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Sky High Scaffolders #3
Tread the Boards
A feel-good, love at first sight gay romance. There’s lots of kissing and no angst.
Ben’s shook up when two of his work colleagues come out. Ben considered himself liberal and broadminded but also straight.
Macho construction workers aren’t gay. They just aren’t. So of course, he can’t stop thinking about it.
And he can’t stop thinking about Tom.
But if Ben fall’s in love with A MAN how will he tell his family, his friends and his son?
Tom is slowly getting over the heartache of his past when he’s swept away by a straight-acting but flirty scaffolder. With enough baggage of his own, should Tom spend time with Ben when he discovers Ben wasn’t acting?
Is it time for Tom to ditch the low paid work, pick up the threads of his life and resume his professional career?
A standalone romance novel. Overlapping characters with Our Secret Wedding.
55,000 words.
Set in Britain with (mostly) American spelling.
Ben’s shook up when two of his work colleagues come out. Ben considered himself liberal and broadminded but also straight.
Macho construction workers aren’t gay. They just aren’t. So of course, he can’t stop thinking about it.
And he can’t stop thinking about Tom.
But if Ben fall’s in love with A MAN how will he tell his family, his friends and his son?
Tom is slowly getting over the heartache of his past when he’s swept away by a straight-acting but flirty scaffolder. With enough baggage of his own, should Tom spend time with Ben when he discovers Ben wasn’t acting?
Is it time for Tom to ditch the low paid work, pick up the threads of his life and resume his professional career?
A standalone romance novel. Overlapping characters with Our Secret Wedding.
55,000 words.
Set in Britain with (mostly) American spelling.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
56 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Perry
33 books103 followersApproaching my mid-50s, and I'm not sure if which will get there first: my age or my stomach circumference.
I live in England.
I'm an avid wide-ranging reader. Mostly reads:
* YA
* SF
* M/M romance.
* Books with LGBT themes and characters.
Latest book ~ is a Poddlington Village Romance ~ published 2021.
I live in England.
I'm an avid wide-ranging reader. Mostly reads:
* YA
* SF
* M/M romance.
* Books with LGBT themes and characters.
Latest book ~ is a Poddlington Village Romance ~ published 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
July 5, 2018
October 31, 2016
Another good story from H. J. Perry
Tread the Boards is connected to Our Secret Wedding (OSW) by characters and location but it also reads just fine as a standalone story. It was good to see more of Connor and Lee from OSW, but the main story of Ben and Tom was a good one in its own right. I hope that Ms. Perry will continue writing more stories set in the world of SHS.
Tread the Boards starts out with an encounter that Tom has at a gay bar and then moves on to Ben at his job with Sky High Scaffolds (SHS). I have to admit that at first I didn’t really get the connection but things totally made sense as I read more of the story. The chapters alternate between Tom and Ben’s perspective, and I was soon hooked.
This is about the 6th book I’ve read by Ms. Perry and I’ve come to appreciate and understand her English style of storytelling. Phrases that seemed awkward to me in the first books I read I now realize are just the difference in how she speaks versus how American’s speak. For example, Americans generally say “go to *the* hospital” while she says “go to hospital.” I find it kind of refreshing to read something written in a bit different style.
Ben meets Tom as at co-worker’s house and is puzzled by the attraction he feels for him. Ben is straight, and has a son, yet he feels drawn to Tom in more than just the way that a friend would feel. Tom suffered a personal tragedy several years ago and hasn’t had a serious relationship since then but he’s had a lot of one-night-stands. Tom longs for something more but he’s also wary of getting involved with a man who until now has identified as being straight.
As the friendship between Ben and Tom deepens Ben finally comes to understand that he isn’t straight, rather he’s bi-sexual. Tom has to overcome his fear of getting involved with a man who isn’t out and Ben has to learn to accept himself and not be afraid of what other people will think.
I liked how the relationship between Ben and Tom was slow to develop (except for one early encounter). The easy relationship between Tom and Ben’s son, Benji, was a very nice part of the story. Adults can learn a lot from the easy acceptance of children as they don’t know to make judgments until adults teach them differently.
There’s humor in this story along with the serious stuff. I liked both main characters (MCs) but it was particularly enjoyable reading about Tom and his life experiences.
I really want to read more about Rick and Chris as it seemed like this book set the stage for them to star in their own story.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Tread the Boards is connected to Our Secret Wedding (OSW) by characters and location but it also reads just fine as a standalone story. It was good to see more of Connor and Lee from OSW, but the main story of Ben and Tom was a good one in its own right. I hope that Ms. Perry will continue writing more stories set in the world of SHS.
Tread the Boards starts out with an encounter that Tom has at a gay bar and then moves on to Ben at his job with Sky High Scaffolds (SHS). I have to admit that at first I didn’t really get the connection but things totally made sense as I read more of the story. The chapters alternate between Tom and Ben’s perspective, and I was soon hooked.
This is about the 6th book I’ve read by Ms. Perry and I’ve come to appreciate and understand her English style of storytelling. Phrases that seemed awkward to me in the first books I read I now realize are just the difference in how she speaks versus how American’s speak. For example, Americans generally say “go to *the* hospital” while she says “go to hospital.” I find it kind of refreshing to read something written in a bit different style.
Ben meets Tom as at co-worker’s house and is puzzled by the attraction he feels for him. Ben is straight, and has a son, yet he feels drawn to Tom in more than just the way that a friend would feel. Tom suffered a personal tragedy several years ago and hasn’t had a serious relationship since then but he’s had a lot of one-night-stands. Tom longs for something more but he’s also wary of getting involved with a man who until now has identified as being straight.
As the friendship between Ben and Tom deepens Ben finally comes to understand that he isn’t straight, rather he’s bi-sexual. Tom has to overcome his fear of getting involved with a man who isn’t out and Ben has to learn to accept himself and not be afraid of what other people will think.
I liked how the relationship between Ben and Tom was slow to develop (except for one early encounter). The easy relationship between Tom and Ben’s son, Benji, was a very nice part of the story. Adults can learn a lot from the easy acceptance of children as they don’t know to make judgments until adults teach them differently.
There’s humor in this story along with the serious stuff. I liked both main characters (MCs) but it was particularly enjoyable reading about Tom and his life experiences.
I really want to read more about Rick and Chris as it seemed like this book set the stage for them to star in their own story.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
October 25, 2016
* I received a free copy of this book from the author *
First of all, this is the first cover of HJ Perry's book that I actually like :)
This story is a second installment in a series about scaffolders and even though it can be read as standalone I'd recommend reading "Our secret wedding" first.
It was definitely a fun read . It says it is a "feel-good" read and it really is. It is hilarious at times and I LOVED those conversations between Tom and Ben, full of innuendos and almost always with a double meaning. They were great together and the chemistry between them was almost palpable. I like the writing style and the pace was just right.
What I didn't like was that it was sometimes nauseatingly sweet . As much as I like some of my romance books nice, hot and sweet, it was too much. Plus it really felt like Tom was thinking about sex all the time. And I get it that there is not enough books with bisexual characters, but I am not sure if it had to be said so many times. I mean, we know Ben is bi, it doesn't have to be repeated over and over again.
Apart from this, I really liked the book and I liked characters (Benji's just super cute, isn't he?).
I am sure we'll get a story about Chris and Rick anytime soon.
First of all, this is the first cover of HJ Perry's book that I actually like :)
This story is a second installment in a series about scaffolders and even though it can be read as standalone I'd recommend reading "Our secret wedding" first.
It was definitely a fun read . It says it is a "feel-good" read and it really is. It is hilarious at times and I LOVED those conversations between Tom and Ben, full of innuendos and almost always with a double meaning. They were great together and the chemistry between them was almost palpable. I like the writing style and the pace was just right.
What I didn't like was that it was sometimes nauseatingly sweet . As much as I like some of my romance books nice, hot and sweet, it was too much. Plus it really felt like Tom was thinking about sex all the time. And I get it that there is not enough books with bisexual characters, but I am not sure if it had to be said so many times. I mean, we know Ben is bi, it doesn't have to be repeated over and over again.
Apart from this, I really liked the book and I liked characters (Benji's just super cute, isn't he?).
I am sure we'll get a story about Chris and Rick anytime soon.
November 1, 2016
***2.5 Stars
This story follows
but I read this one first. There are characters that overlap but aren't part of the plot of each story. The stories take place in the same city and the MCs of both books are part of the same group of friends but each can be read as a-stand-alone and I don't think it's necessary to read them in any particular order.As with Our Secret Wedding there were things I liked but there were more things that didn't work for me and some that annoyed the hell out of me. I was left with a headache reading this one because of the amount of times the MCs sexuality was drilled into me. Tell me once, you can even tell me twice but tell me over and over again and I'm screaming.....OKAY ALREADY, I GOT IT!!!
January 25, 2018
I was very excited about this book because it is narrated by Joel Leslie, who is a fantastic narrator I love very much. His performance was incredible, emotional and realistic.
Ben is a construction worker that after finding out two men in the construction company have secretly gotten married starts questioning his own sexuality. Tom is an actor turned cleaner after the death of his boyfriend a few years back. A chance meeting brings Ben's awakening attraction to men to full force and they soon fall into bed. Ben is still unsure about being with men, as well as how, and if, to tell his 10 year old son about it.
I like the gay-for-you/first time gay troupe and the story was sweet and sexy. Unfortunately the story had some believability issues I could not ignore.
I wish this book was better, because the good parts worked beautifully, the banter between the characters was funny and cute, it's just that the gaps were the issue for me. Mainly I feel that the ease and suddenness that Ben's attraction towards men, and Tom, was very cliché and even thought it was the conflict of the book, will he come out as bi and have a relationship with a man there is no point in which the conflict is resolved. They talk about it, and the same things come up over and over, but the parts were it came to a head, of sorts, were smoothed over too easily. The story also contradicted itself a few times, where same sex relationships are acceptable but they cannot display affection in public and it's described as if they are very afraid of the consequences of such displays. It interrupted the flow of the book and made it look like it needed a lot of editing. This book was a dance around conflicts instead of focusing on one or two and letting the characters go through the emotions and process of dealing with it. A few issues were never addressed, like Tom's trauma after losing his boyfriend, his escape from the theater into the life of a house cleaner and ben's son took it all too well for my liking. He didn't need to object, but everybody around Ben just understood and did not even try to understand how it happened. It like the author did not know how to deal with these conflicts so they were gone the minute they appeared.
Ben is a construction worker that after finding out two men in the construction company have secretly gotten married starts questioning his own sexuality. Tom is an actor turned cleaner after the death of his boyfriend a few years back. A chance meeting brings Ben's awakening attraction to men to full force and they soon fall into bed. Ben is still unsure about being with men, as well as how, and if, to tell his 10 year old son about it.
I like the gay-for-you/first time gay troupe and the story was sweet and sexy. Unfortunately the story had some believability issues I could not ignore.
I wish this book was better, because the good parts worked beautifully, the banter between the characters was funny and cute, it's just that the gaps were the issue for me. Mainly I feel that the ease and suddenness that Ben's attraction towards men, and Tom, was very cliché and even thought it was the conflict of the book, will he come out as bi and have a relationship with a man there is no point in which the conflict is resolved. They talk about it, and the same things come up over and over, but the parts were it came to a head, of sorts, were smoothed over too easily. The story also contradicted itself a few times, where same sex relationships are acceptable but they cannot display affection in public and it's described as if they are very afraid of the consequences of such displays. It interrupted the flow of the book and made it look like it needed a lot of editing. This book was a dance around conflicts instead of focusing on one or two and letting the characters go through the emotions and process of dealing with it. A few issues were never addressed, like Tom's trauma after losing his boyfriend, his escape from the theater into the life of a house cleaner and ben's son took it all too well for my liking. He didn't need to object, but everybody around Ben just understood and did not even try to understand how it happened. It like the author did not know how to deal with these conflicts so they were gone the minute they appeared.
September 29, 2017
"Sweet romance"
This was a very sweet romance with very little angst or conflict. I really enjoyed the interactions between Ben and Tom, and also Ben's son Benji.
I liked how both main characters were quite relatable, I could easily find myself identifying with especially Ben who's idea of a home cooked meal was to pull packages out of the freezer after a long day at work.
Joel Leslie did a very good job with the narration, I always enjoy his performances.
Tread the Boards is the third book in the SHS series but this is the first one I have listened to or read. I had no problems following along so it did very well as a stand alone. I will be looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very sweet romance with very little angst or conflict. I really enjoyed the interactions between Ben and Tom, and also Ben's son Benji.
I liked how both main characters were quite relatable, I could easily find myself identifying with especially Ben who's idea of a home cooked meal was to pull packages out of the freezer after a long day at work.
Joel Leslie did a very good job with the narration, I always enjoy his performances.
Tread the Boards is the third book in the SHS series but this is the first one I have listened to or read. I had no problems following along so it did very well as a stand alone. I will be looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
Another great story from H. J. Perry! We already met Tom from the other books in this series and briefly met Ben there also. Theyboth have had to deal with so much in their lives and finallyhave a chance at true love! I loved all of the characters in this book, but especially Benji. This young man takes everything in stride like it's no big deal. Wouldn't it be great if we could all live that way! I've enjpyed all if the books in the SHS series and this book is definitely no exception. Its a sweet story with a lot of steam and also a great read!
March 4, 2019
Book 3 of SHS series with some new characters
The author starts her description with " no angst", and then describes a book full of it! Interesting new characters and more learned about ones from previous books. 1scaffolder and 1 former actor turned cleaner. That would be the equivalent of a day maid or cleaning service in the U S A. Like the first 2 books, it ends in awkward abruptness. Is Tom ever really going back to acting again?
The author starts her description with " no angst", and then describes a book full of it! Interesting new characters and more learned about ones from previous books. 1scaffolder and 1 former actor turned cleaner. That would be the equivalent of a day maid or cleaning service in the U S A. Like the first 2 books, it ends in awkward abruptness. Is Tom ever really going back to acting again?
July 24, 2017
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This is another great book in the SHS series. Tread The Boards is the 3rd book & I think they need to be read in order. I loved Ben and Tom's story! Both of them had struggles to overcome but they managed to find their way to a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 24, 2017
Happy read
Not realistic and I don't care. I loved the beginning e guys.
This series is sweet, passionate and happy. I wish all people would be open and accepting as the characters in these books 📚. Great literature it is not. It makes me 😃. It makes me ☺. That's all that matters.
Not realistic and I don't care. I loved the beginning e guys.
This series is sweet, passionate and happy. I wish all people would be open and accepting as the characters in these books 📚. Great literature it is not. It makes me 😃. It makes me ☺. That's all that matters.
June 6, 2017
This is a great series. Each one gives you more insight into all the characters not just the main ones. Plus, you have their unique personalities. I can't wait for the next one. Will it be Chris and Rick? I recommend reading them in order but you don't have to. It's still a good read either way.
November 15, 2017
A fun and quirky construction workers m/m romance. Ben and Tom continue the story of Sky High Scaffolder's and their lives and loves. This is a combination of a coming out and a first time gay or perhaps it's just a gay for you. Really in the end it's just a love story. Great reading!
March 16, 2018
So far the best in the series. My new favorite couple! I am addicted and have to read every book in this wonderful series.
Ben is just so innocent and sweet.
Ben is just so innocent and sweet.
November 21, 2022
4.25 rating 3rd in the series, another man figures out he is very interesting in trying a m/m relationship, especially since his boss and co-worker came out.
December 26, 2016
3.5 stars
August 17, 2025
Imho the best book in all series.
November 1, 2016
Another great book to this series. Tom lost his love of seven years in a car crash and haven't been in a relationship since. He loves sex and is ok with the casual hookups and his box of sex toys. The only issue Tom has is that he is always finding guys who just want him to service them and not the other way around. This changes when Ben comes into his life.
Ben is a scaffolder and works at SHS. When he hears about Conner and Lee's marriage a part of his mind opens up and he realizes that he cannot stop thinking about what it might be like to be with a man. He's thinking about this so much that he's even on the internat looking it up. He is volunteered to take a get well and congratulations card to Conner and Lee when he meets Tom who is there cleaning their place. He finds himself flirting with Tom and realizes he likes him. He asks Tom if he would like to clean his place too. After saying yes he gives Tom his phone number and address.
The two start off just getting to know one another. Ben wants to make sure that what he is feeling for Tom is real. He has a son and wants to make sure before he comes out that he tells his family first. Tom sometimes has his doubts about whether Ben really does want him and sometimes puts his fear in the way of truly reaching for happiness.
Their story is very sweet and romantic. A beautifully written story. I hope this series continues with other scaffolders finding their true love. I already can see a story brewing with Chris and Rick. Maybe even something with Frank. Just throwing some hints out there HJ.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ben is a scaffolder and works at SHS. When he hears about Conner and Lee's marriage a part of his mind opens up and he realizes that he cannot stop thinking about what it might be like to be with a man. He's thinking about this so much that he's even on the internat looking it up. He is volunteered to take a get well and congratulations card to Conner and Lee when he meets Tom who is there cleaning their place. He finds himself flirting with Tom and realizes he likes him. He asks Tom if he would like to clean his place too. After saying yes he gives Tom his phone number and address.
The two start off just getting to know one another. Ben wants to make sure that what he is feeling for Tom is real. He has a son and wants to make sure before he comes out that he tells his family first. Tom sometimes has his doubts about whether Ben really does want him and sometimes puts his fear in the way of truly reaching for happiness.
Their story is very sweet and romantic. A beautifully written story. I hope this series continues with other scaffolders finding their true love. I already can see a story brewing with Chris and Rick. Maybe even something with Frank. Just throwing some hints out there HJ.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 1, 2016
Ever since Connor and Lee’s secret wedding was announced at work Ben has not been able to get the thought of 2 men together out of his mind and it’s starting to make him question things about himself. When the guys pool together to get a gift and card, Ben takes it over and meets Tom. Instant chemistry, and Ben is more confused than ever. Talking to Tom only piques his interest and they arrange a meeting to set up terms for Tom to clean. Well, Ben and Tom have a few beers and tumble into the sack, only the morning gets awkward and both men attribute it to the wrong reason (mostly because neither talks about it). Most of the budding relationship goes that way with confusion and misinterpretation. The only thing both men get right is they both want to see where this can go and hope for something long term. A great cast of characters and interesting setting made this a really enjoyable read, full of emotion and personable characters.
November 8, 2016
Well, I didn't love this one like I did Our Secret Wedding. It was very insta-love/insta-lust, which happened in Our Secret Wedding, but since those characters knew each other previously and were friends I didn't mind.
As far as characters, I felt like I only got to know them on a superficial level. Ben was a little easier for me to connect with. I saw his struggle with coming to terms with his sexuality and how being a father played into his dating life a bit. I would have liked to know more about the flaky ex though. Tom was harder for me. I wanted to know more about him, more about Andrew and his relationship, more about his struggles with depression, how he felt about moving on, how he felt about being involved with someone with a child.
Overall I just needed more to be able connect. I can't say I'm up for Chris and Rick's story.
As far as characters, I felt like I only got to know them on a superficial level. Ben was a little easier for me to connect with. I saw his struggle with coming to terms with his sexuality and how being a father played into his dating life a bit. I would have liked to know more about the flaky ex though. Tom was harder for me. I wanted to know more about him, more about Andrew and his relationship, more about his struggles with depression, how he felt about moving on, how he felt about being involved with someone with a child.
Overall I just needed more to be able connect. I can't say I'm up for Chris and Rick's story.
March 21, 2021
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Scaffolding boys. Lee and Connor got secretly married in the last book, and all of their co-workers found out at the end of the book in Our Secret Wedding. When Ben comes to deliver a card to the couple on behalf of the co-workers, he meets Tom, Lee's best friend and house cleaner. Ben has a son whom he adores, and find himself completely enthralled with Tom. Their relationship was adorable, and I loved seeing Tom develop a relationship with Ben's son. I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Scaffolding boys. Lee and Connor got secretly married in the last book, and all of their co-workers found out at the end of the book in Our Secret Wedding. When Ben comes to deliver a card to the couple on behalf of the co-workers, he meets Tom, Lee's best friend and house cleaner. Ben has a son whom he adores, and find himself completely enthralled with Tom. Their relationship was adorable, and I loved seeing Tom develop a relationship with Ben's son. I really enjoyed this book.
December 4, 2016
Amazing read!!!
Yet again I am left with a smile on my face and its all down to H J Perry. I read our secret wedding and became interested in Tom. He needs love and to feel his worth, for that he needs a strong man and he finds that with Ben. As usual this book is written as well as the previous book and keeps you reading until the end. I can't wait to see what's coming next in this series. If you love romance then this is the series for you, H J Perry writes love so well.
Yet again I am left with a smile on my face and its all down to H J Perry. I read our secret wedding and became interested in Tom. He needs love and to feel his worth, for that he needs a strong man and he finds that with Ben. As usual this book is written as well as the previous book and keeps you reading until the end. I can't wait to see what's coming next in this series. If you love romance then this is the series for you, H J Perry writes love so well.
December 19, 2016
Best of the three in this series
This one is the best of the three interconnected books in the series centred around the scaffolding world.
I liked Tom in the earlier books and its nice to see him st his own happy ever after. The questioning and relationship development was also clearer in this one, with Ben actually talking about what he was feeling and how he wanted things to progress.
Yes it's a love at first sight romance but it actually works well in this instance.
This one is the best of the three interconnected books in the series centred around the scaffolding world.
I liked Tom in the earlier books and its nice to see him st his own happy ever after. The questioning and relationship development was also clearer in this one, with Ben actually talking about what he was feeling and how he wanted things to progress.
Yes it's a love at first sight romance but it actually works well in this instance.
October 30, 2016
I am on the fence about this one
Just finished.. feeling stumped on my feelings about this to be honest. I liked it, but then some parts had me rolling my eyes.. the storyline was there - I was just lacking in some action to make it shine.
Just finished.. feeling stumped on my feelings about this to be honest. I liked it, but then some parts had me rolling my eyes.. the storyline was there - I was just lacking in some action to make it shine.
November 9, 2016
So they got everything in 1 month...really.
I liked the plot but I felt that the book was rushed. This could have easily been a 300+ page book of substance that allowed me to love Ben more but it was rushed.
I liked the plot but I felt that the book was rushed. This could have easily been a 300+ page book of substance that allowed me to love Ben more but it was rushed.
October 28, 2016
DNF 30%. So cliché...
October 28, 2016
Very enjoyable book.
December 10, 2016
this is just adorable and sweet. i realy enjoyed it :D
May 3, 2017
The heart wants
What the heart wants. I'm a firm believer in love at first site and think it's great when those feeling it declare it.
What the heart wants. I'm a firm believer in love at first site and think it's great when those feeling it declare it.
January 8, 2018
Audible Edition:
Story - 2.5 stars
Performance - 4.5 stars
Overall - 3 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
Performance - 4.5 stars
Overall - 3 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews