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The Way Things Are
A night of drunken confusion at nineteen resulted in Patrick Connelly fathering a child. Determined to be there for his son, Patrick walked away from a sport he loved and forever hid his sexuality. After Patrick's brutal divorce and a vicious hate crime, his son, Jay, has become obsessed with graffiti. Hoping for a fresh start, Patrick moves Jay to his childhood home in Seattle. Within two weeks, Jay is arrested again. On his way to pick Jay up, Patrick stops an assault, then finds himself in handcuffs too. Thinking things can’t get any worse, he’s confronted by the sexiest man he’s ever seen—his son’s new probation officer, Ken Atkins.
The hardest part of Ken’s job is working with difficult parents, and the undeniably handsome Patrick Connelly is going to be a difficult parent. A chance encounter and steamy hookup with Patrick leave Ken blindsided. As they work together to try to keep Jay on the right path, the passion between them proves impossible to resist. When the assault Patrick prevented comes back to haunt them and Jay gets into trouble again, Ken must convince Patrick that ensuring his son’s happiness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing his own.
Second Edition
The hardest part of Ken’s job is working with difficult parents, and the undeniably handsome Patrick Connelly is going to be a difficult parent. A chance encounter and steamy hookup with Patrick leave Ken blindsided. As they work together to try to keep Jay on the right path, the passion between them proves impossible to resist. When the assault Patrick prevented comes back to haunt them and Jay gets into trouble again, Ken must convince Patrick that ensuring his son’s happiness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing his own.
Second Edition
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2015
23 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Thomas
8 books355 followersA.J. Thomas writes romantic suspense. She’s earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from the University of Montana and worked in a half-dozen different jobs from law enforcement officer to librarian before settling down. Life as a military spouse has tossed her around the country so many times she doesn’t know how to answer when people ask her where she’s from, but she delights in living as a perpetual tourist, visiting new places and discovering amazing things.
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this story. It's a quiet romance with two very down to earth guys who have other things in mind than just jumping each other. And yet, they fall in love and try to make things work while also juggling their complicated lives.
I found it really, really heartfelt and realistic. Absolutely wonderful.
Patrick Connelly is a longshoreman (moving cargo containers from ships to the port with a huge crane) and single father. He recently moved from New York to Seattle, so his 14 year old son could get a new start after having been arrested multiple times for vandalism in New York.
There is a huge and dramatic back story as to why Jay, his son, has issues and why he often gets in conflict with the law, but almost every word of it would be a spoiler.
Anyway, Jay is in prison again and Patrick needs to bail him out. Jay's assigned social worker, Ken Atkins, is a gay man who tries his best not to show his attraction to muscle-bound Patrick, as parents of the kids he supervises are strictly off limits for him, or else he might lose his job.
Still, Patrick and Ken run into each other in a nightclub - and do some not very professional things that they end up not talking about afterwards, in order not to endanger Jay's rehab process.
Once Jay's probation period is over, Ken and Patrick decide to give their budding attraction a shot in real life.
It's actually a very quiet, salt of the earth story. There's also a bit of a crime case in there that our guys have to deal with circumstantially. But mostly it's the story of a hesitant father who wants the best for his troubled son and needs to be coaxed out of his shell by a man who is there for him and wants to become a family with Patrick and Jay.
It's absolutely beautiful. Patrick is one of these characters that I like best in romance literature. He's the brooding, strong in character kind of guy who puts other people's well-being ahead of his own.
Some of Patrick's thoughts almost made me cry, because his self-esteem was cruelly crushed by events in the past. And though he cannot cook if his life depended on it, he still provides for his son Jay, even if it means daily pizzas are on the menu. Because... they come with different toppings after all.
And I absolutely loved him for being understanding and rational, even when most dads would want to slap their son if they kept breaking the law over and over again. Patrick loved Jay unconditionally. This was beautiful to see and one of the reasons why Ken fell in love with him.
Sigh, a really great story and a wonderful change to the usual bedroom marathons that are m/m romance stories.
100% recommended!
5 stars and a favorite!
I found it really, really heartfelt and realistic. Absolutely wonderful.
Patrick Connelly is a longshoreman (moving cargo containers from ships to the port with a huge crane) and single father. He recently moved from New York to Seattle, so his 14 year old son could get a new start after having been arrested multiple times for vandalism in New York.
There is a huge and dramatic back story as to why Jay, his son, has issues and why he often gets in conflict with the law, but almost every word of it would be a spoiler.
Anyway, Jay is in prison again and Patrick needs to bail him out. Jay's assigned social worker, Ken Atkins, is a gay man who tries his best not to show his attraction to muscle-bound Patrick, as parents of the kids he supervises are strictly off limits for him, or else he might lose his job.
Still, Patrick and Ken run into each other in a nightclub - and do some not very professional things that they end up not talking about afterwards, in order not to endanger Jay's rehab process.
Once Jay's probation period is over, Ken and Patrick decide to give their budding attraction a shot in real life.
It's actually a very quiet, salt of the earth story. There's also a bit of a crime case in there that our guys have to deal with circumstantially. But mostly it's the story of a hesitant father who wants the best for his troubled son and needs to be coaxed out of his shell by a man who is there for him and wants to become a family with Patrick and Jay.
It's absolutely beautiful. Patrick is one of these characters that I like best in romance literature. He's the brooding, strong in character kind of guy who puts other people's well-being ahead of his own.
Some of Patrick's thoughts almost made me cry, because his self-esteem was cruelly crushed by events in the past. And though he cannot cook if his life depended on it, he still provides for his son Jay, even if it means daily pizzas are on the menu. Because... they come with different toppings after all.
And I absolutely loved him for being understanding and rational, even when most dads would want to slap their son if they kept breaking the law over and over again. Patrick loved Jay unconditionally. This was beautiful to see and one of the reasons why Ken fell in love with him.
Sigh, a really great story and a wonderful change to the usual bedroom marathons that are m/m romance stories.
100% recommended!
5 stars and a favorite!
January 31, 2015
I just wasn't able to connect with this story. I didn't feel the heat between the MCs. I felt we never got a real chance to experience or hear flashbacks about the father/son bond between Pat and Jay, so I didn't feel their bond either. The ending felt rushed and left many questions unanswered too. Maybe we'll get a sequel and it will help flesh this first story out for me a little more? We'll have to wait and see, but at this time I am not able to recommend this one. It missed the mark too many times and wasn't able to tweak any emotion out of me, which is a very odd occurrence.
February 10, 2020
This author is an auto buy for me. I haven't been disappointed yet. Is this the author's best book to date? No. But it is a great story. I love how the author always places you in the area and minds of it's MCs. I can always expect to be transported some where I would have never thought to go. Or to a place I never been. I love the way this author transforms two people into men who you think you may know. What I mean by that is you get to know all the characters in the book. You know what type of people they are without knowing how you found out. When I read this author's books I can almost smell what the setting is like. The only thing that I had a small problem with, is that it was short. I knew who the antagonist was right away. But the story was so well written that I didn't care. I just wish the ending would have been longer. It seemed like a dead line was coming up and the author had to quickly finish.
February 1, 2015
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed The Way Things Are. I started reading it yesterday, and I kept on reading until I hit the end. This is a story about family and acceptance.
Patrick Connelly just recently moved back to Seattle with his son Jay to get a fresh start. He's taken a job at the Port of Seattle as a longshorman. He is one of the guys that operate those huge cranes that move the containers to and from the ships (which, as cool as that is, would scare the ever living fuck out of me). Patrick is a good man, with a good heart, but he blames himself for so much that was out of his control and he holds onto a lots of guilt that simply does not belong to him. He would do anything to protect his son and sometimes that includes avoiding the root cause of what troubles Jay. Patrick, like any parent that is worth their salt, wants to shield his son from the bad things that have happened and could happen.
Jay is fifteen and a troubled young man who needs an outlet, not only for his artistic talent, but also his inner pain. Still healing from a brutal attack when he was 11, he uses art as a coping mechanism. Part of the coping also compels him to sneak out of his house at night to cover gang tags with his art. Well, that particular hobby has gotten young Jay arrested many many times, but the compulsion continues. He makes no excuses and has no problems taking responsibility for his actions.
One night Jay's actions get him arrested - again - and Ken Atkins is the JPC (Juvenile Probation Councilor) assigned to Jay's case. Ken takes his job and responsibilities very seriously and he does his best to help his kids find their way to being productive members of society, rather than prison. When he sees Jay's file, and just how many times the kid has been arrested, he expects to find a defiant kid with an abusive and/or non-caring parent. Patrick and Jay were nothing like he expected. Instead of abuse, he finds a family. Jay, in spite of his troubled past, is pretty well adjusted and very perceptive. And Patrick is a single father doing the best he can to raise and care for his son.
Though getting involved with the parent of one of his kids is a very bad idea, he and Patrick are seriously attracted to one another. They both manage - mostly - to keep things professional until Jay isn't Ken's responsibility anymore, but that doesn't keep them from getting to know one another or keep feelings from developing.
In spite of the surrounding story of not so good things going down at the docks, this story was pretty low angst. There's a lot that could have kept Ken and Patrick apart or broken them apart, but as events unfold, our MC's get closer instead. And Ken is really good with Jay.
I do hope that this gets turned into a series. I want to see Corbin (Patrick's very colorful best friend) get his man.
I really enjoyed The Way Things Are. I started reading it yesterday, and I kept on reading until I hit the end. This is a story about family and acceptance.
Patrick Connelly just recently moved back to Seattle with his son Jay to get a fresh start. He's taken a job at the Port of Seattle as a longshorman. He is one of the guys that operate those huge cranes that move the containers to and from the ships (which, as cool as that is, would scare the ever living fuck out of me). Patrick is a good man, with a good heart, but he blames himself for so much that was out of his control and he holds onto a lots of guilt that simply does not belong to him. He would do anything to protect his son and sometimes that includes avoiding the root cause of what troubles Jay. Patrick, like any parent that is worth their salt, wants to shield his son from the bad things that have happened and could happen.
Jay is fifteen and a troubled young man who needs an outlet, not only for his artistic talent, but also his inner pain. Still healing from a brutal attack when he was 11, he uses art as a coping mechanism. Part of the coping also compels him to sneak out of his house at night to cover gang tags with his art. Well, that particular hobby has gotten young Jay arrested many many times, but the compulsion continues. He makes no excuses and has no problems taking responsibility for his actions.
One night Jay's actions get him arrested - again - and Ken Atkins is the JPC (Juvenile Probation Councilor) assigned to Jay's case. Ken takes his job and responsibilities very seriously and he does his best to help his kids find their way to being productive members of society, rather than prison. When he sees Jay's file, and just how many times the kid has been arrested, he expects to find a defiant kid with an abusive and/or non-caring parent. Patrick and Jay were nothing like he expected. Instead of abuse, he finds a family. Jay, in spite of his troubled past, is pretty well adjusted and very perceptive. And Patrick is a single father doing the best he can to raise and care for his son.
Though getting involved with the parent of one of his kids is a very bad idea, he and Patrick are seriously attracted to one another. They both manage - mostly - to keep things professional until Jay isn't Ken's responsibility anymore, but that doesn't keep them from getting to know one another or keep feelings from developing.
In spite of the surrounding story of not so good things going down at the docks, this story was pretty low angst. There's a lot that could have kept Ken and Patrick apart or broken them apart, but as events unfold, our MC's get closer instead. And Ken is really good with Jay.
I do hope that this gets turned into a series. I want to see Corbin (Patrick's very colorful best friend) get his man.
September 21, 2015
Having read every novel A.J. Thomas has ever published, I can honestly say that I’m a big fan of her work. Her Least Likely Partnership series is one of my favorites in the genre, and her characters tend to be among the rare few that really stay with me. She always takes us to some very unusual places and shows us how they look through the eyes of somewhat unconventional characters.
Patrick is a single father of a very smart, kind young boy. His son, while otherwise a good kid, has an unfortunate tendency to express his emotions through graffiti. In an attempt to turn his life around, Patrick moves them both to Seattle, but after only a few weeks, Jay is in trouble again.
Ken Atkins is Jay’s probation officer and he is baffled by the kid’s case. So many things point to abuse in Jay’s past, but it’s quite obvious that Patrick Connelly would never harm his son. After initial distrust and a lot of investigating, Patrick and Ken become very close. However, a relationship between them would be very unprofessional and could cost Ken his job.
The Way Things Are is a romance with a very strong mystery added into the mix. Patrick is a dock crane operator and he inadvertently gets mixed up in a human trafficking case. As the new man on the docks, he sees things others refuse to notice and when people start dying, he refuses to look the other way. The danger follows him home, however, and he has to turn to Ken Atkins if he is to protect his son.
My very favorite thing about The Way Things Are is that it isn’t a conventional romance. It doesn’t follow the usual rhythm or tropes. Instead, it’s a very honest story about two flawed men and their circumstances. Their coming together has a very natural flow, a very true-to-life development. The focus of the story is very much on the characters as they overcome realistic obstacles and attempt to build a life together.
If you’re looking for excellent character development and a story that deviates slightly from the norm, look no further. With an excellent, vivid setting, very realistic characters with genuine problems and emotions, and a solid mystery to hold the pieces together, The Way Things Are is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
August 21, 2018
The premise of this story is original and, despite my misgivings about MCs with children, I enjoyed reading about Jay and his issues. Probably because he’s fifteen, so not a child and fortunately not an annoying teenager either, and his presence was very important in the story and in Pat’s life but never overwhelming.
I also liked reading about Pat’s job, his profession as a crane operator is not one usually seen in romances and Pat’s passion made it interesting to read about.
Unfortunately, I can’t think of much else I really liked, the best I can say about the rest is that it was average.
I never felt the connection between Pat and Ken, the writing told me they were attracted to each other and they were falling in love but to me it seemed like all they ever did together was having sex.
I also found some of the dialogues to be overly descriptive (this must be karma because I complained in my last review about the MCs not speaking more about their feelings) or on the oversharing side. I can’t really imagine grown men speaking like that and saying certain things to or in front of people they barely know. It wasn’t anything completely ridiculous, but it didn’t sound realistic either.
The mystery part wasn’t much of a mystery, it was pretty clear which character was involved, and the ending left some things unresolved.
All in all, not my favorite book by this author.
I also liked reading about Pat’s job, his profession as a crane operator is not one usually seen in romances and Pat’s passion made it interesting to read about.
Unfortunately, I can’t think of much else I really liked, the best I can say about the rest is that it was average.
I never felt the connection between Pat and Ken, the writing told me they were attracted to each other and they were falling in love but to me it seemed like all they ever did together was having sex.
I also found some of the dialogues to be overly descriptive (this must be karma because I complained in my last review about the MCs not speaking more about their feelings) or on the oversharing side. I can’t really imagine grown men speaking like that and saying certain things to or in front of people they barely know. It wasn’t anything completely ridiculous, but it didn’t sound realistic either.
The mystery part wasn’t much of a mystery, it was pretty clear which character was involved, and the ending left some things unresolved.
All in all, not my favorite book by this author.
November 29, 2019
I really enjoy books where an MC has a job outside the usual range for our romance MCs, and where that informs the story. Patrick is a crane operator at the waterfront docks, and his shiftwork impacts his ability to monitor his teen son, whose addiction to graffiti has him bouncing in and out of the juvenile justice system. Add an assault on the job site that Patrick witnesses and stops, and a kind and sexy juvenile probation officer who should really be off limits, and you have a great story.
Both characters were real and flawed and well-meaning and interesting. The mystery added tension, and the teenager wasn't too perfect. I really liked this story of a single parent doing their best, and the guy he falls for who helps make it all work.
Both characters were real and flawed and well-meaning and interesting. The mystery added tension, and the teenager wasn't too perfect. I really liked this story of a single parent doing their best, and the guy he falls for who helps make it all work.
February 1, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
There are a few things that are unique about this story, which I really enjoyed. One thing is Patrick is a longshoreman, which is the guy up in the big crane who loads the containers on the cargo ships. I always find it interesting to see new things in books, so I enjoyed reading the details about this one.
The other is that Jay is a messed up kid who continually gets in trouble. It’s his outlet that I found interesting. He is a graffiti addict. He paints his “art” on buildings usually to cover up gang tags and other less desirable graffiti. Graffiti is still graffiti though, so he has quite a lengthy juvenile record.
Ken is the guy assigned to be Jay’s “probation officer,” though they don’t call it that. After realizing his immediate attraction to Patrick was going to be a problem, he tried to get reassigned. Circumstances prevented that from happening, so they tried to keep things professional until Ken’s time was up.
There is mystery involving some things that go down on Patrick’s job that get in the way of things, but generally, this was about Ken and Patrick trying to keep Jay from reoffending. It seemed there was more they could have done here and there, even though they tried to get him refocused on other things. I was hoping they’d find another place for him to safely do his graffiti art. Corbin’s father and owner of the gym mentioned having walls that were in need of something. Seemed like a lost opportunity to me, and there didn’t seem to be any closure where this was concerned.
I also wish we had seen a bit more of Patrick and Jay’s relationship. Jay is a teen at this point, so it may be that was why I had trouble feeling their connection/bond. They had quite a history though, with Jay’s mother and Patrick’s ex, but it took a while to get the details, which I found a little frustrating.
All in all, I did enjoy this quite a bit. It read very smoothly, had hot sexy moments, a good bit of action and suspense, and it kept my interest through to the end. I’d really like to see a follow up to this, maybe with Corbin finding the right guy. He’s quite a unique character, and it will take someone pretty special to be able to catch him.
dnf
February 24, 2020DNF @ 55%
I should have quit at 25% when Patrick decided
But this is A.J. Thomas and she's never failed me yet. Sure, she set these two up with a huge hurdle for me to get over, but I was willing to see if she could pull it off. Then she got them all the way to very last week of Jay's probation and the idiots go and do it again. Really? Y'all couldn't wait 5 more days?! The superficiality of most of their thoughts about each other just didn't really make me feel any kind of chemistry between them, and then she started summarizing things by large chunks - those pesky relationship-building moments - to hurry up and get to the sex, since that's clearly the most important thing. *rolls eyes*
I did like the stuff with Jay and his issues, but it was clearly taking the backseat to the "romance" but I wasn't really looking forward to finding out what his issues with his mom were since Evil Women are kind of thing in M/M romance that I can do without. Then there's the human trafficking thing going on at the docks where Patrick works. I did skim ahead to see if Ken ever got any heat over his extreme unprofessionalism , and to see if I was right about .
This is one of Thomas's earlier works, so I'll just chalk this up to her being a newer writer and be thankful she got better as time went on.
I should have quit at 25% when Patrick decided
But this is A.J. Thomas and she's never failed me yet. Sure, she set these two up with a huge hurdle for me to get over, but I was willing to see if she could pull it off. Then she got them all the way to very last week of Jay's probation and the idiots go and do it again. Really? Y'all couldn't wait 5 more days?! The superficiality of most of their thoughts about each other just didn't really make me feel any kind of chemistry between them, and then she started summarizing things by large chunks - those pesky relationship-building moments - to hurry up and get to the sex, since that's clearly the most important thing. *rolls eyes*
I did like the stuff with Jay and his issues, but it was clearly taking the backseat to the "romance" but I wasn't really looking forward to finding out what his issues with his mom were since Evil Women are kind of thing in M/M romance that I can do without. Then there's the human trafficking thing going on at the docks where Patrick works. I did skim ahead to see if Ken ever got any heat over his extreme unprofessionalism , and to see if I was right about .
This is one of Thomas's earlier works, so I'll just chalk this up to her being a newer writer and be thankful she got better as time went on.
March 29, 2015
I very much enjoyed this. Definitely needed an epilogue though. I was left with well what happens next for them? I would recommend this. And one of the MCs is a ginger. I know several people that will jump all over this for that fact alone!
November 24, 2017
I really really enjoyed this one. It was engaging, it was was well written, Ken and Patrick, our two MC's, had amazing chemistry and they were incredibly sweet, hot and adorable together. I loved Jay, Patrick's 14, then 15 year old son in this book.
There was a bit of a mystery/crime thing going on here, but it all happened from a civilian's perspective, not a cop's. Ken's brother is a detective on the case that Patrick kind of stumbles on when he tries to save someone about to be hurt, but it doesn't focus on him. It was interesting to see a crime like story but from a different perspective.
And while the crime plot was woven into the story well, it was mainly about Patrick and Ken falling in love, and Jay, and kind of how these three come to be a family, or at least on their way to being a family by the end of this.
I loved the relationship between them all, I loved other secondary character's as well, like Patrick's best friend Corbin (and I wonder if we'll ever get his story? I would love to read that).
Ken and Patrick clicked from the moment they met, and I just enjoyed reading their journey to getting their HEA. It was entertaining and intriguing and I definitely recommend this. Very good book! :D
There was a bit of a mystery/crime thing going on here, but it all happened from a civilian's perspective, not a cop's. Ken's brother is a detective on the case that Patrick kind of stumbles on when he tries to save someone about to be hurt, but it doesn't focus on him. It was interesting to see a crime like story but from a different perspective.
And while the crime plot was woven into the story well, it was mainly about Patrick and Ken falling in love, and Jay, and kind of how these three come to be a family, or at least on their way to being a family by the end of this.
I loved the relationship between them all, I loved other secondary character's as well, like Patrick's best friend Corbin (and I wonder if we'll ever get his story? I would love to read that).
Ken and Patrick clicked from the moment they met, and I just enjoyed reading their journey to getting their HEA. It was entertaining and intriguing and I definitely recommend this. Very good book! :D
April 8, 2015
4.5 stars
This was a great book, read it in record time and although I had a few niggles, they didn't take away from my enjoyment. There were two scenes, although they themselves were great and important for the storyline, their implementation didn't work for me. It felt quite fabricated. And of course the climactic scene wasn't very surprising. But, as I already said - even that wasn't able to dampen the fun I had reading this book.
This was a great book, read it in record time and although I had a few niggles, they didn't take away from my enjoyment. There were two scenes, although they themselves were great and important for the storyline, their implementation didn't work for me. It felt quite fabricated. And of course the climactic scene wasn't very surprising. But, as I already said - even that wasn't able to dampen the fun I had reading this book.
April 12, 2020
*4,5 stars*
I really enjoyed this enormously.
The thing that struck me most is the realism and the authenticity of the writing.
Patrick and Ken feel real. Their problems feel real. Their emotions feel real.
The attraction, that sudden pull when they meet could maybe be interpreted as insta-something, but even that, the way it’s written, feels totally real.
I loved that these guys don’t give up on each other, but persevere when they realize that the spark between them far exceeds the sexual. And that they stick with each other, even when the going gets tough. They both are incredibly nice, genuine guys. People you would like to know, and I rooted for them all the way.
