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Discovering Me #1
Unearthing Cole
He only came back to get her ashes; he never thought he’d find a reason to stay.
Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina--until he inherits his mother’s hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start.
Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, offers his services in sorting and selling the hoard in exchange for a fee. Their chemistry soon turns their professional relationship into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life.
Or the possibility of a happy future.
This title was previously published but no significant changes have been made.
Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina--until he inherits his mother’s hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start.
Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, offers his services in sorting and selling the hoard in exchange for a fee. Their chemistry soon turns their professional relationship into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life.
Or the possibility of a happy future.
This title was previously published but no significant changes have been made.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2013
49 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,235 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 1, 2016
As my husband always says, "With Heather, the stranger the better." I love weird, what can I say?! When I saw this book was a M/M about hoarders I HAD to give it a go. I love anything to do with hoarders! (Again, I'm strange)
As far as the story goes, this is a really angsty one. It has as much to do with domestic violence as it does with hoarding, so people who have issues reading about abuse, beware.
The story started out VERY strong, like 4 star + strong. I loved fragile, recovering Cole and seeing him learn to trust again. He felt very real, and acted how I would guess a victim of domestic abuse would. I dug his chemistry with Jeremy, and I LOVE a , so kudos to the author for putting more of those in M/M romance.
The overall vibe was a very slow burn, hurt-comfort story, with some nice, hot scenes.
However that ending... RAGE. I thought it was an extreme cop out. Hated it. No spoilers here but it was rushed and left me feeling empty, angry, and with unresolved issues.
A note on the narration:
This was my first time listening to J.P. Handler and, I have to say, it was a strange experience. He has an extremely robotic way of narrating, with no differentiation between the characters' voices. However, oddly enough, I think I enjoyed it?? I'm not going to try to over-analyze it, but I didn't hate the masculine robot vibe... I know, strange.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 13, 2013
This review might be a little spoilerish.
Cole is an interesting man, he grew up as the only child of hoarders, he was isolated and ashamed because of it, so he easily fell prey to a charming, devious and abusive Martin.
After one very violent episode Cole finally gets out and leaves Martin, he has been to therapists and keeps moving, always afraid of his past catching up with him.
After his mother's death, and boy, that was a very sad way to go, he has to come back to his hometown, and all the memories that brings.
Trying to make his parents property sellable he meets local antic shop owner Jeremy.
Jeremy, wow, that poor man has had a long run of sadness, although you can't tell by the way he acts, he is nice, honest and super supportive and careful with Cole, even if he makes his attraction and interest in him clear.
Now, despite a lot of heavy and serious issues, I didn't feel like I was being emotionally manipulated or served up an angst fest, it felt honest and real but no dramatics for dramas sake, if that makes sense.
There was one quote that really explained a lot, for me at least, Cole is explaining why he never felt loved by his parents, which of course made him more susceptible to someone like Martin, but then he sees something so unexpected and what Jeremy said to him was so important I saw it as the main reason he was able to really move forward.
“Maybe your mother loved you more than you gave her credit for. Her house was crushing down on her, but she was never able to fill your absence.”
The ending and resolution with Martin did feel a bit rushed, but I guess something was needed, and this was as good as anything else, I would have wished for another few pages of what the future brings for Jeremy and Cole, and I would categorize it as a very hopeful HFN ending.
Cole is an interesting man, he grew up as the only child of hoarders, he was isolated and ashamed because of it, so he easily fell prey to a charming, devious and abusive Martin.
After one very violent episode Cole finally gets out and leaves Martin, he has been to therapists and keeps moving, always afraid of his past catching up with him.
After his mother's death, and boy, that was a very sad way to go, he has to come back to his hometown, and all the memories that brings.
Trying to make his parents property sellable he meets local antic shop owner Jeremy.
Jeremy, wow, that poor man has had a long run of sadness, although you can't tell by the way he acts, he is nice, honest and super supportive and careful with Cole, even if he makes his attraction and interest in him clear.
Now, despite a lot of heavy and serious issues, I didn't feel like I was being emotionally manipulated or served up an angst fest, it felt honest and real but no dramatics for dramas sake, if that makes sense.
There was one quote that really explained a lot, for me at least, Cole is explaining why he never felt loved by his parents, which of course made him more susceptible to someone like Martin, but then he sees something so unexpected and what Jeremy said to him was so important I saw it as the main reason he was able to really move forward.
“Maybe your mother loved you more than you gave her credit for. Her house was crushing down on her, but she was never able to fill your absence.”
