Starting Over

by Riley Knight

They say Spring is the time for new beginnings...

Single father Jared Thompson just got a divorce and has no idea how to manage things on his own. Overworked with his stressful career as an ER surgeon, he's struggling to find a nanny for his daughter. Until he meets Ethan.

Ethan West hates his job as a barista and loves kids. When the opportunity to become a live-in nanny presents itself, Ethan, who has always been an underachiever, is eager to prove himself.

But neither man can keep things uncomplicated for long--and as sparks fly, both Jared and Ethan must do everything they can to keep their new lives from inevitable combustion.

This Spring, let love bloom again with iStarting Over, Riley Knight's newest single father gay-for-you romance, available now! This steamy hot adults-only novel features explicit scenes and a guaranteed happily ever after ending.

Genres: M M Romance

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2020

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I was looking for a sweet light read. What I got was constant inner monologue, and often repetitious inner monologue, and tons of angst.

[Mikki James - Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jared, is a recently divorced doctor who is in need of a nanny to watch his 3-year-old daughter while he is at work. In an unexpected twist, Jared opens up to his favorite barista, Ethan about his predicament and the man is all to willing to help out. Ethan's hours had recently been cut and he was being evicted from his apartment so he was in dire need of a new form of employment and a place to stay. Lucky for him Jared had all the answers. In close quarters, Jared decides to act on impulse and before both men know it they are in over their heads. Jared needs to decide if what he and Ethan have is the real deal or if this is just a phrase, all the while balancing his daughter and his almost-too-friendly ex-wife, both men are in for a handful.

Riley Knight is one of my favorite authors. Knight never has anything less then a 3 star read in my book, and this book is no exception. I felt that it was a light and airy romance, where you more or less knew what was going to happen but it was still nice to watch how the relationships between the main characters played out. I thought that the addition of Theresa was a nice touch, but in some parts I felt her character was a burden on the relationship between the two men. She was consistently going after Ethan and from all her advances it was quite obvious that he wasn't returning any of the same feelings. This supposed connection she thought they had - for my part- felt like it dragged on too long. Jared was very worried that Ethan was sleeping with his ex-wife, when he had feelings, when he really could have cleared it up by talking to the man. Also for all of Theresa's advances, she never was outright direct with Ethan which seems to go against her character- or she's just more talk and less bite. However, I still enjoyed the romance between Jared and Ethan and it was a very cute read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance for Love

This story about a single father starting over with a younger man caught my interest and wanted to give it a try. I read similar with m/w relationships and was thinking this might have a good twist. Jared the doctor is the older man and divorcee trying to get over his failed marriage and he needs help with his young daughter. He meets a sweet, handsome and fun young man named Evan at a coffee shop. Evan works there as a barista and always greets Jared with a smile and has a warm personality that Jared is drawn to. Whether it's fate that brought them together but both are in need of things that only the other can help with. Jared needs a nanny and Evan needs a new job. Their arrangement/friendship is platonic at first but they can't stop the intense attraction they have for one another. I will say it took me a bit to finish because some parts at the half way mark was getting slow and too much angst. I'm glad I picked it back up again because after that hump things moved by faster with more decisiveness in their budding relationship. I enjoyed it more and was a little surprised how Jared's exwife took this relationship all in. The ending was sweet and I'm glad I finished the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet. Jared was a recently divorced doctor with a cute 3 year old daughter. He went to the coffee shop every day and saw Ethan, but it wasn’t until the day after his divorce he speaks to Ethan and they start their journey through friendship and then true love. One thing I loved about this was that Jared didn’t question his sexuality too he’d when he came to terms with his feelings for Ethan. I really loved that it was a non issue. I also ended up loving Theresa. Where she was a little off in the beginning, it made sense with Jared and Theresa figuring out where they fit after the divorce. I loved how they all became good friends. It was a fabulous co-parenting situation. This really was a feel good book overall.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Lovelight Press

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starting Over by Riley Knight was a disappointment for me. I have read 13 books by Riley Knight and have scored six of them with a 5 star rating. I found this book well below the standard I would expect from Riley. I became irritated by the whole story line and found it unbelievable.

A busy hospital doctor enjoys his pleasantries with the barista in the coffee shop on his way to work. Next he’s asking the barista to babysit his daughter when it is the doctor’s turn to have time with her as he may be called in. When the barista arrives at the doctor’s home they are suddenly kissing! There was no indication at all the doctor was bi or gay.

The story was totally implausible.

Did not finish.

[Justine Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting Over is a sweet, feel good story about Jared, a doctor and newly divorced dad, and Ethan, a barista. When Jared is in need of a nanny for his three year old daughter, Ethan is more than willing to take the job when his own hours have been cut and he's being evicted from his home. It turns out Jared isn't as straight as he thought as he develops feeling for Ethan. Jared and Ethan really are sweet together and it was nice to see Jared's ex-wife approve, otherwise this could've been an entirely different story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared is successful doctor but he failed his marriage. One of the reasons is Jared spent too much time on his work.

He fascinated by Ethan, a young barista in a coffee shop near Jared's hospital. Ethan has this aura surrounding him that makes Jared feels calm, comfortable and makes him smile a lot more. Ethan also sympathetic and good listener.

Jared feels the attraction spark between them and they started a romantic relationship. If Jared wants his new relationship work, he must choose what will he prioritize, his work as a ER Doctor or Ethan.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginnings! Jared, newly divorced, just 24 hours is overwhelmed with disbelief. He looked at his divorce from Theresa as a rejection of him as a man. He has random thoughst the barista is cute. He keeps finding traits that he finds attractive, surprised that he does since he's straight, right? As the first person he met before he went to work, Ethan uplifted his spirits. He helped set his day on a steady course. Then he finds out Theresa wants to share custody as long as he has adequate compatible child care for Abby. Ethan offered two ears if Jared needed to talk. He was an empath and felt Jared's pain. Then his boss cut his hours to less than part time. Then he went home and found out he was being evicted from the home he's had for five years. They met for dinner and came up with a solution to both their problems. Now they need to get to know each other. Do they have more than a 5 minute friendliness wile picking up coffee? Will Theresa like Ethan? Will Abby? What will Jared do with his additional like? Can Jared put his baggage down? Good story. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared is newly divorced, Ethan is the barista at his local coffee shop. He has never looked at the younger man any different till one day he does. Then it’s a whirl wind of events that bring them together. And subsequent breaking them apart. Good thing Jared has a nosy ex wife that just wants to see him happy! This book was short and sweet and will take you on a roller coaster of ups and downs I a short time but I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet low angst romance between a single dad and a down on his luck barista. Ethan works in a coffee shop and waits on Jared most days. The two are brought together when Jared needs to hire a nanny to care for his young daughter. Their relationship starts as employee-employer and quickly proceeds from there. There is an age gap and bi-awakening. If you love books with the manny trope this book is for you.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great romance

So enjoyable loved this fun romance adventure. The storyline was so good with lots of fun and adventure. The characters Ethan and Jared are perfect together. They are a amazing family and you get a HEA. Great Read

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared is an over worked single dad who hires Ethan to care for his child. The characters are well developed and engaging and I enjoyed the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second chance at love story. The characters are likeable and fit well together. Their connection is great. The story will hold your attention till the end. A great read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Balgair Tod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome tale of self-discovery and awakening love.

This is my first experience with Riley Knight's work and was quite impressed. Can not wait for more.

Highly recommended.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hit for this author. Jared and Ethan make a wonderful couple. I loved their hot and steamy story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2☆


This story was just not for me.

[Bran Zesti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute loving story. This book made me smile, shake my head and chuckle. A well written book that keeps you interested to the end and wanting more. I will be reading this book again.

[Jennifer Bourgeois · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was great story. It was little too sweet for my taste. I like hot Factor. It was steamy at times but not enough. I love the characters interaction with each other. I love the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.