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Six Degrees #2

Honesty: Ben & Eric

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How do you build a relationship without honesty?

To care for his teenage sister and her newborn baby, Ben Sinclair gave up his carefree university student life, playing gigs with a band, and his boyfriend Wyatt, who he thought was the love of his life. Handling a breakup, bills, and a baby is bad enough. Then Ben discovers Wyatt was cheating on him their whole relationship, and everyone knew but Ben.

Finding out his ex wasn’t quite as honest as he thought shatters Ben’s confidence, but it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have time to do anything other than work, babysit, and stress over bills anyway.

When Ben starts a new job at a hotel and meets Eric, he begins to dream of a better life. Eric is hot, charming and funny. He’s also straight… or so Ben believes. Eric is everything Ben ever wanted but couldn’t possibly have.
Eric helps Ben find his footing and rediscover his passions. But when Ben discovers Eric has been lying to him all along about who he really is, can Ben ever forgive him? Or were they doomed from the start?

No matter what else happens, Ben vows never to make the mistake of falling for someone who lies again. There is no way he’d make that mistake a second time, right?

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2020

3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

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Sandy Smith

2 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,907 reviews213 followers
April 2, 2020




Ben's got no time in his life for anything but working his new bartending job at a classy hotel, raising his teenage sister and her new baby, and paying the bills, so when he starts developing feelings for a guy at that new job, he's stressed trying to manage those feelings along with everything else in his life. Especially when he finds out Eric lied to him about his real identity and his real position at their company.



Ben has been adamant he won't be open to love with anyone since he found out his ex had lied to him and he hadn't found out til later. So how can he be with Eric when Eric's been lying to him since they met and became friends then more? Perhaps he will need to take a leap of faith and trust what his heart is telling him about how real Eric and his feelings are.



Honesty is an incredibly sweet and sexy friends to lovers story. I fell in love with Eric and Ben and Ben's sister and her baby. Such a wonderful cast, tons of chemistry, and a lovely ending. I am looking forward to much more from the Six Degrees world and from Sandy Smith.

ARC via GRR ARC Team for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
March 27, 2020
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`4.5 stars★*´¨✫*

Eric was Nicholas's friend from book one, Home: Ky & Nick. I thought after Ky and Nick, this world could not get any better. I fooled myself. I did not want to put this book down. But alas, adulting needed to happen.

I am starting early. Buy the book. It is worth it!!!

Who knew Sandy Smith would capture my attention and keep me grounded. I enjoyed Eric in his appearance during book one and needed his story. So glad he found Ben. Eric was firm in his belief, but so vulnerable he needed a person like Ben. Told from Ben's POV, the reader got to experience Eric through his eyes.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through GRR.
Profile Image for Anna Torres.
385 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2020
Things were moving a bit fast for me, but I love it!

Ben is balancing work and taking care of his younger sister and her baby. He is only twenty two years old. His sister got pregnant, they were unwanted by their parents so he is taking care of all three of them. He just started as a bartender in a classy hotel. His ex-boyfriend was a liar and he didn’t even knew it until they broke up and one of his old friends told him so.

Eric met Ben on Ben’s first day of work, in fact they manned the bar together that busy night. A friendship was forged from there. Learning that Eric is not who he says he is brought Ben’s fear of being lied to, again! But he realized that Eric’s reason for doing it was because of fear and insecurity.

Their relationship wasn’t all roses, it had its ups and downs and quite a few obstacles, much like any real relationship. I like the single point of view, the style of writing is refreshing as well. Thank you and I am looking forward to the next book.


Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,212 reviews17 followers
March 27, 2020
4 stars

Eric and Ben were absolutely beautiful together. Eric’s flirting definitely needed some more work as poor Ben had no idea he was being flirted with.

Eric and Ben holding Rory literally made my heart melt - I went all gooey just watching them.

Eric and Ben clicked and their emotional connection grew stronger, with each passing page. These two guys had something truly special and their intimate moments captured their love perfectly.

I really enjoyed Eric and Ben’s story. The epilogue tied things up nicely.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
April 23, 2020
When we left Home, Ky and Nicholas' story, we got the sweetest, most honest, fantastic epilogue in a beautiful setting that gave a little hint that sent itself to grounding and supporting that moment. And now we're on the other side of that setting with how everyone got to that point. Well, how Eric and Ben got to that point. I was on the fence about Home, but I cannot express how glad I am that I gave this author and series another chance. Honesty was sweet, honest, and so much more engaging.

Told only from Ben's POV, we learn about his difficult situation and just how much he has on his plate. When he meets Eric it seems that he's finally on the way to forming a relationship that can give him a lightness, a sweetness that is just out of reach. It's very clear how young he is and while I would have loved to have a dual POV, Ben's evolution is the one that needed the most work so it was appropriate to have the tale told in his words.

Ben had quite a few immature moments and I wasn't exactly thrilled with them, but knowing his age and life experience, I wasn't surprised. He had a couple of experiences that attempted to get him out of his own way, but it ended up being harsh words from a sweet friend that shocked him out of himself enough to see that his world is not as narrow as he's believed it to be up until this point.

Having met Eric a few times in Home, we're aware of who he is and what he does, so seeing that he kept that a bit of a secret wasn't surprising in the least and the reveal coming from someone other than Eric was incredibly cliche and predictable. It wasn't bad, just formulaic and uninspiring. What I did appreciate however, was that the man didn't become defensive, angry, or hurtful in response. His heartbreak was more from his own acknowledgement that he could have made this a non-issue from the beginning and the scene with his grandmother really put that into perspective for Ben.

Ultimately, there were so many tender and sweet moments, especially in Byron Bay, that made me sigh and come to truly love these men. Their separation wasn't too prolonged and their reconciliation was full of sincerity. Their entire romance was governed by their hearts and their desire to be good, hardworking men. Life sometimes got in the way of them seeing it in themselves, but finding one another gave them the foundation they needed to face everything life deigned to throw their way. I truly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
April 1, 2020
Sandy Smith's Honesty: Ben & Eric is super sweet from the start. The second book in the Six Degrees series it's easily read as a standalone.

Ben and Eric are two men who meet at work and a friendship is born. These two are complete opposites, upping the fun factor.

Ben is tasked with raising his younger sister and her infant. He has major trust issues, after his lying ex cheated on him, and this is a main theme throughout.

Their story is one that includes issues with one's own pride and work problems, It's a story of learning that love and support is what is most important in life.

Making things even better, it's set in Australia. I love, love, love the Sydney mentions and how often the characters traverse the city.

My favorite scene is actually the review scene. So damn funny. And then there are amazingly tender moments like the way Eric cares for baby Rory.

Told in first person pov, the writing is fantastic. The writer's voice, tone, and story line kept me intrigued throughout. Written with heart, humor, and passion, the author had me experiencing everything first hand. There are some great twists and turns thrown in, which keeps the reader intrigued as well.

Honesty: Ben & Eric is completely charming. This Sandy Smith tale is a beautiful read full of inspiring character growth. I wish I could just live in this world.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,566 reviews48 followers
April 1, 2020
I loved and felt sorry for Ben from the start of this book. Giving up his dreams to help his sister and then being shattered that the relationship he thought was solid was all a lie. Eric came along and it was so clear that they were great with and for each other but all the time there was going to be another point where Ben was going to find out that Eric hadn't been 100% honest with him either. This situation made me stop and think if we are ever really 100% honest with those we love, why or why not, and where should one draw the line? Would I really want everyone to be totally honest with me all the time and could I do that to other people? Isn't a certain amount of "deception" kind of a social lubricant? I don't mean to make this book sound heavy, it is not at all but it will make you think about about where your own lines are drawn. I loved the way the author resolved the trust issues between Ben and Eric at the end and will be going back and reading the first book in the series to find out more about some of the characters who were side characters in this story. Reading the previous book is not at all necessary to enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2020
Honesty Ben and Eric is the second book in the Six Degrees story by author Sandy Smith. This book is written in dual POV. I liked this story. I have not read this series before and I was not lost starting with book two. This is a very sweet no real drama kind of story.
Ben lives with his sister. He helps her raise Rory her baby girl. Ben really believes in his sister and her talent. He wants to help her achieve her dreams. He is a really selfless character. I liked that about him. Something very pure about Ben.
Eric meets Ben at the hotel. You can tell from the get-go something is up. Eric is not being totally honest. But they have a chemistry that is off the charts. I liked Eric he might be holding on to secrets but it is not malicious or anything like that going on. He is a good person in a terrible position.
When the past comes back to haunt Ben will Eric’s secrets tear them apart?
I loved getting to know these characters they are really good men who just need a break in love. I would love to read more about this series in the future and go back and read the story I missed in book one.


Five Shooting Stars
662 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2020
Loved this 2nd book in the Six Degrees series by Sandy Smith. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone since previous characters are only mentioned, but not central to this storyline. Ben is trying to make ends meet helping out his teenage sister and her newborn baby. He really needs the new bartender job at the swanky hotel in Sydney. On his first night he is paired with Eric, who is just filling in b/c one of the regulars called in sick. They get along great and really seem to click. Too bad Eric’s straight. Or is he? Ben can’t afford to think about anything other than his sister and niece right now, but he can’t stop thinking about Eric. He has trust issues though, after a disastrous last relationship and all he wants is honesty. Despite their growing connection, what happens when the truth about Eric’s position in the hotel comes out? Can Ben forgive the man that, according to his sister, makes him “smile like a loon?” Can both men learn to trust in each other and admit they were waiting all along for the other to arrive ❤️? Definitely looking forward to book 3!
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,252 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2020
This is a great addition to the Six Degrees series and I love the characters as well as the great storyline. Ben and Eric are very different but they are perfect for each other. I love Ben and his commitment to help his sister and baby niece when his parents turn their backs on all of them. Eric is a sweetheart even though he hides a part of himself from Ben when they first meet. This deception could end their relationship forever if Ben allows his past experiences to stop him from listening to Eric's explanation. Trust is a huge issue for Ben but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith to get everything you want. There are a lot of obstacles in their way and they both will have to trust and lean on each other if they want to create the future they both deserve. The ending is amazing and the secondary characters add so much to the story. I do wish that the pace was a bit quicker at times but overall I enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read the next book in this delightful series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,035 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2020
Ben and Eric's story is pure fluffy romance. They somewhat fit the 'opposites attract' trope as Ben is just about making ends meet whilst caring for his younger sister and niece as they are estranged from their parents, and Eric is the very successful and more affluent hotel owner with the loving if slightly mad family. Yet, from the first meeting there is undeniable chemistry between the two of them which grows into a sweet relationship.

Honesty is the second book in the Six Degrees series and, although the story arcs are separate, there are just enough references to characters from the first installment to make it a better experience to read the books in order.

There was enough interest in the plot outside of the main characters' relationship to stop it being overly sweet but without adding unnecessary angst. I liked that balance. Ben and Eric's story is an engaging, easy read with a fitting HEA.

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2020
You just gotta love this story. Innocence, angst, assumptions, white lies, and crazy nicknames encompass this story. Insta-infatuation but with one big white lie that when revealed leads to insta-breakup. Ben is 22 YOA facing the heavy responsibility of supporting himself, his 17 YOA sister Ti and his niece Rory. Finally getting a bar tending job that pays an almost living wage he bumps into gorgeous Eric his first night. Casual conversations lead to mutual attraction but Ben is leary because of his ex Wyatt's demeaning and lying treatment of him. Honesty is Ben's policy and it's the only thing he will accept from anyone. Even Eric's lie of omission is still a lie, a skirting around the truth. A 2nd time mistake will take a toll on Ben but will his heart forgive? I just loved this humorous, funny, snarky tale and I'm glad to have been given an ARC of this from GRR and submitting my voluntary review of same.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,148 reviews26 followers
March 28, 2020
4.5 stars, a great read.
This well crafted story flowed along perfectly. Two wonderfully likeable main characters kept me engaged from the very beginning.
Ben and Eric just meshed together immediately and their chemistry was undeniable which in turn raised the heat levels. There was a few hiccups along the way but their sweet romance ended in a beautiful HEA.
With humour from Eric’s pet names for Ben, a dash of drama and a minimal amount of angst, this was a very enjoyable read.
This can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to seeing which of the side characters gets their story in book 3.
985 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet, sexy, sensual book. Ben is an absolute sweetheart, giving up so much to help his younger sister and her child. He has been burned by a bad relationship, but things click with Eric. Eric has secrets, though, and failing to be completely honest with a man who has been burned before, could destroy any chance for happiness. Can they work past their issues to find trust and love? I loved Ben and Eric and really wanted to see them together. Read the book to see how it works out. The was my first read in this series, but it totally stands alone.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,309 reviews64 followers
March 28, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Home: Ky and Nick, so I expected to like this one, but it exceeded my expectations. Eric and Ben won me over with their sweet, slow burn romance and their growth throughout the book. It takes quite a while for them to become intimate, but it's obvious from the beginning that they have chemistry and that the relationship is going somewhere. I enjoyed the setting and the secondary characters, who were entertaining without taking over the book. I recommend!
361 reviews
March 29, 2020
I loved this book. I don't normally enjoy insta-love but this was done so well. For Eric, it was love at first sight. Eric knew Ben was "the one" as soon as he saw him. It took Ben more time, even though the feelings were there, he had a hard time with trust. They became friends first, and then more. They learned to be honest with each other, even when it was hard, which built them a real and solid foundation for their relationship. I thought this was a wonderfully written love story. Would recommend!
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2020
From the beginning this storyline held my attention, well written, loveable characters, trust issues, cheating boyfriend, family problems, humour, angst this has it all from Sandy. The blurb says it all, Ben and Eric was insta lust but was a slow burn romance and when they finally became intimate wow it was combustible I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
2,021 reviews25 followers
April 2, 2020
Honesty is a sweet book that involves Ben and Eric. Ben gave up everything so he can help his sister raise her son. Eric is keeping a secret from Ben and it has a huge impact on their relationship. It's a slow-paced romantic book with two men that are seeking love. They both have their hang ups but their love for each other overcame it. Their scenes with the baby melts your heart and their interactions with Ben's sister and Eric's family is funny. Overall, it's a great book that is sexy, funny, and their sexy times are hot.
Profile Image for Steef.
1,024 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2020
So I did finish the story but I only scanned after the first few chapters. And it wasn’t a surprise to me to get enough info from the scanning to know what happened. I liked the subject of the story well enough but it was really too much tell and too little show. Much to many words of explaining and telling how something looked. A shame actually, but it might be I just have a different taste and others do like the book!
Profile Image for Gwen.
1,361 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2020
Ben is struggling with raising his teenage sister and baby niece. He finds a handsome man right at his new job, but he is straight. That’s how this story got my attention. Ben is a wonderful brother. Eric is funny and boyish, sweet and super friendly but he is keeping a secret. Ti and Rory are such important factors in Ben’s life, he doesn’t need any more trouble. All characters are awesome, coworkers and bosses, Eric’s family. I enjoyed this story a lot, and will read others by this author. 👌
Profile Image for bridgetann.
310 reviews7 followers
March 30, 2020
Wow....Beautiful

Stories like this are one of the reasons I love reading. I laughed and even shed a few tears. I read the first one which was also a good story. But this one gave me all the feels. Ben and Eric are absolutely perfect for each other. You can feel the love radiating off each page. I admire the way Ben steps up for his sister and Eric just jumps right in like he's been there all along. It was so much better than I expected!!!!
Profile Image for Ilona Ahrens.
80 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2020
This is the first book I read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. It is a fine measured story about hurt, comfort, the importance of honesty, family bounds, friendship, pride and a very sweet love story. I loved the MCs very much and enjoyed their journey towards each other. The story has a certain quietness to it that is spiked with a lot of emotions. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I highly recommend it and will definitely look into more of Sandy Smith‘s books.
499 reviews
April 10, 2020
This, for me, was far better than the 1st book in the series, I loved Ben and Eric, I loved the sweetness of their relationship, the passion was hot and the total cuteness of Rory just made it great!
The added drama from the ex was good, I did have moments were I wondered if Eric’s problem man would turn out to be the ex too! I saw most of the twists before they were shown but that didn’t take anything away from the book. It was a fun read that kept me engrossed.
758 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2020
Aww, this was such a sweet story. Ben and Eric were both adorable and the story was fast-paced, interesting – I love a book set in Australia and il loved their family members and friends too. It was quick, low angst, low heat, but still a little sexy. I thought their meet-cute was cute and I liked how the story developed. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mac Paterson.
325 reviews
March 29, 2020
Such a lovely read, Ben and Eric are adorable together in this insta love story.

This is a fluffy story with low angst levels, there is a lot of stuff going on out with the relationship but it’s doesn’t impact them negatively it’s actually brings them together even stronger.

Good side characters, I’m hoping we get Liam’s story next.

Loved the epilogue.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,280 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2020
I loved it!!

What a beautiful sweet romance. I am so glad we got Eric’s story. Ben is perfect for him. And Ben... sigh. What a beautiful soul. He’s a great brother, wonderful uncle, and the best guy Eric could ever find. They both had to learn some things but they get it right in the end.
2,321 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2020
A great romance story. Ben and Eric have great chemistry and have an instant attraction. I really like that they became friends first and then moved on to a romantic relationship. It's a really sweet story watching them come together with some drama and angst thrown in, and also a slow burn. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
280 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2020
Ben and his sister were kicked out by their parents. Ben moves his sister and her baby in with him and he helps take care of them both. Ben has trust issues because of his ex. He meets Eric at his new job.

Ben and Eric both needed each other so much. They both had their issues and insecurities but they worked through them. This was a wonderful story! I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
748 reviews
March 25, 2020
The second book in the Six Degrees series was better than the first. Ben and Eric are such a sweet couple and their story was a pleasure to read. This is contemporary romance at its best. The book is low angst but keeps you engaged throughout.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,959 reviews16 followers
March 30, 2020
This is such a cute slow burn. Ben and Eric are just so cute together. Eric is perfect for Ben and I just love them together. It is great to see how their relationship develops on honestly even when it is hard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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