New Leaf

by Hayden Hunt

I thought he was out of my life for good.

I always hoped I'd run into Jackson again. I didn't think it was ever going to happen, but I always hoped. So the day I found his lost kitten felt like fate. I didn't even know he was in town, and now I was going to be seeing him again so that I could return his adorable cat.

But it's been years since we last spoke and things didn't exactly end well. I used to be in love with him, and I still have so many feelings, but can I forgive him? He's been wonderful to me in the past but he also hurt me deeply. I can't deny, though, that the bond between us is still strong. At least, it is for me. I can't be sure how he feels. Especially considering how he left...

I was such a fool to ever let him go.

I haven't been the best person, I will fully admit to that. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but leaving Grant behind was by far the biggest. He was my best friend, I've never been closer to anyone else.

And that's the scary part for me. My biggest fear about returning to my hometown to help out my family was that I'd run into him again. I don't want to get close to him again because it might mean losing him. And I already feel crushed from losing him the first time.

This standalone 30,000 word novella comes complete with HEA ending and bonus material from two of my other books!

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Amazon, M M Contemporary

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2016

About the author

Hayden also writes under the pseudonyms Aimee Alesi and Edie Bryant .

Reviews

[Tanu Gill · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review. Again, I'm sorry for the delay, because I got caught up in a web of events at my job this month.*

Okay, so the story started out fine. I understood Grant's pain. It's hard to lose someone you love, but being dropped so harshly? One cannot imagine the pain.

Then we came to know about why Jackson did it, and okay, it sounded plausible enough. I've read other stories with similar enough plotline that I didn't feel it strange or anything.

So now comes the point why I didn't like the story:

A) There was no connection I felt between them despite them saying that they were best friends way back when. The whole time, Grant kept going on about how he felt betrayed and couldn't trust Jackson again not to hurt him. Which, yes, is right and good and all, but, my dear, please look at the length of the book. So because the HEA was compulsory, we get a smutty scene which I just hated because I didn't like the dirty talk, and the story ends there. Of course, we do have an epilogue, and we got a chance to read another bonus chapter, which I just eschewed because that would've been me being cruel to myself.

B) I hated the continuous loop Grant was on when he would talk to Jackson saying that he can't trust him now, so he won't invest as much of himself as he had before, and that he will wait to see if he proves trustworthy and only then will he commit himself fully into the experimental relationship they were going to have. Is it just me, or is it something one says to oneself to make up their mind and not to their partner so that they can then take it as a challenge or whatever? I, personally, would never have declared my thoughts out loud like that.

C) Typos! God, the typos. Misspelled words, tense issues, and other things I can't even recall right now. They just ruined the flow whenever they popped up as potholes in the story.

I really wish that the same good feelings that I got starting the book had continued to the end. But it wasn't to be. But I have good hopes from the author still. I have read good works before, and I'm sure I will in the future too. :)

[Denise H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** Grant found a cat after work, but the number on the collar went to voicemail, so he took it home first. He's call again. Jackson moved back to his hometown because his Mam has cancer. He can work freelance, but he hated the town 10 years ago when he left. To top it off, his cat ran off. Grant calls the number and sets a time for Jackson to come over, but he's a nervous wreck.

Jackson left town, left Grant and left his parents, completely in the dark. Poof, he was gone, and no one could find him. It's a weak mystery as to why he left. Why couldn't anyone find him?
Now what? Grant still loves Jackson. Is he here to stay, or will he leave again?
This is a tale of lost love and the heartbreak of the folks left behind. We do get a few sexy times. Will selfish Jackson give them a second chance? Can Jackson turn over a new leaf?
This is a low key tale with a HEA.
============================

[Pati · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I wish that I could say that I loved this book and these characters, I can't.There was just way too much telling with very little showing.

While yes, on one level I liked Grant on another level he still just never felt three dimensional to me. He apparently never left the area yet has no friends and until the epilogue we know nothing about his parents.

As for Jackson, it probably is a good thing that he felt only 2 dimensional and neither of them touched my emotions because if I'd actually been convinced to care I wouldn't have liked him.He was just too selfish all the way around.

A few secondary characters would have helped me believe these guys were real as well as more seeing them together.

All in all while I didn't hate this story, I'm sad to say that it was just okay.

[Blaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, because I've enjoyed other stories by this author. So, I was excited for a little cat-infused, autumn themed romance. Unfortunately, the several grammatical errors and some of the character traits drove me nuts. How many times do we have to hear that Grant is worried that Jackson will leave him, like he did before, and that Jackson will do everything he can to make sure that doesn't happen? Seriously...that theme was almost every other page. I get it, there is some trust issues, but sheesh. And sadly, the whole cat thing was forced...almost a gimmick.

[Sadonna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh boy. Where to start. I wanted to like this book - I mean, friends-to-lovers, second chance story - should have been good. But it wasn't. The alternating first person POVs were OK - alternating chapters, clearly stating the narrator. What wasn't ok was the constant inner monologue.

I did OK until the sex scene. And no. Just no. The whole story became completely unbelievable to me then.

I normally try to finish books, but honestly, I'm so far behind in in TBR pile and I just couldn't spend more time on this - even if I got it through KU.

[Jestice Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I did, this one was nice and I even got a little emotional. It was a better read than Hayden's Halloween read, if you had a chance to read that. There is long lost love, re-connection, drama and a little woo-hoo thrown in. I loved it. It was a nice short read to get started into the fall season. I would recommend this book to older teens and young adults.

[DC · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, where to begin. My feelings about this book echo that already expressed by other reviewers. The two main characters, Grant and Jackson, were just stuck in an endless loop of woe-is-me melodrama. There were times I thought I was rereading a page. It was like reading a script from a soap opera or high school play. And there was so much of this storyline that was just flat out unbelievable, starting with the basis for the story. Grant and Jackson just graduated high school and went to a party and got drunk. Grant tells Jackson how he really feels and they kiss and cuddle. The next morning, Jackson is gone. Are we really supposed to believe that an 18 y/o boy suddenly leaves town, abandoning his loving parents and best friend. Did he leave with just the clothes on his back? Did he have money to survive until he found a job and place to live? If he did pack anything, was he really able to do it without Grant, who was asleep in his bed, waking up? He completely turned his, his parent’s, and Grant’s lives upside down just because he couldn’t deal with his feeling. Ugh, sorry excuse.
Grant’s constant flip-flopping became irritating very fast. Almost entire chapters were dedicated to his “oh, I love him, but, no I hate him” sob story. Then the first time Jackson comes back to Grant’s house after retrieving his cat, Grant is still trying to play both sides but yet, they suddenly start having full on sex; without protection, no less! Just plain wrong!!
I could go on about what I found wrong with the storyline, but I won’t. But let me finish with a few more general things that I didn’t like. First, get a proofreader. There were way too many spelling and grammar errors, words missing or strangely worded sentences. Second, this book is deceivingly short, coming in at barely 54% on the Kindle locations. The remainder were gratuitous plugs for other stories by the author. I generally don’t object to author’s plugging their other works, but not at almost half the published length. And third, the very last page is a link to the author’s webpage, which you need to follow to get to a “bonus” chapter that takes place before the epilogue. Author’s lose major points with with me when they do things like that. If I’m buying a book, even if I get it for free as part of a promotion, I expect it to be complete. I don’t want to have to follow any links just to finish a story. And with this one, the “bonus” chapter takes place before the epilogue. Why would I want to read a chapter like that when I’ve already read the ending?

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

This was also not bad but a bit weak. I checked also a few editorial mistakes which can annoy somebody.
Jackson had issues which annoyed me, I had hard times to really understand his behaviour.

The plus were the sweet cats in the book, though I’m not that heavy cat fan. But they are charming creatures and give the story a funny note.
It is a pity the story seems a bit similar to Cold Turkey, the basic plot was a slight copy of the other story. Whereas luckily Jackson didn’t annoyed me as much as Ethan at the end. And here the cats are nice. Maybe this is why I liked this book a bit more.

The bonus chapter was okay, it was sweet and contained a sex scene, but I need the real “connection” and this is what I miss in a few Hayden Hunt books. They are either a bit random or too short… The balance could be a bit better, otherwise it isn’t really connecting.
I also had my struggles with the less character development, there was a huge prospect but it wasn’t used. A pity.

Though I liked this a bit more than Cold Turkey I give this book also 3.5 out of 5 stars, again rounded up on Goodreads because of the lack of half stars.

For those who read my reviews and wonder: these two books aren’t bad, that not, but they lack sometimes of the chances, they go unused and so they fail a bit in their uniqueness and creativity. This way they are “only” nice reads. So, they passed the test but they aren’t the top of the top.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

Double review with Cold Turkey

[m. ✨ On Hiatus ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grant and Jackson were the best of friends while growing up. After graduation, Grant decides to confess his romantic feelings, and even though Jackson is drunk, he tells Grant that he feels the same. The following morning, Grant's happiness is ruined when he finds out that Jackson has left during the night and no one, not even his parents, know where he is.

Jackson regrets leaving town the way he did after graduation. He hurt his parents and most of all, his best friend. Now back in town to take care of family issues, Jackson is determined to make amends and win back the heart of the man he's loved all along.

This is a sweet story, but it was so hard for me to root for this couple when Jackson was so incredibly selfish. I absolutely understand being confused, scared and wanting to get out of small town life to explore the world, but the way he went about it was incredibly immature and downright cruel. Grant occasionally came off as a little whiny, but I really couldn't fault his distrust for Jackson. He was almost irrevocably hurt, so I was surprised he entertained the thought of starting any kind of relationship with Jackson. While he did quite a bit of groveling, I still felt like Jackson got off a little easy for his behavior. The "I was young and stupid" excuse can only be used for so long. I also found it really sad that Grant had no friends and wasn't close to his family. Much of his life centered around pain he suffered a decade prior, and he seemed like a one-note character when he could have been so much more than that. All in all, this is a frustrating, but engrossing read.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.

[Sara MacRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant and Jackson have always loved one another, but things just never fell into place after they graduated from high school – Grant was willing to take a chance by confessing his feelings, but Jackson was scared of what his feelings meant once he realized how strong they were. The two haven’t seen one another in more than a decade, and it’s only by chance – connecting over a lost and found kitten – that they have their shot at a second chance. This time, though, it’s Grant who is hesitant about aggressively pursuing what he knows is true love because he can’t risk having his heart broken a second time. This time Jackson is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they get and stay together because they’re made for one another.

The story never dives into a deep or complex plot, but stays lighter-hearted and focuses instead on the positive evolution of their second chance at building a real relationship as a couple and not simply best friends. Jackson is willing to do what he needs to do to repair the damage he caused when he walked out on Grant so long ago, even though he’s dealing with his cancer-stricken mother. It’s a novella, so it’s a quick read, doesn’t go into a lot of detail or have a lot of drawn-out scenes, and some parts of the build-up to their physical relationship are rushed along.

What I appreciated most about the story was that the angst and grief was experienced in the past and instead the couple focused their energies on moving forward and building a future together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of New Leaf, and I would recommend it to readers seeking a feel-good M/M second chance romance.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional read. The author showed parts of the past and the present with this couple. You could see just how much heart break went through both of these characters. You have Grant and Jackson who have been lifelong friends until a drunken night where Grant revels his feelings. After the drunken night Jackson disappears without anything but a vague note. Jackson doesn’t even tell his parents where he moved to. That night was the night that Jackson not only broke his own heart but he also broke Grant’s heart as well. Fast forward 10 years later a chance finding of a scared kitten turns into the day that brings the past back to the present. The kitten that was found turns out to be Jackson’s. When Jackson shows up to retrieve his kitten all kinds of emotions over take both Grant and himself. Grant is scared and mad about the past and doesn’t trust Jackson. Jackson wants Grant. He want’s Grant to trust him again. When something that Jackson hides from Grant comes to the surface will Grant be able to forgive him for not telling him again. Will Grant be able to forgive that night that Jackson walked out on him and broke his heart? Will Jackson be able to tell Grant exactly how he feels about him? You will have to read and find out. This may have been a short read to me but this book had so many emotions throughout it, it wasn’t funny. I found myself throughout this book yelling at the characters’ that’s how you know it’s a good book. (Umm yeah I had people looking at me). Check out the book I know that I liked it.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be heartwarming and emotional, dealing with the past and present situation between two men. I must admit that I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What you will find in this book is: a man leaving work and finds a kitten under his car (Grant), a workaholic young man who discovers that he hurt the only man he could ever love (Jackson), drama, intrigue, memories, shock, verbal confrontation, explanations, fear, confusion, told to leave, loneliness, a mistake, a decision, determination, desperation, resentment, frustration, being logical, obsession, a pursuit, declaration, jealousy, nervousness, guilt, a chance, insatiable feelings, commitment, emotional distance, finding a note, feelings of doom, a surprise, emotional feelings, love and erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and written. The characters have emotional feelings with needs and desires according to their personality. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a good well written M/M Romance with a HEA.

[SoCalBookReviews]

**Update: Changing my review, removing rating, because I am annoyed... This Author has the same exact book under a pseudonym, Edie Bryant and/or Aimee Alesi and changed the character Genders From F/F to M/F to M/M. To me personally, it just seems really dishonest to take the exact same books with the exact same wording (basically plagiarizing your own work) and then republishing them all with different gender pronouns, I personally do not feel comfortable reading this authors books and will no longer be purchasing or reviewing them either.***

I have read all of Hayden's books so far. I have given all others 4-5*. And idk what it was about this one. but I just could Not get into it. Close to a dnf for me at about 35% into the book. I can't tell you specifcson why. But for some reason I Just did not like the characters or the story line. But that won't stop me from reading future books written by Hayden. This one was just not for me I guess.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book....... First of all I must admit that I didn't know that less than .05% of calico cats were male. Wow, I'm always learning something knew when I read. :D The cats on the cover of this book are absolutely beautiful. When Jackson loses his little kitty it's Grant who finds it and soon realizes that the kitty belongs to the man who had ditched him without a word and left the state for ten years breaking Grant's heart. As far as characters go, I definitely liked how Grant was outspoken and honest with his feelings in his conversations with Jackson. Jackson was going to have to prove that he was totally committed to Grant after the hurt that he had caused. This was a very tender and touching romance that I enjoyed which left my heart all a flutter. :) Very eloquently written.

[Lisa1269 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It was like I was hating him and loving him at the same time…”
I enjoyed this sweet second chance novella, I love the idea of characters who attempt to build separate lives, but never quite manage to fill the space shaped like their first and deepest love and Hayden Hunt communicates that desperation to reconnect well. Grant’s inner conflict about how intense his feelings for Jackson despite his overwhelming fear of being abandoned again felt real to me, while Jackson’s willingness to own up to his choices and commitment to earning forgiveness and rebuilding the relationships he damaged 10 years earlier struck me. This is a fairly quick read, and I would have enjoyed seeing it fleshed out just a little more, but this unexpected reunion was a satisfying choice.
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Pam Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story to read...emotional, heartbreaking, but truly loving. Jackson and Grant had grown up together as best
Friends, but then Grant had confessed his
True feelings of love and wanted more. Jackson was overwhelmed and couldn't handle it
So he ran and disappeared for 10 years. Grant was heartbroken, but he never stopped loving Jackson. 10 years later the two see each other again!!! Shocked but realizing those feelings were still there. Grant was scared to death and
Still angry believing Jackson would
Run again. Jackson was determined to have him back and show his total commitment to Grant. This was a beautiful love story of soulmates who gave each other that second chance. Jackson has turned over a new leaf as a better man. Hot, sexy, and full of love. Loved it!!! This was a story that touched my own emotions as I caught my breath throughout!!

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackson and Grant were best friends all through school until the night of graduation that changed it all.

Jackson runs off on grant and his own family with no only to return many years down the road due to family issue. He hopes to never see Grant.

When they surprisingly reconnect, Grant is afraid to trust Jackson again and Jackson wants back in Grants life forever

I liked the book. I wanted it to be a little longer and I would have liked to see some deeper development into the NOw relationship before things move ahead but overall good read

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story. I liked it.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

He Won't Run Again

An ARC was given to me and I agreed to voluntarily review it.. My opinions are my own. Jackson has finally come back home to help his parents. He wants to see someone else but he's too afraid. Grant found the cutest little kitten and called the number on the collar. Even after a decade he sees his name and wonders what if about Jackson. This is a fun quick read. Enjoy I did.

[Heather Rawlins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise of New Leaf, that you can make a change, go back to your past and mend. I thought Grant was adorable and Jackson was likable even though I didn’t fully understand his past decisions. It was very fast-paced and interesting but a little light on details which in a very short story makes sense. I would recommend this short novella.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story about mistakes, regrets and redemption. Jackson made the biggest mistake of his life when he was 18 and has lived with the regret and shame for years. A missing cat and fate lands him on Grants doorstep giving him a second chance at the relationship he destroyed. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What an emotional roller coaster this story was. It was beautifully written and you could really feel what the characters were going through. Now I need a new box of tissues as I'm all out!!!

I received a free ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story, although a couple of times I wasn't quite sure about the chemistry between these two guys. I did enjoy the premise of childhood friends learning to love each other as adults, but the flashbacks weren't always well telegraphed and I got confused a couple of times.
3.5 stars rounded up

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional short story about a second chance for love. It's about Jackson and Grant who have secretly loved each other for years. The story is emotional and heartwarming and I would definitely recommend it.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A lovely HEA. Easy to read, good characters. The story flows well and is well written.
I received an ARC of this book at no cost from the author.

[TL Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable!

Love lost, love found. Love scorned makes it harder to earn the trust back, but once trust has been restored it makes it all that much more meaningful.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

aww this was an emotional fun read. i love the friends to lovers part of this.. i loved all of this story and it was very well written. Grant and Jackson are amazing. I am so glad i got to review it

[Bookbeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Aly · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the describing but no explanation. I don't know why I do this to myself.

[Janet Fair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and storyline. I think anyone who has loved and lost and then loved again would like this story.