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Together #2

The Way to His Heart

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Love is going pretty well for Gideon Marks. He’s living with his boyfriend, Jonah, and his business is thriving beyond his wildest dreams. So why is he still worried he’s not enough, and all he holds dear will slip through his fingers?

Jonah Fine has everything he wants; he’s head over heels in love with Gideon and has finally stepped out from under the shadow of his father. Aware of Gideon's continuing struggle with dyslexia, Jonah tries to reassure him that they are equal partners in their relationship by making their first Valentine's Day one to remember.

Ghosts from the past reappear, sending Gideon into a tailspin. He must make the decision to either hold on to the anger he grew up with or forgive the pain he’s carried with him all his life. It will take all of Gideon's courage, Jonah's love, and a special surprise for Gideon to finally realize the one person he must learn to love is himself.
This is a brand-new, 12,000 word short story featuring a sexy chef, and a hot rabbi who needs to learn to stay out of the kitchen.

44 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2017

29 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

About the author

Felice Stevens

89 books1,717 followers
Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
February 14, 2017
A really sweet Valentine's day addition for Gideon and Jonah.

Poor Gideon still dealing with some insecurities and personal baggage from his past. Nothing too heavy there, but is great to see Gideon finally got some closure and manage to move forward with his life. Meanwhile, Rabbi Jonah Fine is the most dependable boyfriend ever, always standing by Gideon side, being totally devoted. Jonah also wanted to surprised Gideon with something from the kitchen for the V day, much to our amusement.



Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,235 reviews260 followers
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.

Gideon and Jonah became one of my favorite Felice Stevens couples when they were introduced in Learning to Love so I was thrilled to get this little follow-up story that catches up with the couple shortly before Valentine’s Day.

In the past three months they’ve grown even more in love (and lust) with each other. Gideon’s business is doing well, but personally he is given some news about his dyslexia that starts him back down the road of wondering whether he is a liability to Gideon. If that’s not enough to stress him out, Jonah’s father Ari drops a bit of information that Gideon wasn’t expecting and isn’t sure he wants to deal with. Meanwhile Jonah is planning an amazing and romantic Valentine’s Day that will show Gideon just how much he loves him, now he just needs to pull it off.

This was just enough story to remind me of everything I loved about these men in the first place. The fun they have together, the hot sexy times, the vulnerability and insecurity under Gideon’s tough exterior and the strength and passion beneath the mild-mannered Rabbi Jonah are all on full display again. There are some tense moments as Gideon faces his past, but the family Gideon has made in Jonah and Ari and even his friend Rico, provides him with the support he needs to decide to move forward.

In the end it’s all about reinforcing the love these two men share. I’m not going to spoil whether Jonah’s big plans work out, but this is a Valentine’s Day treat all of Jonah and Gideon’s fans will want to read. Now Ms. Stevens, about Rico and Adam ...

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Profile Image for Felice Stevens.
Author 89 books1,717 followers
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February 10, 2017
The Way to His Heart is a Valentine's Day novella and gives you Jonah's POV this time as well as Gideon's Here's a little teaser from their story:

"Do you think I do that? Live with regrets until they’ve made me afraid to accept happiness and accept you loving me?”
I knew to choose my words carefully. “I think you’ve been alone so long it’s colored your outlook on life. And considering you’re one of the most fearless men I’ve ever met, I think it’s made you afraid to move forward. Your mother’s death and your father’s treatment of you left emotional scars. You have a hard time letting people in to help you.”
Gideon stood up, and I missed him immediately; I sat up and watched him pace the floor, holding his wine as he formulated his thoughts. My heart broke for him as I watched his inner turmoil break him down until he collapsed in the chair opposite me.
“I love you, Jonah. Thinking about being without you scares the shit out of me. I don’t want to be alone; I can’t anymore. But it’s not the being alone part that scares me. I’ve been alone all my life. It’s the being without you. I don’t want to lose you. Today made me realize how I could easily hurt you and push you away.” He gulped his wine then wiped his mouth on his sleeve and shuddered.
“It won’t happen.” I swung my legs off the sofa to go sit on the coffee table and face him. “I won’t let it.”
“I’m telling you. I’m perfect at ruining a good thing.”
“I’m not a good thing. I’m the best damn thing to ever happen to you.”
“I know that. But I don’t ever want you feeling like you have to stay with me because you feel sorry for me.”
I plucked the glass out of his hand and placed it on the table then stood and pulled him into my arms. “I feel many, many things for you—desire, absolute lust, but most of all, love. I’m with you because I love you, Gideon, and that’s never going to change.”
The pain in his eyes slayed me. When would he realize he deserved to be loved?
A slight smile curved Gideon’s lips. “Absolute lust huh? I think I like the sound of that.”
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews400 followers
February 6, 2017
This is a perfect Valentine's Day story. And it's about Jonah and Gideon from Learning to Love.
So as we knew how Gideon feel insecurity about his relationship with Jonah because what he had been through in the past.
Jonah is a very supportive and determined partner. He's just right for Gideon.
Everything's slowly put into places, and the epilogue was perfect.
Well, except for what Jonah's did with Gideon's kitchen in particular.
I think, he's better stay away from the kitchen, and enough with just loving Gideon instead.
Just saying...

Recommended for a light, fluffy and sweet Valentine's Day read!
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews224 followers
February 18, 2017
I have been an avid reader since I was a freshman in high school. But until about 5 yrs ago I absolutely avoided reading short fiction because I thought it unlikely an author could tell a good story with so few words, and if they could then I would want more than those few words. In this 41 page "Learning to Love" short story the author proves short can be great. Felice Stevens has created so many amazing couples in her books that it is hard for me to pick one as favorite... but when I do it is Gideon & Jonah. I can only hope that she revisits them again (maybe with a full-length novel) so I can enjoying learning more of their story together. This read was well worth the $2.99 it cost! Awesome!
3,010 reviews46 followers
February 10, 2017
What a great Valentines treat! Jonah and Gideon have a special place in my heart and I loved revisiting with them. It was great seeing how happy they are. And I love Jonah's Dad!!!
This was the perfect, sweetl, sexy Valentine!
Profile Image for Dani Elle Maas.
1,011 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2018
I noticed that I reviewed the first story in this series when it came out in 2016 but for some reason I forgot about the other books. Thankfully I found them with the release of the 4 th book and decided right away I wanted to read and review the other books too
In my review for the first book I wrote this:
Well worth the read especially now it is a complete novel so the people who don’t like a short story can take a happy breath and dive in
Felice Stevens drafts a wonderful story about love, acceptance, family and comfort and finding you path in life.
To me this is a fantastic extension of the first book. I couldn’t love these two men more. Jonah, strong supportive, protective, all-in Jonah, and Gideon who’s insecure, worried and timid. Both men belong together but it does take Gideon finding peace with his past to realise that he is indeed enough and that he is allowed to feel complete and loved and ok.
I loved the way Felice Stevens wrote about the difficult relationship between Gideon and his father in this second book. The way it was handled made me choke up and feel for all the men involved including Jonah and his wonderful dad, Ari.
Working up to a Valentine surprise and how that went was totally in line with what to expect and very enjoyable.
It is not me to give a short story like this 5 hearts but this story is kind of everything and more. It made me smile , choke up , laugh, hurt , worry , and sweaty It has it all.
So therefor I have to give 5 hearts because for me this was everything put together in a beautiful package.
In my review for book 1, I added a sitenote:
On a side note: I do hope there is a story for Rico there in the future. I would love to see him have his HEA, he is such a kind and sweet man, such an amazing friend and a truly wonderful addition to this story.
I am happy to be aible to dive right into that one now with book 3
reviewed for love bytes reviews. www.lovebytesreviews.com
Profile Image for Lynn.
92 reviews
June 22, 2017
The perfect Valentine’s Day short story. We’re catching up with Gideon and Jonah three months later. Gideon is still struggling with his insecurities and wondering why Jonah is with someone he views as broken. Jonah, however, is as strong and as supportive as ever. He’s even planning a surprise for Valentine’s Day.


Gideon turns to Jonah’s father who provides him with some much needed feedback which, in turn, has Gideon reconnecting with his own father.

What Gideon doesn’t see in himself, those around him seek to point out to him. He’s a successful businessman, a chef and someone the community looks up to. With their help, he begins to see it himself.

As for Jonah, he provides the comic relief. In order to show Gideon how he feels about him, he seeks to create his favorite meal with disastrous consequences. Needless to say Jonah should just stay out of the kitchen in the future. This time my tears were from laughing until Felice goes and pulls out the schmoopy in the end. ;)
Profile Image for Joelle Mendes.
1,485 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2018
Valentine's Day Love

I love Jonah and Gideon and I didn't realize how much I missed them until I started reading this novella. It was great catching up with them even if it meant they had a new challenge to face.

There's no doubt they are head over heels for each other but Gideon isn't feeling worthy and that just breaks my heart. Gideon should be proud of what he's accomplished a and shouldn't feel like he doesn't deserve Jonah or happiness.

Thankfully Jonah is all about Gideon and he sets out to show Gideon how much he's loved.

It was great seeing Rabbi Fine again.. He loves Jonah and Gideon so much. I love that they can always turn to him. But I really loved the little teasers of Rico and his mystery man. I can't wait for that story!!!
Profile Image for Mollien Fote Osterman.
722 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2017
Title: The Way to His Heart
Author: Felice Stevens
Publisher: Felice Stevens
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance, Short story
Page Count: 41 Pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:


Love is going pretty well for Gideon Marks. He’s living with his boyfriend, Jonah, and his business is thriving beyond his wildest dreams. So why is he still worried he’s not enough, and all he holds dear will slip through his fingers?

Jonah Fine has everything he wants; he’s head over heels in love with Gideon and has finally stepped out from under the shadow of his father. Aware of Gideon's continuing struggle with dyslexia, Jonah tries to reassure him that they are equal partners in their relationship by making their first Valentine's Day one to remember.

Ghosts from the past reappear, sending Gideon into a tailspin. He must make the decision to either hold on to the anger he grew up with or forgive the pain he’s carried with him all his life. It will take all of Gideon's courage, Jonah's love, and a special surprise for Gideon to finally realize the one person he must learn to love is himself.
This is a brand-new, 12,000 word short story featuring a sexy chef, and a hot rabbi who needs to learn to stay out of the kitchen.




Review:
I am going to state right off, I am not a big fan of short stories. Just as I am getting into the story, learning about the characters, developing a connection the story is over. On the other hand, sometimes I need something to give me a quick feel good, there is a bright side pick me up. The Way to His Heart is that kind of story. The plot of the story is about Gideon Marks and Jonah Fine. Jonah is a Rabbi who grew up in a loving accepting home. Popular and smart, he pretty much had a golden life. Gideon was always the disappointment struggling with dyslexia he never had the confidence to succeed except in cooking. Both men are in a committed relationship with each other, but Gideon’s insecurities make him wonder what Jonah sees in him. As Valentine's day approaches. Jonah plans on making Gideon finally see how amazing he really. You can tell that these two men have genuine love for one another. Their chemistry has a sweet balance. The 41 pages speed by. This story is light and easy to read with just the right touch of humor. I love a good happy ever after story and this book did not disappoint in that area. What made this short story worth reading was the character development. The author made sure that as a reader, I really got to understand the dynamics of these two characters.


PLOT 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars



Review Copy of The Way to His Heart provided by the Felice Stevens I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for Molly Lolly.
834 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This was such a sweet story. It’s a quick sequel to a story I haven’t read. However it easily stands alone and it makes me want to go read to see how Gideon and Jonah got together in the first place. Gideon hurts my heart but he deals with his past admirably in the story. Jonah was so full of love and a total sweetheart. This story is a quick read and you can feel the emotions as you’re reading. There’s a lovely happily ever after at the end in a final scene that is sweet and had me chuckling.
Profile Image for Emilie.
885 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2017
I read the previous book some time ago, and I remembered Gideon being very defensive about his dyslexia. I knew that when Rabbi Ari Fine said he'd been talking to Gideon's father that Gideon would forgive his father. I didn't think forgiveness was necessary. I also knew that when Jonah tried to fix dinner that he'd ruin it. I guessed that he'd let it burn. So I was able to predict a fair amount of what would happen. It was basically a sweet holiday story revisiting those characters, and I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,787 reviews26 followers
February 22, 2017
Sweet & Kind

This is a wonderfully plotted and sweetly written follow-up to "Learning to Love," wherein Rabbi Jonah Fine and chef Gideon Marks renew their childhood friendship and fall in love.

This one carries their story along mostly through Gideon, whose learning disabilities were discovered late in life and who is deeply estranged from his father. Now as their first Valentine's Day together approaches, Jonah seeks ways to make it special, and in this short dessert of a story, everyone smacks their lips over the sweetness at the end.
450 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2018
The continuation of Gideon and Jonah's story made my heart happy. A good read even though it's short, not too sweet with lots of issues to overcome and this after they fought so hard to start a relationship. But it's just like real life just because you get together doesn't mean it always going to be easy street and clear sailing. If you haven't read this series, do yourself a favor and read it start at the beginning it's worth the time and it will make you smile.
Profile Image for Tame.
311 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
love Gideon & Jonah

What a brilliant bonus story of Gideon & Jonah, and I love how Ari keeps showing up as the father of Gideon’s heart and Gideon being able to forgive his biological father, thus continuing to forge his life and the life he’s created with Jonah. I also love that Jonah works so hard to show Gideon how much Jonah loves him, even with sometimes disastrous results *lol*
Profile Image for Katy Beth Mckee.
4,671 reviews65 followers
June 17, 2018
Gideon has come so far but still is dealing with doubts. Jonah's dad Air is a great comfort and counselor. Jonah is working hard to show his love with fun results. But together they can face the hard stuff and bring out the best. This was a great look hat this couple and how their relationship has progressed.
Profile Image for JD Crittendon.
1,170 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2021
It's the Thought that Counts!

A quick peek at couple Gideon & Jonah’s evolving romantic relationship. This short tale includes a special dinner, family forgiveness, and an important question. Gideon still is working through his insecurities but Jonah there to help. Cute enough read.
Profile Image for Susan.
123 reviews
February 20, 2017
Two of my favorite men!

Jonah and Gideon were made for each other. I love these two characters who yield such adventures and life that is big. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a happy ending.
Profile Image for Toofan.
976 reviews17 followers
November 9, 2017
This easily predictable text is not a story!
There is no real conflict. I found it rather boring.
1,411 reviews
June 14, 2018
See comments for book one, this one adds little to the story.
Profile Image for Kevin.
2,662 reviews37 followers
February 25, 2019
Short, moving mm romance sequel. Gideon continues to be plagued with self-doubt, but the men in his life support him.
Profile Image for Marguerita Howze.
205 reviews
May 10, 2019
Short but sweet

This book is a continuation of Gideon and Jonah. I enjoyed reading more of them. This is about forgiveness and learning to love oneself. Hope you enjoy as well.
Profile Image for DTM.
1,197 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2017
I'm giving this 5 stars...I just re-read Learning to Love and immediately followed it with The Way to His Heart - Gideon and Jonah's Valentine's story. Ms. Stevens just knows how to write the type of stories I love, that I can participate in and just feel. Gideon was broken in Learning to Love and Jonah helped him to heal. Their story is not really an enemies to lovers story, but more like old acquaintances to lovers. It was beautiful and continues in The Way to his Heart. It was sweet, schmexy and brought a wonderful closure to their story. Although, I wouldn't hesitate to read more about these beautiful boys. Just sayin'
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,290 reviews28 followers
February 16, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!

First of all, I have to make a confession, Gideon and Jonah are one of my favorite Felice Stevens couples, so of course, I jumped at the chance of reading this novella and let me tell you, it was all I would've wanted for this Valentine's Day!

Jonah is more in love with Gideon every day, but Gideon is having doubts that he'll ever be enough for Jonah.

It was heartbreaking to see Gideon still having so many doubts regarding his own worth, although it was understandable. While his dyslexia was better, he'd reached a plateau and the fact that his therapist told him it was unlikely he'd learn more threw him into a tailspin. I adored that Jonah, Rico and Ari were there for him, though, and helped him through it all. Jonah and Gideon were adorable and hot, as always, and it was lovely seeing them together.

While the whole issue with Gideon's dad was left a bit open-ended in Learning to Love, which by the way you need to read before reading The Way to His Heart, it is addressed at large here and we finally learn why he behaved the way he did and Gideon has some closure in that sense.

All in all, a great short read and a sweet conclusion to Jonah and Gideon's story!

Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.***
Profile Image for Michael.
Author 4 books104 followers
February 20, 2017
Satisfying Sequel

Who doesn't love Gideon?
The tortured hero from Looking for Love is back with some unfinished business. Whereas the first book was told purely from his POV, this one splits the POV between Gideon and Jonah. Truth be told, I prefer this method of storytelling over seeing everything from the vantage point of only one character. It allows the author, and therefore the reader, to really see what the character is thinking.

This story beautifully shows how deep some scars can run, but with the right person to love and be loved by, they can be somewhat healed, all while wrapping up some loose threads left behind in the previous book.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,188 reviews119 followers
February 14, 2017
The Way to his Heart is a small additional story with the MCs from Learning To Love. Gideon and Jonah have been together approximately three months, but Gideon is yet to feel as though he deserves Jonah's love. His restaurant is a success, but he's unsure if he deserves that too. Jonah is aware of his feelings, and wants to show him how much he loves him, instead of just telling him. His plan is to cook Gideon's favourite foods and then propose. Whilst Jonah is planning this, Gideon meets with Jonah's father, and decides to meet with his father to see if he can sort out that relationship, with closure if nothing else.

This is a lovely little story that puts you back in Gideon's and Jonah's life. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. Although fast-paced, this novelette covers everything it sets out to do, with no questions raised about the whys and wherefores as it is all explained. You don't even have to read Learning to Love, although I would highly recommend it as it is a brilliant book. A great addition, perfect for Valentine's Day, with love and laughter. Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Sylvie.
113 reviews31 followers
February 16, 2017
It's not often I give a novella five stars, mainly because authors of shorter works simply can't give a character the depth and complexity that is worthy of a five-star read. However, since The Way to his Heart continues the story of Jonah and Gideon from Learning to Love, these characters were fully realized and made me feel so much!

I loved both Gideon and Jonah. Their love and devotion to one another was wonderful! I'm so glad the author didn't go the route of forming a wedge between them and making them break up over some stupid misunderstanding as so many other authors might have done. Instead, the major conflict of the story is between Gideon and...himself, as he struggles with feeling that, due to his disability, he'll never measure up somehow. Fortunately Jonah is there to reassure him, and make him see how much he's accomplished, and how capable he really is.

Can this story be read as a stand-alone? No, please read Learning to Love first to get the whole story. Thank you, Felice Stevens, for continuing the story of Jonah and Gideon and their families as well!

Profile Image for Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~.
1,561 reviews48 followers
February 16, 2017
Oh my! What a sweet, sweet read! Perfect for Valentine’s Day. I loved Jonah and Gideon – and haven’t even read Learning to Love yet. I have to rectify that, and soon. I loved learning about Gideon, who is still struggling with his dyslexia, and Jonah, who is going out of his way to show Gideon how much he means to him. I swooned and sighed almost constantly while reading.

And Felice Stevens’ writing is fantastic as always: A beautiful heartfelt story with just the right amount of sexiness.
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