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Veterans Affairs #2
Paper Hearts
You never forget your first love. No matter how hard you try.
The day of his high school graduation after getting caught making out with a boy in his parent’s kitchen, Benny Quintaña left his best friend (and unrequited crush) Mikey behind when he stormed off in a righteous teenage rage and joined the Marines.
One dishonorable discharge and a few alcohol-soaked years later, things are looking up. He’s almost a year sober. He has a new job in a new town where no one knows his history of failure. He’s totally got this.
When the smoking hot masked man he hooks up with in the bathroom of a club turns out to be his ex-best friend Mikey, Benny's world explodes. When he meets Mikey's four-year-old daughter and realizes he loves her as much as he still loves Mikey, Benny realizes he’s screwed in more ways than one.
*********
War is hell, finding love is heaven.
Books in the Veterans Affairs Series
Incoming - Troy & Dmitri novel
A Christmas Outing - Troy & Dmitri novella
Paper Hearts - Mikey & Benny novel
Paper Roses - Mikey & Benny novella
Bronze Star - Jay-Cee & Chris novel
The day of his high school graduation after getting caught making out with a boy in his parent’s kitchen, Benny Quintaña left his best friend (and unrequited crush) Mikey behind when he stormed off in a righteous teenage rage and joined the Marines.
One dishonorable discharge and a few alcohol-soaked years later, things are looking up. He’s almost a year sober. He has a new job in a new town where no one knows his history of failure. He’s totally got this.
When the smoking hot masked man he hooks up with in the bathroom of a club turns out to be his ex-best friend Mikey, Benny's world explodes. When he meets Mikey's four-year-old daughter and realizes he loves her as much as he still loves Mikey, Benny realizes he’s screwed in more ways than one.
*********
War is hell, finding love is heaven.
Books in the Veterans Affairs Series
Incoming - Troy & Dmitri novel
A Christmas Outing - Troy & Dmitri novella
Paper Hearts - Mikey & Benny novel
Paper Roses - Mikey & Benny novella
Bronze Star - Jay-Cee & Chris novel
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2017
44 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Wasp
42 books620 followersAfter time spent raising children, earning several college degrees, and traveling the world with the U.S. State Department, she is returning to her first love - writing.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 8, 2017
*** There sure is a lot going on here. ***
This is a tale of Veteran, Benny, 23,
suffering from his PTSD, and TBI, and not having a web of help. Partly this is fault for not telling his family what happened to him. He is saved by some drag queens in San Diego, and tries getting on track, with AA meetings.
Nearly a lawyer, Michael/Mikey, 26, with a four yr. old girl,
adorable and smart, Jasmine, has only his sister helping him at times.
He is not out to his family, and still feels guilt and grief over Jasmine's Mom's death. Julia had cancer when she was pregnant. He is also concerned about being a single black Dad, and the criticisms he receives. Benny and Mikey have known each other since they were kids. They meet at a masquerade party, and don't realize they know each other until their bathroom tryst is over. Things move along quickly, and the men already know each other, but not the recent pasts.
Little by little the stories come out. There are absent parents of Mikey, Benny's nice folks, who could have helped him, plus Julia's folks who want to see their granddaughter. Mikey's sister, Vanessa is in the mix, too. Benny has many great friends and they become Mikey's friends.
Lots of different personalities, an eviction, Benny's seizure, and so much more. Behind it all, we have these two men who love each other, despite all of the issues. They have great sexy times, first times, and we overlook their faults.
The epilogue is marvelous. ENJOY !
=================
A. E. Wasp desperately needs someone to do a final proof read, because the mistakes are easily found.
===============
This is a tale of Veteran, Benny, 23,
suffering from his PTSD, and TBI, and not having a web of help. Partly this is fault for not telling his family what happened to him. He is saved by some drag queens in San Diego, and tries getting on track, with AA meetings.
Nearly a lawyer, Michael/Mikey, 26, with a four yr. old girl,
adorable and smart, Jasmine, has only his sister helping him at times.
He is not out to his family, and still feels guilt and grief over Jasmine's Mom's death. Julia had cancer when she was pregnant. He is also concerned about being a single black Dad, and the criticisms he receives. Benny and Mikey have known each other since they were kids. They meet at a masquerade party, and don't realize they know each other until their bathroom tryst is over. Things move along quickly, and the men already know each other, but not the recent pasts.
Little by little the stories come out. There are absent parents of Mikey, Benny's nice folks, who could have helped him, plus Julia's folks who want to see their granddaughter. Mikey's sister, Vanessa is in the mix, too. Benny has many great friends and they become Mikey's friends.
Lots of different personalities, an eviction, Benny's seizure, and so much more. Behind it all, we have these two men who love each other, despite all of the issues. They have great sexy times, first times, and we overlook their faults.
The epilogue is marvelous. ENJOY !
=================
A. E. Wasp desperately needs someone to do a final proof read, because the mistakes are easily found.
===============
July 9, 2017
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the series and features a new couple, Michael and Bennie. They had been best friends as children and teens and then when Bennie left for the military they fell out of touch. It's 8 years later and they find they both live in the same town again. A lot has happened though. Bennie struggles with PSTD and some serious physical ailments from his time at war and Michael has lost a girlfriend to cancer and is now a single dad. They immediately realize they still care for each other as much as they ever did but they have a lot of issues to work through.
I enjoyed this book also though not as much as book one. We see the couple from book one a lot as they are all friends, and we see their band of extended family and friends, all of whom I love.
One thing I think this author deserves props for is how well she does females in her stories. They're all strong and kind and there's no drama w/mothers or ex's like we usually see in this genre.
Another thing that has to be noted.....and this one is not positive....this was an editorial mess. I have no idea why as this author's other books were fine and these look like they've been re-done recently based on new covers, BUT.....really a mess in places. The MC's names are mixed up in more than one place, there's a random side character that's sometimes called Clark and sometimes called Grant, and then there's a bunch of other stuff. I don't notice this type of stuff often so it has to be bad for me to mention.
This is the second book in the series and features a new couple, Michael and Bennie. They had been best friends as children and teens and then when Bennie left for the military they fell out of touch. It's 8 years later and they find they both live in the same town again. A lot has happened though. Bennie struggles with PSTD and some serious physical ailments from his time at war and Michael has lost a girlfriend to cancer and is now a single dad. They immediately realize they still care for each other as much as they ever did but they have a lot of issues to work through.
I enjoyed this book also though not as much as book one. We see the couple from book one a lot as they are all friends, and we see their band of extended family and friends, all of whom I love.
One thing I think this author deserves props for is how well she does females in her stories. They're all strong and kind and there's no drama w/mothers or ex's like we usually see in this genre.
Another thing that has to be noted.....and this one is not positive....this was an editorial mess. I have no idea why as this author's other books were fine and these look like they've been re-done recently based on new covers, BUT.....really a mess in places. The MC's names are mixed up in more than one place, there's a random side character that's sometimes called Clark and sometimes called Grant, and then there's a bunch of other stuff. I don't notice this type of stuff often so it has to be bad for me to mention.
February 6, 2017
I was given an advanced readers copy for an HONEST review
I started the book and it was okay. as i read more i realized the story was really good but for some reason the style was not my thing exactly. While the author is amazing maybe i just was not in the mood to read this? but it was enjoyable enough. i suggest others read this book as well!
I started the book and it was okay. as i read more i realized the story was really good but for some reason the style was not my thing exactly. While the author is amazing maybe i just was not in the mood to read this? but it was enjoyable enough. i suggest others read this book as well!
June 13, 2019
La Wasp è mitica ❤️ riesce a raccontare le vite dei suoi protagonisti, il loro passato e la speranza per il futuro in modo magico❤️
May 30, 2019
Se potessi gli darei 12 stelle. E questo è quanto.
February 10, 2017
You never forget your first love. No matter how hard you try.
Benny and Mikey were best friends as teenagers, both uncertain of their sexuality, both believing the other straight and not interested. Boy were they wrong. When Mikey walks in on Benny kissing another guy, Benny flees, joins the Marines and effectively, cuts off all contact with his best friend. Over the years they are apart they each experience some of the worst life has to offer. Benny is discharged from the Marines, has PTSD which he's treated, until recently, with alcoholism. Mikey got married and became a father, then a widower. You have to love fate though, when two people are meant to be together, she always gets her way.
I absolutely loved this story. The Authors attention to even the most finite details was amazing. Little things normally glossed over or described briefly with one or two sentences were fully explored. The struggles these two men go through are very realistic and believable... being in an interracial relationship, being two men in that relationship, Benny becoming a step father to Mikey's little girl. And let me tell you, this young lady nearly stole the show, so cute!
I can see some readers feeling like this is somewhat of an insta-love story, but my thought is that it's far from that. You have to realize that these two men have known and loved each other since they were children. The time they spent apart may have been hell, but it also made them the men they are in the present within the story. Their younger selves probably weren't ready, they needed to live, to make mistakes and learn from them, to grow. So the passion and trust is there pretty much from the first day the walk back into each others lives.
Just a couple things bothered me. I thought that Michael should have either been called Michael or Mike. Mikey is a childhood name and I just feel that a grown man and a father wanting to be an attorney should not be constantly called Mikey. There were a few typos and either miss-placed or miss-used words here and there. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I didn't realize when I got it that it's book 4 in the series, but I didn't feel like I missed any part of the story. I plan on going back and starting at the beginning, I love Wasp's writing style and I LOVE these two men. I have to see where it all started. Definitely a must read in my opinion.
Benny and Mikey were best friends as teenagers, both uncertain of their sexuality, both believing the other straight and not interested. Boy were they wrong. When Mikey walks in on Benny kissing another guy, Benny flees, joins the Marines and effectively, cuts off all contact with his best friend. Over the years they are apart they each experience some of the worst life has to offer. Benny is discharged from the Marines, has PTSD which he's treated, until recently, with alcoholism. Mikey got married and became a father, then a widower. You have to love fate though, when two people are meant to be together, she always gets her way.
I absolutely loved this story. The Authors attention to even the most finite details was amazing. Little things normally glossed over or described briefly with one or two sentences were fully explored. The struggles these two men go through are very realistic and believable... being in an interracial relationship, being two men in that relationship, Benny becoming a step father to Mikey's little girl. And let me tell you, this young lady nearly stole the show, so cute!
I can see some readers feeling like this is somewhat of an insta-love story, but my thought is that it's far from that. You have to realize that these two men have known and loved each other since they were children. The time they spent apart may have been hell, but it also made them the men they are in the present within the story. Their younger selves probably weren't ready, they needed to live, to make mistakes and learn from them, to grow. So the passion and trust is there pretty much from the first day the walk back into each others lives.
Just a couple things bothered me. I thought that Michael should have either been called Michael or Mike. Mikey is a childhood name and I just feel that a grown man and a father wanting to be an attorney should not be constantly called Mikey. There were a few typos and either miss-placed or miss-used words here and there. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I didn't realize when I got it that it's book 4 in the series, but I didn't feel like I missed any part of the story. I plan on going back and starting at the beginning, I love Wasp's writing style and I LOVE these two men. I have to see where it all started. Definitely a must read in my opinion.
February 6, 2017
One of my favorite themes or tropes, if you will, is the story of the veteran and life after the service. A. E. Wasp has the ability to include the scars and dents along with the heart and soul of the veteran's life. In Paper Hearts, Veteran's Affairs, Book 4, the author leaves little to the imagination.
While working his employer's booth at the Denver Pride Parade in Denver, ex-Marine Benito viewed a tall, well-formed African-American man with dreadlocks who was drawn from Benito 'Benny' Quintana's profile of the perfect man. "Damn but the guy looked familiar". Benny should not be in a bar after celebrating 287 nights of sobriety but this is a celebration of life and the celebration became much more exciting when his "Mr Tall Dark and most handsome" suddenly appeared next to him at the bar. After a close encounter of the oh so intimate kind, Benny has an even bigger surprise. The man, Michael, reminisces "you have the same name as my best friend form high school"......
