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Sole Support
Kellen has a good life— friends to hang out with, casual sex, online book chats, and his first novel poised for release. Then he coaxes Mike, the shy, socially inept pathologist he talks books with online, into a real-time meeting. He hadn't planned for them to become more than perhaps casual lovers, but as he and Mike grow closer, Kellen realizes he might be edging toward his first real relationship. Except that his finances are getting shaky, and his elderly mother is rapidly becoming confused, unpredictable, and needy. He's faced with difficult choices, and not sure how much he can handle.
Mike considers himself a nerd of the highest order— short, bespectacled, prone to blurting out the wrong thing at the worst possible time. Meeting Kellen face to face is the biggest risk he's taken, and he doesn't expect it to be a success. But first meeting leads to first date, first everything for Mike. So it's confusing when Kellen begins pulling away, just as Mike gets up the nerve to move closer.
Kellen's most important goal has always been self-sufficiency. His mother taught him to stand on his own two feet. If he lets himself lean on anyone now, even Mike, is he heading for a fall, just when his mother needs him most?
**This book has been edited and polished, but is not substantially changed from the 2013 original.
Mike considers himself a nerd of the highest order— short, bespectacled, prone to blurting out the wrong thing at the worst possible time. Meeting Kellen face to face is the biggest risk he's taken, and he doesn't expect it to be a success. But first meeting leads to first date, first everything for Mike. So it's confusing when Kellen begins pulling away, just as Mike gets up the nerve to move closer.
Kellen's most important goal has always been self-sufficiency. His mother taught him to stand on his own two feet. If he lets himself lean on anyone now, even Mike, is he heading for a fall, just when his mother needs him most?
**This book has been edited and polished, but is not substantially changed from the 2013 original.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
25 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,730 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 164 reviews
June 5, 2013
3.5 stars
Terribly hard review to write, I really did want to love it more than I did and I felt bad that I didn't. Don't get me wrong the story wasn't bad, it was ME feeling BAD while reading it. I wanted a better outlook, more happiness to make up for feeling shitty. Like I mentioned to a friend, a heavy heart and no escaping the feeling of gloom. I think the story was too long and got bogged down in the middle with too much sadness. Maybe if it had moved more quickly, I would have appreciated it more. Kellen suffering alone and stubbornly resisting offers of help, drove me crazy. The situation was terrible and KelIen wasn't thinking straight, I couldn't help feel frustrated and had the guilt's because I should have sympathised more. I was overwhelmed by his situation, dementia is a horrible, debilitating illness.
Mike the homebody and geeky nerd was so cute, I enjoyed his outlook and the shy wonderful guy he was. I didn't like the way Kellen held things back being secretive about his book and mum. Mike got the wrong end of the stick, he started to come out of his shell then got the big heave ho. It took too long to get anywhere with these two. I also never warmed up to the sex, their compatibility or chemistry wasn't working for me. I loved Oz the tomcat he was fabulous and a shining light. I also really liked Ricardo the carer and Kellen's friends Patrick and Art. More focus on these relationships was what I needed to balance out the story. I hope this doesn't put anyone off from reading it, because the writing is great. My experience was personal and hit raw spots I don't like to think about.
Terribly hard review to write, I really did want to love it more than I did and I felt bad that I didn't. Don't get me wrong the story wasn't bad, it was ME feeling BAD while reading it. I wanted a better outlook, more happiness to make up for feeling shitty. Like I mentioned to a friend, a heavy heart and no escaping the feeling of gloom. I think the story was too long and got bogged down in the middle with too much sadness. Maybe if it had moved more quickly, I would have appreciated it more. Kellen suffering alone and stubbornly resisting offers of help, drove me crazy. The situation was terrible and KelIen wasn't thinking straight, I couldn't help feel frustrated and had the guilt's because I should have sympathised more. I was overwhelmed by his situation, dementia is a horrible, debilitating illness.
Mike the homebody and geeky nerd was so cute, I enjoyed his outlook and the shy wonderful guy he was. I didn't like the way Kellen held things back being secretive about his book and mum. Mike got the wrong end of the stick, he started to come out of his shell then got the big heave ho. It took too long to get anywhere with these two. I also never warmed up to the sex, their compatibility or chemistry wasn't working for me. I loved Oz the tomcat he was fabulous and a shining light. I also really liked Ricardo the carer and Kellen's friends Patrick and Art. More focus on these relationships was what I needed to balance out the story. I hope this doesn't put anyone off from reading it, because the writing is great. My experience was personal and hit raw spots I don't like to think about.
June 1, 2013
3.5 stars
Even if I didn’t follow Kaje Harper on Goodreads and didn’t know some of the things she faced this past year, it would have been obvious that Sole Support was a very personal journey for her. It’s impossible to read this and not feel that the person writing it KNOWS intimately about the subject matter.
Mike is smart, socially-awkward, and lonely. He lives with his sister & her husband and spends his time reading books and going online to talk about them. Kellen is a writer, self-pub’ing his first book, and saddled with the care of his aging, and quickly deteriorating mother. They click over a passion for mystery books and befriend each other with a BUDDY READ (<-that Kaje Harper…she knows her audience! Ha!)
The relationship between the two started sweet and I was engaged early on. But the middle of the book dragged a little bit and there were times that I was getting FRUSTRATED . Kellan’s behavior was quickly wearing on me and I was honestly about to turn on him (and was screaming for Mike to do the same).
But, as more was revealed about the pressure and stress on Kellan having to be the “sole support” for his aging mother, I realized that I was knee deep in it with him. I came out the other end…worn-out, stretched-out, burnt-out…but having greater compassion for Kellan and understanding the WHY’s of his choices/actions.
This is a book that FEELS REAL. There are true emotions here and not all are pleasant. There were parts I totally related to, parts that made me laugh, parts that made me pull out my hair, parts that were depressing…but all in all, I really enjoyed this.
More review at: http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/06/...
June 5, 2013
Fair warning this is going to be rambling and spoilerish....and personal.
Kaje Harper is an excellent writer, no doubt about it and when I read the blurb for this book, it was a no brainer that I was going to pre-order and be on it right away.
*waves to the buddy read gang*
Before I start in on the heavier issues, Kaje Harper's shout out to buddy-reads and online friendships, the nervous frantic stress of an author, ratings and reviews, the not hot and everybody drools over them MC, gaining weight, geekiness and a fat cat was really nice and added that little bit extra that had me giving it 4*.
Now, although the blurb hinted at it, this book was far heavier and difficult than I had thought, although that could also just be me and my life experience playing a role in how this reads for me.
Kellen might be a player, but he's a good guy and his issues with not falling in love and not depending on others is explained through the course of the book, and it made sense. I didn't like it and I got very frustrated with his reticence and refusal to let Mike or his friends in or even really to see what was right in front of him, but I understood.
Mike is a great guy, smart, geeky, helpful and so wonderfully awkward. I loved his patience and calmness with Kellen, even when I wished for him to be more forthcoming and vocal about his own needs and wants.
I liked watching him come out of his shell and after starting his 'relationship' with Kellen he might still have been insecure and a babbler but he also got out into the world more, at least that's the feeling I got.
Being a 37 year old virgin couldn't have been easy, with all of his self consciousness and solitary ways I guess it wasn't out of the realm of possibility.
Although and this is just me again, the sexual chemistry between the two seemed off a bit, but maybe that was because Kellen seemed to have all the control and made all the decisions( like not to have anal sex).
As I mentioned, this story is heavily influenced by Kellen's mother and her decline in mental capabilities and physical health issues, that weighed on me a lot. My mother had melanoma (and that scare at the end totally freaked me the fuck out) and the tumors in her brain caused issues similar to having mini strokes, and watching a young vibrant and independent person turn into someone who can't talk, see or communicate is indescribable and utterly heartbreaking.
My father is much older and like with Kellen, the dynamics of a parent-child relationship change and it is hard for everyone.
So I understood Kellen, I was actually surprised he stayed as even keeled as he did, I thought most of his problems with Mike weren't even really from his mother's illness but more from how he was raised and saw himself.
When he said that he didn't know if he could be what Mike wanted, be a 'significant other' because his whole life his whole being was consumed by the care, worry and guilt of caring for his mother, that resonated and made a lot of sense to me.
A story like this can't really have a happy ending, but it can have a happy as it can get ending, and I was fine with that, that's how it is sometimes.
But, and here is my issue, it still left me with a heavy heart and a weariness when I was done reading. I do believe that it won't effect everyone this way, but for me, I needed more happy and lightness in the dark, even if just make-believe kind.
Kaje Harper is an excellent writer, no doubt about it and when I read the blurb for this book, it was a no brainer that I was going to pre-order and be on it right away.
*waves to the buddy read gang*
Before I start in on the heavier issues, Kaje Harper's shout out to buddy-reads and online friendships, the nervous frantic stress of an author, ratings and reviews, the not hot and everybody drools over them MC, gaining weight, geekiness and a fat cat was really nice and added that little bit extra that had me giving it 4*.
