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Unconditional #2
Looking Forward
Owen Hannity was nineteen when he lost almost everyone he thought he could trust. Each loss more painful than the last.
With the unwavering support of his best friend, Andy, Owen put the pieces of his life back together. Now, more than two decades later, Owen owns and operates a successful comic shop. Despite his modicum of success, he still feels like a shell of a man, carrying the emotional scars from his past.
Without warning, Owen’s past returns. Secrets come to light. Secrets that could either destroy Owen or finally give him the strength to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about Andy, himself, and the way in which he views the world.
To see that he is truly worthy of loving himself and finally begin…
…Looking Forward.
With the unwavering support of his best friend, Andy, Owen put the pieces of his life back together. Now, more than two decades later, Owen owns and operates a successful comic shop. Despite his modicum of success, he still feels like a shell of a man, carrying the emotional scars from his past.
Without warning, Owen’s past returns. Secrets come to light. Secrets that could either destroy Owen or finally give him the strength to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about Andy, himself, and the way in which he views the world.
To see that he is truly worthy of loving himself and finally begin…
…Looking Forward.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2018
35 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 5, 2018
This is a book about life. It's a book about friendship. It's a book about love. Above all, it's a book about hope and about finding your truth.
It takes part in two stages, Before and After Owen's life was irreparably changed and it's worth bearing in mind that, while there is romance, it's not really a love story in the traditional sense. You won't find smexy times in this book because really it's about a coming of age, no matter how old you are, but you will find love.
Set in the comic book store of Michael's first novel Looking In this narrative gives us Owen's backstory. His life as he fell in love with Jack, his life as he lost everything.
The slow-paced storytelling worked well but I found Owen hard to warm to for a long time. He'd had a horrible experience and his life had been changed by it and defined by it and I found him, at times, to be almost martyr-like in his outlook.
That I didn't outright dislike him is because of Michael's skilful handling of the plot because I wanted to know if things were going to get better. There won't be any spoilers in this, suffice it to say, I was entirely satisfied with the outcome and had a smile on my face when I finished the book!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It takes part in two stages, Before and After Owen's life was irreparably changed and it's worth bearing in mind that, while there is romance, it's not really a love story in the traditional sense. You won't find smexy times in this book because really it's about a coming of age, no matter how old you are, but you will find love.
Set in the comic book store of Michael's first novel Looking In this narrative gives us Owen's backstory. His life as he fell in love with Jack, his life as he lost everything.
The slow-paced storytelling worked well but I found Owen hard to warm to for a long time. He'd had a horrible experience and his life had been changed by it and defined by it and I found him, at times, to be almost martyr-like in his outlook.
That I didn't outright dislike him is because of Michael's skilful handling of the plot because I wanted to know if things were going to get better. There won't be any spoilers in this, suffice it to say, I was entirely satisfied with the outcome and had a smile on my face when I finished the book!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
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April 7, 2019This was a very confusing read for me, and that's why I will not rate it. The overall writing and story are beautiful, but missing something for me. In all honesty it doesn't have much romance!? I was rooting for one couple, not knowing it wasn't the endgame. I get it was supposed to be a shocker/twist, maybe, but it came too late for me. The epilogue is really the only part we get to see the couple together. It was definitely heartbreaking at times, which is right up my alley. It was more about heartbreak and finding the hope to move forward. Sometimes, you have to make a family because the one you have is filled with shitbags!
Can I just say... Why did Owen take so long to confront Jack!!?? It really bothered me.
Can I just say... Why did Owen take so long to confront Jack!!?? It really bothered me.
September 5, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
It was lovely watching Owen fall in love with Jack. I could feel the warmth he was feeling every time he spoke or texted with him. Owen didn’t smile often until Jack came along, and he relished in it. Even though he was still deeply closeted out of fear of his family, Owen was looking ahead to a brighter future when everything went to hell. Right here, at this point, I want to tell you every single detail of what exactly did happen. I just can’t. It’s a very important part of the book and I believe you have to experience it yourself. I will tell you to have your tissues ready…maybe a comfy blanket and a teddy bear as well.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
It was lovely watching Owen fall in love with Jack. I could feel the warmth he was feeling every time he spoke or texted with him. Owen didn’t smile often until Jack came along, and he relished in it. Even though he was still deeply closeted out of fear of his family, Owen was looking ahead to a brighter future when everything went to hell. Right here, at this point, I want to tell you every single detail of what exactly did happen. I just can’t. It’s a very important part of the book and I believe you have to experience it yourself. I will tell you to have your tissues ready…maybe a comfy blanket and a teddy bear as well.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
August 27, 2018
Heart-achingly gorgeous story.
The main character Owen, has not had it easy. Hurts from people who were meant to care and love him, make trust and opening up a difficult thing to do. Understandable with what he has had to endure. There are people who have his back, like his best friend Andy, and you can see how important this people become to him; but somethings, Owen, will learn to do on his own.
You can't help but ache for him, which shows brilliant writing. Any author that make you connect so deeply with a character is doing a stella job. And the reader can't help but hope that after everything Owen's been through, he'll get an ending he deserves.
He does, he really does. And you won't see it.
I loved how this ended; I re-read those last couple of chapters a few times because it was the balm that I needed and everything Owen should get.
Seeing the characters from 'Looking In' was a bonus.
I can't wait to see where this author takes us next.
The main character Owen, has not had it easy. Hurts from people who were meant to care and love him, make trust and opening up a difficult thing to do. Understandable with what he has had to endure. There are people who have his back, like his best friend Andy, and you can see how important this people become to him; but somethings, Owen, will learn to do on his own.
You can't help but ache for him, which shows brilliant writing. Any author that make you connect so deeply with a character is doing a stella job. And the reader can't help but hope that after everything Owen's been through, he'll get an ending he deserves.
He does, he really does. And you won't see it.
I loved how this ended; I re-read those last couple of chapters a few times because it was the balm that I needed and everything Owen should get.
Seeing the characters from 'Looking In' was a bonus.
I can't wait to see where this author takes us next.
September 9, 2018
Beautifully Emotional Story
I cried with this story. It is an emotional story yet a beautiful story of friendship. Love comes in all forms but when parental love is withheld, the impact can be traumatic.
I was touched by these characters. I was moved by by Andy and Owen. My first read by this author but defiantly not my last.
I cried with this story. It is an emotional story yet a beautiful story of friendship. Love comes in all forms but when parental love is withheld, the impact can be traumatic.
I was touched by these characters. I was moved by by Andy and Owen. My first read by this author but defiantly not my last.
September 10, 2018
~ 5 Stars ~
I personally didn’t like this book as much as I absolutely and completely loved the first book (Looking In). But I still think this book is worthy of 5 stars, which might not make sense but I will try to explain why…
The way this book was written came across really solid on page. This author definitely knows how to tell us and deliver us a great story. I liked how we were given completely described in-depth details on the full story and background as to what happened to these characters in their lives to make them into who they are. We got to see their struggles and accomplishments. Even when their story was painstaking and heartbreaking to read. This book was wonderful and felt real, and made me emotional even when it wasn’t in the best way. You really get pulled into the storyline and the character’s lives in a really deep way which shows you how amazing the book really is. I loved the ending of this book and I thought that was a great redeeming moment these characters got to have after having to travel such a long and hard road to get to that point.
My personal thoughts and opinion…..
I Hated Jack… Hated with a Passion, from the deepest parts of my soul I just hated everything about him. He was a selfish user of a jerk and doesn’t deserve any form of HEA and I hope he lives the rest of his life miserable and alone forced to watch everyone else get their HEA's. Literally, everything about him annoyed me from the first time we met him to the very end of the book when Owen finally lets his rage out to tell him how he really feels. I am astonished that it went on that long before it came to blows.
I also wasn’t super impressed with Owen, who is ultimately the main character of this book. He was just too much of a doormat for my taste, just letting life just pass him by waiting around on what “could have” happened, to not see what was in front of him the entire 25 years that pass in this book. I mean I know some things are hard to confront and hard to hear, but damn... 25 years later is long enough to get the full truth when it’s basically already staring you in the face (Jace). I was impressed that he could pull himself together long enough to create such an amazing business. That was really my favorite and only part about him I liked, that he was finally able to create his stand-in family from that part of his life. I just really wish it would have happened earlier on for him to experience that happiness for longer.
And, finally Andy… Poor Andy, I really think he got the short end of the stick all around when it came to friends and family, they all just sucked, and he was left cleaning up all their messes. I am just glad that it all turned out ok for him in the end, he was the character I was most worried about. I wanted him to get a HEA and he fully deserved it.
P.s. I really hope that Jace gets a book next and I really want him to end up with Greg. But I think that as long as Greg finds and re-connects with his lost brother in any shape and form I would totally be happy with however that turns out.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I personally didn’t like this book as much as I absolutely and completely loved the first book (Looking In). But I still think this book is worthy of 5 stars, which might not make sense but I will try to explain why…
The way this book was written came across really solid on page. This author definitely knows how to tell us and deliver us a great story. I liked how we were given completely described in-depth details on the full story and background as to what happened to these characters in their lives to make them into who they are. We got to see their struggles and accomplishments. Even when their story was painstaking and heartbreaking to read. This book was wonderful and felt real, and made me emotional even when it wasn’t in the best way. You really get pulled into the storyline and the character’s lives in a really deep way which shows you how amazing the book really is. I loved the ending of this book and I thought that was a great redeeming moment these characters got to have after having to travel such a long and hard road to get to that point.
My personal thoughts and opinion…..
I Hated Jack… Hated with a Passion, from the deepest parts of my soul I just hated everything about him. He was a selfish user of a jerk and doesn’t deserve any form of HEA and I hope he lives the rest of his life miserable and alone forced to watch everyone else get their HEA's. Literally, everything about him annoyed me from the first time we met him to the very end of the book when Owen finally lets his rage out to tell him how he really feels. I am astonished that it went on that long before it came to blows.
I also wasn’t super impressed with Owen, who is ultimately the main character of this book. He was just too much of a doormat for my taste, just letting life just pass him by waiting around on what “could have” happened, to not see what was in front of him the entire 25 years that pass in this book. I mean I know some things are hard to confront and hard to hear, but damn... 25 years later is long enough to get the full truth when it’s basically already staring you in the face (Jace). I was impressed that he could pull himself together long enough to create such an amazing business. That was really my favorite and only part about him I liked, that he was finally able to create his stand-in family from that part of his life. I just really wish it would have happened earlier on for him to experience that happiness for longer.
And, finally Andy… Poor Andy, I really think he got the short end of the stick all around when it came to friends and family, they all just sucked, and he was left cleaning up all their messes. I am just glad that it all turned out ok for him in the end, he was the character I was most worried about. I wanted him to get a HEA and he fully deserved it.
P.s. I really hope that Jace gets a book next and I really want him to end up with Greg. But I think that as long as Greg finds and re-connects with his lost brother in any shape and form I would totally be happy with however that turns out.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 30, 2018
Owen’s life has been hard with a homophobic family, a boyfriend with a secret life, and a friendship strained by a secret. It makes a decent read with good characterization. I enjoyed Owen and the comic shop life. His meeting and building with Jack worked well, which is why I cared when it hit issues.
I needed more notes sprinkled in the story throughout to believe the ending. You can’t explain why in a monologue at the end even if it makes sense. I also feel we racked on some lost brother shelter stuff that seemed forced in.
I enjoyed the read but it could have been so much better with adding in some clues, increase the will they/won’t they tension, and deleting extras.
I needed more notes sprinkled in the story throughout to believe the ending. You can’t explain why in a monologue at the end even if it makes sense. I also feel we racked on some lost brother shelter stuff that seemed forced in.
I enjoyed the read but it could have been so much better with adding in some clues, increase the will they/won’t they tension, and deleting extras.
August 25, 2018
Alors cette fin je ne l'ai pas du tout vu venir. C une 1ere !
September 10, 2018
Once I realize this was a follow-up (sort of) of the first book, I decided to read it right away. It's another great addition! I'll write a review later. :)
August 23, 2018
Loved it
Looking Forward was a fantastic read. Owens story was an emotional journey. I was routing for him and Andy from the beginning waiting patiently for them to finally figure out their feelings for each other. Michael Bailey is an exceptional story teller and I would highly recommend reading this book.
Looking Forward was a fantastic read. Owens story was an emotional journey. I was routing for him and Andy from the beginning waiting patiently for them to finally figure out their feelings for each other. Michael Bailey is an exceptional story teller and I would highly recommend reading this book.
August 28, 2018
Owen took me on a magnificent journey one where I didn’t see the conclusion.
I fell into the words that Michael Bailey wrote so much that I didn’t want to stop reading but life takes over but now it is finished with such a lot of emotion from me .
A beautiful written book with Owen who I could “see” could feel his pain his non acceptance of who he is.
Jack who had loved and was more then Andy who had been there all the time ..
Absolutely loved this book xxxx
This book left me with such feelings mostly I can’t ever understand why parents or people cannot accept their sons / daughters as who they are - I will never understand that ..
Thanks Michael for all these magnificent words ...
I fell into the words that Michael Bailey wrote so much that I didn’t want to stop reading but life takes over but now it is finished with such a lot of emotion from me .
A beautiful written book with Owen who I could “see” could feel his pain his non acceptance of who he is.
Jack who had loved and was more then Andy who had been there all the time ..
Absolutely loved this book xxxx
This book left me with such feelings mostly I can’t ever understand why parents or people cannot accept their sons / daughters as who they are - I will never understand that ..
Thanks Michael for all these magnificent words ...
May 25, 2021
Trigger warning: Parental Neglect
Owen Hannity grew up without the parental support and approval that most teens enjoy. His mother died when he was young. His father was distant and undemonstrative and when a step-mother appeared on the scene she was more step-monster than step-mother. Yet unlike so many real world teens, Owen was fortunate in that he had a steadfast friend in Andy, the only openly gay guy in Owen’s Toledo high school.
Though Owen’s early crisis is set “years ago,” the dilemma of parental rejection is still an all too real a phenomenon. e.g. A 2010 study featured in the American Journal of Public Health finds that approximately 25 percent of gay teens in Massachusetts public high schools were homeless, compared to only 3 percent of heterosexual students.
Unlike so much of contemporary m/m fiction this novel doesn’t use the dual POV “he said/he said” convention so there’s a refreshing lack of head hopping in this story. That both works for and against the story. As an older reader looking in, being “stuck” inside Owen’s point of view was a bit frustrating. I was almost certain of Jack’s and Andy’s feelings much earlier than young Owen, and it left me a bit frustrated with the kids (all of them.) And yet, given the lack of demonstrated loved in Owen’s childhood, it made very very clear and understandable his inability to perceive real love when he encountered it. In some ways Owen is much more of youngster even as an adult than most young adults you meet in m/m fiction. His sense of self worth and self esteem had been all but destroyed by his uncaring and hateful parents and yet I identified with him on several levels. Having been raised in the midwest myself, I found myself enjoying the references to Ohio. Even as fortunate as I was to have had two loving parents, I was a bit slow to learn the emotional aspects of “adulting,” and could empathize with Owen more than was sometimes comfortable.
A large part of this tale is told in flashback, with the main character now a “pushing 40” adult looking back on his coming out. Therefore he doesn’t have quite the same immediate vulnerability as main character David in book 1 of this series. Although, the tale doesn’t have the same direct visceral impact as the first book, it is compelling in its own right and deepens the world developed in book 1. It even adds some additional aspects to the characters introduced there and moves their stories along a bit. I’m now anxious to move on to book 3.
Owen Hannity grew up without the parental support and approval that most teens enjoy. His mother died when he was young. His father was distant and undemonstrative and when a step-mother appeared on the scene she was more step-monster than step-mother. Yet unlike so many real world teens, Owen was fortunate in that he had a steadfast friend in Andy, the only openly gay guy in Owen’s Toledo high school.
Though Owen’s early crisis is set “years ago,” the dilemma of parental rejection is still an all too real a phenomenon. e.g. A 2010 study featured in the American Journal of Public Health finds that approximately 25 percent of gay teens in Massachusetts public high schools were homeless, compared to only 3 percent of heterosexual students.
Unlike so much of contemporary m/m fiction this novel doesn’t use the dual POV “he said/he said” convention so there’s a refreshing lack of head hopping in this story. That both works for and against the story. As an older reader looking in, being “stuck” inside Owen’s point of view was a bit frustrating. I was almost certain of Jack’s and Andy’s feelings much earlier than young Owen, and it left me a bit frustrated with the kids (all of them.) And yet, given the lack of demonstrated loved in Owen’s childhood, it made very very clear and understandable his inability to perceive real love when he encountered it. In some ways Owen is much more of youngster even as an adult than most young adults you meet in m/m fiction. His sense of self worth and self esteem had been all but destroyed by his uncaring and hateful parents and yet I identified with him on several levels. Having been raised in the midwest myself, I found myself enjoying the references to Ohio. Even as fortunate as I was to have had two loving parents, I was a bit slow to learn the emotional aspects of “adulting,” and could empathize with Owen more than was sometimes comfortable.
A large part of this tale is told in flashback, with the main character now a “pushing 40” adult looking back on his coming out. Therefore he doesn’t have quite the same immediate vulnerability as main character David in book 1 of this series. Although, the tale doesn’t have the same direct visceral impact as the first book, it is compelling in its own right and deepens the world developed in book 1. It even adds some additional aspects to the characters introduced there and moves their stories along a bit. I’m now anxious to move on to book 3.
September 6, 2018
I felt like this book really was a journey through life. It’s not just a romance read, it’s so much more than that. This is a story about growing up, learning about who you are, falling in love, having your heart broken and once again learning about who are you.
When we first meet Owen, he’s 19 and in the closet, afraid of his father finding out that he is gay. He has his best friend Andy, and then he meets Jack. He quickly falls in love, but Jack is deep in the closet too so it doesn’t make it easy for these two to experience love. When Jack disappears from Owen’s life he experiences that heart break. But life goes on and so does he, and his still has Andy by his side.
This story was slower than I expected, it really was a journey of self discovery for Owen and once I got used to the pace, I really enjoyed it. I felt myself riding the ups and downs with Owen, my heart aching for him and hoping that he would his happy. It was the last third of this story that really did it for, I totally fell in love and wanted to cheer for Owen. He finally finds what he’s been looking for and it made my heart so freaking happy. It wasn’t exactly what I expected when I started this book but Looking Forward was a wonderful, touching read that I definitely recommend!
When we first meet Owen, he’s 19 and in the closet, afraid of his father finding out that he is gay. He has his best friend Andy, and then he meets Jack. He quickly falls in love, but Jack is deep in the closet too so it doesn’t make it easy for these two to experience love. When Jack disappears from Owen’s life he experiences that heart break. But life goes on and so does he, and his still has Andy by his side.
This story was slower than I expected, it really was a journey of self discovery for Owen and once I got used to the pace, I really enjoyed it. I felt myself riding the ups and downs with Owen, my heart aching for him and hoping that he would his happy. It was the last third of this story that really did it for, I totally fell in love and wanted to cheer for Owen. He finally finds what he’s been looking for and it made my heart so freaking happy. It wasn’t exactly what I expected when I started this book but Looking Forward was a wonderful, touching read that I definitely recommend!
October 4, 2018
This is the second book in this author’s Unconditional series but can be read as a standalone. This book is about Owen and his quest towards love and acceptance. His story includes a bunch of heartache and sadness, amazing friends and second chances.
Owen has spent his whole life feeling alone and not sure where he fit in. It wasn’t until he met Andy in high school that he felt like he finally had someone in his corner. Both have bigoted families who don’t understand them. They became the best of friends and it was them against the world.
Andy begs Owens to come out with him and his sister to meet his cousin Jack and it is the last thing he wants to do but he can rarely say no to Andy. So when he meets Jack for the first time he has no idea what to think of the sparks he feels arcing between them. But Jack holds secrets that seem to grow at a concerning rate.
When Owen’s life once again changes overnight, he thinks this is the last straw for himself but the family he created is by his side...but is anyone else?
I won’t say anything else about the story because I don’t want to give anything else away but I feel like this is a series that you you must read ASAP!
Owen has spent his whole life feeling alone and not sure where he fit in. It wasn’t until he met Andy in high school that he felt like he finally had someone in his corner. Both have bigoted families who don’t understand them. They became the best of friends and it was them against the world.
Andy begs Owens to come out with him and his sister to meet his cousin Jack and it is the last thing he wants to do but he can rarely say no to Andy. So when he meets Jack for the first time he has no idea what to think of the sparks he feels arcing between them. But Jack holds secrets that seem to grow at a concerning rate.
When Owen’s life once again changes overnight, he thinks this is the last straw for himself but the family he created is by his side...but is anyone else?
I won’t say anything else about the story because I don’t want to give anything else away but I feel like this is a series that you you must read ASAP!
September 12, 2019
“Sometimes all it takes is for one person to take the first step.” This book is not your regular romance story. While it has a HEA and is a beautiful love story, the focus of this book is on Owen and his self-journey. What a journey it is!
The book is divided into before and after and is told from Owen’s POV from when he was a teen to the present time. Owen had a difficult time growing up and meets someone he thinks can be the one, but people aren’t always what they seem to be. Throughout his ups and downs he has his best friend, Andy, by his side.
While I wish Owen had woken up to what he really wanted from life sooner, I realize that sometimes it takes a metaphorical smack in the face to make us see who really matters in our lives. Loved the byplay between Owen and his store employees and hope maybe Greg will get a story someday. I highly recommend this book and all of Michael Bailey’s books.
The book is divided into before and after and is told from Owen’s POV from when he was a teen to the present time. Owen had a difficult time growing up and meets someone he thinks can be the one, but people aren’t always what they seem to be. Throughout his ups and downs he has his best friend, Andy, by his side.
While I wish Owen had woken up to what he really wanted from life sooner, I realize that sometimes it takes a metaphorical smack in the face to make us see who really matters in our lives. Loved the byplay between Owen and his store employees and hope maybe Greg will get a story someday. I highly recommend this book and all of Michael Bailey’s books.
August 27, 2019
Somewhere close to a 3*
It was fairly easy to read and moved along at a fair pace, however I found I was annoyed with Owen most of the time.
I could kinda get his 19 year old self going full on for Jack, believing he is in love despite them not having a full relationship - mainly coz his home life is shit he hangs onto the shiny in front of him, and at that age all teens believe they know it all and not have a beau seems the end of it all!
So I could kind of get behind the dramatics. I was expecting something worse from the family issues though.
Then we move forward 25 years (i think, but some things needed more and some were less) and Owen is still carrying that monkey on his back! And dear god did he milk that. Finally, he wakes up and Andy is generous enough but gosh I did want to shake him.
It was fairly easy to read and moved along at a fair pace, however I found I was annoyed with Owen most of the time.
I could kinda get his 19 year old self going full on for Jack, believing he is in love despite them not having a full relationship - mainly coz his home life is shit he hangs onto the shiny in front of him, and at that age all teens believe they know it all and not have a beau seems the end of it all!
So I could kind of get behind the dramatics. I was expecting something worse from the family issues though.
Then we move forward 25 years (i think, but some things needed more and some were less) and Owen is still carrying that monkey on his back! And dear god did he milk that. Finally, he wakes up and Andy is generous enough but gosh I did want to shake him.
April 11, 2019
I Loved It, But I Gotta Bone To Pick!!!!
I loved this book. It was absolutely wonderful. With that being said, I am madder than a wet hen. Like Owen had the draw of luck possible. Everybody who should have loved him abandoned him when he needed them the most, except Andy. Thank goodness for Andy. He was the truest friend that Owen could ask for. I'm so happy with how that turned out. As for Jack, he was the absolute worse. He did Owen so wrong and then had the nerve to try put limits on Owen and Andy's friendship. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he ruined that. I despised him, more than despised Rebecca and I really didn't like her. This is an absolute must read.
I loved this book. It was absolutely wonderful. With that being said, I am madder than a wet hen. Like Owen had the draw of luck possible. Everybody who should have loved him abandoned him when he needed them the most, except Andy. Thank goodness for Andy. He was the truest friend that Owen could ask for. I'm so happy with how that turned out. As for Jack, he was the absolute worse. He did Owen so wrong and then had the nerve to try put limits on Owen and Andy's friendship. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he ruined that. I despised him, more than despised Rebecca and I really didn't like her. This is an absolute must read.
August 31, 2018
Okay - I'll admit. I almost didn't finish this one. Not because it was bad but because it was slow...really slow. But I kept reading despite that and then something happened. All of a sudden a switch flipped and I couldn't put it down. All of a sudden this became something different, something brand new, something I've never read in a book before, something not mainstream, something.....more. Sometimes something can surprise you - not out of the blue, but building slow, over time, until it's suddenly there and it feels like it always was....it just took a long time to realize that. I think maybe Owen and Andy might agree with me.
September 3, 2018
Beautiful, intense.
I loved it. Owen grew up in a toxic, homophobic environment. When he was kicked out of home, he had the support of his best friend, Andy and his almost boyfriend Jack. Owen has always thought he wasn't good enough, that there was something wrong with him, drummed into him from his father and step mother. And Jack reinforces this when he just up and leaves with no word and no explanation. Fast forward a couple decades, and Jack reappears, confusing Owen. Andy, who has loved Owen forever decides to leave. Through a lot of soul searching Owen has n epiphany of sorts, but is it too late for Owen and Andy?
I loved it. Owen grew up in a toxic, homophobic environment. When he was kicked out of home, he had the support of his best friend, Andy and his almost boyfriend Jack. Owen has always thought he wasn't good enough, that there was something wrong with him, drummed into him from his father and step mother. And Jack reinforces this when he just up and leaves with no word and no explanation. Fast forward a couple decades, and Jack reappears, confusing Owen. Andy, who has loved Owen forever decides to leave. Through a lot of soul searching Owen has n epiphany of sorts, but is it too late for Owen and Andy?
August 24, 2018
Wow, I honestly do not have enough words for how awesome this book is. The story of Owen felt so real to me. The emotions jump off the pages at you. This is a true battle of struggles for a young gay man that continues to affect him through his adult years. But his one constant is his best friend Andy. Michael has done a brilliant job of writing this cause as I said it all felt so real. You all need to read this. So very highly recommended. Just in case you have't read Looking In the first book in the series then you need to read that as well. Both of these books are excellent
September 9, 2018
This is about Owen , it is about his life what happened to him and what happens after his life is totally changed, his past comes back and it might just change everything again and it could go either way good or bad but , that is what this story is telling us , life is never set, it is to be lived and lived to the fullest because you never know when one incident can change everything .
Yes this is a story about Owen and all aspects of his life and being gay is one of them but this is mainly about life
Yes this is a story about Owen and all aspects of his life and being gay is one of them but this is mainly about life
August 31, 2018
Great read, but have tissues handy, so heartbreaking & angsty... I had the ugly cry going on. I loved Owen, he had it hard I wanted to reach inside the book & hug him & tell his dad & step witch off. Oh & Jack.... I didn't like him second time around, oh no. The book took a turn I wasn't expecting in the end but I'm happy it came about, I was thinking it & I was right(yay me). Got to love Andy! Glad Owen could get his forever & be happy.
September 9, 2018
Real, visceral, emotional, wonderful
Just finished it. It's been a very long time since a book consumed me the way this one did. I've read many great books lately, but none that have had such a visceral, physical impact as this. It was like I was living with Owen's anxiety, and fears and hopes. It wasn't always a fun ride, but it was completely worth the journey. A story worth telling and 100% worth reading. Can't wait to see what comes next from Michael Bailey.
Just finished it. It's been a very long time since a book consumed me the way this one did. I've read many great books lately, but none that have had such a visceral, physical impact as this. It was like I was living with Owen's anxiety, and fears and hopes. It wasn't always a fun ride, but it was completely worth the journey. A story worth telling and 100% worth reading. Can't wait to see what comes next from Michael Bailey.
September 29, 2018
Love at Last
A story in which parents hurt their children.
Where one resorts to crime.
Where one turns to comics.
The comic lover learns to fear love.
He tries and fails.
Years pass.
Yet he needs love so badly he puts himself out there one more time.
Thank goodness he has friends who won't allow him to hide any longer inside his greatest success.
A touching story that slowly, painfully brings you to a perfect conclusion.
A story in which parents hurt their children.
Where one resorts to crime.
Where one turns to comics.
The comic lover learns to fear love.
He tries and fails.
Years pass.
Yet he needs love so badly he puts himself out there one more time.
Thank goodness he has friends who won't allow him to hide any longer inside his greatest success.
A touching story that slowly, painfully brings you to a perfect conclusion.
September 9, 2018
Looking Forward is a book about love, hope, happiness, heartache, friendship. Owen and Andy's story is not easy, it's not quick to love and sexy times. If you are looking for that here, you will be let down. Instead of fluff, you get substance. Instead of instal-heat, you get a long, slow burn. You get a story that is full of everything that is life, love, happiness and heartache.
October 2, 2018
What an emotional roller coaster! I devoured this book and the entire time I was reading I couldn't help tearing up, shaking my head, shouting at Owen to stop before getting hurt, or at Jack to stop being such a complete ass! And Andy, there, always there, in the wings, but his presence a constant pillar...
January 6, 2019
Looking Forward has interesting and engaging characters and a great story, but some parts needed tightening up. Toward the middle it got a bit slow and there were overly detailed monologues. However, it picked up again and ended strongly. Overall, the author shows growth in his second novel and I hope to read more of his work.
September 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I have a love/hate relationship with books like this where decades of time go by and as the reader you feel like lives have been lost or wasted, but this was worth the heartache. Great ending. Great read!
October 31, 2018
We are drawn to the faithful and sometimes blinded by it!
Stories of friendship, family with no blood relation, and true love are what fairytales are made of when concerns of the heart are involved. This book takes the reader on that tale, but it's a true tale!
Stories of friendship, family with no blood relation, and true love are what fairytales are made of when concerns of the heart are involved. This book takes the reader on that tale, but it's a true tale!
January 8, 2019
Looking forward
I loved Looking In and this one didn't disappoint. . I'm so glad Owen & Andy figured out their feelings in this emotional journey. Michael has the ability to get you hooked from beginning to end. I would highly recommend checking out this author.
I loved Looking In and this one didn't disappoint. . I'm so glad Owen & Andy figured out their feelings in this emotional journey. Michael has the ability to get you hooked from beginning to end. I would highly recommend checking out this author.
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