The author clearly has done excellent research on crane operators and shows deep insights into the workings of the juvenile probation services which I found really interesting (not so sure I needed to know all those details about crane operating though). However, the detective plot didn’t really do much for me, but it is secondary to the romance anyway.
And a romance it is, a ‘real life’ romance which made me feel really warm and cosy inside.
I really enjoyed this enormously.
The thing that struck me most is the realism and the authenticity of the writing.
Patrick and Ken feel real. Their problems feel real. Their emotions feel real.
The attraction, that sudden pull when they meet could maybe be interpreted as insta-something, but even that, the way it’s written, feels totally real.
I loved that these guys don’t give up on each other, but persevere when they realize that the spark between them far exceeds the sexual. And that they stick with each other, even when the going gets tough. They both are incredibly nice, genuine guys. People you would like to know, and I rooted for them all the way.
The author clearly has done excellent research on crane operators and shows deep insights into the workings of the juvenile probation services which I found really interesting (not so sure I needed to know all those details about crane operating though). However, the detective plot didn’t really do much for me, but it is secondary to the romance anyway.
And a romance it is, a ‘real life’ romance which made me feel really warm and cosy inside.
January 11, 2020
Impressive, to say the least
I’ve had a string of mediocre reads as we roll into a new year and a new decade and was feeling pretty despondent. So I wasn’t expecting much from this book and it blew me away!
I love the story and the little details and just... everything about the book. Except for the fact that it didn’t have an epilogue 😑 the characters were so fleshed out I feel like these could be real people. They definitely had layers and nuances to them that I can’t help but feel truly impressed.
There’s also the element of a proper crime mystery that isn’t just used as a plot point. But one that had me equally invested in figuring out who could be the culprit.
I like this author and I guess I’m going to be raising their back catalogue! 😉
I’ve had a string of mediocre reads as we roll into a new year and a new decade and was feeling pretty despondent. So I wasn’t expecting much from this book and it blew me away!
I love the story and the little details and just... everything about the book. Except for the fact that it didn’t have an epilogue 😑 the characters were so fleshed out I feel like these could be real people. They definitely had layers and nuances to them that I can’t help but feel truly impressed.
There’s also the element of a proper crime mystery that isn’t just used as a plot point. But one that had me equally invested in figuring out who could be the culprit.
I like this author and I guess I’m going to be raising their back catalogue! 😉
February 5, 2015
3.75★
....
Hot story, likable characters; a great all-round read. Would like more, maybe Jay's story.
....Hot story, likable characters; a great all-round read. Would like more, maybe Jay's story.
May 26, 2022
I really loved this one, 4.5 rounded down. This is a quiet love between two average men without any OTT shenanigans between them and I really liked this brand of realism. Patrick is a crane operator who defends someone from getting a beating which leads to trouble for him (won't say more to avoid spoilers). Ken is Patrick's son case worker (Jay, Pat's son, keeps getting in trouble for graffiti), that's how they meet and get to know each other. I wish we had seen them getting to know each other while Ken was in charge of Jay's case but it was fine. When the court mandated supervision ends they give their relationship a shot. It's simple but it is layered with internalized homophobia and Ken's job being on the line. I liked Jay as well. I liked the mystery as wall and the way Patrick handled Jay's graffiti. The rounding down comes because I wish Jay's situation was more resolved. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quiet romance that felt real to me.
February 5, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
I really really enjoyed this one.
There was a little bit of everything in this story, two men who have been broken by their pasts, a belligerent teen damaged and only just coping and then to top it off a couple of murders thrown in to create a mystery.
A drunken mistake over a decade ago changed the course of Patrick Connelly’s life and not in a good way. A gay man trapped in a loveless and constricting marriage but the most important thing was to be there for his unplanned but very much loved son. His son Jay is now fifteen and Patrick has sole custody after an acrimonious divorce that left Jay in hospital almost dead. His recovery is slow but when he discovers a love of sketching to help banish his demons it’s both a help and a curse. He takes to sneaking out at night to graffiti his artwork around the city. By the time he moves to Seattle with his father his arrest record is as long as his arm and he is only in his new home a couple of days when the process starts again.
Ken Atkins comes from a long line of Police Officers and following in their footsteps was his dream until he damaged his knee. Although he loves his job as a Probation Officer his brothers still insist if he gave it just one more go he could still join the Police. He has a darkness from his past that gives him an insight into what a lot of the children he sees are going through. His is thorough and compassionate and might just be what Jay needs as he takes over his case.
When Ken and Patrick first meet it is lust at first sight. Both of them react strongly to the other and Ken steps over the line of professionalism when they bump into each other one evening and end up doing more than talking.
Whilst the two men try to remain professional for the duration of Jay’s probation they become good friends. There is a lot of lust and yearning in the background but as always Ken is determined to do the right thing even if it feels like it is killing him. Patrick has his own problems as there is something going on at his workplace that eventually leads to his life being put in danger. The mystery side of this story almost takes second place as you learn more about Ken and Patrick and their pasts and they both try to work out what is best for Jay.
I do hope we see a little bit more of these characters…maybe in Corbin’s story
4.5 Stars
I really really enjoyed this one.
There was a little bit of everything in this story, two men who have been broken by their pasts, a belligerent teen damaged and only just coping and then to top it off a couple of murders thrown in to create a mystery.
A drunken mistake over a decade ago changed the course of Patrick Connelly’s life and not in a good way. A gay man trapped in a loveless and constricting marriage but the most important thing was to be there for his unplanned but very much loved son. His son Jay is now fifteen and Patrick has sole custody after an acrimonious divorce that left Jay in hospital almost dead. His recovery is slow but when he discovers a love of sketching to help banish his demons it’s both a help and a curse. He takes to sneaking out at night to graffiti his artwork around the city. By the time he moves to Seattle with his father his arrest record is as long as his arm and he is only in his new home a couple of days when the process starts again.
Ken Atkins comes from a long line of Police Officers and following in their footsteps was his dream until he damaged his knee. Although he loves his job as a Probation Officer his brothers still insist if he gave it just one more go he could still join the Police. He has a darkness from his past that gives him an insight into what a lot of the children he sees are going through. His is thorough and compassionate and might just be what Jay needs as he takes over his case.
When Ken and Patrick first meet it is lust at first sight. Both of them react strongly to the other and Ken steps over the line of professionalism when they bump into each other one evening and end up doing more than talking.
Whilst the two men try to remain professional for the duration of Jay’s probation they become good friends. There is a lot of lust and yearning in the background but as always Ken is determined to do the right thing even if it feels like it is killing him. Patrick has his own problems as there is something going on at his workplace that eventually leads to his life being put in danger. The mystery side of this story almost takes second place as you learn more about Ken and Patrick and their pasts and they both try to work out what is best for Jay.
I do hope we see a little bit more of these characters…maybe in Corbin’s story
February 10, 2015
Wow, this book was crazy good!
I liked the plot, it was well thought out, uncomplicated nor dramatic but fully engaging.
I loved the characters! I loved Patrick, I loved Ken and I adored Jay. AND I'm crazily in love with them as a family. I liked the secondary characters a lot! They're all different, some are good, some are bad, but in the end they all come together in a way that brought happy tears to my eyes.
Ohhh how I loved Corbin!!! Talk about an example of false advertising. What you see (a twink in distress who always needs someone to come to his help and rescue; an in-your-face gay man who likes to shock those around him and scandalize everyone) is NOT what you get ( a skinny twink who can hold his own against anyone; an expert fighter who can drop anyone on its ass in 3 seconds flat; a great friend and a confident individual who's determined to protect himself from heartbreaks.) Can Corbin PLEASE get his own book??? PLEASE!!!???
I liked the plot, it was well thought out, uncomplicated nor dramatic but fully engaging.
I loved the characters! I loved Patrick, I loved Ken and I adored Jay. AND I'm crazily in love with them as a family. I liked the secondary characters a lot! They're all different, some are good, some are bad, but in the end they all come together in a way that brought happy tears to my eyes.
Ohhh how I loved Corbin!!! Talk about an example of false advertising. What you see (a twink in distress who always needs someone to come to his help and rescue; an in-your-face gay man who likes to shock those around him and scandalize everyone) is NOT what you get ( a skinny twink who can hold his own against anyone; an expert fighter who can drop anyone on its ass in 3 seconds flat; a great friend and a confident individual who's determined to protect himself from heartbreaks.) Can Corbin PLEASE get his own book??? PLEASE!!!???
March 25, 2020
Re Read 2020
For some reason I have this fascination with Patrick's job and I think that is what keeps bringing me back to reading this one. I still enjoyed Patrick and Jay's relationship and the never ending patience Patrick shows
Enjoyable
I liked Patrick as a father and his relationship with Jay. Jay is a messed up kid and Patrick continuously works with him trying to kerb his behaviour even knowing as he does that Jay is going to offend again. He never loses his temper.
I would have liked to have seen more from Jay's probation and his interactions with Ken as these were kind of skipped.
But I didn't really feel the connection to the two MCs. It felt like all they really had was attraction.
I was extremely annoyed by one of the secondary characters actions at one point and I think that more should have been shown in the resolution of that one.
Want to see more of Jay
For some reason I have this fascination with Patrick's job and I think that is what keeps bringing me back to reading this one. I still enjoyed Patrick and Jay's relationship and the never ending patience Patrick shows
Enjoyable
I liked Patrick as a father and his relationship with Jay. Jay is a messed up kid and Patrick continuously works with him trying to kerb his behaviour even knowing as he does that Jay is going to offend again. He never loses his temper.
I would have liked to have seen more from Jay's probation and his interactions with Ken as these were kind of skipped.
But I didn't really feel the connection to the two MCs. It felt like all they really had was attraction.
I was extremely annoyed by one of the secondary characters actions at one point and I think that more should have been shown in the resolution of that one.
Want to see more of Jay
May 5, 2015
Very nice story, I really enjoyed it. But what I really want to know is where's Corbin and David's story?
January 14, 2020
Alright Martin let's go! :P
January 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
*this book was provided to me by the author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
Patrick and his 14 year old son, Jay have just moved back to Seattle from New York, after a decade long miserable marriage, a nasty divorce and an even nastier custody battle. They return to try and give Jay a fresh start. Jay has been in and out of trouble since he was 12, for spray painting Graffiti.
Patrick's first night at his new job, and already his son is in juvy. Leaving to go get him he witnesses an attack and when he stops it, he ends up arrested.
Ken a parole counselor is assigned Jay's case. He tries contacting Patrick, but he is taken aback, when he later discovers that Patrick has been arrested too.
When Ken and Pat meet it is instant physical attraction. Ken knows he should stay away, but it is so hard. Ken and Patrick are drawn to one another. Over the next few weeks Ken handles both Patrick and Jay on a professional level. But when they are finally allowed to be together sparks fly!
I loved this book. It had a great story line. It had mystery, suspense, romance, steamy sex, and it was funny too. The MC's had a good chemistry. I especially loved the relationship Patrick and his son had. It also had Corbin, Patrick's out an proud, and just a bit flamboyant best friend. He was an awesome secondary character. I would love to see him get a book. (hint hint, nudge, nudge) :)
This was a great book, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than 24hrs. I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next!
I only have 1 complaint, really..I wish it had an epilogue. There were questions left unresolved. I want to know where these 3 guys go. I want to know what the future holds for them (of course if we get a book for Corbin, maybe we will find out)
*this book was provided to me by the author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
Patrick and his 14 year old son, Jay have just moved back to Seattle from New York, after a decade long miserable marriage, a nasty divorce and an even nastier custody battle. They return to try and give Jay a fresh start. Jay has been in and out of trouble since he was 12, for spray painting Graffiti.
