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Something More #5
More Than Enough
A relationship’s all about compromise… but can we find one that satisfies us both?
All I’ve ever wanted is a relationship—but I’m too socially awkward to connect with people. All through primary school, I was the victim of severe bullying and on the home-front my parents were neglectful. All this has left its traces… and no matter how much I wish for something more, all I get are quick one-offs with people who’s only interested in sex.
Then, at the holidays, I meet Thomas. Not only is he incredibly attractive—but for the first time, I can truly connect with someone. But then it turns out we’re not compatible. While I crave sexual intimacy, that’s not something Thomas is willing or capable of giving.
So what is more important to me? Intimacy or connection?
All I’ve ever wanted is a relationship—but I’m too socially awkward to connect with people. All through primary school, I was the victim of severe bullying and on the home-front my parents were neglectful. All this has left its traces… and no matter how much I wish for something more, all I get are quick one-offs with people who’s only interested in sex.
Then, at the holidays, I meet Thomas. Not only is he incredibly attractive—but for the first time, I can truly connect with someone. But then it turns out we’re not compatible. While I crave sexual intimacy, that’s not something Thomas is willing or capable of giving.
So what is more important to me? Intimacy or connection?
Unknown Binding
First published July 8, 2016
About the author
T.T. Kove
81 books167 followersWrites queer romance, usually of the new adult, slice-of-life variety.
Find me:
www.acpress.co.uk
www.patreon.com/ttkove
Find me:
www.acpress.co.uk
www.patreon.com/ttkove
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 4, 2016
More Than Enough by T.T. Kove
Series: More #5
M/M contemporary romance
Review rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
Overview (contains some spoilers):
Leo, a fourth-year student in post-secondary with hopes of being a Child Care Worker, is spending Christmas with his brother, Alex, and the family of Alex's boyfriend. While Leo's nervous to spend time with a family he doesn't know, he wants to spend time with Alex, who got the short end of the familial stick when Leo and their sister moved out years back. Abuse, harassment (bullying), and lacking steady, healthy relationships -- including friends -- took their toll on Leo's youth and their effects have spilled over into his adulthood. He's lonely. He's uncertain about his future. He doesn't have much support except his brother, who'll be moving out soon, leaving Leo alone. Again.
Enter Thomas, uncle to Alex's boyfriend, and an established medical doctor who keeps a house full of kids he loves very much as his own. His home is one of refuge and second lives after things have gone to crap -- he's got a big heart and just wants to help people, especially after his own crappy childhood and his dysfunctional family. Neither of which he talks about.
Except he tells Leo.
They get along easy, talking about painful stuff, and feel a romantic pull they'd like to explore, given Leo will be alone when Alex moves out and Thomas already feels the impending Empty Nest Syndrome once the kids leave. But it's not as easy as Leo anticipates: Thomas is asexual (either biromantic asexual or homoromantic asexual), and while he isn't sex-repulsed, his body doesn't respond to sexual stimuli. Meanwhile, Leo (bisexual) is definitely interested in sex and everything a relationship offers.
How can they make things work between them? What happens when Christmas is over, tossing them both back into their lives? Can they have a future together?
Review:
I was excited to read the book, seeing the pairing. I definitely didn't expect Leo and Thomas to be paired together. Though I'm happy to see Thomas with someone; during my recent re-read of the first books in the series, I wondered if we'd ever find out more about Thomas, given his role in the kids' lives and what he might have given up along the way. He's such a sweet guy who has made the best of life while taking care of those who need help, so I was pleased to see he got a little love, too. I have feels for the guy. I had some feels for Leo, too, but not quite like Thomas. And those feels for Thomas continued in this book. I appreciated the little details, even in something as simple as the family conversation in Chapter One and Thomas's actions.
I definitely appreciate Leo being bisexual. And just as awesome: Thomas is asexual. Even better? These two exist in the same story as characters who identify as gay. Yes, yes, yes. Yes? YES. It's not done in a "checklist" sort of way, nor is it thrown in the reader's face constantly. But one of the greatest things I enjoyed about this was there's diversity among the characters, not just a couple of homosexual characters among a whole heterosexual cast. There's a mix, acknowledging a spectrum.
Another thing I enjoyed is that this series moves other characters forward in their timeline while showing up in someone else's. The continuation provides a comforting glimpse into what the main characters are doing. It's also nice to see the family together and being an actual family, having regular conversations and just living.
One thing I love about T.T. Kove's work is when she goes into the parts of life that are really screwed up, and the darker things that make us uncomfortable and unhappy. I appreciate when an author goes there, and in a non-judgmental way, because it's not easy but the stories need to be told. Characters in these situations represent thousands of people in situations that are just as screwed up -- and their stories deserve to be told, no differently than characters whose lives aren't touched by abuse, sexual assault, mental illness, or any of the darker stuff. I appreciate that Kove's an author willing to put it all out there and actually talk about it; all those things we try to ignore and whisk under the rug. Perhaps that's the biggest reason why I keep coming back to Kove's books. Like with the Scarred Souls series, the More series hits a few points for me that I really get, having known people who haven't been okay and life has generally kicked the crap out of them at so many turns. In this book, Leo's issues with the parents remind me of my partner's -- because yes, there are couples that would benefit from divorce and going their own ways, and children that would also benefit from having parents who didn't strike out at each other or their children. I can see some of my partner in Leo -- issues with school, concerns with relationships, all that.
But relative to the other books, Leo and Thomas were a wonderful breath of fresh air: they're both older than the other main characters, with an air of maturity that comes with having those extra years of life experience. They've had time completely on their own, having to make decisions as single adults and really consider what they might want from the rest of their life. Though in Leo's case, he's a post-secondary student, so things are still different for him than where Thomas is at. (Side note: With Thomas being in his 30s, I can officially relate. I've also been to university and had the "I don't know WHERE I'm going with this" issue. So bonus points for all of that, because seriously, being able to identify with characters... important.)
Some other things I appreciated:
- It has a slow, gradual cruise into a romantic relationship
- It's nice to see Thomas vulnerable. He always seems confident and has things under control.
- There's communication between them. A big YES to checking in with each other.
- There was a surprise or two... Had me heading back to More Than Words to double-check things.
Why this isn't a 5-star review:
One of the big issues for me is that there's too much repetition. I don't enjoy reading the same thing over and over again in a story. But maybe other readers do.
My other major concern is that things were a bit too even, on the same level throughout, where the major challenges were met with the same weight as concerns. Not to say that there needed to be flash and bang, but there weren't many peaks and valleys or a lot of growth, necessarily. Even when and had a bit more in the way of emotional impact, things didn't really change after that. Perhaps that's why I found the end didn't feel like a solid wrap-up for the story. More like a middle point.
Final thoughts:
For readers wanting a big bang of an "oh crap!" moment or a major climatic scene or anything really dramatic, this probably won't be a read for you. It's what I consider a gentle romance. Not huge on flash.
On the other hand, if you're a fan of the characters getting into the romantic side of things with plenty of kisses and cuddles, this is definitely up your alley. Softer. Mature. A sweet read where the MCs actually communicate about their relationship and each other as opposed to having everything confuddled and a lot of misunderstandings.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Series: More #5
M/M contemporary romance
Review rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
Overview (contains some spoilers):
Leo, a fourth-year student in post-secondary with hopes of being a Child Care Worker, is spending Christmas with his brother, Alex, and the family of Alex's boyfriend. While Leo's nervous to spend time with a family he doesn't know, he wants to spend time with Alex, who got the short end of the familial stick when Leo and their sister moved out years back. Abuse, harassment (bullying), and lacking steady, healthy relationships -- including friends -- took their toll on Leo's youth and their effects have spilled over into his adulthood. He's lonely. He's uncertain about his future. He doesn't have much support except his brother, who'll be moving out soon, leaving Leo alone. Again.
Enter Thomas, uncle to Alex's boyfriend, and an established medical doctor who keeps a house full of kids he loves very much as his own. His home is one of refuge and second lives after things have gone to crap -- he's got a big heart and just wants to help people, especially after his own crappy childhood and his dysfunctional family. Neither of which he talks about.
Except he tells Leo.
They get along easy, talking about painful stuff, and feel a romantic pull they'd like to explore, given Leo will be alone when Alex moves out and Thomas already feels the impending Empty Nest Syndrome once the kids leave. But it's not as easy as Leo anticipates: Thomas is asexual (either biromantic asexual or homoromantic asexual), and while he isn't sex-repulsed, his body doesn't respond to sexual stimuli. Meanwhile, Leo (bisexual) is definitely interested in sex and everything a relationship offers.
How can they make things work between them? What happens when Christmas is over, tossing them both back into their lives? Can they have a future together?
Review:
I was excited to read the book, seeing the pairing. I definitely didn't expect Leo and Thomas to be paired together. Though I'm happy to see Thomas with someone; during my recent re-read of the first books in the series, I wondered if we'd ever find out more about Thomas, given his role in the kids' lives and what he might have given up along the way. He's such a sweet guy who has made the best of life while taking care of those who need help, so I was pleased to see he got a little love, too. I have feels for the guy. I had some feels for Leo, too, but not quite like Thomas. And those feels for Thomas continued in this book. I appreciated the little details, even in something as simple as the family conversation in Chapter One and Thomas's actions.
I definitely appreciate Leo being bisexual. And just as awesome: Thomas is asexual. Even better? These two exist in the same story as characters who identify as gay. Yes, yes, yes. Yes? YES. It's not done in a "checklist" sort of way, nor is it thrown in the reader's face constantly. But one of the greatest things I enjoyed about this was there's diversity among the characters, not just a couple of homosexual characters among a whole heterosexual cast. There's a mix, acknowledging a spectrum.
Another thing I enjoyed is that this series moves other characters forward in their timeline while showing up in someone else's. The continuation provides a comforting glimpse into what the main characters are doing. It's also nice to see the family together and being an actual family, having regular conversations and just living.
One thing I love about T.T. Kove's work is when she goes into the parts of life that are really screwed up, and the darker things that make us uncomfortable and unhappy. I appreciate when an author goes there, and in a non-judgmental way, because it's not easy but the stories need to be told. Characters in these situations represent thousands of people in situations that are just as screwed up -- and their stories deserve to be told, no differently than characters whose lives aren't touched by abuse, sexual assault, mental illness, or any of the darker stuff. I appreciate that Kove's an author willing to put it all out there and actually talk about it; all those things we try to ignore and whisk under the rug. Perhaps that's the biggest reason why I keep coming back to Kove's books. Like with the Scarred Souls series, the More series hits a few points for me that I really get, having known people who haven't been okay and life has generally kicked the crap out of them at so many turns. In this book, Leo's issues with the parents remind me of my partner's -- because yes, there are couples that would benefit from divorce and going their own ways, and children that would also benefit from having parents who didn't strike out at each other or their children. I can see some of my partner in Leo -- issues with school, concerns with relationships, all that.
But relative to the other books, Leo and Thomas were a wonderful breath of fresh air: they're both older than the other main characters, with an air of maturity that comes with having those extra years of life experience. They've had time completely on their own, having to make decisions as single adults and really consider what they might want from the rest of their life. Though in Leo's case, he's a post-secondary student, so things are still different for him than where Thomas is at. (Side note: With Thomas being in his 30s, I can officially relate. I've also been to university and had the "I don't know WHERE I'm going with this" issue. So bonus points for all of that, because seriously, being able to identify with characters... important.)
Some other things I appreciated:
- It has a slow, gradual cruise into a romantic relationship
- It's nice to see Thomas vulnerable. He always seems confident and has things under control.
- There's communication between them. A big YES to checking in with each other.
- There was a surprise or two... Had me heading back to More Than Words to double-check things.
Why this isn't a 5-star review:
One of the big issues for me is that there's too much repetition. I don't enjoy reading the same thing over and over again in a story. But maybe other readers do.
My other major concern is that things were a bit too even, on the same level throughout, where the major challenges were met with the same weight as concerns. Not to say that there needed to be flash and bang, but there weren't many peaks and valleys or a lot of growth, necessarily. Even when and had a bit more in the way of emotional impact, things didn't really change after that. Perhaps that's why I found the end didn't feel like a solid wrap-up for the story. More like a middle point.
Final thoughts:
For readers wanting a big bang of an "oh crap!" moment or a major climatic scene or anything really dramatic, this probably won't be a read for you. It's what I consider a gentle romance. Not huge on flash.
On the other hand, if you're a fan of the characters getting into the romantic side of things with plenty of kisses and cuddles, this is definitely up your alley. Softer. Mature. A sweet read where the MCs actually communicate about their relationship and each other as opposed to having everything confuddled and a lot of misunderstandings.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 21, 2018
I was attracted to this book because I like slow burn romances and characters seemed intersting.
Alas, I was really disoriented for a while in the book. Where are they? Norway it turns out.
The story is in English but it is a mix of American, British, and not English as a first language so there is grammar errors and some cultural stuff (Mix of what American call things, what the British call things, and Norwegian customs or habits, particularly around schooling) that is a bit hard to follow and not explained. There is also a lot of characters and jumping in at this point in the series likely wasn't the best idea.
We get the story from Leo's point of view. I would have liked to now Thomas thoughts as well.
We get a Happy for Now ending and I think the story goes on into another book but I found my self restless while reading.
So, I likely won't be reading more by this author.
Alas, I was really disoriented for a while in the book. Where are they? Norway it turns out.
The story is in English but it is a mix of American, British, and not English as a first language so there is grammar errors and some cultural stuff (Mix of what American call things, what the British call things, and Norwegian customs or habits, particularly around schooling) that is a bit hard to follow and not explained. There is also a lot of characters and jumping in at this point in the series likely wasn't the best idea.
We get the story from Leo's point of view. I would have liked to now Thomas thoughts as well.
We get a Happy for Now ending and I think the story goes on into another book but I found my self restless while reading.
So, I likely won't be reading more by this author.
July 13, 2016
This has to be one of the grimmest "world building" I have ever read about. Among these interrelated books by this author:
More Than Anything,More Than Words,No Right Words,Anything For Him,Louder Than Words.
You have victims of: incest, sexual and physical abuse, parental neglect, self-harming, bullying, homophobia, seen a parent commit suicide. I am talking about a set of about 10-12 characters that come together as a "family." That's a lot of grim shit. I don't know, can't help but think that there are other ways to build character in your protagonists. Just think of the chances you have a close knit group of friends or family that have seen these kinds of horrors, unless they live in a fucked up society.
I am still curious about Ben's story so I will look forward to that one. I am not sure about Leo and Thomas' story though.
More Than Anything,More Than Words,No Right Words,Anything For Him,Louder Than Words.
You have victims of: incest, sexual and physical abuse, parental neglect, self-harming, bullying, homophobia, seen a parent commit suicide. I am talking about a set of about 10-12 characters that come together as a "family." That's a lot of grim shit. I don't know, can't help but think that there are other ways to build character in your protagonists. Just think of the chances you have a close knit group of friends or family that have seen these kinds of horrors, unless they live in a fucked up society.
I am still curious about Ben's story so I will look forward to that one. I am not sure about Leo and Thomas' story though.
November 13, 2016
Another great trip to Norway
Another great story with some of the characters we've grown to love from earlier books. I'm happy for Leo and Thomas. TT always leaves me wanting to return to Norway to check in on my friends. 3.9.
Another great story with some of the characters we've grown to love from earlier books. I'm happy for Leo and Thomas. TT always leaves me wanting to return to Norway to check in on my friends. 3.9.
July 30, 2019
More Than Enough:By TT Kove
Thank you again TT I loved this story it was something that I didn't want to put down. The love between Leo and Thomas was great and enjoyable. Thank you TT I love your books and they are well worth the read. Please keep it up.
Thank you again TT I loved this story it was something that I didn't want to put down. The love between Leo and Thomas was great and enjoyable. Thank you TT I love your books and they are well worth the read. Please keep it up.
May 6, 2023
A well communicated relationship
I really liked how the main couple talked out their issues and reaffirmed things with one another. There was no added drama just for the sake of it. There were quite a number of typos but the story was good enough for me to mostly ignore those
I really liked how the main couple talked out their issues and reaffirmed things with one another. There was no added drama just for the sake of it. There were quite a number of typos but the story was good enough for me to mostly ignore those
August 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I read More Than Anything prior to this (without reading More Than Words first), and I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. This book, however, I definitely feel like I missed something about Alex, Andreas, and their family without reading the first book. While I didn't truly need the first book to understand the dynamics of the relationship between Leo and Thomas, I don't think I was as invested as I could've possibly been. I didn't fully connect with Leo and Thomas, and tended to get frustrated by them as they had the same conversations and concerns over and over again. On a positive side of this, I was glad to read a book where there was open communication and there wasn't angst surrounding the lack of talking. This book ended with an HFN, and I would be interested in reading the next book to see how/if the guys can make their relationship work long term.
I read More Than Anything prior to this (without reading More Than Words first), and I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. This book, however, I definitely feel like I missed something about Alex, Andreas, and their family without reading the first book. While I didn't truly need the first book to understand the dynamics of the relationship between Leo and Thomas, I don't think I was as invested as I could've possibly been. I didn't fully connect with Leo and Thomas, and tended to get frustrated by them as they had the same conversations and concerns over and over again. On a positive side of this, I was glad to read a book where there was open communication and there wasn't angst surrounding the lack of talking. This book ended with an HFN, and I would be interested in reading the next book to see how/if the guys can make their relationship work long term.
July 14, 2016
What defines love or a coupleEmotionally scarred Leo never thought he would find love, then he spent Christmas with his brother Alex at Alex’s boyfriend’s house where he met Thomas. Thomas, also scarred from an abusive childhood, has spent most of his life raising his 4 nieces and nephews, trying to give them the love he didn’t get. Leo and Thomas feel a connection, partly from their pasts, but deeper, however there are some major barriers that cause problems, first and foremost is Thomas wanting to keep everything a secret and his issues with sex. Leo may not be sure what he wants for his future but he wants Thomas in it, even if it means he must move back to the town he hates and couldn’t wait to leave. Such a touching story about an alternative couple and overcoming scars to find that connection with someone. Loved the characters, they were so real you could not help but root for them! Hope to see more!
**This book received in exchange for an honest opinion**
**This book received in exchange for an honest opinion**
July 12, 2016
Will love be enough?
I enjoyed this book, and how the connection between Leo and Thomas grew based on emotional intimacy despite the fact that they are sexually incompatible. There’s a sweetness to the way that they actively prioritize being close, and their insecurities about the compromises they have to make felt genuine to me. Surrounded by Thomas’ family, a fairly eclectic group who’ve known more than their fair share of heartbreak and suffering, I may have snickered out loud at the idea that these two men actually believed they were keeping their blossoming relationship a secret.
I feel like Leo and Thomas’ story is just beginning, and look forward to reading more about how their relationship evolves.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book, and how the connection between Leo and Thomas grew based on emotional intimacy despite the fact that they are sexually incompatible. There’s a sweetness to the way that they actively prioritize being close, and their insecurities about the compromises they have to make felt genuine to me. Surrounded by Thomas’ family, a fairly eclectic group who’ve known more than their fair share of heartbreak and suffering, I may have snickered out loud at the idea that these two men actually believed they were keeping their blossoming relationship a secret.
I feel like Leo and Thomas’ story is just beginning, and look forward to reading more about how their relationship evolves.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2016
Frankly, the use of all kinds of abuse (verbal, bullying, sexual, emotional, incest) in lieu of world-building is just lazy. Instead of character development, the books in this world are all based on character struggle with previous emotional garbage.
I did appreciate the
Sadly, this is also another case where the author really needs to find a better editor. I think I've about tapped out my patience with these books. But you never know. I'm sometimes a reading masochist.
I did appreciate the
Sadly, this is also another case where the author really needs to find a better editor. I think I've about tapped out my patience with these books. But you never know. I'm sometimes a reading masochist.
August 6, 2016
Unique, like all of Kove's stories. Bisexual Leo falls for Thomas, the asexual uncle of the characters from More than Anything).
June 29, 2017
I'm really enjoying this 'series'. It is nice to see all the characters getting their own story. Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews