me mad more than anything.
I also thought the writing style was a bit off; or at least it was to me, I didn't like the way everything was an explination.... like I wasn't reading it and feeling like I was along for the ride, it was like a pamphlet I was reading.. I don't know how to explain it....but even though it had everything to make an amazing story; it just wasn't for me. Sorry!
It had awesome potential. Retired, beefy army guy? Check! Adorable puppy? Check! Second Chance Romance? Check! But I just couldn't get passed David and his dad... was A-holes!
Okay, so here's the deal; David and Mike were best friends turned lovers when they were teens, but David's dad found out and gave him an ultimatum; stop even looking at Mike or I'll stop paying your tuition and you won't live here anymore... He'd disown him...a nd I get it... for a teenager, just wanting to start his life and follow in his dads footsteps...I get that, it'd be a scary thing... Cut to, 10 years later when he's almost 30... and his daddy is still calling those shots? Still running his life like it's his to run and was that real??? The part where he thought his degree was ONLY good at his dad's practice? How can anyone be that stupid.... He was a veterinarian... you can work ANYWHERE!
I'm really really disappointed that we didn't get to see him tell his dad where to shove it... that would have maybe let him redeem himself a little bit; or his ex wife saying that they could no longer see his grandkids?? That should have been David standing up for himself, like he should have done the moment he left their home. The whole thing was just ridiculous and he pushed Mike away.. AGAIN.. 10 years later and came back, no apology, no explination.. which lemme tell ya, his leaving him the second time was so ignorant... he literally did it for nothing because he'd already made up his mind on what he was going to do so he honestly done it for no reason and it hurt Mike AGAIN in the process..... I dunno, I just wasn't impressed at all... It made me mad more than anything.
I also thought the writing style was a bit off; or at least it was to me, I didn't like the way everything was an explination.... like I wasn't reading it and feeling like I was along for the ride, it was like a pamphlet I was reading.. I don't know how to explain it....but even though it had everything to make an amazing story; it just wasn't for me. Sorry!
August 1, 2016
Anytime I see a romance with a puppy on the cover I know I have to read it. lol! This is the first book I've ever read by Edith Scott and there were parts that I really liked and some things that I didn't.
David is a vet who lets his dad rule his entire life, even at 29 years old. He's known since he was young that he was gay but his dad forbid him to have a relationship with his best friend Mike, because it would look bad for his reputation. I was hoping and hoping to see David take his stand against his dad but it never happened. I was a little disappointed in that. He DID make some changes in his life to get out from under his dad's thumb, however.
Mike is an army veteran turned carpenter that even after 10 years has still been holding a flame for David. When Mike finds a puppy outside of his house and takes them to the vet (who happens to be David) he is shocked, but quickly recovers. They start hanging out again and they still have the same chemistry they had before.
I was confused as to why David never gave him a real heartfelt apology for breaking his heart years before. It felt very skimmed over. I also had a hard time believing that Mike would still want to be with him when he pulls the same thing again. What really drove me nuts is that David never once fought for Mike this whole time. It came off feeling very one sided.
** I received a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
David is a vet who lets his dad rule his entire life, even at 29 years old. He's known since he was young that he was gay but his dad forbid him to have a relationship with his best friend Mike, because it would look bad for his reputation. I was hoping and hoping to see David take his stand against his dad but it never happened. I was a little disappointed in that. He DID make some changes in his life to get out from under his dad's thumb, however.
Mike is an army veteran turned carpenter that even after 10 years has still been holding a flame for David. When Mike finds a puppy outside of his house and takes them to the vet (who happens to be David) he is shocked, but quickly recovers. They start hanging out again and they still have the same chemistry they had before.
I was confused as to why David never gave him a real heartfelt apology for breaking his heart years before. It felt very skimmed over. I also had a hard time believing that Mike would still want to be with him when he pulls the same thing again. What really drove me nuts is that David never once fought for Mike this whole time. It came off feeling very one sided.
** I received a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
August 10, 2016
I was given this novel in exchange for a honest review so here it is. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Edith Scott deserves a 5 star on this one. The story line was strong. The characters were well developed, amazing, and believable. The main characters, Mike, and ex-army man, and David, a veterinarian, had been best friends since they were 9 years old in their teens. Friends turned lovers, until David's father found out and had given him an ultimatum that he would take everything away, and he chose not to see Mike again. 10 years later, Mike comes back into town and a 3 month old golden retriever which he names Bacon, comes into his life and needs a vet. Mike takes him in and finds the vet is David. The chemistry is still there and they are both determined to see where this would go. First love is always strong, but soul mates makes it even stronger. Even after just a couple days it had gone beyond friends especially after David's apartment burns down and Mike offers him a place to stay. This is a beautiful love story, but heart wrenching when history tries to repeat itself. David's father finds out that David is with Mike and again he gives him an ultimatum. What does David do? Is his love for Mike strong enough to fight his father? Bacon seems to be the glue which keeps Mike together through this difficult time. This is a Must Read. Highly recommend it.
August 26, 2016
Bacon! Bacon! Bacon!
OK, so puppies and little kids can turn any silly plotline into a sweet munch of oh-I-hope-they-get-a-HEA. But this one has something else going for it: The cover accurately portrays Mike (left) and David as who they are--a very confident blue collar hunk and a closeted and deeply conflicted veterinarian.
That they meet up after 10 years of mutually imposed retreat from being teenage lovers and immediately revive their romance is simultaneously eyebrow-raising and perfectly logical gives great credit to author Edith Scott's talent to manipulate the reader.
And we need a bit of manipulation to put up with David's stupidity. Narrated by both of them in alternating chapters, it is clear that Mike is stable and knows what is right and David is living through a horrifying life dominated by his miserable homophobic father. That both of them have huge hearts is what gets you through this trip--from the way puppy golden retriever Bacon steals Mike's heart to David's total devotion to his twin daughters.
Those hearts, however, need brains to get them to the end, and eventually the brains move them toward a HEA that is so sweet you need to chew on some rubbery bacon to offset the toothache. Nicely done.
OK, so puppies and little kids can turn any silly plotline into a sweet munch of oh-I-hope-they-get-a-HEA. But this one has something else going for it: The cover accurately portrays Mike (left) and David as who they are--a very confident blue collar hunk and a closeted and deeply conflicted veterinarian.
That they meet up after 10 years of mutually imposed retreat from being teenage lovers and immediately revive their romance is simultaneously eyebrow-raising and perfectly logical gives great credit to author Edith Scott's talent to manipulate the reader.
And we need a bit of manipulation to put up with David's stupidity. Narrated by both of them in alternating chapters, it is clear that Mike is stable and knows what is right and David is living through a horrifying life dominated by his miserable homophobic father. That both of them have huge hearts is what gets you through this trip--from the way puppy golden retriever Bacon steals Mike's heart to David's total devotion to his twin daughters.
Those hearts, however, need brains to get them to the end, and eventually the brains move them toward a HEA that is so sweet you need to chew on some rubbery bacon to offset the toothache. Nicely done.
February 10, 2017
A man under the thumb of his father connects with a more confident man via a puppy.
March 21, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Awww. This book was sticky sweet. I like books that have sweetness, so this was a big positive for me. David and Mike were best friends and together when younger, but an over bearing father forced them apart. 10 years later, they see each other again when Mike brings his new puppy to the vet, who happens to be David. Their chemistry and feelings for each other have not decreased over the years, and they find themselves wanting to rekindle their relationship. They fall back into an easy routine, until David's father finds out they are together and forces them apart again. Luckily the angst level is relatively low, and the subsequent soul searching is just what is needed for the guys to find their happily ever after. I enjoyed this book.
Awww. This book was sticky sweet. I like books that have sweetness, so this was a big positive for me. David and Mike were best friends and together when younger, but an over bearing father forced them apart. 10 years later, they see each other again when Mike brings his new puppy to the vet, who happens to be David. Their chemistry and feelings for each other have not decreased over the years, and they find themselves wanting to rekindle their relationship. They fall back into an easy routine, until David's father finds out they are together and forces them apart again. Luckily the angst level is relatively low, and the subsequent soul searching is just what is needed for the guys to find their happily ever after. I enjoyed this book.
August 20, 2016
I was given an ARC for my honest review. First, the authors writing style in this book is not what I'm used to, but that's nothing bad at all. It's good to try new things. The copy I have is digital and may need slight editing, but I'm sure that will be taken care of soon. Mike, David, and Bacon have a wild ride to take you on, so be patient. There are first loves, angst, growing to be true to one's self, a meddling father, even more supportive family and friends, a lucky black cat named Bear and an adorable puppy named Bacon! It's romantic and steamy, but one of my favorite scenes is when David has had enough of his father controlling him and does something about it. Mike and David have the electrical charge of nothing less than soulmates, even though they have tons of hurdles to pass before they can get there. Looking forward to seeing what the author does for her next book.
August 10, 2016
A home run
This is I think, the first story I've read by this author. It is extremely well and tightly written. Sweet but not saccharin. The two main protagonists are developed and all of the other characters play important roles. A perfect story and a great read.
This is I think, the first story I've read by this author. It is extremely well and tightly written. Sweet but not saccharin. The two main protagonists are developed and all of the other characters play important roles. A perfect story and a great read.
August 21, 2016
3.5 out of 5 stars. I had issues with some of the things David did... but I also get it. He didn't think to walk away from his father's practice because ultimately he had two daughters to worry about. it wasn't until there was a real reason for him to question his life before he got it.
November 28, 2016
Fab Story
Lovely well written story, characters you can empathise with and just the right amount of steamy scenes to get you hot under the collar.
Lovely well written story, characters you can empathise with and just the right amount of steamy scenes to get you hot under the collar.
April 13, 2018
Stray Home starts with a big, tattooed, ex-military guy feeling lonely and sad in his big house. He's making breakfast and wants someone to share it with him. Just as he gets it all cooked up he hears a sound outside. Is it a prowler? A raccoon? He checks it out and only finds his recycling can knocked over and some holes in the dirt. Going back inside he finds the miscreant--a dirty little Golden Retriever puppy chomping down on his bacon.
Abandoned and alone, the little pup is hungry and scared, and not even a big, bad man like Mike can resist those puppy dog eyes. Mike has never had a dog before, but it seems he's got one now. They head off to the vet where Mike gets another surprise. The veterinarian is none other than David, his long lost best friend and first love.
Mike and David grew up together and fell in love, but were forced apart by David's father and his homophobic views. Mike joined the military to cope with his sadness while David reluctantly married. Now, years later, David is divorced with twin girls and Mike is home. Can the pair get back together as they bond over the puppy? Or will David's father step in and tear them apart once more?
This book has some of my favorite elements. Big, buff tattooed guy. Sweet puppies. Geeky and awkwardly shy love interest. Friends to lovers. It's everything one could want in a mm romance, but sadly, it fell a bit short.
I liked this book, don't get me wrong. But it had some major issues that will cause a lot of people to not enjoy it. David is really weak-willed. He's so passive he'll do anything if someone tells him to do it strongly enough. One moment he is promising himself to Mike and the next he's reverting back into his shell. And of course his wishy-washy behavior hurts Mike. Some of that is needed for the story, but David never really gets back to that likeable stage for the reader. The redemption arc just sort of falls flat.
For a new author, the book is actually fairly decent. It has flaws and definitely needs some tune-up, but the bones of the story are great. The execution just needs some work. There's some great descriptive language used and it really is refreshing. Everything from hairs on his clothes to crossing the parking lot has evocative descriptions, but at times they seem a bit like someone just went over the book and added them in. They don't quite flow enough. It's almost there. So close. But the sentence structure just pulls you out of the story. I think a few more run-throughs and edits would have helped it become more cohesive.
So, this book was worth reading to me because I can never get enough of hot guys rescuing puppies, but it didn't quite hit the mark. I have high hopes for future books from this author as with experience I think she'll get better.
This is the first in the Amberly book series, so I'm off to read the others. The next one features a hot, tattooed firefighter with a dalmation puppy and a cute dog trainer ;-)
Stray Home by Edith Scott
Keywords: mm romance, ex-military, carpenter, big and buff, vet, puppy, animal rescue, friends-to-lovers.
Abandoned and alone, the little pup is hungry and scared, and not even a big, bad man like Mike can resist those puppy dog eyes. Mike has never had a dog before, but it seems he's got one now. They head off to the vet where Mike gets another surprise. The veterinarian is none other than David, his long lost best friend and first love.
Mike and David grew up together and fell in love, but were forced apart by David's father and his homophobic views. Mike joined the military to cope with his sadness while David reluctantly married. Now, years later, David is divorced with twin girls and Mike is home. Can the pair get back together as they bond over the puppy? Or will David's father step in and tear them apart once more?
This book has some of my favorite elements. Big, buff tattooed guy. Sweet puppies. Geeky and awkwardly shy love interest. Friends to lovers. It's everything one could want in a mm romance, but sadly, it fell a bit short.
I liked this book, don't get me wrong. But it had some major issues that will cause a lot of people to not enjoy it. David is really weak-willed. He's so passive he'll do anything if someone tells him to do it strongly enough. One moment he is promising himself to Mike and the next he's reverting back into his shell. And of course his wishy-washy behavior hurts Mike. Some of that is needed for the story, but David never really gets back to that likeable stage for the reader. The redemption arc just sort of falls flat.
For a new author, the book is actually fairly decent. It has flaws and definitely needs some tune-up, but the bones of the story are great. The execution just needs some work. There's some great descriptive language used and it really is refreshing. Everything from hairs on his clothes to crossing the parking lot has evocative descriptions, but at times they seem a bit like someone just went over the book and added them in. They don't quite flow enough. It's almost there. So close. But the sentence structure just pulls you out of the story. I think a few more run-throughs and edits would have helped it become more cohesive.
So, this book was worth reading to me because I can never get enough of hot guys rescuing puppies, but it didn't quite hit the mark. I have high hopes for future books from this author as with experience I think she'll get better.
This is the first in the Amberly book series, so I'm off to read the others. The next one features a hot, tattooed firefighter with a dalmation puppy and a cute dog trainer ;-)
Stray Home by Edith Scott
Keywords: mm romance, ex-military, carpenter, big and buff, vet, puppy, animal rescue, friends-to-lovers.
November 11, 2024
Still don't know how I feel about this book.... I heard the second book is better so I want to try it but right now I'm pushing pause lol. Mike and David's relationship is soooo complicated I can't even and a lot is because David almost 30 is still letting his dad call the shots....there is some back a forth... mix signals....I want give me space... okay I want you again... it was alot and you don't see if thing work out with his fam... or if his mother finally stands up for him and takes his side....
As far as Mike goes.... I wish we had more with him and his brother but it seems like they can only handle so much of the sister in law who they have sounding like she is uppity. We don't know what's up with his sister... she leaves and starts a new job/ restart her catering business but as far as we know she is still married so dead beat husband can come back and mess things up for her again....
Just had a lot to unpack. We get HEA ending but Mike moves in with David even tho Mike has a while a@& house of his own. I think this works out cause the sister and her kid needs a place but it's like Mike's house and David is o ly renting so it didn't really feel right especially when Mike is always the one given up or waiting on David, but I guess if we look at it as a way to let his sister live there rent free but again you have to worry about the husband coming back later and messing up Mike's hard work with the changes he made to the house.
As far as Mike goes.... I wish we had more with him and his brother but it seems like they can only handle so much of the sister in law who they have sounding like she is uppity. We don't know what's up with his sister... she leaves and starts a new job/ restart her catering business but as far as we know she is still married so dead beat husband can come back and mess things up for her again....
Just had a lot to unpack. We get HEA ending but Mike moves in with David even tho Mike has a while a@& house of his own. I think this works out cause the sister and her kid needs a place but it's like Mike's house and David is o ly renting so it didn't really feel right especially when Mike is always the one given up or waiting on David, but I guess if we look at it as a way to let his sister live there rent free but again you have to worry about the husband coming back later and messing up Mike's hard work with the changes he made to the house.
July 26, 2017
Delightful
This was a wonderful story that took me on an emotional roller coaster. I can't imagine what it is like to spend your entire life being emotionally black mailed by your father but the author does a wonderful job bringing us into David's world. The relationship between Mike and Bacon is too cute. It's not hard to picture the big muscled veteran romping around the back yard with a hyper puppy! Hope the rest of the series is just as good as this story.
This was a wonderful story that took me on an emotional roller coaster. I can't imagine what it is like to spend your entire life being emotionally black mailed by your father but the author does a wonderful job bringing us into David's world. The relationship between Mike and Bacon is too cute. It's not hard to picture the big muscled veteran romping around the back yard with a hyper puppy! Hope the rest of the series is just as good as this story.
November 20, 2016
Awesome
I choose this book because of the title. But, once I started reading it, I continued because of the story. This was a good book, that was well-written. It was tasteful and eye opening, in a world that is filled with closed minded and exaggerating ignorance. Yes, we're all different; but inside where it counts, we're all the same.
I choose this book because of the title. But, once I started reading it, I continued because of the story. This was a good book, that was well-written. It was tasteful and eye opening, in a world that is filled with closed minded and exaggerating ignorance. Yes, we're all different; but inside where it counts, we're all the same.
May 17, 2017
Absolutely amazing
I loved reading this book! I really enjoy books that include pets in the story! A stray puppy brings together a lost love! A perfect story even with the small issues that pop up.
I loved reading this book! I really enjoy books that include pets in the story! A stray puppy brings together a lost love! A perfect story even with the small issues that pop up.
April 5, 2018
Barely 3 stars. The steamy scenes sounded very similar to those in other books by the author... I sense a formula here.
It was ok, although David didn’t deserve Mike. Good thing he realizes that himself.
It was ok, although David didn’t deserve Mike. Good thing he realizes that himself.
August 12, 2016
**)
.•.•*) .•*)
(.• (.•`*Loving your best friend is hard, getting forgiveness even harder.
The army prepared him for everything. What it did not prepare hunky army veteran turned carpenter Mike Sudbrock for was to come face to face with the man he's always loved. One flighty, bacon-stealing dog brought Mike to the vet's office and back into David Parker's life. Now neither man can stop thinking about the what ifs and what could have been.
If forgiveness was hard, how was he supposed to trust?
When Mike walked out of his life all those years ago, David resigned himself to his profession, his memories and moved on. He built his life as society and his dictator father required, but when his sexual freedom called out, he knew that being married to a woman was not his ideal. There was o place for Mike in his life, not if he wanted to take over his father's business. Fate however is a underhanded mistress. When his apartment complex goes up in flames, David reluctantly finds himself accepting Mike's offer of a place to stay and a chance to get to know his old friend all over again.
The heart wants what the heart wants, you just have to be willing to fight for it.
Both men were forced to deny their true feelings once upon a time. That is about to change with strength, character, freedom and the need to be real. "You're letting fate decide everything. Take a stand, plant your feet, and create some stability." At times I was so frustrated with David and his saying no with his head but writing yes in the sand attitude.
It is hard to fight the ones you do not want to hurt. David found that he was making his life a misery while keeping his parents, his children even his professional life happy. He needed the likes of Mike and his ex to push him on the path to happiness. And it did not hurt that he had a side of Bacon to help push him forward.
ARC provided by Author Edith Scott in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
.•.•*) .•*)
(.• (.•`*Loving your best friend is hard, getting forgiveness even harder.
The army prepared him for everything. What it did not prepare hunky army veteran turned carpenter Mike Sudbrock for was to come face to face with the man he's always loved. One flighty, bacon-stealing dog brought Mike to the vet's office and back into David Parker's life. Now neither man can stop thinking about the what ifs and what could have been.
If forgiveness was hard, how was he supposed to trust?
When Mike walked out of his life all those years ago, David resigned himself to his profession, his memories and moved on. He built his life as society and his dictator father required, but when his sexual freedom called out, he knew that being married to a woman was not his ideal. There was o place for Mike in his life, not if he wanted to take over his father's business. Fate however is a underhanded mistress. When his apartment complex goes up in flames, David reluctantly finds himself accepting Mike's offer of a place to stay and a chance to get to know his old friend all over again.
The heart wants what the heart wants, you just have to be willing to fight for it.
Both men were forced to deny their true feelings once upon a time. That is about to change with strength, character, freedom and the need to be real. "You're letting fate decide everything. Take a stand, plant your feet, and create some stability." At times I was so frustrated with David and his saying no with his head but writing yes in the sand attitude.
It is hard to fight the ones you do not want to hurt. David found that he was making his life a misery while keeping his parents, his children even his professional life happy. He needed the likes of Mike and his ex to push him on the path to happiness. And it did not hurt that he had a side of Bacon to help push him forward.
ARC provided by Author Edith Scott in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
August 10, 2016
**copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Mike and David were best-friends growing up. The friendship later turns to much more, but when David's homophobic father threatens to withhold David's tuition, he has to break things off with Mike. Mike leaves their small town, drops out of college and joins the army. Essentially running away from home and the hurt caused by David's choice. It's been 10 years and Mike has now returned home. One Saturday while making breakfast, a small golden retriever stumbles into his kitchen and his heart. When he takes "Bacon" to the vet he runs into David. Is it too late to try to rekindle what they had all those years ago?
This was an enjoyable read, but I knew it was going to be a frustrating one from the beginning. I can't stand weak, closeted men and that's exactly what David is. He is almost 30 years old, has a veterinary degree and is still letting his father tell him what to do and who to be. I know the author changed some of the story after some bad reviews, and while I can live with the resolution of David and Mike's story, I really wish it had been resolved a little differently. IMO, David needed to be the one to go to Mike, not the other way around. David should also have groveled a bit more for forgiveness. I didn't understand him making changes and "taking the wheel" to his own life and not going after the man he loved!! One other thing that irked me, and A LOT of authors do this. Mike is a really big guy, described as the hulk, but not green. I hate huge guys, but that's fine if that's how the author sees them, I just wish Mike's size wouldn't have been reiterated over and over. Describe the character, then move on, so I can picture them like I want to.
The story is well-written, but the relationship moved quite fast. I understand they've known one another for years, but people change after 10 years. I thought there should have been more of a "getting to know you" portion of the book. This would have helped with a bit more character develop, as well. I did like that we got to see some of Mike and David as their younger selves, but I was thankful the author showed us what we needed to know, and didn't weigh the book down with unnecessary flashbacks.
This was a second chances love story filled with sweetness, steamy sex, heartbreak, mostly likable characters and an adorable puppy named Bacon!
August 1, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Mike and David grew up together, had all their firsts together, and fell in love with each other. But it was not to be for David, as his severely homophobic and controlling father was determined to decide for David what his life would be like.
David ended up giving in to his father's pressure. Mike was devastated and cut off all ties with David, finally going into the military.
Years later, Mike is out of the military, now an established construction guy, and David is a full fledged veterinarian...but still under his father's thumb as he still works at the family vet practice. They meet again when a young Golden Retriever puppy shows up at Mike's home, sneaks past him into the kitchen and steals his bacon from his breakfast plate. Seeing that the puppy has a foot injury, Mike takes him to the nearest vet's office where he runs into his old friend and first (and only) love, David.
All of the old feelings are still there, stronger than ever, for both men and they find they still struggle with the old issues. But now they are older and more able to make decisions based on logic and love rather than fear and unsureness. The puppy, Bacon, brings them and their families together and helps them decide what they want their lives to be like.
All in all, I loved the story line, and really loved how Mike was described, with David being a perfect foil for him. Yes there were editing mistakes, and yes there were words incorrectly used, but over all the story was great and I will definitely be reading anything else by this author.
Mike and David grew up together, had all their firsts together, and fell in love with each other. But it was not to be for David, as his severely homophobic and controlling father was determined to decide for David what his life would be like.
David ended up giving in to his father's pressure. Mike was devastated and cut off all ties with David, finally going into the military.
Years later, Mike is out of the military, now an established construction guy, and David is a full fledged veterinarian...but still under his father's thumb as he still works at the family vet practice. They meet again when a young Golden Retriever puppy shows up at Mike's home, sneaks past him into the kitchen and steals his bacon from his breakfast plate. Seeing that the puppy has a foot injury, Mike takes him to the nearest vet's office where he runs into his old friend and first (and only) love, David.
All of the old feelings are still there, stronger than ever, for both men and they find they still struggle with the old issues. But now they are older and more able to make decisions based on logic and love rather than fear and unsureness. The puppy, Bacon, brings them and their families together and helps them decide what they want their lives to be like.
All in all, I loved the story line, and really loved how Mike was described, with David being a perfect foil for him. Yes there were editing mistakes, and yes there were words incorrectly used, but over all the story was great and I will definitely be reading anything else by this author.
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