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Romance Redefined
Opposites attract, but are some differences too drastic for a romance to survive?
On the surface, Benson Howard Winthrop III and Hugh Bayard have a lot in they’re young, handsome, and blessed to be one of the wealthiest couples in the country. Surely they have everything anyone could want. But Ben is no longer satisfied with their long-running relationship. Hugh’s need to control every situation is suffocating him, and Ben needs to know if he can make it on his own merits by following his passion.
But Ben’s mother isn’t about to let her son live in a rundown apartment as a struggling actor. She’s determined to get him back to his rightful place at the top of the social ladder—and back with Hugh.
Rekindling their romance will require more than doing what’s expected. Ben and Hugh need to understand and embrace each other’s differences. They’ll have to support each other even when one makes a decision the other doesn’t agree with. For their passionate love to grow, they will need to redefine the meaning of romance… only then can they find true happiness.
On the surface, Benson Howard Winthrop III and Hugh Bayard have a lot in they’re young, handsome, and blessed to be one of the wealthiest couples in the country. Surely they have everything anyone could want. But Ben is no longer satisfied with their long-running relationship. Hugh’s need to control every situation is suffocating him, and Ben needs to know if he can make it on his own merits by following his passion.
But Ben’s mother isn’t about to let her son live in a rundown apartment as a struggling actor. She’s determined to get him back to his rightful place at the top of the social ladder—and back with Hugh.
Rekindling their romance will require more than doing what’s expected. Ben and Hugh need to understand and embrace each other’s differences. They’ll have to support each other even when one makes a decision the other doesn’t agree with. For their passionate love to grow, they will need to redefine the meaning of romance… only then can they find true happiness.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2017
2 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,018 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 28, 2017
If you’re in the mood for something easy on the heart, Romance Redefined by SJD Peterson is the perfect comfort read. Heartfelt longing, bittersweet misunderstandings, and a good dose of fun come together in this enjoyable, low-angst story.
Truly, this is the best second chance romance I’ve read in ages.
After a ten year relationship with Hugh Bayard, Ben Winthrop has to face facts that Hugh will never be what he needs and he’s not willing to settle for less. Ben gives up his home and his family to move to New York City to pursue his dreams and create a life for himself. Of course Hugh keeps popping up, and he clearly wants Ben back.
Ben’s attraction to Hugh is as strong as ever, and when they get together the chemistry is sparking hot.
The romantic scenes between Ben and Hugh are some of the most beautiful I’ve read from SJD Peterson, and if you’re a fan you know that’s saying something!
Ben feels the connection with Hugh so strongly during lovemaking, that it’s heartbreaking to feel how Hugh pulls away right after. Ben needs, in his words, the “emotional passion” to carry over into their daily life if they are ever going to have a permanent relationship.
Likewise, Hugh feels Ben has unrealistic expectations and tells him, “I’m just a man, not Prince Charming.”
When Ben takes a step back and looks at the past ten years of his relationship with Hugh, he says, “What did I see? Two people who could never seem to come to agreement on what love meant.” Both of them will need to give up a little and adjust their requirements if they’re going to make a life together.
There’s a reason this is such a popular theme in romantic literature, we all love it, and when it’s done well there’s nothing more satisfying. SJD Peterson has written a perfect story in Romance Redefined and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Truly, this is the best second chance romance I’ve read in ages.
After a ten year relationship with Hugh Bayard, Ben Winthrop has to face facts that Hugh will never be what he needs and he’s not willing to settle for less. Ben gives up his home and his family to move to New York City to pursue his dreams and create a life for himself. Of course Hugh keeps popping up, and he clearly wants Ben back.
Ben’s attraction to Hugh is as strong as ever, and when they get together the chemistry is sparking hot.
The romantic scenes between Ben and Hugh are some of the most beautiful I’ve read from SJD Peterson, and if you’re a fan you know that’s saying something!
Ben feels the connection with Hugh so strongly during lovemaking, that it’s heartbreaking to feel how Hugh pulls away right after. Ben needs, in his words, the “emotional passion” to carry over into their daily life if they are ever going to have a permanent relationship.
Likewise, Hugh feels Ben has unrealistic expectations and tells him, “I’m just a man, not Prince Charming.”
When Ben takes a step back and looks at the past ten years of his relationship with Hugh, he says, “What did I see? Two people who could never seem to come to agreement on what love meant.” Both of them will need to give up a little and adjust their requirements if they’re going to make a life together.
There’s a reason this is such a popular theme in romantic literature, we all love it, and when it’s done well there’s nothing more satisfying. SJD Peterson has written a perfect story in Romance Redefined and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
November 18, 2017
Welp!
This did not work for me. :(
I was irritated, frustrated and bored.
I didn't care much for Ben or Hugh or Jason.
A second chance or third MC story that, unfortunately, missed the mark.
Maybe it will fare better for you....
This did not work for me. :(
I was irritated, frustrated and bored.
I didn't care much for Ben or Hugh or Jason.
A second chance or third MC story that, unfortunately, missed the mark.
Maybe it will fare better for you....
November 25, 2017
3 Stars
Ugh, it’s never a good thing when you have a love triangle and although from the blurb's description you pretty much know who the main character will end up with, and you’re rooting for the other guy.
I really disliked Hugh, well maybe disliked is too strong of a word, I was more indifferent of Hugh and I kinda had no clue what Ben saw in him. Hugh just didn’t seem to care all that much about Ben or his feelings, whereas Jason seemed to really care about and want Ben. I was rooting for Jason, who was sweet and caring and funny. I thought they had a lot in common and they had an easy back and forth banter, and although Jason shared the same problem as Hugh of not really listening to what Benny said or wanted at times, I really felt he was the better choice/fit for Ben.
I felt Jason was a much more well-rounded and developed character, compared to Hugh who hung out in the background throughout most of the story. Once we finally learn a bit more about Hugh and why he is the way he is, for me at least, it was too little too late.
I liked Benny and while I know you can’t choose who you fall in love with, seeing him pine for Hugh was just frustrating and heartbreaking and I wanted to shake him at times!
It’s really disappointing because I really wanted to like this book, but while the writing is good, the story itself wasn’t great. There was hardly no interaction between Ben and Hugh and although the relationship is already an established one, as a reader I still needed to see them interact and see the relationship develop.
Im sorry to say that I really don’t think I can recommend this book. Maybe others will enjoy it, but it just wasn’t for me.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Ugh, it’s never a good thing when you have a love triangle and although from the blurb's description you pretty much know who the main character will end up with, and you’re rooting for the other guy.
I really disliked Hugh, well maybe disliked is too strong of a word, I was more indifferent of Hugh and I kinda had no clue what Ben saw in him. Hugh just didn’t seem to care all that much about Ben or his feelings, whereas Jason seemed to really care about and want Ben. I was rooting for Jason, who was sweet and caring and funny. I thought they had a lot in common and they had an easy back and forth banter, and although Jason shared the same problem as Hugh of not really listening to what Benny said or wanted at times, I really felt he was the better choice/fit for Ben.
I felt Jason was a much more well-rounded and developed character, compared to Hugh who hung out in the background throughout most of the story. Once we finally learn a bit more about Hugh and why he is the way he is, for me at least, it was too little too late.
I liked Benny and while I know you can’t choose who you fall in love with, seeing him pine for Hugh was just frustrating and heartbreaking and I wanted to shake him at times!
It’s really disappointing because I really wanted to like this book, but while the writing is good, the story itself wasn’t great. There was hardly no interaction between Ben and Hugh and although the relationship is already an established one, as a reader I still needed to see them interact and see the relationship develop.