The ending and resolution with Martin did feel a bit rushed, but I guess something was needed, and this was as good as anything else, I would have wished for another few pages of what the future brings for Jeremy and Cole, and I would categorize it as a very hopeful HFN ending.
September 22, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR & A HALF STARS--A.M. Arthur's "Unearthing Cole" is just great. It was well written and a great length with three dimensional characters and well thought out plot. Cole is back in his hometown after his mother's death and has to deal with the hoarding he left behind. He gets help from the local antiques dealer, Jeremy. Both men had less than easy childhoods. And together, to me, they just...worked.
Now when books deal with characters who have survived abuse, it usually goes either one of two ways- really bad with flat characters that you end up wanting to hurt or a damaged soul that you root for, a person who finally realizes their self worth and becomes better for it.
Thankfully, Cole is the second choice. His reactions were very believable and I am proud he came to valuing his self worth on his own. He didn't magically change overnight and understood that it will be a process to be 100%, if he can ever achieve it. He's had eight years of abuse to get over and though two years have past since he left his abusive lover, the scars still remain emotionally and physically.
Cole and Jeremy? Together, they are a great start to getting Cole's life back on track. And also what Cole did to his past abuser takes guts and steel will. I don't want to ruin what he did exactly but let's just say it takes a strong person.
Jeremy was also a well fleshed out character though he had his share of angst, it did always seem second fiddle to Cole. And I felt we learned more about Cole than Jeremy. The story is told from Cole's POV and thankfully it did not have the 'woe-is-me' tone. It was pretty clear cut from beginning to end. The story easy to read and definitely sucked me in. The setting was perfect for the theme the author want to portray.
The ending was a strong HFN/possibly HEA. I do believe this couple will make it in the future because they understood one another. I enjoyed Cole and Jeremy individually and definitely together. They were sweet with not being overly sugary which I will always enjoy.
And as this was my first A.M. Arthur read, you can pretty much guarantee this will not be my last.;)
FOUR & A HALF STARS--A.M. Arthur's "Unearthing Cole" is just great. It was well written and a great length with three dimensional characters and well thought out plot. Cole is back in his hometown after his mother's death and has to deal with the hoarding he left behind. He gets help from the local antiques dealer, Jeremy. Both men had less than easy childhoods. And together, to me, they just...worked.
Now when books deal with characters who have survived abuse, it usually goes either one of two ways- really bad with flat characters that you end up wanting to hurt or a damaged soul that you root for, a person who finally realizes their self worth and becomes better for it.
Thankfully, Cole is the second choice. His reactions were very believable and I am proud he came to valuing his self worth on his own. He didn't magically change overnight and understood that it will be a process to be 100%, if he can ever achieve it. He's had eight years of abuse to get over and though two years have past since he left his abusive lover, the scars still remain emotionally and physically.
Cole and Jeremy? Together, they are a great start to getting Cole's life back on track. And also what Cole did to his past abuser takes guts and steel will. I don't want to ruin what he did exactly but let's just say it takes a strong person.
Jeremy was also a well fleshed out character though he had his share of angst, it did always seem second fiddle to Cole. And I felt we learned more about Cole than Jeremy. The story is told from Cole's POV and thankfully it did not have the 'woe-is-me' tone. It was pretty clear cut from beginning to end. The story easy to read and definitely sucked me in. The setting was perfect for the theme the author want to portray.
The ending was a strong HFN/possibly HEA. I do believe this couple will make it in the future because they understood one another. I enjoyed Cole and Jeremy individually and definitely together. They were sweet with not being overly sugary which I will always enjoy.
And as this was my first A.M. Arthur read, you can pretty much guarantee this will not be my last.;)
June 24, 2014
Updated June 24, 2014:
We are getting a sequel! Understanding Jeremy will be released on July 23, 2014 and I hope it will bring ease my unhappiness with the ending of this book. I'll do a re-read right before it comes out and then review both books together.
Original review:
While this was an excellent healing/comfort book, the author seemed to give up and left the ending incredibly unsatisfying. It felt rushed and undeveloped and if it was written with as much care and attention as the rest of the book, this would easily have been a 5 star book for me.
I'd love to be able to recommend it to M/M healing/comfort romance fans, but I'm afraid I cannot because of the rushed, unsatisfying ending. It was a major disappointment.
April 8, 2013
Spousal abuse often leaves behind more than the visible scars with the victim; the mental damage often far exceeds the physical harm. The character of Cole suffers from a mental chaos of fear, shame, guilt, and humiliation that has him always on the edge, ready to cut and run at the first hint that his ex-boyfriend might have tracked him down–again, since this has happened several times already over the two years since Cole left his abuser.
