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The Rebuilding Year #3
Building Forever
Four years ago, Ryan and John decided they'd wait to get married until it came with full legal equality. Now, thanks to the Supreme Court, that historic moment has finally arrived. But three hundred miles separate Ryan's hectic residency from John's busy campus job. With a son in college, a daughter choosing her future, and a rambunctious Irish Setter needing attention, planning a wedding isn't simple.
Of course, even the most perfect ceremony can't solve all their problems. What does it take to build forever?
Of course, even the most perfect ceremony can't solve all their problems. What does it take to build forever?
80 pages, ebook
First published October 15, 2017
40 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
95 books2,741 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 27, 2018
***2.5 Stars***
Holy hell was this book exhausting!
Everyone has their own reading tastes, and for me, when I read I want to get away from real life....not have the exhausting reality of what it's like to be an adult be the entire plot of an extended HEA.
From the moment you open this novella up, it's just one thing after another. I was tired for Ryan. I was tired for John. Even John and Ryan's wedding day was a circus of obstacles....which by that point I was so tired that I couldn't even get into the wedding mood.
The one silver lining to this novella is that even though John and Ryan are physically separated by hundreds of miles, they're closer than ever emotionally and every other way that counts, you REALLY feel their love for each other...even with all the loneliness (which is another reason for all my exhaustion....these two are just so sad apart).
AND we STILL don't get any closure when it comes to their long-distance situation. So many "what ifs" these two are considering...
I do want to add that I feel this book needs a trigger warning. It includes the death of a child (not a known character, but one of Ryan's patients). This is something that I know is a deal breaker for some, regardless of the circumstances.
June 25, 2019
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
*stomping feet* No! I'm not ready to let these guys go. I want more!
Story - 3.5 stars
*stomping feet* No! I'm not ready to let these guys go. I want more!
October 30, 2017
It’s time for John Ward and Ryan Barrett to be married legally 
See my review of Book 1: Rebuilding Year. I was really giddy that John and Ryan were finally at this point. After all, the state courts have cleared the way for same-sex couples to be have equal rights and protection under the law. But the week of their exciting and life changing event, the highest court in Wisconsin put a halt/injunction to same sex marriages. Now gay couples everywhere sat on pins and needles while the biggest fight was being waged within Supreme Court.
This book chronicled this couple’s inner musings and fears as they wondered if they would ever get to call each other husband legally.
My feelings regarding this novella are torn because there are aspects I really enjoyed and there are instances that I didn't enjoy. There was a happy ending, but it was an emotionally bumpy ride. I love John and Ryan and thus I found all the drama in this book unnecessary. Here was a passionate couple who had overcome a lot, including their current long-distance relationship arrangement. As Ryan said “we learned together…love was just love, and when it was this real, this true, then fighting it was like a crime against the heart.” They were still so sweet on each other and the love was strong as ever. But the mood or tone of the book just felt gloomy. Their inner musings were a tad disheartening.
It was sad to me that their life together was still wrought with uncertainty and ambiguity. Can they get married, where to leave etc? I wanted to be excited and ecstatic for John and Ryan, but the series of unfortunate events just left me feeling fatigued. 
The injustice of their story is well chronicled so the continual expounding on the unfairness in our justice system felt like more preaching to the choir. I didn’t think John and Ryan had to go through the trials of Job in order to have a wedding day. I kept thinking, what else will go wrong? This story would have been better for me if there was smoother sailing. But the most heartwarming gestures like John bring soup and taking care of a fatigued Ryan made my heart melt. They made me think of the scripture "Love is patient, love is kind" because John and Ryan had that kind of commitment to each other.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. 
Read
October 6, 2017*FREAKING THE FUCK OUT*!!!!!!
October 17, 2017
Review to come at Sinfully.
The Rebuilding Year is still one of my favorite books and I manage a re-read at least once a year, so you can imagine I jumped for joy when I saw this little surprise coming out. It was so nice being back with John and Ryan again. It’s been four years since the end of Life, Some Assembly Required, when they decided to wait until it was legal to get married. Ryan is now in his first year of a four year residency that has required him to move to Minneapolis. John is still back in Wisconsin working at the college. Their separation isn’t ideal, but they do manage visits. Still, not having your partner there in the flesh when you need them isn’t easy, especially when work is life or death or family needs arise. Having a wedding and honeymoon to look forward to makes life better, but it seems nothing comes easily for these two (other than loving each other).