Now, although the blurb hinted at it, this book was far heavier and difficult than I had thought, although that could also just be me and my life experience playing a role in how this reads for me.
Kellen might be a player, but he's a good guy and his issues with not falling in love and not depending on others is explained through the course of the book, and it made sense. I didn't like it and I got very frustrated with his reticence and refusal to let Mike or his friends in or even really to see what was right in front of him, but I understood.
Mike is a great guy, smart, geeky, helpful and so wonderfully awkward. I loved his patience and calmness with Kellen, even when I wished for him to be more forthcoming and vocal about his own needs and wants.
I liked watching him come out of his shell and after starting his 'relationship' with Kellen he might still have been insecure and a babbler but he also got out into the world more, at least that's the feeling I got.
Being a 37 year old virgin couldn't have been easy, with all of his self consciousness and solitary ways I guess it wasn't out of the realm of possibility.
Although and this is just me again, the sexual chemistry between the two seemed off a bit, but maybe that was because Kellen seemed to have all the control and made all the decisions( like not to have anal sex).
As I mentioned, this story is heavily influenced by Kellen's mother and her decline in mental capabilities and physical health issues, that weighed on me a lot. My mother had melanoma (and that scare at the end totally freaked me the fuck out) and the tumors in her brain caused issues similar to having mini strokes, and watching a young vibrant and independent person turn into someone who can't talk, see or communicate is indescribable and utterly heartbreaking.
My father is much older and like with Kellen, the dynamics of a parent-child relationship change and it is hard for everyone.
So I understood Kellen, I was actually surprised he stayed as even keeled as he did, I thought most of his problems with Mike weren't even really from his mother's illness but more from how he was raised and saw himself.
When he said that he didn't know if he could be what Mike wanted, be a 'significant other' because his whole life his whole being was consumed by the care, worry and guilt of caring for his mother, that resonated and made a lot of sense to me.
A story like this can't really have a happy ending, but it can have a happy as it can get ending, and I was fine with that, that's how it is sometimes.
But, and here is my issue, it still left me with a heavy heart and a weariness when I was done reading. I do believe that it won't effect everyone this way, but for me, I needed more happy and lightness in the dark, even if just make-believe kind.
June 3, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
Oh Kaje… you did it again! I was thrilled (to say the least) when I saw that Kaje had a new novel (a very LONG novel) coming at the Samhain site and even more excited when I was able to procure a review copy early. It's been a couple months since I first read this, but I didn't really fall into the trap of reading a book and not writing the review right away. Well, I did, but it didn't matter because I really liked this book so much that I had no trouble reading it again.
Mike lives with his sister and her husband. It's a nice arrangement. Mike is able to be a part of a nuclear family and it helps stave off the loneliness, but there are some difficulties. Like most siblings, his sister doesn't have a problem inserting herself into his life. And she brings up some valid points, which is probably why it grates on his nerves so much. Mike is a pathologist by day but a real book lover by night. And his only real social interaction apart from his family comes from his long time internet friend. They talk almost every day, discussing books and Mike has grown to really care for his friend.
Without realizing it, Mike and his internet friend fall into the awkward category of being rather intimate friends but not really knowing each other at all. When Kellen asks to meet up for coffee, Mike's neuroses come out to play. Somehow, though Mike can't understand why, Kellen seems to really like him. What Mike doesn't like about himself, Kellen finds charming… like his nerves and clumsiness. And Kellen turns out to be even better in person. To Mike, he seems cool, collected, and incredibly handsome.
Over time, Mike and Kellan grow closer in person, but having to deal with significant real life roadblocks that interrupt their new relationship. It seems like when one of them is smooth sailing the other is dealing with a crisis. It doesn't really help that Mike feels incredibly vulnerable in new, choppy waters. He might be incredibly intelligent and (though he chooses to live with his sister and brother in law) rather successful, but romantically, Mike is just a teenager. At the same time, Kellen refuses to share his burdens which grow over time to be almost unbearable. No matter how naturally they might seem to work together, their choices and fears lead them to build an unstable relationship. And it will take real work to turn it all around into something healthy and stable.
When I first started writing this review, I almost said that I was excited about this book because it's so solid. I realize that's not a great descriptor, but what I mean by that is that I feel like when I get a book from Kaje Harper to read, I know that I'll get a story that is really explored, detailed and have a fulfilling read. This was definitely the case with Sole Support. Like her other characters from past books I've also loved, Kellen and Mike came across so honestly and so fleshed out. And though it helps to have a particularly long novel to read when you really like the story, as it was here, that isn't the reason why I felt this way. This is a story about real life, real relationships and real issues, which make it both heartening to read and also at times heartbreaking. It's rare for me to find a book where the characters have to deal with such issues, yet don't delve into their own angst needlessly.
Part of the beauty of this story is how Kaje wrote Kellen's mother, who suffers from advanced dementia. We witness her slow decline, which is utterly heartbreaking, but more upsetting to watch is the correlating decline of the caregiver, Kellen, and the issues he has to deal with. The issue is handled with care and with intense empathy, and it's no surprise that Kaje dedicates this book to all caregivers.
I love slow romances, and I really fell in love with Kellen and in particular, Mike. I can't help but recommend this book to everyone. It's a perfect example of the writing talent of Kaje Harper and also an incredibly touching story. And though the characters go through some real turmoil, they come out in the end better people for it. I was carried along for the ride and in the end, it felt cathartic. I have no complaints. I forgot I was even reading this for review most of the time. I just enjoyed the story.
Oh Kaje… you did it again! I was thrilled (to say the least) when I saw that Kaje had a new novel (a very LONG novel) coming at the Samhain site and even more excited when I was able to procure a review copy early. It's been a couple months since I first read this, but I didn't really fall into the trap of reading a book and not writing the review right away. Well, I did, but it didn't matter because I really liked this book so much that I had no trouble reading it again.
Mike lives with his sister and her husband. It's a nice arrangement. Mike is able to be a part of a nuclear family and it helps stave off the loneliness, but there are some difficulties. Like most siblings, his sister doesn't have a problem inserting herself into his life. And she brings up some valid points, which is probably why it grates on his nerves so much. Mike is a pathologist by day but a real book lover by night. And his only real social interaction apart from his family comes from his long time internet friend. They talk almost every day, discussing books and Mike has grown to really care for his friend.
Without realizing it, Mike and his internet friend fall into the awkward category of being rather intimate friends but not really knowing each other at all. When Kellen asks to meet up for coffee, Mike's neuroses come out to play. Somehow, though Mike can't understand why, Kellen seems to really like him. What Mike doesn't like about himself, Kellen finds charming… like his nerves and clumsiness. And Kellen turns out to be even better in person. To Mike, he seems cool, collected, and incredibly handsome.
Over time, Mike and Kellan grow closer in person, but having to deal with significant real life roadblocks that interrupt their new relationship. It seems like when one of them is smooth sailing the other is dealing with a crisis. It doesn't really help that Mike feels incredibly vulnerable in new, choppy waters. He might be incredibly intelligent and (though he chooses to live with his sister and brother in law) rather successful, but romantically, Mike is just a teenager. At the same time, Kellen refuses to share his burdens which grow over time to be almost unbearable. No matter how naturally they might seem to work together, their choices and fears lead them to build an unstable relationship. And it will take real work to turn it all around into something healthy and stable.
When I first started writing this review, I almost said that I was excited about this book because it's so solid. I realize that's not a great descriptor, but what I mean by that is that I feel like when I get a book from Kaje Harper to read, I know that I'll get a story that is really explored, detailed and have a fulfilling read. This was definitely the case with Sole Support. Like her other characters from past books I've also loved, Kellen and Mike came across so honestly and so fleshed out. And though it helps to have a particularly long novel to read when you really like the story, as it was here, that isn't the reason why I felt this way. This is a story about real life, real relationships and real issues, which make it both heartening to read and also at times heartbreaking. It's rare for me to find a book where the characters have to deal with such issues, yet don't delve into their own angst needlessly.
Part of the beauty of this story is how Kaje wrote Kellen's mother, who suffers from advanced dementia. We witness her slow decline, which is utterly heartbreaking, but more upsetting to watch is the correlating decline of the caregiver, Kellen, and the issues he has to deal with. The issue is handled with care and with intense empathy, and it's no surprise that Kaje dedicates this book to all caregivers.
I love slow romances, and I really fell in love with Kellen and in particular, Mike. I can't help but recommend this book to everyone. It's a perfect example of the writing talent of Kaje Harper and also an incredibly touching story. And though the characters go through some real turmoil, they come out in the end better people for it. I was carried along for the ride and in the end, it felt cathartic. I have no complaints. I forgot I was even reading this for review most of the time. I just enjoyed the story.
June 6, 2013
Now that I finished -- I could understand the "dilemma" that some of my friends were experiencing. Let me start by saying this: Kaje Harper is one of my top favorite authors in MM genre. I knew, even from dedication, that this story would be very personal for her. For those reasons alone, I wanted to like it. So yes, I also felt bad that I thought it was just okay, and in fact, this was one of my least liked story from her. Which truly, as a reader, who just couple of days before 5-starred a story from Kaje, it was difficult.