It's been a long time since high school and both boys, now men, have changed. Michael is not 'out' but this man who reminded him of his best friend 'Benny' was both the catalyst and the beneficiary of his 'first time'.
Benny and Mikey have both suffered great tragedy. Both have secrets and very complicated lives. It's pretty hard for Benny to explain how a Marine with two Purple Hearts is discharged with "other than honrorable' paper. Mikey, never married and not 'out' has a 6 year old daughter with very conservative grandparents who would love to take her from him. Each man has a strong need for the other, for the best friend of the past and the man of today.
The author's emotionally stirring Veteran Affairs series includes linked but standalone complicated love stories. The setting is a fictious town, Red Deer, Colorado, a small town with a healthy veteran population and even more, a healthy gay veteran population.
Themes of wartime injuries including TBI (traumatic brain injury), PTSD, therapy dogs, extreme loss and big big love make this series and particular this story, Benny and Mikey's story, a wonderful reading adventure. I'm begging for the next installment. It is that good.
While working his employer's booth at the Denver Pride Parade in Denver, ex-Marine Benito viewed a tall, well-formed African-American man with dreadlocks who was drawn from Benito 'Benny' Quintana's profile of the perfect man. "Damn but the guy looked familiar". Benny should not be in a bar after celebrating 287 nights of sobriety but this is a celebration of life and the celebration became much more exciting when his "Mr Tall Dark and most handsome" suddenly appeared next to him at the bar. After a close encounter of the oh so intimate kind, Benny has an even bigger surprise. The man, Michael, reminisces "you have the same name as my best friend form high school"......
It's been a long time since high school and both boys, now men, have changed. Michael is not 'out' but this man who reminded him of his best friend 'Benny' was both the catalyst and the beneficiary of his 'first time'.
Benny and Mikey have both suffered great tragedy. Both have secrets and very complicated lives. It's pretty hard for Benny to explain how a Marine with two Purple Hearts is discharged with "other than honrorable' paper. Mikey, never married and not 'out' has a 6 year old daughter with very conservative grandparents who would love to take her from him. Each man has a strong need for the other, for the best friend of the past and the man of today.
The author's emotionally stirring Veteran Affairs series includes linked but standalone complicated love stories. The setting is a fictious town, Red Deer, Colorado, a small town with a healthy veteran population and even more, a healthy gay veteran population.
Themes of wartime injuries including TBI (traumatic brain injury), PTSD, therapy dogs, extreme loss and big big love make this series and particular this story, Benny and Mikey's story, a wonderful reading adventure. I'm begging for the next installment. It is that good.
May 24, 2018
Yes, there are numerous copy-editing errors, and they are mildly distracting. But the characters and the story are so very good, I could push that to the back of my mind and be okay with it.
Benny is one of the best military characters I've ever read. I grew up in the military, and I only ever see it completely romanticized in novels. I get it, and I have some fond memories myself, but more often than happy gay soldiers and sailors, you have people like Benny, who get injured in the line of duty and then dumped by the military because of the resulting PTSD/injuries.
Mikey is an amazing person and father, and I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket burrito and hide him from the evil world. Also, I'm a little in love with his sister.
The two of them coming together was realistic and imperfect, but not so ugly that it didn't work as a romance novel. While it did end somewhat abruptly and the loose ends were tied up almost too easily, there's a follow-up that I felt covered all of the questions that might be left.
An excellent novel, and I'll be reading more by the author.
Benny is one of the best military characters I've ever read. I grew up in the military, and I only ever see it completely romanticized in novels. I get it, and I have some fond memories myself, but more often than happy gay soldiers and sailors, you have people like Benny, who get injured in the line of duty and then dumped by the military because of the resulting PTSD/injuries.
Mikey is an amazing person and father, and I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket burrito and hide him from the evil world. Also, I'm a little in love with his sister.
The two of them coming together was realistic and imperfect, but not so ugly that it didn't work as a romance novel. While it did end somewhat abruptly and the loose ends were tied up almost too easily, there's a follow-up that I felt covered all of the questions that might be left.
An excellent novel, and I'll be reading more by the author.
July 25, 2017
If only there weren't so many errors....
I loved these guys and little Jasmine. I loved revisiting Troy, Dmitri, Chris and JayCee. I enjoyed so much of this story. However the further into the book I read the more errors showed up. I suspect that the proofreader got so into the story that she forgot to do her job.
I loved these guys and little Jasmine. I loved revisiting Troy, Dmitri, Chris and JayCee. I enjoyed so much of this story. However the further into the book I read the more errors showed up. I suspect that the proofreader got so into the story that she forgot to do her job.
March 8, 2017
FIrst, I have to say that I adore these stories... Throw a hot dad in, and watch me swoon!
I didn't quite get the whole, being apart for 8 years and not recognizing each other. I didn't buy that. If you're in love with someone, best friends since childhood and don't see them for a few years... I can't imagine I'd forget them, their voice, everything that I loved. So, it started off wrong for me.
I got over it...
Mikey is a single dad to the cutest four year old little girl, Jazmine. His wife passed away shortly after the birth of their daughter, so he's been doing it alone for a while.
Benny is running from his problems. A bad reputation and a drinking problem. Luckily, he's got great friends and he meets even more.
I love how everyone was included; Kevin and Vincent, Troy and Demitri, Angel and Jay, I love them all. We even get some new people, like Vanessa and various parents.
I loved reading about Benny and Mikey. They were amazing together. I don't want to give too much away and to be honest, I already got the next book and I can't wait to start it, so I"ll keep this short.
But just know that this series is amazing, I'm loving it and I'm really hoping to read more about Chris and Jay-Cee. I have a feeling that Chris has such a heartbreaking past and I'll love seeing him get a HEA. I'm really hoping for it, at least.
5 stars for me!
I didn't quite get the whole, being apart for 8 years and not recognizing each other. I didn't buy that. If you're in love with someone, best friends since childhood and don't see them for a few years... I can't imagine I'd forget them, their voice, everything that I loved. So, it started off wrong for me.
I got over it...
Mikey is a single dad to the cutest four year old little girl, Jazmine. His wife passed away shortly after the birth of their daughter, so he's been doing it alone for a while.
Benny is running from his problems. A bad reputation and a drinking problem. Luckily, he's got great friends and he meets even more.
I love how everyone was included; Kevin and Vincent, Troy and Demitri, Angel and Jay, I love them all. We even get some new people, like Vanessa and various parents.
I loved reading about Benny and Mikey. They were amazing together. I don't want to give too much away and to be honest, I already got the next book and I can't wait to start it, so I"ll keep this short.
But just know that this series is amazing, I'm loving it and I'm really hoping to read more about Chris and Jay-Cee. I have a feeling that Chris has such a heartbreaking past and I'll love seeing him get a HEA. I'm really hoping for it, at least.
5 stars for me!
February 6, 2017
Loved this story! It's an uphill trek both ways for Benny and Mikey. They've been friends since age twelve but something happens causing Benny to leave. It's years later, and fate brings them back together. To be together, they have to get past the pain of their past, and in Benny's case- learn to live with the physical and emotional baggage each day brings. I loved both the main and secondary characters in this story who show what friendship is.
December 26, 2022
4 stelle e mezzo
Molte volte gli adolescenti, non vengono capiti, il dialogo viene a mancare e la rabbia porta a commettere errori che avranno ripercussioni nel futuro.
Questo è ciò che avviene a Benny, la sua rabbia lo porterà ad arruolarsi e oltre gli orrori della guerra, due incidenti andranno a minare il suo stato di salute.
Congedato, vive in maniera dissoluta e dedita all’alcool, saprà in qualche modo dire basta a tutto ciò e sarà anche la volta che incontrerà chi non ha mai dimenticato, il suo migliore amico Mikey.
Mikey non ha mai capito perché Benny sia andato via e ritrovarlo, in un momento particolare della sua vita, lo rende felice e deciso ad ammettere ciò che ha sempre provato nei suoi confronti.
I due però dovranno affrontare diverse problematiche, ma Troy, Dmitri, Angel, Kevin, Vincent, Chris e Jay-Cee saranno il supporto di cui hanno bisogno e su cui faranno affidamento.
La guerra non lascia solo morti, lascia tante persone con ferite che vanno oltre a quelle che si possono vedere e che sono così difficili da gestire.
La Wasp mi sta coinvolgendo fin dentro l’animo con questa serie e adesso mi appresto a vedere cosa avverrà tra Benny e Mikey, prima di conoscere tutto il dramma che sta dietro a Chris e Jay-Cee.
Da leggere
Molte volte gli adolescenti, non vengono capiti, il dialogo viene a mancare e la rabbia porta a commettere errori che avranno ripercussioni nel futuro.
Questo è ciò che avviene a Benny, la sua rabbia lo porterà ad arruolarsi e oltre gli orrori della guerra, due incidenti andranno a minare il suo stato di salute.
Congedato, vive in maniera dissoluta e dedita all’alcool, saprà in qualche modo dire basta a tutto ciò e sarà anche la volta che incontrerà chi non ha mai dimenticato, il suo migliore amico Mikey.
Mikey non ha mai capito perché Benny sia andato via e ritrovarlo, in un momento particolare della sua vita, lo rende felice e deciso ad ammettere ciò che ha sempre provato nei suoi confronti.
I due però dovranno affrontare diverse problematiche, ma Troy, Dmitri, Angel, Kevin, Vincent, Chris e Jay-Cee saranno il supporto di cui hanno bisogno e su cui faranno affidamento.
La guerra non lascia solo morti, lascia tante persone con ferite che vanno oltre a quelle che si possono vedere e che sono così difficili da gestire.
La Wasp mi sta coinvolgendo fin dentro l’animo con questa serie e adesso mi appresto a vedere cosa avverrà tra Benny e Mikey, prima di conoscere tutto il dramma che sta dietro a Chris e Jay-Cee.
Da leggere
July 22, 2017
I thought this was going in a different way because of the synopsis. But it didn't. Maybe because of the author, maybe because of the characters, maybe because of the length of the book. Who knows. But it was good. It was a pleasant surprise. I was not let down in the least. The story stayed all in the present, not at all in the past. It felt like it was worn like a piece of clothing, where it had its own weight and feel and presence but was so just so universal for everyone that it wasn't even noticeable unless it brushed up against something.
The story does seem to be a little lost on whether it wants to focus more on the romance part of the story or make some big intrigue about Benny's TBI and alcoholism. Not that this is Highlander and "there can be only one." But it helps to have one be the priority in the story.
Overall, a good writing, with several instances of name switches between the main characters. But I have a fondness for our military boys, past and present. And I look forward to the sequel trying to learn from this story.
The story does seem to be a little lost on whether it wants to focus more on the romance part of the story or make some big intrigue about Benny's TBI and alcoholism. Not that this is Highlander and "there can be only one." But it helps to have one be the priority in the story.
Overall, a good writing, with several instances of name switches between the main characters. But I have a fondness for our military boys, past and present. And I look forward to the sequel trying to learn from this story.
November 5, 2018
I've read all the previous books in this series, and this is by far my favourite. It's an emotional roller coaster, that at times had me laughing out loud, and at others brought me to tears.
Ms Wasp has such a way with words, and such empathy for the issues her characters deal with, that you can't help but be drawn in completely. In this one both leads have a lot of baggage, both have emotional issues in their past, and in one characters case there are physical issues too. All these are dealt with carefully and respectfully, though she does not pull her punches. I admit I have completely fallen in love with the inhabitants of this little town and can't wait for the next instalment.
My only complaint would be that there were a number of issues with this book that should have been spotted during the editing process, such as duplicated words and other such typos. Had it not been for these I would definitely have given this 5 stars, and even with them I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
(Note - my review relates to the Alternative cover edition, purchased via Amazon UK )
Ms Wasp has such a way with words, and such empathy for the issues her characters deal with, that you can't help but be drawn in completely. In this one both leads have a lot of baggage, both have emotional issues in their past, and in one characters case there are physical issues too. All these are dealt with carefully and respectfully, though she does not pull her punches. I admit I have completely fallen in love with the inhabitants of this little town and can't wait for the next instalment.
My only complaint would be that there were a number of issues with this book that should have been spotted during the editing process, such as duplicated words and other such typos. Had it not been for these I would definitely have given this 5 stars, and even with them I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
(Note - my review relates to the Alternative cover edition, purchased via Amazon UK )
January 18, 2019
2.5 stars at most
Did I like it ? To be honest, it's like a 50/50 situation. I hated that Dimitri and Troy's story felt unfinished because yeah, they got engaged in the last book, but were already married in this one. Then there's the Spanish. It's not "nice" Spanish. It's actually quite crude and rude. I get that Benny is of Mexican decent and the author wanted to include that, but it could have been done better.
I didn't love Benny. I didn't love Mike. They definitely felt rushed. So much freaking crying. You had men crying left & right. I don't know, I honestly struggled to get through this one, I had to put it away, read something else, then come back to it. There's a lot of typos, sentence structure issues, hell, Moby (Dimitri's dog) went from being female, to male, to female again. Just too many issues with the book to give it more than 2.5 stars.
Did I like it ? To be honest, it's like a 50/50 situation. I hated that Dimitri and Troy's story felt unfinished because yeah, they got engaged in the last book, but were already married in this one. Then there's the Spanish. It's not "nice" Spanish. It's actually quite crude and rude. I get that Benny is of Mexican decent and the author wanted to include that, but it could have been done better.
I didn't love Benny. I didn't love Mike. They definitely felt rushed. So much freaking crying. You had men crying left & right. I don't know, I honestly struggled to get through this one, I had to put it away, read something else, then come back to it. There's a lot of typos, sentence structure issues, hell, Moby (Dimitri's dog) went from being female, to male, to female again. Just too many issues with the book to give it more than 2.5 stars.
April 30, 2019
My first two Veterans Affairs books were easy reads. This one due to the PTSD and addiction was a lot harder and I had some scenes where I had to put the book down and read some fluff before continuing. There is some hard going with Benny and Mikey. The concept of childhood friends growing up and not realizing they were crushing on each other in high school but eventually connecting later in life is cool to me. Benny went off to the Marines and the PTSD he got in the Middle East screwed up his career and caused his addiction. Mickey was in school and knocked up a girl that he liked but they weren't really serious and then after Jasmine was born, his girlfriend dies of cancer. Talk about two people that are all screwed up. Thru their own perseverance and a loving set of friends and employers, they get their act together. Many precarious moments and so much love.
November 21, 2019
3 stars!
This one took me a bit to fall for the Benny and Mike. I loved Jasmine from the beginning, who wouldn't. She was precious. I loved the friendship that Benny and Mike inquire from those from the first book Incoming.
Once I got going I eventually was able to feel their relationship. Even though they have known each others basically their whole lives I did find once they connected to happen too soon. I think that was why it took me a bit to get into the story line.
I like stories on the aftermath of being a vet and in the end I think this was portrayed well. I will continue with this series as I'm dying to find out more about Jay-Cee and Chris
This one took me a bit to fall for the Benny and Mike. I loved Jasmine from the beginning, who wouldn't. She was precious. I loved the friendship that Benny and Mike inquire from those from the first book Incoming.
Once I got going I eventually was able to feel their relationship. Even though they have known each others basically their whole lives I did find once they connected to happen too soon. I think that was why it took me a bit to get into the story line.
I like stories on the aftermath of being a vet and in the end I think this was portrayed well. I will continue with this series as I'm dying to find out more about Jay-Cee and Chris
December 2, 2019
Wow! MC Benny is a Marine Vet who is suffering silently after his time in service and keeps everything secret, even from those who only want to help him. Mikey is a Young, widower, single father of a 4 yr old - who has got to be the cutest child ever, her scenes were fantastic! Benny and Mikey had been best friends in high school til Mikey caught Benny with another boy. They reunite after many years apart and the intervening years had not been easy on either of them.
I loved all the different characters - Troy and Dmitri, their dogs, Angel, Vanessa, Chris, everyone was so important to the story and they become such a huge part of Benny and Mikey’s life. This story is essentially a tale of realisation that life can be hard but no one has to do it alone and all the supporting characters are instrumental to showing that. Both MCs find they have more people who care about them than either thought, including each other.
I honestly have no idea why it took me so long to read this series - it’s absolutely amazing. I’m in love!
I loved all the different characters - Troy and Dmitri, their dogs, Angel, Vanessa, Chris, everyone was so important to the story and they become such a huge part of Benny and Mikey’s life. This story is essentially a tale of realisation that life can be hard but no one has to do it alone and all the supporting characters are instrumental to showing that. Both MCs find they have more people who care about them than either thought, including each other.
I honestly have no idea why it took me so long to read this series - it’s absolutely amazing. I’m in love!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
3.5*
I am left with a few unanswered questions with this one. I did enjoy it for the most part but the editing left a lot to be desired. I love how Benny's friends come to the rescue and how Mikey and Benny reconnect. Jasmine was just too adorable! Will continue with the series as it draws you in and you want to find out what happens next!
I am left with a few unanswered questions with this one. I did enjoy it for the most part but the editing left a lot to be desired. I love how Benny's friends come to the rescue and how Mikey and Benny reconnect. Jasmine was just too adorable! Will continue with the series as it draws you in and you want to find out what happens next!
November 18, 2019
Reading box set
Interesting but kind of a train wreck. I don’t like a non-communication trope and these two didn’t talk to anyone about anything; each other, parents or friends. Too much stupid. A lot was left hanging but hope the novella resolves it. Needs more editing too, switched names and words everywhere was annoying.
Interesting but kind of a train wreck. I don’t like a non-communication trope and these two didn’t talk to anyone about anything; each other, parents or friends. Too much stupid. A lot was left hanging but hope the novella resolves it. Needs more editing too, switched names and words everywhere was annoying.
January 15, 2020
All’inizio ho trovato Benito un po’ bastardo per il fatto che non parlava a Michael dei suoi problemi con il bere e con lo stress post-traumatico, pensavo che ne derebbero scaturiti un sacco di guai coi nonni, per fortuna poi si è risolto tutto, perfino troppo bene perché ora della fine sembrava una gran festa con vino e tarallucci, davvero troppo esagerato perfino!
May 11, 2017
Loved the story. Only complaint - there were a few times when the names of the characters were mixed-up; this made the reading of some scenes a little bit confusing
December 3, 2017
This is a BF to lovers second chance romance. Benny and Mickey are just to sweet. Lots of baggage that they both bring into the relationship but they both want the same in the end.
February 20, 2018
There were a weirdly large amount of copy editing errors that really threw me off. It also felt kind of unfinished, somehow? idk, I didn't like it as much as her hockey ones, that's for sure.
July 17, 2018
3.5 stars
October 24, 2018
The editing (or lack thereof) took this from 4 stars down to three, but the last half of the last chapter was so hilarious that I’d give it 3.5.
July 11, 2019
My god this was sooo good. This one will stay with e for a long time.
February 18, 2020
not a bad plot, but desperately needs an editor and proofreader.
December 30, 2020
Anche questo secondo libro della Serie è molto bello.
Benny che fugge, in preda ad una rabbia adolescenziale e si arruola.
Ferito, alcolizzato, incontra il suo migliore amico d'infanzia Mikey, che ha una figlia.
La guerra è un inferno, ma trovare l'amore è il paradiso.
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Benny che fugge, in preda ad una rabbia adolescenziale e si arruola.
Ferito, alcolizzato, incontra il suo migliore amico d'infanzia Mikey, che ha una figlia.
La guerra è un inferno, ma trovare l'amore è il paradiso.
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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