Three months have passed since Joey moved in with Rick. The trauma of Joey's past is never far from the surface but it's not stopping them from building a life together. Until the night Joey walks into his abuser in a restaurant and they are forced to face reality: Blake is still in control.
Convinced he can never been free, Joey prepares to run but when Blake attacks Maisie - the first real friend Joey's ever had - he wonders if he has what it takes to stand up to the man how tortured him for so long.
Book 2 of 3 TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains reference to repeated domestic sexual physical and mental abuse.
People driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction. After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
In this second part Joey still struggles with his anxiety due to the abusive relationship he was in for 8 years. And while things are going really well with Rick, he is still scared Blake will find him.
And then Blake does…
And Blake knows just how to get to Joey. Not by coming after Joey himself, but after his friends…
I really liked this part. There was not a lot of healing in this since Joey was confronted with his biggest fear and he had a long way to go still. But things did feel solid between Joey and Rick, and I really liked that.
There was lot of teasing about the daddy kink, but since Joey is still recovering from all the abuse he suffered for years, it's uncertain if he'll ever be able to be a 'boy' again. Let's hope we will get more in the next book.
I do have to admit that Blake was a bit too evil at times. Like psychopath crazy evil. And the fact that he was still running around for most of this story without anyone contacting the police was a bit strange at first. Of course the police do get involved eventually, but I just thought it would happen sooner.
I've read these several times now and there's so much hurt/comfort in this that I can't get enough of these books.
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the second installment in the "Joey" series and should be read in order. It’s low angst, emotional read, and may have some triggers for some readers. My heart went out for Joey, for what had happened to him and what he had endured before meeting Rick. I wish there was more of when they fought with Blake and I wish there was more of BDSM life but with Joey’s condition, its scarcity was understandable. All in all, it was an enjoyable read, and hope you enjoy it as well!
Oh man...I knew this one was going to be gut wrenching and it was. More of Joey's story comes to light and I balled knowing the things he went through. I will admit, reading what all Joey had endured at the hands of his ex was heart breaking. But he is one tough cookie and is coming into his own.
Rick is the perfect man to help Joey. He gives him what he needs...someone to take control but who won't abuse that power. Someone always looking out for his needs. And Joey is what Rick needs..someone to take care of. It's a perfect dynamic between the two.
I can't wait for part three to see where these two end up while watching their relationship grow.
My heart went out to Joey for the debilitating terror he felt when Blake showed up in town. 😱 I loved their show down in the bar and I was so proud of Joey. I was a huge fan of Finn 🐈too! What a truly remarkable group of friends Rick and Joey had, I loved how they supported each other through the whole ordeal of Blake.
This was book 2 in the "Joey" series. This book picks up a few months after Rick and Joey are living together. This book was sad and I felt bad for Joey he was afraid of everything. While out to dinner with Rick he runs right into his ex Blake turns out Rick knows him they went to the same college along with Ian and Charlotte and her husband Cater. When Maisie is attacked Joey knows that its his ex turns out he was right. Rick will do anything to protect Joey from Blake who is a psychopath. When Rick comes up with a plan they meet in a bar while Joey is meeting with a lawyer friend he agrees to testify against Blake. Rick gets into it with Blake and Joey comes bin to save him Blake hits Rick with a barstool and tries to drag Joey out but he fights back I was proud of him. This was a good read with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A book that definitely gets your emotions going..good and bad. Joey badly needs more self-confidence from the effects from his abusive Ex. A violent attack injuries for a character described in this had me well I wont say it wouldn't be nice to the attacker lol (hope he gets his just deserts). And what comes next kept me glued to see what would happen. A great ending for Joey and Rick's story. The story continues with Rick knowing he's in love with Joey. But Joey doesn't need space now that Rick thinks he does but needs love.
There is so much to love about this story! Joey and Rick are moving forward with their relationship and learning how to live together as well as dealing with some difficult issues as Joey is still recovering from the abuse he endured for eight years. Rick is absolutely amazing and his determination to love and care for him is exactly what Joey needs. Joey is brave and resilient but when his abuser shows up and threatens everyone he cares about it will take everything Rick has to convince him to stay. The secondary characters are incredible and I love how much they support and help Rick and Joey. This is a well written, emotional, sweet, inspiring and heartbreakingly sad story with an adorable kitten and an overall message of hope. I can't wait to read the next installment in this fabulous series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is the second part of the Joey books, and what a punch it packs. It continues the journey of Joey the young man who has suffered such trauma and abuse, and Rick the man who is in love with him. Rick is slowly getting Joey to open up about his past and to gain his trust, he knows that the journey will be a long and difficult one. The relationship is building and he can see evidence of the man Joey can become, which continues to bewitch him at every point. A meal out has it all crashing down when the one responsible for all the hurt is revealed, can Rick and Joey be strong enough together to weather the storm brewing? When one of their friends is involved and pulled into the storm both have to decide if what they are building is worth the risk to not just themselves but everyone associated with them. The characters are written in a way that draws you in and you feel their emotions jumping off the page. I cannot recommend these books highly enough but be ready to sob, laugh and want to hug someone as you read.
Amazing book and series. I dare you not to fall in love with these characters. I literally could not put this book down. This book is filled with so much pain, but it is also filled with so much love. This book is not just about the love between the two MCs, but about the love they share with all the people in their lives that really matter. The author has created a cast of characters you wish were your friends and you could just hang out with for a while. By the end of the book You realize that each and every one of them has wormed their way into your heart and you are not ready to say goodbye. I can’t wait to join them again when the next book comes out. Please write fast Angelique I really need more of these amazing characters you have created in my life. 😊
A lot happens in this book but most of all for me in Rick's love for Joey for the life he wants to share with him.
As Joey's past collides Rick gets to meet Blake to meet in person Joey's abuser and all in the name of love say's Blake !
Rick needs to always be there for Joey in everyway, Rick will take on anything that is said or done to Joey but this time it is Joey to the rescue as his own person. Beautifully written with wonderful characters . Thanks Angelique Jurd for writing these beautiful books.
Well you just want to bludgeon the bastard Blake with a spiky bat, don't you. As the book goes on, learning more about what Joey had endured, why he couldn't leave earlier and what it had cost him, was difficult to read. It didn't make it easier when his past showed up again and threw everything off-kilter. I just wanted to wrap Joey up in blankets with his bear and cuddle him.
Though how ever much I loved Rick, I loved even more that Joey saved himself instead of being rescued.
This story follows the book ‘Joey’, it’s a stunning but horrifying tale of mental and physical abuse. This one is shorter and carries on the story of Joey and Rick trying to get beyond the violence. These books do not read well apart, without reading the first one, ‘Joey’, lots will be lost, they really need to be read consecutively. I am on to read the third and final book in the series, this author has done an amazing job here.
This is a wonderful completion on Joey’s story. Full of tears, proud moments, and growth, it was exactly what it was supposedly be. Thank you for pulling through the tough times, it was so worth it.
Wow! A wonderful continuation of this Joey and Rick's story. I laughed, cried and for a moment, forgot that I was reading a book because I wanted to be able to come to Joey's rescue. This was a great read and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a true love story.
Brilliant. Just when Joey starts to feel safe again and healing with the help and love from Rick, his past comes flying back to stare him in the face. Emotional, heart stopping and intense.
I wish I had read Joey again before reading Rick. I didn't remember that there was quite a gap between releases. Although I remembered Joey, Rick and their relationship quite clearly, some of the other characters and their links to the couple were hazy. It brought home that these books are definitely not standalone. Anyhow, I was soon back into things.
This book is quite harrowing in places, though the angst is never gratuitous. Thankfully, the author uses instances of gentle humour and Joey's sass to temper this. The relationship between Rick and Joey still has a few hiccups (I thought the worst at one point), but by the end they are stronger than ever. They so deserve their HEA. It is great to see the strength of character, that we know Joey possesses, develop further in this story. Joey starts to face his worst fears and look forward to the future.
I love the interactions of all the secondary characters, particularly Maisie who is a wonderful personality. I would like Bill the doctor to have a love interest and book of his own! No pressure though!
I was happy to read more about Joey and Rick. I was also very happy that Joey finally stood up for himself. All the abuse he went through, I find it took a lot for him to face his ex to overcome his fear. I really enjoyed reading both books in this series. I'm looking forward to reading more about them and their friends.
Rick & Joey are now living together when the evil antagonist enters the scene. No surprises here, just what is expected but we still have to go into that dark basement; even though, we know it’s dangerous. Continuation of good storytelling.
There is something so incredibly tender about Angelique Jurd's writing style that always draws me in from page one. Perhaps it's the way she makes the characters feel so alive, or how she makes the story flow with interesting twists and turns when you least expect it, but it's just captivating.
In 'Rick', we continue to follow the story of Joey and Rick, who are now in a steady relationship. In book 1, Rick falls for Joey after they start working together and soon finds out Joey is not just a sub and a boy/little, but that he was also terribly abused and assaulted by his ex, who introduced him to a faulty, twisted view of the lifestyle that lasted for around 8 years. Rick, who is a Daddy, helps Joey heal bit by bit, and when his ex shows up in book 2, he won't stop for anything to protect Joey and their friends and bring justice to his boy.
What I absolutely loved about this book was that it dealt so realistically with Joey's trauma. He has good days and bad days, and his growth isn't instant but gradual. Sometimes he has moments where he hates himself, where he feels he is too broken to have this safe space with Rick, but Rick never falters. He grounds him in those moments, and he is loving and patient. Joey also shows that clear fear abusers often put in our heads that they will get us, no matter what. Joey doesn't just fear for himself. He fears for everyone around him, too. I feel like Rick is what every secure partner should be in this sort of situation. Of course we see how it wears on him too, but it's not because of Joey, but because Rick just wants to love him right. He's so tender and sweet and protective.
The scene that absolutely stole my heart was when Rick took Joey shopping for soft clothes, getting him everything from Avengers to Bambi. It's so unfiltered and adorable. I also loved that Rick got him a kitten. Finn is such a cutie! And Joey's friendship with Maisie is so contagious and sweet, too. My heart broke when Blake targeted them, but I'm so glad they were okay. The rest of the friend circle are also so lovely. I love how they're all rooting for Rick and Joey and always trying to get them to do right by each other.
We also get to see their dynamic develop as Joey grows more comfortable. I swear I was cheering out loud when he punched Blake because fuck that guy and Joey deserved his moment to shine! I was so, so proud of him.
I feel like their relationship is also very mutual and it was nice seeing Joey come out of his skin more, including getting a moment to take care of Rick in return. It also deals very well with kink and how kinks can look different for everybody, and how love can shape them. Being a little doesn't have to mean age play, it can mean just liking soft things and wanting to be taken care of and kept safe by your partner, while for Rick it's about making his boy feel happy and even if he's tried more elaborate things in the past, he doesn't mind taking the little steps with Joey and adapting to what Joey is and isn't comfortable with.
This book made me cry, Joey went through so much in his past relationship and I'm so proud of him. I'm so glad he found Rick and I hate Blake so much. I love Maisie and Ian!
The series is sad, and though the abuse feels over the top, I believe the author when she says it is. The writing is simple but good. It’s supposed to be a daddy boy and I think eventually a daddy little, but there is almost none of that in the books. There isn’t even much of any type of power exchange, just cuddling. While I can see Rick as a gruff Daddy, he’s almost too gruff, with a jerk type personality with anyone but Joey. Joey is a convincing twink style character, but at 28, 6’3, and an accomplished advertising/marketing manager, it’s really hard to reconcile the two sides. I’m not sure the author is fully able to deliver on both characters, but it’s not for lack of trying. I was able to suspend belief enough to finish the short story. I agree that there really seems to be no logical reason this book should have been broken into three books, and I’d be mad if I had to pay rather than use Kindle Unlimited. I’ll read the next book because I’m curious how it will end, but I’m guess you should expect more story than kink; not bad but best to be informed before you buy.
As Joey becomes more comfortable with Rick their relationship begins to blossom and the emotions that they feel start to grow stronger. All that Rick has done shows Joey that this man can be trusted and that the love that he shows is real. One day their growing happiness is destroyed when Joey’s past abuser shows up and he still sees Joey as his. When their good friend is attacked Rick must find a way to keep Joey safe and make him understand that running again is not the answer.
This is a really sweet addition to Rick and Joey’s story. The two make a great couple. I loved seeing Joey open up and find himself with the help of Rick. The two men endeared themselves to this reader. It was nice to see how much they love each other and how hard they are willing to fight for their love. It was also nice to see how everyone came together and helped the two find a way and the courage to fight. Each of the characters are strong and shine in their own way. The love and friendships are strong and it was nice to see the group open up and engulf Joey with their love and help him stand up and fight for what he wanted.
Joey faces a 😠 menace from his past; can he and Rick beat it together?😮
❤This continuation of Rick and Joey's romance was 😰angstful, but had its cozy and☺ joyful moments too, especially after Rick introduces a😼 kitten to their household. Joey is still a tragic, broken figure who questions his self worth and Joey's Dom Rick remains a strong, patient and loving partner, determined to keep Joey safe. It's touching, short, with some steam but it's also peppered with the violence that Blake, Joey's former partner and tormentor, dishes out. Not my favorite of the author's stories, but a worthwhile read. For a moving MM family drama, I recommend the author's San Capistrano series.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book ; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is the continuation of Joey and Rick's story. The author once again brings tons of emotions and weaves a realistic and raw story. My heart goes out to Joey and what he's dealing with when facing his ex and also for Rick as he gives all his love and support to help heal Joey. This is an intense read with strong characters and an emotional story line.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I enjoyed this, but I feel it suffered from the publishing gap between the first half (Joey #1) and this #2. I'm just not as emotionally invested in the story anymore and I think the plot suffers from the disconnect. It's still rated a 4 star, which is probably a little high, but I'm compensating for the 3 star given to Joey #1 and its abrupt ending.