Patrick's first night at his new job, and already his son is in juvy. Leaving to go get him he witnesses an attack and when he stops it, he ends up arrested.
Ken a parole counselor is assigned Jay's case. He tries contacting Patrick, but he is taken aback, when he later discovers that Patrick has been arrested too.
When Ken and Pat meet it is instant physical attraction. Ken knows he should stay away, but it is so hard. Ken and Patrick are drawn to one another. Over the next few weeks Ken handles both Patrick and Jay on a professional level. But when they are finally allowed to be together sparks fly!
I loved this book. It had a great story line. It had mystery, suspense, romance, steamy sex, and it was funny too. The MC's had a good chemistry. I especially loved the relationship Patrick and his son had. It also had Corbin, Patrick's out an proud, and just a bit flamboyant best friend. He was an awesome secondary character. I would love to see him get a book. (hint hint, nudge, nudge) :)
This was a great book, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than 24hrs. I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next!
I only have 1 complaint, really..I wish it had an epilogue. There were questions left unresolved. I want to know where these 3 guys go. I want to know what the future holds for them (of course if we get a book for Corbin, maybe we will find out)
June 22, 2015
3.5 (4.0) Stars
Point in favor: I almost read this book in one sitting and the only reason I didn't was I could not afford to pull an all-nighter before a workday. If it had been the weekend, I would've finished it. That's important to me because it means I became quickly engrossed in the story and it held my attention all the way through. Here's the rub: I didn't care for the last 12% of the book. It pissed me off. It wasn't enough to make me dislike the book or not recommend it but it definitely irked me. I didn't like the way things played out with Ken and his family, which was disappointing and irritated me.
Bottom line: Riveted but the ending was a bit of a downer.
Point in favor: I almost read this book in one sitting and the only reason I didn't was I could not afford to pull an all-nighter before a workday. If it had been the weekend, I would've finished it. That's important to me because it means I became quickly engrossed in the story and it held my attention all the way through. Here's the rub: I didn't care for the last 12% of the book. It pissed me off. It wasn't enough to make me dislike the book or not recommend it but it definitely irked me. I didn't like the way things played out with Ken and his family, which was disappointing and irritated me.
Bottom line: Riveted but the ending was a bit of a downer.
April 25, 2015
Very realistic and sincere. From first sight of the cover I was hooked, and the story didn't disappoint. Each character was unique and added to the plot. And now, I want Corbin's story!!
Loved the last sentence (I was wondering where the title came from before that), loved Jay, and I loved how the psychology was spot on in this book. All their issues were logical and well explained, and I was totally into their lives and successes.
Recommended.
Loved the last sentence (I was wondering where the title came from before that), loved Jay, and I loved how the psychology was spot on in this book. All their issues were logical and well explained, and I was totally into their lives and successes.
Recommended.
September 10, 2016
This book was so good for my mood when I read it moths ago, it have something unique in the story that makes me finished in just a day so I really really enjoyed it.
August 1, 2024
I liked the setup and the characters. Sadly, I didn't feel much connection between the MC's and the ending was abrupt. It also could use some editing and proofreading.
February 9, 2015
4.5 star review by Amber
“Thinking about you is like that. It’s like falling all the time, but never having to worry about hitting the ground.”
This book was not what I expected, at all. I wasn’t prepared for what an amazing father Patrick turned out to be. I wasn’t prepared for how damaged Jay is and the fact that he isn’t a juvenile delinquent who just likes to damage other people’s things. He has problems and a heart the size of Texas. I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved these two men together and how much I really wanted them to find happiness.
Patrick Connelly could tell you a thing or two about mistakes. He’s known he was gay for most of his life and while he’s not ashamed of it he hasn’t shouted it from the rooftops either. One night in his teens he got drunk made a huge mistake and got a girl pregnant. Never one to shy away from his responsibilities, Pat chooses to do the right thing and marrying his baby’s mother. Unfortunately he feels in order to be a good father he needs to give up his passion for boxing and get a steady job. Unable to curb his desires for men he cheats and lies to his wife constantly. When it all comes to a head they end up divorcing, resentment and anger turn his wife into a monster and she ends up allowing her son to be beaten by her new boyfriend. In the aftermath, Pat gets full custody of his son Jay and they move to Washington State, for a new start.
Jay, however, has internal scars from what happened to him years ago by his mother’s boyfriend. His therapy, his medication is art. It calms him and in his mind, it’s healing him, allowing him to get out some of the bad stuff that is stuck inside. Unfortunately Jay uses walls and other people’s property as his canvases and has had his share of trouble with the law.
Ken Atkins is assigned as Jay’s new juvenile parole officer in Washington. Ken knows a thing or two about hard knocks. He and his brothers were viciously abused by their biological father when they were kids so he takes his job very seriously. He’s good at working with juveniles so when he gets assigned to Jay’s case he isn’t prepared for the undeniable pull he has towards Jay’s dad, Pat.
One drunken night Ken gives into his fierce attraction and sleeps with Pat, but he immediately regrets it because it’s unethical to have a relationship with one of his kid’s parents. Ken backs way off but the attraction, the pull is still very strong between them.
I absolutely loved these two together. They were smoking hot, caring, sweet, and just good…damn good. I also loved A.J. Thomas’s writing style. It flowed so well and had me invested from just the first few pages.
There’s also some murder mystery, human trafficking, family drama, and youthful angst thrown in for good measure.
Overall, this book is friggin GREAT! Absolutely recommend!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
“Thinking about you is like that. It’s like falling all the time, but never having to worry about hitting the ground.”
This book was not what I expected, at all. I wasn’t prepared for what an amazing father Patrick turned out to be. I wasn’t prepared for how damaged Jay is and the fact that he isn’t a juvenile delinquent who just likes to damage other people’s things. He has problems and a heart the size of Texas. I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved these two men together and how much I really wanted them to find happiness.
Patrick Connelly could tell you a thing or two about mistakes. He’s known he was gay for most of his life and while he’s not ashamed of it he hasn’t shouted it from the rooftops either. One night in his teens he got drunk made a huge mistake and got a girl pregnant. Never one to shy away from his responsibilities, Pat chooses to do the right thing and marrying his baby’s mother. Unfortunately he feels in order to be a good father he needs to give up his passion for boxing and get a steady job. Unable to curb his desires for men he cheats and lies to his wife constantly. When it all comes to a head they end up divorcing, resentment and anger turn his wife into a monster and she ends up allowing her son to be beaten by her new boyfriend. In the aftermath, Pat gets full custody of his son Jay and they move to Washington State, for a new start.
Jay, however, has internal scars from what happened to him years ago by his mother’s boyfriend. His therapy, his medication is art. It calms him and in his mind, it’s healing him, allowing him to get out some of the bad stuff that is stuck inside. Unfortunately Jay uses walls and other people’s property as his canvases and has had his share of trouble with the law.
Ken Atkins is assigned as Jay’s new juvenile parole officer in Washington. Ken knows a thing or two about hard knocks. He and his brothers were viciously abused by their biological father when they were kids so he takes his job very seriously. He’s good at working with juveniles so when he gets assigned to Jay’s case he isn’t prepared for the undeniable pull he has towards Jay’s dad, Pat.
One drunken night Ken gives into his fierce attraction and sleeps with Pat, but he immediately regrets it because it’s unethical to have a relationship with one of his kid’s parents. Ken backs way off but the attraction, the pull is still very strong between them.
I absolutely loved these two together. They were smoking hot, caring, sweet, and just good…damn good. I also loved A.J. Thomas’s writing style. It flowed so well and had me invested from just the first few pages.
There’s also some murder mystery, human trafficking, family drama, and youthful angst thrown in for good measure.
Overall, this book is friggin GREAT! Absolutely recommend!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
September 6, 2015
4.5 stars rounded up - The author had me captured from the very beginning. Patrick and his son Jay were such interesting characters and their story was slowly revealed throughout the book. Jay's obsession with his drawings and graffiti were an unusual plot point and I loved learning what it meant for him. Patrick should win a father-of-the-year award for his patience, love and concern for his son.
When Ken came into Patrick's life it was fun to watch the two of them dance around each other and then develop a relationship. No long detailed love scenes were needed to show the reader how these two felt about each other. I'm all for hot love scenes (there were a few short ones), but it was great to see an author get the message and feelings across without depending on the sex scenes.
Patrick's fascinating job as a longshoreman and crane operator was a special bonus for me, and a touch of mystery added even more interest. I listened to this story straight through on audio and really enjoyed every minute. Some folks have had trouble with the audio narrator, but I thought he did a fine job and noticed no problems while listening. I'd recommend the story for those looking for a sweet, believable romance and characters you will come to care about.
When Ken came into Patrick's life it was fun to watch the two of them dance around each other and then develop a relationship. No long detailed love scenes were needed to show the reader how these two felt about each other. I'm all for hot love scenes (there were a few short ones), but it was great to see an author get the message and feelings across without depending on the sex scenes.
Patrick's fascinating job as a longshoreman and crane operator was a special bonus for me, and a touch of mystery added even more interest. I listened to this story straight through on audio and really enjoyed every minute. Some folks have had trouble with the audio narrator, but I thought he did a fine job and noticed no problems while listening. I'd recommend the story for those looking for a sweet, believable romance and characters you will come to care about.
January 1, 2018
4.3 Stars
There's just something about how well AJ writes that appeals to me; it's consistently good, her characters are relate-able and real, the plots interesting but plausible. As crazy as the drama is in this one, it's actually not unreasonable as I've read similar news stories focusing on this kind of human trafficking. Horrible as that is, I know...
I loved Jay, too. He broke my heart sometimes - I wanted to mother him in all the ways his own didn't, couldn't. Of course, he's a resilient kid and while I desperately want Corbin's story first, I wouldn't mind one for him a couple years down the road when he's older.
As for the audio? Meh. I didn't hate it, but it didn't enhance the experience either. Not enough differentiation between the MCs...which considering how one's voice was supposedly boner-inducing should have been portrayed as such. (Neither were, honestly.)
There's just something about how well AJ writes that appeals to me; it's consistently good, her characters are relate-able and real, the plots interesting but plausible. As crazy as the drama is in this one, it's actually not unreasonable as I've read similar news stories focusing on this kind of human trafficking. Horrible as that is, I know...
I loved Jay, too. He broke my heart sometimes - I wanted to mother him in all the ways his own didn't, couldn't. Of course, he's a resilient kid and while I desperately want Corbin's story first, I wouldn't mind one for him a couple years down the road when he's older.
As for the audio? Meh. I didn't hate it, but it didn't enhance the experience either. Not enough differentiation between the MCs...which considering how one's voice was supposedly boner-inducing should have been portrayed as such. (Neither were, honestly.)
September 10, 2021
One-word review: Satisfying.
Characters, plot, details, and in particular, the way the guys are with each other despite the crap life throws at them, this is a really good book. There's less-passionate writing for the sex parts, as opposed to the oh-god-he's-hot parts, than I would've liked, but writing is hard and I can't deduct stars for it. This is a solid, worthwhile romance. All the characters are well written, and the plot kept me well and truly hooked.
Characters, plot, details, and in particular, the way the guys are with each other despite the crap life throws at them, this is a really good book. There's less-passionate writing for the sex parts, as opposed to the oh-god-he's-hot parts, than I would've liked, but writing is hard and I can't deduct stars for it. This is a solid, worthwhile romance. All the characters are well written, and the plot kept me well and truly hooked.
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