And now Cole feels like a sitting duck, so to speak, trapped in his rural North Carolina hometown with no money but his parent’s legacy to take care of. As he says himself, his father was a collector and his mother was a hoarder, so this might take a while, since Cole can’t afford to have his parents’ property steamrollered and be done with like he’d love to do. Enter Jeremy Collins who seems like a godsend to Cole. Not only is Jeremy an antiques dealer with an unparalleled knack for sniffing out valuable items in what Cole thinks is only a pile of junk, he volunteers his help–for a cut of the yield, but since Cole figures that without Jeremy there wouldn’t be much of a yield to begin with, he gladly accepts the offer.
Soon the two begin a careful dancing around each other. Jeremy’s interest seems to go beyond a mere business relationship, which has Cole confused, and wary at the same time. For one, due to his parents’ quirkiness, Cole used to be considered an outsider and freak during his youth, and he can’t believe anyone in his hometown could ever overlook his past. And then, his history as an abuse victim has left Cole with major trust issues; he simply doesn’t dare to open up to Jeremy, much less begin a relationship with him.
But Jeremy is nothing if not patient. He has his own painful past to deal with; an abundance of personal losses have left him somewhat commitment-shy, and yet he can’t resist the attraction he feels for Cole. Not that he really wanted to, in the end.
It will take all of Cole’s survivor’s bravery and all of Jeremy’s gentle and patient persuasiveness to bring these two together.
This was a captivatingly written story and an engrossing read. I really loved the writing style, smooth and flowing with just the right amount of humor thrown in to keep this from tipping over into misery, despite the various serious subjects that were brought up over the course of the story. I also thought the hurt/ comfort theme very well executed–no miracle healing through sex in here, and no love conquers all either. The relationship between Cole and Jeremy builds slowly, gradually, at times in a one step forward, two steps back way that I thought fit both their personalities and past histories perfectly.
Speaking of which, I found both characters very well-drawn, three dimensional and realistic, both Cole, the narrator, and Jeremy, whom we only get to see through Cole’s eyes. There wasn’t much secondary cast to speak of, except for Martin, Cole’s ex-boyfriend, who was mostly a specter in the background and yet very much present in the impact he still had on Cole’s life.
However, here was also the only issue I had with this book, because the eventual solution to the abuser/abuse victim issue came a little out of left field. Although realistic, this scene felt a little rushed, a little too easy, but this might be only me and others might think differently.
At any case, it was beautiful to watch Cole fight to overcome the ghosts of his past, beautiful how Jeremy offered him support and understanding and found comfort of his own in doing so. It didn’t take me long to root for them big time, and I was happy to see them together.
All in all, I can warmly recommend this beautifully written, hurt/comfort themed story.
review originally written for reviewsbyjessewave.com
And now Cole feels like a sitting duck, so to speak, trapped in his rural North Carolina hometown with no money but his parent’s legacy to take care of. As he says himself, his father was a collector and his mother was a hoarder, so this might take a while, since Cole can’t afford to have his parents’ property steamrollered and be done with like he’d love to do. Enter Jeremy Collins who seems like a godsend to Cole. Not only is Jeremy an antiques dealer with an unparalleled knack for sniffing out valuable items in what Cole thinks is only a pile of junk, he volunteers his help–for a cut of the yield, but since Cole figures that without Jeremy there wouldn’t be much of a yield to begin with, he gladly accepts the offer.
Soon the two begin a careful dancing around each other. Jeremy’s interest seems to go beyond a mere business relationship, which has Cole confused, and wary at the same time. For one, due to his parents’ quirkiness, Cole used to be considered an outsider and freak during his youth, and he can’t believe anyone in his hometown could ever overlook his past. And then, his history as an abuse victim has left Cole with major trust issues; he simply doesn’t dare to open up to Jeremy, much less begin a relationship with him.
But Jeremy is nothing if not patient. He has his own painful past to deal with; an abundance of personal losses have left him somewhat commitment-shy, and yet he can’t resist the attraction he feels for Cole. Not that he really wanted to, in the end.
It will take all of Cole’s survivor’s bravery and all of Jeremy’s gentle and patient persuasiveness to bring these two together.
This was a captivatingly written story and an engrossing read. I really loved the writing style, smooth and flowing with just the right amount of humor thrown in to keep this from tipping over into misery, despite the various serious subjects that were brought up over the course of the story. I also thought the hurt/ comfort theme very well executed–no miracle healing through sex in here, and no love conquers all either. The relationship between Cole and Jeremy builds slowly, gradually, at times in a one step forward, two steps back way that I thought fit both their personalities and past histories perfectly.
Speaking of which, I found both characters very well-drawn, three dimensional and realistic, both Cole, the narrator, and Jeremy, whom we only get to see through Cole’s eyes. There wasn’t much secondary cast to speak of, except for Martin, Cole’s ex-boyfriend, who was mostly a specter in the background and yet very much present in the impact he still had on Cole’s life.
However, here was also the only issue I had with this book, because the eventual solution to the abuser/abuse victim issue came a little out of left field. Although realistic, this scene felt a little rushed, a little too easy, but this might be only me and others might think differently.
At any case, it was beautiful to watch Cole fight to overcome the ghosts of his past, beautiful how Jeremy offered him support and understanding and found comfort of his own in doing so. It didn’t take me long to root for them big time, and I was happy to see them together.
All in all, I can warmly recommend this beautifully written, hurt/comfort themed story.
review originally written for reviewsbyjessewave.com
September 22, 2014
More a 3.5
I’m finding it harder and harder to review books I enjoy.
This was a sweet story and I loved Jeremy and Cole.
Not sure how I feel about Martin. I kinda enjoy seeing my fictional villains squirm and suffer a bit more. It also seemed almost anti climatic after we spend most of the book with Cole and his fear of Martin to end it that way.
A good feel good story of over coming insecurities and fighting to let go of the past, but not the tear jerker I was expecting.
ETA
Enjoyed this a second time around.
I’m finding it harder and harder to review books I enjoy.
This was a sweet story and I loved Jeremy and Cole.
Not sure how I feel about Martin. I kinda enjoy seeing my fictional villains squirm and suffer a bit more. It also seemed almost anti climatic after we spend most of the book with Cole and his fear of Martin to end it that way.
A good feel good story of over coming insecurities and fighting to let go of the past, but not the tear jerker I was expecting.
ETA
Enjoyed this a second time around.
December 27, 2018
Hoarding, abusive partner, family deaths - this story has a lot packing in to it and I loved it. Cole and Jeremy are a great couple and even though they have only known each other 3 weeks, their bond is sure and true. This did NOT feel like an insta love story. They aren't in love, yet, but they have very strong feelings and Cole is ready to stay with Jeremy to see if they can make it.
Even the ending was good, Martin the abuser does show up but it's not the ending I expected. It is all tied up in a nice bow and cleaned up with no drama, but I really felt this ending worked for the story. I think one day Martin might get his own book (maybe he does; haven't checked).
A nice quick read that has a very happy ending and I look forward to book 2. 4 stars
Even the ending was good, Martin the abuser does show up but it's not the ending I expected. It is all tied up in a nice bow and cleaned up with no drama, but I really felt this ending worked for the story. I think one day Martin might get his own book (maybe he does; haven't checked).
A nice quick read that has a very happy ending and I look forward to book 2. 4 stars
March 20, 2013
3.75
Quick read verging on angsty but ultimately sweet.
Cole is immediately likeable as a character and following his story is sweet and sad in equal measure. The things he’s lived through would be enough to make most people shudder, and yet he is strong enough to continue and let Jeremy get close to him.
I quite liked the hoarded house setting filled with amazing antiques that at first you think might just be rubbish. I was glad to see Cole able to make some money off of the mess his parents left behind for him to clean up.
A nicely written story, though I was tenser than I needed to be reading it; I kept anticipating something sinister would happen with Cole’s abusive ex. I had the feeling I had to keep looking over my shoulder just as he did. In the end I was relieved with how it played out, but my stomach had an uneasy knot right until the end.
(Written for MM Good Book Reviews)
Quick read verging on angsty but ultimately sweet.
Cole is immediately likeable as a character and following his story is sweet and sad in equal measure. The things he’s lived through would be enough to make most people shudder, and yet he is strong enough to continue and let Jeremy get close to him.
I quite liked the hoarded house setting filled with amazing antiques that at first you think might just be rubbish. I was glad to see Cole able to make some money off of the mess his parents left behind for him to clean up.
A nicely written story, though I was tenser than I needed to be reading it; I kept anticipating something sinister would happen with Cole’s abusive ex. I had the feeling I had to keep looking over my shoulder just as he did. In the end I was relieved with how it played out, but my stomach had an uneasy knot right until the end.
(Written for MM Good Book Reviews)
April 19, 2016
A.M. Arthur just seems to keep getting better. I enjoyed her 'Cost of Repairs' series and will certainly be watching for more from it, but this book...this book broke my heart and then fixed it.
Cole is a man on the run searching for someplace safe, someplace to . unfortunately life or death has other plans for him and forces him to return to his beginnings. He now has to deal with the loss of his mother and cleaning up the hoarders den she has left him. He receives help in the form of Jeremy Collins, the owner of a local antique store.
My heart ached for Cole. He had so much to deal with, to work his way through not just his parent and their hoarding and I really just wanted to wrap him up in a warm blanket and feed him milk and cookies. Jeremy while having his own past heartaches to deal with sees in Cole someone that he wants more than just a short term relationship with but he knows that he can't push and he's prepared to give Cole the TLC he needs.
This was just a sweet, wonderful story about love and heartbreak and how having the right person there for you can help you work through it and be stronger when you come out the other side.
At the end of this book, I was left feeling comfortable and content that both Cole and Jeremy were in good places. Their story could end here, but if it didn't I'd like to be there for what comes next.
Cole is a man on the run searching for someplace safe, someplace to . unfortunately life or death has other plans for him and forces him to return to his beginnings. He now has to deal with the loss of his mother and cleaning up the hoarders den she has left him. He receives help in the form of Jeremy Collins, the owner of a local antique store.
My heart ached for Cole. He had so much to deal with, to work his way through not just his parent and their hoarding and I really just wanted to wrap him up in a warm blanket and feed him milk and cookies. Jeremy while having his own past heartaches to deal with sees in Cole someone that he wants more than just a short term relationship with but he knows that he can't push and he's prepared to give Cole the TLC he needs.
This was just a sweet, wonderful story about love and heartbreak and how having the right person there for you can help you work through it and be stronger when you come out the other side.
At the end of this book, I was left feeling comfortable and content that both Cole and Jeremy were in good places. Their story could end here, but if it didn't I'd like to be there for what comes next.
did-not-finish
July 12, 2013Why I wanted to read Unearthing Cole : I had a good friend when I was a child whose mom was a hoarder and I remember it got to a point where I was no longer allowed in their house because it was unhealthy to even breathe the air in there. I thought reading a book where two people meet as a direct result of having to clean out a house which was kept by a hoarder would be interesting.
Alas, I've been trying to read this book for a month in bits and pieces and can't seem to bring myself to want to slog through the last 25%.
I tried. The plot was kind of flat, and I wondered why the other guy (can't even remember his name now) was interested in Cole in the first place, when Cole never put out any sort of vibe which would make a person interested.
And I wanted the hoarding to be a bigger part of what was going on because that's why I was interested in the book in the first place. Instead we got Cole's back story which didn't have much to do with the mom's hoarding.
Ah well. Everyone else seems to like this, so you might want to read some positive reviews before making any sort of decision not to read. It might very well be that someone else's review might spark some interest for you.
Alas, I've been trying to read this book for a month in bits and pieces and can't seem to bring myself to want to slog through the last 25%.
I tried. The plot was kind of flat, and I wondered why the other guy (can't even remember his name now) was interested in Cole in the first place, when Cole never put out any sort of vibe which would make a person interested.
And I wanted the hoarding to be a bigger part of what was going on because that's why I was interested in the book in the first place. Instead we got Cole's back story which didn't have much to do with the mom's hoarding.
Ah well. Everyone else seems to like this, so you might want to read some positive reviews before making any sort of decision not to read. It might very well be that someone else's review might spark some interest for you.
April 5, 2013
What started out as an excellent story (an easy 4 or 5 star read) quickly went downhill. I enjoyed the characters and their back stories but I am extremely frustrated with the resolution. Others may be okay with it but I feel that everything ended too rush, rush. It's a shame because this was a really good book up until that point.
Full review with spoilers can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review with spoilers can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 7, 2021
3.75 stars
I appreciate that this ends with an HFN instead of an HEA, since it's entirely too soon for that kind of commitment between these two guys, but it also feels too easy for Cole to move on from where his mind was at when the book started. I'm reading book 2 now while everything is still fresh in my mind, something I rarely manage. So I guess that means I enjoyed it enough to honestly warrant that fourth star...but I'll leave the 3.75 rating until I finish book 2!
I appreciate that this ends with an HFN instead of an HEA, since it's entirely too soon for that kind of commitment between these two guys, but it also feels too easy for Cole to move on from where his mind was at when the book started. I'm reading book 2 now while everything is still fresh in my mind, something I rarely manage. So I guess that means I enjoyed it enough to honestly warrant that fourth star...but I'll leave the 3.75 rating until I finish book 2!
September 27, 2015
I only had one complaint about this story (other than the lack of jumper cables. A good old southern boy would know about jumper cables, and at least tried to jump start his car) was the ending with the ex, it just felt a bit too easy somehow. Otherwise, I really loved this book, and even shed a tear or two for poor Cole. Oh, and I've been to Franklin, NC, more mention of the mountains would have been nice! I also think it was a dry county (20 years ago anyway) and yet Jeremy had beer, but that's just nitpicking there, lol!
I did think the hoarding aspect was very well done, and Cole did actually have all the earmarks of an abuse victim, the always looking over his shoulder, the cringing away. I thought he made some good strides, but I do think that he still has a way to go, and would kinda like to see a sequel, to see how it all goes for him and Jeremy.
I did think the hoarding aspect was very well done, and Cole did actually have all the earmarks of an abuse victim, the always looking over his shoulder, the cringing away. I thought he made some good strides, but I do think that he still has a way to go, and would kinda like to see a sequel, to see how it all goes for him and Jeremy.
June 27, 2015
Two people trying to shake off mental health problems. The title character Cole in addition to his mental health issues has been physically abused. And if that's not enough Cole is being stalked. Both lovers were trapped by these barriers to their chance at happiness together and couldn't move on with their relationship but A.M. Arthur magnanimously removed the stalker so they could move on with their lives together.
Who knows if the HFN ending will continue or collapse because the mental damage doesn't heal as fast as the ending wrapped things up. I would have appreciated an epilogue that went three or four years into the future showing a happy couple to have kept readers from guessing if the HFN ending could have been a HEA.
Who knows if the HFN ending will continue or collapse because the mental damage doesn't heal as fast as the ending wrapped things up. I would have appreciated an epilogue that went three or four years into the future showing a happy couple to have kept readers from guessing if the HFN ending could have been a HEA.
June 5, 2019
This was a nice story about an abused man who is faced with the monumental task of cleaning out his mother's house after she dies. She was a hoarder and it was an insane mess, overwhelming to a sane person, much less someone who is suffering from PTSD. He finds a helping hand and a friend in the owner of an antiques shop and things slowly get romantic. I liked how it was a slow progression, nothing was solved overnight and it was a book about healing and finding yourself. Cole's ex did get off a little too easy, but anything more would have taken away from the overall positive tone of the book.
August 14, 2014
Maybe! 'He inherits the hoarded property' reminds me of another book...
Anyway, finally I got around to reading this and I liked it a lot. Flowing along nicely and a very well done ending. Thankfully the second book is already on my kindle :)
Anyway, finally I got around to reading this and I liked it a lot. Flowing along nicely and a very well done ending. Thankfully the second book is already on my kindle :)
June 6, 2019
This is ultimately a book of healing and redemption. Cole Alston is a recovering victim of abuse who is returning to his home town to liquidate the estate of his parent who were hoarders. He needs help to get this all sold for good price and antique store owner Jeremy offer help and friendship. Cole eventually meet his former boyfriend who abused him and that person when through a savage attack that made him reconsider what he did and to seek forgiveness from Cole and this was the final piece to heal Cole so he could be in a relationship that they were edging towards.
February 4, 2023
Interesting start to a trilogy about two lonely men who both carry their respective demons from the past.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 21, 2013
ARGH! I freaking LOVED this, but I didn't want it to end. The ending felt so rushed and I was SO disappointed. This was gearing up to be a 5 star read from me, but the ending made me think twice.
Can I just say how much I love that domestic abuse was brought up in a gay relationship. People think that just because it's 2 guys there can't be abuse because guys are so much stronger than women and can stand up for themselves. Well, that's not always the case and abuse happen in EVERY type relationship. It doesn't nearly get reported enough though, because like it was stated in his book "he'd get laughed out of the police station". Sad, but true in a lot of cases.
I absolutely adored Jeremy and Cole. I love Jeremy's approach to a skittish Cole.
I really felt for Cole though. Dealing with the death of his mother, his parents hoarding, his abusive ex and all on his own until he meets Jeremy. Hoarding is a real issue but I can see the embarrassment it can lead to for those who have to deal with it and sometimes live with it. I am glad that Jeremy stepped up and helped because I Cole would have been lost AND Jeremy made him a lot of money!
I also kind of wish that we had Jeremy's POV. I would have liked to have been inside his head during a few parts.
Hot damn, I really hope we get a 2nd book! I want more from Cole and Jeremy. I want to see more healing and moving forward and starting a new life.
Can I just say how much I love that domestic abuse was brought up in a gay relationship. People think that just because it's 2 guys there can't be abuse because guys are so much stronger than women and can stand up for themselves. Well, that's not always the case and abuse happen in EVERY type relationship. It doesn't nearly get reported enough though, because like it was stated in his book "he'd get laughed out of the police station". Sad, but true in a lot of cases.
