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Recovery #2
Dove: Spread Your Wings
After surviving a fire that left him emotionally and physically injured, then rejected by a partner who couldn't cope with the aftermath, Lucas spent a year drinking in silence at the local gay bar. The bartender, Connor, eventually won him over and he started to live again. As Lucas begins rebuilding his life, his mother Gayle refuses to accept Connor's presence and hopes Lucas will reunite with his ex. Still battling nightmares, depression, and guilt, Lucas has to choose: stay in the darkness or let Connor help him find the light?
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2018
21 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Angelique Jurd
43 books289 followersPeople driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
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Bookbub:
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After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
Find online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
FB Reader Group:
http://facebook.com/groups/cocktailsa...
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 18, 2019
I think the thing I love most about this series is that is just feels so very real. The intensity at times makes reading it a bit uncomfortable... yet that is also life and what makes this book so good. Watching Lucas begin to heal bit by bit... Connor show his insecurities... and just how much they love one another... it's life.
January 6, 2019
I absolutely love Connor. They are a great couple. Lucas deserves some happiness. Lucas’s mom is a total bitch. What she did is inexcusable.
December 5, 2018
I love Connor. I don’t like Lucas’s mom at all. Everyone keeps acting like she’s a good person but she’s not, AT ALL. She wants her son back with a man that left him when he needed him most. And she doesn’t want her son with a man that loves him beyond his scars and low self esteem.
July 1, 2020
So far soooo good!! The series is amazing with character development and engaging plot. All this is done in novellas which is a great thing!
October 5, 2018
I love this series
I love this series, and the characters of Lucas, and Connor. It was well written,and have a great storyline. Enjoyable reading.
I love this series, and the characters of Lucas, and Connor. It was well written,and have a great storyline. Enjoyable reading.
September 25, 2018
“Doves teach us that, regardless of external circumstances, peace is always a touch a way...It is said that if a dove flies into your life, you are being asked to go within and release your emotional disharmony. ...When inner conflicts are banished from our thoughts, words and feelings, goodness awaits.” ~ Marilyn Tokach, Pure Spirit
Lucas, of 'Dove' by Angelique Jurd, is in a better place since moving in with Connor. He has got a long way to go, but having Connor in his life has helped give him enough hope to be able to make decisions about life that he hadn't either cared or wanted to make before. Through the darkness of despair, Connor's light shows brightly, making everything better.
At the end of the first story in the series, 'Phoenix', Connor and Lucas moved in together in order to make a new start. Lucas is anxious about meeting Connor's parents, as well as introducing Connor to his. Since they are living together, it seems to be the next obvious step. Their visit with Lucas's mother doesn't go well. Inappropriately, she brings up Justin, Lucas's ex. Lucas tries to stop her, but she continues to talk about him. Lucas is irate about his mother's snobbery and insensitivity. Connor takes it in stride, reminding Lucas that he's not the only one suffering, that he should try to remember how hard the situation is for his mom, as well. Lucas is still upset at how his mom tried to demean Connor. Connor's advice is to give her time.
Lucas is trying to be understanding, but when his mom asks him to meet her at a restaurant for dinner, she neglects to tell him that Justin has been invited as well. Lucas is angry at his mother and is quick to tell Justin he has met someone and they have moved in together. His mom scoffs at that and starts an argument with Lucas about Connor, saying he's not good enough for him. Lucas gets up and leaves and Justin catches up with him. During the few words they exchange Justin is able to place doubt in Lucas's mind about Connor's motives by asking if he is sure that he's not just a 'summer project' for Connor. Lucas leaves but the self-doubt creeps in again. When Lucas gets home he confronts Connor with Justin's “suggestion” and asks Connor if it is true. Connor can't believe Lucas would even listen to Justin after the way he treated him. He's insulted, angry, and hurt. Finally, Connor has had all he can take and leaves.
Recovery takes a long time and, although Lucas has made great progress, he is still quite fragile. As good as Connor is to him, there are a lot of things they need to resolve. Improving communication is important for all relationships; in Lucas and Connor's case, with Lucas still healing. it is even more crucial. Thanks, Angelique, for another story about Lucas's road to recovery.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Lucas, of 'Dove' by Angelique Jurd, is in a better place since moving in with Connor. He has got a long way to go, but having Connor in his life has helped give him enough hope to be able to make decisions about life that he hadn't either cared or wanted to make before. Through the darkness of despair, Connor's light shows brightly, making everything better.