The story isn’t just about a wedding. It’s about dealing with everyday life and its challenges, something that has been a theme in the series and that Kaje Harper writes very well. It pains them both to be separated and with Mark in college and Torey almost there, the possibility of John picking up and moving is there, but he wonders if it’s the right thing to do. Ryan is working crazy hours, running with little sleep for days at a time and often wondering how long John will put up with it.
The heart of these stories is the rock-solid relationship Ryan and John have built and this one focuses squarely on the two men without so much outside drama as the last book (aka no Cynthia). They communicate well and support each other unconditionally. As much as they love their children, they are not afraid to put themselves first sometimes in order to keep themselves together, so we get to see them spending much needed alone time together and just because they’ve been together for years, doesn’t make it any less sexy.
Even the best relationships have some bumps and a long distance one has some special ones. Of course there had to be a little bit of trouble here. Let’s just say the wedding day doesn’t come off without a hitch or two, but there is never a question that these two would move heaven and earth to be together.
This is definitely written for fans of the series and I would say you need to have read the previous books first. If the last book left you wondering what would happen with all the future plans, and wanting to see John and Ryan finally get their wish of making it to the altar to become legally wed, you’re going to want to read this coda.
The Rebuilding Year is still one of my favorite books and I manage a re-read at least once a year, so you can imagine I jumped for joy when I saw this little surprise coming out. It was so nice being back with John and Ryan again. It’s been four years since the end of Life, Some Assembly Required, when they decided to wait until it was legal to get married. Ryan is now in his first year of a four year residency that has required him to move to Minneapolis. John is still back in Wisconsin working at the college. Their separation isn’t ideal, but they do manage visits. Still, not having your partner there in the flesh when you need them isn’t easy, especially when work is life or death or family needs arise. Having a wedding and honeymoon to look forward to makes life better, but it seems nothing comes easily for these two (other than loving each other).
The story isn’t just about a wedding. It’s about dealing with everyday life and its challenges, something that has been a theme in the series and that Kaje Harper writes very well. It pains them both to be separated and with Mark in college and Torey almost there, the possibility of John picking up and moving is there, but he wonders if it’s the right thing to do. Ryan is working crazy hours, running with little sleep for days at a time and often wondering how long John will put up with it.
The heart of these stories is the rock-solid relationship Ryan and John have built and this one focuses squarely on the two men without so much outside drama as the last book (aka no Cynthia). They communicate well and support each other unconditionally. As much as they love their children, they are not afraid to put themselves first sometimes in order to keep themselves together, so we get to see them spending much needed alone time together and just because they’ve been together for years, doesn’t make it any less sexy.
Even the best relationships have some bumps and a long distance one has some special ones. Of course there had to be a little bit of trouble here. Let’s just say the wedding day doesn’t come off without a hitch or two, but there is never a question that these two would move heaven and earth to be together.
This is definitely written for fans of the series and I would say you need to have read the previous books first. If the last book left you wondering what would happen with all the future plans, and wanting to see John and Ryan finally get their wish of making it to the altar to become legally wed, you’re going to want to read this coda.
January 30, 2024
2.5 rounded up. This felt unnecessary, it is their wedding but everything kept going wrong and the ceremony itself (after all the hurdles) felt rushed. They were kind of planning their future as well but we didn't really get anything new in relationship or character development. The secondary characters were mostly absent, they were in the scenes but not actively participating, it was strange. A bit of a let down.
October 19, 2017
Hmmm ... while I sometimes love going back to revisit an established couple, to see how the couple work out the issues in their relationship after the supposedly HEA, but it's not
always
. I think in this case I don't feel the need somehow. Or maybe the series is not my favorite of Harper in the first place?
All the stance against gay-marriage feels a bit too political (though I believe is a very important passion point for the author). Then later 'mishaps' towards the actual wedding become a bit comical (remember Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock's Forces of Nature?)
There are moments I love (the part in the hospital most especially) but the rest doesn't capture my attention much.
All the stance against gay-marriage feels a bit too political (though I believe is a very important passion point for the author). Then later 'mishaps' towards the actual wedding become a bit comical (remember Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock's Forces of Nature?)
There are moments I love (the part in the hospital most especially) but the rest doesn't capture my attention much.
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars.
Not quite what I expected from a wedding-theme, HEA novella... Though I should have...Kaje Harper is often very realistic.
Yes, there is a wedding, lots of love, hugs, happy family - but there's also long distance between Ryan and John, they see each other several times a year, Ryan is constantly exhausted and in pain, and John is so lonely...my heart just ached for them. Sure, they will be together in three years, but it's not like they're getting younger. I was mostly sad reading this book, because, despite their dreams coming true, they are not fully happy yet.
I also didn't appreciate the whole chaos with the wedding ceremony. C'mon, give the guys a break!
I'll need another post-scriptum novella after this post-scriptum novella. :D *hint, hint*
Not quite what I expected from a wedding-theme, HEA novella... Though I should have...Kaje Harper is often very realistic.
Yes, there is a wedding, lots of love, hugs, happy family - but there's also long distance between Ryan and John, they see each other several times a year, Ryan is constantly exhausted and in pain, and John is so lonely...my heart just ached for them. Sure, they will be together in three years, but it's not like they're getting younger. I was mostly sad reading this book, because, despite their dreams coming true, they are not fully happy yet.
I also didn't appreciate the whole chaos with the wedding ceremony. C'mon, give the guys a break!
I'll need another post-scriptum novella after this post-scriptum novella. :D *hint, hint*
November 2, 2017
Holy smokes - this was like being in a whirlwind ! I was glad for the outcome but seriously, this book was non stop drama - post cocktails required 😎
September 15, 2020
Finally got a chance to read this short story and see how things are going with Ryan and John. Despite not being a fan of the double GFY in the first book, I do enjoy this couple and how they're mature, talk to each other and deal with issues in their relationship and lives head on. John even gets a bit of a backbone in this one, so character growth is good too. And not having to deal with Cynthia was a much appreciated reprieve.
The various obstacles going toward and on their wedding day got a bit ridiculous and over the top, but these things happen, right? Murphy's Law and all that. ;)
Enjoyed getting to spend time with these guys again.
The various obstacles going toward and on their wedding day got a bit ridiculous and over the top, but these things happen, right? Murphy's Law and all that. ;)
Enjoyed getting to spend time with these guys again.
October 22, 2017
A sweet fun read. Great to catch up with these guys and to see how everyone's doing.
October 17, 2017
There goes another series. This was just too much and over the top for my liking.
Note to self: if there is another book in this series - don't buy it!
Note to self: if there is another book in this series - don't buy it!
January 10, 2019
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Welcome to your happily ever after - well almost. It's been four years since we left the guys in Life, Some Assembly Required. Ryan is off doing his residency two hundred miles away from John and his family - his heart and soul. Their time consists of stolen moments in hotels in the middle, lots of Skype sessions and phone calls and even more longing.
As mentioned, it's been four years and the Supreme Court has finally made a ruling on same sex marriage. Which means it's finally time for Ryan and John to tie the knot. Since Ryan is away it's up to John and Torey to plan the small shindig.
Something that I love about this book, or series really, is that nothing goes according to plan or as expected - life always happens. Everything from accidents messing up schedules, late flights, cars that break down and a dog deathly afraid of thunderstorms. It's Murphy's law all around and I loved it.
In the end though the whole family are gathered to see them get married and celebrate their happiness. It's the ending we've been waiting for, a snippet in time showing us that years down the line Ryan and John are still as much in love as they were in the beginning.
Gomez Pugh did a wonderful job narrating this book. He drew you into it from the very start. All the feelings of the characters shone through so clearly; the love, longing, frustration and everything else that they felt during these few hours. He brought them all to life in a very nice way.
Building Forever is an mix between "Where are they now" and an epilogue. We get to follow our guys in the weeks leading up to the wedding, but when it's all good and done you don't get that The End feeling. Don't get me wrong, the series or their story is in no way incomplete or lacking, and I honestly believe that this should be the end of the series. That doesn't mean that Ryan and John's lives are ending - they are just off to live life. And that's where we leave them - living life, figuring out where to go next.
A copy of this book was generously provided by author the in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2021
2+
To miała być radosna połówka. Rozszerzony epilog. Szczęśliwe zakończenie historii chłopaków. Cztery lata czekali, by w stanie, w którym mieszkali, mogli się legalnie pobrać - bo odmawiali zrobienia tego w innym miejscu. To miała być celebracja życia. Szczęścia. Miłości.
Tymczasem... Dostaliśmy Ryana na rezydenturze w cholerę daleko od Johna i tyle innych niedogodności, smutku, tęsknoty, nieszczęść i dramatów na w sumie niedużej ilości stron, że głowa mała. Nawet ślub nie poszedł gładko. A już 15-20% tekstu, które zostało poświęcone Ryanowi i , naprawdę nie było potrzebne...
Jedyną chyba pozytywną rzeczą było niezmienne i szczere uczucie chłopaków, któremu nic nie było w stanie zaszkodzić - łącznie z rozłąką i odległością...
Jedynka naprawdę była dobra, dwójka już mniej, ale liczyłam, że chociaż tutaj chłopaki dostaną trochę spokoju i luzu. Cholera, przecież i oni zasłużyli na to, żeby złapać trochę oddechu, a nie kolejną hiperwentylację, ponownie zszargane nerwy i kolejne siwe włosy... Wiem i rozumiem, że nie wszystko się w życiu układa, że często jest pod górkę, ale cholera przecież Nie Każda Jedna Możliwa Rzecz Się Pieprzy Przez Cały Czas... No ileż jedna para może znieść...
To miała być radosna połówka. Rozszerzony epilog. Szczęśliwe zakończenie historii chłopaków. Cztery lata czekali, by w stanie, w którym mieszkali, mogli się legalnie pobrać - bo odmawiali zrobienia tego w innym miejscu. To miała być celebracja życia. Szczęścia. Miłości.
Tymczasem... Dostaliśmy Ryana na rezydenturze w cholerę daleko od Johna i tyle innych niedogodności, smutku, tęsknoty, nieszczęść i dramatów na w sumie niedużej ilości stron, że głowa mała. Nawet ślub nie poszedł gładko. A już 15-20% tekstu, które zostało poświęcone Ryanowi i , naprawdę nie było potrzebne...
Jedyną chyba pozytywną rzeczą było niezmienne i szczere uczucie chłopaków, któremu nic nie było w stanie zaszkodzić - łącznie z rozłąką i odległością...
Jedynka naprawdę była dobra, dwójka już mniej, ale liczyłam, że chociaż tutaj chłopaki dostaną trochę spokoju i luzu. Cholera, przecież i oni zasłużyli na to, żeby złapać trochę oddechu, a nie kolejną hiperwentylację, ponownie zszargane nerwy i kolejne siwe włosy... Wiem i rozumiem, że nie wszystko się w życiu układa, że często jest pod górkę, ale cholera przecież Nie Każda Jedna Możliwa Rzecz Się Pieprzy Przez Cały Czas... No ileż jedna para może znieść...
February 24, 2019
This short deals with John and Ryan waiting to get married and their long separation due to Ryan's residency in Minneapolis. I was glad to get a proper HEA for them, but it was also frustrating to read because we didn't get enough of John and Ryan together time, and it seemed like everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. But still, I enjoyed it!
June 5, 2023
I felt bad leaving the series unfinished so I finally got back to this last installment. With the guys living many hours apart (due to Ryan’s residency) and the (too) stressful wedding mishaps, this was not great for me. Rounding up because of my fondness for this couple.
April 20, 2020
An unexpected and eventful path to the "I do's", that's for sure. And I loved it, struggles and triumphs both.
All of the important people to John and Ryan, a bit of a nod to the kitchen scene from "The Rebuilding Year" - one of my fave books - and a dog full of love and horrible timing make for the perfect journey, thunderstorms and all.
I've missed Ryan's wide sarcastic streak! And John's steady caution and fierce love. And their reveling in the inability to resist the each other.
LOVE.
All of the important people to John and Ryan, a bit of a nod to the kitchen scene from "The Rebuilding Year" - one of my fave books - and a dog full of love and horrible timing make for the perfect journey, thunderstorms and all.
I've missed Ryan's wide sarcastic streak! And John's steady caution and fierce love. And their reveling in the inability to resist the each other.
LOVE.
December 1, 2020
Thank you Candy Snowflake for the gift!
October 23, 2017
Ok I want a full book 3 because this was not enough closure for me. I want more. I want to know Mark's deal and I want to see the guys married and settled and I want to see closure for Torey too. So basically I need more. So let's go book 3, let's get on that.
Want to read
November 21, 2017Many many thanks to The Witty Elf for gifting me this book!!! *MWAH*
December 6, 2017
One of my gifts from my Secret Santa this year :) SO appreciated because I love these two (and part of their assorted fam lol) whole-heartedly. This series just makes me burst into warm, steady joy time and again.
I so joyfully and easily re-read the first two to prep for this. And this was the perfect ending to their story. Skips ahead (from 2011) to 2014, then 2015, to show how our men are coping with late-teen kids, living a state apart, their respective careers, and finally, after years of waiting for it, a wedding. And more (good and bad) things in between.
This book--the whole series--shows that life doesn't go as planned, but it happens in the best way when you go at it with determination, no matter what. It'll all lead to comfort, happiness, and love.
And yes, I was tearing up at the end and so not wanting the story to end!
My song on repeat for this one: "Tell Me (Ft. Saoirse Ronan)" by Johnny Jewel.
I so joyfully and easily re-read the first two to prep for this. And this was the perfect ending to their story. Skips ahead (from 2011) to 2014, then 2015, to show how our men are coping with late-teen kids, living a state apart, their respective careers, and finally, after years of waiting for it, a wedding. And more (good and bad) things in between.
This book--the whole series--shows that life doesn't go as planned, but it happens in the best way when you go at it with determination, no matter what. It'll all lead to comfort, happiness, and love.
And yes, I was tearing up at the end and so not wanting the story to end!
My song on repeat for this one: "Tell Me (Ft. Saoirse Ronan)" by Johnny Jewel.
August 5, 2019
First I’d like to point out that our very own Karrie Jax did this cover! Woooooot!
The third book in the series. It sounds like it’s the last book – and felt that way – but I’d love to see more from these guys!
They do finally get married and it’s so sweet!
We get a bit of the history of their struggle as the Supreme Court makes it’s decision as well as a feel for what a life apart is like for these two guys.
It’s definitely not a standalone but I highly recommend it to fans of the series.
5 of 5 stars
Audio
As I’ve said before I’m a big fan of Gomez Pugh and yet again I was impressed by his narration. This is a fun story with very little actual angst and Gomez does a nice job carrying this tone throughout.
Gomez’ voice is really easy to listen to and I find myself eagerly listening but yet not necessarily focusing on his narration – in other words – perfect for an audio book narrator!
Highly Recommended!
5 of 5 stars
The third book in the series. It sounds like it’s the last book – and felt that way – but I’d love to see more from these guys!
They do finally get married and it’s so sweet!
We get a bit of the history of their struggle as the Supreme Court makes it’s decision as well as a feel for what a life apart is like for these two guys.
It’s definitely not a standalone but I highly recommend it to fans of the series.
5 of 5 stars
Audio
As I’ve said before I’m a big fan of Gomez Pugh and yet again I was impressed by his narration. This is a fun story with very little actual angst and Gomez does a nice job carrying this tone throughout.
Gomez’ voice is really easy to listen to and I find myself eagerly listening but yet not necessarily focusing on his narration – in other words – perfect for an audio book narrator!
Highly Recommended!
5 of 5 stars
January 3, 2020
I love John and Ryan and loved the first two books so I wanted just a little bit more from this final book for them. They have overcome so much including a difficult long distance relationship. They were both working hard to be what the other needed and fight for their relationship. They were also fighting for equality in marriage and so when they finally got it and were able to marry I wish all the other drama hadn't been present. There were already a lot of obstacles that they had to deal with so a beautiful, drama free wedding would have balanced it better IMO. It was just a bit too dark and some of their inner musings were a bit depressing as well. They still had to deal with a long separation so one shining day would have been nice. It just left me a bit unsettled and disheartened for the couple although the softer moments of them taking care of each other helped a bit.
July 2, 2021
I enjoyed this and was really glad to see John and Ryan finally get their 'forever', but so much drama in such a short book! The drama the couple deals with everyday should have been enough, but there was added outside drama in this story as well. Still nice to see things a little bit into the future, but an epilogue a little further into the future - or even another book, would have been wonderful! I'll just have to use my imagination I guess.
I listened to the audio of this book and enjoyed Gomez Pugh's performance.
I listened to the audio of this book and enjoyed Gomez Pugh's performance.
April 9, 2025
Not as preachy as the other books but there are still so many unnecessary details. It didn't have the chance to be annoying though because it was so short.
November 1, 2017
Short, Sweet, and Suspense-Inducing
I won't lie. I hate shorts. If you've read my reviews you know this. I won't belabor the point. Maybe it's unfair to ding an author on a personal preference issue, but a short has to be truly stellar for me to give it more than 3 stars. This one was good, but it wasn't spectacular. That said, I can't help but be invested in these characters and credit for that lands squarely at Kaje Harper's door. Her character development and conveyance of feelings and emotions is truly skillful.
The pacing was fast here. Catastrophes abound and the angst came from ... what's the word I'm looking for? External. That's it. The angst came from external forces beyond anyone's control and not from the relationship itself. Well, the relationship bit wasn't entirely in the clear but I'll let you read it and find out for yourself. I liked these guys together in books 1 and 2. I really did. I don't so much like the potential for disaster I'm feeling about where things are headed right now.
I can't help but think that despite the life victories John and Ryan have achieved that there's going to be some serious sticking points and bullshittery somewhere along the line that will make me want to rip my freaking eyeballs out. I'm halfway there already. Did I say I don't like where this is going? Yeah. Exactly.
Where this story is extremely successful is in reminding us, and quickly, of exactly who these MCs are individually and together. The intimacy, longing, and love is all present and accounted for. We get a taste of all the key peripheral characters as well, because let's face it, you don't get John and Ryan without teenagers, a nutty dog, and some extended family (for better and for worse). I was extremely happy not to see Cynthia infringing here. And I'll leave the extended cast of characters alone after that little nugget.
I would much rather have had this story be mostly about John and Ryan getting hitched and then getting some much needed quiet time—especially sexy and intimate time—together after their first year of stressful separation, but it was not to be. What we got instead was fine, but somehow tumultuous, too. Thus the dread I feel for this couple's future.
Adding anything else would be pure speculation, so I shouldn't go there but I can't help it. I'm feeling some foreboding. I don't like it, but I'm rolling with it because I really want to know what happens next. If I had to guess, I think Ryan's going to get stuck too far in his head. He's already spiraling (if you ask me) and exhaustion, isolation, and enmeshment in tragedy do not make for good influences on decision-making. I think he's going to be stressed and lonely and in several different kinds of pain. I think he's going to do something stupid ... or almost do something stupid. Maybe that's my inner cynic speaking, I don't know. But something wicked this way comes. It's already making my bones ache and my heart hurt. Even though it won't be permanent, I think we're headed for:
Population 2
It's not beyond the realm of possibility that it will be some unexpected and nearly-insurmountable family drama, but my money is on relationship problems. I just hope I don't end up wanting to quit on the whole thing because I'm having murderous thoughts towards one of the MCs. Ultimately, I have a lot of feelings running amok. Some were bombarding me while reading the story and even more came after ... mostly it's dread and fear of what comes next. Sort of smooth sailing can only last so long.
So I'm waiting on tenterhooks and hoping I'm wrong. IMHO a good story makes you feel something. A great story makes you feel a lot. This one falls somewhere in between. I'm not digging the uncertainty and that's my only real bitch about this particular title. Otherwise it was short and sweet and we got a glimpse of something wonderful for these guys we've been waiting for a long time. I'm thankful for that. Regardless of my peeve-y niggles, I recommend it. Especially if you're a fan of this couple or of this author.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Building Forever (The Rebuilding Year, #3) provided by Kaje Harper in exchange of an honest review.
I won't lie. I hate shorts. If you've read my reviews you know this. I won't belabor the point. Maybe it's unfair to ding an author on a personal preference issue, but a short has to be truly stellar for me to give it more than 3 stars. This one was good, but it wasn't spectacular. That said, I can't help but be invested in these characters and credit for that lands squarely at Kaje Harper's door. Her character development and conveyance of feelings and emotions is truly skillful.
The pacing was fast here. Catastrophes abound and the angst came from ... what's the word I'm looking for? External. That's it. The angst came from external forces beyond anyone's control and not from the relationship itself. Well, the relationship bit wasn't entirely in the clear but I'll let you read it and find out for yourself. I liked these guys together in books 1 and 2. I really did. I don't so much like the potential for disaster I'm feeling about where things are headed right now.
I can't help but think that despite the life victories John and Ryan have achieved that there's going to be some serious sticking points and bullshittery somewhere along the line that will make me want to rip my freaking eyeballs out. I'm halfway there already. Did I say I don't like where this is going? Yeah. Exactly.
Where this story is extremely successful is in reminding us, and quickly, of exactly who these MCs are individually and together. The intimacy, longing, and love is all present and accounted for. We get a taste of all the key peripheral characters as well, because let's face it, you don't get John and Ryan without teenagers, a nutty dog, and some extended family (for better and for worse). I was extremely happy not to see Cynthia infringing here. And I'll leave the extended cast of characters alone after that little nugget.
I would much rather have had this story be mostly about John and Ryan getting hitched and then getting some much needed quiet time—especially sexy and intimate time—together after their first year of stressful separation, but it was not to be. What we got instead was fine, but somehow tumultuous, too. Thus the dread I feel for this couple's future.
Adding anything else would be pure speculation, so I shouldn't go there but I can't help it. I'm feeling some foreboding. I don't like it, but I'm rolling with it because I really want to know what happens next. If I had to guess, I think Ryan's going to get stuck too far in his head. He's already spiraling (if you ask me) and exhaustion, isolation, and enmeshment in tragedy do not make for good influences on decision-making. I think he's going to be stressed and lonely and in several different kinds of pain. I think he's going to do something stupid ... or almost do something stupid. Maybe that's my inner cynic speaking, I don't know. But something wicked this way comes. It's already making my bones ache and my heart hurt. Even though it won't be permanent, I think we're headed for:
Population 2
It's not beyond the realm of possibility that it will be some unexpected and nearly-insurmountable family drama, but my money is on relationship problems. I just hope I don't end up wanting to quit on the whole thing because I'm having murderous thoughts towards one of the MCs. Ultimately, I have a lot of feelings running amok. Some were bombarding me while reading the story and even more came after ... mostly it's dread and fear of what comes next. Sort of smooth sailing can only last so long.
So I'm waiting on tenterhooks and hoping I'm wrong. IMHO a good story makes you feel something. A great story makes you feel a lot. This one falls somewhere in between. I'm not digging the uncertainty and that's my only real bitch about this particular title. Otherwise it was short and sweet and we got a glimpse of something wonderful for these guys we've been waiting for a long time. I'm thankful for that. Regardless of my peeve-y niggles, I recommend it. Especially if you're a fan of this couple or of this author.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Building Forever (The Rebuilding Year, #3) provided by Kaje Harper in exchange of an honest review.
November 11, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
You know, sometimes you forget how much you fell in love with certain characters until another chapter in their lives comes along and you realize just how much you’ve missed reading about them. Such is the case with author Kaje Harper’s men from the Rebuilding Year novels, John and Ryan. If you aren’t familiar with the first two novels, The Rebuilding Year and Life, Some Assembly Required, then by all means abandon this review of the latest in the series, Rebuilding Forever, and walk, no run, to snatch up the others. These are two of my favorite works by this talented author and John and Ryan are simply a magical couple. Magic and romance aside, these guys have work hard for their happy ever after and run the emotional gamut during their years together. This latest novella finds Ryan in residency some four hours away from John and that reality most definitely has both men unhappy to say the least.
Those familiar with the series will recall how much has changed in John and Ryan’s lives. Ryan, grappling with a life crippling injury that changed his trajectory and aimed him solidly at med school has also had to deal with coming to grips with loving not just John, but his two children as well. If you recall, neither John nor Ryan had understood their attraction to men and firmly pushed those feelings aside as an impossibility until meeting each other. Through a few rough patches, like finding out your dad now loves a man and dealing with a poisonous, homophobic mother, the kids have grown up and have fully embraced John as the stepdad they hope he will one day be. However, this story is set in 2014—when gay marriage was still a state by state reality and SCOTUS had not yet handed down it’s history altering decision and while the two men could marry in the state of Minnesota, Ryan wants to wait until it’s legal nationwide.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
You know, sometimes you forget how much you fell in love with certain characters until another chapter in their lives comes along and you realize just how much you’ve missed reading about them. Such is the case with author Kaje Harper’s men from the Rebuilding Year novels, John and Ryan. If you aren’t familiar with the first two novels, The Rebuilding Year and Life, Some Assembly Required, then by all means abandon this review of the latest in the series, Rebuilding Forever, and walk, no run, to snatch up the others. These are two of my favorite works by this talented author and John and Ryan are simply a magical couple. Magic and romance aside, these guys have work hard for their happy ever after and run the emotional gamut during their years together. This latest novella finds Ryan in residency some four hours away from John and that reality most definitely has both men unhappy to say the least.
Those familiar with the series will recall how much has changed in John and Ryan’s lives. Ryan, grappling with a life crippling injury that changed his trajectory and aimed him solidly at med school has also had to deal with coming to grips with loving not just John, but his two children as well. If you recall, neither John nor Ryan had understood their attraction to men and firmly pushed those feelings aside as an impossibility until meeting each other. Through a few rough patches, like finding out your dad now loves a man and dealing with a poisonous, homophobic mother, the kids have grown up and have fully embraced John as the stepdad they hope he will one day be. However, this story is set in 2014—when gay marriage was still a state by state reality and SCOTUS had not yet handed down it’s history altering decision and while the two men could marry in the state of Minnesota, Ryan wants to wait until it’s legal nationwide.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
August 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Synopsis: John and Ryan have waited until marriage is legal in their state before they tie the knot. Now that it is, they are planning a wedding. This is made more difficult by Ryan doing his residency in another state. They try to meet halfway whenever Ryan has any length of time off, but it isn't really enough for either of them. Through it all, though, their connection with each other keeps them grounded.
What I liked: seeing John and Ryan again. I liked that their relationship, and the problems without that relationship, felt real. They way they dealt with issues was very adult, and I could honestly see any couple in this situation dealing with the issues of loneliness and wanting to be there for their partner. In fact, since I've worked as a manager in remote camps, I have seen it first hand. Some relationships just don't hold up to the stress of it, but Ryan and John remain steadfast and supportive of each other, talking things out. If something happens to throw them a little off kilter, they talk their options out, and listen to each other.
What I didn't like: I'm being a little (or a lot) inconsistent with this, because I just said that what I liked was how John and Ryan dealt with long separations. However, I wish that they could have been together more in the story.
Synopsis: John and Ryan have waited until marriage is legal in their state before they tie the knot. Now that it is, they are planning a wedding. This is made more difficult by Ryan doing his residency in another state. They try to meet halfway whenever Ryan has any length of time off, but it isn't really enough for either of them. Through it all, though, their connection with each other keeps them grounded.
What I liked: seeing John and Ryan again. I liked that their relationship, and the problems without that relationship, felt real. They way they dealt with issues was very adult, and I could honestly see any couple in this situation dealing with the issues of loneliness and wanting to be there for their partner. In fact, since I've worked as a manager in remote camps, I have seen it first hand. Some relationships just don't hold up to the stress of it, but Ryan and John remain steadfast and supportive of each other, talking things out. If something happens to throw them a little off kilter, they talk their options out, and listen to each other.
What I didn't like: I'm being a little (or a lot) inconsistent with this, because I just said that what I liked was how John and Ryan dealt with long separations. However, I wish that they could have been together more in the story.
December 8, 2020
Getting Forever!
The final installment of the romance between Ryan & John which included a wayward doggie and a mad dash to get married. Such a good story, I hate to see it end. There are a few loose ends that I wished were addressed in this final book: how did Cynthia react to Torey’s predilection & Cynthia’s divorce from Brandon. Overall, a good read!
The final installment of the romance between Ryan & John which included a wayward doggie and a mad dash to get married. Such a good story, I hate to see it end. There are a few loose ends that I wished were addressed in this final book: how did Cynthia react to Torey’s predilection & Cynthia’s divorce from Brandon. Overall, a good read!
October 2, 2022
OMG!! simplemente perfecto 😭😭😭😭 me emocioné con los votos pero lloré con el significado que cada uno le dió a los anillos, una boda llena de contratiempos pero perfecta al final... Incluyendo a Rufus 🐶 John y Ryan vivirán siempre en mi corazón ❤️
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