I absolutely adored Jeremy and Cole. I love Jeremy's approach to a skittish Cole.
I really felt for Cole though. Dealing with the death of his mother, his parents hoarding, his abusive ex and all on his own until he meets Jeremy. Hoarding is a real issue but I can see the embarrassment it can lead to for those who have to deal with it and sometimes live with it. I am glad that Jeremy stepped up and helped because I Cole would have been lost AND Jeremy made him a lot of money!
I also kind of wish that we had Jeremy's POV. I would have liked to have been inside his head during a few parts.
Hot damn, I really hope we get a 2nd book! I want more from Cole and Jeremy. I want to see more healing and moving forward and starting a new life.
November 29, 2013
While reading this book I was wondering why I always feel so grateful for an author's ability to describe vividly the surroundings that the characters find themselves in... I kind of wished that in this case my imagination wasn't quite as good as it is. But, on the other hand, it did put me into the scene a lot easier.
Cole is a man with a history...one filled with pain, suffering and self-doubt. And this is treated with integrity and honour throughout the book. Jeremy is hard to pin down, especially in the beginning. The way these two men come together is a beautiful thing to watch unfold. I'll admit I was slightly apprehensive of how a certain issue was going to be resolved, as it would have been so easy to fall into a "typical" solution. But I needn't have feared. It was handled with a surprising twist, which added elegance and closure to the whole thing.
Cole is a man with a history...one filled with pain, suffering and self-doubt. And this is treated with integrity and honour throughout the book. Jeremy is hard to pin down, especially in the beginning. The way these two men come together is a beautiful thing to watch unfold. I'll admit I was slightly apprehensive of how a certain issue was going to be resolved, as it would have been so easy to fall into a "typical" solution. But I needn't have feared. It was handled with a surprising twist, which added elegance and closure to the whole thing.
August 30, 2023
Despite the three stars I really did enjoy this story. It just doesn't feel complete. I've been left hanging in limbo. The story is only halfway there... ~sigh~
UPDATED: I loved this even more the second time around and knowing that I have book 2 already on my Kindle and ready to continue with the rest of Cole and Jeremy's trip toward their HEA.
2020 UPDATE: 4.75 stars this time. I love it more each time around. The only thing that keeps me from giving this a full 5 star rating is the lack of hand washing before eating and once or twice the lack of showering before bed. Otherwise, I love this book and am heading straight into book two then book three!
UPDATED: I loved this even more the second time around and knowing that I have book 2 already on my Kindle and ready to continue with the rest of Cole and Jeremy's trip toward their HEA.
2020 UPDATE: 4.75 stars this time. I love it more each time around. The only thing that keeps me from giving this a full 5 star rating is the lack of hand washing before eating and once or twice the lack of showering before bed. Otherwise, I love this book and am heading straight into book two then book three!
February 27, 2015
This was surprisingly good! Jeremy reminds me of Ryan from Cricket and I just loved his interaction with Cole!!!
I loved how the story wasn't overly sentimental but it has its moments. Not sure about the bisexual thing but I'm okay with it.
What happened to Martin isn't near enough retribution for what he did seriously. *evil tsk*
Can't wait to read the next book!
I loved how the story wasn't overly sentimental but it has its moments. Not sure about the bisexual thing but I'm okay with it.
What happened to Martin isn't near enough retribution for what he did seriously. *evil tsk*
Can't wait to read the next book!
March 21, 2013
This started strongly, and I liked Cole's backstory and the way his reactions to how he had been treated was depicted so realistically.
So I was disappointed with the quickness of the climax and resolution. I really could have had all that stretch on a bit longer. Cole's very easy acceptance of Martin's story and Jeremy's plea at the end.
Sweet and angsty. Maybe a little rushed too.
So I was disappointed with the quickness of the climax and resolution. I really could have had all that stretch on a bit longer. Cole's very easy acceptance of Martin's story and Jeremy's plea at the end.
Sweet and angsty. Maybe a little rushed too.
July 18, 2013
I enjoyed the journey Cole took to become himself again and Jeremy was great too,
I can´t give it 5 stars because there was just something missing, I didn´t fully connect with the characters, im not sure why that is, they were a bit dull.
But, still, a nice read.
August 3, 2013
This story was so brilliantly handled. But OMG I want more and it really feels as if there SHOULD be more. Not just cuz I want it but because for the romantic reader perhaps the end is still a bit uncertain. Otherwise holy crap I just loved both of these guys sooooo much. Great job AM Arthur!
