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Cost of Repairs #2
Color of Grace
Reformed party animal Barrett McCall now takes life one day at a time, grateful for each new one that he has. His job as a short-order cook at Dixie's Cup pays the rent, and he likes living in small-town Stratton, Pennsylvania. When his apartment is destroyed in a fire, Barrett’s boss Dixie steps in with an offer to rent her finished basement, and he eagerly accepts—except this puts his solitary life on a collision course with Dixie’s nephew: arrogant high school art teacher Schuyler Rhodes.
Schuyler paid the reticent Dixie’s Cup cook little mind until Barrett moved into Aunt Dixie's basement apartment. Now they seem to run into each other everywhere, and the sexual attraction between them is undeniable—only Schuyler is protecting a tragic secret. Fifteen years ago, Schuyler's teenage cousin Matty drowned in a nearby lake. Everyone believes it was an accident, but Schuyler knows the truth—and so does the culprit.
Even though Barrett and Schuyler’s physical chemistry is explosive from their first kiss to more hands-on explorations, Schuyler’s guilt insists that he keep Barrett at arm's length. Barrett exercised his own personal demons years ago, and he wants to help Schuyler do the same so their fledgling relationship has a chance to thrive. But when the other witness to Matty's death unexpectedly shows up in town, Schuyler is forced into a deadly confrontation that may cost him his relationship with Barrett—and possibly even his own life.
Schuyler paid the reticent Dixie’s Cup cook little mind until Barrett moved into Aunt Dixie's basement apartment. Now they seem to run into each other everywhere, and the sexual attraction between them is undeniable—only Schuyler is protecting a tragic secret. Fifteen years ago, Schuyler's teenage cousin Matty drowned in a nearby lake. Everyone believes it was an accident, but Schuyler knows the truth—and so does the culprit.
Even though Barrett and Schuyler’s physical chemistry is explosive from their first kiss to more hands-on explorations, Schuyler’s guilt insists that he keep Barrett at arm's length. Barrett exercised his own personal demons years ago, and he wants to help Schuyler do the same so their fledgling relationship has a chance to thrive. But when the other witness to Matty's death unexpectedly shows up in town, Schuyler is forced into a deadly confrontation that may cost him his relationship with Barrett—and possibly even his own life.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
52 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,235 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
September 12, 2017
4 Stars!
We got a taste of Barrett and Schuyler in the first book and I was so happy that their story was next up. It did not disappoint!
The book starts off with Barrett finding himself homeless when his apartment has caught fire along with a few other apartments, a used book store, and the Walsh's laundry mat. How the fire started is a mystery. One that doesn't get solved in this book, but I know it does in the next book.
This book didn't have nearly as much drama as the first book nor did their relationship feel off balanced for me like Sam and Rey's did in the beginning. These two men just fit. Both men are haunted by their pasts and while Barrett is set on moving on, Schuyler is still struggling to do so. Barrett has a calmness that Schuyler gravitates to. Plus it helps that Barrett calls him out when he acting like an A-hole. Barrett has quite the past that he has no plans of repeating. He ran away when he was a teen and has been running for a long time. But meeting Schuyler has settled something inside him and he has finally found a reason or in this case, a someone to stay put for.
Their relationship wasn't easy, but they were the perfect match and their chemistry was off the charts. I really like them together. I liked the dance they did around each other trying to see where they fit with each other. I liked how Schuyler encouraged Barrett and his art. I liked how patient Barrett was with Sky and helped him through his drama.
It was just a good character driven book.
The next one up is going to be a bit different with the guys being younger. But I am looking forward to it!
If you haven't read this series I totally recommend you do. The writing is really good and the character's are well fleshed out and relatable.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I was kindly given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
We got a taste of Barrett and Schuyler in the first book and I was so happy that their story was next up. It did not disappoint!
The book starts off with Barrett finding himself homeless when his apartment has caught fire along with a few other apartments, a used book store, and the Walsh's laundry mat. How the fire started is a mystery. One that doesn't get solved in this book, but I know it does in the next book.
