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Building Up to Love
Jared is at the top of his game, professionally. His love life leaves a little to be desired. All he wants is someone who can love him for him, and who doesn’t demand he “pick a side.” The sudden reappearance of his college boyfriend, Logan, doesn’t make anything better.
Logan knows he broke Jared’s heart all those years ago. He plans to keep a respectful distance, especially once he starts defending a mob case. The last thing he wants is to bring more trouble into Jared’s life. As they keep getting thrown together, he finds it harder to stay away.
The Mob isn’t known for being considerate of their targets’ love lives. It’s not going to be easy to build a new relationship with Jared as Logan’s client’s enemies come knocking at his door…
Logan knows he broke Jared’s heart all those years ago. He plans to keep a respectful distance, especially once he starts defending a mob case. The last thing he wants is to bring more trouble into Jared’s life. As they keep getting thrown together, he finds it harder to stay away.
The Mob isn’t known for being considerate of their targets’ love lives. It’s not going to be easy to build a new relationship with Jared as Logan’s client’s enemies come knocking at his door…
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2019
2 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
J.V. Speyer
32 books105 followersJ J. V. Speyer writes LGBTQ+ romance novels heavily flavored with suspense, mystery, and adventure. She has lived in upstate New York and rural Catalonia before making the greater Boston, Massachusetts area her permanent home. She currently lives just south of Boston in a house old enough to remember when her town was a tavern community with a farming problem.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 11, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Jared and Logan as characters, but something didn't click for me with this one. I think it might have been that it was so plot-focused and whenever the subject of their relationship came up, there was so much angst due to their relationship history. Also Jared being bi and not trusting Logan for remarks he made in college started to feel a little preachy. And the ending didn't feel like a true HEA - it felt like they could argue about the the same things in 5 minutes.
That being said, the supporting characters were great and if you ever want to know more about construction or the justice system, this book's for you.
I really liked Jared and Logan as characters, but something didn't click for me with this one. I think it might have been that it was so plot-focused and whenever the subject of their relationship came up, there was so much angst due to their relationship history. Also Jared being bi and not trusting Logan for remarks he made in college started to feel a little preachy. And the ending didn't feel like a true HEA - it felt like they could argue about the the same things in 5 minutes.
That being said, the supporting characters were great and if you ever want to know more about construction or the justice system, this book's for you.
August 25, 2019
This book is not my favorite from the short list of books I've read by this author but it wasn't all that bad. Jared works in construction, owns his own construction company, has a dog and is out of a engagement because his ex-girlfriend decided to move for better career opportunities. His company is growing and he's content. Then he has a run in with with his ex-boyfriend from college, Logan King, on one if his job sites. When Logan ended it with Jared he ended it badly and it's made its mark on Jared's life for several years. Now in the same city, Logan is hoping to reconcile with Jared but Jared is reluctant since their break up was pretty bad because Logan had issues with Jared's sexuality. It also doesn't help that a case that Logan is defending could put them both in jeopardy.
I liked getting to know Jared, seeing his relationship with his brother and how he treated his friends and employees. Logan on the other hand I absolutely disliked and I hate the fact that he didn't really have to try too hard to convince Jared to give him another try. I get the two had strong chemistry and the feelings were there even through all the emotional and psychological damage Logan put Jared through but their coming together was pretty cliche and anticlimactic. By the end I just didn't feel as if Logan deserved Jared and I'm not going to lie but I think Jared could have done so much better with someone else who would respect him. Logan didn't show any redeeming features and he couldn't even take no for an answer until he saw how much his presence in Jared's life was really endangering him. Even then he couldn't help but gravitate towards Jared. There was also a lot of talk about trust but Logan never proved that Jared could trust him.
My favorite parts of the book were when Jared stopped the attempts on Logan's life (happens a few times) and when he stood up to Logan's parents.
The author did a wonderful job of depicting bi-phobia. It really opened up my eyes to the harmful and hateful things that could be said. I've been discriminated against myself for my ethnicity but never anything this vile. I'm glad the author decided to include this type of bias so readers could see both sides of being the aggressor and the victim.
A free copy was provided to me through Hidden Gems Books for a honest review.
I liked getting to know Jared, seeing his relationship with his brother and how he treated his friends and employees. Logan on the other hand I absolutely disliked and I hate the fact that he didn't really have to try too hard to convince Jared to give him another try. I get the two had strong chemistry and the feelings were there even through all the emotional and psychological damage Logan put Jared through but their coming together was pretty cliche and anticlimactic. By the end I just didn't feel as if Logan deserved Jared and I'm not going to lie but I think Jared could have done so much better with someone else who would respect him. Logan didn't show any redeeming features and he couldn't even take no for an answer until he saw how much his presence in Jared's life was really endangering him. Even then he couldn't help but gravitate towards Jared. There was also a lot of talk about trust but Logan never proved that Jared could trust him.
My favorite parts of the book were when Jared stopped the attempts on Logan's life (happens a few times) and when he stood up to Logan's parents.
The author did a wonderful job of depicting bi-phobia. It really opened up my eyes to the harmful and hateful things that could be said. I've been discriminated against myself for my ethnicity but never anything this vile. I'm glad the author decided to include this type of bias so readers could see both sides of being the aggressor and the victim.
A free copy was provided to me through Hidden Gems Books for a honest review.
November 20, 2019
I...do not like this book. I wanted to, and I will be trying this author again to see if it's just their writing style I don't enjoy, but let's just get into this.
Jared and Logan were together once upon a time, but when Logan found out Jared was bi and not gay, it ended badly (with comments about how bisexuals are gross whores who can't make up their mind, etc etc etc). Jared is left with a broken heart and endless trust issues. a decade or so later, they are thrown back together in a twist of fate that has defense lawyer Logan with mob assassins after him and construction company owning Jared somehow saving him in a variety of ways, including shooting someone with a nail gun. You know, as you do.
So let's talk about the problem I have with this.
There are major issues with the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community here. First of all, I have a hard time rooting for a relationship where one of the two players starts off in such a bad place, but even more than that is the overall, well, anti-normalization of the gay community. It's pretty gross, honestly. At one point, one hero actually thinks that the cops were being surprisingly professional seeing as they are there to interview witnesses to an assassination in a gay bar. Really? Are gay bars really that uncommon? I mean come on, the story takes place in Boston, it's a major city, there are tons of gay bars, and I'm reasonably certain the Boston police department has talked with gay people, you know, once or twice. At least.
On a side note, apparently Jared's cuts start healing in a couple of hours. He must be an X-Man....
Jared and Logan were together once upon a time, but when Logan found out Jared was bi and not gay, it ended badly (with comments about how bisexuals are gross whores who can't make up their mind, etc etc etc). Jared is left with a broken heart and endless trust issues. a decade or so later, they are thrown back together in a twist of fate that has defense lawyer Logan with mob assassins after him and construction company owning Jared somehow saving him in a variety of ways, including shooting someone with a nail gun. You know, as you do.
So let's talk about the problem I have with this.
There are major issues with the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community here. First of all, I have a hard time rooting for a relationship where one of the two players starts off in such a bad place, but even more than that is the overall, well, anti-normalization of the gay community. It's pretty gross, honestly. At one point, one hero actually thinks that the cops were being surprisingly professional seeing as they are there to interview witnesses to an assassination in a gay bar. Really? Are gay bars really that uncommon? I mean come on, the story takes place in Boston, it's a major city, there are tons of gay bars, and I'm reasonably certain the Boston police department has talked with gay people, you know, once or twice. At least.
On a side note, apparently Jared's cuts start healing in a couple of hours. He must be an X-Man....
July 20, 2019
I received an e-ARC of Building Up to Love by J.V. Speyer from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a second chance story between a designer/contractor, Jared, and defense lawyer, Logan, who’s being tormented by the mob. They were together in college but Logan, who is gay, broke up with Jared for being bi. There was lots of biphobic language in this book so there’s a content warning. Mostly, it was Jared remembering things Logan had said to him as well as biphobic stuff he internalized over the years. I was bothered by it, but it was Jared’s main conflict and reason for staying away from Logan after they ran into each other after 10 years apart. Logan believed all the hateful stuff his parents said about Jared back in college but during their time apart, he grew up, realized all that stuff was bullshit, and was very sorry he treated Jared that way. So when they meet up again, he immediately wants to make amends. Jared’s not into it because he can’t trust Logan, but he still wants him. They have sex a couple of times, but Jared says he doesn’t want to see Logan anymore. Then Logan confesses his love in an email.
This is where the story lost me. I just didn’t feel like the story earned the “I love you” yet. It felt like Logan was cheating, trying to skip the hard part of reconciling and just using I love you as an emotional bomb to get Jared back. This whole time, Logan is being stalked in more and more lethal ways by one of his client’s mob bosses and Jared saves his life a few times. Eventually, the mob boss gets put away and Jared decides to take a chance on Logan. But again, it just didn’t feel earned. Jared goes from “I don’t trust you and I don’t want to see you” to “I love you. Let’s have sexy times forever” without much effort. There was no grovel, no major conversation, and their relationship seemed pretty shallow. There’s another ex-boyfriend of Jared’s as a secondary character who was much more intriguing. I wanted them to work it out more than I cared about Jared/Logan.
I give this book three stars. It wasn’t bad, but I had quite a few issues with it. Also, the cover bugs me because Logan is described as having light brown skin and curly hair, not some basic white bro with straight douchebag hair.
This is a second chance story between a designer/contractor, Jared, and defense lawyer, Logan, who’s being tormented by the mob. They were together in college but Logan, who is gay, broke up with Jared for being bi. There was lots of biphobic language in this book so there’s a content warning. Mostly, it was Jared remembering things Logan had said to him as well as biphobic stuff he internalized over the years. I was bothered by it, but it was Jared’s main conflict and reason for staying away from Logan after they ran into each other after 10 years apart. Logan believed all the hateful stuff his parents said about Jared back in college but during their time apart, he grew up, realized all that stuff was bullshit, and was very sorry he treated Jared that way. So when they meet up again, he immediately wants to make amends. Jared’s not into it because he can’t trust Logan, but he still wants him. They have sex a couple of times, but Jared says he doesn’t want to see Logan anymore. Then Logan confesses his love in an email.
This is where the story lost me. I just didn’t feel like the story earned the “I love you” yet. It felt like Logan was cheating, trying to skip the hard part of reconciling and just using I love you as an emotional bomb to get Jared back. This whole time, Logan is being stalked in more and more lethal ways by one of his client’s mob bosses and Jared saves his life a few times. Eventually, the mob boss gets put away and Jared decides to take a chance on Logan. But again, it just didn’t feel earned. Jared goes from “I don’t trust you and I don’t want to see you” to “I love you. Let’s have sexy times forever” without much effort. There was no grovel, no major conversation, and their relationship seemed pretty shallow. There’s another ex-boyfriend of Jared’s as a secondary character who was much more intriguing. I wanted them to work it out more than I cared about Jared/Logan.
I give this book three stars. It wasn’t bad, but I had quite a few issues with it. Also, the cover bugs me because Logan is described as having light brown skin and curly hair, not some basic white bro with straight douchebag hair.
November 1, 2019
I’m going to say, right up front, that I enjoyed this story. It flowed smoothly without jerks in time nor place. As is the author, I’m from Massachusetts so I enjoyed all her Boston area references.
The characters are bi-sexual and mamby-pamby Jared, in construction and home remodeling; the equally mamby-pamby gay Logan, Jared’s ex from ten years earlier, a criminal defense attorney; Jenni, Jared’s ex-fiancée who’s prancing around Europe; Gage, Jared’s older brother and Logan’s best friend; and Melissa, Gage’s wife and Jenni’s sister. Whew! This sets us up for lots of cross-meeting, coincidences, and only some humor.
Let’s start with some of the early plot you must endure though: Logan dumped Jared with “bi guys are disease spreading vermin who should avoid civilized company.” Jared, for ten years, explained the break-up as “probably trying to avoid inhaling any of the germs pouring off my body” and “spreading disease and harboring filth” and “fears of contagion”! Jenny dumped Jared for his wanting to go to the pride parade rather than getting married with “I thought you were over that phase now that we’re getting married.”
Wow, so now we get involved with contractor business problems and lawyer mob problems, which is fine because, in addition to the sex scenes, the problems drive a good story. So, we’re left with the only irritating part of the plot: the constant flip-flopping personality of both lead characters. Jared gives us “I touched him, I shouldn’t have; I kissed him, I shouldn’t have; I blew him, I shouldn’t have; I screwed him, I shouldn’t have.” And, we even get “I’m being unfaithful to Jenni”! Huh? Logan gives us “I’m so sorry but I don’t understand why you’re so unaccepting.” Once or twice is fine, but not every single chapter.
I do recommend this book, though, because it’s basically an interesting story with an eventual happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are bi-sexual and mamby-pamby Jared, in construction and home remodeling; the equally mamby-pamby gay Logan, Jared’s ex from ten years earlier, a criminal defense attorney; Jenni, Jared’s ex-fiancée who’s prancing around Europe; Gage, Jared’s older brother and Logan’s best friend; and Melissa, Gage’s wife and Jenni’s sister. Whew! This sets us up for lots of cross-meeting, coincidences, and only some humor.
Let’s start with some of the early plot you must endure though: Logan dumped Jared with “bi guys are disease spreading vermin who should avoid civilized company.” Jared, for ten years, explained the break-up as “probably trying to avoid inhaling any of the germs pouring off my body” and “spreading disease and harboring filth” and “fears of contagion”! Jenny dumped Jared for his wanting to go to the pride parade rather than getting married with “I thought you were over that phase now that we’re getting married.”
Wow, so now we get involved with contractor business problems and lawyer mob problems, which is fine because, in addition to the sex scenes, the problems drive a good story. So, we’re left with the only irritating part of the plot: the constant flip-flopping personality of both lead characters. Jared gives us “I touched him, I shouldn’t have; I kissed him, I shouldn’t have; I blew him, I shouldn’t have; I screwed him, I shouldn’t have.” And, we even get “I’m being unfaithful to Jenni”! Huh? Logan gives us “I’m so sorry but I don’t understand why you’re so unaccepting.” Once or twice is fine, but not every single chapter.
I do recommend this book, though, because it’s basically an interesting story with an eventual happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2019
3 Stars
After reading the blurb, I was really looking forward to digging into this story, but for me, it just didn’t quite work. While I loved the premise of the story, there were parts that just seemed way too far fetched to be believable.
Logan takes on a RICO case, defending a lower member of the mob, Luther Hall. He convinces Luther to take a plea deal in exchange for a lesser sentence. This part of the story is all fine and good, but what I didn’t understand is why the other members of the mob thought that killing the attorney defending Luther, in this case Logan, would solve their problems. All that would have happened, had they succeeded, was for another attorney to be appointed to or hired by the defendant. It just didn’t make sense to me. *shrugs*
As far as the romance between Logan and Jared: I thought they had good chemistry, but I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more on page time with them together as a couple. Logan and Jared spent a lot of time talking to friends and family about their relationship and their issues of mistrust and guilt, but when I really needed them to use their words to say I’m sorry and I forgive you and I trust you, it was glossed over.
For the most part the story is well-written, but it was a tedious read because there is so much inner dialogue and explanations for things that didn’t need to be explained so thoroughly and honestly at times I found myself skimming ahead. The story definitely could have been tightened up a bit.
Overall, while as I said, it was a tedious read at times, it had good bones, it just needed less in some aspects and more in others.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 8, 2019
A book about bigotry scarring the soul
Background: In college Logan and Jared fall in love. Unfortunately, Logan was raised by bigoted fundamentalists who look at bi-sexual men as a plague. They passed their hate to their son who accepted their hate, even though he is gay. So, repeating his mother's vile comments, Logan rips Jared's heart out and dumps him. Jared is devastated. He internalizes the lies. Fast forward 10 years. He has become engaged to a woman. When he wants to go to an LGBT+ rally, she responds "I thought you were over that phase". Then she leaves him. At this point Jared thinks no one can love him for him.
Then the story starts. Logan forms a law firm which has located very close to where Jared has formed his own construction company. Jared's construction company takes over the conversion of the factory to condos for the place Logan has just bought. To me this confluence seems contrived.
Logan tries to leverage the business relationship to show that he has changed, Jared wants no part after having been dumped by his fiance a few weeks prior, for the same reason. To him it seems everyone wants him to pick a side. One way or the other but not both. It's like saying "I can't eat fish because I eat chicken"
Then the complications arise.
I liked the sub plots of Jared's brother's and sister in law's pregnancy, and the consequences from defending a mob low life. They provided a good support scaffolding to the story.
All anti LGBTQ venom is toxic. Too many youth fall into drug habits and overdose use or commit suicide over the rejection and hate spewed at them continuously.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Background: In college Logan and Jared fall in love. Unfortunately, Logan was raised by bigoted fundamentalists who look at bi-sexual men as a plague. They passed their hate to their son who accepted their hate, even though he is gay. So, repeating his mother's vile comments, Logan rips Jared's heart out and dumps him. Jared is devastated. He internalizes the lies. Fast forward 10 years. He has become engaged to a woman. When he wants to go to an LGBT+ rally, she responds "I thought you were over that phase". Then she leaves him. At this point Jared thinks no one can love him for him.
Then the story starts. Logan forms a law firm which has located very close to where Jared has formed his own construction company. Jared's construction company takes over the conversion of the factory to condos for the place Logan has just bought. To me this confluence seems contrived.
Logan tries to leverage the business relationship to show that he has changed, Jared wants no part after having been dumped by his fiance a few weeks prior, for the same reason. To him it seems everyone wants him to pick a side. One way or the other but not both. It's like saying "I can't eat fish because I eat chicken"
Then the complications arise.
I liked the sub plots of Jared's brother's and sister in law's pregnancy, and the consequences from defending a mob low life. They provided a good support scaffolding to the story.
All anti LGBTQ venom is toxic. Too many youth fall into drug habits and overdose use or commit suicide over the rejection and hate spewed at them continuously.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2019
Jared is busy with booming contracting work. His fiancee has just left him and that was the final nail in the coffin on his love life. College boyfriend, Logan, slides back into his life when their paths cross and this brings back painful memories.
When Logan and Jared were together, Logan was biphobic and cruel about the way Jared lived his life. The barbs and criticism have stuck with Jared as the years passed and eroded his trust in potential partners.
The thing is, Logan has changed. He's a defense lawyer, working his ass off and he no longer sees bisexuality as a problem.
When Logan takes on a RICO case...he becomes the target of a Mob attack. Through a twist of fate, Jared seems to be the one who is constantly stepping in to save Logan. Their feelings are still lurking below the surface and the more time they spend together, the more complex things become.
While this book wasn't my favorite, I will gladly say it was well-written. The plot was complex but I felt as though it would have felt more realistic had the book been a lot longer. Jared's hurt at the beginning of the novel was tangible but I struggled with how quickly he overcame that simply to end up back in bed with Logan. He spent years being traumatized by someone being biphobic, then seemed to move past it as soon as he saw Logan. It was a bit confusing and I was a bit uncomfortable with the bisexual representation.
While Logan and Jared's relationship was challenging, the bond between brothers Jared and Gage was charming and sweet.
This author has a lot of books and I'm sure if you're a fan of her writing you will enjoy this title!
When Logan and Jared were together, Logan was biphobic and cruel about the way Jared lived his life. The barbs and criticism have stuck with Jared as the years passed and eroded his trust in potential partners.
The thing is, Logan has changed. He's a defense lawyer, working his ass off and he no longer sees bisexuality as a problem.
When Logan takes on a RICO case...he becomes the target of a Mob attack. Through a twist of fate, Jared seems to be the one who is constantly stepping in to save Logan. Their feelings are still lurking below the surface and the more time they spend together, the more complex things become.
While this book wasn't my favorite, I will gladly say it was well-written. The plot was complex but I felt as though it would have felt more realistic had the book been a lot longer. Jared's hurt at the beginning of the novel was tangible but I struggled with how quickly he overcame that simply to end up back in bed with Logan. He spent years being traumatized by someone being biphobic, then seemed to move past it as soon as he saw Logan. It was a bit confusing and I was a bit uncomfortable with the bisexual representation.
While Logan and Jared's relationship was challenging, the bond between brothers Jared and Gage was charming and sweet.
This author has a lot of books and I'm sure if you're a fan of her writing you will enjoy this title!
November 20, 2019
I generally liked the book. The subplot with Logan being in danger because his client was a mobster turned rat gave the story some suspense.
A lot of reviews talk about Logan not proving himself enough. Or that he got off too easy with what he did to Jared in college. Admittedly, it was bad. And fraught with ignorance. However, Jared didn’t allow a single second to go by without making sure Logan wasn’t reminded of it. Jared also gave zero chances for Logan prove himself to Jared.
Logan really was a changed man who wanted to show Jared that he was really changed and that he spent a long time educating himself. Jared never gave him a chance to do that.
Does the author show an authentic version of those who are confused or ignorant about bisexuality? Yes. Does the author give Logan a chance to correct the record with Jared? NO.
The other thing implied but never corrected is the assumption that bisexual people can’t be faithful to the partners they’re with just because they’re attracted to both sexes. Bisexual people have the capacity to be as faithful, or unfaithful, as any other person who prefers just one of the sexes. And that’s where I took off stars.
I didn’t like the ending at all as it was anti-climactic. The ending leaves them in the same place they were after their first hookup after reuniting. The resolution to the extremely large issue from the very beginning of the book was never resolved. So, is it HEA or happy for now?
A lot of reviews talk about Logan not proving himself enough. Or that he got off too easy with what he did to Jared in college. Admittedly, it was bad. And fraught with ignorance. However, Jared didn’t allow a single second to go by without making sure Logan wasn’t reminded of it. Jared also gave zero chances for Logan prove himself to Jared.
Logan really was a changed man who wanted to show Jared that he was really changed and that he spent a long time educating himself. Jared never gave him a chance to do that.
Does the author show an authentic version of those who are confused or ignorant about bisexuality? Yes. Does the author give Logan a chance to correct the record with Jared? NO.
The other thing implied but never corrected is the assumption that bisexual people can’t be faithful to the partners they’re with just because they’re attracted to both sexes. Bisexual people have the capacity to be as faithful, or unfaithful, as any other person who prefers just one of the sexes. And that’s where I took off stars.
I didn’t like the ending at all as it was anti-climactic. The ending leaves them in the same place they were after their first hookup after reuniting. The resolution to the extremely large issue from the very beginning of the book was never resolved. So, is it HEA or happy for now?
June 19, 2019
Building Up to Love is my first J.V. Spencer story and I really enjoyed it. It’s a second chance romance with some legal/thriller aspects. Logan is a defense attorney who runs a growing legal practice in Boston. The search for a new place to live has him crossing paths with his college love, Jared. Seeing Jared again brings old feelings right back to the surface but he broke up with Jared in a spectacular, hurtful fashion and Jared rightfully doesn’t trust his intentions. When Logan takes on the defense of a mob associate, he becomes the target of mob retaliation. This endangers his life and impacts his chances to convince Jared to give him another chance.
I enjoyed the action and legal drama that was a backdrop to the story. Some events were a little over the top, but that’s typical of stories involving mob crimes, so I didn’t mind it. I found Logan and Jared to be likable. Logan knows he screwed up badly with Jared, but he acknowledges his flaws and has changed. Jared understandably questions Logan’s intentions and doesn’t want to rush into things. His hesitation is understandable and justified. I also enjoyed the secondary characters that are part of Jared’s life, especially his brother Gage.
I enjoyed the action and legal drama that was a backdrop to the story. Some events were a little over the top, but that’s typical of stories involving mob crimes, so I didn’t mind it. I found Logan and Jared to be likable. Logan knows he screwed up badly with Jared, but he acknowledges his flaws and has changed. Jared understandably questions Logan’s intentions and doesn’t want to rush into things. His hesitation is understandable and justified. I also enjoyed the secondary characters that are part of Jared’s life, especially his brother Gage.
August 21, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will be reading more. Right from the beginning I was obsessed with this story. My heart broke for Jared. I felt he had not found his place in the world and he was not really comfortable with himself. Yet he was a great guy. When Logan appeared into the story and more and more of their history came to light I was shocked. I didn’t feel Logan was really that guy. I had a hard time seeing him do the things described. I found out why he was the way he was but I still wasn’t sure he could pull off those actions.
I think the story flow is great. The character development is good. I got a feel for the characters and could picture them living these lives. Bringing in Gage and Melissa added so much to the story. Their situation brought a little humor to the story. I really liked that the secondary characters felt so real and fit so seamlessly into the story. Logan’s parents, the agents, Morgan and the rest really gave the story depth. I didn’t see where this is part of a series but I sure wish it were. I’d like more of these characters. I was given a arc copy by Hidden Gems and this is a voluntary review. Thank you Hidden Gems for providing me with a new author.
I think the story flow is great. The character development is good. I got a feel for the characters and could picture them living these lives. Bringing in Gage and Melissa added so much to the story. Their situation brought a little humor to the story. I really liked that the secondary characters felt so real and fit so seamlessly into the story. Logan’s parents, the agents, Morgan and the rest really gave the story depth. I didn’t see where this is part of a series but I sure wish it were. I’d like more of these characters. I was given a arc copy by Hidden Gems and this is a voluntary review. Thank you Hidden Gems for providing me with a new author.
July 16, 2019
This was a solid 3 stars for me. I enjoyed the overall story, but the words...!! This could have been seriously condensed (or the words could've been used for more depth and plot aspects). I felt like the inner dialogue and overall plot just went on forever. It was a little tedious in a number of places.
Still, I liked both Jared and Logan, although Jared had some serious hang-ups that he couldn't seem to release (part of the wordiness stemmed around his constant re-hashing of them). The romance was nice and somewhat believable (I kind of felt like Jared just got tired of his own whinging and gave in). I mostly wasn't sure why it had taken Logan so long to find Jared again -- it almost felt like he made the move for professional reasons, and then when he realized Jared was nearby, he thought, "Oh, I should start a relationship with him." So that aspect of suddenly recalling he was in love didn't really work for me...but it was okay overall.
Still, I liked both Jared and Logan, although Jared had some serious hang-ups that he couldn't seem to release (part of the wordiness stemmed around his constant re-hashing of them). The romance was nice and somewhat believable (I kind of felt like Jared just got tired of his own whinging and gave in). I mostly wasn't sure why it had taken Logan so long to find Jared again -- it almost felt like he made the move for professional reasons, and then when he realized Jared was nearby, he thought, "Oh, I should start a relationship with him." So that aspect of suddenly recalling he was in love didn't really work for me...but it was okay overall.
August 9, 2019
I loved the characters and the story here, and I felt that the romantic aspect was well contained and integrated with the “action” of the case and hitman/men. At times, it did wander off track a bit, and that cost it my fifth star. On the whole, though, I found Logan more likeable than I’d anticipated, and his outburst insisting that his client not retract established a great deal of respect for him. Jared’s struggle to trust was understandable and, again, well integrated, and Gabe’s experience of his baby’s birth had me in hysterics. All in all, this is a good read and one I recommend; it’s not an insta-reunion or instalove; it’s a carefully created story with a multitude of elements. I will read more of JV Speyer’s work based on this; I’m pleased to have found her as an author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2020
This is a great book to read. Running into your ex from college that you devastated, and then trying to start a new relationship with him. Jared owns is own design and construction company.Jared was very upset when Logan broke up with him in collage and has not gotten over it. Logan is working as a defense attorney, he has only lived in Boston for a few months but is looking for a new place to live. Logan and Jared run into each other and Jared runs from the room. Jared does not want to have anything to do with Logan. Logan goes to talk with Jared and someone tried to kill Logan. Will Logan find a way to get to Jared and prove to him that Logan has changed and does still love Jared? Will Jared let Logan back into his life?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2023
There’s an interesting blend of romance and intrigue here. I like that the author isn’t making anything easy for the characters – Jared and Logan’s second chance is complicated not only by a very messy breakup (brought on by biphobia from one of the characters, no less. What they have to overcome isn’t a simple misunderstanding, it’s a grievous and hurtful thing, and a real obstacle to future happiness) but also *checks notes* life threatening peril, courtesy of the mob. So you know, never a dull moment. While both the suspenseful and romantic aspects of the narrative strain credulity at times (the suspense a bit more, as there are some seriously implausible moments of peril here) I found this, overall, to be an immersive and compelling read. I definitely didn’t want to put it down until the end.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 25, 2019
Love story between bisexual Jared and lawyer Logan who previously had a relationship in college but Logan broke Jared's heart because he was against bisexuals in the worst way and it was not a good break up. Now, ten years later they are accidentally reunited and Jared is not surprisingly afraid of getting involved again because he does not want to get hurt by Logan. Again. Logan is a lawyer for mobsters and is being chased by them and in danger...the story is actually somewhat complicated but I did like it. Jared and Logan get involved again and it is very sweet and slow and Logan's life is in danger. The complexities of the mob story area little much but I liked the book in general. Logan and Jared are sweet and so are the other characters. Thanks to NG for the ARC.
June 14, 2019
This is not your typical M/M Romance. Author J. V. Speyer takes us on a very detailed adventure that reads more like a well written work of fiction than a pulp romance. It's a pretty wild ride!
I really liked that Speyer gives us a personal look at the lives (and work) of Jared and Logan and isn't afraid to delve in to the deep feeling behind their difficult history. It gave a nice, balanced reality to the craziness of the story. Their feelings and romance feels real too. As do the interactions with their friends and families that just want what they think is best for them.
This is the perfect book for those that want a little more out of their romances.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked that Speyer gives us a personal look at the lives (and work) of Jared and Logan and isn't afraid to delve in to the deep feeling behind their difficult history. It gave a nice, balanced reality to the craziness of the story. Their feelings and romance feels real too. As do the interactions with their friends and families that just want what they think is best for them.
This is the perfect book for those that want a little more out of their romances.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2019
I haven't read anything by this author before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. For the most part, I enjoyed this book, so I may try to read one of her other books to see how it compares.
While I liked both Jared and Logan, it feels like I didn't get to know them very well. The author just didn't dig deep enough to get to the heart of these characters. The angst was 10 years old, so Jared and Logan's rehashing of the past became repetitious. I just wanted them to move on and get over it already!
I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Gage. So, overall, this wasn't a terrible read, but I think with a few changes it could have been a great story.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I liked both Jared and Logan, it feels like I didn't get to know them very well. The author just didn't dig deep enough to get to the heart of these characters. The angst was 10 years old, so Jared and Logan's rehashing of the past became repetitious. I just wanted them to move on and get over it already!
I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Gage. So, overall, this wasn't a terrible read, but I think with a few changes it could have been a great story.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I Highly recommend this book. It` s a romance with a little twist.
Jared and Logan meet after several years. In the past they were together, but Logan hurt badly Jared and now when they meet the pain came back.
Jared does not know how to deal with the new situation how to treat Logan, on one hand he doesn’t` want anything from him on the other hand he still has feelings.
But that`s not all Logan is in danger...
I really enjoyed the romance between those guys. It was heart-warming, cute and uplifting.
And the twist makes it even more interesting I could not put the book down.
I Highly recommend this book. It` s a romance with a little twist.
Jared and Logan meet after several years. In the past they were together, but Logan hurt badly Jared and now when they meet the pain came back.
Jared does not know how to deal with the new situation how to treat Logan, on one hand he doesn’t` want anything from him on the other hand he still has feelings.
But that`s not all Logan is in danger...
I really enjoyed the romance between those guys. It was heart-warming, cute and uplifting.
And the twist makes it even more interesting I could not put the book down.
August 24, 2019
I received this book free as an ARC reader for review.
This book is “real”. There is no insta-love, no romantic grand gestures, no happily ever after. What it has is complex, flawed, people doing the best they can, and choosing to have faith in each other and the future they can build together.
I loved this book.
Logan and Jared were lovers in college, but Logan let his parents bigotry about bisexuality poison their relationship and broke Jared’s heart. Now, about ten years later, circumstance and coincidence have brought them back into each other’s lives. Older, wiser, more jaded they have to decide if love is worth the risk and if a live lived together is worth the effort.
This book is “real”. There is no insta-love, no romantic grand gestures, no happily ever after. What it has is complex, flawed, people doing the best they can, and choosing to have faith in each other and the future they can build together.
I loved this book.
Logan and Jared were lovers in college, but Logan let his parents bigotry about bisexuality poison their relationship and broke Jared’s heart. Now, about ten years later, circumstance and coincidence have brought them back into each other’s lives. Older, wiser, more jaded they have to decide if love is worth the risk and if a live lived together is worth the effort.
November 12, 2019
Nice story. Logan broke up with Jared in college because of prejudices over his bisexuality. He was raised with some ignorant, intolerant, antiquated views. Jared carried that rejection and denounciation into all his relationships after that. His fiance, Melissa's sister thought once they became engaged, he was no longer gay. He rconnected with Logan through business right after this. He was extremely hostile toward Logan who wanted to apologize and rekindle their relationship. Good story, but author's delivery was awkward. There was lots of danger, time for heroism and Melissa's delivery was a hoot. I would enjoy reading this story again! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.
August 22, 2019
Jared struggles with others opinions on his sexuality. Logan has everything he has ever wanted, except one thing. Years ago they broke up, but neither can deny their attraction. Will Jared be able to move on from the past and let Logan in again? Will Logan be freed from the threats?
Overall this was a good second chance romance. I loved how Logan was determined to prove he wasn't the same man even if it ended with a no. I didn't blame Jared for being scared, but loved when he finally let himself accept that someone was accepting him for him. Good read!
Overall this was a good second chance romance. I loved how Logan was determined to prove he wasn't the same man even if it ended with a no. I didn't blame Jared for being scared, but loved when he finally let himself accept that someone was accepting him for him. Good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
I like this story of Jared and Logan. They have history that hard to put to rest. Most of all Jared has his big brother Gage that will always come to his rescue and be their for him when he needs it the most. I love the fact that none of the men are in denial of who they are and who they want. As the story progress we get to see that actions speaks volumes as Jared and Logan comes to terms with each other and their loved ones. I enjoyed reading this heartwarming romantic suspense .
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
November 2, 2019
Logan broke Jared's heart in college and Jared wants nothing to do with him. Logan is a lawyer now moves to Boston and finds out Jared who owns a design and construction company lives there. When he meets up with Jared he knows he never stopped loving him and he wants another chance with him. Jared doesn't trust him, he wonders if he ever will be able to or are the walls to high. Now the mob is after Logan because of his client and they both know they should stay away from each other but they don't seem to be able to do it. I really enjoyed this book.
June 12, 2019
This was a good book that I did enjoy but I really did not like how Jared forgave Logan so easily for what he did. He had been traumatized by how Logan had treated him and then jumps so quickly into another relationship with him. It felt too rushed. The writing in this book was very good and I liked seeing it from both characters' perspectives.
*I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.*
*I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.*
October 19, 2019
A nice enough story,3 stars.
I liked it enough to keep reading.
The mc Jared was in my eyes a bit to much in the complaint
department,with good reason,but it became rather boring realy soon.
I liked Logan more and also his reasons.
Both are likeable people,but I missed some Sparks and real loving.
I have read some books by this author and it is Always a surprise.
how much I like,love or "hate" it.
this was one is a like for sure.
arc wsa given by netgalley
I liked it enough to keep reading.
The mc Jared was in my eyes a bit to much in the complaint
department,with good reason,but it became rather boring realy soon.
I liked Logan more and also his reasons.
Both are likeable people,but I missed some Sparks and real loving.
I have read some books by this author and it is Always a surprise.
how much I like,love or "hate" it.
this was one is a like for sure.
arc wsa given by netgalley
October 29, 2019
I had a hard time the first few chapters getting into the characters. The writing kept me from suspending my disbelief for awhile. Ultimately I joined the characters in the world and enjoyed the characters journey immensely. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2019
This is a new author for me and I know I will be looking for more from her. This is a well developed story that kept I had a hard time putting down. The characters are connectable and made the story engaging. I didnt regret picking this book up and neither will you. A great book to warm your night. I highly recommend this book.
February 3, 2020
This is a new author to me. I did not knw what to expect but given the book combines suspense and romance (reconnecting), it combined my interests of mystery and MM romance. I found the book lengthy but captivating. It is well-written and Jared's character well-developed. I found Logan's and Gage's characters less well-developed. The quality of writing is excellent.
January 22, 2023
2nd chance, with death threats!
A bitter, misguided ending to what could be a perfect relationship, is an odd way to start the story. They spend most of the book pussyfooting around how they really feel, despite apparently being ‘honest’ and saying how they feel. Some attempted murder and death threats have a weirdly positive effect, until finally the unexpected HEA actually happens.
A bitter, misguided ending to what could be a perfect relationship, is an odd way to start the story. They spend most of the book pussyfooting around how they really feel, despite apparently being ‘honest’ and saying how they feel. Some attempted murder and death threats have a weirdly positive effect, until finally the unexpected HEA actually happens.
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