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Rough
Leaving was the hardest thing I ever did. That is, until I had to come back...
As soon as I turned 18, I left my old town behind. I wanted a new life, free from judgemental parents, free from the things I was not ready to accept about myself. Unfortunately, in the process of fleeing everything I hated, I also fled the one thing I cared about... My best friend, Aaron.
But now I have to come back and every piece of me is scared. I haven't gotten Aaron off my mind since I left and I both desperately wanted to see him and wanted to avoid him forever. I wish I could see him, but will he forgive me for what I've done? Is our relationship fixable after all these years?
He makes me feel both amazing and terrible.
I've never been as close to anyone as I have been with Jesse. I had to admit, I missed that closeness. But with closeness comes vulnerability and he took advantage of that vulnerability to protect himself. This is something I'm not sure I can forgive, I never planned to.
But now he is back in my life and I don't know how to avoid him or if I even want to. I've never been so torn. Is he someone I should allow back into my life?
This standalone gay romance novel is on sale for only .99 and comes complete with HEA ending!
As soon as I turned 18, I left my old town behind. I wanted a new life, free from judgemental parents, free from the things I was not ready to accept about myself. Unfortunately, in the process of fleeing everything I hated, I also fled the one thing I cared about... My best friend, Aaron.
But now I have to come back and every piece of me is scared. I haven't gotten Aaron off my mind since I left and I both desperately wanted to see him and wanted to avoid him forever. I wish I could see him, but will he forgive me for what I've done? Is our relationship fixable after all these years?
He makes me feel both amazing and terrible.
I've never been as close to anyone as I have been with Jesse. I had to admit, I missed that closeness. But with closeness comes vulnerability and he took advantage of that vulnerability to protect himself. This is something I'm not sure I can forgive, I never planned to.
But now he is back in my life and I don't know how to avoid him or if I even want to. I've never been so torn. Is he someone I should allow back into my life?
This standalone gay romance novel is on sale for only .99 and comes complete with HEA ending!
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2017
50 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hunt
23 books54 followersHayden also writes under the pseudonyms
Aimee Alesi
and
Edie Bryant
.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 28, 2018
Le falta un buen hervor a todos y cada uno de ellos. 😥
October 15, 2017
*ARC provided by the author*
Okay... This is going to be hard.
It was all going fairly well until about halfway through. I feel like the conflict between the characters got resolved too quickly, with basically no consequences (and, given how deep the impact of what happened had been, it lacked realism- but also, it made the whole thing really difficult to get invested in, emotionally).
It also felt like the characters were deeply emotionally immature, like they were stuck in the highschool years even after all that time. Not only that, but also Jesse's mother sounded pretty much like a highschool girl. It was really weird.
Speaking of Jesse's mom. I've had ENOUGH. Enough with the religion-based homophobia as plot device to establish conflict. I mean, usually it's not something that bothers me that deeply- I can tolerate it as long as it's well handled; unfortunately, in this story, it wasn't. It felt like a caricature of a serious topic, and I didn't appreciate that.
Lastly, I have one question to ask to whoever may be reading this review, if they read the book: what the hell was Jesse about, when he got so obsessed with babies, and started all the crazy talk about having a child- which in theory sounds nice and sweet, but the way he went about it rubbed me in all the wrong ways, it felt super creepy and I was really uncomfortable reading as he talked about that.
So yeah. This should have been a great experience for me, cause I love friends-to-lovers more than I can possibly say. But there were just so many nopes! It's sad.
Okay... This is going to be hard.
It was all going fairly well until about halfway through. I feel like the conflict between the characters got resolved too quickly, with basically no consequences (and, given how deep the impact of what happened had been, it lacked realism- but also, it made the whole thing really difficult to get invested in, emotionally).
It also felt like the characters were deeply emotionally immature, like they were stuck in the highschool years even after all that time. Not only that, but also Jesse's mother sounded pretty much like a highschool girl. It was really weird.
Speaking of Jesse's mom. I've had ENOUGH. Enough with the religion-based homophobia as plot device to establish conflict. I mean, usually it's not something that bothers me that deeply- I can tolerate it as long as it's well handled; unfortunately, in this story, it wasn't. It felt like a caricature of a serious topic, and I didn't appreciate that.
Lastly, I have one question to ask to whoever may be reading this review, if they read the book: what the hell was Jesse about, when he got so obsessed with babies, and started all the crazy talk about having a child- which in theory sounds nice and sweet, but the way he went about it rubbed me in all the wrong ways, it felt super creepy and I was really uncomfortable reading as he talked about that.
So yeah. This should have been a great experience for me, cause I love friends-to-lovers more than I can possibly say. But there were just so many nopes! It's sad.
October 17, 2017
A beautiful second chance romance. Jesse and Aaron were best friends until a fight tore them apart and then Jesse moves way. Jesse comes back years later and runs into Aaron. The chemistry and attraction are still there and stronger than ever. But can they move on from their past and find true love and happiness?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 14, 2017
Jesse is going home after splitting up with his girlfriend and losing his job. He is not looking forward to it as his mother is very controlling and his father doesn't care. Unfortunately he has an accident and when he comes to he is looking up at Aaron his one time best friend.
Aaron was really hurt when Jesse left without a word after he had expressed how he felt. Now Jesse is back and the feelings are still there so what will they do.
This is an excellent short story which definitely should be read with a box of tissues within reach.
Aaron was really hurt when Jesse left without a word after he had expressed how he felt. Now Jesse is back and the feelings are still there so what will they do.
This is an excellent short story which definitely should be read with a box of tissues within reach.
October 13, 2017
Really enjoyed it
Aaron and Jesse used to be best friends, but one incident changed all that. Years later they run into each other again and have so many emotions about seeing each other again. They had to work through their struggle to get their HEA. I recommend reading this book.
Aaron and Jesse used to be best friends, but one incident changed all that. Years later they run into each other again and have so many emotions about seeing each other again. They had to work through their struggle to get their HEA. I recommend reading this book.
October 13, 2017
Rough was such a beautiful journey I laughed I cried I fell in love with Jesse and Aaron
Jesse and aarons story had heartbreaking moments and heartwarming moments at the same time I felt like I was their with them every step of the way through their ups and downs that keep you hooked from beginning to end
I wanted to hug these two amazing guys I loved them
I voluntary reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Jesse and aarons story had heartbreaking moments and heartwarming moments at the same time I felt like I was their with them every step of the way through their ups and downs that keep you hooked from beginning to end
I wanted to hug these two amazing guys I loved them
I voluntary reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
April 27, 2018
Rough by author Hayden Hunt is a book I kept re-reading just because I loved the story that much. This book is written in dual POV. I liked it for this story because I really got a chance to see into the characters, and for this story, you really needed that.
Jesse has broken up with his ex because he really couldn’t connect with her. There was no spark at all. He has been taught he has to be with a girl. His parents are very religious. But he really wants the boy, the boy his parents always hated.
Aaron had loved Jesse when they were kids. But Jesse had not stuck by him or loved him back. Now he is an ER nurse in the same hometown he grew up in.
When Jesse comes back to town and ends up in the ER they have a chance to connect again, but is it too late to repair the damage to the friendship they once had?
Jesse needs Aaron, not just as a lover but as a true friend. Jesses know he messed up, he is very hard on himself. Aaron has to find it in himself to see past the hurt to the friend he once had.
This is a great story; the characters are real and I felt for them all the way through this story. I loved this one. It is a book for my keeper shelf. When I want a true romance, I am gonna re-reading this one again and again.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
Jesse has broken up with his ex because he really couldn’t connect with her. There was no spark at all. He has been taught he has to be with a girl. His parents are very religious. But he really wants the boy, the boy his parents always hated.
Aaron had loved Jesse when they were kids. But Jesse had not stuck by him or loved him back. Now he is an ER nurse in the same hometown he grew up in.
When Jesse comes back to town and ends up in the ER they have a chance to connect again, but is it too late to repair the damage to the friendship they once had?
Jesse needs Aaron, not just as a lover but as a true friend. Jesses know he messed up, he is very hard on himself. Aaron has to find it in himself to see past the hurt to the friend he once had.
This is a great story; the characters are real and I felt for them all the way through this story. I loved this one. It is a book for my keeper shelf. When I want a true romance, I am gonna re-reading this one again and again.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
October 14, 2017
A beautiful story about hurting the one you love....forgiveness and possibilities. Terrific read!
Rough is a poignant story about hurting the one you love because of fear and it is also about forgiveness and possibilities. This story was written so well that my heart broke for two best friends who fell in love and who lost that due to social pressure and fear. Jessie was a shell of the person he was capable of being because of his not being able to accept himself and who he loved. Aaron was not complete because he had lost the one person whom he loved and he never found another person to trust nor love.
Aaron's heart is so big and his ability to forgive Jessie is really beautiful. His self awareness and dream of a soul mate is heartwarming! Jessie and Aaron together are wonderful and create the future that they always should have had.
Aaron and Jesse will make your heart hurt and will also reinforce your believe in love. This was a beautiful second chance story and i highly recommend that you read and enjoy!
I voluntarily reviewed a Advanced Readers Copy of this book
Rough is a poignant story about hurting the one you love because of fear and it is also about forgiveness and possibilities. This story was written so well that my heart broke for two best friends who fell in love and who lost that due to social pressure and fear. Jessie was a shell of the person he was capable of being because of his not being able to accept himself and who he loved. Aaron was not complete because he had lost the one person whom he loved and he never found another person to trust nor love.
Aaron's heart is so big and his ability to forgive Jessie is really beautiful. His self awareness and dream of a soul mate is heartwarming! Jessie and Aaron together are wonderful and create the future that they always should have had.
Aaron and Jesse will make your heart hurt and will also reinforce your believe in love. This was a beautiful second chance story and i highly recommend that you read and enjoy!
I voluntarily reviewed a Advanced Readers Copy of this book
October 14, 2017
This is a great story about second chances. Jesse and Aaron grew up as best friends. As the result of a serious incident, they haven’t seen each other in years until Jesse is forced to come home.
This story is all about feelings and emotions. What happened between the two men so many years ago? Are they being able to repair their relationship? It is told from alternation POVs so I got a good idea of their feelings and inner thoughts. They go from remembering the past to assessing the present. Sometimes it was a bit confusing at which time they were. On the other hand, the author painted a good picture what occurred. It is not a insta-get-back-together story. They had to work for it which made it very realistic.
It was hard to read how Jesse’s mother deems religion more important than her son. Jesse showed how much he has grown by standing up for himself and for his love for Adam.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book
This story is all about feelings and emotions. What happened between the two men so many years ago? Are they being able to repair their relationship? It is told from alternation POVs so I got a good idea of their feelings and inner thoughts. They go from remembering the past to assessing the present. Sometimes it was a bit confusing at which time they were. On the other hand, the author painted a good picture what occurred. It is not a insta-get-back-together story. They had to work for it which made it very realistic.
It was hard to read how Jesse’s mother deems religion more important than her son. Jesse showed how much he has grown by standing up for himself and for his love for Adam.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book
October 28, 2017
My first from Hayden Hunt and will be looking for more in the future.
Jesse has returned home after a few years away after splitting up with his girlfriend, having no job and needing to live with his parents again, which he definitely is not looking forward to. Worse though would be seeing Aaron again. After the way he treated him and left him behind, with no contact since before they graduated, it's not going to be good. Unfortunately their first meeting happens sooner than he'd like as he ends up in the ER and Aaron is his nurse.
It's a tough first meeting and things really don't start off well as Aaron is, justifiably p***ed.
There's a lot of emotion in this story and rightly so, from both characters. I really enjoyed the connection they have and the history that they share. Jesse and Aaron are both well developed characters and you can feel the strong emotions from them throughout the story.
Jesse's parents are extremely religious and have a set idea of how their son should be, the bad guys of the story. There weren't any other supporting characters - friends or family - which would have helped as support or comedic relief maybe. We moved quite quickly through time as well.
I wasn't a fan of the story ending at only 70% of the book and would have liked things to have been more in depth with more events/characters etc but it's still a great read and I'd recommend if looking for a quick read with emotion and a HEA
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Jesse has returned home after a few years away after splitting up with his girlfriend, having no job and needing to live with his parents again, which he definitely is not looking forward to. Worse though would be seeing Aaron again. After the way he treated him and left him behind, with no contact since before they graduated, it's not going to be good. Unfortunately their first meeting happens sooner than he'd like as he ends up in the ER and Aaron is his nurse.
It's a tough first meeting and things really don't start off well as Aaron is, justifiably p***ed.
There's a lot of emotion in this story and rightly so, from both characters. I really enjoyed the connection they have and the history that they share. Jesse and Aaron are both well developed characters and you can feel the strong emotions from them throughout the story.
Jesse's parents are extremely religious and have a set idea of how their son should be, the bad guys of the story. There weren't any other supporting characters - friends or family - which would have helped as support or comedic relief maybe. We moved quite quickly through time as well.
I wasn't a fan of the story ending at only 70% of the book and would have liked things to have been more in depth with more events/characters etc but it's still a great read and I'd recommend if looking for a quick read with emotion and a HEA
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
October 14, 2017
This is a lovely story of second chances. Jesse and Aaron are very engaging characters who love each other in spite of their rocky past. What I like the most about this book is how Jesse learns to go after what he wants and stands up to his religious homophobic mother. Aaron's ability to forgive Jesse and move on to have a wonderful life together is heartwarming. I think what is missing from this book for me is the lack of supportive secondary characters. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hayden Hunt.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
October 22, 2017
It started out really good, a nice second chance story but then things does up and the characters instantly resolved their problems and then they were married. The book is mostly the characters inside their own heads. We never really get to see them spend time together, be a couple. We're just told that they're together and they have a perfect relationship despite the huge problems they had in the past. It could have been a really good book of it had been more fleshed out, 2.7 stars. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 4, 2018
This is wonderful heart-warming story and I really enjoyed reading it. What you will find in this book is: drama, social pressure, a mother's homophobia, betrayal, heartbreak, emotional feelings, disagreements, memories, bigotry, forgiveness, romance, lust, love and a mild erotic scene. The characters are well developed and entwine quite well with each other with regards to the situation they find themselves in and react with fears, doubts, needs and desires.
December 6, 2017
Very good story. Loved it. Had a great steady pace to keep me reading. Thought Aaron and Jesse had great chemistry, that warmed up the pages nicely. That is after they worked out problem between them. Loved the story line on how it played out. I hope to keep reading more books from the authors book shelf.
Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
February 17, 2018
Not the greatest
This story would be so much better if the author picked one type of story instead combining several. Several times the main character was a girl instead of a guy. ?some of the scenes were wrong one page they were dressed the next naked with nothing in between.It a big disappointment😡
This story would be so much better if the author picked one type of story instead combining several. Several times the main character was a girl instead of a guy. ?some of the scenes were wrong one page they were dressed the next naked with nothing in between.It a big disappointment😡
October 14, 2017
3.75 stars
October 19, 2017
I love a second chance romance and really enjoyed Jesse and Aaron's story. I liked getting both points of view. They had to work for their HEA but it is so worth it!
October 23, 2017
I liked Jesse and Aaron. They were sweet characters that deserved to be with each other. I liked the story because it was well written. It had a satisfying ending. I received this as a free arc.
October 25, 2017
Okay
Okay book, not as sizzling as most books I read. Wished there was more interactions between the two MC, so I could see the relationship grow between them.
Okay book, not as sizzling as most books I read. Wished there was more interactions between the two MC, so I could see the relationship grow between them.
February 15, 2018
A second chance romance. Oh god I wanted to slap Jesse’s mum for being such a close minded bitch.
March 3, 2018
This was a rainy day read for me and it hit all the right spots.
November 9, 2017
2.75 stars
This is your typical "second chance at love" story. The main characters are pretty likable, but, unfortunately, this book didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. I enjoyed seeing the slow progression of Jesse and Aaron's reconciliation, but it moved a little too fast for me at the end. If you're looking for a pleasant, quick read to pass the time on a rainy day, this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
This is your typical "second chance at love" story. The main characters are pretty likable, but, unfortunately, this book didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. I enjoyed seeing the slow progression of Jesse and Aaron's reconciliation, but it moved a little too fast for me at the end. If you're looking for a pleasant, quick read to pass the time on a rainy day, this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
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February 16, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/16/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Leaving was the hardest thing I ever did. That is, until I had to come back...
As soon as I turned 18, I left my old town behind. I wanted a new life, free from judgemental parents, free from the things I was not ready to accept about myself. Unfortunately, in the process of fleeing everything I hated, I also fled the one thing I cared about... My best friend, Aaron.
But now I have to come back and every piece of me is scared. I haven't gotten Aaron off my mind since I left and I both desperately wanted to see him and wanted to avoid him forever. I wish I could see him, but will he forgive me for what I've done? Is our relationship fixable after all these years?
He makes me feel both amazing and terrible.
I've never been as close to anyone as I have been with Jesse. I had to admit, I missed that closeness. But with closeness comes vulnerability and he took advantage of that vulnerability to protect himself. This is something I'm not sure I can forgive, I never planned to.
But now he is back in my life and I don't know how to avoid him or if I even want to. I've never been so torn. Is he someone I should allow back into my life?
Blurb:
Leaving was the hardest thing I ever did. That is, until I had to come back...
As soon as I turned 18, I left my old town behind. I wanted a new life, free from judgemental parents, free from the things I was not ready to accept about myself. Unfortunately, in the process of fleeing everything I hated, I also fled the one thing I cared about... My best friend, Aaron.
But now I have to come back and every piece of me is scared. I haven't gotten Aaron off my mind since I left and I both desperately wanted to see him and wanted to avoid him forever. I wish I could see him, but will he forgive me for what I've done? Is our relationship fixable after all these years?
He makes me feel both amazing and terrible.
I've never been as close to anyone as I have been with Jesse. I had to admit, I missed that closeness. But with closeness comes vulnerability and he took advantage of that vulnerability to protect himself. This is something I'm not sure I can forgive, I never planned to.
But now he is back in my life and I don't know how to avoid him or if I even want to. I've never been so torn. Is he someone I should allow back into my life?
October 21, 2017
2.5 stars
It started ell then everything as "solved" really fast
It started ell then everything as "solved" really fast
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews