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With Me #1
Wait for Me
Master Sergeant Jeff “Mackey” MacNamara has been waiting for THE ONE for years. First it wasn’t too safe to find a partner and now his schedule is a nightmare with training soldiers and deployments.
Scott Ash has found where he always was meant to be after a brief bout of idealistic do-gooder after college. He loves his job as a childcare director, if he could just find someone to love – perfect might cover it.
A chance meeting when Scott is doing a favor for a friend starts them on a journey that could take them to forever, it’s just a matter of waiting.
Scott Ash has found where he always was meant to be after a brief bout of idealistic do-gooder after college. He loves his job as a childcare director, if he could just find someone to love – perfect might cover it.
A chance meeting when Scott is doing a favor for a friend starts them on a journey that could take them to forever, it’s just a matter of waiting.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2017
93 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jacen
53 books147 followersKris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, James Buchanan, J.L. Langley, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, William Maltese and has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kimberly Gardner, Lex Valentine, S.J. Frost, Patric Michael and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 16, 2020
A new author for me, and I loved this military M/M romance.
Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamara, late thirties,
is at his buddy's bachelor party, to make sure the friend gets home safely.
He has been training new officers while awaiting new deployment orders. There are seven men, calling themselves the Heptad, who are tight as any family unit. Mackey is Artillery, Kevin- Infantry, Mike - Quarter Master, Danny - Cavalry, Brian- Transportation, Spook - Special Forces, and Mooney - MP, Military Police, quite a mix.
Mackey/Jeff meets the bartender, Scott,
who is filling in for a friend, and their cute conversation ends up with Scott being Jeff's "plus one" for the military wedding.
The next day, Jeff is on a run with his German Shepard, Dix, who is a retired MWD ( Military Work Dog.)
Dix's training kicks in and he finds something out of place. An abandoned baby.
In that issue being handled, Scott is the one who shows up, filling in for another friend, to take care of the Child's care. Scott has a Masters in Social Work and owns a daycare facility.
Their chemistry is perfect, and Scott is included in the tight circle of Jeff's friends, with parties and babies coming, plus our two men blending their lives, families, and hanging out, hiking with Dix, and all that entails steady dating. I loved how each man loved kids, and loved the "nibbles." Hot sexy times move slowly at first, because they both want the deep connection that feels like a forever kind. I liked each character, plus we get strong women.
Once deployed, the wives and some of the guys hang out with Scott, giving advice and answering questions, to help him deal with his man on deployment. They get to email, have rare calls, and do Skype, and sexy-skype.
An explosion in Afghanistan causes injuries and soon the guys are all on home ground.
A terrific story of military spouses, sense of family, and dealing with the issues of Army life, good and bad. (PTSD)
We get everything we like; hot sexiness, humor, interactions of family and friends, excitement, danger, devotion, and sweet romance.
ENJOY !
=====
Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamara, late thirties,
is at his buddy's bachelor party, to make sure the friend gets home safely.
He has been training new officers while awaiting new deployment orders. There are seven men, calling themselves the Heptad, who are tight as any family unit. Mackey is Artillery, Kevin- Infantry, Mike - Quarter Master, Danny - Cavalry, Brian- Transportation, Spook - Special Forces, and Mooney - MP, Military Police, quite a mix.
Mackey/Jeff meets the bartender, Scott,
who is filling in for a friend, and their cute conversation ends up with Scott being Jeff's "plus one" for the military wedding.
The next day, Jeff is on a run with his German Shepard, Dix, who is a retired MWD ( Military Work Dog.)
Dix's training kicks in and he finds something out of place. An abandoned baby.
In that issue being handled, Scott is the one who shows up, filling in for another friend, to take care of the Child's care. Scott has a Masters in Social Work and owns a daycare facility.
Their chemistry is perfect, and Scott is included in the tight circle of Jeff's friends, with parties and babies coming, plus our two men blending their lives, families, and hanging out, hiking with Dix, and all that entails steady dating. I loved how each man loved kids, and loved the "nibbles." Hot sexy times move slowly at first, because they both want the deep connection that feels like a forever kind. I liked each character, plus we get strong women.
Once deployed, the wives and some of the guys hang out with Scott, giving advice and answering questions, to help him deal with his man on deployment. They get to email, have rare calls, and do Skype, and sexy-skype.
An explosion in Afghanistan causes injuries and soon the guys are all on home ground.
A terrific story of military spouses, sense of family, and dealing with the issues of Army life, good and bad. (PTSD)
We get everything we like; hot sexiness, humor, interactions of family and friends, excitement, danger, devotion, and sweet romance.
ENJOY !
=====
November 13, 2017
DNf 18%.
Editing was atrocious. I had real trouble working out who was who, and this went on for chapters. Also, are they in the army? What’s with the spurs and stetsons? This was not explained up to 19%. So these factors made it all dislocating and confusing.
But what made me DNf was the whole thing where he has just met this dude, and is already sizing him up as dear little wifey material, as are all his friends...and holding conversations about it. And some stuff in it about a little kid in need.
Kinda 80s harlequin raw material with bad editing and a half assed substitution of an m for an f to be the dear little wifey. The writer and editors seemed too enmeshed in patriarchy to see the insidious gender mapping/heterosexual role mapping.
Yucko.
Obviously I DNfd at 19%, so dear little wifey guy might end up being a super ninja bad-ass or something, and the whole book turned on its head, but it seemed unlikely.
Editing was atrocious. I had real trouble working out who was who, and this went on for chapters. Also, are they in the army? What’s with the spurs and stetsons? This was not explained up to 19%. So these factors made it all dislocating and confusing.
But what made me DNf was the whole thing where he has just met this dude, and is already sizing him up as dear little wifey material, as are all his friends...and holding conversations about it. And some stuff in it about a little kid in need.
Kinda 80s harlequin raw material with bad editing and a half assed substitution of an m for an f to be the dear little wifey. The writer and editors seemed too enmeshed in patriarchy to see the insidious gender mapping/heterosexual role mapping.
Yucko.
Obviously I DNfd at 19%, so dear little wifey guy might end up being a super ninja bad-ass or something, and the whole book turned on its head, but it seemed unlikely.
March 18, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. I enjoyed this one. Being a military spouse for over 25 1/2 years it took me back to the deployments my family went through. It also took me back to the great military friends you make who become like family. I loved Jeff and Scott together, they were so sweet with each other. I loved all their friends and family. Dix had my heart also <3 <3
August 15, 2025
Overall book review: 3
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 3
I'm going to be the unpopular one in the group and say that
this was just an okay read.
I'm not going to remember any of it tomorrow if I'm going
to be honest.
To me, there was just no real emotional or character depth.
I didn't FEEL the story. I didn't FEEL their connection.
The best way I can describe it for myself will be to say that
it felt as if the author jotted down some points she wanted
to touch on in the course of the story and that is what she did.
She touched on things and checked it off.
In a manner that did not feel realistic
or emotional or real to me in any way.
It had a great deal of potential and the heptad
thing was something else. But again, I didn't
really even feel that connection.
I finished it, but if I'm honest, I got a little
bored at the end, okay maybe halfway through really.
I could see every moment
playing out ahead of time. Even the touch
of "conflict" was uninspiring.
I was hoping for MORE. More depth, more
real emotion more connection.
Didn't get it in this one though. Sorry
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 3
I'm going to be the unpopular one in the group and say that
this was just an okay read.
I'm not going to remember any of it tomorrow if I'm going
to be honest.
To me, there was just no real emotional or character depth.
I didn't FEEL the story. I didn't FEEL their connection.
The best way I can describe it for myself will be to say that
it felt as if the author jotted down some points she wanted
to touch on in the course of the story and that is what she did.
She touched on things and checked it off.
In a manner that did not feel realistic
or emotional or real to me in any way.
It had a great deal of potential and the heptad
thing was something else. But again, I didn't
really even feel that connection.
I finished it, but if I'm honest, I got a little
bored at the end, okay maybe halfway through really.
I could see every moment
playing out ahead of time. Even the touch
of "conflict" was uninspiring.
I was hoping for MORE. More depth, more
real emotion more connection.
Didn't get it in this one though. Sorry
May 16, 2018
An Army Master Sergeant and his dog, a retired military working dog. A child care director
surrounded daily by toddlers. What could these two men find in common, let alone in a future
together? OK, the blurb had me at gay romance, military, dog, and children, so this is a book that
called out to me, and Jared Rackler's dynamite cover sealed the deal. The story did not
disappoint.
Jeff’s position as a master sergeant involves training and deployments to global hot spots. He’s
part of a group of seven military men who bonded during training and call themselves a heptad.
It’s a word that for them means family of seven since they are always available to help each
other. Most of them are straight and married or engaged, except for Jeff and Danny. Jeff is gay
and looking for The One to come home to at night or after a deployment. Someone to love and to
love him. Jeff is part of a large family, with nieces and nephews he adores and calls “the
nibblers.” He also owns a dog that he rescued after the dog’s military career ended.
Scott has a master’s degree in child care and psychology, which has led him to becoming the
director of a child care center. Scott is gay and an outgoing man who is also looking for someone
to love. He has one sister, a niece, and parents who have come to accept the fact that he is gay.
When Scott meets Jeff and a few sparks fly between them, it becomes a matter of getting to
know each other before they can mesh such disparate lives. Will Scott be able to wait at home
when Jeff is deployed, sometimes for months, with little communication between them? Rather
than a fairytale romance we sometimes expect in novels, there are real world problems and
conflicts between the men. These are not star-struck teenagers. They are mature men in their 30s
with habits and expectations that won’t just go away. Tempers flare, past history resurfaces, and
for a little while it looks like this just isn’t going to work out. A little intervention may be in
order.
Kris Jacen is an accomplished editor who decided based on her personal experiences that this is a
book she could write, and did she ever. I thoroughly enjoyed Wait for Me and look forward to her next book.
surrounded daily by toddlers. What could these two men find in common, let alone in a future
together? OK, the blurb had me at gay romance, military, dog, and children, so this is a book that
called out to me, and Jared Rackler's dynamite cover sealed the deal. The story did not
disappoint.
Jeff’s position as a master sergeant involves training and deployments to global hot spots. He’s
part of a group of seven military men who bonded during training and call themselves a heptad.
It’s a word that for them means family of seven since they are always available to help each
other. Most of them are straight and married or engaged, except for Jeff and Danny. Jeff is gay
and looking for The One to come home to at night or after a deployment. Someone to love and to
love him. Jeff is part of a large family, with nieces and nephews he adores and calls “the
nibblers.” He also owns a dog that he rescued after the dog’s military career ended.
Scott has a master’s degree in child care and psychology, which has led him to becoming the
director of a child care center. Scott is gay and an outgoing man who is also looking for someone
to love. He has one sister, a niece, and parents who have come to accept the fact that he is gay.
When Scott meets Jeff and a few sparks fly between them, it becomes a matter of getting to
know each other before they can mesh such disparate lives. Will Scott be able to wait at home
when Jeff is deployed, sometimes for months, with little communication between them? Rather
than a fairytale romance we sometimes expect in novels, there are real world problems and
conflicts between the men. These are not star-struck teenagers. They are mature men in their 30s
with habits and expectations that won’t just go away. Tempers flare, past history resurfaces, and
for a little while it looks like this just isn’t going to work out. A little intervention may be in
order.
Kris Jacen is an accomplished editor who decided based on her personal experiences that this is a
book she could write, and did she ever. I thoroughly enjoyed Wait for Me and look forward to her next book.
December 8, 2017
Wait for Me, Kris Jacen’s debut novel, was a joy to read. For anyone who knows Jacen, they will see right away that she has drawn from personal experience when writing this lovely story about love and commitment. Jeff, a career military man, faces many obstacles that people who aren’t in the services face. Let alone the forced separation caused by deployments, the fear for those at home, especially if the worst should happen, is something many probably don’t know about. Add to that the effect of serving and the resulting PTSD issues upon return, and we get an inside glimpse into a very special population of people.
But she doesn’t stop there. We also get to see the brotherhood of men who serve together, the tight-knit family that members of the military create well beyond their biological families, and the strength of those who remain behind and protect the home our heroes return to after fighting for our country. In all of these things, the author does an excellent job of giving the reader an inside view of two awesome men, Jeff and Scott, as well as the extended cast of characters who surround her two protagonists.
There is a casual, conversational style to the narrative, Jacen’s personality shining through in each scene and interaction, paired with lovely descriptions of the inner thoughts and struggles associated with love and military. As with any new author, there were some things I would have loved to see more of. I would have loved a bigger dose of the struggle caused by separation, as well as the tension created by said separation (and the PTSD that follows). But other than wanting more, the book did not contain the typical newbie pitfalls that most authors fall into.
Overall, a wonderful book, one you will enjoy: long enough that you can sink your teeth in, but never dragging.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
But she doesn’t stop there. We also get to see the brotherhood of men who serve together, the tight-knit family that members of the military create well beyond their biological families, and the strength of those who remain behind and protect the home our heroes return to after fighting for our country. In all of these things, the author does an excellent job of giving the reader an inside view of two awesome men, Jeff and Scott, as well as the extended cast of characters who surround her two protagonists.
There is a casual, conversational style to the narrative, Jacen’s personality shining through in each scene and interaction, paired with lovely descriptions of the inner thoughts and struggles associated with love and military. As with any new author, there were some things I would have loved to see more of. I would have loved a bigger dose of the struggle caused by separation, as well as the tension created by said separation (and the PTSD that follows). But other than wanting more, the book did not contain the typical newbie pitfalls that most authors fall into.
Overall, a wonderful book, one you will enjoy: long enough that you can sink your teeth in, but never dragging.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
February 19, 2018
What a terrific debut book!! As an Army-brat and former Dept of Army civilian, I was thrilled by the accuracy of military family life. Anyone who doubts that military spouses are the unsung heroes hasn’t been around the military much.
The story of Jeff and Scott was heart-warming. All the supporting (they are too important to the story for me to use secondary to describe them) characters added an amazing depth to the story.
Anyone who has been lucky enough to find their “the one” or is still hoping to find their “the one” will enjoy this story.
Well done and congratulations to Ms. Jacen!
The story of Jeff and Scott was heart-warming. All the supporting (they are too important to the story for me to use secondary to describe them) characters added an amazing depth to the story.
Anyone who has been lucky enough to find their “the one” or is still hoping to find their “the one” will enjoy this story.
Well done and congratulations to Ms. Jacen!
October 1, 2020
I don't really know what to say about this one. It didn't work for me and if I wasn't reading it for a challenge I probably would've DNF:ed it pretty early. Something just didn't work for me. The pacing was a bit off. The point of view changes felt a bit weird and the relationship between the MC's felt forced. Everything was just so... grey. I don't know how to explain it properly. Even the happier moments didn't really feel happy. Thank god it's short.
February 20, 2018
The stuff about deployment was intersting but the romance move both to fast and too slow at the same time.
Scott is a great guy. I love a child care worker hero. I actually find Mackey way less intersting and don't love his circle of friends.
So, the love story was just okay for me. I might try another book by this writer though.
Scott is a great guy. I love a child care worker hero. I actually find Mackey way less intersting and don't love his circle of friends.
So, the love story was just okay for me. I might try another book by this writer though.
May 26, 2020
Not quite making it - 2.5* rounded up because of the dog.
I decided to read this because I saw book 3 - Learn with Me on my feed and thought the blurb looked ok. Naturally this means I should start at book 1.
This story of an older military man (Jeff), his friends, his dog, and his new love (Scott) has a lot of heart. Unfortunately I wanted to enjoy it more than I did. The writing style was neither to my taste nor well done.
The style was quite stiff, with a lot of telling, not showing. I wanted to live through Jeff and Scott's experiences with them, not read about it some time later in a brief description. Then there was a real disconnect in the whole military part. Even before reading the author's bio I could tell she was in some way involved with a military family. There is a lot of detail about the military that was not needed for the story. It was also littered with jargon, much of it not explained. Felt like an educational brochure that failed to use words the intended audience could understand.I also felt there was the rather constant undercurrent of how she thinks regular people should feel about the military. This got tiring very quickly.
The good part was that I liked Jeff and Scott. I certainly could have used more of them. They acted like adults with brains. They talked to each other. The friendship of Jeff and his 6 friends from basic training was nice if highly unbelievable. I know that men can and do have close friendships, but this this one seemed based in fantasy. This was ok with me cause it was nice. And then there was the dog. I did actually tear up at a reunion between Jeff and the dog. Yes I am a sap :)
While I did think there were major failings in the writing I did decide to give book 2 a try. But having finished that I'm not sure I can actually bring myself to read book 3 as I had intended.
I decided to read this because I saw book 3 - Learn with Me on my feed and thought the blurb looked ok. Naturally this means I should start at book 1.
This story of an older military man (Jeff), his friends, his dog, and his new love (Scott) has a lot of heart. Unfortunately I wanted to enjoy it more than I did. The writing style was neither to my taste nor well done.
The style was quite stiff, with a lot of telling, not showing. I wanted to live through Jeff and Scott's experiences with them, not read about it some time later in a brief description. Then there was a real disconnect in the whole military part. Even before reading the author's bio I could tell she was in some way involved with a military family. There is a lot of detail about the military that was not needed for the story. It was also littered with jargon, much of it not explained. Felt like an educational brochure that failed to use words the intended audience could understand.I also felt there was the rather constant undercurrent of how she thinks regular people should feel about the military. This got tiring very quickly.
The good part was that I liked Jeff and Scott. I certainly could have used more of them. They acted like adults with brains. They talked to each other. The friendship of Jeff and his 6 friends from basic training was nice if highly unbelievable. I know that men can and do have close friendships, but this this one seemed based in fantasy. This was ok with me cause it was nice. And then there was the dog. I did actually tear up at a reunion between Jeff and the dog. Yes I am a sap :)
While I did think there were major failings in the writing I did decide to give book 2 a try. But having finished that I'm not sure I can actually bring myself to read book 3 as I had intended.
May 26, 2019
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
This is my first book by Author KRIS JACEN, it will not be my last. I ENJOYED this book so much. I'm a big fan of Military Romance. This is a heartwarming, beautiful story about two men and their families that warmed me through and through. Scott is a civilian who owns his own daycare. Jeff "Mackey" is an active duty soldier. The relationship they have with their own families and the heptad friends is a blessing to both. The Military perspective on deployment and the effect it has on the ones left behind was wonderful. I liked having that insight. This is a beautiful book written by an Author that has lived in these circumstances. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
This is my first book by Author KRIS JACEN, it will not be my last. I ENJOYED this book so much. I'm a big fan of Military Romance. This is a heartwarming, beautiful story about two men and their families that warmed me through and through. Scott is a civilian who owns his own daycare. Jeff "Mackey" is an active duty soldier. The relationship they have with their own families and the heptad friends is a blessing to both. The Military perspective on deployment and the effect it has on the ones left behind was wonderful. I liked having that insight. This is a beautiful book written by an Author that has lived in these circumstances. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
June 10, 2020
I really struggled with this book. I read a lot of military (fiction & non) and it still took me several chapters to figure out what branch she was talking about.
When writing MM, especially 3rd person - an author has to be *really* clear about using pronouns over names too much because it can be difficult to tell exactly what “he/him/his” is being referred to. Add a male dog that’s regularly with the couple and it becomes even more confusing. I found myself rereading sentences multiple times.
Scott & Jeff were great guys and that helped me finish, but I just wasn’t wowed by the story.
I’m tempted to read the next one because I really enjoy age gap - and now that they “cast of characters” is set, perhaps it won’t feel so clunky.
When writing MM, especially 3rd person - an author has to be *really* clear about using pronouns over names too much because it can be difficult to tell exactly what “he/him/his” is being referred to. Add a male dog that’s regularly with the couple and it becomes even more confusing. I found myself rereading sentences multiple times.
Scott & Jeff were great guys and that helped me finish, but I just wasn’t wowed by the story.
I’m tempted to read the next one because I really enjoy age gap - and now that they “cast of characters” is set, perhaps it won’t feel so clunky.
December 24, 2018
The first novel in debut author Kris Jacen's With Me series, Wait for Me is a sexy yet heartwarming military romance.
Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamera is about to deploy again when he meets Scott Ash. The two men immediately hit it off and despite their impending separation, they decide to give their fledgling romance the chance to grow. Jeff has been hoping to find "the one" for quite some time, but is Scott equipped to deal with the realities of dating a soldier?
Jeff and Scott are mature men who are comfortable in their own skin. Jeff is preparing for not only a deployment, but the next step in his career. Scott is the director of a child care center so not much fazes him. Since their time together is limited before Jeff leaves, their relationship moves quickly but there is never a doubt their growing feelings for each other are real.
As a former military wife for 26 years (my husband is now retired), I have experienced firsthand the hardships of deployments many, many times. So for me, I think the strongest aspect of the storyline is how Scott takes the time to learn what it mean to be involved with a military member. He asks intelligent questions so at least he has a good idea of what to expect. But he also discovers that nothing can adequately prepare him for the reality of a deployment until he is actually living through it. Jeff's experiences as the deployed partner are also realistically portrayed which provides a well-rounded glimpse of military relationships.
Jeff has a close circle of friends who support each other through thick and thin. They eagerly accept Scott into the fold so he has plenty of people to rely on through Jeff's deployment. The secondary characters are well-rounded but the vast number of people makes it impossible to tell them apart.
Wait for Me is a wonderful drama-free, engaging romance between two self-confident men. Jeff and Scott's romance is believable and when conflict arises, they are quick to work through their problems. A refreshing debut by Kris Jacen that I highly recommend to fans of military gay romances. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the With Me series.
Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamera is about to deploy again when he meets Scott Ash. The two men immediately hit it off and despite their impending separation, they decide to give their fledgling romance the chance to grow. Jeff has been hoping to find "the one" for quite some time, but is Scott equipped to deal with the realities of dating a soldier?
Jeff and Scott are mature men who are comfortable in their own skin. Jeff is preparing for not only a deployment, but the next step in his career. Scott is the director of a child care center so not much fazes him. Since their time together is limited before Jeff leaves, their relationship moves quickly but there is never a doubt their growing feelings for each other are real.
As a former military wife for 26 years (my husband is now retired), I have experienced firsthand the hardships of deployments many, many times. So for me, I think the strongest aspect of the storyline is how Scott takes the time to learn what it mean to be involved with a military member. He asks intelligent questions so at least he has a good idea of what to expect. But he also discovers that nothing can adequately prepare him for the reality of a deployment until he is actually living through it. Jeff's experiences as the deployed partner are also realistically portrayed which provides a well-rounded glimpse of military relationships.
Jeff has a close circle of friends who support each other through thick and thin. They eagerly accept Scott into the fold so he has plenty of people to rely on through Jeff's deployment. The secondary characters are well-rounded but the vast number of people makes it impossible to tell them apart.
Wait for Me is a wonderful drama-free, engaging romance between two self-confident men. Jeff and Scott's romance is believable and when conflict arises, they are quick to work through their problems. A refreshing debut by Kris Jacen that I highly recommend to fans of military gay romances. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the With Me series.
December 15, 2021
Sadly, I only finished it because there was a sweet dog in the story. Otherwise I was confused with all the terminology, PTSD was brushed aside so fast, too many characters/ nicknames, and the ending was rushed. The dog was great though.
June 22, 2020
I didn't like it at all.
The story is not bad but the writting's not for me.
I felt totally disconnect from the character. No emotion whatsoever.
The story is not bad but the writting's not for me.
I felt totally disconnect from the character. No emotion whatsoever.
September 20, 2020
First, let me say, an understanding of military terms would be helpful to fully comprehend the story. (Perhaps a glossary of terms could have been included at the beginning of the book? In future sequels?) I really enjoyed the main character development of Scott and Mackey and the inclusion of interesting and loving secondary characters. I love the inclusion of small children, as they always seem to lighten the mood of a story. The adult men are all likable fellows and their camaraderie is heartwarming, as is the affection of their spouses. This story was pretty much angst-free. However, IMHO, a story needs conflict so that the resolution is more rewarding. But, everything in this story was low-key and ho-hum. A perfect opportunity to inject angst/conflict/suspense would have been when Mackey was on deployment. But, no. My biggest complaint about this author is her writing style. Her dialogue, while sounding like "normal-people" speak, is sometimes difficult to attribute to who is actually speaking. In a normal story, when a character is speaking, the dialogue continues with quotes until they stop speaking. When the next person replies, quotes begin again in a separate paragraph. This author often separates the dialogue of the speaking character into separate short, quoted passages without attribution to the speaker thus making it seem like the other person is replying when they are not. This book was very badly written as far as sentence structure and phrasing are concerned. There are many grammatical and spelling errors, as well. This book needed an editor and proofreader, and while the author does give credit to individuals who were supposed to serve those functions, they did not do their jobs. (Again, what is shocking to me is that the author used to be an editor, herself! Didn't she learn anything from her previous career?)
November 25, 2017
Started out a bit rough… it was hard to differentiate whose pov was who… one minute we got Jeff, the next we have Scott.… and also, first impressions aren’t always great, I know that…. Doesn’t mean they cant be a good person, but both of these guys just seemed extremely selfish…
Jeff finds a baby girl, alone in only a diaper and dirty and hangs on to your dog for dear life, obviously afraid and as I’ve said, very much alone…but lets complain about the way it inconveniences YOU….
You’ve already said the wedding you have to attend is pretty much a waste of time, as you’ve done nothing but complain about that as well, so, one would think you’d be ecstatic to get such a burden dumped in your lap… Oooooh, but you have a date, so… nevermind. And the way he talked and interrupted his mother on the phone… like he couldn’t have the patience for her to finish a sentence… I was like…are you kidding me, dude!!!
Now… Scott does weekend social work or something… gets to be on call to help kids…even though, not surprisingly, he complains about too… because hes got a date tomorrow with fellow selfish man, who is Jeff. But, nevermind the alone and neglected BABY… Ugh, it was hard for me to like either one of them after that.
The dialogue seemed immature for grown men, I dunno if I was just annoyed cuz I didn’t like the main characters or the dialogue, but meh.
Also, everything was super fast… it was like, they meet and then they’re so worried about finding THE ONE, that, it doesn’t really matter who ends up being the one, they’re auditioning people from date one…. The friends interrogating you after a couple dates and outright rude comments from the sister… again, another meh from me here.
Now, after about five minutes of being together, Jeff is being deployed, but of course, Scott agrees to wait for him because they love each other by now, but they keep in touch. Scott integrates himself into the family and they have skype and emails and all that, so its fine. Everything seems to be amazing between the two, even after Jeff gets back, but it almost seems like just for some conflict, the author creates a fight that Im really not sure the where or why, as I figured itd be blamed on ptsd…but alls well that ends well… they end up together and happy in the end!
I really wanted to like this one, I’m such a sucker for soldiers… but it just missed it for me..
2 stars from me
*I received this story from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
Jeff finds a baby girl, alone in only a diaper and dirty and hangs on to your dog for dear life, obviously afraid and as I’ve said, very much alone…but lets complain about the way it inconveniences YOU….
You’ve already said the wedding you have to attend is pretty much a waste of time, as you’ve done nothing but complain about that as well, so, one would think you’d be ecstatic to get such a burden dumped in your lap… Oooooh, but you have a date, so… nevermind. And the way he talked and interrupted his mother on the phone… like he couldn’t have the patience for her to finish a sentence… I was like…are you kidding me, dude!!!
Now… Scott does weekend social work or something… gets to be on call to help kids…even though, not surprisingly, he complains about too… because hes got a date tomorrow with fellow selfish man, who is Jeff. But, nevermind the alone and neglected BABY… Ugh, it was hard for me to like either one of them after that.
The dialogue seemed immature for grown men, I dunno if I was just annoyed cuz I didn’t like the main characters or the dialogue, but meh.
Also, everything was super fast… it was like, they meet and then they’re so worried about finding THE ONE, that, it doesn’t really matter who ends up being the one, they’re auditioning people from date one…. The friends interrogating you after a couple dates and outright rude comments from the sister… again, another meh from me here.
Now, after about five minutes of being together, Jeff is being deployed, but of course, Scott agrees to wait for him because they love each other by now, but they keep in touch. Scott integrates himself into the family and they have skype and emails and all that, so its fine. Everything seems to be amazing between the two, even after Jeff gets back, but it almost seems like just for some conflict, the author creates a fight that Im really not sure the where or why, as I figured itd be blamed on ptsd…but alls well that ends well… they end up together and happy in the end!
I really wanted to like this one, I’m such a sucker for soldiers… but it just missed it for me..
2 stars from me
*I received this story from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
December 26, 2022
Ah, THE ONE. I think we’re all, at one time or another, looking for him or her. Some of us get lucky and find them, others spend their whole lives going from one to the next to the next and so on. The blurb interested me due to the subject matter, and I’m a sucker for men in uniform, but I was supremely curious about this first-time foray into writing by a woman I’ve known for years as an editor.
I liked Jeff and Scott, both right from the beginning. Jeff has been in the military for eighteen years, gone through “don’t ask, don’t tell”, and he hasn’t ever found the man for him. Granted, military relationships are very difficult, and they take strong people, willing to communicate and compromise, to make it work. Scott was smart enough to realize, a few years in, that Child Protective Services wasn’t what he wanted, and he now is a director for a daycare center. These two unlikely men meet at Jeff’s best friend’s bachelor party where Scott is doing a favor for a friend and bartending. Jeff and Scott both realize, right from the start, that they have the possibility of being something wonderful together.
Could Scott hack being attached to a soldier?... Mackey wanted to see if they could make enough memories of good days to last through deployment and if they didn’t, he at least hoped that Scott was honest enough to tell him up front he had moved on… Mackey just had to convince Scott that Mackey was the best thing for him, all in the next twenty-seven days. Oh yeah, no pressure there.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews
I liked Jeff and Scott, both right from the beginning. Jeff has been in the military for eighteen years, gone through “don’t ask, don’t tell”, and he hasn’t ever found the man for him. Granted, military relationships are very difficult, and they take strong people, willing to communicate and compromise, to make it work. Scott was smart enough to realize, a few years in, that Child Protective Services wasn’t what he wanted, and he now is a director for a daycare center. These two unlikely men meet at Jeff’s best friend’s bachelor party where Scott is doing a favor for a friend and bartending. Jeff and Scott both realize, right from the start, that they have the possibility of being something wonderful together.
Could Scott hack being attached to a soldier?... Mackey wanted to see if they could make enough memories of good days to last through deployment and if they didn’t, he at least hoped that Scott was honest enough to tell him up front he had moved on… Mackey just had to convince Scott that Mackey was the best thing for him, all in the next twenty-seven days. Oh yeah, no pressure there.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews
February 14, 2019
This just really worked for me. Coming from a military family myself, I found this story really well done and delightfully refreshing.
Jeff Mackey is currently home from deployment with his Heptad (7 of his Army buddies) and at a bar, celebrating another upcoming wedding. The last minute bartender, Scott, catches his eye and quickly becomes the focal point of his evening. When he asks him to be his plus one to the wedding the next night, Scott can't refuse.
There was a ton of military jargon in this book and the POV switched throughout, which got kind of confusing at times. It was easier to understand as the story continued on and as Jeff deployed to the sand box.
I really loved how adult this relationship was. From the start Scott and Jeff knew that they had something worth figuring out. They took slow steps, even though they only had a month before Jeff was leaving for a full year.
The fact that the Septad was there, constantly, and knew everything that was going on was both creepy at times, but also super supporting. The concept of Army Wives is a true thing and it was really brought to light here as Scott was accepted into the fold and given the mantle of family.
This story had romance and heat, but for me it was the honesty and obvious long-term love that was unique that really spoke to me. It was mature and real and raw at times. I really enjoyed this read and I'm excited to continue on with the With Me series.
*Galley copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Jeff Mackey is currently home from deployment with his Heptad (7 of his Army buddies) and at a bar, celebrating another upcoming wedding. The last minute bartender, Scott, catches his eye and quickly becomes the focal point of his evening. When he asks him to be his plus one to the wedding the next night, Scott can't refuse.
There was a ton of military jargon in this book and the POV switched throughout, which got kind of confusing at times. It was easier to understand as the story continued on and as Jeff deployed to the sand box.
I really loved how adult this relationship was. From the start Scott and Jeff knew that they had something worth figuring out. They took slow steps, even though they only had a month before Jeff was leaving for a full year.
The fact that the Septad was there, constantly, and knew everything that was going on was both creepy at times, but also super supporting. The concept of Army Wives is a true thing and it was really brought to light here as Scott was accepted into the fold and given the mantle of family.
This story had romance and heat, but for me it was the honesty and obvious long-term love that was unique that really spoke to me. It was mature and real and raw at times. I really enjoyed this read and I'm excited to continue on with the With Me series.
*Galley copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
December 3, 2017
♥¸.•´♥¸.•*´♥¨) ♥¸.•*¨♥
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥ "5 Heptad Stars."
"Finding a baby led them to love."
There is nothing more refreshing than reading a book that was a smooth transition from meet to love.
"When he put his hand in Jeff's, Scott knew. His life had definitely changed."
Mackey and Scott were destined, and I loved them. They are in the top ten for the couple that I loved reading about during 2017. They smoothly accepted life as they slowly became partners. I am enamoured with military stories and one with little angst as possible and full blown love affair will always be in my heart.
It was a pleasure to enjoy Mackey's and Scott's love affair with military action happening the way it did, even with Mackey's year-long deployment. The getting together and meshing of friends and family was the ace in the hole. Kris Jacen is a name I am familiar with and as a reader, it is good to see the editor place her pen forward and tell a tale. Congratulations Ms. Jacen. You have done a terrific job and I look forward to more from you.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥ "5 Heptad Stars."
"Finding a baby led them to love."
There is nothing more refreshing than reading a book that was a smooth transition from meet to love.
"When he put his hand in Jeff's, Scott knew. His life had definitely changed."
Mackey and Scott were destined, and I loved them. They are in the top ten for the couple that I loved reading about during 2017. They smoothly accepted life as they slowly became partners. I am enamoured with military stories and one with little angst as possible and full blown love affair will always be in my heart.
It was a pleasure to enjoy Mackey's and Scott's love affair with military action happening the way it did, even with Mackey's year-long deployment. The getting together and meshing of friends and family was the ace in the hole. Kris Jacen is a name I am familiar with and as a reader, it is good to see the editor place her pen forward and tell a tale. Congratulations Ms. Jacen. You have done a terrific job and I look forward to more from you.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
April 8, 2019
How hard is it being a military partner? Being alone for months on end. Having to up & relocate whenever Uncle Sam says so? Being frightened to watch the news in case you hear about a serviceman being killed and being in limbo while you wait to see if it was your man? Are you even allowed to be on his next of kin notification list? Do you want to even contemplate receiving that knock on the door with the horrendous news?
How do you actually feel about the military? Are you ready to show the respect necessary? Do you appreciate the camaraderie of the soldiers amongst each other? Are you prepared to be part of the spouse net work? How important is family support to you? Are you Out? Do you expect your partner to be Out even though he's in the military?
I really enjoyed this story from a fellow Western New Yorker The author was able to dig deep into how those left behind are affected as well as those deployed. Don't miss this one!
How do you actually feel about the military? Are you ready to show the respect necessary? Do you appreciate the camaraderie of the soldiers amongst each other? Are you prepared to be part of the spouse net work? How important is family support to you? Are you Out? Do you expect your partner to be Out even though he's in the military?
I really enjoyed this story from a fellow Western New Yorker The author was able to dig deep into how those left behind are affected as well as those deployed. Don't miss this one!
April 19, 2020
Heartwarmingly Beautiful
Wow, this was something I was not expecting: An instant attraction between a 39-year-old army hottie and a late 20s dare care center manager who meet cute at a bachelor party and cannot get each other out of their minds.
Master Sergeant Jeff and day care specialist Scott may seem to be incompatible in so many ways--especially that they are both looking for the white picket fence fellow which is pretty impossible with an active duty soldier who's deployed once a year.
But author Jacen builds a wonderful support group for both of them in Jeff's Army buddies and their families, who welcome Scott into their lives--and support group.
And it doesn't hurt that Jeff's retired security dog Dix is right there to help every step of the way.
Look, I bought this book because I have rarely seen such a heartwarming cover so perfect for the book's title. This one works every single page thereafter and deserves a mighty salute.
Wow, this was something I was not expecting: An instant attraction between a 39-year-old army hottie and a late 20s dare care center manager who meet cute at a bachelor party and cannot get each other out of their minds.
Master Sergeant Jeff and day care specialist Scott may seem to be incompatible in so many ways--especially that they are both looking for the white picket fence fellow which is pretty impossible with an active duty soldier who's deployed once a year.
But author Jacen builds a wonderful support group for both of them in Jeff's Army buddies and their families, who welcome Scott into their lives--and support group.
And it doesn't hurt that Jeff's retired security dog Dix is right there to help every step of the way.
Look, I bought this book because I have rarely seen such a heartwarming cover so perfect for the book's title. This one works every single page thereafter and deserves a mighty salute.
February 16, 2019
This was such a great read. I was totally into this book and now that I am done with book one, I am about to start book two in a few minutes. I am really looking forward to it. I can honestly say that I do not remover previously reading any of Kris Jacen’s books But I will definitely be reading them now. I love a good book about military men and this book completely fits that category. It definitely has some ups and downs but it has the happily ever after in the end. I truly cannot wait to start book two now that I am done with this book.
Mackey is a lifer when it comes to the military. He does what he needs to do in order to reach his goals. As of now he is an E8. The best thing about it all is how Mackey does not have to hide who he is since DADT wa repelled. But he has not yet met the person he would consider spending his life with. At this point he is convinced he will not meet them. But all that changes at one of his best friends and brother in arms bachelor party.
Jeff is working as a fill in bartender for one of his best friends the night that Mackey and his buddies come in for a bachelor party. When he sees Mackey at the bar instead of enjoying the dancers, he goes over and speaks with him. Never did he expect to in the end, end up as Mackey’s date to the wedding. But that is exactly what happens when these two start talking. So filling in as the bartender paid off really well for both Jeff and Mackey.
After running into one another again unexpectedly before the wedding, and learning more about each other, both men knew that they definitely wanted to get to know the other more and see where thing lead.
But with Mackey being in the military, Jeff had to really think through everything and decide if h was up for the deployments, risks, and everything that came with being in a relationship with an active duty military. This being one of the most respectful things that Mackey has seen just made him want him more.
But nothing can actually prepare you for the reality. And reality is quickly coming since Mackey is about to deploy for a year. Can two men that have not know each other long, but have a huge attraction to one another survive such a long time apart in what can be a dangerous situation?
This was such a good read. It is a book that is span out over a couple of hes time frame but it is not a super long read. I really enjoyed everything that Mackey and Jeff went through considering it could be on th more realistic side of things. Kris Jacen did a great job on this book and I cannot wait to read he other books in this series!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Mackey is a lifer when it comes to the military. He does what he needs to do in order to reach his goals. As of now he is an E8. The best thing about it all is how Mackey does not have to hide who he is since DADT wa repelled. But he has not yet met the person he would consider spending his life with. At this point he is convinced he will not meet them. But all that changes at one of his best friends and brother in arms bachelor party.
Jeff is working as a fill in bartender for one of his best friends the night that Mackey and his buddies come in for a bachelor party. When he sees Mackey at the bar instead of enjoying the dancers, he goes over and speaks with him. Never did he expect to in the end, end up as Mackey’s date to the wedding. But that is exactly what happens when these two start talking. So filling in as the bartender paid off really well for both Jeff and Mackey.
After running into one another again unexpectedly before the wedding, and learning more about each other, both men knew that they definitely wanted to get to know the other more and see where thing lead.
But with Mackey being in the military, Jeff had to really think through everything and decide if h was up for the deployments, risks, and everything that came with being in a relationship with an active duty military. This being one of the most respectful things that Mackey has seen just made him want him more.
But nothing can actually prepare you for the reality. And reality is quickly coming since Mackey is about to deploy for a year. Can two men that have not know each other long, but have a huge attraction to one another survive such a long time apart in what can be a dangerous situation?
This was such a good read. It is a book that is span out over a couple of hes time frame but it is not a super long read. I really enjoyed everything that Mackey and Jeff went through considering it could be on th more realistic side of things. Kris Jacen did a great job on this book and I cannot wait to read he other books in this series!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 3, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cAV
From that review: " Sometimes a story, a theme just calls out to an author and together they make a sort of narrative magic. I believe that happens here with Wait for Me by Kris Jacen. With the author's intimate knowledge as a military spouse and all that implies, it's use to provide the framework for the romance of Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamara and Scott Ash becomes a foundation not only for these two main characters but for all of the heptad (a close knit group of soldiers) and a retired MWD (military working dog) as well."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cAV
From that review: " Sometimes a story, a theme just calls out to an author and together they make a sort of narrative magic. I believe that happens here with Wait for Me by Kris Jacen. With the author's intimate knowledge as a military spouse and all that implies, it's use to provide the framework for the romance of Master Sergeant Jeff "Mackey" MacNamara and Scott Ash becomes a foundation not only for these two main characters but for all of the heptad (a close knit group of soldiers) and a retired MWD (military working dog) as well."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 10, 2018
I felt the story started out strong. The relationship felt a little fast but with Jeff’s lifestyle maybe that’s the way someone in the military needs to be. Love at first sight is possible.. I don’t remember reading the age for either of these characters. Was that ever mentioned? Not a big deal but it would make more sense if they were older so finding a relationship became more prevalent.
I loved the inclusion of the dog, I don’t always, but with this book it fit. The children were cute, the twins way of speaking was strange but they weren’t in too many scenes. Dialogue in general was fine but the use and overuse of ‘oh yeah’ was a little much. It wasn’t even spoken, it was just in their thoughts, a lot. Editing could use a touch up. Good story overall, beautiful cover.
I loved the inclusion of the dog, I don’t always, but with this book it fit. The children were cute, the twins way of speaking was strange but they weren’t in too many scenes. Dialogue in general was fine but the use and overuse of ‘oh yeah’ was a little much. It wasn’t even spoken, it was just in their thoughts, a lot. Editing could use a touch up. Good story overall, beautiful cover.
January 22, 2022
This book read a bit like a documentary about military families where the camera kept rolling when the bedroom door closed. The story focuses on a gay couple, but there is no shortage of small children, pregnancies, or weddings.
Some moments in the story felt like the author was explaining scenes rather letting the story unfold organically. This seems like a first book for the author so hopefully the rest of the series will have a bit more "show rather than tell" in the story construction. The story was interesting, romantic, informative, and seemed to reflect real aspects of what life is like for military families.
The characters and the settings are engaging enough to make it worth the time to explore more of the series.
Some moments in the story felt like the author was explaining scenes rather letting the story unfold organically. This seems like a first book for the author so hopefully the rest of the series will have a bit more "show rather than tell" in the story construction. The story was interesting, romantic, informative, and seemed to reflect real aspects of what life is like for military families.
The characters and the settings are engaging enough to make it worth the time to explore more of the series.
February 5, 2019
Good romance
Jacen pens a good story in Wait For Me. This is not only the first book in the "With Me" series, but it's also the first book of Jacen's that I've read. I liked the story of Mackey and Scott, both from different worlds but heroes in their own right. The story fits the theme of "waiting", especially waiting for that special someone. I look at the two men as opposites, but they both long for something, each other. The pace of the story went too fast in some places and too slow in other, but I enjoy it. I think Jacen writes well, and writes this story well. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Jacen pens a good story in Wait For Me. This is not only the first book in the "With Me" series, but it's also the first book of Jacen's that I've read. I liked the story of Mackey and Scott, both from different worlds but heroes in their own right. The story fits the theme of "waiting", especially waiting for that special someone. I look at the two men as opposites, but they both long for something, each other. The pace of the story went too fast in some places and too slow in other, but I enjoy it. I think Jacen writes well, and writes this story well. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 25, 2018
Wait For Me is an wondeful insta-love story by Kris Jacen.
Jeff and Scott meet at a time when Jeff's about to deploy for a year. There's an instant attraction, a strong connection, and both men just feel like they have met "the one."
This book is an amazing reminder of all the sacrifices that military families make, as well as how both the one deployed and the one left behind, deals with long deployments. It is perfectly representative of how close the families become.
I am happy to have found Wait For Me, and recommend it as a light read.
Jeff and Scott meet at a time when Jeff's about to deploy for a year. There's an instant attraction, a strong connection, and both men just feel like they have met "the one."
This book is an amazing reminder of all the sacrifices that military families make, as well as how both the one deployed and the one left behind, deals with long deployments. It is perfectly representative of how close the families become.
I am happy to have found Wait For Me, and recommend it as a light read.
December 3, 2019
A quick read, a bit rushed due to the short length, but a pretty good read. It was nice to read about a guy waiting at home instead of having someone waiting for them. Too many side characters though they served a purpose. Having a mature discussion about the stress of being apart and the procedures regarding notifying loved one was much appreciated. It even had time for some steamy sex scenes, pretty good for a book under 200 pages.
October 15, 2020
Jeff is beginning to think he will always be alone. That is until he goes to the bachelor party.
Scott is helping a friend out at the bar and when he sees the guy sitting there, he is stunned.
Scott and Jeff are dating but Jeff is getting ready to deploy for a year. Scott has been warned that Jeff will try to pull away but Scott stops that instantly. Now Jeff is back. Where will they go from here?
Scott is helping a friend out at the bar and when he sees the guy sitting there, he is stunned.
Scott and Jeff are dating but Jeff is getting ready to deploy for a year. Scott has been warned that Jeff will try to pull away but Scott stops that instantly. Now Jeff is back. Where will they go from here?
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