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What will it take to mend two broken hearts?

Houston Emery said good riddance to his small hometown of Orchard Ridge ten years ago. After a furious blow-up with his father, the 18 year old omega impulsively packed his bags and moved as far away geographically from his little mountain town as he possibly could, hoping to start a brand new life free of the baggage of his painful past.

Now, a decade later, Houston is happy and successful. But after receiving word of his estranged father's illness, he decides to return to Orchard Ridge to face his demons, and somehow try to fix the broken relationship with his only living relative-- before it's too late.

Emmett Brown, Houston's next door neighbor and secret childhood crush, never left Orchard Ridge-- except for the couple of years he spent in the military. After a series of heartbreaking tragedies, the rugged alpha has completely closed his heart. He's perfectly happy living a solitary life on his sprawling ranch, with his faithful dog Jupiter as his only company. Or so he tells himself.

When Houston and Emmett encounter each other again, old memories come rushing back to the surface. As teenagers, the two were head over heels in love with each other-- but both kept their feelings a closely guarded secret. No one confessed, and no one acted on it. Now, what was once “if only” suddenly becomes “what if”?

But Emmett has built iron-clad walls around his heart; and Houston finds it hard to believe he could find his happily ever after in a town that once brought him so much misery.

So how do you heal two broken hearts? By bringing them together and making them whole again...

Whole Again is a stand-alone, friends to lovers, small town 62k non-shifter gay mpreg romance! Contains high heat, plenty of angst, a lovely HEA, and lots of heartwarming pregnancy/baby scenes. You'll fall in love with Houston and Emmett and all the quirky characters introduced in the charming small town of Orchard Ridge, Oregon.

198 pages, ebook

First published February 27, 2019

81 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Braylon Black

8 books40 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews223 followers
May 10, 2019
This is a new author for me so I went into this hoping for the best and prepared for disaster. I am happy to say that this book was awesome. The author's writing style just flows off the page and into my brain so smoothly that I swear it felt more like I was absorbing the story rather than reading it. I learned early on in this book to NOT read it in public... not because the love scenes are scorching hot (they are) but due to the multiple times I was brought to tears and several of those were full-on ugly cries! This author wove a spell in this book and made me live it. That's just about the highest praise I know for such an incredible experience! Braylon Black was an unknown to me 2 days ago... today I know I will be reading everything they write in the future!
Profile Image for Steph ☀️.
702 reviews32 followers
August 3, 2019
Just okay....

***2.5 stars***

It’s probably just me, but this story for me was just okay. There is little to no angst IMO, and I find the chemistry between the two MCs lacking. Could be their storyline. The whole tragic mate thing was lost to me because of a line previously. Maybe I’m looking at it wrong, but it just sat with me wrong. But he never ‘got with Emmett because he couldn’t process what he felt’. However when he met Simon, it was instant attraction. How did he go from being emotional distant to this? Especially when he met him in his unit. One will never know. Like I said, maybe I’m thinking too much lol.
Profile Image for Denise.
827 reviews161 followers
dnf
December 22, 2019
DNF @ 53%

This had great promise and was overall well-written. I think some editing and trimming down parts would have helped. It was heavily narration-based with too much emphasis on describing mundane tasks the characters were doing and the surrounding environment. The characters spent much of the first 36% moping over how much they liked the other but avoiding each other. Then it went from 0-100 with them admitting their feelings to falling in bed together to “my alpha” and “my omega” to “I love you”. The pacing was really off and almost gave me whiplash from how quickly they jumped to ILY. I wouldn’t say it was instalove as the characters did have a history but it was still entirely too fast. If I had pushed through, I probably would have given it 3 stars but it’s not keeping my attention so I decided to DNF.
141 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2019
(Review with spoilers)



First book I read by the author. I loved the romance and I recommend it.


When they were teenagers, Emmett and Houston had feelings for each other, but nothing ever happened between them. Emmett didn't dare take the first step, and Houston thought he didn't like him. They stopped seeing each other at 18. Houston left, angry and upset with Ray, his father, and Emmett joined the army. Ten years have passed and they meet again, although neither of them expected it.

I loved them.

Houston suffered a lot after losing Lucas, his father, and the only good thing he had was Emmett, even though his relationship was not close. But he left, hoping to start from scratch. He is very brave, because he goes back to the place where he suffered, to take care of the person who hurt him. It's normal that he hates him, it's very understandable, and at the same time he loves him too. He doesn't want to be there, he doesn't want to help him, but he can't leave either. His father wouldn't want him to.

Emmett has also suffered a lot, more than anyone should. He has a hard time opening up, he has a hard time trusting, but he has very good friends. And Houston ... He didn't expect to see him again, he didn't expect to have a chance with him. It's not easy, he can't get close to him, not after he lost his first love. He doesn't want to hurt Houston, he doesn't want to lose him. But he still believes in a better future. It hurts to read his suffering, how he doesn't think he is worthy of being loved. His loved ones would love to see him happy. He is also brave, he is able to talk to Houston, to tell him what he has never said to anyone. And it is his example that inspires Houston, the one that makes him gather strength to face Ray.

I didn't like Ray. He hurt Houston, blamed him for Lucas's death, mistreated him. He never meant to hurt him, but he did, and he lost him. He had lost Lucas, and then lost, through his own fault, his son. Years of blaming himself, years of suffering, hoping that his son will be happy, that he can forgive him. He too was brave. You have to be brave to apologize for everything he did, to put up with Houston's answers. He doesn't think he deserves his forgiveness. He only wanted one thing, to see Lucas again. And now he has reason to fight his illness, to live.

I love Ishmael and Tammy.

I loved the first moments with their daughter.


I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews16 followers
February 28, 2019
I asked to read this ARC because the Second Chance concept seemed interesting. This was a non-paranormal Mpreg story. It takes place in a small Oregon town. The "prodigal son" returns home after learning his father was near death. He hasn't seen anyone from his hometown in ten years. Initial appearances can be deceiving, especially the one I had regarding this book.

If anything the son left to get away from his "prodigal father". People can be so much more complex then a book blurb describes. This title this book was so apropos. Outward appearances were false faces. The characters had such internal conflict, it takes the indepth layout of the book to describe how the various protagonists are only held together with Elmer's school glue and construction paper.

Unfortunately in order to build up these damaged people they must be broken down completely. Old wounds opened, drained, and finally healed. Encouraging, expecting people to let go of their closely guarded secrets and scabbed over hurts is not an easy expectation. It is a hard painful process. Shouts, tears, subconscious nightmares, pulling away - pushing away are so much easier than the cleansing truth. Love can forgive a lot but angry words can also cut. Leaving wounds that never heal without a concerted effort on the part of both parties who were involved with the initial devastating cruel sharp words that were flung in anger and pierced like poisoned tipped arrows .

This book was emotionally cathartic. Exposing the misery of many of the characters and finally reaching resolutions or processing towards closure. And equally as important how new life helps bring forth new healed relationships. People were finally made Whole Again.


Profile Image for Shelba.
2,698 reviews100 followers
August 26, 2019
This isn't bad, by any means. The writing is good, it's been well edited. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

First, I'm not a huge fan of coming home or second chance stories. So, there's that.

Then there is the face that every issue is resolved far too easily. Houston's issues with his father, going on for 15 years now, are resolved in one conversation. Houston and Emmett get together with very little angst and very little time, and I would have rather had more of a slow burn. Emmett's issues regarding his deceased lover and fear of abandonment were resolved in one conversation. The pregnancy issue turns out to not even be an issue. All the conflict in this book is very superficial and doesn't really accomplish anything at the end of the day.

And while I love, love, love dogs, it's super weird to refer to your dog as your wife. You're going to give people the wrong idea about the type of story they're reading going on like that.

And it may just be me, but I found it really weird that the day Houston found out he was pregnant, he decided it was a girl and her name was Samantha, and from that point on, this unborn child is referred to as Samantha and I just found that... odd.

Not to mention the age old scenario of not suspecting you're pregnant and being shocked to find it so after having unprotected sex and "only" having skipped like a week of your birth control.

And at the end, like the last 20%, I found myself skimming quite a bit.

Not a bad book if you're looking for something light both in reading and content, but if you're looking for something with the little more depth, you best look elsewhere.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
March 1, 2019
Braylon Black's Whole Again is the first book in the new Orchard Ridge Omegas series, a non-shifter mpreg series. It's a good second chance romance between neighbors.

Houston's reunited with his former friend, and former crush, Emmett, when he moves back home to care for his father. Ends up that Emmett also had a crush on him. Ahh... second chances!

Both men are damaged and carry a whole lot of baggage. Their issues are wonderfully developed throughout, as they've suffered loss and disappointment and are just trying to survive.

Theirs is a story of overcoming one's past, getting over one's past demons and instead using them as motivation for a better life. The details are raw and ugly at times, but the end result is beautiful. Houston's relationship with his father is not an easy read, but it's written with compassion and understanding. Emmett's pain and emotional scars will leave up wiping your eyes, as they're written with understanding and care.

This story contains some ugly words, the path to forgiveness, and the healing of relationships. There's some great tension, want and desire, along with some amazing chemistry. I love these two together.

Overall, I enjoyed Whole Again a lot. I'd definitely recommend this one to any mpreg fans.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
March 26, 2019
It's not every day you get a second chance with your first love, but for Houston and Emmett the embers of attraction and warmth of youthful love spark into a full-blown forest fire. Except the past holds them hostage and they'll have to decide if a future together is more important than holding on to the pain of the past. I liked the threads of making amends and embracing your history in order to become the person you were always meant to be. Those ideas were really well done in this story.

Houston's difficulties with his father were incredibly painful and legitimate reasons for him to leave the town behind. His shortsightedness when it comes to his situation with Emmett, however, is a bit frustrating. Emmett's painful past is truly heartbreaking. His insistence on pushing Houston away at every turn, even when he willingly makes a family with him is beyond annoying. I had a really hard time taking him seriously after a while because his fierce need to believe in a curse truly hurt Houston over and over again. They figured things out and I appreciated the way the story ended because it went a long way to soothing my feelings for both men. With an interesting cast this series holds quite a bit of promise.
Profile Image for Kera’s Always Reading.
2,043 reviews78 followers
March 1, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review:
After the death of his Omega father, Houston’s Alpha father treated him badly and caused a rift between the two. After a particularly bad incident, just after high school, Houston moves from his quiet hometown to Miami, Florida. Years later, when Houston learns that his Alpha father is very ill, he comes back.
Emmett is an Alpha, who is constantly pursued by every Omega in town. But he rebuffs them all, not wanting to ever have a partner. But when his childhood neighbor, Omega Houston comes back to town, that feeling starts to change.
Both men had some seriously strong feelings for one another when they were young boys, but neither acted on it. And when young Emmett left for the army as a teen, Houston thought his chance had disappeared completely.

This book was incredibly sweet. Houston was dealing with some issues with his father, trying to work through ghosts of their past. And Emmett was so closed off after all the losses he experienced when he was younger, coming back from the service. But Houston helps to open him up a bit and Emmett helps Houston confront his past.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
21 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2019
Warm & Fuzzy Feels.
Whole Again gave an optimistic and amiable ambience around two men with authentic struggles. I enjoyed the frenemies approach to Emmett and Houston’s relationship; their confusion over their own feelings created distance and doubt in a believable manner. I appreciate the omegas were not stereotypical submissive/compliant. Braylon presented a great sense of place providing details so I could so clearly picture the setting. There was a nice balance of introducing secondary characters without being overwhelmed and setting up for a continuation of the series with some fun characters. At times I found there was repetition in thoughts and I was disappointed that one of the central conflicts for Houston (relationship with his dad) was only lightly addressed and moved past very quickly. However, these things did not deter from the flow or the overall story of Emmett and Houston’s relationship. I hope we get to see more of these characters and would enjoy some of the secondary characters in this book getting their own HEA in a future book. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,474 reviews34 followers
March 7, 2019
This based in small town that every one know every one business. When Emmett does not fell that he can have a happy relationship with any one. The town be they are male or female keep trying to tame him. When Houston comes back home 10 years after leaving after fights with his Alpha father. We see the struggles that these two characters are going through and maybe they are more whole then they realize together. They always say that when a baby is in the room it makes it so much brighter and light. Love to see what happen in the next book especially Ishmael. highly recommend this book
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,206 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2019
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one elses*

4 stars

Houston left his home to start a new life yet 10 years later he’s back in the small town he grew up in. Can the past be left behind? Can old wounds heal?

Emmett has led a solitary life but when his old crush reappears in his life: a fire he thought was fizzled out starts burning more fiercely than ever.
Will he succeed in fighting his attraction?

Emmett and Houston had amazing chemistry. The author captured the desire/longing burning on both ends perfectly. The tension between the two was thick and I was on edge simply waiting for the fireworks to explode.

Emmett had various issues and the author explored them really well. Houston’s relationship with his dad was strained and awkward yet the love they both hid in their hearts for each other was undeniable.

I liked Ismael; his vibrant personality drew me in yet it was his attraction to a certain doctor that really had my attention. I hope the author writes his story next.

Overall, beautiful story with great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
985 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2019
Beautiful second chance M/M love story. There is plenty of angst, missed chances, second chances, heart-ache and healing. I loved the characters. The feelings expressed were genuine and realistic. It was easy to relate to both main characters. I loved the sexy scenes, and the ending was perfect. Nice introduction to Orchard Ridge. I look forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,304 reviews17 followers
February 23, 2019
I enjoyed Houston and Emmett's story. They both had painful things in their pasts to overcome, losses and disappointments that could have ended them before they began but the took a chance to be happy. All in all a very enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
443 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2019
Loved it!

This was my first time reading Braylon Black and I was pleasantly surprised. The writing, storyline and characters were all great. I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2019
Mpreg.

I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and sexy, with some angst. Emmett and Houston had to work through some painful past issues before they found their happy ever after.
Profile Image for Bran Zesti.
293 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2019
I just finished reading this book. And damn it, I cried, I laugh. Really think you'll enjoy this book. The ups and down of this story was so good.
38 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Sweet like candy

A heart warming read. The blurb is accurate and the book is good. What else could you possibly need to know?

Get reading!
1,159 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2019
Sweet

this book was beautifully written and I fell in love with characters mentioned through out the story. I cannot wait to read next book in series
240 reviews
March 31, 2019
Wow, such a lovely second chance romance about two men with emotional baggage that seems overwhelming. The town, Orchard Ridge, is  full of interesting, supportive people and small town, neighborly moments.

Of the two MC'S, I thought Houston had the hardest problem. He ran from his home town 10 year earlier and only returned because his dad is very sick. He says, "It was a beautiful place, no doubt...My spirit had been broken here." So I thought we would spend all the time on Houston. And we do. But, we get hammered by Emmett and his mess in a bit of a surprise jump scare kinda way. And that is good. It is how I expect an alpha to hold back and react when they finally admit there is a problem.

I must admit I got choked up a bit when Ishmael played his song. That was pretty inspired. And, I will admit to sniffling a little towards the end. And it's such a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim.
552 reviews42 followers
October 25, 2019
Whole Again

Omg this book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turner. I would highly recommend this book. Absolutely love.
Profile Image for Laura ~Passion flower.
561 reviews1 follower
Want to read
March 1, 2019


Whole Again (Orchard Ridge Omegas Book 1) (ARC) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review. I will voluntarily read this book and provide my honest opinion. Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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