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Block and Strike
Jacob Kendricks is three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted, Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.
Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.
Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.
Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.
Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2017
25 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jensen
38 books237 followersIf aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 10, 2017
Mhmm.... Lovely....
This book was so adorably delicious. Jake's prickly exterior hiding his soft, sweet interior was like the idea of a perfect boyfriend for me. His strong core yet cuddly nature was just wonderful to read about. It was such delight to experience. His concern and caring for Max totally made me swoon. The portrayal of Jake's off-key singing, his loud, teasing family and patient handling of beaten-down Max by taking him to his self-defense classes were such a juxtaposition. The former made him come across as a goofy, happy-go-lucky type of guy. While the latter showed us his true character, the passionate, loving side of him, who will do anything to protect those he loves.
Then on the other side of the coin, we have Max. His soft, vulnerable interior hid an inner core of steel and perseverance. The way he stood tall and strong against all the blows life dealt him was a lesson in life to be learned by all. We all have experienced bullying or hate acts committed by people we knew at one time or another. There was a time when such incidents would throw me down into a funk for a week long. But luckily, I had some great friends who dragged me out of it and would go off charging to avenge my honour!
The romance development was a scrumptious dessert. I enjoyed every slow and steady step they crossed in their friendship to come closer together and be boyfriends. The supporting cast (comprising of Jake's family, the utterly adorable Eric and Rob, and the fiercely supporting Elaine) was the best that they could have had.
There were very few typos (missing prepositions, nothing else), but otherwise, the story was really well-written. The way the author wove her words and evoked my emotions and concern for both Jake and Max is the very thing I look for in my romances. The way Jake wooed Max is surely the way to melt all our hearts.
There are so many major plot points that I haven't commented on. But I will leave them for you guys to read and find out. ;-)
Loved it. And I am sure I will reread it in the near future.
This book was so adorably delicious. Jake's prickly exterior hiding his soft, sweet interior was like the idea of a perfect boyfriend for me. His strong core yet cuddly nature was just wonderful to read about. It was such delight to experience. His concern and caring for Max totally made me swoon. The portrayal of Jake's off-key singing, his loud, teasing family and patient handling of beaten-down Max by taking him to his self-defense classes were such a juxtaposition. The former made him come across as a goofy, happy-go-lucky type of guy. While the latter showed us his true character, the passionate, loving side of him, who will do anything to protect those he loves.
Then on the other side of the coin, we have Max. His soft, vulnerable interior hid an inner core of steel and perseverance. The way he stood tall and strong against all the blows life dealt him was a lesson in life to be learned by all. We all have experienced bullying or hate acts committed by people we knew at one time or another. There was a time when such incidents would throw me down into a funk for a week long. But luckily, I had some great friends who dragged me out of it and would go off charging to avenge my honour!
The romance development was a scrumptious dessert. I enjoyed every slow and steady step they crossed in their friendship to come closer together and be boyfriends. The supporting cast (comprising of Jake's family, the utterly adorable Eric and Rob, and the fiercely supporting Elaine) was the best that they could have had.
There were very few typos (missing prepositions, nothing else), but otherwise, the story was really well-written. The way the author wove her words and evoked my emotions and concern for both Jake and Max is the very thing I look for in my romances. The way Jake wooed Max is surely the way to melt all our hearts.
There are so many major plot points that I haven't commented on. But I will leave them for you guys to read and find out. ;-)
Loved it. And I am sure I will reread it in the near future.
December 23, 2016
A punching bag doesn't fight back.
Long ago, Max decided that it's easier to just take it. His father thought the school bullies had a right to teach him a lesson with their fists. Max is a runner, not a fighter. He hates depending on anyone else and works two jobs to afford his flat, which is really a small, dark cellar.
Max's upstairs neighbor has never noticed him, not until he finds Max bruised and bloody on his doorstep. Jake has problems of his own and does not want to get mixed up in anything, but he can't just leave the guy to die.
Both men want more out of the friendship, but neither wants to disrupt the balance. Jake is bi but doesn't advertise it, and Max is ashamed of being gay; he even has a girlfriend because he craves the companionship (thankfully, she's a keep-your-hands-off-me kind of girl). The girlfriend leaves, but Jake stays.
Block and Strike is a true hurt/comfort book. Max needs to heal physically and emotionally. Jake seems so strong and solid on the outside, but he's been in prison and knows what it's like to be broken.
We don't find out why Jake was in prison for a while. I had such mixed feelings about his sentencing. On the one hand, what he did was brutal; on the other, his actions weren't entirely unfounded and his ex (the mother of his 9-year-old daughter) really betrayed him. Jake's heart was always in the right place. I really loved his character.
The steam level is on the lower end, but the two included scenes are quite sexy. The slow burn was appropriate here; rushing the sex would have forced a relationship that had to develop organically to be believable.
Max certainly doesn't trust easily. But Jake bribes him with food and fast car, and Max can't help but fall in love.
The dual POV worked really well. The men don't communicate as well as they could. Jake doesn't want to spook Max, and Max is used to holding his feelings close. A misunderstanding ensues, and, as is his modus operandi, Max runs and hides. Being in his head helped me understand his reactions.
Two things bothered me: The men who hurt Max get away with it. No one files a complaint. Nothing is done about it. I value justice above mercy, so this made me furious.
While I loved the scenes at the dojo (Jake is a black belt and brings Max to class so he can gain the confidence to defend himself), I found the casual homophobia dolled out by one of the students to be really unnecessary. There was enough external angst without throwing that into the mix.
Thankfully, Jake's family, especially his sister Willa, is all kinds of awesome, so Jake, and eventually Max, have a lot of support. Even so, I wanted a stronger ending. Max makes a lot of progress (I loved that last fireworks scene!), and he and Jake really fit, but an epilogue would have been much appreciated.
Long ago, Max decided that it's easier to just take it. His father thought the school bullies had a right to teach him a lesson with their fists. Max is a runner, not a fighter. He hates depending on anyone else and works two jobs to afford his flat, which is really a small, dark cellar.
Max's upstairs neighbor has never noticed him, not until he finds Max bruised and bloody on his doorstep. Jake has problems of his own and does not want to get mixed up in anything, but he can't just leave the guy to die.
Both men want more out of the friendship, but neither wants to disrupt the balance. Jake is bi but doesn't advertise it, and Max is ashamed of being gay; he even has a girlfriend because he craves the companionship (thankfully, she's a keep-your-hands-off-me kind of girl). The girlfriend leaves, but Jake stays.
Block and Strike is a true hurt/comfort book. Max needs to heal physically and emotionally. Jake seems so strong and solid on the outside, but he's been in prison and knows what it's like to be broken.
We don't find out why Jake was in prison for a while. I had such mixed feelings about his sentencing. On the one hand, what he did was brutal; on the other, his actions weren't entirely unfounded and his ex (the mother of his 9-year-old daughter) really betrayed him. Jake's heart was always in the right place. I really loved his character.
The steam level is on the lower end, but the two included scenes are quite sexy. The slow burn was appropriate here; rushing the sex would have forced a relationship that had to develop organically to be believable.
Max certainly doesn't trust easily. But Jake bribes him with food and fast car, and Max can't help but fall in love.
The dual POV worked really well. The men don't communicate as well as they could. Jake doesn't want to spook Max, and Max is used to holding his feelings close. A misunderstanding ensues, and, as is his modus operandi, Max runs and hides. Being in his head helped me understand his reactions.
Two things bothered me: The men who hurt Max get away with it. No one files a complaint. Nothing is done about it. I value justice above mercy, so this made me furious.
While I loved the scenes at the dojo (Jake is a black belt and brings Max to class so he can gain the confidence to defend himself), I found the casual homophobia dolled out by one of the students to be really unnecessary. There was enough external angst without throwing that into the mix.
Thankfully, Jake's family, especially his sister Willa, is all kinds of awesome, so Jake, and eventually Max, have a lot of support. Even so, I wanted a stronger ending. Max makes a lot of progress (I loved that last fireworks scene!), and he and Jake really fit, but an epilogue would have been much appreciated.
February 7, 2017
2.5 stars
This book made me angry. Why on earth would the abuser be forgiven and the person coming to the rescue be punished, and considered a person with anger management issues???
Jake arrives at his apartment when he sees a young man lying bleeding on his doorstep. It turn out to be his downstairs neighbor, Max. He takes Max to the hospital, even though Max doesn’t want to go.
After Max is released the two strike up a friendship and Jake takes Max to his self-defense class to help him.
Jake knows he wants Max, but isn’t sure how Max feels. Of course Jake is not really in a position to start a relationship, with him just being released from prison for beating up someone. But he can’t deny his feeling for Max any longer..
Max was such a hot mess, it was a bit tiring at times. Whenever something got a little rough, he closed off or ran away. But I was glad Jake didn’t give up and I liked it when the two finally got together.
And I kind of liked the story up until the point where I got tired of everyone blaming Jake for being a bad guy and putting the man in the hospital who was abusing his ex-wife. If I read one more sentence about Jake having anger management issues I was going to scream.
Defending your ex-wife and your daughter who lived with them, IS NOT A BAD THING, people!
He even did his time, went to prison for a year. And in the entire book it’s mentioned that Jake made a mistake. Well, I do not consider this a mistake at all. And anger management issues my ass. Everyone was constantly treating him like he was a bomb about to go off, while he wasn’t anything like that at all. Even his best friend treated him like that.
Oh, and I’m supposed to believe that the boyfriend of the ex-wife, Dominick, is now all good, and lives happily ever after with the ex-wife, the daughter, and a new baby, hoorah.
And Dominick’s buddies were the ones that beat Max so severely he almost died. Yeah, good man, that Dominick. Even though Dominick denied having anything to do with it. Didn’t buy that at all.
If the writer wanted Jake to be an angry guy, she should have written him a little angrier, I just read him as a kind and considerate guy. So the whole plot of blaming him for beating up the other guy…. that just felt like an overdramatized plot line that didn’t make sense.
Can't really recommend this.
This book made me angry. Why on earth would the abuser be forgiven and the person coming to the rescue be punished, and considered a person with anger management issues???
Jake arrives at his apartment when he sees a young man lying bleeding on his doorstep. It turn out to be his downstairs neighbor, Max. He takes Max to the hospital, even though Max doesn’t want to go.
After Max is released the two strike up a friendship and Jake takes Max to his self-defense class to help him.
Jake knows he wants Max, but isn’t sure how Max feels. Of course Jake is not really in a position to start a relationship, with him just being released from prison for beating up someone. But he can’t deny his feeling for Max any longer..
Max was such a hot mess, it was a bit tiring at times. Whenever something got a little rough, he closed off or ran away. But I was glad Jake didn’t give up and I liked it when the two finally got together.
And I kind of liked the story up until the point where I got tired of everyone blaming Jake for being a bad guy and putting the man in the hospital who was abusing his ex-wife. If I read one more sentence about Jake having anger management issues I was going to scream.
Defending your ex-wife and your daughter who lived with them, IS NOT A BAD THING, people!
He even did his time, went to prison for a year. And in the entire book it’s mentioned that Jake made a mistake. Well, I do not consider this a mistake at all. And anger management issues my ass. Everyone was constantly treating him like he was a bomb about to go off, while he wasn’t anything like that at all. Even his best friend treated him like that.
Oh, and I’m supposed to believe that the boyfriend of the ex-wife, Dominick, is now all good, and lives happily ever after with the ex-wife, the daughter, and a new baby, hoorah.
And Dominick’s buddies were the ones that beat Max so severely he almost died. Yeah, good man, that Dominick. Even though Dominick denied having anything to do with it. Didn’t buy that at all.
If the writer wanted Jake to be an angry guy, she should have written him a little angrier, I just read him as a kind and considerate guy. So the whole plot of blaming him for beating up the other guy…. that just felt like an overdramatized plot line that didn’t make sense.
Can't really recommend this.
December 19, 2016
Block and Strike is a story about new beginnings and second chances. And family.
Jake Kendricks knows what it's like to make mistakes. He's made more than his share; the most recent one landing him in prison for a year. And he is remorseful and he is trying to do everything he can to get his life back. And some days, it really is a struggle. Being on parole, he especially has to stay out of trouble and under the radar. So when he comes home and finds a man passed out on his door step, his first thought isn't to help him. Until he saw the man was hurt, then helping was all he thought about.
Max Wilson is fairly used to being beaten up. He's not a big guy and he's always been different, and for people who feel that being different is akin to being scum, he's always been a target. Even his father belittled him and thought Max deserved getting beat up because Max wasn't the image of masculinity that his father approved of. So Max came to Philadelphia to get a new start in a place he hoped he could be himself. Except he isn't really comfortable in his own skin, so being himself is tougher than it sounds. Max doesn't have much, but he's ok with that. He works hard and what he has is his and that is good enough.
Jake looks after Max, after the attack, and takes him to his dojo, so he can learn self-defense and they build a tentative friendship. Max is skittish, though, so Jake has to navigate things carefully, especially at first. Jake would bring Max food -- and pie, as an excuse to see Max and make sure he was ok. As it turns out, the way to a man's heart really is through his stomach.
Jake and Max are exactly what each other needs. Max needs someone who can show him how to fight back and how to stand tall. Jake needs someone who doesn't see him as the fuckup he sees in himself. Someone to stand with him.
Jake's family was great, too. The Kendricks clan is tight knit and they do take care of their own. And once they consider you to be family, then they take care of you, too. Max never had a family like that, so it took some getting used to.
One thing that I would have love to have seen, though, would have been for
I also thought that his ex, Kate, was massively unfair to Jake when it came to their daughter. Yeah, Jake messed up and he regrets it. But Kate could have done things a bit differently, as well. Not even letting him see his daughter was pretty low and I didn't think he deserved that.
I loved Block and Strike. I loved the friends to lovers, slow burn of a romance. I loved watching these two men find their way together. I loved watching them both find their confidence again. The sexytimes weren't many, but they were so damn sweet, I could have cried. And the ending was a strong HFN, which was very appropriate for the story. Max isn't quite ready to start picking out wedding china yet (don't worry, though, Jake is working on him and I feel sure they will get there soon enough).
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ARC of Block and Strike was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Jake Kendricks knows what it's like to make mistakes. He's made more than his share; the most recent one landing him in prison for a year. And he is remorseful and he is trying to do everything he can to get his life back. And some days, it really is a struggle. Being on parole, he especially has to stay out of trouble and under the radar. So when he comes home and finds a man passed out on his door step, his first thought isn't to help him. Until he saw the man was hurt, then helping was all he thought about.
Max Wilson is fairly used to being beaten up. He's not a big guy and he's always been different, and for people who feel that being different is akin to being scum, he's always been a target. Even his father belittled him and thought Max deserved getting beat up because Max wasn't the image of masculinity that his father approved of. So Max came to Philadelphia to get a new start in a place he hoped he could be himself. Except he isn't really comfortable in his own skin, so being himself is tougher than it sounds. Max doesn't have much, but he's ok with that. He works hard and what he has is his and that is good enough.
Jake looks after Max, after the attack, and takes him to his dojo, so he can learn self-defense and they build a tentative friendship. Max is skittish, though, so Jake has to navigate things carefully, especially at first. Jake would bring Max food -- and pie, as an excuse to see Max and make sure he was ok. As it turns out, the way to a man's heart really is through his stomach.
Jake and Max are exactly what each other needs. Max needs someone who can show him how to fight back and how to stand tall. Jake needs someone who doesn't see him as the fuckup he sees in himself. Someone to stand with him.
Jake's family was great, too. The Kendricks clan is tight knit and they do take care of their own. And once they consider you to be family, then they take care of you, too. Max never had a family like that, so it took some getting used to.
One thing that I would have love to have seen, though, would have been for
I also thought that his ex, Kate, was massively unfair to Jake when it came to their daughter. Yeah, Jake messed up and he regrets it. But Kate could have done things a bit differently, as well. Not even letting him see his daughter was pretty low and I didn't think he deserved that.
I loved Block and Strike. I loved the friends to lovers, slow burn of a romance. I loved watching these two men find their way together. I loved watching them both find their confidence again. The sexytimes weren't many, but they were so damn sweet, I could have cried. And the ending was a strong HFN, which was very appropriate for the story. Max isn't quite ready to start picking out wedding china yet (don't worry, though, Jake is working on him and I feel sure they will get there soon enough).
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ARC of Block and Strike was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2016
*4.25 stars*
Block and Strike isn't a light and fluffy story, but it's real and insightful. I think it's my favorite Kelly Jensen to date.
Above all else, I feel that this story is about self-acceptance, and the long and painful journey to get there. To fight that demon that keeps messing things up for you.
For Jake, that demon is his anger. It gets the best of him whenever he is wronged, and he paid for it the hard way. For Max, it's his inability to defend and stand up for himself. He is resigned to that fate, and prefers to just sit and take the blows instead of fighting back.
But there are also so many qualities in these characters. I loved Jake's protectiveness, not only towards his loved ones, but for everyone who is weaker than him. And Max has such a gentle nature, I just wanted to give him a big hug.
There is a LOT of slow burn here. The characters get to be friends first, and spend some quality time together before things heat up. The steam is sparse, but the couple on page sex scenes are very sweet, intense and integral to the plot.
Block and Strike is mostly a character driven story. But there are a couple of plot points that took things to a different direction than what I was expecting. I loved the secondary characters; not too evil or too amazing. Just real people who care, but make mistakes in showing it. Kate and Dominic, though...I'm not sure they are redeemed here. I don't think so. Someone had to pay, and I didn't see it happenning.
What I liked the most, though, was the writing. I really connected with it. The ending was so very beautiful and fitting.
Kudos for the amazing cover too! Recommended!
~Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.~
Block and Strike isn't a light and fluffy story, but it's real and insightful. I think it's my favorite Kelly Jensen to date.
Above all else, I feel that this story is about self-acceptance, and the long and painful journey to get there. To fight that demon that keeps messing things up for you.
For Jake, that demon is his anger. It gets the best of him whenever he is wronged, and he paid for it the hard way. For Max, it's his inability to defend and stand up for himself. He is resigned to that fate, and prefers to just sit and take the blows instead of fighting back.
But there are also so many qualities in these characters. I loved Jake's protectiveness, not only towards his loved ones, but for everyone who is weaker than him. And Max has such a gentle nature, I just wanted to give him a big hug.
There is a LOT of slow burn here. The characters get to be friends first, and spend some quality time together before things heat up. The steam is sparse, but the couple on page sex scenes are very sweet, intense and integral to the plot.
Block and Strike is mostly a character driven story. But there are a couple of plot points that took things to a different direction than what I was expecting. I loved the secondary characters; not too evil or too amazing. Just real people who care, but make mistakes in showing it. Kate and Dominic, though...I'm not sure they are redeemed here. I don't think so. Someone had to pay, and I didn't see it happenning.
What I liked the most, though, was the writing. I really connected with it. The ending was so very beautiful and fitting.
Kudos for the amazing cover too! Recommended!
~Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.~
February 7, 2017
I’m a big fan of Kelly Jensen and Jenn Burke’s sci-fi Chaos Station series, so I was excited to read a contemporary MM book from Jensen. ‘Block and Strike’ delivers a solid slow-burn hurt/comfort contemporary gay romance.
Jake’s story is revealed slowly. The circumstances of his imprisonment and family life aren’t very clear at first, so I just had to trust that he didn’t do something that I would find completely unforgivable.
Jake was in no way the stereotypical angry-at-the-world character that I often find in MM books dealing with prison, but was instead well-rounded and multi-dimensional. He won me over with his underlying need to protect and care for his loved ones. Underneath the hard exterior was a big old softie.
Max was in so many ways the complete opposite of Jake. He needed someone on his team, someone who would put him first. He struggles with his sexuality and self-esteem. I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket. But whatever his setbacks might have been, he was in no way a doormat. He had an inner strength that just needed some flaming.
I think what I liked most about this book is how imperfect the MCs were. They made mistakes, which made them realistic and ordinary. I had no trouble connecting to either Max or Jake.
The romance is very gradual and felt entirely authentic. Jake and Max become friends before becoming anything more. They connect through shared self-defence classes and quiet dinners. The emotional and physical chemistry is certainly there in the background, but the MCs take it slow.
I thought the pacing worked well. It made the romance believable. I got to really see Jake and Max fall in love. They had had their stumbling blocks, but I had no worries that they would make things work. It wasn’t easy, but Max and Jake build each other up and defy the odds.
However, I wasn’t a fan of the family drama, with Kate, Jake’s ex, and Dominic. I get that it isn’t always the case, but “once an abuser, always an abuser” is hard to ignore. Particularly because I wasn’t convinced that Dominic had really changed. It just seemed like the classic abuse cycle, with the victim unable to leave and the abuser making empty promises.
Also, I didn’t like that the men who hurt Max got away with it. Everything was just swept under the rug, which left a bitter taste.
Overall though, I enjoyed ‘Block and Strike’. I could have done without the family drama, but the slow burn romance was the mix of sweet yet angsty that I look for. It was an often painful journey, but Jake and Max get their brilliant happy ever after.
Jake’s story is revealed slowly. The circumstances of his imprisonment and family life aren’t very clear at first, so I just had to trust that he didn’t do something that I would find completely unforgivable.
Jake was in no way the stereotypical angry-at-the-world character that I often find in MM books dealing with prison, but was instead well-rounded and multi-dimensional. He won me over with his underlying need to protect and care for his loved ones. Underneath the hard exterior was a big old softie.
Max was in so many ways the complete opposite of Jake. He needed someone on his team, someone who would put him first. He struggles with his sexuality and self-esteem. I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket. But whatever his setbacks might have been, he was in no way a doormat. He had an inner strength that just needed some flaming.
I think what I liked most about this book is how imperfect the MCs were. They made mistakes, which made them realistic and ordinary. I had no trouble connecting to either Max or Jake.
The romance is very gradual and felt entirely authentic. Jake and Max become friends before becoming anything more. They connect through shared self-defence classes and quiet dinners. The emotional and physical chemistry is certainly there in the background, but the MCs take it slow.
I thought the pacing worked well. It made the romance believable. I got to really see Jake and Max fall in love. They had had their stumbling blocks, but I had no worries that they would make things work. It wasn’t easy, but Max and Jake build each other up and defy the odds.
However, I wasn’t a fan of the family drama, with Kate, Jake’s ex, and Dominic. I get that it isn’t always the case, but “once an abuser, always an abuser” is hard to ignore. Particularly because I wasn’t convinced that Dominic had really changed. It just seemed like the classic abuse cycle, with the victim unable to leave and the abuser making empty promises.
Also, I didn’t like that the men who hurt Max got away with it. Everything was just swept under the rug, which left a bitter taste.
Overall though, I enjoyed ‘Block and Strike’. I could have done without the family drama, but the slow burn romance was the mix of sweet yet angsty that I look for. It was an often painful journey, but Jake and Max get their brilliant happy ever after.
August 31, 2019
A lot of melodrama without a lot of payoff.
Want to read
June 4, 2019Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 6/4/19
January 11, 2017
This is my first novel by Kelly Jensen; I read few other stories by her but all of them were either shorts or novella length. I haven't read her sci-fi stories (yet) because sci-fi will never be a favorite genre of mine.
Well, I was really pleased with this -- it was good!
I really liked both characters! I appreciated the fact that while Jake did spend time in prison, but he wasn't the aloof/loner/full-of-baggage kind of guy. Yeah, sure, Jake had anger issue, but it was mainly directed to his ex-girlfriend's a**hole boyfriend. And let's face it, I thought it was justified. Instead Jake had good friends and good family support.
Max might be a runner (literally: he liked to run, and figuratively); he didn't start this book as someone who fought back. He was the kind who received the beatings because he thought it would finish quicker. Max preferred to run from his problem, or when things start to make him feel. Max was also in the closet, dealing with the guilt (and verbal abuse from his father in the past) of having feeling for men.
So the relationship here was a SLOW burn ... and it fit with their characters so well. Especially since Max was shy and skittish, and Jake had the ex-con stamp on him, which he couldn't share right off the bat to Max. I LOVED romance that focuses on that progress ... and I thought their first kiss was very, VERY lovely.
I enjoyed the part with Max learning at self-defense class as well. It was clear that this helped Max in building up his confidence, opened up his shells.
Both Jake and Max went through personal journey in this story ... for me that is the kind of REWARDING romance that I enjoy the most.
I do have a nitpick thing to share (which you can also see from my status). It was glaring at me when I read it. While it only happened once, and probably not important in the grand scheme of thing, but it's a cultural standpoint. I feel the need to mention it.
Since Alyssa is Jake's Sensei at the dojo, she mustn't call him "Sempai" (or Senpai (先輩), the correct Japanese term), even if she wants to acknowledge Jake as the senior student. Senpai is a honorific term, and used by the juniors (or kōhai (後輩)). A Sensei will not call her/his senior students with Senpai. It's just wrong. Even if the Senpai is older (in age) than she/he is.
I also wasn't happy that Max's attackers didn't really get punishment for what they did. Seriously, they could kill Max!! Oh, and I personally still had reservations on Jake's ex-girlfriend (and the mother of his child) and her boyfriend. Maybe I am not THAT forgiving kind of person...
Well, I was really pleased with this -- it was good!
I really liked both characters! I appreciated the fact that while Jake did spend time in prison, but he wasn't the aloof/loner/full-of-baggage kind of guy. Yeah, sure, Jake had anger issue, but it was mainly directed to his ex-girlfriend's a**hole boyfriend. And let's face it, I thought it was justified. Instead Jake had good friends and good family support.
Max might be a runner (literally: he liked to run, and figuratively); he didn't start this book as someone who fought back. He was the kind who received the beatings because he thought it would finish quicker. Max preferred to run from his problem, or when things start to make him feel. Max was also in the closet, dealing with the guilt (and verbal abuse from his father in the past) of having feeling for men.
So the relationship here was a SLOW burn ... and it fit with their characters so well. Especially since Max was shy and skittish, and Jake had the ex-con stamp on him, which he couldn't share right off the bat to Max. I LOVED romance that focuses on that progress ... and I thought their first kiss was very, VERY lovely.
I enjoyed the part with Max learning at self-defense class as well. It was clear that this helped Max in building up his confidence, opened up his shells.
Both Jake and Max went through personal journey in this story ... for me that is the kind of REWARDING romance that I enjoy the most.
I do have a nitpick thing to share (which you can also see from my status). It was glaring at me when I read it. While it only happened once, and probably not important in the grand scheme of thing, but it's a cultural standpoint. I feel the need to mention it.
Since Alyssa is Jake's Sensei at the dojo, she mustn't call him "Sempai" (or Senpai (先輩), the correct Japanese term), even if she wants to acknowledge Jake as the senior student. Senpai is a honorific term, and used by the juniors (or kōhai (後輩)). A Sensei will not call her/his senior students with Senpai. It's just wrong. Even if the Senpai is older (in age) than she/he is.
I also wasn't happy that Max's attackers didn't really get punishment for what they did. Seriously, they could kill Max!! Oh, and I personally still had reservations on Jake's ex-girlfriend (and the mother of his child) and her boyfriend. Maybe I am not THAT forgiving kind of person...
February 7, 2017
Talk about a slow burner! Goodness, my add wasn't going to allow me to participate any longer if things didn't happen at the correct time. It's my third book by Kelly Jensen, and I really love how relatable and realistic her stories make me feel. This book was no different. Jake & Max are two individuals who needed a Win in life. They both have struggled with various issues that has happened to them.
I really adored Jake's character. I loved how he wanted to protective Max, teach Max, and love Max in a way that he hasn't been yet. Jake struggles seems minuscule compared to everything Max goes through in this story, but Jake has a way to go. He has to deal with his actions that lead him to prison. In the blink of an eye his life change, and the person who suffered the most was Caroline his daughter. I think Max is good for Jake because being with him teaches Jake patience, and makes Jake want to keep his temper in check.
Max, oh max. Goodness, he pulled at my heart strings continuously. I am so surprised that I didn't cry. I didn't shed not one tear, but I really empathized with his character. Max didn't have any hope for his future. He seems so despondent about life, and yeah life has completed effed him over. No parents to love him, no family to cherish him, and he's only 22 but seems so much older. I am uber grateful for Jake. Yeah, Jake's issues is what caused Max pain unbeknownst to both guys, but it also allowed Max to see what real love is. Jake's love, teaches, friendship and family allowed Max to open up and be confident. It allowed Max a glimpse of a future that is obtainable if he wanted it.
This redemption story on both parts was equally good. It's a slow burner for sure. The romance is in the background and while it plays a major role, I'd like to think both guys have healing and growing to do separately and together was more important. I will tell you from the books I've read by Jensen, that I've come to really appreciate her take on the realistic fiction trope in Gay Romance. I love how relatable and normal they are. These are everyday people in her stories, they could be your spouses, brothers, fathers, uncles, and cousins. This is a definite recommend for me. I really liked it!
I really adored Jake's character. I loved how he wanted to protective Max, teach Max, and love Max in a way that he hasn't been yet. Jake struggles seems minuscule compared to everything Max goes through in this story, but Jake has a way to go. He has to deal with his actions that lead him to prison. In the blink of an eye his life change, and the person who suffered the most was Caroline his daughter. I think Max is good for Jake because being with him teaches Jake patience, and makes Jake want to keep his temper in check.
Max, oh max. Goodness, he pulled at my heart strings continuously. I am so surprised that I didn't cry. I didn't shed not one tear, but I really empathized with his character. Max didn't have any hope for his future. He seems so despondent about life, and yeah life has completed effed him over. No parents to love him, no family to cherish him, and he's only 22 but seems so much older. I am uber grateful for Jake. Yeah, Jake's issues is what caused Max pain unbeknownst to both guys, but it also allowed Max to see what real love is. Jake's love, teaches, friendship and family allowed Max to open up and be confident. It allowed Max a glimpse of a future that is obtainable if he wanted it.
This redemption story on both parts was equally good. It's a slow burner for sure. The romance is in the background and while it plays a major role, I'd like to think both guys have healing and growing to do separately and together was more important. I will tell you from the books I've read by Jensen, that I've come to really appreciate her take on the realistic fiction trope in Gay Romance. I love how relatable and normal they are. These are everyday people in her stories, they could be your spouses, brothers, fathers, uncles, and cousins. This is a definite recommend for me. I really liked it!
January 23, 2017
When I read a blurb where both men in a potential relationship have baggage, hang-ups, and issues they face with other people, as Jacob and Max do in ‘Block and Strike”, I know I’m in for a bumpy ride. With Jacob (Jake) it’s about trying to get back his life after spending a year in prison – and visitation rights with his daughter are at the top of his list. For Max it’s about standing up for himself, dealing with the lack of self-esteem his father drilled into him, and deciding whether he has the courage to open his heart to love. Both men need support but they also have to learn to stand on their own before becoming a couple and learning the delicate art of helping a partner without suffocating them or squashing their drive to be their own person. And what a struggle it turns out to be for both of them – separately and together.
Jake is an impulsive guy, he has a temper and that’s what got him into trouble, followed by a prison sentence. He just got out, so finding a beaten-up man on his doorstep is a bad idea – what with his background and temperament. And the one thing he knows with certainty is that he can never go back to prison. He has to get his life in order, keep a clean record, and make sure his parole officer supports his case of seeing his daughter again as soon as possible. But despite all this, Jake can’t leave a half-dead man lying in the alley, so he decides to help. It just shows what a big heart he has, and turns out to be just the beginning of a turbulent, but ultimately rewarding, relationship.
Max is shy and passive, because he has learned that hiding is better than sticking out your head and risking a beating. He has been bullied for years, has had no support from his homophobic father, and is pretty much resigned the fact that he’ll get beaten up on a regular basis for the rest of his life. My heart went out to him, but most of all, I wanted him to accept that he is worth just as much as the next guy and that nobody has the right to humiliate and demean him – especially not his own father!
Jacob and Max are an unusual combination. Jake has more than enough self-confidence but needs to be careful about “toeing the line” for the officials. He is a good teacher and it’s his conviction that enables Max to learn a few self-defense techniques and to begin believing in himself. Max, on the other hand, has a calming effect on Jake and supports him through more than one “crisis of the temperament". They are also very cute together, and I found their journey of exploring their feelings very touching.
If you like stories about men with issues, if you want to watch two guys battle their internal and external demons – and win, and if you’re looking for an emotional read that is moving without being sappy, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s the characters who did it for me, but their story with all its ups and downs was a close second.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Jake is an impulsive guy, he has a temper and that’s what got him into trouble, followed by a prison sentence. He just got out, so finding a beaten-up man on his doorstep is a bad idea – what with his background and temperament. And the one thing he knows with certainty is that he can never go back to prison. He has to get his life in order, keep a clean record, and make sure his parole officer supports his case of seeing his daughter again as soon as possible. But despite all this, Jake can’t leave a half-dead man lying in the alley, so he decides to help. It just shows what a big heart he has, and turns out to be just the beginning of a turbulent, but ultimately rewarding, relationship.
Max is shy and passive, because he has learned that hiding is better than sticking out your head and risking a beating. He has been bullied for years, has had no support from his homophobic father, and is pretty much resigned the fact that he’ll get beaten up on a regular basis for the rest of his life. My heart went out to him, but most of all, I wanted him to accept that he is worth just as much as the next guy and that nobody has the right to humiliate and demean him – especially not his own father!
Jacob and Max are an unusual combination. Jake has more than enough self-confidence but needs to be careful about “toeing the line” for the officials. He is a good teacher and it’s his conviction that enables Max to learn a few self-defense techniques and to begin believing in himself. Max, on the other hand, has a calming effect on Jake and supports him through more than one “crisis of the temperament". They are also very cute together, and I found their journey of exploring their feelings very touching.
If you like stories about men with issues, if you want to watch two guys battle their internal and external demons – and win, and if you’re looking for an emotional read that is moving without being sappy, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s the characters who did it for me, but their story with all its ups and downs was a close second.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
January 17, 2017
Enjoyed this story however it was different to what I expected. This was a journey back from trauma that never seemed to end for Max, beaten, humiliated and stripped back to a shell this poor young man tried to move like a shadow through his world. Jacob finds Max on his doorstep and makes a decision that would change the direction of his life. Jacob was angry at the world and struggling to rebalance. This was the journey of Jacob & Max forming a friendship and then slowly into a relationship. This was a very slow build, if you're looking for grit or hot scenes this is not the book for you - this is more about easing hurts and slowly providing comfort.
February 2, 2017
Based on the blurb, I knew not to expect a fluffy romance, and this wasn't one for sure.
Jake is an ex-con, living in a small apartment. He's bi, though he doesn't advertise that, he has a daughter he doesn't get to see, for reasons you find out in the course of the book, and works hard to get his life back on track. He's a member of a dojo, he goes to work, and he pretty much stays to himself.
One night, on his way home, Jake nearly stumbles over what seems to be a body on his doorstep. Grumbling, he checks and is shocked to find his downstairs neighbor Max, beaten to a bloody pulp.
Max is used to being a punching bag. He's small in stature, skittish and wary of others, and his father basically raised him to expect others to beat the crap out of him for no particular reason. He knows better than to fight back, and prefers to run instead whenever possible. He works two jobs to afford the tiny cellar apartment below Jake's, and, though gay, has a pretend girlfriend because he craves companionship.
This book is mostly about learning to accept yourself as who you are, and to know your demons. In Jake's case, he has to work on his temper, which is quick to come to the surface when he or someone he loves is being wronged. For Max, he has to learn that standing up for himself is an option.
Both men learn to overcome their respective demons in this book. It's not easy, not for either of them. Learning self-defense moves in Jake's dojo helps Max to feel stronger, and Max's outward calm and gentle nature in turn keeps Jake from exploding.
The story doesn't have a lot of action, and is mostly focused on its characters. Jake and Max are friends first, something that develops slowly while Max recovers from the attack and Jake plies him with food as much as possible, as Max has trust issues and Jake's quick anger doesn't help. Their romance is by design slow burn, and the two steamy scenes we get in this book are not only utterly gorgeous, but also pivotal scenes to further the plot.
What niggled at me were two major things:
- Kate and Dominic. While I understood the history, I didn't think that either Kate or Dominic redeemed themselves by the ending. Kate especially was a major catalyst for Jake's anger, and I hated that the domestic abuse angle was downplayed here by her excuses for Dominic, and his apparent change because she was pregnant. She handled that situation badly, and her treatment of Jake was rather unfair. Dominic too had a lot of explaining to do, and I didn't believe his promises. He's the reason Jake lost his temper, and he didn't appear to take that responsibility.
- the goons coming after Max. Nothing is done about them, even after it's established who they are, and there's no closure to that plot point. While I believe the reason why, I didn't like that they weren't brought to justice.
There are additional secondary characters, who all play a part in this story, and who were fully realized and realistic. None of them are perfect, and mistakes are made. Jake's family in particular stood out for me, as they are truly close-knit and quickly enfolded Max into their midst and treated him like a full-fledged family member, even if Max struggled a bit with that.
The book is written from a dual POV, which really allowed me to get a full picture of the two MCs. They felt real to me, and while I wanted to wrap Max in a huge hug most of the time, I like Jake a lot too. He knows he's done wrong, and he takes his punishment seriously.
There's obviously a lot of angst in this book, and I cried a couple of times, mostly for Max, who's been hurt for most of his life, but who still finds the will to go on and move forward, but also for Jake who tries so hard to do the right thing, even when he's not exactly sure what the right thing is on occasion.
The two men have to fight their demons for their happy ending, but fight they do. And win.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Jake is an ex-con, living in a small apartment. He's bi, though he doesn't advertise that, he has a daughter he doesn't get to see, for reasons you find out in the course of the book, and works hard to get his life back on track. He's a member of a dojo, he goes to work, and he pretty much stays to himself.
One night, on his way home, Jake nearly stumbles over what seems to be a body on his doorstep. Grumbling, he checks and is shocked to find his downstairs neighbor Max, beaten to a bloody pulp.
Max is used to being a punching bag. He's small in stature, skittish and wary of others, and his father basically raised him to expect others to beat the crap out of him for no particular reason. He knows better than to fight back, and prefers to run instead whenever possible. He works two jobs to afford the tiny cellar apartment below Jake's, and, though gay, has a pretend girlfriend because he craves companionship.
This book is mostly about learning to accept yourself as who you are, and to know your demons. In Jake's case, he has to work on his temper, which is quick to come to the surface when he or someone he loves is being wronged. For Max, he has to learn that standing up for himself is an option.
Both men learn to overcome their respective demons in this book. It's not easy, not for either of them. Learning self-defense moves in Jake's dojo helps Max to feel stronger, and Max's outward calm and gentle nature in turn keeps Jake from exploding.
The story doesn't have a lot of action, and is mostly focused on its characters. Jake and Max are friends first, something that develops slowly while Max recovers from the attack and Jake plies him with food as much as possible, as Max has trust issues and Jake's quick anger doesn't help. Their romance is by design slow burn, and the two steamy scenes we get in this book are not only utterly gorgeous, but also pivotal scenes to further the plot.
What niggled at me were two major things:
- Kate and Dominic. While I understood the history, I didn't think that either Kate or Dominic redeemed themselves by the ending. Kate especially was a major catalyst for Jake's anger, and I hated that the domestic abuse angle was downplayed here by her excuses for Dominic, and his apparent change because she was pregnant. She handled that situation badly, and her treatment of Jake was rather unfair. Dominic too had a lot of explaining to do, and I didn't believe his promises. He's the reason Jake lost his temper, and he didn't appear to take that responsibility.
- the goons coming after Max. Nothing is done about them, even after it's established who they are, and there's no closure to that plot point. While I believe the reason why, I didn't like that they weren't brought to justice.
There are additional secondary characters, who all play a part in this story, and who were fully realized and realistic. None of them are perfect, and mistakes are made. Jake's family in particular stood out for me, as they are truly close-knit and quickly enfolded Max into their midst and treated him like a full-fledged family member, even if Max struggled a bit with that.
The book is written from a dual POV, which really allowed me to get a full picture of the two MCs. They felt real to me, and while I wanted to wrap Max in a huge hug most of the time, I like Jake a lot too. He knows he's done wrong, and he takes his punishment seriously.
There's obviously a lot of angst in this book, and I cried a couple of times, mostly for Max, who's been hurt for most of his life, but who still finds the will to go on and move forward, but also for Jake who tries so hard to do the right thing, even when he's not exactly sure what the right thing is on occasion.
The two men have to fight their demons for their happy ending, but fight they do. And win.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
January 5, 2017
Review by The Blogger Girls.
Jacob is trying to put his life back together after doing time in prison for injuring his ex-wife’s loser boyfriend in a fight (thanks, in part, to the ex not standing up for him). Unfortunately, this has also caused a forced separation from his young daughter. He has been working very hard to stay under the radar and not do anything to get into any more trouble. But, when he finds max broken on his stoop, he takes a chance and does the right thing in trying to help the man, only to find out they are actually neighbors.
Max has been bullied most of his life, so this latest attack doesn’t seem any different to him. Lessons handed down from his father and the school bullies trained him that it was quicker and easier to just take it than to stand up and fight. He is also not comfortable with being gay, though he knows deep down that he is.
This is a slow burn, with the guys becoming reluctant friends that grow to rely on one another. When the feelings do become more, they are hesitant to upset the balance they have achieved, so it takes them a awhile to move to the next level. Add to that a few twists, turns and secrets, and things get more interesting.
I really liked these guys. They were exactly what each other needed. Jacob got a pretty bum wrap but is making strides to get back on track. Through his past experiences, he has an understanding of what Max is going through, and I loved watching them finally let each other be there for and provide exactly what was needed. It takes some creativeness on Jake’s part to win Max’s trust, but it is worth it in the end.
I enjoyed the dual POVs in this story, as it showed each side of the struggle well and helped give the characters more depth. This was a well-paced story that kept my interest, and while it had a satisfactory ending, I really would have liked to have seen how these guys made out a little further down the road. Block and Strike was my first book by Ms. Jensen, but I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her books.
February 4, 2017
4.5 Stars
This is the second Kelly Jensen book I’ve read. Here’s the interesting thing; the two were polar opposites. One was light, funny, magical. Block and Strike was emotional, raw, a bit gritty, and a lot amazing. I love the fact that the author is so versatile in her writing.
Block and Strike deals with something so many people are familiar with…bullying. Sometimes bullying is words and sometimes it’s physical. In Max’s case it’s both.
Max’s journey in life has been nothing but push down, drag out situations. A sick mom, a homophobic abusive father, bullies at school and as an adult. The man broke my heart so much. We see what the effects of prolonged harassment and abuse do to a person and I thought the author really did an outstanding job fleshing out this character and the evolution of his story.
Jake was a different story. He’s a criminal and I knew the second I read him that whatever he did, it was for a good reason. He got a raw deal but he owned his mistake and works every day to be a better person. When he saves Max he also saves himself and so we watch these two broken men grow into extraordinary people.
The secondaries in this book were terrific. Mostly Jake’s family. Their love and support for their son filled me with a kind of warmth only a mother could understand. Then to bestow the same love, affection, and support onto Max? Yeah, they win all the awards.
This is a great book. Emotional, dark at times, but it’s a gritty love story. Great read.
This is the second Kelly Jensen book I’ve read. Here’s the interesting thing; the two were polar opposites. One was light, funny, magical. Block and Strike was emotional, raw, a bit gritty, and a lot amazing. I love the fact that the author is so versatile in her writing.
Block and Strike deals with something so many people are familiar with…bullying. Sometimes bullying is words and sometimes it’s physical. In Max’s case it’s both.
Max’s journey in life has been nothing but push down, drag out situations. A sick mom, a homophobic abusive father, bullies at school and as an adult. The man broke my heart so much. We see what the effects of prolonged harassment and abuse do to a person and I thought the author really did an outstanding job fleshing out this character and the evolution of his story.
Jake was a different story. He’s a criminal and I knew the second I read him that whatever he did, it was for a good reason. He got a raw deal but he owned his mistake and works every day to be a better person. When he saves Max he also saves himself and so we watch these two broken men grow into extraordinary people.
The secondaries in this book were terrific. Mostly Jake’s family. Their love and support for their son filled me with a kind of warmth only a mother could understand. Then to bestow the same love, affection, and support onto Max? Yeah, they win all the awards.
This is a great book. Emotional, dark at times, but it’s a gritty love story. Great read.
February 9, 2017
More than angsty, overtly emotional stories, I prefer healing/comfort stories and this book delivered on that front perfectly. Both the MCs were broken and suffering in their own way either physically or psychologically. Their pairing helps them in fixing their lives for the better. Both had demons which had ruled their lives in various degrees and their tentative friendship then romance helps them to overcome those and heal in the best possible way.
Jake Kendricks’ biggest enemy is his anger. It had landed him in trouble more times than he could count and his latest outburst lands him in jail for a year. Jake struggles to get his life back together while trying to steer clear of any kinds of trouble that can again cost him his freedom. One night when he finds a man dumped on his doorstep, Jake is reluctant to get involved. But when he sees that the man has been brutally beaten and left for dead, Jake does everything to help him.
Max Wilson has been a punching bag all his life. He has learned early on that fighting back will make his assailants beat him more so he has never resisted and stood up for himself. After one such meaningless beating which leaves him with a major concussion, a black eye and broken ribs, Max finds himself being cared for by his handsome neighbour with whom he has never spoken to. Jake cares for him and initiates a friendship which Max needed very badly. Max has always relied on himself to survive so he is not comfortable with Jake’s attempts to help and friendship. But after a few days of knowing each other, Max gradually starts to trust Jake and also develops a crush on him. But Jake is straight and Max is not sure if his friendship with Jake will survive if he ever reveals his feelings. But what Max doesn’t know is that Jake wants him too.
Jake and Max both had a lot of healing to do and very large demons to fight. Max have been bullied and beaten a lot that has scared him from coming out even when he is living independent of his bigoted father. He has never learned to stand up for himself and it has left him broken and battered emotionally and physically many times. Jake, on the other hand knows how to defend himself and those he loves. His stint in jail has ripped his lovely daughter from his life and he lives with that pain everyday. He is emotionally scarred as he struggles to accept his new life with the help of his loving family.
Both the characters were very raw and real. I sympathized with Jake’s reasons behind his actions which changes his life. I hated Kate for betraying him like that but the result was also necessary to help Jake realize that his fists are not always the answer and that he has an anger issue he needs to work on. He is a solid guy with a protective streak which made me love him completely. He looks out for Max from the start even when Max is reluctant of his friendship. He helps Max gain his self-confidence without being too overbearing. I loved his patience and how he gently but firmly eases himself in Max’s trust circle.
Max is fragile but only physically. Emotionally he is a lion with a spine of steel. He has always been a victim of hatred and due to his asshole father; Max has been conditioned to never standing up for himself and hiding his true self. But he had a fiery will burning behind his frail outer shell. He stands up and faces the world again and again after he is beaten and broken. Jake helps Max in building his much needed confidence and the outcome is stellar. Max struggles but he is a changed individual with a lover, family, friends and a confident self at the end.
The romance is slow-burn which suited this story beautifully. Max does not trust easy so the slow but steady development of his friendship and then romance with Jake was very real and believable. Both wanted more than friendship but they did not want to rock the boat and ruin it all. Jake thinks Max is straight whereas Max thinks the same of Jake. This leads to some delicious, slow-burn anticipation which stokes the fires of the MC’s already heated chemistry.
The ending was perfect. Max’s confession amidst friends and family and a sky full of fireworks is movie worthy. I loved it. I loved Jake and Max’s journey to a sweet and bright future together. Jake’s family was awesome in every which way and I also loved how Jake gets his beloved daughter back in his life again. Everything slots into their right places perfectly at the end. I wanted an epilogue very badly which would have been an excellent addition (and I also wanted the bastards who hit Max to get their due which I feel was really necessary)
Overall, this book is very well-written with solid, believable characters you can connect with. It is emotional, healing with a very fitting HEA. I would definitely recommend this book!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Jake Kendricks’ biggest enemy is his anger. It had landed him in trouble more times than he could count and his latest outburst lands him in jail for a year. Jake struggles to get his life back together while trying to steer clear of any kinds of trouble that can again cost him his freedom. One night when he finds a man dumped on his doorstep, Jake is reluctant to get involved. But when he sees that the man has been brutally beaten and left for dead, Jake does everything to help him.
Max Wilson has been a punching bag all his life. He has learned early on that fighting back will make his assailants beat him more so he has never resisted and stood up for himself. After one such meaningless beating which leaves him with a major concussion, a black eye and broken ribs, Max finds himself being cared for by his handsome neighbour with whom he has never spoken to. Jake cares for him and initiates a friendship which Max needed very badly. Max has always relied on himself to survive so he is not comfortable with Jake’s attempts to help and friendship. But after a few days of knowing each other, Max gradually starts to trust Jake and also develops a crush on him. But Jake is straight and Max is not sure if his friendship with Jake will survive if he ever reveals his feelings. But what Max doesn’t know is that Jake wants him too.
Jake and Max both had a lot of healing to do and very large demons to fight. Max have been bullied and beaten a lot that has scared him from coming out even when he is living independent of his bigoted father. He has never learned to stand up for himself and it has left him broken and battered emotionally and physically many times. Jake, on the other hand knows how to defend himself and those he loves. His stint in jail has ripped his lovely daughter from his life and he lives with that pain everyday. He is emotionally scarred as he struggles to accept his new life with the help of his loving family.
Both the characters were very raw and real. I sympathized with Jake’s reasons behind his actions which changes his life. I hated Kate for betraying him like that but the result was also necessary to help Jake realize that his fists are not always the answer and that he has an anger issue he needs to work on. He is a solid guy with a protective streak which made me love him completely. He looks out for Max from the start even when Max is reluctant of his friendship. He helps Max gain his self-confidence without being too overbearing. I loved his patience and how he gently but firmly eases himself in Max’s trust circle.
Max is fragile but only physically. Emotionally he is a lion with a spine of steel. He has always been a victim of hatred and due to his asshole father; Max has been conditioned to never standing up for himself and hiding his true self. But he had a fiery will burning behind his frail outer shell. He stands up and faces the world again and again after he is beaten and broken. Jake helps Max in building his much needed confidence and the outcome is stellar. Max struggles but he is a changed individual with a lover, family, friends and a confident self at the end.
The romance is slow-burn which suited this story beautifully. Max does not trust easy so the slow but steady development of his friendship and then romance with Jake was very real and believable. Both wanted more than friendship but they did not want to rock the boat and ruin it all. Jake thinks Max is straight whereas Max thinks the same of Jake. This leads to some delicious, slow-burn anticipation which stokes the fires of the MC’s already heated chemistry.
The ending was perfect. Max’s confession amidst friends and family and a sky full of fireworks is movie worthy. I loved it. I loved Jake and Max’s journey to a sweet and bright future together. Jake’s family was awesome in every which way and I also loved how Jake gets his beloved daughter back in his life again. Everything slots into their right places perfectly at the end. I wanted an epilogue very badly which would have been an excellent addition (and I also wanted the bastards who hit Max to get their due which I feel was really necessary)
Overall, this book is very well-written with solid, believable characters you can connect with. It is emotional, healing with a very fitting HEA. I would definitely recommend this book!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
February 7, 2017
I think I have a bit of mixed feelings about this book. It was a very smooth and enjoyable reading. I got pulled into the story at once and it kept being engaging to the very end. It didn't drag and no moment in it was boring. Everything made sense - the characters, their problems, their struggles - I could see and believe in all of them.
I really liked Jake. Man, he was a dreambot. I really, really think every one would benefit from having a Jake in their lives :) And him not being perfect somehow made him even more endearing. Yes, I was angry with him at times - like
I liked secondary characters very much. Eric was perfect, and Willa was great, and the whole Jake's family was awesome. Even Kate - okay, I hated her as a person, I really think what she did was unforgivable - - so, about Kate... I disliked her as much as possible but at the same time she felt alive, a real person, an ugly one but real and believable.
The character I had a problem with was Max. I don't know. I kept having to remind myself that he is very young, that he had a difficult life... having to find justifications for him all the time because - I really didn't like him. The author kept describing how cute and beautiful he was but - for me it was not enough. He was egoistic, petulant and ungrateful. Probably a typical twenty-one-year-old but ah, those YA/NA characters don't become more attractive just because they seem to populate every second m/m book recently.
I actually don't like this kind of unbalanced relationship where one character is always giving and the other one is only taking, and I don't mean physical care. It's like between Jake and Max - Jake is the one who loves and Max is the one who grudgingly allows Jake to love him. I know it's because of Max's baggage but... I just don't like it. While Jake is always there for Max, there is practically no moment when Max is there for Jake.
So, that's it, I think. I enjoyed the book and I didn't quite enjoy the m/m romance in it. But it's probably more like my problem than the book's problem.
I really liked Jake. Man, he was a dreambot. I really, really think every one would benefit from having a Jake in their lives :) And him not being perfect somehow made him even more endearing. Yes, I was angry with him at times - like
I liked secondary characters very much. Eric was perfect, and Willa was great, and the whole Jake's family was awesome. Even Kate - okay, I hated her as a person, I really think what she did was unforgivable - - so, about Kate... I disliked her as much as possible but at the same time she felt alive, a real person, an ugly one but real and believable.
The character I had a problem with was Max. I don't know. I kept having to remind myself that he is very young, that he had a difficult life... having to find justifications for him all the time because - I really didn't like him. The author kept describing how cute and beautiful he was but - for me it was not enough. He was egoistic, petulant and ungrateful. Probably a typical twenty-one-year-old but ah, those YA/NA characters don't become more attractive just because they seem to populate every second m/m book recently.
I actually don't like this kind of unbalanced relationship where one character is always giving and the other one is only taking, and I don't mean physical care. It's like between Jake and Max - Jake is the one who loves and Max is the one who grudgingly allows Jake to love him. I know it's because of Max's baggage but... I just don't like it. While Jake is always there for Max, there is practically no moment when Max is there for Jake.
So, that's it, I think. I enjoyed the book and I didn't quite enjoy the m/m romance in it. But it's probably more like my problem than the book's problem.
December 27, 2016
This was a really well done, slow burn love story. I enjoy slow burn stories but I feel like we rarely see them. As a result I was really excited when I started reading this and realized that's where the story was going. These two meet under very bad circumstances and the author takes the time for them to build a believable friendship and then a believable love story. Both of these men have some issues that they need to work through and it's something that they do together. I loved that there was no magic solution......no them falling in love and then all their problems are solved.
I liked Jake's character a lot. He was imperfect and he made some mistakes but they were realistic ones and I sympathized with him. Max was a little harder for me to connect with but he grew on me and I enjoyed the two of them together. There are a host of side characters and I liked most of them and thought they added to the story. A bonus is that the ex girlfriend and mothers were not painted as horrible shrews as so often is done in this genre.
My only complaint was that some of the plot twists felt pretty unrealistic to me. I had to do some suspending of reality in a few places.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this. I felt it was unique and well done and is a book that I would definitely recommend.
I liked Jake's character a lot. He was imperfect and he made some mistakes but they were realistic ones and I sympathized with him. Max was a little harder for me to connect with but he grew on me and I enjoyed the two of them together. There are a host of side characters and I liked most of them and thought they added to the story. A bonus is that the ex girlfriend and mothers were not painted as horrible shrews as so often is done in this genre.
My only complaint was that some of the plot twists felt pretty unrealistic to me. I had to do some suspending of reality in a few places.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this. I felt it was unique and well done and is a book that I would definitely recommend.
October 23, 2018
***3.5 stars***
The book started off really well and was truly a four star read for me, unfortunately at the end it dropped a bit. I cannot for the life of me understand why Jake’s daughter, even with the restraining order against Jake, could not have visits her grandparents(Jake’s parents).
In addition, even though Jake’s ex-girlfriend did not press charges on Dom (boyfriend) for hitting her, why was the child not taken out of her custody? Wouldn’t that be possible child endangerment, which are grounds to get a child removed from a harmful environment? Unfortunately, the author doesn’t touch on any of this, hence my lower rating.
Regardless, I really have liked the books that I have read thus far from this author, and will definitely keep a look out for future books from her :)
The book started off really well and was truly a four star read for me, unfortunately at the end it dropped a bit. I cannot for the life of me understand why Jake’s daughter, even with the restraining order against Jake, could not have visits her grandparents(Jake’s parents).
In addition, even though Jake’s ex-girlfriend did not press charges on Dom (boyfriend) for hitting her, why was the child not taken out of her custody? Wouldn’t that be possible child endangerment, which are grounds to get a child removed from a harmful environment? Unfortunately, the author doesn’t touch on any of this, hence my lower rating.
Regardless, I really have liked the books that I have read thus far from this author, and will definitely keep a look out for future books from her :)
February 9, 2017
3.25*
January 6, 2017
I liked this story because this is a love story that the author took time to develop. This story was well written and the main characters were constructed methodically.
Jacob “Jake” Kendricks was a man who let his temper get the best of him at times, which resulted in a stint in prison. When he was released, Jake resolved to lay low and piece his life back together starting with rebuilding his relationship with his nine-year-old daughter Caroline.
Jake found his neighbor Maxwell “Max” Wilson on the steps of their apartment building, beaten to a pulp. After Jake took Max took the hospital, Jake’s kind heart made him take pity on a young bullied guy. A sweet friendship developed ensued and later blossomed into love for Jake and Max.
This story was not a fast insta-love type of romance. It was a layered story where the author took her time to build up the characters. I felt invested in both Jake and Max as individual struggling with their various issues as well as their budding romance which was wrought with trust issues. Both characters had to learn to depend on the other as well as heal their own hearts from past hurts.
I haven’t read this author before, but I enjoyed the story-telling. I empathized with all the characters and couldn’t help but root for them. My only issue was the slow pace of the story. I understand it was necessary to really focus on individual struggles of both Jake and Max, but I was hoping for the romance to get underway a lot faster. It also took a while for the author to reveal why Jake spent in prison and I got impatient. Still, at the end I was left very satisfied with the ending. Jake and Max healing each other made everything worth it.
Jacob “Jake” Kendricks was a man who let his temper get the best of him at times, which resulted in a stint in prison. When he was released, Jake resolved to lay low and piece his life back together starting with rebuilding his relationship with his nine-year-old daughter Caroline.
Jake found his neighbor Maxwell “Max” Wilson on the steps of their apartment building, beaten to a pulp. After Jake took Max took the hospital, Jake’s kind heart made him take pity on a young bullied guy. A sweet friendship developed ensued and later blossomed into love for Jake and Max.
This story was not a fast insta-love type of romance. It was a layered story where the author took her time to build up the characters. I felt invested in both Jake and Max as individual struggling with their various issues as well as their budding romance which was wrought with trust issues. Both characters had to learn to depend on the other as well as heal their own hearts from past hurts.
I haven’t read this author before, but I enjoyed the story-telling. I empathized with all the characters and couldn’t help but root for them. My only issue was the slow pace of the story. I understand it was necessary to really focus on individual struggles of both Jake and Max, but I was hoping for the romance to get underway a lot faster. It also took a while for the author to reveal why Jake spent in prison and I got impatient. Still, at the end I was left very satisfied with the ending. Jake and Max healing each other made everything worth it.
October 2, 2025
Had a really hard time finishing and rating this story. The blurb draws you in, and the previous writing style of the author creates certain expectations. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. I read fiction and romance in particular because fiction, unlike real life, can provide you with the cathartic moment that everything and everyone fall into place. So, for example, if the abusers get their comeuppance, the hero will find their salvation and HEA. Something that in this story wasn't quite delivered.
Furthermore, I found the repetitions of sentences and certain adjectives negating the characterization the author was trying to build. If I'm told over 10 times in only one chapter, how "tiny and small" the woman sensei is, it feels like the author deliberately underlines it and says: "Look! a tiny woman can do karate!". Yes, I had no problem believing it the first time it was said. And when this is repeated from both povs, then it becomes an author's choice and not a character's passing remark. The same goes for the repetitive descriptions of age, anger, and even how the building smells from the restaurant downstairs. Overall, it leaves a taste of negative portrayal by constantly remarking upon it when there is no need.
It really was a promising story with a good narrative structure, but maybe not for me😀
Furthermore, I found the repetitions of sentences and certain adjectives negating the characterization the author was trying to build. If I'm told over 10 times in only one chapter, how "tiny and small" the woman sensei is, it feels like the author deliberately underlines it and says: "Look! a tiny woman can do karate!". Yes, I had no problem believing it the first time it was said. And when this is repeated from both povs, then it becomes an author's choice and not a character's passing remark. The same goes for the repetitive descriptions of age, anger, and even how the building smells from the restaurant downstairs. Overall, it leaves a taste of negative portrayal by constantly remarking upon it when there is no need.
It really was a promising story with a good narrative structure, but maybe not for me😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2017
Jake Kendricks is not your typical hero. He’s made mistakes—some of them more devastating than others. Recently, he’s been released from prison, is back at his construction job and trying to get his life back on track. When he finds a guy on his doorstep, he thinks it’s some drunk bum sleeping it off—until his hands come back covered in blood when he tries to move him. He calls his sister, who is an ER nurse, and he takes the guy to the hospital where he discovers it’s his neighbor who he’s never really even talked to.
Max has been beaten to a pulp, and, apparently, it’s far from the first time this has happened. He’s spent his whole life, up until now, as a bit of a punching bag for whatever bullies decide to go after him. He had a couple of good years at college, but then his mother’s illness forced him to come back home, and after he left home for good the year before and moved to Philly, he’s made his own way. When Jake insists that Max stay at his apartment to be watched over after his beating and concussion, Max is definitely reluctant, but he doesn’t have the strength to argue.
Jake is mad at himself that he didn’t make sure the lightbulb got changed in the alley, which he thinks might have deterred the guys who beat up Max. He feels guilty about it and decides that he’s going to look in on Max and make sure he’s healing and taking care of himself. Max is pretty prickly about Jake’s interference, but he also kind of likes it.
When Jake suggests that Max join him at his dojo to maybe pick up some self-defense moves, Max is not at all convinced that it’s a good idea. But he doesn’t exactly have anything else to do, so he goes along. By this point, Max has pretty much acknowledged, to himself at least, his growing attraction to Jake. For his part, Jake is feeling guilty that he hasn’t been upfront with Max about his sexuality, and since he has an ex and a daughter, Max has been free to draw his own conclusions. Jake is also a bit ambivalent about how his bisexuality has been viewed and commented on by those he has been honest with in the past, so it’s not like he’s itching to come out with it.
There are some miscommunications, though, and some not super helpful “help” from some of Jake’s friends when it comes to Jake being honest with Max, and things don’t go so well. Luckily there are other factors at work, and Jake also isn’t one to necessarily give up. It’s pretty clear that Max and Jake have some stuff to work through, and they need to work on being more open and honest with their feelings as well.
While Jake and Max’s friendship is building, there are a lot of other things that are going on with Jake’s family, the self-defense classes, and some disturbing information about who may have beaten Max. Jake once again finds himself riddled with guilt over a lot of things that he may or may not have any control over. And Max has difficulty dealing with his insecurity, feeling that he’s just some sort of do-gooder project for Jake. But really, Jake’s only concern is Max and making sure he is getting what he needs. When Max has another crisis, Jake blames himself and again nearly loses himself in his anger and fear. He’s got some good friends and family who help him through it, though. Certainly, Max and Jake have to work pretty hard for their happy ending.
I really liked this story. This is the first full-length novel I’ve read by this author, after enjoying her shorter stories. I have to say I’m a sucker for fucked up underdog characters, and this story has it in spades. Both main characters have had a rough go of it and have come out the other side. Jake and Max both worked hard to make some sort of a life for themselves that they view as successful and independent. I liked that they were very different types of guys, and Max’s prickly nature and Jake’s kindness and compassion really complement each other. Jake never wanted to push Max or make him feel like he has to do anything or wasn’t in charge of his own decisions. At times it was painful to watch them try to get it together, but it’s so worth it.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
Max has been beaten to a pulp, and, apparently, it’s far from the first time this has happened. He’s spent his whole life, up until now, as a bit of a punching bag for whatever bullies decide to go after him. He had a couple of good years at college, but then his mother’s illness forced him to come back home, and after he left home for good the year before and moved to Philly, he’s made his own way. When Jake insists that Max stay at his apartment to be watched over after his beating and concussion, Max is definitely reluctant, but he doesn’t have the strength to argue.
Jake is mad at himself that he didn’t make sure the lightbulb got changed in the alley, which he thinks might have deterred the guys who beat up Max. He feels guilty about it and decides that he’s going to look in on Max and make sure he’s healing and taking care of himself. Max is pretty prickly about Jake’s interference, but he also kind of likes it.
When Jake suggests that Max join him at his dojo to maybe pick up some self-defense moves, Max is not at all convinced that it’s a good idea. But he doesn’t exactly have anything else to do, so he goes along. By this point, Max has pretty much acknowledged, to himself at least, his growing attraction to Jake. For his part, Jake is feeling guilty that he hasn’t been upfront with Max about his sexuality, and since he has an ex and a daughter, Max has been free to draw his own conclusions. Jake is also a bit ambivalent about how his bisexuality has been viewed and commented on by those he has been honest with in the past, so it’s not like he’s itching to come out with it.
There are some miscommunications, though, and some not super helpful “help” from some of Jake’s friends when it comes to Jake being honest with Max, and things don’t go so well. Luckily there are other factors at work, and Jake also isn’t one to necessarily give up. It’s pretty clear that Max and Jake have some stuff to work through, and they need to work on being more open and honest with their feelings as well.
While Jake and Max’s friendship is building, there are a lot of other things that are going on with Jake’s family, the self-defense classes, and some disturbing information about who may have beaten Max. Jake once again finds himself riddled with guilt over a lot of things that he may or may not have any control over. And Max has difficulty dealing with his insecurity, feeling that he’s just some sort of do-gooder project for Jake. But really, Jake’s only concern is Max and making sure he is getting what he needs. When Max has another crisis, Jake blames himself and again nearly loses himself in his anger and fear. He’s got some good friends and family who help him through it, though. Certainly, Max and Jake have to work pretty hard for their happy ending.
I really liked this story. This is the first full-length novel I’ve read by this author, after enjoying her shorter stories. I have to say I’m a sucker for fucked up underdog characters, and this story has it in spades. Both main characters have had a rough go of it and have come out the other side. Jake and Max both worked hard to make some sort of a life for themselves that they view as successful and independent. I liked that they were very different types of guys, and Max’s prickly nature and Jake’s kindness and compassion really complement each other. Jake never wanted to push Max or make him feel like he has to do anything or wasn’t in charge of his own decisions. At times it was painful to watch them try to get it together, but it’s so worth it.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
January 4, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
When Jake stumbles upon a passed out bum in front of his door he contemplates just leaving him there, but when he discovers he's covered in blood, Jake takes him to the hospital. Turns out the bum is actually his downstairs' neighbor, Max.
I'm struggling with how to rate this book. While I liked the premise, the execution, for me at least, fell short. It wasn't an easy read. It seemed to take forever to progress and I struggled to pay attention. It's a slow burn, which I don't mind, but these characters had way too many secrets. The readers were kept in the dark for far too long. If you're writing a mystery, that works. If you're writing a romance, well, after a while it just becomes downright annoying and makes you want to throw the book against the wall. I really don't want to sound mean, but by the time the pace finally picked up in the book, I was a bit beyond caring. I just wanted to get to the end.
For the most part, the characters were likable, and had a good chemistry, I'm just really sorry that I can't say this was an enjoyable read. Maybe it was just me, because other reviewers seemed to enjoy it, so take my review with a grain of salt.
January 8, 2017
3.5/3.75 stars rounded up.
I've read a load of books recently but it's getting difficult to keep on top of reviewing them on GR, so just a quick note on my thoughts.
This was good - something a bit different. Nice characters, really liked them together and wanted them to have their HEA. A few niggly things and I did find that it was dragging a little in places, especially towards the end, but overall I enjoyed the read.
I didn't realise until afterwards but Kelly Jensen is co-author on the sci-fi series, Chaos Station, that I'm reading at the moment too!
I've read a load of books recently but it's getting difficult to keep on top of reviewing them on GR, so just a quick note on my thoughts.
This was good - something a bit different. Nice characters, really liked them together and wanted them to have their HEA. A few niggly things and I did find that it was dragging a little in places, especially towards the end, but overall I enjoyed the read.
I didn't realise until afterwards but Kelly Jensen is co-author on the sci-fi series, Chaos Station, that I'm reading at the moment too!
November 3, 2018
Great characters, including Jake's family. Excellent hurt/comfort. When they had disagreements or problems, they each backed off for a couple days, and then got together to DISCUSS things--like adults. I would love a to read a short story or Christmas story about how they're doing a few years down the road.
December 29, 2018
3.5 Stars. I wasn’t always very sure of this story as it went along but the positive aspects were better than parts I personally didn’t like as much. The negatives: Jacob’s character was less likeable than I wanted him to be and finding him still in need of serious anger management late in the book was disappointing. The reactions from his ex and her boyfriend didn’t seem to fit well either. I couldn’t entirely make sense of how the author portrayed him against the history he was given. I liked Max more but his complete background was revealed unevenly, taking a really long time to get a complete picture. There were also scenes like Barry at the dojo, that seemed to have little point. Some fine-tuning of the pacing and length of the book would have helped, I think.
It was still written well overall and the bumps I encountered didn’t keep me from following the progress of their relationship. The storyline kept my interest with anticipation of the conflicts the MC’s would inevitably face. The ending is light and positive, although it’s more of an HFN. I’m still going to read more from this author.
It was still written well overall and the bumps I encountered didn’t keep me from following the progress of their relationship. The storyline kept my interest with anticipation of the conflicts the MC’s would inevitably face. The ending is light and positive, although it’s more of an HFN. I’m still going to read more from this author.
March 3, 2018
It was an engaging read, not so dark as I feared from the blurb. Nevertheless, during the final third I lost some of my interest.
January 6, 2017
My Review:
Heartbroken sigh...gah, talk about two guys who simply can't catch a break. This is one of those stories that just makes your heart hurt to read it...but in the very best way because it's a romance so you know something has to work out eventually.
The story begins when Jake finds an injured Max on his doorstep. He honestly considers leaving him there. Jake is on parole. He doesn't need anymore complications in his life, but his conscience won't allow that especially when he discovers Max isn't just drunk and passed out. Jake's sister is an ER nurse so he calls her and the two of them get help for Max. And then Jake finds out that the stranger is actually his downstairs neighbor who he hasn't met before. And things develop from there.
Max is prickly and in the closet. He's spent his life getting beat up for being different so he does everything he can to stay in the shadows and to keep any attention away from him. His history is heartbreaking.
Jake has anger issues that landed him in prison for a year. While he has a great family, the whole reason behind his troubles are a mystery throughout a lot of the book. I was dying to know what actually happened.
It takes a while for the two to really connect. Max is so prickly, it's hard for Jake to get close to him. But I loved Jake's relentlessness. He can sense Max's loneliness and he can't accept leaving the guy alone. Max has worked so hard for so long to hide his true self, it takes a while for him to accept Jake in his life. I liked the slow build-up between them. It worked, especially with Max's whole backstory. And Jake is just one of those characters that I couldn't help, but love. He's so patient with Max, even after the hard knocks he's had in his life. I hate what he's gone through, but he's such a strong guy...in fact, they both really are, although neither one of them sees that in themselves. In their own eyes, they're just doing what they have to do to survive.
And then the author took them down a whole step farther...talk about evil author. OMG, I wasn't sure I was going to survive reading this one. The angst and pain and heartbreak, but gah...it sure did make the book amazing to read. I do like some good angst in my romances.
Flat out...it was a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I liked it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Heartbroken sigh...gah, talk about two guys who simply can't catch a break. This is one of those stories that just makes your heart hurt to read it...but in the very best way because it's a romance so you know something has to work out eventually.
The story begins when Jake finds an injured Max on his doorstep. He honestly considers leaving him there. Jake is on parole. He doesn't need anymore complications in his life, but his conscience won't allow that especially when he discovers Max isn't just drunk and passed out. Jake's sister is an ER nurse so he calls her and the two of them get help for Max. And then Jake finds out that the stranger is actually his downstairs neighbor who he hasn't met before. And things develop from there.
Max is prickly and in the closet. He's spent his life getting beat up for being different so he does everything he can to stay in the shadows and to keep any attention away from him. His history is heartbreaking.
Jake has anger issues that landed him in prison for a year. While he has a great family, the whole reason behind his troubles are a mystery throughout a lot of the book. I was dying to know what actually happened.
It takes a while for the two to really connect. Max is so prickly, it's hard for Jake to get close to him. But I loved Jake's relentlessness. He can sense Max's loneliness and he can't accept leaving the guy alone. Max has worked so hard for so long to hide his true self, it takes a while for him to accept Jake in his life. I liked the slow build-up between them. It worked, especially with Max's whole backstory. And Jake is just one of those characters that I couldn't help, but love. He's so patient with Max, even after the hard knocks he's had in his life. I hate what he's gone through, but he's such a strong guy...in fact, they both really are, although neither one of them sees that in themselves. In their own eyes, they're just doing what they have to do to survive.
And then the author took them down a whole step farther...talk about evil author. OMG, I wasn't sure I was going to survive reading this one. The angst and pain and heartbreak, but gah...it sure did make the book amazing to read. I do like some good angst in my romances.
Flat out...it was a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I liked it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 6, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I was eager to pick up this author’s work, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity. When this book showed up, I knew it was the right time to take the chance. And I wasn’t disappointed. Jensen has a real talent and ability, painting clear pictures with her words that allowed me to fall into and get absorbed by the story. The characters were so well defined, flawed and imperfect, but oh so real. All in all, I found this book to be a really enjoyable read.
What I loved here the most were the characters. Jake has made mistakes, he knows it, and though he may have had a good reason behind some of his choices, his actions deserved consequences. I liked that he knew it, that he accepted it, and that he worked really hard to be a better person. At his core, he already was, and I liked that he acknowledged his flaws while also understanding his positives. Jensen really managed to create a character who felt real and believable, without being too over the top in any direction.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I was eager to pick up this author’s work, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity. When this book showed up, I knew it was the right time to take the chance. And I wasn’t disappointed. Jensen has a real talent and ability, painting clear pictures with her words that allowed me to fall into and get absorbed by the story. The characters were so well defined, flawed and imperfect, but oh so real. All in all, I found this book to be a really enjoyable read.
What I loved here the most were the characters. Jake has made mistakes, he knows it, and though he may have had a good reason behind some of his choices, his actions deserved consequences. I liked that he knew it, that he accepted it, and that he worked really hard to be a better person. At his core, he already was, and I liked that he acknowledged his flaws while also understanding his positives. Jensen really managed to create a character who felt real and believable, without being too over the top in any direction.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
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