December 30, 2014
Sort of a "meh" read for me. I enjoy the way Arthur crafts a tale, but there was just something missing from this one.
May 9, 2020
Audiobook reviewCole spends his thirtieth birthday in the last place he ever expected – or wanted to. The morgue taking care of his mother’s remains, then the real works starts. His mother was a hoarder, and after her passing he inherited it all, including countless of bicycles and tools and many things that he couldn’t even identify. The task of clearing and cleaning things up seems insurmountable until the local antique store owner Jeremy offers his help. The two forms a friendship over sorting his mother’s things and soon something more is blossoming. But Cole is wary, and naturally so, his abusive ex caused many scars not yet healed, and putting his trust in another man might be more than Cole is able to do.
Cole and Jeremy both have baggage and have been deeply hurt in the past, so it was fitting that their relationship was slow-growing and developed little by little. It was what they both needed. I also think that Arthur handled both the abuse and hoarding really well, it felt genuine and real and she treated both with respect. I do think the ending was a bit too neat and easy, but that’s my own preference. Unearthing Cole was a nice, but angsty, story about starting over and finding everything you never knew you were looking for.
I wish I could say that this was a great listen, or at the very least an okay one. But I really can’t. I’m not sure how to really describe it, it was harsh and kind of cutting, it hurt. I’m not sure if it was the recording or the narration, or a combination of both, but it sounded like JP Handler was talking into a tin can. There was a strange echoing sensation – as well as the strange distorted sounds that come from talking into a tin can. It was distracting to say the least, and it coloured everything for the rest of the narration and also the story.
If you are thinking of diving into this story (and the story is worth it) I would recommend you read the book instead of listen to the audio.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 10, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Cole Alston never wanted to return to his childhood home. He especially didn't want to go back and clean out the house and property after his mother's death. Cole knew he didn't have a lot of time. He needed to get in and out as fast as possible. If his abusive ex boyfriend saw his mother's obituary he would be there soon. Luckily the local antique owner, Jeremy Collins, is willing to help both to earn himself money and product for his shop but for Cole to get money for the valuable items. What they didn't expect was to form a bond. Cole is a victim, he is trying to come back from his abusive past but it's hard to believe not everything is his fault.
I loved the dynamic between Cole and Jeremy. Jeremy was so patient with Cole and went at the pace he felt comfortable with. You could see relationship bloom page by page. I can't wait to see what the next installment holds for these two.
Cole Alston never wanted to return to his childhood home. He especially didn't want to go back and clean out the house and property after his mother's death. Cole knew he didn't have a lot of time. He needed to get in and out as fast as possible. If his abusive ex boyfriend saw his mother's obituary he would be there soon. Luckily the local antique owner, Jeremy Collins, is willing to help both to earn himself money and product for his shop but for Cole to get money for the valuable items. What they didn't expect was to form a bond. Cole is a victim, he is trying to come back from his abusive past but it's hard to believe not everything is his fault.
I loved the dynamic between Cole and Jeremy. Jeremy was so patient with Cole and went at the pace he felt comfortable with. You could see relationship bloom page by page. I can't wait to see what the next installment holds for these two.
January 22, 2021
I'll be honest, I was on pins and needles throughout the book waiting for the big showdown with the ex-boyfriend... not sure how I feel about what actually happened...
Even though this story had several serious real-life issues, I read Cole's and Jeremy's painful past, but I didn't feel it in my heart. Not sure if that was on me or the author, because normally this author just tugs on my heartstrings until I want to sob, hmmm....
Either way, this story gave us two amazingly sweet main characters that you just wanted to hug and tell them to come and buy the house next door to you! *grin*
Even though this story had several serious real-life issues, I read Cole's and Jeremy's painful past, but I didn't feel it in my heart. Not sure if that was on me or the author, because normally this author just tugs on my heartstrings until I want to sob, hmmm....
Either way, this story gave us two amazingly sweet main characters that you just wanted to hug and tell them to come and buy the house next door to you! *grin*
June 6, 2018
3.5* I liked this! Is slow burn and they are so sweet with each other :*)))
My only BUT is that is a lot drama! Cole has been abused 8 years by his ex boyfriend and is so SAD to listen his experenciences. ALSO, the ending part about this issue... mmm I CAN'T BELIEVE sorry... Martin can go far away from here please!
My only BUT is that is a lot drama! Cole has been abused 8 years by his ex boyfriend and is so SAD to listen his experenciences. ALSO, the ending part about this issue... mmm I CAN'T BELIEVE sorry... Martin can go far away from here please!
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