This book didn't have nearly as much drama as the first book nor did their relationship feel off balanced for me like Sam and Rey's did in the beginning. These two men just fit. Both men are haunted by their pasts and while Barrett is set on moving on, Schuyler is still struggling to do so. Barrett has a calmness that Schuyler gravitates to. Plus it helps that Barrett calls him out when he acting like an A-hole. Barrett has quite the past that he has no plans of repeating. He ran away when he was a teen and has been running for a long time. But meeting Schuyler has settled something inside him and he has finally found a reason or in this case, a someone to stay put for.
Their relationship wasn't easy, but they were the perfect match and their chemistry was off the charts. I really like them together. I liked the dance they did around each other trying to see where they fit with each other. I liked how Schuyler encouraged Barrett and his art. I liked how patient Barrett was with Sky and helped him through his drama.
It was just a good character driven book.
The next one up is going to be a bit different with the guys being younger. But I am looking forward to it!
If you haven't read this series I totally recommend you do. The writing is really good and the character's are well fleshed out and relatable.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I was kindly given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
April 7, 2013
This was a well done story of two men with difficult pasts coming together. I particularly liked Barrett, who'd weathered two major blows, and yet was willing to take a chance on building a life a third time. There were some threads that seemed to fade out with less attention than I expected (the possible arson?) and I almost felt this could have been longer, despite being a comfortably-sized novel, to touch more slowly on some of the baggage the men brought to this story. The characters were good but it seemed like there was more under there I wanted to see. Still worth the read.
March 11, 2013
This was so much better than the first one. I loved Barrett and Sky, they made a really nice couple and it was nice to see two men, both with pain in their past's find a way of helping each other. I had put off reading this because of the first one, but I am sad now I did. This just captivated me.
Barrett had a trying past to say the least. He was an interesting character for me. He was also my favourite MC. His struggled hit close to home for me and the fact he was sober made me fall in love with him. His illness and past experiences were tough to read. I could see a family member of mine in him in a lot of ways.
Sky was harder for me to connect to. His pain was just as real though, but I am not sure how much I could relate to him. He's not the character I would have put with Barrett at first, A.M. Arthur made it work though. I was surprised at how well it did work.
The story itself for me was fairly YA. There was not a lot of hot sex in this one. Both MC's had issues with that. But there was sex in this book. Just not the most erotic sex in the world. It was nice for a change though, I was able to enjoy the story with it.
Highly recommend this book. It can be read on it's own and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Barrett had a trying past to say the least. He was an interesting character for me. He was also my favourite MC. His struggled hit close to home for me and the fact he was sober made me fall in love with him. His illness and past experiences were tough to read. I could see a family member of mine in him in a lot of ways.
Sky was harder for me to connect to. His pain was just as real though, but I am not sure how much I could relate to him. He's not the character I would have put with Barrett at first, A.M. Arthur made it work though. I was surprised at how well it did work.
The story itself for me was fairly YA. There was not a lot of hot sex in this one. Both MC's had issues with that. But there was sex in this book. Just not the most erotic sex in the world. It was nice for a change though, I was able to enjoy the story with it.
Highly recommend this book. It can be read on it's own and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
September 15, 2018
Warning: Grumpy review ahead.
Don't let my rating or review sway you from reading the book. Most of the issues I had with it are of the personal taste variety. And one thing at the very end that ticked me off. ... Two things. ... Maybe three things, lol.
The writing is strong, and Barrett and Schuyler (pronounced Skylar) are interesting characters who despite their various flaws and hangups might just be perfect for each other. I didn't completely feel the love connection between them, since half of their "relationship development" that took place seemed to happen in the bedroom. But when we did get actual relationship development, it was pretty well done.
Since it's been so long since I read the first book in this series - and the primary thing I remember about it was that ridiculous drama-ridden fourth act - I didn't recall if I had issues with Schuyler or not. I know there was a reason I initially decided to skip this one, but lord help me if I can remember it now, lol.
I should have listened to my former self.
For the most part, I really liked Barrett and Schuyler, and there was certainly enough there in their backgrounds that could have made a truly compelling story, but most of what we get is a watered down contemporary romance that doesn't distinguish itself from the mainstream m/m genre. Barrett had the most interesting background, so of course we only get snatches of it. Schuyler's backstory is... well...
Ok, so Schuyler's cousin, Matty, drowned in the lake when they were teens. Schuyler was there when it happened. He drinks himself into oblivion every year on the anniversary, blaming himself for what happened. For 85% of the book, that's all we know about it. Then we find out a couple of Matty's friends were also there. And then it just gets stupid because
So anyway, all that aside this was a decent read. Except that 20% in the middle of the book that had practically three or four sex scenes in a row. I ended up skipping most of that. I did like the one toward the end though, before all the stupid happened.
I might be rating this too highly, lol. But I didn't hate all of it, and most of it was decent, and some of it was even nice and sweet. So 2.5 stars it is.
P.S. You can't open both eyes wide when one of them is swollen shut.
Don't let my rating or review sway you from reading the book. Most of the issues I had with it are of the personal taste variety. And one thing at the very end that ticked me off. ... Two things. ... Maybe three things, lol.
The writing is strong, and Barrett and Schuyler (pronounced Skylar) are interesting characters who despite their various flaws and hangups might just be perfect for each other. I didn't completely feel the love connection between them, since half of their "relationship development" that took place seemed to happen in the bedroom. But when we did get actual relationship development, it was pretty well done.
Since it's been so long since I read the first book in this series - and the primary thing I remember about it was that ridiculous drama-ridden fourth act - I didn't recall if I had issues with Schuyler or not. I know there was a reason I initially decided to skip this one, but lord help me if I can remember it now, lol.
I should have listened to my former self.
For the most part, I really liked Barrett and Schuyler, and there was certainly enough there in their backgrounds that could have made a truly compelling story, but most of what we get is a watered down contemporary romance that doesn't distinguish itself from the mainstream m/m genre. Barrett had the most interesting background, so of course we only get snatches of it. Schuyler's backstory is... well...
Ok, so Schuyler's cousin, Matty, drowned in the lake when they were teens. Schuyler was there when it happened. He drinks himself into oblivion every year on the anniversary, blaming himself for what happened. For 85% of the book, that's all we know about it. Then we find out a couple of Matty's friends were also there. And then it just gets stupid because
So anyway, all that aside this was a decent read. Except that 20% in the middle of the book that had practically three or four sex scenes in a row. I ended up skipping most of that. I did like the one toward the end though, before all the stupid happened.
I might be rating this too highly, lol. But I didn't hate all of it, and most of it was decent, and some of it was even nice and sweet. So 2.5 stars it is.
P.S. You can't open both eyes wide when one of them is swollen shut.
March 2, 2013
3.5 stars
This was a nice follow up to the first book, Cost of Repairs. Both the main characters were easy to sympathise with, both with troubled pasts and looking for something more. I actually didn't warm to Schuyler (Sky) in the first book but he seemed a totally different character in this book.
Nice story, good characters, well paced and easy to read in one sitting.
This was a nice follow up to the first book, Cost of Repairs. Both the main characters were easy to sympathise with, both with troubled pasts and looking for something more. I actually didn't warm to Schuyler (Sky) in the first book but he seemed a totally different character in this book.
Nice story, good characters, well paced and easy to read in one sitting.
July 7, 2019
Updated on the ReRead
3 ⭐️
Reread - New Edition
I liked the over all storyline in this one as the bones of this story are well done, I just felt the ending let it down.
I liked Barrett in this one. His calm acceptance of the mess that Sky could be was well done, especially considering that he was never preachy. He let Sky deal the way he needed to and when he was able he suggested another way.
I also enjoyed Sky even though at times he is a really unlikeable character with the way he lashes out at people.
What happens to Matty was the whole crux of Sky’s issues but when he finally tells Dixie and Barrett what happens there is nothing, just a chapter end and then 6 weeks later. Dixie isn’t a main character but she is a pretty big secondary one and I felt like she was really let down here. How did she react? How did Barrett?
I must admit that with the additional parts being added to this one that I had hoped that this part was one of the things that had been fixed, but no, so instead of the irrational anger I usually felt in the past when reading this one, all I felt was disappointment that an opportunity had been lost.
3 ⭐️
Reread - New Edition
I liked the over all storyline in this one as the bones of this story are well done, I just felt the ending let it down.
I liked Barrett in this one. His calm acceptance of the mess that Sky could be was well done, especially considering that he was never preachy. He let Sky deal the way he needed to and when he was able he suggested another way.
I also enjoyed Sky even though at times he is a really unlikeable character with the way he lashes out at people.
What happens to Matty was the whole crux of Sky’s issues but when he finally tells Dixie and Barrett what happens there is nothing, just a chapter end and then 6 weeks later. Dixie isn’t a main character but she is a pretty big secondary one and I felt like she was really let down here. How did she react? How did Barrett?
I must admit that with the additional parts being added to this one that I had hoped that this part was one of the things that had been fixed, but no, so instead of the irrational anger I usually felt in the past when reading this one, all I felt was disappointment that an opportunity had been lost.
January 14, 2022
This very satisfying sequel to the first book of the series, features Schuyler and Barrett, who were introduced in Cost of Repairs. Dixie’s nephew Schuyler wasn’t entirely likable then, but improved in this story when he meets Barrett. The romance between the two was balanced, especially when Barrett called the arrogant Schuyler on his crap, yet found ways to help him deal with it less destructively. It’s one of the first books I recall that had primarily frottage scenes and they are extraordinarily hot! The scene of Barrett drawing the angels wings was beautiful.
This is my second reading and I had more reservations about the two characters this time. While it’s still a satisfying romance, I didn’t get the same sense of empathy towards the past influencing the characters behaviors. Mostly with Schuyler, although I got some niggles with Barrett. The ending is very suspenseful though and I would never have guessed the exact circumstances that drove Schuyler to drink every year. My collection of A.M. Arthur books grew rapidly once I started this series, yet I didn’t get to all of them. Book 3 will be completely new to me. I’m certainly not worried about liking it any less than the rest! If you prefer hurt/comfort stories with substance and well-crafted angst, it hard to find many authors that do it better.
* An ARC was provided to me by the author via Hearts In Fire Reviews in return for a honest opinion*
This is my second reading and I had more reservations about the two characters this time. While it’s still a satisfying romance, I didn’t get the same sense of empathy towards the past influencing the characters behaviors. Mostly with Schuyler, although I got some niggles with Barrett. The ending is very suspenseful though and I would never have guessed the exact circumstances that drove Schuyler to drink every year. My collection of A.M. Arthur books grew rapidly once I started this series, yet I didn’t get to all of them. Book 3 will be completely new to me. I’m certainly not worried about liking it any less than the rest! If you prefer hurt/comfort stories with substance and well-crafted angst, it hard to find many authors that do it better.
* An ARC was provided to me by the author via Hearts In Fire Reviews in return for a honest opinion*
February 9, 2013
I really really loved the first book in the series, Cost of Repairs. Unfortunately , as far as I'm concerned, this one can't hold a candle to the former. Why exactly though I couldn't say offhand.
The writing was just as great, intense and skillful, the sex scenes hot, the relationship realistic, the characters likable. Particularly Barrett, the one who'd hit rock bottom more than once and was just bouncing back.
Perhaps it was because I had some problems with Sky, not his character in and of itself, but his motives. Sky's hangups didn't quite rhyme with the rest of him, nor with his supposed age of over thirty.
Another bother was the fire/ arson mystery plot that at some point just vanished into thin air. Huh?
All in all though I liked this book a lot. And it was nice to meet Sam and Rey again.
The writing was just as great, intense and skillful, the sex scenes hot, the relationship realistic, the characters likable. Particularly Barrett, the one who'd hit rock bottom more than once and was just bouncing back.
Perhaps it was because I had some problems with Sky, not his character in and of itself, but his motives. Sky's hangups didn't quite rhyme with the rest of him, nor with his supposed age of over thirty.
Another bother was the fire/ arson mystery plot that at some point just vanished into thin air. Huh?
All in all though I liked this book a lot. And it was nice to meet Sam and Rey again.
November 14, 2012
Wow! I loved this book! I’ve read a couple of books by AM Arthur and this one by far is my favorite book this author has written. Fast-paced and smoothly written, I was immediately swept up into the characters’ lives and before I knew it, I had read the entire book in one sitting.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing what the novel is about. Both heroes have their own baggage and issues they are going through. I also liked how the relationship between the two men built as the novel progressed. There was a kinship and an actual friendship that developed between them, and before they knew it (and me as well) they had fallen deeply in love with each other.
Both Barrett and Skylar are likeable men. They are both humanly flawed, realistically written heroes that lived and breathed off of the written page. At first glance, I wondered how compatible these two men would be for each other, but as the story continued, I soon saw that they were clearly meant to for each other. I also loved the intense, passionate chemistry between them and each love scene practically smoked up my computer screen. I loved these two men together, and hated to see their story come to an end. Another thing I really appreciated about this book was the role the secondary characters played in the story itself. Each character really brought something special to the novel and each of them were as well written at the two heroes.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, beautifully written book that has plenty of drama and romance, Color of Grace is definitely worth checking out. It’s the second book in the Cost of Repairs series and definitely can be read as a stand-alone book. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I plan on remedying that very quickly. Color of Grace has earned a top spot on my keeper shelf and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Arthur in the future. Highly Recommended!
The blurb does an excellent job at describing what the novel is about. Both heroes have their own baggage and issues they are going through. I also liked how the relationship between the two men built as the novel progressed. There was a kinship and an actual friendship that developed between them, and before they knew it (and me as well) they had fallen deeply in love with each other.
Both Barrett and Skylar are likeable men. They are both humanly flawed, realistically written heroes that lived and breathed off of the written page. At first glance, I wondered how compatible these two men would be for each other, but as the story continued, I soon saw that they were clearly meant to for each other. I also loved the intense, passionate chemistry between them and each love scene practically smoked up my computer screen. I loved these two men together, and hated to see their story come to an end. Another thing I really appreciated about this book was the role the secondary characters played in the story itself. Each character really brought something special to the novel and each of them were as well written at the two heroes.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, beautifully written book that has plenty of drama and romance, Color of Grace is definitely worth checking out. It’s the second book in the Cost of Repairs series and definitely can be read as a stand-alone book. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I plan on remedying that very quickly. Color of Grace has earned a top spot on my keeper shelf and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Arthur in the future. Highly Recommended!
January 5, 2013
This starts off slow and quiet. Both homeless Barrett and perfectionist Sky have secrets, but their mutual attraction overrides their usual choice to be alone. The beginnings of this relationship is built very naturally. There is not really instant love, just instant *like* and lust, I guess. I liked the way they both just thought, 'oh, why not? I might as well show my interest and see how it goes'. (Quite nicely if you don't mind actually)
Having already become acquainted with the people of Stratton (in 'Cost of Repairs'), it was easy to step back into this world. We are given a glimpse back into Rey and Samuel's lives although I would have liked to have seen more (sigh).
A couple of plot points are left hanging: the cause of the fire, the senior prank, or even Barrett's return to his passion, but these are not essential, just me liking things wrapped up neatly.
An absorbing and moving story. Even the somewhat melodramatic climax is well handled and makes sense in the context of the themes.
Will be a reread I am sure.
Having already become acquainted with the people of Stratton (in 'Cost of Repairs'), it was easy to step back into this world. We are given a glimpse back into Rey and Samuel's lives although I would have liked to have seen more (sigh).
A couple of plot points are left hanging: the cause of the fire, the senior prank, or even Barrett's return to his passion, but these are not essential, just me liking things wrapped up neatly.
An absorbing and moving story. Even the somewhat melodramatic climax is well handled and makes sense in the context of the themes.
Will be a reread I am sure.
January 29, 2013
This is my new auto-buy author. I loved Cost of Repairs so much I pre-ordered this as soon as it came up. I really didn't think she could top the angst-and-heat combo of Cost of Repairs, but she proved me beautifully wrong here. So. Much. Angst. And much of it is revealed slowly, and I don't want to spoil that for you. I also appreciated how unique the heat was to these two heroes--so often love scenes fall into a certain pattern of acts that must be covered w/in a story and that's not the case here at all--creative, inventive, and totally integral to the plot and character development. If you're not reading AM Arthur, you need to. Fans of LA Witt, KA Mitchell, Marie Sexton, Ally Blue and others who deliver the angst-and-hot-smex combo will love her.
January 12, 2013
It was almost a four star review. I really enjoyed the difficult back story for both characters and I enjoyed the pace that we explored their relationship.
So for 90% of the book I enjoyed the relationship based plot line. Then they pulled . I somewhat already expected it, but the reasoning seemed forced and very tropey. It would have been much better if it had been left out, there were plenty of other conflict resolutions that could replaced it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not my favorite.
So for 90% of the book I enjoyed the relationship based plot line. Then they pulled . I somewhat already expected it, but the reasoning seemed forced and very tropey. It would have been much better if it had been left out, there were plenty of other conflict resolutions that could replaced it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not my favorite.
October 2, 2015
Huh. That was . . weird. I liked it, and all, and things happened and stuff occurred and romance grew, but for some reason I just never connected with any of it. The writing is polished and smooth and the pages just flew by. It was a good story, just not a great one, as the first book in this series was.
January 18, 2013
This was a disappointment because I very much liked the first installment of this series. Unfortunately here the characters remained shallow and the story couldn’t engage me. It was not a really bad read, just not anything special and not particularly good imho either.
May 22, 2016
Great book, but I found the ending a bit rushed
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed this overall, but the ending was a little too close to the first book's, so I'm giving it a 3.5 rounded up.
May 14, 2017
Rolled 10 An Auhtor with Intials I hadn't expected to enjoy this book since I not thrilled with one of the MC. Of course I ended up loving him.
September 30, 2018
Una casa editrice non può permettersi di pubblicare un libro così pieno di errori. Dovevano leggerlo ancora più e più volte prima di pubblicarlo
May 3, 2015
It's been awhile since I read the first book in this series, but I was looking forward to reading this one. I'm glad I finally got around to it. This was an enjoyable, if not overly exciting read. I liked the characters and their back-stories. Both men have a troubled past for different reasons and their roads have finally brought them to a place where they can be open to someone coming into their lives. It makes them face their past and decide how they want to move forward.
Barrett hasn't had an easy life and he's hit rock bottom and worked his way back up. His bought with cancer had him leaving everything behind and starting his life anew. Now he's barely begun to get settled in a new town and in the job he's taken as a short order cook when his apartment burns down. Left with nothing but the clothes on his back he's knuckling down and starting his life over for the third time.
Schuyler has had a secret he's kept for most of his life. His guilt over his cousin's death has been a weight around his neck for years and years. His aunt wants him to let it go and move on, she hates seeing him feel so guilty every year especially when his cousins death was an accident. But Schuyler can't let it go. He enjoys his life teaching art at the high school he grew up in, but once a year his spirits plummet and getting a good drunk on seems the only way to handle things.
I like that these two meet at a particularly low point for both of them. It really makes them face their problems and start to deal with them. I think they're a good balance for each other, each able to free the other up to move forward less burdened by their past.
But I really felt like this story was very unfinished. There were a lot of threads left dangling that left me with a lot of questions. I didn't get to feel totally satisfied with where their lives are going because I didn't feel like I got closure on their pasts. These were just a few of the big unanswered questions I had that left me feeling very unfulfilled. I don't doubt how Schuyler and Barrett feel about each other. I'm happy they're together. But I just felt like the story ended and there was more to be told.
Altogether I enjoy the writing in these stories and as this series goes on I'll probably read the next to see if I get anymore information on my questions. This was a solid case of good, but not great. Ultimately 3.5 stars but I'll round up for GR.
Barrett hasn't had an easy life and he's hit rock bottom and worked his way back up. His bought with cancer had him leaving everything behind and starting his life anew. Now he's barely begun to get settled in a new town and in the job he's taken as a short order cook when his apartment burns down. Left with nothing but the clothes on his back he's knuckling down and starting his life over for the third time.
Schuyler has had a secret he's kept for most of his life. His guilt over his cousin's death has been a weight around his neck for years and years. His aunt wants him to let it go and move on, she hates seeing him feel so guilty every year especially when his cousins death was an accident. But Schuyler can't let it go. He enjoys his life teaching art at the high school he grew up in, but once a year his spirits plummet and getting a good drunk on seems the only way to handle things.
I like that these two meet at a particularly low point for both of them. It really makes them face their problems and start to deal with them. I think they're a good balance for each other, each able to free the other up to move forward less burdened by their past.
But I really felt like this story was very unfinished. There were a lot of threads left dangling that left me with a lot of questions. I didn't get to feel totally satisfied with where their lives are going because I didn't feel like I got closure on their pasts. These were just a few of the big unanswered questions I had that left me feeling very unfulfilled. I don't doubt how Schuyler and Barrett feel about each other. I'm happy they're together. But I just felt like the story ended and there was more to be told.
Altogether I enjoy the writing in these stories and as this series goes on I'll probably read the next to see if I get anymore information on my questions. This was a solid case of good, but not great. Ultimately 3.5 stars but I'll round up for GR.
February 6, 2013
4.5 Stars
Barrett McCall is a reformed party animal working as a short order cook at Dixie’s Cup. He’s content with his sober—if solitary—life. When a fire leaves him homeless, Dixie offers to let him move into her basement apartment. Art teacher, Schuyler (“Sky”) Rhodes, is Dixie’s nephew. Dixie’s kind-hearted offer to Barrett couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sky. On the anniversary of his teenage cousin Matty’s drowning, Sky is battling his own demons. Despite issues from their respective pasts, Barrett and Sky find themselves falling in love.
I really enjoyed this book. It moved faster than Cost of Repairs and it was not as emotionally draining. There was still plenty of angst and while the characters both had baggage, it was not of the seemingly insurmountable variety. The story was told from alternating POV’s, which I liked better than Cost of Repairs (where the first half of the story was told from one POV, the second half from the other POV, etc.). I liked both MCs and although Sky acted like a total ass at times, I felt for (and eventually forgave) him. The mystery surrounding what happened to Matty was engaging.
Bottom line: an entertaining sequel. Recommend!
Barrett McCall is a reformed party animal working as a short order cook at Dixie’s Cup. He’s content with his sober—if solitary—life. When a fire leaves him homeless, Dixie offers to let him move into her basement apartment. Art teacher, Schuyler (“Sky”) Rhodes, is Dixie’s nephew. Dixie’s kind-hearted offer to Barrett couldn’t have come at a worse time for Sky. On the anniversary of his teenage cousin Matty’s drowning, Sky is battling his own demons. Despite issues from their respective pasts, Barrett and Sky find themselves falling in love.
I really enjoyed this book. It moved faster than Cost of Repairs and it was not as emotionally draining. There was still plenty of angst and while the characters both had baggage, it was not of the seemingly insurmountable variety. The story was told from alternating POV’s, which I liked better than Cost of Repairs (where the first half of the story was told from one POV, the second half from the other POV, etc.). I liked both MCs and although Sky acted like a total ass at times, I felt for (and eventually forgave) him. The mystery surrounding what happened to Matty was engaging.
Bottom line: an entertaining sequel. Recommend!
July 15, 2013
Once again, this was gearing up to be a 5 star read from me, but a couple of loose ends changed that.
I absolutely adored Sky and Barrett. More so Barrett and his unwillingness to give up and his strength to continue on with life. Barrett McCall is a reformed partier. He drank, did drugs, and had a lot of sex. His life wasn't pretty, but he never said it was. He's been dealt a craptastic hand, but he's making the best of it. Third time's a charm, right?
Schuyler Rhodes is an art teacher at a local high school with a big secret. A secret he's kept for 15 years. What does Sky do when that secret gets to be too much? He drinks. He drinks himself into a drunken stupor so he can become numb. Barrett knows all about that and he tries to help Sky, but he wants no part of Barrett's help.
Will Sky be able to look at Barrett the same knowing what his past was like? Will Sky be able to let down his walls to talk to Barrett about what really happened 15 years ago?
I absolutely adored Sky and Barrett. More so Barrett and his unwillingness to give up and his strength to continue on with life. Barrett McCall is a reformed partier. He drank, did drugs, and had a lot of sex. His life wasn't pretty, but he never said it was. He's been dealt a craptastic hand, but he's making the best of it. Third time's a charm, right?
Schuyler Rhodes is an art teacher at a local high school with a big secret. A secret he's kept for 15 years. What does Sky do when that secret gets to be too much? He drinks. He drinks himself into a drunken stupor so he can become numb. Barrett knows all about that and he tries to help Sky, but he wants no part of Barrett's help.
Will Sky be able to look at Barrett the same knowing what his past was like? Will Sky be able to let down his walls to talk to Barrett about what really happened 15 years ago?
January 3, 2013
3.75 stars. I actually prefer the sequel more than the first book. I really liked it. The author does a good job in reminding some key points at the end of the first book that are relevant to the sequel without retelling the whole story. I like Barrett and Schuyler together and the chemistry between them. I like how the author slowly revealed their pasts in a way that's relevant to each scene in the story. It didn't feel awkward. I like that Dixie played a bigger role in the second book and we learned more about her.
February 13, 2016
I really liked Barrett - he's far from perfect. He's an addict who's practicing sobriety. He's wandered from place to place trying to find home. He's lived hard, been knocked around by life. A fighter. But he owns his mistakes.
Sky was harder to connect to. He has these secrets he's held onto for 15 yrs & they eat at him so badly he uses alcohol to punish himself. Then someone who shares the secrets comes back to town & what he thinks was hovering over his head was something else entirely.
I do wish there would have been resolution to the apartment/laundromat fire & I also wish we knew what Dixie's reaction to the truth about Matty's death was.
Sky was harder to connect to. He has these secrets he's held onto for 15 yrs & they eat at him so badly he uses alcohol to punish himself. Then someone who shares the secrets comes back to town & what he thinks was hovering over his head was something else entirely.
I do wish there would have been resolution to the apartment/laundromat fire & I also wish we knew what Dixie's reaction to the truth about Matty's death was.
August 2, 2013
My enjoyment of this book was hindered a whole lot by one of the MCs names. Yes, I know, odd. His name was Schuyler which I kept reading as "Shooler" but I know was supposed to be "Skylar" and it continued through the entire book because I couldn't get my brain to cooperate. I don't know how much of the story I missed because I was constantly going back and re-pronouncing the fucking name. The story was sweet and at least it had some sex in there. Not crazy, hot sex but not off page either. So all in all a pretty decent book.
January 7, 2013
This story is solidly written and pulling enough. In my personal opinion I don't get a self destructive behaviour which is based on the guilt created and carried from the past. This behaviour makes a main characters weak and boring in my eyes. But okay, we aren't always strong and smart. In general I did like what did A.M. Arthur done with Barrett and Schuyler. They found each other and a new fresh chance. Finally they turned a fresh page into their future.
September 10, 2016
Another story in this series that's not quiet wrapped up with a bow.
I liked Barrett and Schuyler together, I could of used more. I feel like we had finally got going when it ends.
I would of loved to have seen more of them.
Both guys have shadows in their past, and use the strength of each other to overcome it.
Rey and Sam come and go. They feel more settled into a HEA.
I like the style of writing, it's easy and fast.
I liked Barrett and Schuyler together, I could of used more. I feel like we had finally got going when it ends.
I would of loved to have seen more of them.
Both guys have shadows in their past, and use the strength of each other to overcome it.
Rey and Sam come and go. They feel more settled into a HEA.
I like the style of writing, it's easy and fast.
June 6, 2013
Let me just start by saying....I LOVED this story!!!! Enough said! lol Wish I had book 3...will have to go hunt for it!!! Both books in this series have been great...and the stories have touched my heart! I really, really wish I had book 3!!!!! Oh NO...book 3 doesn't come out til August! grrrrrr
December 30, 2014
I don't think these books quite get the recognition they deserve. There's some angst, sure, but that's kind of expected when you take into account each character's predicament. Maybe a little over-the-top in the drama department for some, but I felt the characters were sympathetic, the plot engaging, and the romance sweet.
August 13, 2013
This second story from this series was for me not as strong as the first. I definitely felt the connection in the first book but this couple was just meh for me. Again, some unfinished business in the story.
Still like the characters enough though to read the next book in this series.
Still like the characters enough though to read the next book in this series.
May 28, 2014
3.5 ish.
Nice story, ties in nicely with secondary characters of first book in series, but otherwise wasn't compelling.
Nice story, ties in nicely with secondary characters of first book in series, but otherwise wasn't compelling.
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