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Redemption
After losing his lover of more than thirty years, Andrew struggles with guilt and grief on a daily basis. He wrestles with the idea of moving forward, and leaving the memories of his past lover, Rory, behind. Even if he had the courage to look for love again, he’s in his fifties, and has been out of the dating game for decades. What could he possibly have to offer someone else?
Michael has spent most of his life hopping from one lover to the next. He longs for the stability of a relationship, but is afraid he’ll have to sacrifice heat and chemistry—until he lays eyes on Andrew. From their first conversation there is no denying they have an emotional and physical connection.
Will these two men figure out that age is just a number, and the future is bright for those who reach for it?
This 35,000 novella has been completely rewritten and lengthened for it's new release, and has a HEA.
Michael has spent most of his life hopping from one lover to the next. He longs for the stability of a relationship, but is afraid he’ll have to sacrifice heat and chemistry—until he lays eyes on Andrew. From their first conversation there is no denying they have an emotional and physical connection.
Will these two men figure out that age is just a number, and the future is bright for those who reach for it?
This 35,000 novella has been completely rewritten and lengthened for it's new release, and has a HEA.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2014
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wynne
66 books585 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 5, 2014
4.25 Reviewage on Prism Book Alliance
Grief. It’s destructive, even if temporarily, and mysterious, debilitating, and can turn you into someone you don’t even recognize yet are reluctant to let go. Suffocating, and then you don’t care that you can’t talk to “normal” people about “normal” things, no longer able to hide how broken you are, to keep it all from revealing how lost you feel.
And then…
Oh, Andrew, no one is too old for butterflies, especially those caused from across a crowded room, unexpected and unnerving, by way of a dark-haired man who makes yours stand on end in the best way. I completely understand your conflicting thoughts and feelings. All very real.
Want to know how to get people to buy into what you’re telling? By writing honestly, by your characters behaving in authentic ways, speaking their truths. Flawed. Sad. Surprised by life. Hopeful, trying. Uncertain and confused. Human. This is Andrew and I really like him.
Michael, you are a man after my own heart: straight forward, no BS, blunt in that fantastic way that usually only other blunt people can appreciate with an understanding sigh and a smile. What are we going to find out about you? Even Andrew caught that slight reveal of vulnerability of yours.
Can you sense the tug between these two? Believe me, it’s there. They’re much closer to fifty years old than not. That oh so true feeling of one’s life experiences giving you strength messily mixed in with something that completely knocks the ground right from under your feet is there for both of them. They're each circling around their futures, worried, hurt, wondering if they'll ever feel one coming again or not.
There are some small “cheats” here and there that felt like attempts to unnecessarily youngin’-up these two guys. Let ‘em be! They’re wonderful and real and I like them with their traces of gray in their hair and plenty of life left to revel in and share.
I want more of these stories and I want more of these stories from this author. *drops mic*
Grief. It’s destructive, even if temporarily, and mysterious, debilitating, and can turn you into someone you don’t even recognize yet are reluctant to let go. Suffocating, and then you don’t care that you can’t talk to “normal” people about “normal” things, no longer able to hide how broken you are, to keep it all from revealing how lost you feel.
And then…
Oh, Andrew, no one is too old for butterflies, especially those caused from across a crowded room, unexpected and unnerving, by way of a dark-haired man who makes yours stand on end in the best way. I completely understand your conflicting thoughts and feelings. All very real.
Want to know how to get people to buy into what you’re telling? By writing honestly, by your characters behaving in authentic ways, speaking their truths. Flawed. Sad. Surprised by life. Hopeful, trying. Uncertain and confused. Human. This is Andrew and I really like him.
Michael, you are a man after my own heart: straight forward, no BS, blunt in that fantastic way that usually only other blunt people can appreciate with an understanding sigh and a smile. What are we going to find out about you? Even Andrew caught that slight reveal of vulnerability of yours.
Can you sense the tug between these two? Believe me, it’s there. They’re much closer to fifty years old than not. That oh so true feeling of one’s life experiences giving you strength messily mixed in with something that completely knocks the ground right from under your feet is there for both of them. They're each circling around their futures, worried, hurt, wondering if they'll ever feel one coming again or not.
There are some small “cheats” here and there that felt like attempts to unnecessarily youngin’-up these two guys. Let ‘em be! They’re wonderful and real and I like them with their traces of gray in their hair and plenty of life left to revel in and share.
I want more of these stories and I want more of these stories from this author. *drops mic*
July 5, 2023
If you ignore all the ethics violations of the therapist it’s pretty cute
October 25, 2014
There isn't nearly enough stories about older men, so I'm really happy about this one! It's wonderful - Andrew's pain and depression felt raw and real, my heart ached for him and Michael was a good match for him, they make a well-balanced pair :) I wish the book was londer, though - don't get me wrong, the ending was fitting and satisfying, but I just liked the guys so much, I really wanted to see more of them :)
Beautiful and hopeful story!
Beautiful and hopeful story!
July 29, 2018
I never read this when it was first released, but the one released in 2018 has been rewritten and changed I believe. What I loved about this story was that both men were over the age of 50! That's not something we get too often, I feel like.
This book deals with grief, moving on and finding love later in life again, and I think that it touched on some real, serious things very well. The emotions and attraction between Andrew and Michael felt real, and I loved that Michael was so patient and understanding and open with Andrew. Great, emotional novella from a great author!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book deals with grief, moving on and finding love later in life again, and I think that it touched on some real, serious things very well. The emotions and attraction between Andrew and Michael felt real, and I loved that Michael was so patient and understanding and open with Andrew. Great, emotional novella from a great author!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2014
I’m not sure how I missed it, but I did. It says in the blurb that the main characters are in their fifties. This was something new for me. I liked it. That is something that really worked for me with this book. Andrew is at a place in his life where he knows what he wants. Sadly the person he wants that with is no longer with him and the survivors guilt will surely kill him. Andrew is not in a good place, but he has someone in his life that is a true friend. Fredrick doesn’t want to lose another friend so he becomes that meddlesome friend that really does know best.
Michael is at a place in his life where he has figured out what he wants, he’s just struggling to find that person. The instant attraction and awkward conversation that follows leads Michael to believe that Andrew may very well be that man. And yes that initial meeting is very awkward, remember the meddlesome friend mentioned above. It worked though, not only for the story but also for the length of this sexy tale. I’m still impressed with how S.C. Wynne packed so much story into Guard My Body. Would I have liked the book to be longer, yes. Michael and Andrew were fun to read. Their banter is entertaining and keeps the pages moving.
Michael is at a place in his life where he has figured out what he wants, he’s just struggling to find that person. The instant attraction and awkward conversation that follows leads Michael to believe that Andrew may very well be that man. And yes that initial meeting is very awkward, remember the meddlesome friend mentioned above. It worked though, not only for the story but also for the length of this sexy tale. I’m still impressed with how S.C. Wynne packed so much story into Guard My Body. Would I have liked the book to be longer, yes. Michael and Andrew were fun to read. Their banter is entertaining and keeps the pages moving.
July 18, 2018
5 Stars!
Sometimes it's really hard to connect with the characters when reading a novel, let alone a novella, where there's less page-time to actually feel like you get to know the MCs and when it's just one POV, it somehow feels harder. However, I was pleasantly surprised that Ms. Wynne not only made me care for both Andrew and Michael, but also for Rory and Frederick and showed us enough of them through Andrew's eyes to feel as if I knew them.
I loved Andrew, and my heart broke for his grief and his guilt. It felt realistic and poignant. Michael was amazing and just perfect for him, sweet, patient and understanding. They had great chemistry together and I loved that Michael gave Andrew all the space he needed before making a move and made sure to check that what they were doing was what Andrew wanted every step of the way.
Rory was such an integral part of the story, even if he'd died, as he should be. You can't just wipe out 30 years of being with the same man in one fell sweep and I was very happy with how sensitively the author dealt with it. And Frederick, well, he was the kind of friend Andrew needed to help him move on, even if he forced Andrew's hand a bit.
Overall, this was a bit of an angsty ride, but oh so very worthwhile. It was refreshing to read about two 50-something-year-olds trying to navigate through life and loss and finding each other. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Sometimes it's really hard to connect with the characters when reading a novel, let alone a novella, where there's less page-time to actually feel like you get to know the MCs and when it's just one POV, it somehow feels harder. However, I was pleasantly surprised that Ms. Wynne not only made me care for both Andrew and Michael, but also for Rory and Frederick and showed us enough of them through Andrew's eyes to feel as if I knew them.
I loved Andrew, and my heart broke for his grief and his guilt. It felt realistic and poignant. Michael was amazing and just perfect for him, sweet, patient and understanding. They had great chemistry together and I loved that Michael gave Andrew all the space he needed before making a move and made sure to check that what they were doing was what Andrew wanted every step of the way.
Rory was such an integral part of the story, even if he'd died, as he should be. You can't just wipe out 30 years of being with the same man in one fell sweep and I was very happy with how sensitively the author dealt with it. And Frederick, well, he was the kind of friend Andrew needed to help him move on, even if he forced Andrew's hand a bit.
Overall, this was a bit of an angsty ride, but oh so very worthwhile. It was refreshing to read about two 50-something-year-olds trying to navigate through life and loss and finding each other. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 28, 2015
3.75 stars
July 18, 2018
After his partner Rory was killed in the line of duty, Andrew thought his life was over too—taken from him by the same bullet that killed Rory. A year later, Andrew is functioning, but only going through the motions, pretending to the entire world that he’s gotten over his terrible loss. When Andrew’s employer, Frederick, makes a clandestine plan to set Andrew up with his own psychiatrist, Michael, Andrew begins feeling things for Michael that he hasn’t felt since the day Rory died. REDEMPTION, the newly-expanded m/m romance novella by S.C. Wynne is a wonderfully, life-affirming read. The story follows Andrew as he journeys from anger, sorrow, loneliness and regret, to learn how to face the remainder of his life without Rory. Bogged down by survivors guilty and a reluctance to get involved with anyone new, Andrew is forced to confront his own demons and nightmares when he suddenly finds himself attracted to Michael, despite every effort to pull away from the man. Will he be able to come to terms with the loss of Rory and find love again with Michael? Will he be forced to choose between the memory of his lost love and the man standing before him now?
September 5, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
I’ll be honest, this book was just okay. It wasn’t soul shattering and it wasn’t horrible; it sat somewhere firmly in the middle. I like that the author was bold enough to come out of the gate with two over-fifty main characters. Characters over the age of forty don’t get enough time in the spotlight and for two of them in the same book… that’s a rarity. Admittedly, I’m more of a May/December girl, myself, but I don’t shy away from December/December. It’s just that this story was so dadgum depressing. I get that Andrew lost the love of his life—they were together for thirty years. And I get that it’s only been a year; a thirty-year relationship doesn’t just disappear. But Andrew moped throughout this entire book. Like the entire book.* (*read in slow, dramatic voice because that’s how I typed it.) He has issues—like PTSD, talking to dead lover issues—and one, says he’s fine, which he’s obviously not, then two, absolutely refuses to get help, which he most certainly needs. Then he finds this guy he’s deeply connected to and he agrees to go out with him. Understandably, he’s nervous—the guy has only dated one other man in the past thirty years. So then what do they do? Talk about his dead partner. Head. Desk. I get that Michael is super patient because he’s this amazing psychologist. Kudos. He’s a prince, truly. But in my head I keep thinking that eventually this guy is going to get tired of sharing his bed with a ghost. Then what?
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
I’ll be honest, this book was just okay. It wasn’t soul shattering and it wasn’t horrible; it sat somewhere firmly in the middle. I like that the author was bold enough to come out of the gate with two over-fifty main characters. Characters over the age of forty don’t get enough time in the spotlight and for two of them in the same book… that’s a rarity. Admittedly, I’m more of a May/December girl, myself, but I don’t shy away from December/December. It’s just that this story was so dadgum depressing. I get that Andrew lost the love of his life—they were together for thirty years. And I get that it’s only been a year; a thirty-year relationship doesn’t just disappear. But Andrew moped throughout this entire book. Like the entire book.* (*read in slow, dramatic voice because that’s how I typed it.) He has issues—like PTSD, talking to dead lover issues—and one, says he’s fine, which he’s obviously not, then two, absolutely refuses to get help, which he most certainly needs. Then he finds this guy he’s deeply connected to and he agrees to go out with him. Understandably, he’s nervous—the guy has only dated one other man in the past thirty years. So then what do they do? Talk about his dead partner. Head. Desk. I get that Michael is super patient because he’s this amazing psychologist. Kudos. He’s a prince, truly. But in my head I keep thinking that eventually this guy is going to get tired of sharing his bed with a ghost. Then what?
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
July 21, 2018
It's a rare novella that has me feeling a character's emotions at times; this is one of those. Andrew lost his lover of 30 years, Rory, in a tragic incident. In the year since, his life has changed in ways that he never expected and he is having a hard time moving forward. His long time associate and friend (now boss), sneakily introduces him to Micheal.
I felt for Andrew. I can't imagine how hard it would be to move forward after losing your lover and partner after so many years together. There were times that I teared up as he tries to come to grips with his life now. Michael initially seemed like he was almost too good to be true. He was incredibly patient and understanding with Andrew. He accepted Andrew's past as well as his difficulty moving on and finding someone new. It was nice when we got to know Michael and some of his past as well; it made him more real. The emotions that Andrew faced about Rory's death and his sudden attraction to Michael seemed so real.
Andrew doesn't suddenly heal himself, he has a ways to go yet, but he finds that he can have a second chance at love with Michael.
I felt for Andrew. I can't imagine how hard it would be to move forward after losing your lover and partner after so many years together. There were times that I teared up as he tries to come to grips with his life now. Michael initially seemed like he was almost too good to be true. He was incredibly patient and understanding with Andrew. He accepted Andrew's past as well as his difficulty moving on and finding someone new. It was nice when we got to know Michael and some of his past as well; it made him more real. The emotions that Andrew faced about Rory's death and his sudden attraction to Michael seemed so real.
Andrew doesn't suddenly heal himself, he has a ways to go yet, but he finds that he can have a second chance at love with Michael.
September 5, 2014
This one was so short I read it during lunch. I loved it. It broke my heart what Andrew was going through and I could really see that being with someone for thirty years and then losing them would be devastating to get over.
I read someone saying Andrew whined too much? My God that seemed so heartless to me. He is greiving because it had only been a year and he hadn't ever even tried with another person yet. Michael was so sweet and I hope there is another story about them.
This wasn't depressing to me at all. It was full of hopefulness for the future I think. It left me wanting more.
I read someone saying Andrew whined too much? My God that seemed so heartless to me. He is greiving because it had only been a year and he hadn't ever even tried with another person yet. Michael was so sweet and I hope there is another story about them.
This wasn't depressing to me at all. It was full of hopefulness for the future I think. It left me wanting more.
September 5, 2014
This book really connected with me. Maybe you have to have lost someone to truly understand the pain and time it would take to get over that. I found Andrew's sadness and downward spiral believable. I found this book from Prism's book reviews and I agree with Lirtle it was a great book and so real with the emotions.
I hope to see more books about over fifty couples. There really are not enough of them. Hopefully this author will write more of them because I love the author's voice.
I hope to see more books about over fifty couples. There really are not enough of them. Hopefully this author will write more of them because I love the author's voice.
January 23, 2015
I always give chance to any romance with MCs aged 45 and above, it's a favorite trope of mine.But this book didn't push none of my buttons; it bored me and if I finished it was because it's short.
September 28, 2014
Loved it. Not often you get older characters and I thought it was a nice change. Really enjoyed this story. Liked Micheal and how kind he was. Funny stuff.
January 4, 2021
Andrew's dealing with the death of the man he'd loved for 30 years and the pressures of a boss who wants him to go to therapy. He doesn't, but he does feel very drawn to the therapist, and that sets up a cascade of feelings and the process of dealing with grief and new beginnings. This process is at times heartwarming and at others heart-wrenching. Having the narration in first person, so we hear Andrew's feelings as he's feeling them, and see the world only through his eyes, definitely amplifies the emotional impact of the book, and I was really rooting for him. His bond with Frederick, his employer and friend, is grumpy and beautifully real-- Frederick is definitely the kind of friend you're grateful for even when you want to wring their neck. Michael, the new man in his life, was a bit of a cipher to me. I don't really have a sense of his personality, just how much Andrew needed him and how many wise things he had to say about grief. Still, he plays the part he needs to to move the story along, and since this is really Andrew's journey, that's enough for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
Who decides when it's time to stop grieving? You can feel the despair Andrew feels at the loss of his partner, of 30 years, Rory. Rory and Andrew met Frederick, just after they graduated. Frederick helped them get their Private Investigator licenses. After Rory died and Andrew got hurt, while on duty, Frederick hired Andrew as his personal body guard. Andrew is 53. If he had been working so long, what happened to his money? Dr Michael, psychologist callout of the blue regarding an appointment. Andrew's parents rejected him when he came out; they didn't attend Rory's funeral. Frederick contacted Dr Michael because he felt Andrew wasn't moving on after one year; Andrew, was coming out of his self destructiove depression. Was Michael in the right time, the right place? Can Andrew, drop his walls? Is Andrew ready to move on and open his heart? Nice story, some contect lapses. Nicely done. I received and ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
Redemption is an emotional story about finding love after loss and after 50. When a mutual friend has a dinner party and invites both Andrew and Michael, they have no idea it's a set up. But Michael can't keep his eyes off Andrew even though he doesn't know his name yet. Once they are seated next to each other at dinner and introduced to each other, Andrew figures he has been set up. I love the honesty of Michael and the care he takes with Andrew. I loved their journey to finding their happy ending. This is such an enjoyable story and a reminder that we are all worthy of love even as we get older. Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2018
An emotional and heartfelt story about moving after losing the love of your life. Andrew is having a really hard time letting go of the guilt surrounding his lover's death and can't move on. After some meddling by a friend, he meets Michael. Michael and Andrew have instant chemistry and a strong connection. Michael is exactly what Andrew needs, I love how patient and understanding Michael is with Andrew. It was great seeing their relationship build throughout the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 3, 2021
A second chance romance with a happily ever after ending. Andrew lost his lost best friend/lover of thirty years and he's still grieving. His boss/friend wants him to talk with someone, but he refuses. Michael is a therapist and Andrew doesn't want to talk to him, unknowingly to both men they were set up by Frederick at his dinner. From the moment they meet, there is an instant attraction between these two. Their romance is slow-building, romantic, sweet, some angst, and it's a very emotional book. And once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
July 18, 2018
Life affirming, poignant, realistic, and steamy story about finding love after loss. I loved this story!
Michael and Andrew are wonderful characters that really touched my heart, both strong and vulnerable men who find a powerful connection.I enjoyed the story-line and the writing flowed beautifully.
I would love a future story about these guys, i think they really have the basis for a wonderful relationship. I also truly want a story about their friend the 'meddling Fredrick'!
Michael and Andrew are wonderful characters that really touched my heart, both strong and vulnerable men who find a powerful connection.I enjoyed the story-line and the writing flowed beautifully.
I would love a future story about these guys, i think they really have the basis for a wonderful relationship. I also truly want a story about their friend the 'meddling Fredrick'!
July 18, 2018
Andrew is heartbroken after the love of his life is killed in front of him. He has been existing but not living. When a friend invites him to a dinner party he meets Michael. Michael is a therapist and is intrigued by Andrew.
Sexy, angsty read. I liked the realism of Andrew’s conflicting feelings. Michael was sweet and patient. I liked that both guys had their own vulnerabilities. Great writing with a lot of heart.
Sexy, angsty read. I liked the realism of Andrew’s conflicting feelings. Michael was sweet and patient. I liked that both guys had their own vulnerabilities. Great writing with a lot of heart.
July 20, 2018
4 / 5 Stars
This is a sweet, beautiful heart-wrenching short story about 2 very down-to-earth characters. They come from different backgrounds and have past hurts and present issues that are in the way. Even though they think they are not ready for love (again), life has other plans. The path that leads them together is not easy but well worth it.
I enjoyed this book and would have loved if it were longer, I wouldn't mind for a sequel *winks*. I look forward to more from this author.
This is a sweet, beautiful heart-wrenching short story about 2 very down-to-earth characters. They come from different backgrounds and have past hurts and present issues that are in the way. Even though they think they are not ready for love (again), life has other plans. The path that leads them together is not easy but well worth it.
I enjoyed this book and would have loved if it were longer, I wouldn't mind for a sequel *winks*. I look forward to more from this author.
July 20, 2018
Firstly, ignore the cover. There’s no-one below 50 in this book, so the cover is majorly misleading and I think does the book an injustice. It’s a shame because this story is good because the MCs are older and more mature. Andrew is trying to negotiate grieving his lover whilst moving in with Michael and that’s essentially all that happens - no major drama or event, but just a beautiful book navigating restarting life at 50.
July 21, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Andrew lost his lover of more than two decades during an Investigation gone wrong...He never thought to Love again. That is until a mutual friend introduces him to Michael... A rather short story about loosing the Love of your life and trying to cope with it and move on. A very well written story where you get a really got look into Andrews head.
October 26, 2019
It was a struggle to finish reading this, and that's never a good sign - but I did at least finish it. I'd call this one dead-average, with a side of over-describing every mundane detail and yep that includes sex scenes. The premise is fine and older protagonists is great. I just wish there had been any hint of poetry in the prose, any trust that the reader does not need every single thing spelled out, often more than once.
July 18, 2018
What a beautifully written story of love, loss, despair, hope and love again. I am so impressed with how S.C. Wynne wrote these characters. The strength and vulnerability that Michael and Andrew have is remarkable. The courage to open up again after experiencing devasting loss. Their story is one that will remain with me for a long time.
July 18, 2018
I loved this story, an old-fashioned type of love story, a love that one of the characters thought he could never have again after losing his life-long love. After a set-up, he has an instant attraction and has to overcome feelings of guilt and shame for the way he feels. It is very well written and I enjoyed it immensely.
July 24, 2018
Beautiful.
A beautiful story of love lost and new love beginning. Trying to work through the guilt of his long term lover and partner dying, Andrew goes off the rails but is hauled back in by his long time friend and boss. Through Frederick he meets Michael, patient, understanding, beautiful Michael. What a heartwarming story of love and hope rising from tragedy.
A beautiful story of love lost and new love beginning. Trying to work through the guilt of his long term lover and partner dying, Andrew goes off the rails but is hauled back in by his long time friend and boss. Through Frederick he meets Michael, patient, understanding, beautiful Michael. What a heartwarming story of love and hope rising from tragedy.
August 17, 2018
Sweet and sexy
Loved this book. Andrew is heart broken over the death of his long term partner but a second chance with love is just around the corner. This is a really passionate heartfelt love story and really pulls you into Andrews grief. Michael is a very patient man.
I loved the authors writing style and will look forward to reading more from this author.
Loved this book. Andrew is heart broken over the death of his long term partner but a second chance with love is just around the corner. This is a really passionate heartfelt love story and really pulls you into Andrews grief. Michael is a very patient man.
I loved the authors writing style and will look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews