Shared Custody

by Peter Styles, Ken Solin (Narrator), J.P. Oliver

Lenny
I’m a responsible guy, so I’m the logical choice to get custody of my niece and nephew when my sister and her husband die in a car accident. What were they thinking to have me share custody with Patton? He’s impulsive, laidback, and an actor, of all things. We have nothing in common, and I don’t see how this arrangement is going to work. Living with him and raising two children? It’s crazy—so why does it seem to make more and more sense the longer our arrangement lasts? I’m falling for a guy who doesn’t do responsible or committed, and I can’t seem to stop. I’m not usually so reckless with my heart, but Patton makes me open up and let him in.

Patton
Lenny has me all wrong. Okay, I am impulsive and definitely laidback, but I’m also responsible, and I have a killer work ethic. He might not appreciate acting is more than a hobby, but it’s my life—until my best friend and his wife are killed, and they leave me half-custody of two little kids. Suddenly, I’m trading makeup sessions for princess tea parties and find it satisfying, but I still have dreams and goals. Even though I’m falling for Lenny, and I’m content with our newly forming family, I don’t want to let go of those when I have the chance of a lifetime. Lenny considers it unimportant, making me feel like I have to choose between my new life and my old when there doesn’t seem to be a way to compromise.

A Friends To Lover Romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Audiobook, Gay, LGBT

11 pages, Audiobook

First published June 24, 2018

About the author

Hello everyone! My name is Peter Styles. I am a young new gay writer who is in love with reading and writing gay romance. I hope my stories keep you as entertained as much as I like writing them.

If you would like to join my insider's club, and get free books, click the link below.

https://goo.gl/njtQnR

Reviews

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. My first read by Peter Styles and J.P Oliver. Cute plot with plenty of potential.

I had hoped for a bit more UST, and a lot more dialogue and clashes between the spontaneous, carefree guy and his complete polar opposite as they both turned reluctant joint guardians of two young children.

There were some interesting ideas and memorable scenes but unfortunately not enough depth in character portraits to keep my attention throughout the book.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was a sweet development from friends who tolerated each other to guys who eventually found their groove and fell in love. Lenny and Patton really were polar opposites forced to come together after gaining shared custody of two small kids - both guys losing a sister and a best friend... and now caring for their children. An easy read 😊

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I normally like friends-to-lovers stories, I just couldn’t get into this one - I really disliked Lenny for 80% of the book and it kept me for being excited about the story development. I liked Patton and the kids were cute.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay

This was a fairly good story. Lenny was a bit uptight and came off as judgemental at first which was not nice. Patton was described as irresponsible but he stepped up and took over the daily routines of the kids like a champ. Quick read.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

FROM ENEMIES TO LOVERS

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review

Lenny and Patton are forced together when they receive joint custody of Lenny’s sister’s and Patton’s best friend’s children, Jana and Rami. Lenny has a huge dislike for Patton and Patton is not sure what Lenny’s problem is, other than Lenny does not take him seriously. Life experiences with the children show them what the other is like. There are great parts in this story worth reading with anticipation.

At first, I thought the narrator’s voice would drive me crazy, but it was perfect for Lenny. A job done well

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really love story !
Forçados a viver juntos, quando a irmã de um e o melhor amigo do outro morrem deixando-os com a custódia dos dois filhos, aquilo que parecia ser uma receita para o desastre, rapidamente se transforma numa linda e comovente história de amor!

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** They were named co-parents in the will. ***
Lenny, tax accountant, 30s, was Erica's older brother, and when she and husband Tony died, he was shocked at the couple's decision. Patton, actor and Tony's best friend, who were like brothers, is named as a co-parent in the kids care, little Jana, 3, and brother Remi, 1.
These two haven't really liked each other and are opposites in every way. But, they would give it a try.

There is confusion, non-communication, and bad feelings at first, but later on things change. Patton really stepped up, but when Patton needed a favor, Lenny wouldn't bend. So, there is tension, new feelings, and gradual acceptance, by the stoic Lenny. Lenny even began to have fun.

This is a cute story, and we see their progression, and the increasing sexy times, that are terrific.
I liked this book, and the outcome for our guys.
ENJOY !

=====

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Nope. Cannot handle the narrator. I swear he was drunk while reading this? Just really awful.

One star, because I also wasn't fond of the story as I experienced it. Lenny was an asshole. Super asshole.

Nah Lenny... I'm done with you.

I think I also just hate stories that have young children. They are always written horribly inaccurate and it just irks me too much.

Not sure if I'll try to read this one instead of listen.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrible tragedy brings together two men who have such contempt for the other it's a wonder they don't each combust from the deathray stares they give one another. If they only needed to settle an estate of their deeply loved departed sister & best friend, they could grit their teeth & just get it done.

Unfortunately tragically two precious youngsters are left behind to be cared for and the two men are now co-guardians. WTF were their parents thinking? They knew how much the two men despised each other. How could these parents imagine in any sane moment that this was a good idea for their children's sake.

Two men couldn't be more the polar opposites of each other than Patton and Lenny. Careers. Lifestyles. Beliefs and values. Rigidity. Plans for their career goals and how to achieve them. Expectations for their futures. The one thing they did have in common was never expecting to be parents. And yet here they sat in a lawyer's office signing papers & assuming custody of two very young siblings who had no idea that their parents were never coming home.

What a hot mess! A disaster in the making. Yet in spite of their differences the two of them had to find a way to care for these children. Though each expected the other to cut and run. Neither anticipated how overwhelming their grief was & how it would impact them, as well as the children. Who do you turn to when the ones you depended on for companionship, friendship, and a sense of family were gone. And they leave you with their most precious treasure: their two helpless children. You Man the F Up! Even if it might just kill you to be stuck with HIM!

I just love family dramas involving "Uncles" having to assume custody of their orphaned niece(s) and/or nephew(s). This book was DRAMA capitalized, which made it very entertaining to read and wonder how these two enemies would / could ever overcome their differences to "share custody" & provide the parental guidance & love these children needed. I highly recommend it!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. I loved this book about two men who were given custody of two small children after their parents died. Lenny's sister and Patton's best friend were parents to Jenna and Remi and when they died, they wanted Lenny and Patton to raise the children together. Lenny was an accountant and was used to everything being in order. Patton was an actor and was used to doing whatever he wanted whenever he wanted to. Lenny didn't think Patton would really stay to help with the kids, but he was surprised when the kids liked Patton and they wanted to be around him. Lenny had many rules and was frustrated when Patton couldn't do things the way he wanted him to. Eventually Lenny began to feel an attraction to Patton and the more he fought it, the stronger it got. Patton also began to be attracted to Lenny and wanted to win him over. Lenny was worried if things didn't work out, the situation would be worse for the kids. The attraction proves to be too much to fight and the men give in and begin a relationship, but they have a lot to work through with their careers and how much they can trust each other. I liked this story and it proves opposites do attract. I loved how carefree Patton was and i thought Lenny needed to learn to relax and enjoy himself. They were great together. Good one.

[Snorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this one. It was far from perfect, and I had a lot of problems with the set up (namely, that people designating who takes their kids in their will isn't a guarantee that is where they will end, there is a whole court process to decide what is best for the kids). But that is something I can get past and just accept as the reality for this world.

Otherwise, I liked that this was a hate to love book where the main characters actually feel like they dislike each other at the beginning. This didn't feel like thinly veiled sexual tension, these characters really didn't care for each other and had serious disagreements on everything from acceptable career paths to child rearing. I loved watching them work out the kinks and become this functioning family unit. It was cute watching them learn how to be domestic together, it helped that the kids were adorable.

That said, Lenny especially felt like he flip flopped a lot. He made a ton of progress towards being civil with Patton and towards trusting him with the care of the kids and that he wouldn't bolt eventually and them suddenly he was back to thinking the worst of him, only for that to last about 12 hours and back again. At one point it felt like we were at square one again half-way through the book.

But it was an entertaining read. I liked the characters, the writing wasn't awful and the plot held up fine.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a tragedy strikes, Lenny and Patton find themselves sharing custody of two children. They are opposites and have certain ideas of what the other is like, doubtful that this arrangement will work but willing to give it a try  for the sake of the adorable children and in honor of the decreased parents' wishes. But when they start to fall into the rhythm of being a family, they start to notice that what they thought they knew may not be the whole picture. But when Patton has a chance of making his dreams in acting come true, will it sacrafice what they have been building together - their family?

Well written, with a sweet story and relateable characters. Definitely a recommended book.

I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lenny's sister and her husband pass and leave the guardianship of their children to him and his brother-in-law's best friend, Patton, Lenny fears they'll never be able to make the arrangement work. Patton's the opposite of himself - impulsive, shiftless, and actor; while Lenny's a staid, regimented accountant. Can two such men co-parent the children without killing each other? What about when their latent attraction to each other flares up? Can they navigate a relationship and parent the children?

I thought Shared Custody was a sweet, well-written study of opposites. Patton and Lenny make a great couple once they settle into a rhythm and find that being different from each other isn't such a bad thing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adiehardbearfan Da bears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attract

This is a beautiful story of two men who are thrown together at a time when they should be mourning the loss they suffered. Unfortunately they have two little people who need to be cared for. And according to the wishes of Lenny's sister and Patton's bestfriend they are to take care of the children together.

If you think Lenny was happy about this decision you are wrong. He loathes Patton. He feels that the so-called movie star isn't going to last the week yet alone the night.

Patton isn't going to let Lenny think the worst of him. This is what his bestfriend wanted and this is what he was going to do.

There's drama and chaos and angry sex. This book has it all. A true must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shared Custody is amazing, cute, romantic, exciting, and little sad in some parts I laughed a lot at the funny parts. There are some romance novels that don't make you laugh a whole lot but this one will make you laugh, smile, sad, a little steamy and make you want to cry in some parts. How the main characters great each other when they have to get bad news and good news is funny and sad. My favorite part is toward the end of the story and the end of the story. I can't wait to read more of your stories this one was amazing keep up the great work Peter. You guys are going to love this story. I love your stories

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two men brought together by tragedy and loss make the best of life with uncertain circumstances. Lenny, always uptight and hard working , his desire to remain in control is met with the spontaneous and care free Patton. Both a little scared and unsure of themselves but with a bit of time and patience on both parts they find a way to make a family with two children they are left to care by loved ones. I enjoyed the push and pull of the two men, neither confident enough to just go for it and yet when the situation presents itself, they do just that. You will get drawn in to this very dramatic, heart warming story of love that is challenged from a variety of angles.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lenny and Patton are thrown together for the sake of children who have lost there parents. Past contact has left both men with doubts as to whether they can work together and respect each others views on what the children need to feel safe, secure and loved. Love has a way of smoothing out differences between the men allowing the to handle all issues that come with being a loving and supportive family. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those where fate definitely plays a key role. Lenny doesn't expect tragedy to strike and have to raise his sister's children. He also don't expect this position to have to be shared with his complete opposite. However, that's exactly what occurred. The way this one is written follows a enemies to lovers outlook. It is a wonderfully sweet, doing what needs to be done story. Then somewhere along the love creeps in. I think I will reread this many times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to an accident, two adorable children are left without parents. The wife's brother and the husband's best friend since childhood are designated as the co-parents. Can two guys that are total opposites pull it together to make a family that these children need and deserve? Each swear to do their best just to spite the other. But when feelings start to develop things get interesting and get crazy.
Peter's characters come to life with strong personalities, ideals and definite misconceptions. A very good storyline and a fun read.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable opposites attract love story. Strait-laced Lenny and carefree Patton are designated to share custody of the two young children of Lenny’s deceased sister and brother-in-law, who was Patton’s best friend. Lenny and Patton initially mix like oil and water, but they do their best for the sake of the children. The two men need to work hard to understand the other’s strengths if they are going to make a family. Great story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love come from a tragic start

The story began with a tragic start and misunderstanding from the two meeting before. Now that Lenny and Patton have to put aside their previous opinion of each other to come together for their niece and nephew. Patton learns to give up his free wheeling lifestyle and Lenny learns to share the load. Once they accept that they both need each other to make there new normal work. They find the love that have always been looking for.
I received a free copy of this book his Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ng · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about 2 guys who know each other, but not overtly impressed withe each other, co-parenting kids. Patton and Lenny are friend and bother to Tony and Erica, who designate Lenny and Patton as guardians to their kids in the event of their death.

Patton is an actor and the fun uncle. Lenny is the staid one who has to have a plan for everything. The book is an uncomplicated read with no big misunderstandings where Patton and Lenny go from learning to tolerate each other to falling in love with each other.

[TL Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected love

This story actually felt more like an enemies to lovers, than a friends to lovers. Initially I struggled with reading Lenny’s POV because he just plain came across as rude and nasty, but when the truth finally came to light, he was a little bit easier to swallow.

But Patton had a dark past as well and it seemed his feelings were discounted more times than not. It actually made the story feel quite unbalanced.

But all in all, it did have a sweet HEA in the end.

[Brianne McCallum]

DNF at 50%

So this plot def had potential. Let's face it, it is the exact same plot as Life As We Know It. The Katherine Heigl movie only a gay version. Except they had good back and forth banter and loveable characters and I love that movie. I'll just say this had none of that and I hate Lenny. No wonder he's single. He's selfish, rude, bossy, sanctimonious and his compulsive ocd enraged me. The kids just lost their parents, let them make a mess. Grrrr! I can't take anymore. It's not too often I say I don't care if 2 people end up together and if they do why?????????

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is shocked when his sister and husband in an accident and now I have custody of their 2 children but he finds out of is shared with his friend. They are both cut from different cloths. As time goes on they get closer but when he has a chance of a a big part. It splits what he needs to do and wants to do. While the uncle is unsure of his growing feelings for him. How will it all end? See by reading

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

A tragedy throws Kenny and Patton together, two people who only tolerated each other for the sake of family and friends. Having to come together for the sake of two special children and the wishes of said family and friends, can they make it work?
Read how family life is full of ups and downs but also how love builds when barriers fall.
Another great book from these authors.

[Jennifer babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book full of dynamic characters that join together as they raise two children as you can imagine. The two do not see eye to eye on a lot of things leuiading to lots of humor and even hotter sex. It a must read. I volunteered to read and review this ARC

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the 2 MC and what they had to go through. There were a few plot holes but nothing major to throw anything off. One gripe I have is the narrator, he made it hard to feel the different emotions of the characters. His voice seemed like he was trying to read to a kindergarten class. But over all I loved the story itself. I was given this credit in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big happy family?

This is another fantastic love story from the incredible writing duo of Peter & JP. These guys are good. This book will not disappoint. This book is full of heart and lots of great sex. Definitely worth the read.

[Donna Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book was truly amazing. Things change in life, and it's great when people step up and do the right thing. Lenny and Patten did that. Love comes in many guises and we should all appreciate it like they do. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.