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Queen City Rogues #3
Beautiful Trauma
Does trauma define or motivate a person?
Homeless and rejected, Henry Sullivan arrived on the doorstep of Ryan’s Place with nothing but the clothes on his back. Life as he knew it was over. Within those walls, Henry found the encouragement and love needed to turn hopeless into hopeful. Enrolling for summer classes at his community college was the first step toward achieving the dreams he thought were lost to him. There was just one little snag: the professor standing in the front of the room taught Henry the true meaning of human sexuality.
After a crushing breakup, Professor Ezra Meyer moved to the Queen City for a fresh start where everything was new—job, home, and friends. His first challenge: prove the benefits of his biology of human sexuality course outweighed the controversy. Ezra agreed to teach the class during the summer semester at a community college associated with his university to gauge interest. There was just one little problem: Ezra had personally demonstrated the unit on Sexual Technique and Behaviors with one of his students.
Random or Fate?
It was supposed to be a harmless hookup on a night when Henry was celebrating his birthday and Ezra was trying to ease his loneliness. Fast forward six months later, the attraction blazed hotter than ever, but acting on it could have dire consequences neither man was willing to risk. Or were they? Could true love be Henry and Ezra’s ultimate reward, or were they destined to become just another sad lesson learned?
Beautiful Trauma is a story about triumph over tragedy, embracing the unexpected, and a reminder that family is more than biology. Are you looking for a feel-good romance with witty banter, toe-curling passion, and a story that stays with you long after the final page? Look no further. Beautiful Trauma is the third book in the Queen City Rogues series but reads as a standalone book. It contains sexually explicit material and colorful language and is intended for adults 18 and over.
Homeless and rejected, Henry Sullivan arrived on the doorstep of Ryan’s Place with nothing but the clothes on his back. Life as he knew it was over. Within those walls, Henry found the encouragement and love needed to turn hopeless into hopeful. Enrolling for summer classes at his community college was the first step toward achieving the dreams he thought were lost to him. There was just one little snag: the professor standing in the front of the room taught Henry the true meaning of human sexuality.
After a crushing breakup, Professor Ezra Meyer moved to the Queen City for a fresh start where everything was new—job, home, and friends. His first challenge: prove the benefits of his biology of human sexuality course outweighed the controversy. Ezra agreed to teach the class during the summer semester at a community college associated with his university to gauge interest. There was just one little problem: Ezra had personally demonstrated the unit on Sexual Technique and Behaviors with one of his students.
Random or Fate?
It was supposed to be a harmless hookup on a night when Henry was celebrating his birthday and Ezra was trying to ease his loneliness. Fast forward six months later, the attraction blazed hotter than ever, but acting on it could have dire consequences neither man was willing to risk. Or were they? Could true love be Henry and Ezra’s ultimate reward, or were they destined to become just another sad lesson learned?
Beautiful Trauma is a story about triumph over tragedy, embracing the unexpected, and a reminder that family is more than biology. Are you looking for a feel-good romance with witty banter, toe-curling passion, and a story that stays with you long after the final page? Look no further. Beautiful Trauma is the third book in the Queen City Rogues series but reads as a standalone book. It contains sexually explicit material and colorful language and is intended for adults 18 and over.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2019
106 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
71 books2,009 followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 1, 2019
***** This is another Aimee Nicole Walker tale with magnificent characters, of an older/younger romance of two men, and is very worthwhile. "Ryan's Place" was Henry's shelter in the lonely, cruel world he found himself in at 17, in hunger, HIV positive, and homeless. He's discarded by his own mother. Years later we see his 21st birthday, where sweet, gentle Henry,
met Ezra, and they had a night and morning of wonderful passion. I like that Ezra was already on PrEP prevention immune boost.
Now, the men haven't seen each other for 6 months, and Henry finds Ezra is his college teacher. Professor E. Meyers, 38, is still the most
beautiful silver fox Henry has ever seen, but it's hands-off.
Keeping away from each other is impossible, and fate had another plan. Ezra helps Henry with a flat tire, and they end up at the same restaurant in different groups, all in a 24 hour span. We get to see the men struggle to do the right thing for Ezra's job, and Henry's educational chances.
So, they do begin to act on their intense emotions and lust, and they are careful in public. I liked Henry's boss's dog, Justice the Rottweiler, plus Ezra's folks were delightful. We get terrific humor, long talks and honesty given. When Henry was absent, Ezra found him and helped. I like the men together, the cute banter, the understanding, the deep sexual connection and the love. Together they rock.
We watch the glorious progress of the relationship develop. They have honesty, doubts, and insecurities, like anyone does. A natural care giver and protector, Ezra, makes Henry feel cherished, important, and needed, but Henry doesn't realize he does the same for Ezra.
An old friend casts doubt, but their love wins.
This is a worthwhile tale of a wounded soul in our young Henry, and the older man, Ezra, who falls in love and steps up to help, as well.
I highly recommed this story. ENJOY !
==========
met Ezra, and they had a night and morning of wonderful passion. I like that Ezra was already on PrEP prevention immune boost.
Now, the men haven't seen each other for 6 months, and Henry finds Ezra is his college teacher. Professor E. Meyers, 38, is still the most
beautiful silver fox Henry has ever seen, but it's hands-off.
Keeping away from each other is impossible, and fate had another plan. Ezra helps Henry with a flat tire, and they end up at the same restaurant in different groups, all in a 24 hour span. We get to see the men struggle to do the right thing for Ezra's job, and Henry's educational chances.
So, they do begin to act on their intense emotions and lust, and they are careful in public. I liked Henry's boss's dog, Justice the Rottweiler, plus Ezra's folks were delightful. We get terrific humor, long talks and honesty given. When Henry was absent, Ezra found him and helped. I like the men together, the cute banter, the understanding, the deep sexual connection and the love. Together they rock.
We watch the glorious progress of the relationship develop. They have honesty, doubts, and insecurities, like anyone does. A natural care giver and protector, Ezra, makes Henry feel cherished, important, and needed, but Henry doesn't realize he does the same for Ezra.
An old friend casts doubt, but their love wins.
This is a worthwhile tale of a wounded soul in our young Henry, and the older man, Ezra, who falls in love and steps up to help, as well.
I highly recommed this story. ENJOY !
==========
July 21, 2019
Yet another wonderful romance from the pen of Aimee Nicole Walker in this fantastic series.
There's so much to he happy about in this book, from the opposites attract nature of Henry and Ezra's life experiences, to the age gap and light-hearted touches of a Dom/sub caring relationship which sees equal opportunities for both men to demonstrate their feelings for the other.
A great set of supporting characters, some of whom we're already familiar, helps bring this rich narrative to life.
My only grumble is going behind spoiler tags and, tbh it's not really a grumble, it just made me laugh
Here the tensions come totally from within the story, there's nothing thrown in for the sake of dramatic effect. In fact I'd nicely relaxed as I hit the 75% mark and beyond with only the usual fears and doubts about any relationship being points of concern.
The last 10% really kicked up the pace and I loved how everything was resolved with a nod to a true classic.
A wonderful epilogue rounded out this smashing Road to Blissville spin-off and I'm really hoping it's going to be Des and Geoff next!
PS The dedication in this book made me get very teary, thanks for that Aimee, it was beautifully stated and you're so right about the love and joy that comes with new life.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
There's so much to he happy about in this book, from the opposites attract nature of Henry and Ezra's life experiences, to the age gap and light-hearted touches of a Dom/sub caring relationship which sees equal opportunities for both men to demonstrate their feelings for the other.
A great set of supporting characters, some of whom we're already familiar, helps bring this rich narrative to life.
My only grumble is going behind spoiler tags and, tbh it's not really a grumble, it just made me laugh
Here the tensions come totally from within the story, there's nothing thrown in for the sake of dramatic effect. In fact I'd nicely relaxed as I hit the 75% mark and beyond with only the usual fears and doubts about any relationship being points of concern.
The last 10% really kicked up the pace and I loved how everything was resolved with a nod to a true classic.
A wonderful epilogue rounded out this smashing Road to Blissville spin-off and I'm really hoping it's going to be Des and Geoff next!
PS The dedication in this book made me get very teary, thanks for that Aimee, it was beautifully stated and you're so right about the love and joy that comes with new life.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 27, 2019
I really loved this. Beautifully written, heartwarming and compassionate. Henry & Ezra deserved so much love and we’re adorable together. I was swept into a sweet romance and basked in the glow !
August 1, 2019
I’ll admit I like May-December romances so author Aimee Nicole Walker’s Beautiful Trauma was a good fit for me, but it was her masterful storytelling that made this book perfect. A young man whose life was turned upside down when he admitted he was gay and HIV positive to his judgmental, Christian mother and a man whose life had been turned upside down by deceit find one another in crowded bar. One night was all it was suppose to be, but circumstances brought them back together in a completely inappropriate way and while they tried to keep their distance, the connection between them could not be denied. I loved this story with my whole heart, these were two good men who deserved to love and be loved and despite their age difference and their circumstances they belonged together.
At age twenty Henry Sullivan was tossed out of his home for being gay and HIV positive, months later he’s on the road to owning his own life and celebrating his 21st birthday and meets a man who turns his life upside down in the best way. Six months later when returning to finish his college degree he is thrown for a loop when the man he spent an amazing night with walks in to teach his class on Human Sexuality.
Professor Ezra Meyer can’t believe it when he sees Henry in his class. He is determined to not let the man he can’t get out of his brain become a problem neither one of them needs.
Sometimes with age-gap romances the difference between the two main characters seems huge and while there is no doubt these men grew up in very different environments and are at different places in their lives, the really do complete on another (and with Henry and Ezra’s love of movie nights they will appreciate my “you complete me” reference). I liked that in Henry, Ezra saw innocence and light and the willingness to put himself out there despite their unique situation. I loved that Ezra made Henry not only see his worth, but made him feel worthy and loved. Their easy acceptance of one another was one of my favorite things about their relationship and the other was their insistence that they be up front and communicate from the start, oh how I wish this happened more often in books and life for that matter. Life for these two won’t always be easy; they’ll have obstacles to overcome with Henry’s health, with their age difference, and with judgmental people.
Sometimes you read a book and it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling so much so that you not only want to re-read it the minute you finish, but you also hope you’ll continue to see this couple as the series continues and that’s exactly how I felt when I finished Beautiful Trauma. Now excuse me, while I begin my re-read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
At age twenty Henry Sullivan was tossed out of his home for being gay and HIV positive, months later he’s on the road to owning his own life and celebrating his 21st birthday and meets a man who turns his life upside down in the best way. Six months later when returning to finish his college degree he is thrown for a loop when the man he spent an amazing night with walks in to teach his class on Human Sexuality.
Professor Ezra Meyer can’t believe it when he sees Henry in his class. He is determined to not let the man he can’t get out of his brain become a problem neither one of them needs.
Sometimes with age-gap romances the difference between the two main characters seems huge and while there is no doubt these men grew up in very different environments and are at different places in their lives, the really do complete on another (and with Henry and Ezra’s love of movie nights they will appreciate my “you complete me” reference). I liked that in Henry, Ezra saw innocence and light and the willingness to put himself out there despite their unique situation. I loved that Ezra made Henry not only see his worth, but made him feel worthy and loved. Their easy acceptance of one another was one of my favorite things about their relationship and the other was their insistence that they be up front and communicate from the start, oh how I wish this happened more often in books and life for that matter. Life for these two won’t always be easy; they’ll have obstacles to overcome with Henry’s health, with their age difference, and with judgmental people.
Sometimes you read a book and it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling so much so that you not only want to re-read it the minute you finish, but you also hope you’ll continue to see this couple as the series continues and that’s exactly how I felt when I finished Beautiful Trauma. Now excuse me, while I begin my re-read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 27, 2022
I liked the second book more, but it is indeed a wonderful story, Henry is so precious I am happy about Ezra💚
July 12, 2020
I loved Henry. Ezra took some warming up to, but eventually I learned to like him. I loved Henry's chosen family :) So sweet.
July 17, 2019
There are just so many life moments and teaching gems in this story. It was beautiful.
Henry was raised mostly by his widowed mother in a very religious home. Sex and romance were not to be discussed, so when Henry realized he was gay, it was a secret that ate at him until he left home for college. Then he went wild. Contracting HIV wasn't the worst part. His mother verbally abused him and cut him out of her life. Sick, with no where to go, he ended up taken in by a home for infected minors needing care.
Once rebuilt, he was making his way, working two jobs and doing well. And then he had a perfect one night stand with Ezra. The same Ezra who ended up being his professor 6 months later. And it was 6 months of never forgetting one minute of their night together. But Ezra had too much to lose. And he'd come out of a relationship that crashed and burned spectacularly.
What happens when neither can afford to walk away?
Oh, my. This was sexy and smart and the characters were wickedly amazing together. With a 17 year age gap, there was some dominance and neediness. There was a bit of professor/student plotting. There was sweet Henry. He kept his promises. He loved unconditionally. He was truthful and giving. And he was so freaking funny. I loved that Ezra just wanted him. Wanted to care for him and give him things and make him happy.
Very sweet, honest and touching. I really enjoyed this book!
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Henry was raised mostly by his widowed mother in a very religious home. Sex and romance were not to be discussed, so when Henry realized he was gay, it was a secret that ate at him until he left home for college. Then he went wild. Contracting HIV wasn't the worst part. His mother verbally abused him and cut him out of her life. Sick, with no where to go, he ended up taken in by a home for infected minors needing care.
Once rebuilt, he was making his way, working two jobs and doing well. And then he had a perfect one night stand with Ezra. The same Ezra who ended up being his professor 6 months later. And it was 6 months of never forgetting one minute of their night together. But Ezra had too much to lose. And he'd come out of a relationship that crashed and burned spectacularly.
What happens when neither can afford to walk away?
Oh, my. This was sexy and smart and the characters were wickedly amazing together. With a 17 year age gap, there was some dominance and neediness. There was a bit of professor/student plotting. There was sweet Henry. He kept his promises. He loved unconditionally. He was truthful and giving. And he was so freaking funny. I loved that Ezra just wanted him. Wanted to care for him and give him things and make him happy.
Very sweet, honest and touching. I really enjoyed this book!
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
July 20, 2019
Aimee Nicole Walker delivers another stellar read. I absolutely loved reading Henry and Ezra’s story , it was raw and heartbreaking at times but had so much love, determination and HOPE...
Two men meet at a point in their lives when they are broken by past traumas and hook up for a night of such unbridled passion I don’t think either of them expected to feel.
They meet again 6 months later in a setting where they can do nothing about their still mutual attraction and hot chemistry... or can they ?
This story is about hope, determination, love, self doubt, hard work , and a connection so pure and real it was beautiful to see how they navigated through life’s hard times to come out the other end stronger and more at peace then they thought possible.
I was in tears at times for gorgeous Henry , that man got me straight in the heart. I loved his fight for what he wanted out of life , even when he felt he didn’t deserve it, or could even hope for better future with all he had going against him, he found someone to fight with him and love him unconditionally. Ezra was .... Whew!!! Mr Swoon... I loved everything about him , both men and secondary characters were written exceptionally.
Read this story for yourselves and be taken on a beautiful journey. You won’t regret it .
Congratulations Aimee on another stunning read , it deserves the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Cannot wait to see what happens next ... maybe Des and Geoff 🤞
Two men meet at a point in their lives when they are broken by past traumas and hook up for a night of such unbridled passion I don’t think either of them expected to feel.
They meet again 6 months later in a setting where they can do nothing about their still mutual attraction and hot chemistry... or can they ?
This story is about hope, determination, love, self doubt, hard work , and a connection so pure and real it was beautiful to see how they navigated through life’s hard times to come out the other end stronger and more at peace then they thought possible.
I was in tears at times for gorgeous Henry , that man got me straight in the heart. I loved his fight for what he wanted out of life , even when he felt he didn’t deserve it, or could even hope for better future with all he had going against him, he found someone to fight with him and love him unconditionally. Ezra was .... Whew!!! Mr Swoon... I loved everything about him , both men and secondary characters were written exceptionally.
Read this story for yourselves and be taken on a beautiful journey. You won’t regret it .
Congratulations Aimee on another stunning read , it deserves the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Cannot wait to see what happens next ... maybe Des and Geoff 🤞
July 26, 2019
love love love.. this is amazing.. i love this series so much and this one is just beautiful.. wonderfully written... amazing guys.. loved it
July 29, 2019
Okay, so I’m coming in late to the series, having not read the other two in the series first, and though I feel like I should’ve known who one or two people were, it didn’t take anything away from the story. The cover kinda threw me a bit too...
In this one, we have Henry, who was kicked out of his mothers house and erased from her life after finding out that he’s not only gay but HIV positive. Her words did more damage than her actually turning her back on him, but with the help of his best friend Geoff, he’s able to find shelter and place to belong at Ryan’s House, a shelter type place that helps folks like him.
The folks there gave him the acceptance and understanding he so badly needed and helped him put one foot in front of the other and go on. The night of his twenty-first birthday, Geoff takes him out to celebrate his first legal drink in his first gay club, and that’s where he meets Ezra.
Ezra seems a little pompous and stodgy to me in the beginning, I wasn’t sure I liked him. His dialogue was too proper and he seemed old fashioned in the way that made old fashioned seem old fashioned. Does that make sense? Anyway… I wasn’t sure about him at first and he definitely had to grow on me… but grow on me, he did…
After the hottest one night stand of either of their lives, imagine their surprise when a few months later, when Henry starts classes at a community college, and Ezra is his professor.
Now.. I’m not big on forbidden romances such as boss/employee and teacher/student, because the plot line and outcome are always always always the same… they’re forbidden, so they resist at first and then have to be kept a secret whereas one of them, normally the student gets their feelings hurt and then someone/something outs them and their jobs and reputations are threatened and in the end, everything works out and all is well….That’s exactly what happened here.
I’m such a sucker for a wounded bird though and although Henry is much younger and his age really shows in their back and forth with each other… he’s very insecure and feels unworthy, thanks to his mother, so Ezra has to do a lot of reassuring and showing Henry that he loves him. Their back and forth is a bit redundant, but I can see where Henry needs it.
What I loved….is Ezra’s parents and their unwavering support and unconditional love for not only him, but each other and Henry too. I wish everyone had parents like them. I loved Henry’s best friend Geoff and I hope he gets a story as well, as well as his friend/roommate Jess, and everyone at Ryan’s house and Maria’s Pizzaria, who all accepted Henry with open arms and accepted him for the sweet person he is.
Overall, it was a sweet read and I’m curious to see if Geoff is next. Definitely going to go back and read what I missed with the other two.
4 stars from me
In this one, we have Henry, who was kicked out of his mothers house and erased from her life after finding out that he’s not only gay but HIV positive. Her words did more damage than her actually turning her back on him, but with the help of his best friend Geoff, he’s able to find shelter and place to belong at Ryan’s House, a shelter type place that helps folks like him.
The folks there gave him the acceptance and understanding he so badly needed and helped him put one foot in front of the other and go on. The night of his twenty-first birthday, Geoff takes him out to celebrate his first legal drink in his first gay club, and that’s where he meets Ezra.
Ezra seems a little pompous and stodgy to me in the beginning, I wasn’t sure I liked him. His dialogue was too proper and he seemed old fashioned in the way that made old fashioned seem old fashioned. Does that make sense? Anyway… I wasn’t sure about him at first and he definitely had to grow on me… but grow on me, he did…
After the hottest one night stand of either of their lives, imagine their surprise when a few months later, when Henry starts classes at a community college, and Ezra is his professor.
Now.. I’m not big on forbidden romances such as boss/employee and teacher/student, because the plot line and outcome are always always always the same… they’re forbidden, so they resist at first and then have to be kept a secret whereas one of them, normally the student gets their feelings hurt and then someone/something outs them and their jobs and reputations are threatened and in the end, everything works out and all is well….That’s exactly what happened here.
I’m such a sucker for a wounded bird though and although Henry is much younger and his age really shows in their back and forth with each other… he’s very insecure and feels unworthy, thanks to his mother, so Ezra has to do a lot of reassuring and showing Henry that he loves him. Their back and forth is a bit redundant, but I can see where Henry needs it.
What I loved….is Ezra’s parents and their unwavering support and unconditional love for not only him, but each other and Henry too. I wish everyone had parents like them. I loved Henry’s best friend Geoff and I hope he gets a story as well, as well as his friend/roommate Jess, and everyone at Ryan’s house and Maria’s Pizzaria, who all accepted Henry with open arms and accepted him for the sweet person he is.
Overall, it was a sweet read and I’m curious to see if Geoff is next. Definitely going to go back and read what I missed with the other two.
4 stars from me
August 31, 2019
Henry is homeless, rejected by his parents for being gay and HIV positive. When he arrives at Ryan’s Place, set up to help teens like him, he finds his potential, and eventually, with a lot of hard work under his belt, he begins classes at community college toward a degree that will ultimately help him pay back all he’s been given. There, teaching his class on Human Sexuality, is the silver fox professor he spent a one-night stand with on his 21st birthday that summer.
Professor Ezra Meyer never expected to see the young man of his dreams again but there he is, front and center, and though Ezra long ago determined he’d never date or fall in love again, he finds Henry hard to resist. The story encompasses their push-pull, on again-off again move toward a lasting relationship with extra drama provided by an old friend of Ezra’s who wanted to be his lover and does everything he can to break them up—including telling Ezra’s department chair—a move that will cost him his job.
Henry is a sweetheart, strong, smart, driven to make it on his own but with a heart as big as he is and that heart is determined to love Ezra. I enjoyed Ezra’s character too, but he did an about-face midway through the story, and I’m not sure if that was on purpose or how the character evolved as the author wrote. He started out somewhat domineering, strong, determined to be alone, all-knowing of the principles of human sexuality and willing to demonstrate. And along the way, he became softer, more romantic, committed to helping Henry and staying with him through the turmoil created by their relationship. In other words, he was soft and mushy by the end and that had good points and bad.
All in all, I enjoy this author’s writing, and though I haven’t read more than 50% of her work, each story has been enjoyable, with great characters, sexy times, and a HEA, and some days that’s all I need.
A word about the cover: not only is the guy on the cover, who is taking off his shirt and tie, a smokin’ hot silver fox who’d catch anyone’s eye, he just happens to be my favorite narrator in disguise as a model. Go, Joel!
Professor Ezra Meyer never expected to see the young man of his dreams again but there he is, front and center, and though Ezra long ago determined he’d never date or fall in love again, he finds Henry hard to resist. The story encompasses their push-pull, on again-off again move toward a lasting relationship with extra drama provided by an old friend of Ezra’s who wanted to be his lover and does everything he can to break them up—including telling Ezra’s department chair—a move that will cost him his job.
Henry is a sweetheart, strong, smart, driven to make it on his own but with a heart as big as he is and that heart is determined to love Ezra. I enjoyed Ezra’s character too, but he did an about-face midway through the story, and I’m not sure if that was on purpose or how the character evolved as the author wrote. He started out somewhat domineering, strong, determined to be alone, all-knowing of the principles of human sexuality and willing to demonstrate. And along the way, he became softer, more romantic, committed to helping Henry and staying with him through the turmoil created by their relationship. In other words, he was soft and mushy by the end and that had good points and bad.
All in all, I enjoy this author’s writing, and though I haven’t read more than 50% of her work, each story has been enjoyable, with great characters, sexy times, and a HEA, and some days that’s all I need.
A word about the cover: not only is the guy on the cover, who is taking off his shirt and tie, a smokin’ hot silver fox who’d catch anyone’s eye, he just happens to be my favorite narrator in disguise as a model. Go, Joel!
July 19, 2019
Aimee Nicole Walker delivers another incredible, heartfelt, heart-melting, sweet story.
Henry captured my heart from the very first page. I love how sweet and innocent he is, but for just being 21 he's also strong and resilient, never giving up and fighting for the things he wants, be it his education to be able to help others dealing with HIV, like himself, or his relationship to Ezra.
Ezra is a strong, controlling, almost 40-years-old professor, who’s been hurt and betrayed in the past and left with high walls around his heart. These barrier come crumbling one after the other when he meets Henry.
I absolutely loved how both of them have doubts from time to time, mostly self-doubts, but they set them aside almost immediately to keep fighting for what they really want: being with each other.
Henry captured my heart from the very first page. I love how sweet and innocent he is, but for just being 21 he's also strong and resilient, never giving up and fighting for the things he wants, be it his education to be able to help others dealing with HIV, like himself, or his relationship to Ezra.
Ezra is a strong, controlling, almost 40-years-old professor, who’s been hurt and betrayed in the past and left with high walls around his heart. These barrier come crumbling one after the other when he meets Henry.
I absolutely loved how both of them have doubts from time to time, mostly self-doubts, but they set them aside almost immediately to keep fighting for what they really want: being with each other.
September 4, 2019
Beautifully written
What a wonderful May December romance. The writing kept captivated. Henry has the sweetest heart and you could not help fall in love with him.
Ezra was the lucky older man who benefited.
Even though Henry had leave his home with only the clothes on his back, he still had so much compassion and love to give. Henry did not mean to fall in love . Even six months later the one night they shared was still imprinted in Ezra's heart.
I enjoyed their banter and the realization that of their affection for each other.
Wonderful read
What a wonderful May December romance. The writing kept captivated. Henry has the sweetest heart and you could not help fall in love with him.
Ezra was the lucky older man who benefited.
Even though Henry had leave his home with only the clothes on his back, he still had so much compassion and love to give. Henry did not mean to fall in love . Even six months later the one night they shared was still imprinted in Ezra's heart.
I enjoyed their banter and the realization that of their affection for each other.
Wonderful read
July 29, 2019
Not bad!
Good book, there is not much conflict here and the romance is sweet. Not spectacular but not bad either. It’s enjoyable but a little too safe and predictable.
Good book, there is not much conflict here and the romance is sweet. Not spectacular but not bad either. It’s enjoyable but a little too safe and predictable.
December 31, 2025
After being rejected by his family and left homeless, Henry Sullivan finds refuge at Ryan’s Place, where support and stability help him rebuild his life and reclaim the dreams he thought he’d lost. Enrolling in summer classes feels like a fresh start—until he walks into a human sexuality course taught by the man he once had a passionate, anonymous hookup with. Professor Ezra Meyer, still recovering from a painful breakup, has moved to the Queen City for a new beginning. Teaching a controversial course at a community college is supposed to be a low‑stakes way to settle in—until he realizes one of his students is the man he hasn’t been able to forget. Six months after their one‑night connection, the attraction between Henry and Ezra is stronger than ever, but acting on it risks both Ezra’s career and Henry’s hard‑won stability. As they navigate trauma, healing, and the unexpected ways life brings people back together, they must decide whether their connection is fate—or a mistake waiting to happen. Beautiful Trauma is a story of resilience, found family, second chances, and the transformative power of love.
I loved this story which was an very emotional and uplifting romance that leans deeply into themes of healing, resilience, and the power of found family. Henry’s journey from homelessness and heartbreak to hope is written with such tenderness that it’s impossible not to root for him. His strength isn’t loud — it’s the quiet, determined kind that grows from surviving what should have broken him. Ezra, still nursing wounds of his own, brings a different kind of vulnerability. Their connection — first a spark on a lonely night, then an impossible tension in the classroom — is layered with longing, fear, and the aching desire for something better. The story beautifully explores how trauma shapes people without defining them, and how love can be both a risk and a lifeline. What truly stands out is the warmth surrounding Henry and Ezra: the support, the second chances, the reminder that family is something you build as much as something you’re born into. With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a romance that feels both tender and hard‑won, this book delivers an emotional journey that lingers long after the final page. I adored both of these men who felt very real and their emotions and feelings were very real and will cause you some tears. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story which was an very emotional and uplifting romance that leans deeply into themes of healing, resilience, and the power of found family. Henry’s journey from homelessness and heartbreak to hope is written with such tenderness that it’s impossible not to root for him. His strength isn’t loud — it’s the quiet, determined kind that grows from surviving what should have broken him. Ezra, still nursing wounds of his own, brings a different kind of vulnerability. Their connection — first a spark on a lonely night, then an impossible tension in the classroom — is layered with longing, fear, and the aching desire for something better. The story beautifully explores how trauma shapes people without defining them, and how love can be both a risk and a lifeline. What truly stands out is the warmth surrounding Henry and Ezra: the support, the second chances, the reminder that family is something you build as much as something you’re born into. With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a romance that feels both tender and hard‑won, this book delivers an emotional journey that lingers long after the final page. I adored both of these men who felt very real and their emotions and feelings were very real and will cause you some tears. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 28, 2020
Overall another solid entry to the Queen City Rogues series. I always had an affinity to Henry since he first appeared in the first book in the series. Here is has grown into himself more and his relationship with Ezra has him becoming more of his own man. It's breathtaking to watch. I found some of the conflicts in the plot were resolved to quickly and a bit flippantly. I would have wished they were dealt with more thoroughly. But overall I enjoyed this entry. Wasn't sure where the storyline with Geoff and Dev was going to as nothing really happened with that, is there another book in the works? Are we to find out what happens to dear sweet Geoff now that he's left home to room with Jessie? Should I hold my breath? Because I really don't like to wake up with a headache.
May 27, 2020
Elemental Love
Henry's world had crashed before him, but one step after another he moved forward until he could stand straight and proud. For his 21st birthday his best friend took him to a club to help him step into adulthood. Across the room Ezra was attracted to the man who would become his world. They were drawn together like moths to a flame but for just one night.
Months would pass afterwards each of them trying to lie to themselves that they were not in pain. But the universe had already plotted their path.....
Henry's world had crashed before him, but one step after another he moved forward until he could stand straight and proud. For his 21st birthday his best friend took him to a club to help him step into adulthood. Across the room Ezra was attracted to the man who would become his world. They were drawn together like moths to a flame but for just one night.
Months would pass afterwards each of them trying to lie to themselves that they were not in pain. But the universe had already plotted their path.....
September 15, 2020
Awesome story. I am enjoying this series. I hope there will be more stories. I will say that I was confused about Ezra's parents age. He was late 30's so I expected his parents to be late 50's early 60's but if that was the case then they would have been in college in the 80's and I did not realize Cincinnati still had soda fountains in drug stores(I am from California and graduated high school in the 80's). Plus he talked about his dad's 60 year old scooter so maybe they were a very spry 70+ couple that still worked. Otherwise a great overall story.
May 29, 2020
I had a hard time feeling any connections between Henry and Ezra. I think it was maybe because we don't get to see their first night together and experience the chemistry that makes them irresistable to each other.
Apart from that, there was little progression in storyline. There was some promising storylines with Henry's condition that I feel was a nice addition as it is not common to see a HIV-positive character.
Apart from that, there was little progression in storyline. There was some promising storylines with Henry's condition that I feel was a nice addition as it is not common to see a HIV-positive character.
November 30, 2021
OK, at first, to me, Ezra came across as an uptight prick, but, as we get to know him, we see a gentler side, a loving and sexual man. This was an amazing tale, beautifully written, full of passion. Age gap once again, I love it, teacher and student once again, love! it! This author knows how to please, mixing the right amount of love, sex, sadness, and angst and baking a gorgeous tale.
May 21, 2020
Oh the feels! ❤️ This one even gets a red heart instead of my usual 🖤 haha. I really loved this book. I'm pretty sure I'm a big Walker fan. This is my second of hers and both have been 5 star reads for me. Ezra and Henry were perfect. I'm just gonna go roll around blissfully in all the feels now.
Read
March 3, 2020Going to re-read, but I think I remember really loving this book.
May 13, 2020
Didn’t finish-so cheesy and it read like a soap opera script
January 4, 2021
5 'Love it when someone finds their safe place. Henry need one and Ezra was it' stars.
December 11, 2021
This one touched my soul
I loved Henry dearly. He was so sweet and genuine. His story made my heart hurt and anger rise. Another great read.
I loved Henry dearly. He was so sweet and genuine. His story made my heart hurt and anger rise. Another great read.
December 12, 2019
storyline: ***
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: ****
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: ****
November 26, 2019
Beautiful.
Beautifully written, sensitive and emotional. Ezra had so many walls built around his heart and Henry didn't feel worthy or deserving. But one thing they both knew was that they wanted each other with a passion. Despite being professor and student, the will to resist didn't last long. Loved it.
Beautifully written, sensitive and emotional. Ezra had so many walls built around his heart and Henry didn't feel worthy or deserving. But one thing they both knew was that they wanted each other with a passion. Despite being professor and student, the will to resist didn't last long. Loved it.
September 21, 2019
3,5 heart review by Cindy
Henry is a man who’s just started exploring who he is after losing everything. He has help from the wonderful people at Ryan’s Place and he’s finally looking toward a future that looks bright.
Ezra just wants to teach, have a little fun once in a while and forget why he had to move to Queen City in the first place.
This is the third book in this series and the writer is very talented. They write complex characters who aren’t always perfect and that’s something that appeals to me. They write great conversations and have built a world that is interesting and believable and I’m glad that I’ve stuck by this series.
This book did have an issue for me, however. I found some of Ezra’s behavior…unsettling. And yes, I did mention that I like imperfect characters but some of his “charms” were lost on me. I wanted to like him a lot, but without giving too much away, I found him kind of mean and sometimes felt like he was a little manipulative in a way that bothered me.
Henry was sweet and lovable and I wanted nothing but the best for him and while I liked a lot of things about his relationship with Ezra, my reservations about Ezra’s behavior kind of dampened my enthusiasm.
The sex is hot and very well written. I loved how they approached Henry’s issues (which I will keep to myself) and it’s the kind of normalization that is sorely needed in this genre.
Henry’s friends are interesting and some of them are familiar faces and that always makes me smile. Ezra’s friends need a little help, but his parent’s are amazing and it’s nice to see supportive, kind and loving families. A lot of times the angst in a story comes from families and while it’s kind of true for this one, I’m happy to see the balance here.
Once again, there is a lot to love about this story and I really tried hard to understand the behaviors that were concerning to me, it did take away a little of my enjoyment. Please remember, though, it really might be just a personal issue with me.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Henry is a man who’s just started exploring who he is after losing everything. He has help from the wonderful people at Ryan’s Place and he’s finally looking toward a future that looks bright.
Ezra just wants to teach, have a little fun once in a while and forget why he had to move to Queen City in the first place.
This is the third book in this series and the writer is very talented. They write complex characters who aren’t always perfect and that’s something that appeals to me. They write great conversations and have built a world that is interesting and believable and I’m glad that I’ve stuck by this series.
This book did have an issue for me, however. I found some of Ezra’s behavior…unsettling. And yes, I did mention that I like imperfect characters but some of his “charms” were lost on me. I wanted to like him a lot, but without giving too much away, I found him kind of mean and sometimes felt like he was a little manipulative in a way that bothered me.
Henry was sweet and lovable and I wanted nothing but the best for him and while I liked a lot of things about his relationship with Ezra, my reservations about Ezra’s behavior kind of dampened my enthusiasm.
The sex is hot and very well written. I loved how they approached Henry’s issues (which I will keep to myself) and it’s the kind of normalization that is sorely needed in this genre.
Henry’s friends are interesting and some of them are familiar faces and that always makes me smile. Ezra’s friends need a little help, but his parent’s are amazing and it’s nice to see supportive, kind and loving families. A lot of times the angst in a story comes from families and while it’s kind of true for this one, I’m happy to see the balance here.
Once again, there is a lot to love about this story and I really tried hard to understand the behaviors that were concerning to me, it did take away a little of my enjoyment. Please remember, though, it really might be just a personal issue with me.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 4, 2019
It’s been a long while since I’ve read a good teacher-student romance, and here in Beautiful Trauma, Aimee Nicole Walker nails it while also throwing in some extra complications for the characters. Those extras include an age gap between the two main characters (18 years), a prior scandal for Ezra (our professor here), Henry’s painful not-so-distant past plus his unfortunate health situation. Though the matchup here is between two adults in a college setting, there is still the issue of Ezra being in a position to influence Henry’s grade so that right there is a big no-no as well—even if they’d first become involved prior to school starting. So right from the start there’s several factors in play.
I love how determined Henry is to make it on his own, and his resilience and focus are admirable. He’s making the best of some difficult circumstances, trying to make things better for himself. I was a bit bummed that we didn’t get to see the full extent of Henry and Ezra’s first encounter together before they met again at the university, it was kind of a tease to tell us about this amazing, sensual, mind-blowing hookup but not elaborate on the details—and no, that’s not a plea for a gratuitous sex scene…that night and following morning were the true start of their deep connection, so I’m looking more for the emotional connection.
I thought the two of them together were wonderful. The age gap was really only a concern to Henry, when in most stories I’ve read it’s usually the older guy who harps on the difference in years. That made it seem like Henry felt undeserving of Ezra’s attentions, while at other times Henry acted bold and possessive—so there was a bit of internal conflict for him, which lended just the right touch of angst to the story.
This story wound up being a solid 4-star read for me, and I’d definitely recommend it, particularly if you’re a fan of any of the factors I mentioned previously. Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone and it’s meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I love how determined Henry is to make it on his own, and his resilience and focus are admirable. He’s making the best of some difficult circumstances, trying to make things better for himself. I was a bit bummed that we didn’t get to see the full extent of Henry and Ezra’s first encounter together before they met again at the university, it was kind of a tease to tell us about this amazing, sensual, mind-blowing hookup but not elaborate on the details—and no, that’s not a plea for a gratuitous sex scene…that night and following morning were the true start of their deep connection, so I’m looking more for the emotional connection.
I thought the two of them together were wonderful. The age gap was really only a concern to Henry, when in most stories I’ve read it’s usually the older guy who harps on the difference in years. That made it seem like Henry felt undeserving of Ezra’s attentions, while at other times Henry acted bold and possessive—so there was a bit of internal conflict for him, which lended just the right touch of angst to the story.
This story wound up being a solid 4-star read for me, and I’d definitely recommend it, particularly if you’re a fan of any of the factors I mentioned previously. Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone and it’s meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
August 7, 2019
4 Stars!
Let me start by saying that I adored Henry, he was just so hard-working, brave and resilient and I don't know how many times I teared up at everything he had to go through at such an early age. While he was 17 during the Prologue, and then 21 for most of the book, he was very mature, yet innocent for his age. I was glad that even if his mother wasn't worthy of the name, he found people in his life that showed him he was deserving of love despite how she threw him out in the street. Geoff, Jesse and most of the people Henry crossed paths with, couldn't help but be drawn to his light and want to help him in any way they could and that was because of Henry's inherent sweetness and disposition.
Then we have Ezra, who I took a long time to warm to. He was just so jaded and the hot and cold routine got old very fast for me. I just wanted to throat-punch him during certain scenes, at the same time that I wondered who the older, more mature one in the couple really was. He kinda made up for it, although I would've liked a bit more groveling on his part. Henry and Ezra had chemistry and seemed good together, but up until the last 10-15% when Ezra finally got his act together, I just wanted something more for Henry.
Still, this was a pretty good read, very engaging and emotional (I cried a few times, so you're warned). Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Let me start by saying that I adored Henry, he was just so hard-working, brave and resilient and I don't know how many times I teared up at everything he had to go through at such an early age. While he was 17 during the Prologue, and then 21 for most of the book, he was very mature, yet innocent for his age. I was glad that even if his mother wasn't worthy of the name, he found people in his life that showed him he was deserving of love despite how she threw him out in the street. Geoff, Jesse and most of the people Henry crossed paths with, couldn't help but be drawn to his light and want to help him in any way they could and that was because of Henry's inherent sweetness and disposition.
Then we have Ezra, who I took a long time to warm to. He was just so jaded and the hot and cold routine got old very fast for me. I just wanted to throat-punch him during certain scenes, at the same time that I wondered who the older, more mature one in the couple really was. He kinda made up for it, although I would've liked a bit more groveling on his part. Henry and Ezra had chemistry and seemed good together, but up until the last 10-15% when Ezra finally got his act together, I just wanted something more for Henry.
Still, this was a pretty good read, very engaging and emotional (I cried a few times, so you're warned). Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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