Im sorry to say that I really don’t think I can recommend this book. Maybe others will enjoy it, but it just wasn’t for me.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 13, 2017
I was expecting something different when I started reading this book but I'm definitely not disappointed by what I got. I though it would be a story of two people finding their way back to each other by spending time together and evolving. Making compromises and learning new things about each other. Things that somehow escaped them the first time around.
Even though a lot of those did happen in this story, it wasn't just a second chance romance. It was mainy the story of Benson reexamining his life, changing the things that made him unhappy and taking a chance at making his dreams come true. It was more of a journey in order for him to find who he is and in the process he also found his husband again.
I liked the story and the characters but I would have liked more scenes with Ben and Hugh together trying to fix what was broken. I would have liked to see Hugh changing and understanding what Ben was asking of him, making an effort to be more open and give him with what he needed. Maybe the problem was that we only got Ben's point of view here so I didn't feel like I understood Hugh bery much.
A lot of times during the story I wasn't sure if they were going to make it or if Ben would end up with his new friend and persistent admirer. The uncertainty didn't bother me. On the contrary, it made me want to keep reading and find out.
The secondary characters were good and they all added something to the story. Ben's family was full of well intentioned meddlers but in the end all that help him and Hugh a lot.
I enjoyed this story a lot and I think it's great for those who like relationship angst and second chances. 4 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
Even though a lot of those did happen in this story, it wasn't just a second chance romance. It was mainy the story of Benson reexamining his life, changing the things that made him unhappy and taking a chance at making his dreams come true. It was more of a journey in order for him to find who he is and in the process he also found his husband again.
I liked the story and the characters but I would have liked more scenes with Ben and Hugh together trying to fix what was broken. I would have liked to see Hugh changing and understanding what Ben was asking of him, making an effort to be more open and give him with what he needed. Maybe the problem was that we only got Ben's point of view here so I didn't feel like I understood Hugh bery much.
A lot of times during the story I wasn't sure if they were going to make it or if Ben would end up with his new friend and persistent admirer. The uncertainty didn't bother me. On the contrary, it made me want to keep reading and find out.
The secondary characters were good and they all added something to the story. Ben's family was full of well intentioned meddlers but in the end all that help him and Hugh a lot.
I enjoyed this story a lot and I think it's great for those who like relationship angst and second chances. 4 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
November 16, 2017
This was soooo not a book for me. Ben/Benny/Benson relates the entire story in 1st person, the first drawback. It’s entirely his thoughts and views about everyone and everything with little more than dialogue exchanges to grasp any sense of the other characters. Benny seemed little more than a spoiled 35 year old going on 18, acting out a late teenaged rebellion. He leaves his husband and his life to work at a restaurant, live in a crappy apartment and try to become an actor. He was with Hugh since he was 19, married at 25 and 10 years later he resents character traits that have been there all along but Hugh just won’t change for him. Or so he tells us over and over and over. There is almost no insight to anyone except Ben, and his is quite limited because what the hell was he doing with his life for 10 years of marriage?
His mother has almost nothing to do with getting them back together. She has her own spoiled, petulant, self absorbed life. What was up with this Jason dude? For a while it sounded like he was going to be an added obsessive stalker plot line. We learned more about him than anyone else, I think. But Hugh, supposedly the other main character, was nearly in the background until near the end of the story. Ben has sex with him a couple of times and then runs away while he’s sleeping, and any other dialogue between them is sparse. Why Hugh keeps chasing after this little puke is beyond me. I gave it two stars because I read the whole thing but I think SJD Peterson and I are going to parting ways for a while. Loved earlier books but the last few have left me cold.
His mother has almost nothing to do with getting them back together. She has her own spoiled, petulant, self absorbed life. What was up with this Jason dude? For a while it sounded like he was going to be an added obsessive stalker plot line. We learned more about him than anyone else, I think. But Hugh, supposedly the other main character, was nearly in the background until near the end of the story. Ben has sex with him a couple of times and then runs away while he’s sleeping, and any other dialogue between them is sparse. Why Hugh keeps chasing after this little puke is beyond me. I gave it two stars because I read the whole thing but I think SJD Peterson and I are going to parting ways for a while. Loved earlier books but the last few have left me cold.
November 11, 2017
Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2017
It conflicted me whether I liked this or not, because, Lord...this is dragging me. Especially Ben's rejection and his inability to make decision, right until almost the end of the book. Ben irritated me a lot, but I don't know, I cannot hate him either, because he needed something he craved from Hugh that Hugh hard to tell. His past. His guilt.
But I can't hate this story, it happens in real life, you know?
Choices has to made, and Ben torn between his love to Hugh or open his heart to the new love Jason offered him.
Speaking of Jason, I think it's only fair that he could have his own story in the near future.
If I'm Ben, I'll probably chosen Jason already.
But love is the strangest thing, and mysterious. Just like what Gibran said, 'if love chosen you, follow it'.
This is a second chance love story, and also a love triangle. I usually hates love triangle story, but somehow, I survived this one, because Jason is so adorable. I have no problem with him. He's just a nice guy, in the wrong time of his life.
I finished it in one sitting, this is one of the rare book that I can stand to read without pause.
There's no extreme twist, just Ben and Hugh trying to redefined their love to each other, is it worth it or not to stay together for good, this time.
All they need is classic, talk. And talked they were.
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest and fair review.*
But I can't hate this story, it happens in real life, you know?
Choices has to made, and Ben torn between his love to Hugh or open his heart to the new love Jason offered him.
Speaking of Jason, I think it's only fair that he could have his own story in the near future.
If I'm Ben, I'll probably chosen Jason already.
But love is the strangest thing, and mysterious. Just like what Gibran said, 'if love chosen you, follow it'.
This is a second chance love story, and also a love triangle. I usually hates love triangle story, but somehow, I survived this one, because Jason is so adorable. I have no problem with him. He's just a nice guy, in the wrong time of his life.
I finished it in one sitting, this is one of the rare book that I can stand to read without pause.
There's no extreme twist, just Ben and Hugh trying to redefined their love to each other, is it worth it or not to stay together for good, this time.
All they need is classic, talk. And talked they were.
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest and fair review.*
November 30, 2017
In a genre as heavily saturated as romance, Peterson does an excellent job of doing something different. The title, I imagine, is a nod to this. This isn’t a meet cute, romance develops, angst and misunderstandings, type book, it’s real life!
I don’t particularly like HFN or even HEA endings as, as we all know, meeting someone and realising you want to be together, is, comparatively, the easy part. Making the relationship work is the real battle, so I very much liked this book for dealing with real issues (salvaging a failing relationship).
Single POV, this book is from Ben’s perspective. A sheltered, rich kid, who fled an unfulfilling marriage to find himself. He’s still in love with Hugh, and lord knows, it would all be so much easier if he wasn’t, but he’s not able to stay in a relationship that’s little more than scraps. Ben’s determined to make something of his life, on his own, and stop being an extension of Hugh or his family name.
I liked that Peterson didn’t cop out. Too often authors, to preserve likeability, use conflict arising from misunderstandings as a trope. In this there’s no misunderstanding. Hugh is, sort of, unlikeable. At least to begin with. He’s withholding, closed off, controlling and, at times, dismissive. Ben is a neglected husband and no amount of talking to Hugh got him to appreciate how wretched Ben was feeling, so he had no choice but to leave. Hugh only sat up and took notice when Ben was gone. And even then, not immediately. Evidently, he tried dating women for a bit to see if he could find the trophy wife Ben failed to be (although, as it’s single POV it’s not entirely clear whether Hugh is saying that to bait Ben into revealing he still cares).
The book starts when Hugh realises Ben is the love of his life and, if he’s going to get him back, he’s got to start listening, get past his hangups and woo him. For me that made for a satisfying book. I like the “make him work for it” second chance books. I really dislike second chance when the couple immediately fall back into a relationship. They always read like the aggrieved party forgave too easily. Ben loves Hugh which complicates matters, but he remains resolved to not go back to something that’s a pale reflection of what he wants and needs.
Ben’s frustration with himself was really well expressed. Again, this book reflects real life and, as Seinfeld said, the first breakup never takes. Which is true. If a relationship ends because of issues, but you still have feelings, it does make a clean break hard. Ben’s vascillating is a reflection of that.
The only issue I had was changing age. Ben refers to himself as 35 and Hugh says he’s 40, a five year age gap. Later, a childhood incident puts Ben at 9 and Hugh at 17, an 8 year age gap. Meh, small potatoes in an otherwise compelling read.
If you’re looking for a gooey romance with knights on white steeds, and flawless MCs, this isn’t the book for you. If you want something a little bit different, go for it. There is a satisfying ending as Hugh redeems himself and there is an explanation for why he is the way he is.
I don’t particularly like HFN or even HEA endings as, as we all know, meeting someone and realising you want to be together, is, comparatively, the easy part. Making the relationship work is the real battle, so I very much liked this book for dealing with real issues (salvaging a failing relationship).
Single POV, this book is from Ben’s perspective. A sheltered, rich kid, who fled an unfulfilling marriage to find himself. He’s still in love with Hugh, and lord knows, it would all be so much easier if he wasn’t, but he’s not able to stay in a relationship that’s little more than scraps. Ben’s determined to make something of his life, on his own, and stop being an extension of Hugh or his family name.
I liked that Peterson didn’t cop out. Too often authors, to preserve likeability, use conflict arising from misunderstandings as a trope. In this there’s no misunderstanding. Hugh is, sort of, unlikeable. At least to begin with. He’s withholding, closed off, controlling and, at times, dismissive. Ben is a neglected husband and no amount of talking to Hugh got him to appreciate how wretched Ben was feeling, so he had no choice but to leave. Hugh only sat up and took notice when Ben was gone. And even then, not immediately. Evidently, he tried dating women for a bit to see if he could find the trophy wife Ben failed to be (although, as it’s single POV it’s not entirely clear whether Hugh is saying that to bait Ben into revealing he still cares).
The book starts when Hugh realises Ben is the love of his life and, if he’s going to get him back, he’s got to start listening, get past his hangups and woo him. For me that made for a satisfying book. I like the “make him work for it” second chance books. I really dislike second chance when the couple immediately fall back into a relationship. They always read like the aggrieved party forgave too easily. Ben loves Hugh which complicates matters, but he remains resolved to not go back to something that’s a pale reflection of what he wants and needs.
Ben’s frustration with himself was really well expressed. Again, this book reflects real life and, as Seinfeld said, the first breakup never takes. Which is true. If a relationship ends because of issues, but you still have feelings, it does make a clean break hard. Ben’s vascillating is a reflection of that.
The only issue I had was changing age. Ben refers to himself as 35 and Hugh says he’s 40, a five year age gap. Later, a childhood incident puts Ben at 9 and Hugh at 17, an 8 year age gap. Meh, small potatoes in an otherwise compelling read.
If you’re looking for a gooey romance with knights on white steeds, and flawless MCs, this isn’t the book for you. If you want something a little bit different, go for it. There is a satisfying ending as Hugh redeems himself and there is an explanation for why he is the way he is.
January 26, 2018
3 Hearts
Well, this was interesting. I think I was expecting something a little different when I had initially read the blurb. Romance Redefined is one of those stories where at the end I’m not sure if I liked it or not. That’s good and bad…I know I didn’t hate it and I know I didn’t love it. I’m a fan of this author and I know she can write stellar stories this one just left me with more questions than anything else.
Ben and Hugh have known each other their whole lives. What started as neighborly friendship quickly turned into a passionate love that burned brighter than both men were ready for. A string of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a workaholic attitude leaves Ben questioning everything but mostly he knows he needs to leave Hugh and start living his own life.
Divorced, Ben seeks out a new life one where he can focus on his acting and finding love again. Hugh however believes Ben should give him another chance so with help from Ben’s mother, Hugh sets out to win Ben back.
My biggest struggles with this story were the characters. Ben came off as abrasive and irrationally angry towards Hugh. Hugh was a closed off punching bag and his relationship with Ben left me feeling blah. The only time these two are on the same page is when they’re in bed and I have to admit, they are pretty hot together.
Overall, I think I liked the idea of this story a lot more than I liked the story itself. The writing was great like I said this author can write but this particular story didn’t really do it for me.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Well, this was interesting. I think I was expecting something a little different when I had initially read the blurb. Romance Redefined is one of those stories where at the end I’m not sure if I liked it or not. That’s good and bad…I know I didn’t hate it and I know I didn’t love it. I’m a fan of this author and I know she can write stellar stories this one just left me with more questions than anything else.
Ben and Hugh have known each other their whole lives. What started as neighborly friendship quickly turned into a passionate love that burned brighter than both men were ready for. A string of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a workaholic attitude leaves Ben questioning everything but mostly he knows he needs to leave Hugh and start living his own life.
Divorced, Ben seeks out a new life one where he can focus on his acting and finding love again. Hugh however believes Ben should give him another chance so with help from Ben’s mother, Hugh sets out to win Ben back.
My biggest struggles with this story were the characters. Ben came off as abrasive and irrationally angry towards Hugh. Hugh was a closed off punching bag and his relationship with Ben left me feeling blah. The only time these two are on the same page is when they’re in bed and I have to admit, they are pretty hot together.
Overall, I think I liked the idea of this story a lot more than I liked the story itself. The writing was great like I said this author can write but this particular story didn’t really do it for me.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 8, 2017
I was expecting something different when I started reading this book, but I’m definitely not disappointed by what I got. I thought it would be a story of two people finding their way back to each other by spending time together and evolving, making compromises and learning new things about each other. Things that somehow escaped them the first time around.
Even though a lot of those things did happen in this story, it wasn’t just a second chance romance. It was mainly the story of Benson reexamining his life, changing the things that made him unhappy, and taking a chance at making his dreams come true. It was more of a journey in order for him to find who he is, and, in the process, he also found his husband again.
I liked the story and the characters, but I would have liked more scenes with Ben and Hugh together, trying to fix what was broken. I would have liked to see Hugh changing and understanding what Ben was asking of him, making an effort to be more open and give him what he needed. Maybe the problem was that we only got Ben’s point of view here, so I didn’t feel like I understood Hugh very much.
A lot of times during the story, I wasn’t sure if they were going to make it, or if Ben would end up with his new friend and persistent admirer. The uncertainty didn’t bother me. On the contrary, it made me want to keep reading and find out.
The secondary characters were good, and they all added something to the story. Ben’s family was full of well-intentioned meddlers, but in the end, all that help him and Hugh a lot.
I enjoyed this story a lot, and I think it’s great for those who like relationship angst and second chances.
Reviewed by Ky for The Novel Approach
Even though a lot of those things did happen in this story, it wasn’t just a second chance romance. It was mainly the story of Benson reexamining his life, changing the things that made him unhappy, and taking a chance at making his dreams come true. It was more of a journey in order for him to find who he is, and, in the process, he also found his husband again.
I liked the story and the characters, but I would have liked more scenes with Ben and Hugh together, trying to fix what was broken. I would have liked to see Hugh changing and understanding what Ben was asking of him, making an effort to be more open and give him what he needed. Maybe the problem was that we only got Ben’s point of view here, so I didn’t feel like I understood Hugh very much.
A lot of times during the story, I wasn’t sure if they were going to make it, or if Ben would end up with his new friend and persistent admirer. The uncertainty didn’t bother me. On the contrary, it made me want to keep reading and find out.
The secondary characters were good, and they all added something to the story. Ben’s family was full of well-intentioned meddlers, but in the end, all that help him and Hugh a lot.
I enjoyed this story a lot, and I think it’s great for those who like relationship angst and second chances.
Reviewed by Ky for The Novel Approach
December 4, 2017
I really really disliked Hugh... I just don't get it in my head why a guy like Benny could love someone like Hugh.
In retrospect (I finished reading a few days ago) I still don't get their HEA.
Not going to happen.
Not ever....
In retrospect (I finished reading a few days ago) I still don't get their HEA.
Not going to happen.
Not ever....
November 14, 2017
SJD writes stories that make you think. She pulls you in with the blurb and you find yourself having to read the story to find out what happens.
That happened to me with her new book.
This is a second chance love story between Ben and Hugh.
They have been married for 10 years when Ben decides he had enough of being taken for granted by Hugh and leaves him.
Ben follows his dream to NY and tries to become an actor. Now both men are from rich families and have always gotten what they wanted in material things but Ben feels that Hugh never understood or listened to him while they were married.
Hugh is very successful in his business and got so carried away with that he wasn't there for Ben emotionally. Ben felt neglected and unwanted so he decided to leave.
We only get to hear Ben's POV and I would have loved to get Hugh's as well.
Ben is still in love with Hugh and finds it hard to say no to him so they continue to hook up once in awhile. Of course after each encounter Ben feels bad and swears to never do it again but you will see that it is harder than it looks for him.
Ben works hard to get a actor role and when he does he meets Jason, a fellow actor, and they hit it off. Ben can always use a friend but Jason wants more. Since Ben is still in love with Hugh , he can't move on with anyone so he tries not to lead Jason on but it is hard. We get a little love triangle only because Jason has feelings for Ben but Ben doesn't return them. I felt Jason was a good character and would like for him to find his own HEA. I felt that Hugh saw Jason as competition and steps up his game to get Ben back.
Hugh of course sees the error of his old ways in the end but I would have like to see how they work through their problems. I felt we went from Hugh being closed off from Ben to opening up to him again. We learned that Hugh had his own issues to work through and we assume that Ben is helping him. We get an HEA and both men realize that they have to make compromises for the relationship to work.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
That happened to me with her new book.
This is a second chance love story between Ben and Hugh.
They have been married for 10 years when Ben decides he had enough of being taken for granted by Hugh and leaves him.
Ben follows his dream to NY and tries to become an actor. Now both men are from rich families and have always gotten what they wanted in material things but Ben feels that Hugh never understood or listened to him while they were married.
Hugh is very successful in his business and got so carried away with that he wasn't there for Ben emotionally. Ben felt neglected and unwanted so he decided to leave.
We only get to hear Ben's POV and I would have loved to get Hugh's as well.
Ben is still in love with Hugh and finds it hard to say no to him so they continue to hook up once in awhile. Of course after each encounter Ben feels bad and swears to never do it again but you will see that it is harder than it looks for him.
Ben works hard to get a actor role and when he does he meets Jason, a fellow actor, and they hit it off. Ben can always use a friend but Jason wants more. Since Ben is still in love with Hugh , he can't move on with anyone so he tries not to lead Jason on but it is hard. We get a little love triangle only because Jason has feelings for Ben but Ben doesn't return them. I felt Jason was a good character and would like for him to find his own HEA. I felt that Hugh saw Jason as competition and steps up his game to get Ben back.
Hugh of course sees the error of his old ways in the end but I would have like to see how they work through their problems. I felt we went from Hugh being closed off from Ben to opening up to him again. We learned that Hugh had his own issues to work through and we assume that Ben is helping him. We get an HEA and both men realize that they have to make compromises for the relationship to work.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
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November 28, 2017DNF. I didn’t realize it would be a love triangle and with just one POV it’s hard to root for one of the guys in this book. Plus I’m just NOT a fan of love triangles. I hate watching someone get hurt cause two other people can’t figure out their shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2017
This had so much potential but Ben's high strung dramatics gave me a headache.
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