I guess my issues were similar to some of the earlier reviews. However, I will try to be fair and write MY opinion clearly.
The beginning and premise were promising. I thought it was wonderful having one of the MCs, Kellen, working as an author, on a brink of publishing his book. I enjoyed that insider's perspective to the book world and found myself smiling on his take over checking book purchases and reviews. I also loved Mike -- for being shy and socially inept 37-year-old virgin, who rambled when he was nervous. The fact that Kellen's mother suffering from dementia was also an added external plot (in regards to Kellen and Mike's relationship) in which I was intrigued upon.
Unfortunately when it came to the middle part, it was dragging. I pondered what my problems were and I thought it was the 'lack of balance'. I wonder if the story worked better for me, if it was only written from Mike's perspective. Because you see, as we also got Kellen's point of view, I became very frustrated. I knew, being a sole support of his mother, Kellen was on edge. He was a prideful man, and much like his own mother, that he didn't want people to pity him.
However, because I knew what happened to him, it frustrated the hell out of me to read how he seemed to "use" Mike to get some control of his life (like ). I felt that he was 'abusing' Mike a bit. Because Mike was not coming to the relationship as an equal part of Kellen. Mike felt inexperienced. Kellen was his first boyfriend and the one introducing him to sex. Knowing that Kellen planned made me want to reach the book and slapped him for being stupid.
I felt that MAYBE if I didn't know about Kellen's problem beforehand, if I didn't know what was going on inside his head, I would felt better. Because I would felt the compassion I needed. And I would feel bad of jumping to conclusions. But because I knew, it backfired and ended up for me not caring. Which again, truly sounded bad, because I should have compassion for someone experiencing this in real life and not judging them.
Mike ended up the better character for me in the end. Although I also questioned whether him loving Kellen was because he was his first boyfriend? That Kellen was the first person who didn't make fun of his being socially inept? Or was it really true love?
In addition, I wasn't all that impressed with so many sexual froclikings that happened in this book. I got bored and ended up skimming most of them.
I guess my issues were similar to some of the earlier reviews. However, I will try to be fair and write MY opinion clearly.
The beginning and premise were promising. I thought it was wonderful having one of the MCs, Kellen, working as an author, on a brink of publishing his book. I enjoyed that insider's perspective to the book world and found myself smiling on his take over checking book purchases and reviews. I also loved Mike -- for being shy and socially inept 37-year-old virgin, who rambled when he was nervous. The fact that Kellen's mother suffering from dementia was also an added external plot (in regards to Kellen and Mike's relationship) in which I was intrigued upon.
Unfortunately when it came to the middle part, it was dragging. I pondered what my problems were and I thought it was the 'lack of balance'. I wonder if the story worked better for me, if it was only written from Mike's perspective. Because you see, as we also got Kellen's point of view, I became very frustrated. I knew, being a sole support of his mother, Kellen was on edge. He was a prideful man, and much like his own mother, that he didn't want people to pity him.
However, because I knew what happened to him, it frustrated the hell out of me to read how he seemed to "use" Mike to get some control of his life (like ). I felt that he was 'abusing' Mike a bit. Because Mike was not coming to the relationship as an equal part of Kellen. Mike felt inexperienced. Kellen was his first boyfriend and the one introducing him to sex. Knowing that Kellen planned made me want to reach the book and slapped him for being stupid.
I felt that MAYBE if I didn't know about Kellen's problem beforehand, if I didn't know what was going on inside his head, I would felt better. Because I would felt the compassion I needed. And I would feel bad of jumping to conclusions. But because I knew, it backfired and ended up for me not caring. Which again, truly sounded bad, because I should have compassion for someone experiencing this in real life and not judging them.
Mike ended up the better character for me in the end. Although I also questioned whether him loving Kellen was because he was his first boyfriend? That Kellen was the first person who didn't make fun of his being socially inept? Or was it really true love?
In addition, I wasn't all that impressed with so many sexual froclikings that happened in this book. I got bored and ended up skimming most of them.
March 14, 2016
'Sole Support' by Kaje Harper is a book that I've actually wanted to read for quite a while now but in a way I've also not wanted to read it because of the subject matter. So before I go any further I just want to send my friend Helle here on GR, a hug and big thank you for gifting me this book for Christmas and giving me the impetus that I needed to actually read it.
You see 'Sole Support' is not just a story about 2 men meeting and falling in love this is also a story about how you manage that while dealing with one of the most challenging situations a person can encounter. It's about trying to find time to care for an elderly parent whose mental health is failing, support yourself, have a life for yourself and meet someone that you fall in love with even when you don't think you should. Situations that I've had a little personal experience with.
Kellen is an aspiring author with a mother who is proud, independent and whose independence is leaving her more rapidly than either of them are willing to admit. So far in his 40ish years of life Kellen's managed to keep his relationships simple long term means I'll see you on the second Tuesday of next month and no one spends the night...ever. What he wasn't counting on was that changing when he met his on-line friend Mike face to face for the first time. He realized that Mike pushed every button he had in all the right ways, but hey, what's wrong with a little friends with benefits?
Mike's a sweet, oober smart geek who's a bit socially awkward and has never really had an intimate relationship and at 37 years old is more than willing to have this situation remedied. He's only a couple of years younger than Kellen in years but in terms of experience the gap is considerably more and he's more than happy to let Kellen remedy that.
When these two meet for the first time it's adorable and so sweet. Kellen may be a bit of a player but he's not a bad guy. He genuinely likes Mike and he's more than willing to show him how much they can enjoy each other. What he's not willing to do is make promises he can't keep. He's not looking to hurt Mike, but when you keep secrets and aren't willing to share often times that's exactly what happens...someone gets hurt.
There was a lot about this book that I liked. For the most part I liked the relationship between Kellen and Mike. At times Mike seemed to have the patience of a saint, in my opinion, which was a good thing because realistically I don't see how these two would have made it very far into a relationship without one of them being able to suck it up from time to time. Was it fair that it seemed to be Mike most of the time? No, but reality is that's how relationships quite often work. They're give and take and sometimes in order to get through the rough patches one person has to do more giving than taking and while this did frustrate me to a degree it also brought a very realistic feeling to the relationship.
I was very much impressed with the portrayal of the relationship dynamics between Kellen and his mother. Having worked in a nursing home as an HCA (nurse's aide), in community healthcare for a number of years in various capacities and dealing with elderly parents and in-laws of my own I could relate. So often in books we see children portrayed as either perfect saints or abusive asshats when it comes to caring for aged parents but frequently what we see is much closer to what we were given in this story. Children who love their parents trying to do the best they can with a system that often times falls short failing both them and their parents.
Sadly, as we also saw with Kellen, what often happens is that either the child(ren) and/or their parent(s) puts their pride before what is needed to help them during such a difficult time and all that they are really accomplishing is to make things harder than they needed to be.
The main thing that became a bit of an annoyance for me by the end of the book was the fact that Mike and Kellen would often times use sex as their solution for how to avoid an unwanted conversation rather than a way of expressing their love for each other. Not a healthy foundation to start a long-term relationship on guys...just sayin'.
I'm honestly not sure why this story didn't resonate stronger with me but it just didn't. It was a solid read and as I said there was a lot that I liked about it and in general I enjoyed this author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
You see 'Sole Support' is not just a story about 2 men meeting and falling in love this is also a story about how you manage that while dealing with one of the most challenging situations a person can encounter. It's about trying to find time to care for an elderly parent whose mental health is failing, support yourself, have a life for yourself and meet someone that you fall in love with even when you don't think you should. Situations that I've had a little personal experience with.
Kellen is an aspiring author with a mother who is proud, independent and whose independence is leaving her more rapidly than either of them are willing to admit. So far in his 40ish years of life Kellen's managed to keep his relationships simple long term means I'll see you on the second Tuesday of next month and no one spends the night...ever. What he wasn't counting on was that changing when he met his on-line friend Mike face to face for the first time. He realized that Mike pushed every button he had in all the right ways, but hey, what's wrong with a little friends with benefits?
Mike's a sweet, oober smart geek who's a bit socially awkward and has never really had an intimate relationship and at 37 years old is more than willing to have this situation remedied. He's only a couple of years younger than Kellen in years but in terms of experience the gap is considerably more and he's more than happy to let Kellen remedy that.
When these two meet for the first time it's adorable and so sweet. Kellen may be a bit of a player but he's not a bad guy. He genuinely likes Mike and he's more than willing to show him how much they can enjoy each other. What he's not willing to do is make promises he can't keep. He's not looking to hurt Mike, but when you keep secrets and aren't willing to share often times that's exactly what happens...someone gets hurt.
There was a lot about this book that I liked. For the most part I liked the relationship between Kellen and Mike. At times Mike seemed to have the patience of a saint, in my opinion, which was a good thing because realistically I don't see how these two would have made it very far into a relationship without one of them being able to suck it up from time to time. Was it fair that it seemed to be Mike most of the time? No, but reality is that's how relationships quite often work. They're give and take and sometimes in order to get through the rough patches one person has to do more giving than taking and while this did frustrate me to a degree it also brought a very realistic feeling to the relationship.
I was very much impressed with the portrayal of the relationship dynamics between Kellen and his mother. Having worked in a nursing home as an HCA (nurse's aide), in community healthcare for a number of years in various capacities and dealing with elderly parents and in-laws of my own I could relate. So often in books we see children portrayed as either perfect saints or abusive asshats when it comes to caring for aged parents but frequently what we see is much closer to what we were given in this story. Children who love their parents trying to do the best they can with a system that often times falls short failing both them and their parents.
Sadly, as we also saw with Kellen, what often happens is that either the child(ren) and/or their parent(s) puts their pride before what is needed to help them during such a difficult time and all that they are really accomplishing is to make things harder than they needed to be.
The main thing that became a bit of an annoyance for me by the end of the book was the fact that Mike and Kellen would often times use sex as their solution for how to avoid an unwanted conversation rather than a way of expressing their love for each other. Not a healthy foundation to start a long-term relationship on guys...just sayin'.
I'm honestly not sure why this story didn't resonate stronger with me but it just didn't. It was a solid read and as I said there was a lot that I liked about it and in general I enjoyed this author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
June 7, 2013
The end result? I really enjoyed this book. But when I first started I thought I would be rating this book on the lower end of the scale. The first 25% or so just didn't grab me. Thank goodness I persevered because the ending made it all worthwhile.
The reason for my lack of engagement at the beginning of the book was purely based on my feelings towards the characters. The plot had potential and the writing was excellent. I just struggled to warm to both Mike and Kellan.
Mike is the geeky virgin, thirty seven years old but still not completely comfortable in his own skin. He is a scientist who lives with his sister and his reminiscences early in the book include mentions of his sweating problems and squirting acne. I found this quite off-putting!
Mike meets Kellan, his online book buddy, in person and his nervousness and inexperience in dating really comes through. Kellan has a lot more experience and is much more comfortable meeting Mike. Where I struggled with Kellan was understanding why he was interested in Mike in the beginning ie. the initial attraction. They shared a love of books and could easily discuss lots of topics, but why he was romantically interested I wasn't sure. Particularly as he was running from his family issues and not wanting to really get involved with anyone - his actions seemed to contradict this. It was easier to understand Mike's desire to be with Kellan as he obviously was desiring a relationship and to lose his virginity and their initial connection (via IM) made it easier for him to move outside his comfort zone.
I found the early sex scenes, and even the kissing scenes, quite uncomfortable to read - I could really feel how embarrassed Mike was in some situations. I usually don't like older virginal characters but I really liked the way Mike's situation was handled - he may not have had experience with a man but he sure made sure he was ready! The fact that Kellan, for all his experience, was really turned on my Mike, was also fabulous.
This story is a romance and shows the development of the relationship between Mike and Kellan but it has a powerful accompanying story line concerning Kellan's mother. An intelligent, wonderful, strong lady who is on a downward slide, losing her mental capability at a fast pace. Her decline is presented in a way that is realistic and painful and it is easy to garner sympathy for both Kellan and his mother.
Much of the drama in the story concerns Kellan's response to his mother's plight. He refuses to let people even know about his problems let alone accept any help. In the case of Mike, he is reluctant to bring him into his life, fearing he will become dependent and eventually Mike will have enough and leave. Luckily the need for human comfort eventually wins out.
At times it was difficult to see what Mike was getting out of the relationship. He seemed to be very understanding and giving a lot more than he was getting back, with Kellen being emotionally and physically drained. But for whatever reason he didn't walk away and fought for his man. "And damned if he would walk away from it, because he wanted his twenty-eight years. Or more, if he could get them."
The last 25% was probably the highlight of this book and made the journey worthwhile.
The reason for my lack of engagement at the beginning of the book was purely based on my feelings towards the characters. The plot had potential and the writing was excellent. I just struggled to warm to both Mike and Kellan.
Mike is the geeky virgin, thirty seven years old but still not completely comfortable in his own skin. He is a scientist who lives with his sister and his reminiscences early in the book include mentions of his sweating problems and squirting acne. I found this quite off-putting!
Mike meets Kellan, his online book buddy, in person and his nervousness and inexperience in dating really comes through. Kellan has a lot more experience and is much more comfortable meeting Mike. Where I struggled with Kellan was understanding why he was interested in Mike in the beginning ie. the initial attraction. They shared a love of books and could easily discuss lots of topics, but why he was romantically interested I wasn't sure. Particularly as he was running from his family issues and not wanting to really get involved with anyone - his actions seemed to contradict this. It was easier to understand Mike's desire to be with Kellan as he obviously was desiring a relationship and to lose his virginity and their initial connection (via IM) made it easier for him to move outside his comfort zone.
I found the early sex scenes, and even the kissing scenes, quite uncomfortable to read - I could really feel how embarrassed Mike was in some situations. I usually don't like older virginal characters but I really liked the way Mike's situation was handled - he may not have had experience with a man but he sure made sure he was ready! The fact that Kellan, for all his experience, was really turned on my Mike, was also fabulous.
This story is a romance and shows the development of the relationship between Mike and Kellan but it has a powerful accompanying story line concerning Kellan's mother. An intelligent, wonderful, strong lady who is on a downward slide, losing her mental capability at a fast pace. Her decline is presented in a way that is realistic and painful and it is easy to garner sympathy for both Kellan and his mother.
Much of the drama in the story concerns Kellan's response to his mother's plight. He refuses to let people even know about his problems let alone accept any help. In the case of Mike, he is reluctant to bring him into his life, fearing he will become dependent and eventually Mike will have enough and leave. Luckily the need for human comfort eventually wins out.
At times it was difficult to see what Mike was getting out of the relationship. He seemed to be very understanding and giving a lot more than he was getting back, with Kellen being emotionally and physically drained. But for whatever reason he didn't walk away and fought for his man. "And damned if he would walk away from it, because he wanted his twenty-eight years. Or more, if he could get them."
The last 25% was probably the highlight of this book and made the journey worthwhile.
November 9, 2013
My very long and detailed review has just disappeared into the ether! I start again (Grrr!)
I rate this book highly as I totally empathise with the main theme that this novel explores. My partner and I are currently experiencing the on-set of dementia with my partner's 85 year old mother. Kaje explores this theme so well, so eloquently and so realistically in "Sole Support". (I hadn't realised that keeping the curtains drawn closed and only cooking eggs and toast were such common traits in dementia sufferers).
I wept with Kellen, although initially I didn't care for him that much. At 40+ his testosterone levels should have sufficiently diminished to curtail his sluttish behaviour and indeed it is curtailed when he meets Mike, the nerdy thirty-seven year old virgin.
There are some really great characters in this book, not just the two protagonists. Mike's sister and brother-in-law, Kellen's neighbour Patrick, the care assistant Ricardo to name but a few.
As Susan another reviewer stated so eloquently, "This is a book that FEELS REAL. There are true emotions here and not all are pleasant".
Five stars from me because although this is an M/M romance it's the themes of care and support that I totally empathise with.
I rate this book highly as I totally empathise with the main theme that this novel explores. My partner and I are currently experiencing the on-set of dementia with my partner's 85 year old mother. Kaje explores this theme so well, so eloquently and so realistically in "Sole Support". (I hadn't realised that keeping the curtains drawn closed and only cooking eggs and toast were such common traits in dementia sufferers).
I wept with Kellen, although initially I didn't care for him that much. At 40+ his testosterone levels should have sufficiently diminished to curtail his sluttish behaviour and indeed it is curtailed when he meets Mike, the nerdy thirty-seven year old virgin.
There are some really great characters in this book, not just the two protagonists. Mike's sister and brother-in-law, Kellen's neighbour Patrick, the care assistant Ricardo to name but a few.
As Susan another reviewer stated so eloquently, "This is a book that FEELS REAL. There are true emotions here and not all are pleasant".
Five stars from me because although this is an M/M romance it's the themes of care and support that I totally empathise with.
March 5, 2017
Finally, finally, finally!
Over a year this book has set on my TBR. And while that's not as bad as some of my TBR books could could attest to, it is pretty bad when Kaje Harper is one of my favorite authors of all time.
#shame
Kaje Harper has this special talent when it comes to telling stories that just aren't about the two MC's falling in love, but also about the MC's families, making them just as important to the whole of the story. Sole Support is the perfect example of just how amazing she is at it. This book in equal turns made me feel sad, happy, frustrated, and hopeful--for Mike and Kellen's love life and for their families.
It did get a little slow for me in a couple of places, but it quickly picked back up. And Kellen annoyed me with his back and forth, though it was understandable.
Ultimately, I highly recommend.
Over a year this book has set on my TBR. And while that's not as bad as some of my TBR books could could attest to, it is pretty bad when Kaje Harper is one of my favorite authors of all time.
#shame
Kaje Harper has this special talent when it comes to telling stories that just aren't about the two MC's falling in love, but also about the MC's families, making them just as important to the whole of the story. Sole Support is the perfect example of just how amazing she is at it. This book in equal turns made me feel sad, happy, frustrated, and hopeful--for Mike and Kellen's love life and for their families.
It did get a little slow for me in a couple of places, but it quickly picked back up. And Kellen annoyed me with his back and forth, though it was understandable.
Ultimately, I highly recommend.
June 5, 2013
I'm a bit conflicted about that book. Kaje Harper is autobuy for me, she still has to write something that I don't like. But I had a few moments in this one that made me uneasy.
Mike is a very sweet and loveable character, the one you want to coax out of his shell. You as the reader can see his true character, his great personality that is hampered by his akwardness. So every step that brings him out, makes him happy, is good.
Kellen on the other hand - it took me a while to like him. Wait, that's wrong, I liked him just fine in the beginning, when he was so very patient with Mike, so understanding. Then, when he shut down, kept Mike at arms length, I felt the same unease like Mike. It wasn't a plesant feeling. So logically the book felt a bit unpleasant to me, too, during this phase.
But like Kellen did it with Mike, covering up with hot and bone melting sex, I got distracted by it, too.
It was a relief when he finally confided in Mike. From then on I only had a few moments where I thought he was in idiot ;)
There was a lot going on in this book and while I'm still not confronted with the same choices Kellen had to make, I felt a strong connection to his problems of caring for his mother.
These MCs are human, they feel joy, they feel like crap, they are happy, uneasy, anxious, insecure, confident, sad and funny. They are like life.
Did I mention that I really liked it?
Mike is a very sweet and loveable character, the one you want to coax out of his shell. You as the reader can see his true character, his great personality that is hampered by his akwardness. So every step that brings him out, makes him happy, is good.
Kellen on the other hand - it took me a while to like him. Wait, that's wrong, I liked him just fine in the beginning, when he was so very patient with Mike, so understanding. Then, when he shut down, kept Mike at arms length, I felt the same unease like Mike. It wasn't a plesant feeling. So logically the book felt a bit unpleasant to me, too, during this phase.
But like Kellen did it with Mike, covering up with hot and bone melting sex, I got distracted by it, too.
It was a relief when he finally confided in Mike. From then on I only had a few moments where I thought he was in idiot ;)
There was a lot going on in this book and while I'm still not confronted with the same choices Kellen had to make, I felt a strong connection to his problems of caring for his mother.
These MCs are human, they feel joy, they feel like crap, they are happy, uneasy, anxious, insecure, confident, sad and funny. They are like life.
Did I mention that I really liked it?
March 23, 2020
*I am putting an asterisk next to any reviews written during the COVID-19 emergency, since my emotions are all over the place and my rational mind seems to have taken a hike.
This book deeply engaged me at a time when I needed to be thinking about something other than current reality, so I'm giving it 4 stars. I can't say it was very romantic; it felt more like the male equivalent of Women's Fiction, with the romance being only one part of a larger plot. Also Kellen was emotionally closed off for 95% of the book (with good reason, but still it pained me to see him continue to refer to his relationship with Mike as friends-with-benefits when it was obvious that Mike was in love with him). And Mike was a sweetheart (who doesn't love a socially awkward virgin MC in his late 30s?) but perhaps it wasn't the best idea to describe him as looking like Woody Allen (although the book may have been written before Allen became such a controversial figure).
Kellen's struggles with his mother's rapidly worsening dementia are gut-wrenching and realistic, made more acute because he has no other family members to help him. It certainly makes for sometimes grim reading, but at least he is able to get to a more stable, manageable situation that allows him room to open his heart to Mike.
Definitely not a fluffy love story, but well-written and obviously a topic that was very close to the author's personal life at the time.
This book deeply engaged me at a time when I needed to be thinking about something other than current reality, so I'm giving it 4 stars. I can't say it was very romantic; it felt more like the male equivalent of Women's Fiction, with the romance being only one part of a larger plot. Also Kellen was emotionally closed off for 95% of the book (with good reason, but still it pained me to see him continue to refer to his relationship with Mike as friends-with-benefits when it was obvious that Mike was in love with him). And Mike was a sweetheart (who doesn't love a socially awkward virgin MC in his late 30s?) but perhaps it wasn't the best idea to describe him as looking like Woody Allen (although the book may have been written before Allen became such a controversial figure).
Kellen's struggles with his mother's rapidly worsening dementia are gut-wrenching and realistic, made more acute because he has no other family members to help him. It certainly makes for sometimes grim reading, but at least he is able to get to a more stable, manageable situation that allows him room to open his heart to Mike.
Definitely not a fluffy love story, but well-written and obviously a topic that was very close to the author's personal life at the time.
August 31, 2017
I ordered a simple book from an author I have liked in the past. Have you ever ordered A and got B but when you finished you felt better than if you had gotten A. Kaje Harper gave me what I needed instead of what I wanted and that always makes the experience better. I loved reading this story and even though I was feeling my chest hurt and my eyes tear up during most of the story cause let me tell you Harper's writing has you feeling all of the anxiety and stress wanting to fix everything for Kellen and Mike the way you would for good friends and every now and then hit someone on the back of the head to make them wise up. That is the best kind of stories ones that make you feel like you are with a loved one. Like life this book has no easy answers but is a great journey if you take the trip. Enough metaphors buy the dang book. Plus hot sex - woohoo.
May 31, 2013
Kaje Harper is an auto-buy for me. The characters in her contemporary books are always so real, I never have trouble relating to or believing, them and their circumstances. Kellen and Mike are no exception.
Mike is a socially awkward nerd. In his thirties, with a good job, he finds himself living with his sister and her husband. He doesn't date, and his only outside relationships are those he creates online discussing books. After having chatted for a while with Kellen, he reluctantly agrees to meet face to face.
Kellen is a struggling writer, looking to publish his first novel. He doesn't do relationships, but has a string of casual flings and hook-ups to fall back on. He grew up learning not to depend on others, after watching his mother adapt to life after his father's death when he was a child. The financial strain of not working a steady job and his realization that his mother's health and ability to function on her own are steadily declining only adds to his resolve that he cannot allow anyone to get any closer to him than friends with benefits.
After a first meeting leads to a first date, we soon see Kellen's resolve become shaky. As Mike's desire for a deeper relationship grows, Kellen begins to feel the need to keep Mike more at arm's length, even though for the first time in his life, he might not really want to, especially as his mother's health rapidly declines.
This book brought tears to my eyes and had me rooting for Mike and Kellen throughout. Wonderful secondary characters and excellent writing make this another keeper from Ms. Harper.
Mike is a socially awkward nerd. In his thirties, with a good job, he finds himself living with his sister and her husband. He doesn't date, and his only outside relationships are those he creates online discussing books. After having chatted for a while with Kellen, he reluctantly agrees to meet face to face.
Kellen is a struggling writer, looking to publish his first novel. He doesn't do relationships, but has a string of casual flings and hook-ups to fall back on. He grew up learning not to depend on others, after watching his mother adapt to life after his father's death when he was a child. The financial strain of not working a steady job and his realization that his mother's health and ability to function on her own are steadily declining only adds to his resolve that he cannot allow anyone to get any closer to him than friends with benefits.
After a first meeting leads to a first date, we soon see Kellen's resolve become shaky. As Mike's desire for a deeper relationship grows, Kellen begins to feel the need to keep Mike more at arm's length, even though for the first time in his life, he might not really want to, especially as his mother's health rapidly declines.
This book brought tears to my eyes and had me rooting for Mike and Kellen throughout. Wonderful secondary characters and excellent writing make this another keeper from Ms. Harper.
August 5, 2015
Редкий случай, когда герои на обложке идеально подходят под впечатления!
История ми-ми-мишная, хотя местами казалась затянутой, но тут уж кто как любит, знаете ли)))
История ми-ми-мишная, хотя местами казалась затянутой, но тут уж кто как любит, знаете ли)))
December 20, 2017
This was a very well written book. That said, the story didn’t do it for me.
At a point, the romantic aspect of the story was pushed to the background because of Kellen’s mom depending on him for everything due to her advancing dementia. This lasted a good 40% of the book and everything that Kellen goes through is described in painful detail. Then, the end and love declarations came rushed towards the very last pages of the book leaving me wanting for more.
Don’t get me wrong, this is probably one of the most real relationships I’ve ever read. This is how things happen mostly in real life. The passion is there but it is not all encompassing and all consuming. There is not a magical HEA. The characters are flawed, late 30’s-early 40’s and not physically perfect. Their issues were very much real (caring of an elderly, sick parent, financial problems, shyness, etc).
I was probably hoping for a more ‘romantic’ romance. So that’s on me, not on the book.
At a point, the romantic aspect of the story was pushed to the background because of Kellen’s mom depending on him for everything due to her advancing dementia. This lasted a good 40% of the book and everything that Kellen goes through is described in painful detail. Then, the end and love declarations came rushed towards the very last pages of the book leaving me wanting for more.
Don’t get me wrong, this is probably one of the most real relationships I’ve ever read. This is how things happen mostly in real life. The passion is there but it is not all encompassing and all consuming. There is not a magical HEA. The characters are flawed, late 30’s-early 40’s and not physically perfect. Their issues were very much real (caring of an elderly, sick parent, financial problems, shyness, etc).
I was probably hoping for a more ‘romantic’ romance. So that’s on me, not on the book.
June 3, 2013
First of all, this is a quiet book. It’s a slow-paced, silent tale about two men’s journey toward each other and to themselves. But this is exactly what makes this story so powerful–it doesn’t need to rely on action, noise or speed to capture the reader’s interest. It’s moving, depressing in parts yet optimistic in others, it’s honest, sweet, funny and heartbreakingly sad just like life itself.
Particularly when it comes to the struggles Kellen has to cope with in his day to day life. When we first meet him, he’s an outgoing guy; not quite a party animal, but he likes to go out with his friends. He’s close to forty, an author who just self-published his first novel, and even though he may not have a lot of money until his book starts to really sell, he gets by.
That is, until he realizes that his mother isn’t the person she used to be. Her mind is detoriating, and Kellen finds himself compelled to gradually leave his own life behind in order to become her caretaker. While this is hard enough in and of itself, it’s even harder for Kellen, given his mother’s personality–and not lastly, his own, since he is every bit as proud, fiercely independent and loath to ask for help as his mother is.
I found this part really wonderfully done. Anybody who ever had to deal with a person who suffered from dementia of any kind will be able to relate to what happened to Kellen’s mother–the slow, gradual, unstoppable downward spiral. First goes memory, then learned conventions, then instincts until nothing remains but a husk of a person. The person affected may stop noticing the process after a while, but the caretaker doesn’t. In this book, neither the slow detoriation of Kellen’s mother nor Kellen’s own growing despair and suffering were glossed over in any way; and yet the whole issue was handled with dignity and respect. And above all this, whatever Kellen’s mother did or how Kellen reacted, their refusal to accept help, let alone ask for it, were firmly based on their respective personalities and history. Perfectly crafted and heartbreakingly sad to watch. Kellen really needed to hit rock bottom, needed to almost break under the strain before he realized there’s no shame in taking the hand that reaches out to him.
Mike’s hand, that is; and even if I found Kellen the better-drawn and the more impressive of the two, it’s Mike who grew on me most, he was just such a wonderful guy. Not that I didn’t have my problems with him–first and foremost with how very shy and solitary he is.
However, Mike coming out of his shell–or rather, Kellen coaxing him out of it–was so sweet to watch. My heart went out to Mike and the way he kept expecting the inevitable–having his heart broken– and practically analyzed his way there with clinical distance while at the same time he couldn’t help falling for Kellen, which eventually led to the expected result. But he came out stronger afterward, not broken–the change in his personality was remarkable and yet there was no change at all. Mike was always this reliable, generous, selfless person, but it took Kellen to make Mike recognize himself, and Kellen specifically, not just anybody. For once Mike came into his own, their roles reversed, and it was Mike who made Kellen open up, who drew him out. I couldn’t nelp cheering them on–they were just so perfect for each other.
Oh, yes, and the cat really is fantastic.
Warmly recommended.
Review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
Particularly when it comes to the struggles Kellen has to cope with in his day to day life. When we first meet him, he’s an outgoing guy; not quite a party animal, but he likes to go out with his friends. He’s close to forty, an author who just self-published his first novel, and even though he may not have a lot of money until his book starts to really sell, he gets by.
That is, until he realizes that his mother isn’t the person she used to be. Her mind is detoriating, and Kellen finds himself compelled to gradually leave his own life behind in order to become her caretaker. While this is hard enough in and of itself, it’s even harder for Kellen, given his mother’s personality–and not lastly, his own, since he is every bit as proud, fiercely independent and loath to ask for help as his mother is.
I found this part really wonderfully done. Anybody who ever had to deal with a person who suffered from dementia of any kind will be able to relate to what happened to Kellen’s mother–the slow, gradual, unstoppable downward spiral. First goes memory, then learned conventions, then instincts until nothing remains but a husk of a person. The person affected may stop noticing the process after a while, but the caretaker doesn’t. In this book, neither the slow detoriation of Kellen’s mother nor Kellen’s own growing despair and suffering were glossed over in any way; and yet the whole issue was handled with dignity and respect. And above all this, whatever Kellen’s mother did or how Kellen reacted, their refusal to accept help, let alone ask for it, were firmly based on their respective personalities and history. Perfectly crafted and heartbreakingly sad to watch. Kellen really needed to hit rock bottom, needed to almost break under the strain before he realized there’s no shame in taking the hand that reaches out to him.
Mike’s hand, that is; and even if I found Kellen the better-drawn and the more impressive of the two, it’s Mike who grew on me most, he was just such a wonderful guy. Not that I didn’t have my problems with him–first and foremost with how very shy and solitary he is.
However, Mike coming out of his shell–or rather, Kellen coaxing him out of it–was so sweet to watch. My heart went out to Mike and the way he kept expecting the inevitable–having his heart broken– and practically analyzed his way there with clinical distance while at the same time he couldn’t help falling for Kellen, which eventually led to the expected result. But he came out stronger afterward, not broken–the change in his personality was remarkable and yet there was no change at all. Mike was always this reliable, generous, selfless person, but it took Kellen to make Mike recognize himself, and Kellen specifically, not just anybody. For once Mike came into his own, their roles reversed, and it was Mike who made Kellen open up, who drew him out. I couldn’t nelp cheering them on–they were just so perfect for each other.
Oh, yes, and the cat really is fantastic.
Warmly recommended.
Review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2014
I wanted to like this book a ton because of The Rebuilding Year, but I was so disappointed in the entire book. First off thanks to Kaje Harper for having realistic men in her books, everyone isn't a ten or so beautiful and masculine. Real life people, some people are small and have receding hairlines, that's life.
Now to Kellan, god I HATED him. WTF, first off the way he seem to go back and forth with his feelings for Mike, really??? You knew he was so inexperienced yet by your own selfish accounts you still dealt with him. That wasn't what made me hate him. His mother sick before Mike came into the picture, yet he was so selfish and uncaring it pissed me off the whole book. I felt like he strung Mike along and didn't have the best intentions at all. I think I wanted him to do better and be better because he 4-0, dude you wasn't a twink or in your early 20's you've had 2 decades to know how you treat people. I understand you realize you needed him, but then you went back and forth with not wanting him because you were independent and then you would lean on him. Help me out here.
Michael, Michael, Michael. You sheltered little bird. I want to dislike you so much. You were a trooper I can admit that, sometimes you stood up for yourself, and I think you settled because you were so inexperienced that you felt just because your little idiosyncrasies bothered you and Kellan dealt with them well that he was the one for you. Not, but in the end this fiction and Kellan finally told him he loved him.
I guess I wanted and expected better from this author, it wasn't much plot. I will keeping read just because The Rebuilding Year is turning out to my a favorite mm/Cr read for me!
Now to Kellan, god I HATED him. WTF, first off the way he seem to go back and forth with his feelings for Mike, really??? You knew he was so inexperienced yet by your own selfish accounts you still dealt with him. That wasn't what made me hate him. His mother sick before Mike came into the picture, yet he was so selfish and uncaring it pissed me off the whole book. I felt like he strung Mike along and didn't have the best intentions at all. I think I wanted him to do better and be better because he 4-0, dude you wasn't a twink or in your early 20's you've had 2 decades to know how you treat people. I understand you realize you needed him, but then you went back and forth with not wanting him because you were independent and then you would lean on him. Help me out here.
Michael, Michael, Michael. You sheltered little bird. I want to dislike you so much. You were a trooper I can admit that, sometimes you stood up for yourself, and I think you settled because you were so inexperienced that you felt just because your little idiosyncrasies bothered you and Kellan dealt with them well that he was the one for you. Not, but in the end this fiction and Kellan finally told him he loved him.
I guess I wanted and expected better from this author, it wasn't much plot. I will keeping read just because The Rebuilding Year is turning out to my a favorite mm/Cr read for me!
July 16, 2017
Mike and Kellen are two 40-ish guys who met on the internet and share a common love of books.
Mike is still a virgin (in every sense of the word), mostly due to some self-esteem issues. Kellen is a relationship virgin because the idea of depending on another human for comfort and support is frightening. The two meet up in real life, and quickly fall for each other (even though Kellen wasn't about to admit it to himself or anyone else). But the real relationship starts when Kellen has to move back to the house he grew up in to take care of his mother.
Sole Support was definitely hard for me to read, because about 3-4 years ago I was in almost the exact same situation as Kellen. Caregiver burnout is something I still feel the consequences of, even after all these years. I cried a lot while reading this book, but it was a cleansing kind of crying, I think, and I feel lighter now that I've finished it.
Kaje's stories to me always seem more real somehow. With other writers I'm always aware that what I'm reading is fiction, no matter how much I connect with the characters. But I wouldn't be surprised if one day I came to America and met a real Tony, or Mac, or Kellen, or Mike. It's what makes me appreciate and love her stories all the more.
Mike is still a virgin (in every sense of the word), mostly due to some self-esteem issues. Kellen is a relationship virgin because the idea of depending on another human for comfort and support is frightening. The two meet up in real life, and quickly fall for each other (even though Kellen wasn't about to admit it to himself or anyone else). But the real relationship starts when Kellen has to move back to the house he grew up in to take care of his mother.
Sole Support was definitely hard for me to read, because about 3-4 years ago I was in almost the exact same situation as Kellen. Caregiver burnout is something I still feel the consequences of, even after all these years. I cried a lot while reading this book, but it was a cleansing kind of crying, I think, and I feel lighter now that I've finished it.
Kaje's stories to me always seem more real somehow. With other writers I'm always aware that what I'm reading is fiction, no matter how much I connect with the characters. But I wouldn't be surprised if one day I came to America and met a real Tony, or Mac, or Kellen, or Mike. It's what makes me appreciate and love her stories all the more.
June 29, 2013
3 - 3.5 stars
Overall a compelling read, only Kellan's stand-offish behavior was a bit too much. Yes, mom's worsening health was a big part of this story, but it also was a big part of Kellan's life. I got why he was so adamant in keeping his autonomy, and it was nice to see how finally he was able to acknowledge practical help. Only his relationship with Mike was like going round in circles. The I-Love-You-scene and the epilogue were nice.
Overall a compelling read, only Kellan's stand-offish behavior was a bit too much. Yes, mom's worsening health was a big part of this story, but it also was a big part of Kellan's life. I got why he was so adamant in keeping his autonomy, and it was nice to see how finally he was able to acknowledge practical help. Only his relationship with Mike was like going round in circles. The I-Love-You-scene and the epilogue were nice.
June 5, 2013
Deeply sensitive, intensely personal, with a romance that begins as friendship, 'Sole Support' covers all the emotions: sadness, guilt, anxiety, loyalty and love.
Mike is a geeky pathologist, Kellan is a self published author. It is their mutual love of mystery novels that brings these boys together. I love the realistic way they act on their attraction.
Kellan's mum is a wonderful character, and Oz. how cute is he?
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Mike is a geeky pathologist, Kellan is a self published author. It is their mutual love of mystery novels that brings these boys together. I love the realistic way they act on their attraction.
Kellan's mum is a wonderful character, and Oz. how cute is he?
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
November 5, 2017
This is a compelling romance. Kellen isn't likable most of the time. He is not an awful person but he isn't very self reflective in terms of why he is the way he is. He is very human and as the book moves on Kellen becomes someone you wish life were easier for. His mother get sick and who she is alters and Kellen isn't set up emotionally to cope.
I was in this book for Mike, nerdy, scientist, and virgin in his late 30's. I love Mike, I love his emotionial bravery and how clear he is with himself and Kellen.
Mike is steadfast and for the most part Kellen is kind and loving to Mike and eventually lets himself be vulnerable and fully loved.
It is a bit of an achey book but well written with a great cast, several of whom I would like to see get their own HEA. I hope Art and Patrick already have a book but if they don'y they need one.
I was in this book for Mike, nerdy, scientist, and virgin in his late 30's. I love Mike, I love his emotionial bravery and how clear he is with himself and Kellen.
Mike is steadfast and for the most part Kellen is kind and loving to Mike and eventually lets himself be vulnerable and fully loved.
It is a bit of an achey book but well written with a great cast, several of whom I would like to see get their own HEA. I hope Art and Patrick already have a book but if they don'y they need one.
Read
June 25, 2013When you open a book that is almost twice the ordinary length and nevertheless start it, knowing you will see the little hour of the night, because you are sure it will be good? That was Sole Support for me. I don’t know what gave me the feeling that this was one of those books you don’t forget, maybe the blurb, a 37 years old virgin falling in love for the first time, yes, maybe that was it, or maybe the stray cat… in any case Sole Support fulfilled my expectations and maybe something more.
I truly love the characters, so ordinary! And yes, I loved they were ordinary people, not some unreachable romance hero. Mike is short, skinny, painfully shy, at 37 years old resembling more Woody Allen than some cute twink; nevertheless, Kellen likes him, at first I think in almost a patronizing way. Kellen is more expert, used to play the field, no strings attached relationships and all. Pushing more 50 than 40, tall and fit, but with the threatening of overweight luring, he is not exactly your dream hero. And now maybe you are understanding what I mean with ordinary people, describing Mike and Kellen with their physical description, doesn’t entice the reader to start the novel, but well, how they look doesn’t really matter. They are good to each other, they are two gay men, single, ready for something serious (even if Kellen doesn’t want to admit it). I could also add to their ordinaries, that Kellen is also unemployed, or better he is self-employed as an editor after he lost his job as salesman in a bookstore. He is a wanna-be mystery author, but like him thousand others. Sure he is good, but more or less on the average. This is not a romance of exploitation, with big revelations, fame and fortune and happily ever after. It’s more warm and comfort, AND happily ever after, but in a very realistic way.
Kellen’s relationship with his mother touched me almost in a painful way, being more or less in the same situation; being the sole support of an aging parent is not easy, and Kellen is as stubborn as his mother. He is ready to sacrifice his personal life, and to an extend also his professional one, or at least to put a stop to it until something will happen (read his mother passing away). But planning and realizing is not the same, and it’s even more difficult when you are basically a social being, not used to cut everyone out of your life.
Truly wonderful story, touching and sweet, but also sexy when it was the right moment.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJGPWHK/?...
I truly love the characters, so ordinary! And yes, I loved they were ordinary people, not some unreachable romance hero. Mike is short, skinny, painfully shy, at 37 years old resembling more Woody Allen than some cute twink; nevertheless, Kellen likes him, at first I think in almost a patronizing way. Kellen is more expert, used to play the field, no strings attached relationships and all. Pushing more 50 than 40, tall and fit, but with the threatening of overweight luring, he is not exactly your dream hero. And now maybe you are understanding what I mean with ordinary people, describing Mike and Kellen with their physical description, doesn’t entice the reader to start the novel, but well, how they look doesn’t really matter. They are good to each other, they are two gay men, single, ready for something serious (even if Kellen doesn’t want to admit it). I could also add to their ordinaries, that Kellen is also unemployed, or better he is self-employed as an editor after he lost his job as salesman in a bookstore. He is a wanna-be mystery author, but like him thousand others. Sure he is good, but more or less on the average. This is not a romance of exploitation, with big revelations, fame and fortune and happily ever after. It’s more warm and comfort, AND happily ever after, but in a very realistic way.
Kellen’s relationship with his mother touched me almost in a painful way, being more or less in the same situation; being the sole support of an aging parent is not easy, and Kellen is as stubborn as his mother. He is ready to sacrifice his personal life, and to an extend also his professional one, or at least to put a stop to it until something will happen (read his mother passing away). But planning and realizing is not the same, and it’s even more difficult when you are basically a social being, not used to cut everyone out of your life.
Truly wonderful story, touching and sweet, but also sexy when it was the right moment.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJGPWHK/?...
August 24, 2013
Hmmm, having recently read and become slightly enamoured with the Life Lessons series by Kaje Harper I was slightly nervous about reading about new characters. And at the start I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not - Mike seemed a bit dorky, Kellan a bit selfish....but as the story progressed I found I couldn't put it down. I mean I literally had to force myself to stop reading in the middle of the night and then picked it up again as soon as I woke this morning.
It is a book that grows on you. Where at the beginning it appears as though Kellan is the cool one in control, this 'power' slowly shifts to Mike as the book goes on. Kellan is dealing with a lot, his mum is suffering from dementia (and as someone who used to work with elderly people who suffered from dementia, I have to say the author did a fabulous job portraying this. It is a cruel disease and probably one of the hardest for relatives to deal with) and he is not used to relying on anyone else. Letting Mike be his support is really hard for him. Mike really steps up to the mark though, despite his in-experience and the perceived problem he has socialising he is really good for Kellan.
As I say this story grew on me, I liked that about it. I liked the fact that it was more unconventional - but then again 'real' people and situations is, I feel, Kaje Harpers true strength. It is so easy to relate to her characters. For a slow burning love story, something a little different, check this one out.
It is a book that grows on you. Where at the beginning it appears as though Kellan is the cool one in control, this 'power' slowly shifts to Mike as the book goes on. Kellan is dealing with a lot, his mum is suffering from dementia (and as someone who used to work with elderly people who suffered from dementia, I have to say the author did a fabulous job portraying this. It is a cruel disease and probably one of the hardest for relatives to deal with) and he is not used to relying on anyone else. Letting Mike be his support is really hard for him. Mike really steps up to the mark though, despite his in-experience and the perceived problem he has socialising he is really good for Kellan.
As I say this story grew on me, I liked that about it. I liked the fact that it was more unconventional - but then again 'real' people and situations is, I feel, Kaje Harpers true strength. It is so easy to relate to her characters. For a slow burning love story, something a little different, check this one out.
June 18, 2013
Mike is 37 and a virgin. He has never even kissed anyone (you all know this excites me, yes?). He is gay, a pathologist and lives with his older sister. He wears glasses, used to have acne – kind of an all around nerdy guy. The main reason he is still a virgin is that he is really shy and never has the courage to approach a man. However, he joins an online reading group and starts to have chemistry with a man named Kellen.
Kellen is an aspiring author who is 40 years old. He enjoys talking to Mike online and pushes for them to meet in real life. When they do, he is totally smitten with Mike. After the initial kiss, Kellen knows Mike must not have much experience but that doesn’t bother Kellen in the slightest. Kellen’s mother is elderly and starting to show signs of dementia. Already being short on cash, Kellen struggles with making sure she stays safe. Her situation embarrasses him, and he has a very hard time telling people about her medical condition.
I think some things are done really well in this book and other things I struggled with. What is done well is the character of Mike. We really get to know him and his yearning for a relationship yet his fear and shyness try to get in the way. I enjoyed his nervousness of trying to wade through a new relationship and not feeling confident when it comes to the physical acts. I think this author does a nice job with writing him as a bumbling virgin, and also a nice job with his sexual discovery and how he gains confidence as the weeks go by.
My main frustration comes with Kellen. I felt he was disconnected from the story and the romance through most of the book. I think his relationship and struggles with his mother are portrayed well, but while there is plenty of sex in this book, I never felt Kellen was truly into it. He just lacked chemistry with Mike. He isn’t a bad person or weak – but there was just something about him and how he acted with Mike that never clicked with me.
I also think the middle of this book drags on and on. There is quite a build-up to the actual sex act between Mike and Kellen. as Kellen fears about moving too quickly, and all Mike can think about is actual penetration, and this goes on for quite awhile. Much time is also spent with Kellen and his ailing mother, something that didn’t necessarily bother me, but some might find those parts slow too.
This was just an okay read for me. I do like my virgin heroes and I wish I could have been more into Kellen.
Rating: C
Kellen is an aspiring author who is 40 years old. He enjoys talking to Mike online and pushes for them to meet in real life. When they do, he is totally smitten with Mike. After the initial kiss, Kellen knows Mike must not have much experience but that doesn’t bother Kellen in the slightest. Kellen’s mother is elderly and starting to show signs of dementia. Already being short on cash, Kellen struggles with making sure she stays safe. Her situation embarrasses him, and he has a very hard time telling people about her medical condition.
I think some things are done really well in this book and other things I struggled with. What is done well is the character of Mike. We really get to know him and his yearning for a relationship yet his fear and shyness try to get in the way. I enjoyed his nervousness of trying to wade through a new relationship and not feeling confident when it comes to the physical acts. I think this author does a nice job with writing him as a bumbling virgin, and also a nice job with his sexual discovery and how he gains confidence as the weeks go by.
My main frustration comes with Kellen. I felt he was disconnected from the story and the romance through most of the book. I think his relationship and struggles with his mother are portrayed well, but while there is plenty of sex in this book, I never felt Kellen was truly into it. He just lacked chemistry with Mike. He isn’t a bad person or weak – but there was just something about him and how he acted with Mike that never clicked with me.
I also think the middle of this book drags on and on. There is quite a build-up to the actual sex act between Mike and Kellen. as Kellen fears about moving too quickly, and all Mike can think about is actual penetration, and this goes on for quite awhile. Much time is also spent with Kellen and his ailing mother, something that didn’t necessarily bother me, but some might find those parts slow too.
This was just an okay read for me. I do like my virgin heroes and I wish I could have been more into Kellen.
Rating: C
June 16, 2013
Yet another wonderful story from Kaje Harper. She is the absolute best at writing real, flawed characters. Her knack for authentic dialogue - whether between characters or internal is completely amazing. This is no exception.
Kellan and Mike are just two guys dealing with life's ups and downs. They are each struggling with various issues but somehow they manage to be getting it together a little bit as a couple. Then Kellan pulls away and Mike doesn't understand why. Luckily Kellan has some pushy neighbors that intervene just a little bit. Thank goodness for that.
I think one of the hardest things for anyone who is raised in this society to do is let someone else help. Somehow we've all been shamed into thinking that somehow if we cannot make it on our own that we are just weak and substandard. We punish ourselves for any perceived lack of something that we can't just make everything go right. And if we fall short of our goal, we are a failure. Why? I don't know. I do know that I myself am guilty of it more times than not. I understood why Kellan felt the way he did about not dragging Mike into what he saw as his messy messed-up life. Guess what? We all live messy, messed-up lives to one degree or another. Mike was able to somehow make Kellan understand this, but it sure wasn't easy. What it was was honest and a little bit uncomfortable. And then it was a breakthrough :D
Lovingly written and I know very close to Kaje's heart. Beautiful.
Kellan and Mike are just two guys dealing with life's ups and downs. They are each struggling with various issues but somehow they manage to be getting it together a little bit as a couple. Then Kellan pulls away and Mike doesn't understand why. Luckily Kellan has some pushy neighbors that intervene just a little bit. Thank goodness for that.
I think one of the hardest things for anyone who is raised in this society to do is let someone else help. Somehow we've all been shamed into thinking that somehow if we cannot make it on our own that we are just weak and substandard. We punish ourselves for any perceived lack of something that we can't just make everything go right. And if we fall short of our goal, we are a failure. Why? I don't know. I do know that I myself am guilty of it more times than not. I understood why Kellan felt the way he did about not dragging Mike into what he saw as his messy messed-up life. Guess what? We all live messy, messed-up lives to one degree or another. Mike was able to somehow make Kellan understand this, but it sure wasn't easy. What it was was honest and a little bit uncomfortable. And then it was a breakthrough :D
Lovingly written and I know very close to Kaje's heart. Beautiful.
July 19, 2013
3.5 Stars
ARGH!!!!
Kellen really frustrated me throughout this book. I can't say much other than stupidity will get you nowhere. I also really didn't like the way Kellen treated Mike throughout this. It really rubbed me the wrong way. Saying one thing, but meaning another. Not cool.
My heart ached for Mike. I absolutely ADORED him and his "geekiness". Although, I see nothing geeky about him. Maybe I have a thing for smart guys in glasses? I have no idea, but I loved Mike. He could really be himself with Kellen and didn't have to hide or be ashamed of babbling or speaking random facts. It was nice to watch him be Mike.
This book really wasn't what I was expecting. There were times when I was bored and wanted more of Kellen and Mike and not the other issue. I did really like Mike's sister and brother in law, I wish we saw more of them.
ARGH!!!!
Kellen really frustrated me throughout this book. I can't say much other than stupidity will get you nowhere. I also really didn't like the way Kellen treated Mike throughout this. It really rubbed me the wrong way. Saying one thing, but meaning another. Not cool.
My heart ached for Mike. I absolutely ADORED him and his "geekiness". Although, I see nothing geeky about him. Maybe I have a thing for smart guys in glasses? I have no idea, but I loved Mike. He could really be himself with Kellen and didn't have to hide or be ashamed of babbling or speaking random facts. It was nice to watch him be Mike.
This book really wasn't what I was expecting. There were times when I was bored and wanted more of Kellen and Mike and not the other issue. I did really like Mike's sister and brother in law, I wish we saw more of them.
July 21, 2013
Kaje Harper has wrote a beautiful love story with Sole Support. The characters a real and flawed. It was such a pleasant change to read about a couple falling in love that were not cover model gorgeous or overly successful. Mike was a regular looking guy who had real shyness and a lack of social skills, and I liked him tremendously. Kellan took me a little more time to connect with, but he was facing the hardest time in his life, and his reasonings, while not necessarily right, were believable. My favourite character of all was Patrick. What a little ray of sunshine he was. I would love to know more about him.
This story had depth and beauty, and Kaje Harper keeps moving up my list of favourite authors.
This story had depth and beauty, and Kaje Harper keeps moving up my list of favourite authors.
June 12, 2013
I dont know what to say, she does it again. I had pre-ordered this one and forgot when it was due out. So when I woke up at 5 that morning to use the potty and saw it on my kindle, it was like Christmas morning. Did I go back to sleep, nope started it right then. Finished it that evening. I loved this two though at times I wanted to smack Kellan sometimes for being a jerk and shake Mike for not standing up for himself. But that is what makes this one work!!! Thank you Kaje for writting an awesome story that I know I will be rereading many times!!!
September 5, 2018
3.5 stars. This is a solid read with everything that makes a classic Kaje Harper book. The characters had lives and struggles outside their sex drives, the relationship was allowed to developed naturally and wasn't cookie cutter like so many other M/Ms tend to be. I did feel like Mike was a tad too stereotypical, and I was constantly frustrated with Kellen throughout the first half of the book, but they felt like a real couple. I didn't connect with them on the same level as I did with Mac and Tony from her Life Lessons series, but I was certainly rooting for their HEA.
June 4, 2013
Romance between a geeky, insecure scientist and a writer whose mother is suffering from dementia. Strikes close to home for those of us who have an elderly family member suffering from dementia. It was OK but I don't feel like I connected to these characters as well as I did to characters from Harper's other books, so 3 stars.
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