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Breaking the Rules #1
Family Rules
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07C3F2XV4
Justin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant.
Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time. Clubs and hook-ups had been fun, but after months of that, he was ready for something more serious. During a night out with friends, Mark meets Justin, the first man he’s felt any real connection with. Too bad he and Justin don’t want the same things. But the two can’t seem to stay away from each other.
The plan? Just friends. That should be easy, right? Except it turns out to be much harder than either expected.
Can a man with a daughter at the center of his world find happiness with a man who doesn’t date men with children? Will Justin break his rules for Mark, or is this relationship destined to fail before it even starts?
Justin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant.
Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time. Clubs and hook-ups had been fun, but after months of that, he was ready for something more serious. During a night out with friends, Mark meets Justin, the first man he’s felt any real connection with. Too bad he and Justin don’t want the same things. But the two can’t seem to stay away from each other.
The plan? Just friends. That should be easy, right? Except it turns out to be much harder than either expected.
Can a man with a daughter at the center of his world find happiness with a man who doesn’t date men with children? Will Justin break his rules for Mark, or is this relationship destined to fail before it even starts?
223 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2018
206 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
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May 23, 2018DNF 35%....the characters were getting on my nerves. Maybe I'll come back later when I'm more in the mood for wishy-washy.
dnf
April 20, 2018DNF @ 6%
I've never DNF'ed this quickly but those were some of the worst written pages I've read in a published book in...like, ever.
It felt like I was reading my 14-year-old first bumblings at fanfiction. Bad punctuation, very stilted dialogue - things we'd never actually say in real life but what we think we'd say so we write it when we're 14 into our crappy first time fics. I remember doing that. Already all showing, no telling. Here is a sample from the beginning:
“So, can I get you something to drink?” I asked her, hoping to delay what was coming.
“No, I’m good. I just want to say this and get it over with.” She sat down on the couch, took a deep breath, and braced herself. “Mark, Tom has been offered a promotion. A good promotion. But it’s in Austin, and we’re moving. We’ll be leaving in around a month. Sooner if possible. It’ll be great. Better schools for Emma, more culture...”
“Whoa. Just let me stop you right there. You think you are taking Emma and moving hours away from me? What the fuck, Suzanne! You can’t take my daughter away from me. You have no fucking right. None. We share custody. You can’t just pick up and fucking leave.”
“Dammit, Mark! I knew you’d react this way. I knew you wouldn’t even listen to me before you got upset.”
“Damn right, I’m upset. None of this is my doing. We would still be a married couple raising our daughter together instead of fighting about where she’ll live if you hadn’t turned your back on our marriage,” I yelled.
“I can’t believe you are still holding that against me. It has been over a year, Mark. Seriously, it isn’t like you were happy either. It’s not like you actually loved me,” she yelled back. “It’s not about that.”
That old feeling of loss and failure washed over me, taking some of my anger with it.
“Well, then what is it about.”
As an English major, this hurts to read. Like I'm fine with grammar mistakes and everything but this is beyond that. Ugh, just no. I can't. And I know it's going to continue to go on like this and I was already getting a headache.
This is not for me, I knew it after like the first page. And I just wasted 3 bucks, so I'm here to tell you guys, don't waste 3 bucks on this.
I've never DNF'ed this quickly but those were some of the worst written pages I've read in a published book in...like, ever.
It felt like I was reading my 14-year-old first bumblings at fanfiction. Bad punctuation, very stilted dialogue - things we'd never actually say in real life but what we think we'd say so we write it when we're 14 into our crappy first time fics. I remember doing that. Already all showing, no telling. Here is a sample from the beginning:
“So, can I get you something to drink?” I asked her, hoping to delay what was coming.
“No, I’m good. I just want to say this and get it over with.” She sat down on the couch, took a deep breath, and braced herself. “Mark, Tom has been offered a promotion. A good promotion. But it’s in Austin, and we’re moving. We’ll be leaving in around a month. Sooner if possible. It’ll be great. Better schools for Emma, more culture...”
“Whoa. Just let me stop you right there. You think you are taking Emma and moving hours away from me? What the fuck, Suzanne! You can’t take my daughter away from me. You have no fucking right. None. We share custody. You can’t just pick up and fucking leave.”
“Dammit, Mark! I knew you’d react this way. I knew you wouldn’t even listen to me before you got upset.”
“Damn right, I’m upset. None of this is my doing. We would still be a married couple raising our daughter together instead of fighting about where she’ll live if you hadn’t turned your back on our marriage,” I yelled.
“I can’t believe you are still holding that against me. It has been over a year, Mark. Seriously, it isn’t like you were happy either. It’s not like you actually loved me,” she yelled back. “It’s not about that.”
That old feeling of loss and failure washed over me, taking some of my anger with it.
“Well, then what is it about.”
As an English major, this hurts to read. Like I'm fine with grammar mistakes and everything but this is beyond that. Ugh, just no. I can't. And I know it's going to continue to go on like this and I was already getting a headache.
This is not for me, I knew it after like the first page. And I just wasted 3 bucks, so I'm here to tell you guys, don't waste 3 bucks on this.
October 10, 2018
Sooooo. I enjoyed this. Like another book by the same author, this could really use a good editor. Apparently, that didn’t bother me enough to quit. It DID sort if fly off the rails a bit at the end. It was like the author realized they needed to get all of the things done before the HEA ending. It made the last 10-15% seem rushed. I still liked it. It must have it hit me at the right time. YMMV
June 20, 2018
2.5 stars
This book could have had potential, but it really didn't work well in my opinion.
The underlying concept is "I know it's weird but for us works just fine", but for me was just weird. I loved the idea of a tight knit stepfamily, but sharing a yard and people wandering form one house to the other was really too much. A little privacy would be nice!
And the relationship between the mcs.... Uhm. At first slow and not really there, than so fast paced that in comparison a lightning is nothing. It could have been a really sweet story with families and love but for me the author missed a little the point.
Also the writing style is not what I usually like, I had the impression that the story wasn't narrated but stated like a report. And it irritated me that, when there's the pow's switching, the author rewrite the last sentence but from the other pow. Not necessary.
In the end it's not a bad book, but for me it didn't work.
This book could have had potential, but it really didn't work well in my opinion.
The underlying concept is "I know it's weird but for us works just fine", but for me was just weird. I loved the idea of a tight knit stepfamily, but sharing a yard and people wandering form one house to the other was really too much. A little privacy would be nice!
And the relationship between the mcs.... Uhm. At first slow and not really there, than so fast paced that in comparison a lightning is nothing. It could have been a really sweet story with families and love but for me the author missed a little the point.
Also the writing style is not what I usually like, I had the impression that the story wasn't narrated but stated like a report. And it irritated me that, when there's the pow's switching, the author rewrite the last sentence but from the other pow. Not necessary.
In the end it's not a bad book, but for me it didn't work.
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November 14, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Family-Rules...
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November 16, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/16/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Justin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant.
Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time. Clubs and hook-ups had been fun, but after months of that, he was ready for something more serious.During a night out with friends, Mark meets Justin, the first man he’s felt any real connection with. Too bad he and Justin don’t want the same things. But the two can’t seem to stay away from each other.
The plan? Just friends. That should be easy, right? Except it turns out to be much harder than either expected.
Can a man with a daughter at the center of his world find happiness with a man who doesn’t date men with children? Will Justin break his rules for Mark, or is this relationship destined to fail before it even starts?
Blurb:
Justin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant.
Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time. Clubs and hook-ups had been fun, but after months of that, he was ready for something more serious.During a night out with friends, Mark meets Justin, the first man he’s felt any real connection with. Too bad he and Justin don’t want the same things. But the two can’t seem to stay away from each other.
The plan? Just friends. That should be easy, right? Except it turns out to be much harder than either expected.
Can a man with a daughter at the center of his world find happiness with a man who doesn’t date men with children? Will Justin break his rules for Mark, or is this relationship destined to fail before it even starts?
May 6, 2019
Rules.....
Rule number one...
Don't get involved with a man who has kids..
Justin has a ton of rules he lives by, and one of them is don't get involved with a man who has kids. Mark is a divorced dad, who has a really cute 4 year old daughter, Emma, and who is still really close friends with her mother, and her husband. It just takes one look at Mark for Justin to start re-thinking every rule he lives by.
I really liked this book. The family aspect of it, and how close they (Mark & his Ex Suzie) are and how they make it all work. And I totally feel for Justin's reluctance to wanting to be involved with someone who has a kid... Especially after knowing his backstory (I don't want to give anything away).. But, Step-parenting is hard.. There's a few hiccups in their relationship along the way but this book has no drama or angst. This book was really fun, and really cute, and for a very first book by a new author it was Fantastic and well written.. I cannot to see what the next book holds.
Rule number one...
Don't get involved with a man who has kids..
Justin has a ton of rules he lives by, and one of them is don't get involved with a man who has kids. Mark is a divorced dad, who has a really cute 4 year old daughter, Emma, and who is still really close friends with her mother, and her husband. It just takes one look at Mark for Justin to start re-thinking every rule he lives by.
I really liked this book. The family aspect of it, and how close they (Mark & his Ex Suzie) are and how they make it all work. And I totally feel for Justin's reluctance to wanting to be involved with someone who has a kid... Especially after knowing his backstory (I don't want to give anything away).. But, Step-parenting is hard.. There's a few hiccups in their relationship along the way but this book has no drama or angst. This book was really fun, and really cute, and for a very first book by a new author it was Fantastic and well written.. I cannot to see what the next book holds.
April 26, 2018
This is Jacki James' debut novel, and much like with any new author, I was intrigued but hesitant. Boy did she impress me! I absolutely loved each character in this book. I was grabbed right from the beginning with the prologue, and she held my interest and love throughout.
Mark is a divorced dad of an amazing 4 year old little girl, Emma. He has finally come to the point in his life where he is able to live fully as a gay man, but is sick of the constant hook ups. While out with his friends, he meets Justin, a man with rules: no repeats, no relationships, and no kids. He is completely attracted to Mark, and they have great chemistry, but they decide to move forward as friends instead of hooking up.
The book moves through the friendship and relationship of Mark and Justin as they move from strictly friends (but complete attraction) to friends with benefits and an expectation it will end to realizing that relationships aren't scary after all and they actually have been dating, even if they didn't want to admit it. Once Mark and Justin put words to what they feel and decide on a future together, everything moved fast, but it made sense.
I was totally in love with all of the characters. Mark and Justin were such a sweethearts. Emma was an adorable and amazing kid. Suzie and Tom were the best ex/new husbands, and I loved their relationship to Mark. It was so refreshing to see a divorced family keep the friendship and function in such a positive and healthy way. it worked for them and Emma, and it was perfect. Justin fit right in.
I absolutely loved this, and I really hope there will be a lot more books by Jacki! I'd really love to read about Matt and Linc!
Mark is a divorced dad of an amazing 4 year old little girl, Emma. He has finally come to the point in his life where he is able to live fully as a gay man, but is sick of the constant hook ups. While out with his friends, he meets Justin, a man with rules: no repeats, no relationships, and no kids. He is completely attracted to Mark, and they have great chemistry, but they decide to move forward as friends instead of hooking up.
The book moves through the friendship and relationship of Mark and Justin as they move from strictly friends (but complete attraction) to friends with benefits and an expectation it will end to realizing that relationships aren't scary after all and they actually have been dating, even if they didn't want to admit it. Once Mark and Justin put words to what they feel and decide on a future together, everything moved fast, but it made sense.
I was totally in love with all of the characters. Mark and Justin were such a sweethearts. Emma was an adorable and amazing kid. Suzie and Tom were the best ex/new husbands, and I loved their relationship to Mark. It was so refreshing to see a divorced family keep the friendship and function in such a positive and healthy way. it worked for them and Emma, and it was perfect. Justin fit right in.
I absolutely loved this, and I really hope there will be a lot more books by Jacki! I'd really love to read about Matt and Linc!
January 2, 2019
Amazing debut
I really can not believe this is a first book by this author. I loved it. Justin and Mark were very well developed characters. I’m glad this is going to be a series because I would not mind a check in with them.
Now I need to read book 2...
I really can not believe this is a first book by this author. I loved it. Justin and Mark were very well developed characters. I’m glad this is going to be a series because I would not mind a check in with them.
Now I need to read book 2...
April 20, 2018
This is a sweet adorable family story (actually). When you and your best friend, gotten married and having a child together, realizing that you're gay, got divorced and still best friends and living as neighbors, your next romance should be 'match' your 'polygamous cult', and you would be 'fine'.
I enjoyed the overall story. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two MCs, and that cute adorable little Princess. I loved how willing Justin finally to be a family man after his 'stupid' inner battle.
This is light, and fun read. I need this kind of stories sometimes.
I enjoyed it, you should be too! Recommended!
August 1, 2018
2.5 Stars
I liked this well enough to read the next one in the series because I liked Mark's friends and Nathan is in the next book.
I love the Mark has a great relationship with his ex and the kid stuff works for, The romance drags and the push and pull isn't great so that didn't do much for me.
So, some good characters but okay love story.
I liked this well enough to read the next one in the series because I liked Mark's friends and Nathan is in the next book.
I love the Mark has a great relationship with his ex and the kid stuff works for, The romance drags and the push and pull isn't great so that didn't do much for me.
So, some good characters but okay love story.
August 22, 2021
I wasn’t too sure about this book in the beginning. Hit a fourth of the way in, it took off. And I loved it. So endearing and heartwarming. The family dynamic was fantastic.
April 17, 2019
Very sweet and low on angst, if lacking a bit of poise. The writing is simplistic and might come across at awkward, but I didn't mind too much.
What weirded me out was how weirded out people (both in the book and in some reviews) got by Mark's family's living situation. He and his ex-wife, who's also his best friend, live in houses next to each other so that their daughter has a big shared backyard and can switch between going to her dad and mom + stepdad. I thought that was super cute and worked perfectly for this family.
What weirded me out was how weirded out people (both in the book and in some reviews) got by Mark's family's living situation. He and his ex-wife, who's also his best friend, live in houses next to each other so that their daughter has a big shared backyard and can switch between going to her dad and mom + stepdad. I thought that was super cute and worked perfectly for this family.
April 16, 2018
Solid 4 stars for this one.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and not just cookie cutter. I loved the family dynamic that Mark had with his ex and her husband a lot.
This was a nice, feel good kind of story. There wasn't generally external conflict. It dealt with the emotions and actions between the MCs.
It was an enjoyable read by a debut author, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and not just cookie cutter. I loved the family dynamic that Mark had with his ex and her husband a lot.
This was a nice, feel good kind of story. There wasn't generally external conflict. It dealt with the emotions and actions between the MCs.
It was an enjoyable read by a debut author, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
June 24, 2018
1.75☆
This story was just not for me.
Being neighbor's with your ex wife and her current man
Hmm kinda awkward but also sharing a yard..
that was very weird to me!
plus i didn't really feel the connection/chemistry
between the Mc's
They started off very slow but suddenly it all felt rushed
to make that HEA
This story was just not for me.
Being neighbor's with your ex wife and her current man
Hmm kinda awkward but also sharing a yard..
that was very weird to me!
plus i didn't really feel the connection/chemistry
between the Mc's
They started off very slow but suddenly it all felt rushed
to make that HEA
July 13, 2018
I hope this don't sound bad, because it's not a bad thing, but I hard time rating and writing the review for this book. I couldn't get my thoughts together right. I went and looked to see some of the other reviews and I have to say I was kind of shocked at a few. When I first finished this book, my mind said 'fairy tale. This makes me feel like a fairy tale.’ But in truth, not all of it is. Some people claimed certain things were weird, but I found it comforting. Overall, it was a good book. And even though a lot of it was sweet, there were still some rough truths to overcome that made it seem more real.
Mark has been divorced for about a year. He's been close with his ex for a long time, until their marriage fell apart. As they worked on mending their relationship, Mark had to face some harsh truths as well as his ex on why their marriage didn't work. Mark is very much gay. But they have their daughter and that makes it worthwhile for them. So when they all uproot to move to Austin, life can begin again for Mark, finally being able to be who he really is. But no one seems to want a man with a kid. And after playing around for a bit, Mark is ready to settle back down. When he meets Justin at a club, after the great conversation they had, Mark thinks maybe, finally. Until Justin found out he was a dad. That's one of Justin's don't do rules. But Justin can't stay away from Mark and they strike up a friends with benefits arrangement, until Justin realizes he wants more after all. Can he get over his past and break one of his own rules is what he has to decide or lose the best thing that ever happened to him.
I have to say first of all, when you read this book, if you decide to, quite a few found the relationship with Mark and his ex and her husband, strange. I'm not going to go into detail, because I don't want to give it away, (and no it's not a sex thing) but I really found it a good thing. I know my own history with ‘steps’ was horrendous and a lot of them are. So to see both parents, great friends and comfortable with each other and their separate lives as well as together, I loved it. Their main goal was being the best they could be for their daughter, and they realized they were better off apart and not together, especially since Mark is gay lol. I don't mean to ramble on, but I just had to throw that out there. Justin, I think, was the one that touched me more than anyone because I understood where he was coming from. He had a good 'step’ but a lousy mom and it made his outlook on it warped. So when he laid down the law about not dating men with kids, I so got it. But like anyone, we all have to let go and grow up sometime. And Justin got smacked in the face with a sassy like girl who melted him and a dad who was all he wanted in a man.
Sometimes letting go is not so easy. It's scary but most often the results are rewarding. I recommend this book. Yeah, parts of it seemed fairy tale to me, but overall, it something that makes you feel good.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Mark has been divorced for about a year. He's been close with his ex for a long time, until their marriage fell apart. As they worked on mending their relationship, Mark had to face some harsh truths as well as his ex on why their marriage didn't work. Mark is very much gay. But they have their daughter and that makes it worthwhile for them. So when they all uproot to move to Austin, life can begin again for Mark, finally being able to be who he really is. But no one seems to want a man with a kid. And after playing around for a bit, Mark is ready to settle back down. When he meets Justin at a club, after the great conversation they had, Mark thinks maybe, finally. Until Justin found out he was a dad. That's one of Justin's don't do rules. But Justin can't stay away from Mark and they strike up a friends with benefits arrangement, until Justin realizes he wants more after all. Can he get over his past and break one of his own rules is what he has to decide or lose the best thing that ever happened to him.
I have to say first of all, when you read this book, if you decide to, quite a few found the relationship with Mark and his ex and her husband, strange. I'm not going to go into detail, because I don't want to give it away, (and no it's not a sex thing) but I really found it a good thing. I know my own history with ‘steps’ was horrendous and a lot of them are. So to see both parents, great friends and comfortable with each other and their separate lives as well as together, I loved it. Their main goal was being the best they could be for their daughter, and they realized they were better off apart and not together, especially since Mark is gay lol. I don't mean to ramble on, but I just had to throw that out there. Justin, I think, was the one that touched me more than anyone because I understood where he was coming from. He had a good 'step’ but a lousy mom and it made his outlook on it warped. So when he laid down the law about not dating men with kids, I so got it. But like anyone, we all have to let go and grow up sometime. And Justin got smacked in the face with a sassy like girl who melted him and a dad who was all he wanted in a man.
Sometimes letting go is not so easy. It's scary but most often the results are rewarding. I recommend this book. Yeah, parts of it seemed fairy tale to me, but overall, it something that makes you feel good.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
April 19, 2018
╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮4.5 stars ╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮
"For the first time in my life, I knew what it was like to feel someone else in your soul." ~Justin
What started out as friends with benefits took on a whole new meaning when life interceded.
Mark was a father to four year old Emma. He would keep her in a bubble if he could, never to be hurt. When his ex wife mentioned moving, he thought he had a fight on his hands. Thankfully, their unconventional family needed co-hesiveness and meant staying together.
Rules were meant to be broken.
Justin had three rules. "Number one is no repeats, number two is no one from work, and number three is no one with kids." So how was it, months after meeting Mark, he was stuck in grounds hog day and happy?
Jacki James wrote a sweet love story of accepting your failures and turning them into success. Minimal angst, moderate heat and the chemistry that set the night to music. Jake and Mark made it work and defined that family was what you made it. Bless little Emma's heart.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
"For the first time in my life, I knew what it was like to feel someone else in your soul." ~Justin
What started out as friends with benefits took on a whole new meaning when life interceded.
Mark was a father to four year old Emma. He would keep her in a bubble if he could, never to be hurt. When his ex wife mentioned moving, he thought he had a fight on his hands. Thankfully, their unconventional family needed co-hesiveness and meant staying together.
Rules were meant to be broken.
Justin had three rules. "Number one is no repeats, number two is no one from work, and number three is no one with kids." So how was it, months after meeting Mark, he was stuck in grounds hog day and happy?
Jacki James wrote a sweet love story of accepting your failures and turning them into success. Minimal angst, moderate heat and the chemistry that set the night to music. Jake and Mark made it work and defined that family was what you made it. Bless little Emma's heart.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
September 2, 2018
Justin and Mark
Rules are meant to be broken, especially when 'the one' comes into your life with the cutest kid in tow.
One of Justin's rule don't date anyone with kids.
This was the sweetest easy romance I have read in a while. The connection was undeniable and the HEA was in the cards from the first date.
Rules are meant to be broken, especially when 'the one' comes into your life with the cutest kid in tow.
One of Justin's rule don't date anyone with kids.
This was the sweetest easy romance I have read in a while. The connection was undeniable and the HEA was in the cards from the first date.
February 12, 2019
DNF @ 19%.
The writing is just far too rudimentary. I mean, do you need to write I thought to myself when writing in first person POV? Isn't everything you think to yourself? Not to mention that some thoughts are in quotations. Neither Mark nor Justin are interesting. And I don't know about you, but I've never gone to a club where you can sit and have a nice conversation with someone, what with the din and music.
The writing is just far too rudimentary. I mean, do you need to write I thought to myself when writing in first person POV? Isn't everything you think to yourself? Not to mention that some thoughts are in quotations. Neither Mark nor Justin are interesting. And I don't know about you, but I've never gone to a club where you can sit and have a nice conversation with someone, what with the din and music.
January 5, 2021
That is... that's
It is... it's
Something is up... something's up
I have... I've
I will... I'll
... ah! methinks someone be allergiceth to contractions
Anyhoesss
Let's get to it:
It's been A WHILE since I read a telenovela.
But I give props to this one for sneaking up on me...
Everything was copacetic until the scene at the club on NYE...
Soooo, naturally I would DNF at this point, but I figured... meh, let's keep going for a bit, see if we'll even-out. 🤷🏾♀️
I'm glad I didn't (DNF). The point of redemption came eventually... I must say it was hard won, but I'm glad we got there in the end!
JayJay TOTALLY redeemed himself in the end, which was a close-call I tell ya, cause I was beginning to be over Mark and him and the whole whatchamacallits!!
After the Iloveyous, this happened:
Sprinkle in some saccharine sweetness (thought I'd leave with a cavity)
The end!
3 ⭐s for cuteness, because when it was cute, it was cute!
P.S. : Things I learned:
1. Hotel Emma in San Antonio Texas - Fact.
2. Circles of Love by James Eldridge - will not be making my wedding bands as they do not appear to exist.
3. Emma is one of the cutest kids everrr.
4. JayJay and Mark move at only 2 speed settings: snail pace or warp speed.
5. Everyone needs a Suzie with a defibrillator to kick-start things into warp speed
6. Nathan is love and light, and he can come over to my place with wine ANY DAY!
It is... it's
Something is up... something's up
I have... I've
I will... I'll
... ah! methinks someone be allergiceth to contractions
Anyhoesss
Let's get to it:
It's been A WHILE since I read a telenovela.
But I give props to this one for sneaking up on me...
Everything was copacetic until the scene at the club on NYE...
Soooo, naturally I would DNF at this point, but I figured... meh, let's keep going for a bit, see if we'll even-out. 🤷🏾♀️
I'm glad I didn't (DNF). The point of redemption came eventually... I must say it was hard won, but I'm glad we got there in the end!
JayJay TOTALLY redeemed himself in the end, which was a close-call I tell ya, cause I was beginning to be over Mark and him and the whole whatchamacallits!!
After the Iloveyous, this happened:
Sprinkle in some saccharine sweetness (
The end!
3 ⭐s for cuteness, because when it was cute, it was cute!
P.S. : Things I learned:
1. Hotel Emma in San Antonio Texas - Fact.
2. Circles of Love by James Eldridge - will not be making my wedding bands as they do not appear to exist.
3. Emma is one of the cutest kids everrr.
4. JayJay and Mark move at only 2 speed settings: snail pace or warp speed.
5. Everyone needs a Suzie with a defibrillator to kick-start things into warp speed
6. Nathan is love and light, and he can come over to my place with wine ANY DAY!
April 18, 2018
Aw! I really enjoyed this feel-good story about Mark, a divorced father of an adorable (and rather regal) four-year old who is finally living his life openly as a gay man, and Justin, a perma-player who never sleeps with the same man twice and has strict rules he adheres to when it comes to men. There is an instant spark there when Mark and Justin first meet at a club one night, but when Mark's daughter Emma is mentioned Justin backs off quickly. But who says they can't be friends?
I love the friendship these two men develop, and the sexual tension that is just always there. I was confused as to why Justin was so strict about his no-men-with-kids rule, but when his reasoning comes out it makes sense.. and I wanted to hug him! I also love how Mark is patient with Justin while he figures things out - and what he does for him towards the end in regards to Justin's past. I wasn't smiling like an idiot while reading that at ALL. Nope. ;)
Mark and Justin fit together so well and are so damn sweet together, and the chemistry between them?? Seriously hot! And I knew there was a closet romantic hiding somewhere inside Justin! And Emma? She is such a wonderful, adorable little spitfire! Their dynamic, especially with the Emma/Suzie/Tom situation, might be unconventional in some ways.. but I just adored it all. Who says family needs to be conventional?? I love how close they all are, even if they aren't starting a polygamous cult.. LOL. You know you want to read it to see what the heck I am blabbing about!
This book is sweet, sexy, fun, and low-angst. It is a heartwarming story about overcoming fear, finding love and family that will forever be there, and is a wonderful debut from Jacki James. I am really intrigued by the tension between Matt and Lincoln, and I *love* Nathan, so I am really excited to see what she has in store for us in the future!
I love the friendship these two men develop, and the sexual tension that is just always there. I was confused as to why Justin was so strict about his no-men-with-kids rule, but when his reasoning comes out it makes sense.. and I wanted to hug him! I also love how Mark is patient with Justin while he figures things out - and what he does for him towards the end in regards to Justin's past. I wasn't smiling like an idiot while reading that at ALL. Nope. ;)
Mark and Justin fit together so well and are so damn sweet together, and the chemistry between them?? Seriously hot! And I knew there was a closet romantic hiding somewhere inside Justin! And Emma? She is such a wonderful, adorable little spitfire! Their dynamic, especially with the Emma/Suzie/Tom situation, might be unconventional in some ways.. but I just adored it all. Who says family needs to be conventional?? I love how close they all are, even if they aren't starting a polygamous cult.. LOL. You know you want to read it to see what the heck I am blabbing about!
This book is sweet, sexy, fun, and low-angst. It is a heartwarming story about overcoming fear, finding love and family that will forever be there, and is a wonderful debut from Jacki James. I am really intrigued by the tension between Matt and Lincoln, and I *love* Nathan, so I am really excited to see what she has in store for us in the future!
April 19, 2018
This was a charming, sweet, and fun feel-good story. I enjoyed it very much. The characters are interesting and lovable. I loved the family dynamics. Marc is living next door to his ex-wife and her husband. It is rather unusual, but not unheard of, and it works really well. They have a wonderful relationship, and their daughter, Emma, is flourishing.
When Marc meets Justin, they are immediately attracted to one another, but a man with a child is not what Justin wants. Or so he thinks. He is pulled toward Marc, and Emma, like a magnet. Of course, he is. Marc is a sweet and sexy guy, down to earth and fun. At first, I didn’t know what to make of Justin’s aversion of kids because all the signs were there that he loves them, and he is very good with them. When I learned about the reason, it makes sense though. And I was glad that that piece of his past made a turn for the best.
The two men have a lot of chemistry. There are not so many sex scenes, but the sparks were still flying. They fit together perfectly. And I loved how Marc was so understanding of Justin. He didn’t give up on him.
My absolute favorite is Emma. She is a precious, precocious princess. I adore her. The interactions between Marc and her and especially with Justin, or Jay Jay, are the highlights of this book.
I had some trouble getting into the story, and it didn’t always hold my attention. That changed, however, at the same time Justin has his eye-opening moment. From that point on, it was one delightful read. Although their romance developed over several months, it felt it was moving at a rather fast pace.
I found this a very good debut novel, and I hope there will be more books following.
When Marc meets Justin, they are immediately attracted to one another, but a man with a child is not what Justin wants. Or so he thinks. He is pulled toward Marc, and Emma, like a magnet. Of course, he is. Marc is a sweet and sexy guy, down to earth and fun. At first, I didn’t know what to make of Justin’s aversion of kids because all the signs were there that he loves them, and he is very good with them. When I learned about the reason, it makes sense though. And I was glad that that piece of his past made a turn for the best.
The two men have a lot of chemistry. There are not so many sex scenes, but the sparks were still flying. They fit together perfectly. And I loved how Marc was so understanding of Justin. He didn’t give up on him.
My absolute favorite is Emma. She is a precious, precocious princess. I adore her. The interactions between Marc and her and especially with Justin, or Jay Jay, are the highlights of this book.
I had some trouble getting into the story, and it didn’t always hold my attention. That changed, however, at the same time Justin has his eye-opening moment. From that point on, it was one delightful read. Although their romance developed over several months, it felt it was moving at a rather fast pace.
I found this a very good debut novel, and I hope there will be more books following.
April 19, 2018
Wow! What a great surprise this book was! It is definitely one of my all time favorites now!
In this book, Justin and Mark meet and connect, talking for a long time. They have a lot to talk about and are enjoying their night. Until Justin finds out that Mark has a daughter. Justin has a rule - Do Not date someone with a kid.
But Justin finds himself thinking of Mark and the time they spent together. He decides to try to be just friends with Mark. Ends up they both find themselves wanting more.
What makes this story so wonderful?
Mark and Justin are both just really nice guys. I loved them both and loved the friendship they formed.
Their friends were great, with lots of laughs provided by them.
I loved Emma. She was just a such sweet kid.
I loved Mark's ex and her new husband. They were both just really nice people. And their relationship with Mark is just amazing.
This unconventional family is one of the modern family types. But this time, they are so different because they are all nice and get along so well. Most of the time, in the mm genre, you will find the ex-wife to be a bitch. It was so nice to have exes who are still great friends and still co-parent together so well.
This book is just so sweet and I was so happy the whole time I was reading it.
I actually plan to re-read it soon just because I liked it so much.
I look forward to more books by Jacki James.
In this book, Justin and Mark meet and connect, talking for a long time. They have a lot to talk about and are enjoying their night. Until Justin finds out that Mark has a daughter. Justin has a rule - Do Not date someone with a kid.
But Justin finds himself thinking of Mark and the time they spent together. He decides to try to be just friends with Mark. Ends up they both find themselves wanting more.
What makes this story so wonderful?
Mark and Justin are both just really nice guys. I loved them both and loved the friendship they formed.
Their friends were great, with lots of laughs provided by them.
I loved Emma. She was just a such sweet kid.
I loved Mark's ex and her new husband. They were both just really nice people. And their relationship with Mark is just amazing.
This unconventional family is one of the modern family types. But this time, they are so different because they are all nice and get along so well. Most of the time, in the mm genre, you will find the ex-wife to be a bitch. It was so nice to have exes who are still great friends and still co-parent together so well.
This book is just so sweet and I was so happy the whole time I was reading it.
I actually plan to re-read it soon just because I liked it so much.
I look forward to more books by Jacki James.
October 5, 2020
**2.5 stars
This was my first time reading this author and I'm not sure that I will be reading more of her. I just couldn't get into the story or really get a feel for the characters. The dialogue was stilted and there were some grammatical errors that made me have to reread sentences.
Mark is a divorced dad that recently came out and has a weirdly close relationship with this ex and looking for the kind of love she has with her new husband. Justin is a self proclaimed single man who doesn't have any intention to settle down. He also has strict rules, one being no guys with kids. Once Justin and Mark meet, there seems to be a connection, but due to Justin's rule, they can only be friends.
I feel like this could have been a really good way to show a slow burn and how Mark and Justin could discover and build a relationship, but we are told a lot and not shown. And as the book went on the pace sped up and before you know it, they are professing love and making a forever family, but I'm still left wondering HOW or WHEN this happened. because, again, we are told about stuff, but we don't get to experience it with the characters, causing a disconnect, at least for me.
I'm a bit bummed because I liked the side characters, especially Nathan, and would love to explore their stores, but I don't know if I would finish their books if they followed this same format.
This was my first time reading this author and I'm not sure that I will be reading more of her. I just couldn't get into the story or really get a feel for the characters. The dialogue was stilted and there were some grammatical errors that made me have to reread sentences.
Mark is a divorced dad that recently came out and has a weirdly close relationship with this ex and looking for the kind of love she has with her new husband. Justin is a self proclaimed single man who doesn't have any intention to settle down. He also has strict rules, one being no guys with kids. Once Justin and Mark meet, there seems to be a connection, but due to Justin's rule, they can only be friends.
I feel like this could have been a really good way to show a slow burn and how Mark and Justin could discover and build a relationship, but we are told a lot and not shown. And as the book went on the pace sped up and before you know it, they are professing love and making a forever family, but I'm still left wondering HOW or WHEN this happened. because, again, we are told about stuff, but we don't get to experience it with the characters, causing a disconnect, at least for me.
I'm a bit bummed because I liked the side characters, especially Nathan, and would love to explore their stores, but I don't know if I would finish their books if they followed this same format.
April 16, 2023
Mark was married and is now single and out of the closet. One night stands no longer appeal and so he wants someone who is just his - especially as he has daughter Emma to consider. When a night out puts him on the path of a gorgeous flirt and eternal bachelor he has to decide what to do, if only he could keep his hands off him. Justin has three rules for dating, no co-workers, no repeats and no kids involved. But adorable Mark tempts him to break those rules as hard as he is trying to keep him in the friend zone it quickly becomes the friends-with-benefits zone. But then everything sharply veers to the forever zone.
I enjoyed this story of the men who just could not resist each other no matter how much it went against their better nature or rules. They were destined to be together and I loved the way that their blended family worked (and the co-workers' incorrect assumptions which made me laugh). I loved their clear communication as to what they wanted or needed (although that was not always the case). Emma was a sweetheart. Easy to get swept away in this story. Contains MM mature content.
I enjoyed this story of the men who just could not resist each other no matter how much it went against their better nature or rules. They were destined to be together and I loved the way that their blended family worked (and the co-workers' incorrect assumptions which made me laugh). I loved their clear communication as to what they wanted or needed (although that was not always the case). Emma was a sweetheart. Easy to get swept away in this story. Contains MM mature content.
April 11, 2018
This was a really sweet and cute book! I liked both MCs and the entire family dynamic of the book. All of the side characters were pretty awesome as well. Emma was super cute and a great addition to the story! It was nice to see how both of the MCs reacted to her.. it made me love both of their characters more.
There really is not any drama at all. The book is not dominated with sex which I like. They do have some nice steamy times though :) I wanted to see more of Marks geeky side because I love some cute nerd MCs! I liked that the two MCs started out as friends and it was nice to see their relationship grow.
I NEED to get the side characters stories!! Nathan and Matt and Linc! I cannot wait (and hope) to delve into what in the heck Matt and Lincoln are up to.
It did take me a little bit to get used to this authors writing style. At some points I felt that the language of the book and dialogue did not flow completely smoothly. However, I still really enjoyed the book and hope we get more from these characters!
There really is not any drama at all. The book is not dominated with sex which I like. They do have some nice steamy times though :) I wanted to see more of Marks geeky side because I love some cute nerd MCs! I liked that the two MCs started out as friends and it was nice to see their relationship grow.
I NEED to get the side characters stories!! Nathan and Matt and Linc! I cannot wait (and hope) to delve into what in the heck Matt and Lincoln are up to.
It did take me a little bit to get used to this authors writing style. At some points I felt that the language of the book and dialogue did not flow completely smoothly. However, I still really enjoyed the book and hope we get more from these characters!
April 22, 2018
This was a terrific debut novel. Mark and Justin had such a great bond, whether trying to be just friends, friends with benefits, or so much more. I loved their conversations, though I did think some of the wording was a bit too formal sounding. (More contractions in the characters' speech next time, would be my only advice to the author.) Mark was a wonderful dad to Emma, and he showed that he could be an equally dedicated partner. Justin had very good reasons for his hesitation in getting involved with a parent, but he couldn't stay away from Mark. I fell for these guys long before they recognized falling for each other, and I enjoyed their interactions with Emma, who immediately accepted "Jay Jay" as part of her life. The secondary characters were all great, and I'm so glad this is going to be a series so I can read more about all of them. I laughed and cried, and I did quite a bit of smiling, as I read about this terrific family of characters. I recommend this book, which I really love.
August 18, 2018
Low angst m/m romance
3.5 stars
My first impression was a low angst vibe. The MCs seem to go with the flow (dating but not really dating...ect). I found the story to be unique, this idea that you don't date guys with kids because of past issues isn't something I've read before.
I really liked the writing style. When the POV switches it is almost always switching to the exact moment we just left so we can see what both MCs are thinking at the same moment. It was smart and well done.
I also liked that the MCs didn't walk away from each other when the serious stuff went down. So many books would have them ending it which I always dislike.
That being said I was bored. These MCs are just regular guys doing regular guy things. Nothing about this book screamed amazing to me but maybe I've been reading too much paranormal and I now need more than a single dad accountant to make me say WOW!
It was good but not GREAT! Writing style was on point. Story lacked wow factor. I'm ready to read book 2!
3.5 stars
My first impression was a low angst vibe. The MCs seem to go with the flow (dating but not really dating...ect). I found the story to be unique, this idea that you don't date guys with kids because of past issues isn't something I've read before.
I really liked the writing style. When the POV switches it is almost always switching to the exact moment we just left so we can see what both MCs are thinking at the same moment. It was smart and well done.
I also liked that the MCs didn't walk away from each other when the serious stuff went down. So many books would have them ending it which I always dislike.
That being said I was bored. These MCs are just regular guys doing regular guy things. Nothing about this book screamed amazing to me but maybe I've been reading too much paranormal and I now need more than a single dad accountant to make me say WOW!
It was good but not GREAT! Writing style was on point. Story lacked wow factor. I'm ready to read book 2!
June 14, 2019
One word to describe this book ? BORING. Utterly boring. There is no angst, no drama, no excitement, the sex scenes are bland, and what's worse ? The characters are bland. It's almost as if they shared a personality. In fact, if you were to remove the names from the book, you couldn't tell whose POV the chapter was in. They come off exactly the same. There is no quirky personality trait, there's just ... nothing. I've read several "we're together but not really" books, and this has been by far the worst. Another bit thing for me was the lack of consistency when it came to the writing. In a normal non book conversation, people use contractions all the time. Well, this author does odd things with that. She'll use a contraction in one sentence, follow by none, and goes straight into "y'all". I mean come on, make up your mind !!!!
Nope, sorry, just can't. This book is far from memorable, there is nothing to make it special or to make it stand out amongst all the other MM books out there.
Nope, sorry, just can't. This book is far from memorable, there is nothing to make it special or to make it stand out amongst all the other MM books out there.
April 19, 2018
Awww!! What a sweet adorable story this is. Mark has been living the past year as an openly gay man loving the clubs and the hook-ups and now he is ready to find a man who is ready to settle down but who wants a man who’s whole world is his 4 year old daughter?
Justin put the who’re in man-who’re, he never sleeps with the same man twice and he definitely doesn’t sleep with a man with kids.
When these two meet sparks fly it’s just to bad that Justin won’t break his own rules. But they just can’t seem to stay away from each other.
I absolutely loved the family dynamic in this book and Emma just stole my heart completely. Justin is just so sweet with his little princess.
This story was so brilliantly written it was completely effortless to read, I just couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a sweet sexy read that is low angst this book is definitely worth a try I promise you won’t regret it. I’m really hoping that Jacki James makes this into a series as I would love to get to know the characters that were in this story.
Justin put the who’re in man-who’re, he never sleeps with the same man twice and he definitely doesn’t sleep with a man with kids.
When these two meet sparks fly it’s just to bad that Justin won’t break his own rules. But they just can’t seem to stay away from each other.
I absolutely loved the family dynamic in this book and Emma just stole my heart completely. Justin is just so sweet with his little princess.
This story was so brilliantly written it was completely effortless to read, I just couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a sweet sexy read that is low angst this book is definitely worth a try I promise you won’t regret it. I’m really hoping that Jacki James makes this into a series as I would love to get to know the characters that were in this story.
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