At the end of the first story in the series, 'Phoenix', Connor and Lucas moved in together in order to make a new start. Lucas is anxious about meeting Connor's parents, as well as introducing Connor to his. Since they are living together, it seems to be the next obvious step. Their visit with Lucas's mother doesn't go well. Inappropriately, she brings up Justin, Lucas's ex. Lucas tries to stop her, but she continues to talk about him. Lucas is irate about his mother's snobbery and insensitivity. Connor takes it in stride, reminding Lucas that he's not the only one suffering, that he should try to remember how hard the situation is for his mom, as well. Lucas is still upset at how his mom tried to demean Connor. Connor's advice is to give her time.
Lucas is trying to be understanding, but when his mom asks him to meet her at a restaurant for dinner, she neglects to tell him that Justin has been invited as well. Lucas is angry at his mother and is quick to tell Justin he has met someone and they have moved in together. His mom scoffs at that and starts an argument with Lucas about Connor, saying he's not good enough for him. Lucas gets up and leaves and Justin catches up with him. During the few words they exchange Justin is able to place doubt in Lucas's mind about Connor's motives by asking if he is sure that he's not just a 'summer project' for Connor. Lucas leaves but the self-doubt creeps in again. When Lucas gets home he confronts Connor with Justin's “suggestion” and asks Connor if it is true. Connor can't believe Lucas would even listen to Justin after the way he treated him. He's insulted, angry, and hurt. Finally, Connor has had all he can take and leaves.
Recovery takes a long time and, although Lucas has made great progress, he is still quite fragile. As good as Connor is to him, there are a lot of things they need to resolve. Improving communication is important for all relationships; in Lucas and Connor's case, with Lucas still healing. it is even more crucial. Thanks, Angelique, for another story about Lucas's road to recovery.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 7, 2018
*** 4.5 Stars ***
The more I read about this series, the more I like it.
This second installment of the series still brought the same feeling like what the first book did to me.
The second part of the story started right after Connor moved to Lucas apartment and showing the next stage of their brand new relationship with all the ups and downs.
The story still as interesting and heartbreaking as the first book. Here we can know a little more deeper about Lucas struggle to fight his trauma, depression and insecurity and how fragile his relationship with Connor when Lucas still struggling with his self confidence after what happen to him. On the other side, Connor also have his own ‘mess' he need to deal and Connor's uncertainty and jealousy to Lucas's ex almost ruined their relationship and commitments.
Will they overcome all the obstacles in their relationship?
Again, the author show her amazing skill by slowly revealed both Lucas and Connor's past and put it together so nicely in a good writing. Knowing that Connor was not ‘that’ perfect and have his own 'issues' has made he looks a bit more 'human' than the perfect guy impression we saw before and made the story more believable.
One thing that a bit not logic for me here is how can Lucas’s mother did such things like that to his own son? How come she sided with Justin after what he did to him and didn’t care with what Lucas feels. Is she blind or have no sense at all?
I really can't wait for what will happen next to their story. I need to know more about Connor's background story and what make he want to help and fix things, include Chris.
And I wish I could hear more story about Chris and Phill. Will they have their own book? I want to know what happened to Chris when he first met Connor. What his story? I’m really curious.
RECOMMENDED!
August 29, 2018
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.
My old 3* is now a 3,5* and clicked with a 4*):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the kids' series from EM Leya or 'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books), it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical,
NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
The second book in the series around Lucas, the survivor of a big fire 2 years ago and Connor, the bartender.
Like the first book, it was too soon finish! But also like in the first book, you dive deep in the book, in the feelings, insecurities und conflicts with family and (ex-)friends.
They fight against pain, trauma, past. They fight for their love and for their future.
I can't wait to read the next book....
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.
My old 3* is now a 3,5* and clicked with a 4*):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the kids' series from EM Leya or 'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books), it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical,
NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
The second book in the series around Lucas, the survivor of a big fire 2 years ago and Connor, the bartender.
Like the first book, it was too soon finish! But also like in the first book, you dive deep in the book, in the feelings, insecurities und conflicts with family and (ex-)friends.
They fight against pain, trauma, past. They fight for their love and for their future.
I can't wait to read the next book....
August 30, 2018
I did go back and read Phoenix again just after I started Dove. I felt this was the way to get the best out of the second novella.
I wrote in my review for Phoenix that my favourite line, said by Connor, is: "You can be my mess." We learn in this novella that this is an even deeper comment than it appears at first glance. Connor is drawn to "lame ducks" with a view to helping them; something he didn't recognise until pointed out by former roommate, Chris. (It was good to get to know a little of Chris's backstory too.)
I felt last time that Connor is a bit of a mystery compared to Lucas. There are some reveals to his character in this novella; in particular, he has a lower self esteem than it first appears. The "whys" are still not known. Hopefully in the third novella?
What Lucas deals with day by day is so sympathetically described. How he almost uses the compression shirt as a "safety blanket" now, the pain, the sweating...
Lucas's mother has a more prominent part to play this time and I love how her concern brings out even more of her inner bitchiness! It is a fine line writing her as believable and not as some cartoon villainess! Then we are introduced to Justin, Lucas's ex, who is apparently turning over a new leaf, yet still stirs up high emotion. I hope that we meet him again.
The chemistry between Lucas and Connor is hot and I had to fan myself at one point. You just know this couple will have a HEA and this novella ends positively.
I did find several typos but they in no way impaired my enjoyment of this story.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I wrote in my review for Phoenix that my favourite line, said by Connor, is: "You can be my mess." We learn in this novella that this is an even deeper comment than it appears at first glance. Connor is drawn to "lame ducks" with a view to helping them; something he didn't recognise until pointed out by former roommate, Chris. (It was good to get to know a little of Chris's backstory too.)
I felt last time that Connor is a bit of a mystery compared to Lucas. There are some reveals to his character in this novella; in particular, he has a lower self esteem than it first appears. The "whys" are still not known. Hopefully in the third novella?
What Lucas deals with day by day is so sympathetically described. How he almost uses the compression shirt as a "safety blanket" now, the pain, the sweating...
Lucas's mother has a more prominent part to play this time and I love how her concern brings out even more of her inner bitchiness! It is a fine line writing her as believable and not as some cartoon villainess! Then we are introduced to Justin, Lucas's ex, who is apparently turning over a new leaf, yet still stirs up high emotion. I hope that we meet him again.
The chemistry between Lucas and Connor is hot and I had to fan myself at one point. You just know this couple will have a HEA and this novella ends positively.
I did find several typos but they in no way impaired my enjoyment of this story.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 30, 2018
💚Lucas and Connor battle insecurities as a blast from the past blows through💨😟
August 29, 2018
👍4.5 stars
💕👬 This second part of Lucas and Connor's story is poignant, touching and, sometimes steamy, but it's a bit too brief for me. I want more! Well, more of their relationship, at least. Lucas' mother is some piece of work and her scheming and its consequences are the heart of this part of their story. The doubts about their commitment to each other that she brings to the surface threaten their budding relationship. Lucas remains fragile, in body and spirit, and his mom is so not helping!
This is really not a standalone story and should be read after Phoenix: Rise From the Ashes which gives full details on how Lucas was injured and the couple got together. I look forward to further developments as the series continues. Ms. Jurd is a great storyteller.‼:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 29, 2018
👍4.5 stars
💕👬 This second part of Lucas and Connor's story is poignant, touching and, sometimes steamy, but it's a bit too brief for me. I want more! Well, more of their relationship, at least. Lucas' mother is some piece of work and her scheming and its consequences are the heart of this part of their story. The doubts about their commitment to each other that she brings to the surface threaten their budding relationship. Lucas remains fragile, in body and spirit, and his mom is so not helping!
This is really not a standalone story and should be read after Phoenix: Rise From the Ashes which gives full details on how Lucas was injured and the couple got together. I look forward to further developments as the series continues. Ms. Jurd is a great storyteller.‼:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 29, 2018
You should read first 'Phoenix: Rise from the Ashes' first, otherwise, this story won't really make a lot of sense.
That said, this is a beautiful story but also a painful one. Lucas' mother brings to the surface his own doubts about his relationship with Connor, and it's so easy to understand why he's so insecure... After all that he went through, both his soul and his body are still fragile, still healing and it's really hard for him to understand that Connor is there to stay.
Heart-wrenching and yet, heart-warming this is a story that will stay with you for a long time.
That said, this is a beautiful story but also a painful one. Lucas' mother brings to the surface his own doubts about his relationship with Connor, and it's so easy to understand why he's so insecure... After all that he went through, both his soul and his body are still fragile, still healing and it's really hard for him to understand that Connor is there to stay.
Heart-wrenching and yet, heart-warming this is a story that will stay with you for a long time.
September 6, 2018
I love this story and I am so happy to see how the relationship between Connor and Lucas is developing. I hope Lucas will eventually understand his own worth but in the meantime Connor is happy to tell him how wonderful he is as often as he needs to hear it. At some point Lucas's mom will either see how perfect he and Connor are for each other or risk losing him forever. The author packs a lot of emotion into this short story and I can't wait to read the next installment in this amazing series.
May 27, 2019
💖 A perfect titled novella..
I can't help feeling for Lucas as his guilt over Jayden won't leave him. Connor does his best for him and tries to get acceptance from his mother for their relationship. Ooh I don't like her at all and Justin for that matter too which brews trouble for them.. An HFN to continue in Eagles book 3.
The continued story for Connor and Lucas 36 yrs as they move in together and add a new bar into the equation.
I can't help feeling for Lucas as his guilt over Jayden won't leave him. Connor does his best for him and tries to get acceptance from his mother for their relationship. Ooh I don't like her at all and Justin for that matter too which brews trouble for them.. An HFN to continue in Eagles book 3.
The continued story for Connor and Lucas 36 yrs as they move in together and add a new bar into the equation.
September 20, 2018
Again - a realistic and heart-wrenching read. These are real, flawed people struggling with something that upended their lives, and Connor is just trying to hold the man he's coming to love together. As real as they are, I'm not going to lie, I would probably pour a drink over Gayle's head and be disappointed when she didn't melt.
December 27, 2018
Other than the proofreading which could have been a bit better, this was perfect. For such short stories, this series has amazing depth. I'm looking forward to reading the final installment and plan to look for more works by Ms Jurd.
July 22, 2019
Beautiful
Being back with Connor and Lucas was amazing
Love spread your wings was emotional intense and powerful and you could feel so much love between Connor and Lucas but also insecurity
My heart felt so full by the time I finished the story
Being back with Connor and Lucas was amazing
Love spread your wings was emotional intense and powerful and you could feel so much love between Connor and Lucas but also insecurity
My heart felt so full by the time I finished the story
February 8, 2019
I truly don’t know where to start. It’s beautifully sweet, and I enjoyed every second of it. Seeing how Connor and Lucas grow and evolve was absolutely breathtaking.
September 4, 2018
I read Dove immediately after finishing Phoenix, and while I enjoyed them both, I wish they were presented as parts 1 and 2 of a single 3-part book. Dove felt extremely short to me, and I wanted to turn to the next page and continue so badly. I want to learn more about both of the characters, we've seen only brief glimpses of Lucas's parents, and little of Connor's story. I hope book 3, "Eagle," brings more of both of their characters. Can't wait to read it. I wouldn't mind more of Connor's (former) roommate, either...
September 6, 2018
Good
So short. Too short! I love Lucas and Connor and enjoy their love story. I wish this book was longer. I need more!
So short. Too short! I love Lucas and Connor and enjoy their love story. I wish this book was longer. I need more!
July 28, 2019
Why are some mother's so damn stupid
Oh my, I can't believe how stupid Lucas's mother is. Thinking Lucas would be better with his ex than Connor, all because of a difference in careers. Loved it, looking forward to next one.
Oh my, I can't believe how stupid Lucas's mother is. Thinking Lucas would be better with his ex than Connor, all because of a difference in careers. Loved it, looking forward to next one.
August 3, 2025
Good but also frustrating
There were things I really connected with in this part of the Recovery story. Bits of Lucas’ journey that parallel with my own life and resonated with me. Then there were other aspects of the story that felt like unnecessary complications. They felt illogical, like they were tropes being added for the sake of making it a more dramatic story, at the expense of what was a more genuine and compelling story IMO. (Slight spoiler) The whole storyline of Lucas’ mother pushing him and Justin back together made zero sense. It just made me angry. Also, the inconsistencies around Lucas’ physical injuries and what that might mean bugged me. As someone who connected to the issues around physical injuries, scars and limitations, this seemed a little poorly researched.
There were things I really connected with in this part of the Recovery story. Bits of Lucas’ journey that parallel with my own life and resonated with me. Then there were other aspects of the story that felt like unnecessary complications. They felt illogical, like they were tropes being added for the sake of making it a more dramatic story, at the expense of what was a more genuine and compelling story IMO. (Slight spoiler) The whole storyline of Lucas’ mother pushing him and Justin back together made zero sense. It just made me angry. Also, the inconsistencies around Lucas’ physical injuries and what that might mean bugged me. As someone who connected to the issues around physical injuries, scars and limitations, this seemed a little poorly researched.
August 4, 2025
It was so good to read the continuation of this beautiful story. We get to know Connor and Lucas much better, learn more about Lucas mother and his ex partner. Well written beautiful storyline, adorable couple and full of romance steam and feels, I cannot wait to read the final instalment of this trilogy
July 21, 2019
** 3.5 Stars **
July 9, 2020
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
November 24, 2021
So good. I love Connor so much!
December 4, 2021
I love this series, and I love Lucas and Connor!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews