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With Me #3
Learn with Me
2019 Lambda Literary Finalist for Gay Romance
Josiah “Siah” Kent has always loved learning; now he’s living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?
Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. He’s always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degree—he’d be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?
A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?
Josiah “Siah” Kent has always loved learning; now he’s living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?
Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. He’s always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degree—he’d be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?
A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
15 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jacen
54 books147 followersKris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, James Buchanan, J.L. Langley, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, William Maltese and has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kimberly Gardner, Lex Valentine, S.J. Frost, Patric Michael and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 24, 2020
I'm a huge fan of military romances, but here the writing is pretty choppy and reads like a Join the Military pamphlet...
I did not continue after the 20% mark.
I did not continue after the 20% mark.
May 22, 2020
* 2019 Lambda Literary Finalist for Gay Romance. *
This series is a real treat for Military romance fans. We get pomp and circumstance, rituals, protocols, rules, a funeral, and the military process including families and children.
* Josiah/Siah is a guy we met in the previous story when he was being assaulted, saved by one of the soldiers, who was injured in the event.
Now, we see Siah meet * Carter May, once again. They hit it off and are fast friends, hanging out, sharing days off, meals, and later on, sexy times. The story has a terrific flow, simply magnificent characters and a gripping tale to read, including some gay-bashing.
I love the top brass, the Heptad, and how the men always have each others backs.
Siah has come a long way from the super chatty goofy guy, to a man who has a black belt in Ju-Jitsu, teaches it, and also teaches children at a school. Siah has more control and is stronger. He learns a mountain of information about the military ways.
I liked each and every character. Carter needs more faith in himself, and we see him accomplish his needs slowly, with the men and Siah at his side.
I shed some tears, and had some laughs, too.
This is a really wonderful military tale to immerse yourself in, and then savor it.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=======
This series is a real treat for Military romance fans. We get pomp and circumstance, rituals, protocols, rules, a funeral, and the military process including families and children.
* Josiah/Siah is a guy we met in the previous story when he was being assaulted, saved by one of the soldiers, who was injured in the event.
Now, we see Siah meet * Carter May, once again. They hit it off and are fast friends, hanging out, sharing days off, meals, and later on, sexy times. The story has a terrific flow, simply magnificent characters and a gripping tale to read, including some gay-bashing.
I love the top brass, the Heptad, and how the men always have each others backs.
Siah has come a long way from the super chatty goofy guy, to a man who has a black belt in Ju-Jitsu, teaches it, and also teaches children at a school. Siah has more control and is stronger. He learns a mountain of information about the military ways.
I liked each and every character. Carter needs more faith in himself, and we see him accomplish his needs slowly, with the men and Siah at his side.
I shed some tears, and had some laughs, too.
This is a really wonderful military tale to immerse yourself in, and then savor it.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=======
May 1, 2019
This has been one hell of a series. Military bonds you form are really powerful, especially with the right people. I really love that the author is bringing awareness for veterans in this book as well. Soldiers so often get 'forgotten' when they come home and end up suicidal, homeless or something without the support they need. We need to be more aware.
I love how all these guys have evolved as well. What started as the heptad.....you have to read to find out...has now become so much more. They have mentored quite a few below them, and they are forming their own groups. Making bonds. It's also been a great story, because it's Siah and May's story. If you don't know who they are, they're introduced in book 2 and it's their turn. Also, this is a continuous series. You need to read them all in order.
Siah and May's pasts are rough ones. Both of their exes have changed the course of events in their lives. May's past is becoming part of his future. And one part of his past and present are about to get together (book 4). So even more interesting to see where this goes. Definitely with the way this one ended. No, it's not a cliffhanger, but it's for sure set up for the next one. Which I'm anxious to get started on.
It's a really good series. You guys need to try it.
I love how all these guys have evolved as well. What started as the heptad.....you have to read to find out...has now become so much more. They have mentored quite a few below them, and they are forming their own groups. Making bonds. It's also been a great story, because it's Siah and May's story. If you don't know who they are, they're introduced in book 2 and it's their turn. Also, this is a continuous series. You need to read them all in order.
Siah and May's pasts are rough ones. Both of their exes have changed the course of events in their lives. May's past is becoming part of his future. And one part of his past and present are about to get together (book 4). So even more interesting to see where this goes. Definitely with the way this one ended. No, it's not a cliffhanger, but it's for sure set up for the next one. Which I'm anxious to get started on.
It's a really good series. You guys need to try it.
June 11, 2018
The writing is getting in the way. Leaps in space that are unexplained. Also, my peeve of using "someone that" instead of "someone who. " It's seriously annoying.
Here's an example of the poor writing: "It was assumed and I went along with it all that I would end up with her."
DNF 20%- This book needs an editor. ...we don't need a blow by blow on unimportant conversation, sometimes a summary works.
Here's an example of the poor writing: "It was assumed and I went along with it all that I would end up with her."
DNF 20%- This book needs an editor. ...we don't need a blow by blow on unimportant conversation, sometimes a summary works.
February 22, 2019
Learn With Me, the third book in Kris Jacen's With Me series, is another great romance involving military life. It's realistic and helps the reader get a glimpse into the everyday lives of military families.
We met Siah in book two, and now we get his story. He's escaped his past and is now a teacher. As he has two of the military kids in his class, we get an eye-opening look into how military life affects children.
When Siah runs into Carter again, the attraction is still there, and he is open to having a friend. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. They have to deal with some issues from their pasts, homophobia, and losing friends. And, at the end of the day, both men are at a crossroads in their lives, and have some decisions to make.
I love Siah, with all his rambling. He's absolutely adorable.
Along with the growing relationship between Siah and Carter, we get another fabulous look into army life. We learn more about the issues military families face, some of the military traditions, and more.
I love the way army families make extended families with their fellow army families. The children being taken care of by everyone is wonderful. Non military people can't relate.
As usual, in Learn With Me, the author's writing style is good, and the story is told with knowledge and care. One of the best parts of this series is the way they focus on those at home, versus being a military action story. It's rare to get this look into military life.
We met Siah in book two, and now we get his story. He's escaped his past and is now a teacher. As he has two of the military kids in his class, we get an eye-opening look into how military life affects children.
When Siah runs into Carter again, the attraction is still there, and he is open to having a friend. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. They have to deal with some issues from their pasts, homophobia, and losing friends. And, at the end of the day, both men are at a crossroads in their lives, and have some decisions to make.
I love Siah, with all his rambling. He's absolutely adorable.
Along with the growing relationship between Siah and Carter, we get another fabulous look into army life. We learn more about the issues military families face, some of the military traditions, and more.
I love the way army families make extended families with their fellow army families. The children being taken care of by everyone is wonderful. Non military people can't relate.
As usual, in Learn With Me, the author's writing style is good, and the story is told with knowledge and care. One of the best parts of this series is the way they focus on those at home, versus being a military action story. It's rare to get this look into military life.
September 21, 2020
I really hate it when an author doesn't tie up loose ends at the end of a book and I also hate it when an author leaves the reader unfulfilled by not finishing the main story. This author commits both of those fouls in this book. I even took a peek at the synopses of the following sequels to see if my curiosity about Carter and Siah's relationship would be quelled. But, no, the author is on to writing about other tangent relationships to the characters in book #1 of this series. She is using the "loose ends" as fodder for the next book in the series. Which I have no problem with if she had completed THIS story first. But, she didn't. She left the reader wondering what ended up happening with Carter's education/career? What happened to Siah's and Carter's relationship? What happened with the "family" that Siah and Carter had begun forming with their academy and military buddies? SO many questions. Not any answers. And, AGAIN, the writing style of this author is horribly bad with many grammatical and spelling mistakes and unbelievably bad sentence structure. I have read three books in this series because I found the characters to be charming, loving, and endearing. But the writing style is so off-putting - and the fact that she didn't even finish the story of Siah and Carter - that I don't think I can continue reading anything written by Kris Jacen.
October 21, 2018
I was hoping for a nice heartwarming story with this one and it didn’t disappoint. The storytelling was somewhat abrupt occasionally which jarred me out of story but Carter and Siah are NICE.
They both struggle with self confidence but are willing to change. Siah is unhappy with being afraid of others so he starts training martial arts. Carter has problems with book learning but he tries to overcome his difficulties. In my opinion, few people are actually willing to make such changes. I’ll also admit I liked Siah’s stance on learning and hard work. It’s what made characters so likeable. We see how their relationship develops and even secondary characters popping up are charming. I’ll admit to skipping sex scenes as was more interested in dating part. The military part, which I expected to be just pretty scenery, actually turned out to be very interesting.
I think I would have liked this one better with lower heat rating. It’s comforting story with a happy end.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
They both struggle with self confidence but are willing to change. Siah is unhappy with being afraid of others so he starts training martial arts. Carter has problems with book learning but he tries to overcome his difficulties. In my opinion, few people are actually willing to make such changes. I’ll also admit I liked Siah’s stance on learning and hard work. It’s what made characters so likeable. We see how their relationship develops and even secondary characters popping up are charming. I’ll admit to skipping sex scenes as was more interested in dating part. The military part, which I expected to be just pretty scenery, actually turned out to be very interesting.
I think I would have liked this one better with lower heat rating. It’s comforting story with a happy end.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
February 15, 2019
This is the third book in the series and with both main characters being on the periphery of the heptad, there was a different feel with this story.
Josiah (Siah) gets his story here from Book 2 as well as Carter. They met as Danny was released from the hospital. Now it's three years later and Siah is a teacher of 6th grade, who happens to have Mooney's twins in his class. Carter is active duty in D.C. when they meet again and trade numbers.
Overall a quick, entertaining read. The story mostly ended up being about Carter being harassed by his fellow soldiers for being gay than it was about the development of a romance. There were a few fights and a beating.
For me, the dynamic just wasn't there between Siah and Carter. Carter just kept saying he wasn't good enough and then Siah would just think that he was the one not good enough and it kept circling around. I was hoping for more of a cute story between these two young guys but it didn't really pan out for me.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Josiah (Siah) gets his story here from Book 2 as well as Carter. They met as Danny was released from the hospital. Now it's three years later and Siah is a teacher of 6th grade, who happens to have Mooney's twins in his class. Carter is active duty in D.C. when they meet again and trade numbers.
Overall a quick, entertaining read. The story mostly ended up being about Carter being harassed by his fellow soldiers for being gay than it was about the development of a romance. There were a few fights and a beating.
For me, the dynamic just wasn't there between Siah and Carter. Carter just kept saying he wasn't good enough and then Siah would just think that he was the one not good enough and it kept circling around. I was hoping for more of a cute story between these two young guys but it didn't really pan out for me.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
February 7, 2019
Good Story
Learn With me by Jacen is the third book in the "With Me" series. I liked Jacen's series, and how it involves military service. I really enjoyed this book, with Siah and Carter, as I think this is my favorite story so far, but there are more of her books to read. Jacen writes well, and her characters grow with a lot of depth, and they pay attention to their dreams, as well as their past, and how it shaped them. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Learn With me by Jacen is the third book in the "With Me" series. I liked Jacen's series, and how it involves military service. I really enjoyed this book, with Siah and Carter, as I think this is my favorite story so far, but there are more of her books to read. Jacen writes well, and her characters grow with a lot of depth, and they pay attention to their dreams, as well as their past, and how it shaped them. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 12, 2020
H found his guy.
I don't remember reading a story on had me crying within the first few pages, as did this one, and several more times throughout, especially since I seldom cry for anything. What a way to begin a romance novel. But this old dude has a great love for the military, it's traditions, an children.
And it's good to read of men finding the common, but I'm a sucker and I loved this one.
I don't remember reading a story on had me crying within the first few pages, as did this one, and several more times throughout, especially since I seldom cry for anything. What a way to begin a romance novel. But this old dude has a great love for the military, it's traditions, an children.
And it's good to read of men finding the common, but I'm a sucker and I loved this one.
April 2, 2024
Boring and shallow
Absolutely lacking in emotion with a tacky shallow plot leaning on military life. Like; hello, I remember you, let's jump into bed together, I love you, me too, let's move in together; with a few simplistic, opportune crises for bulk. Gay M/M romance or writing anything, is definitely not your thing ma'am. Reading this garbage felt like eating cardboard, hard, dry and tasteless.
Absolutely lacking in emotion with a tacky shallow plot leaning on military life. Like; hello, I remember you, let's jump into bed together, I love you, me too, let's move in together; with a few simplistic, opportune crises for bulk. Gay M/M romance or writing anything, is definitely not your thing ma'am. Reading this garbage felt like eating cardboard, hard, dry and tasteless.
January 8, 2019
I liked Siah and Carter, and this book had some added drama that the previous books lacked. Like the other books, it's heavy on military details and light on plot. I get more of an ensemble feeling from all three of these books, and less romance.
November 6, 2020
Best in series.
This is the best book on this series. It teaches so much military tradition, and all with great respect. I have read the whole series a few times, but this one always makes me cry. I love it!
This is the best book on this series. It teaches so much military tradition, and all with great respect. I have read the whole series a few times, but this one always makes me cry. I love it!
February 17, 2019
This book is definitely in the running with book one in this series as being one of my favorite. First of all I just fell completely in love with Siah. That man had obstacles in his way that he overcome and did not look back on other then knowing he was a better man in the end because he was strong enough to overcome those things from his past. Second, Siah is just simply one of those people that will capture your heart from the get go and you know that you a better person just from knowing him. He is loyal to a fault, loving, and always up for learning new things. But he is not th only one that made this book. Carter, man he is so strong but know hat he has his weaknesses. Those weaknesses affect him but he knows he will fight to overcome them. This book is definitely up there with book one on how much I loved this book.
Carter and Siah met for their first time briefly when Carter came to help out one of the Heptad that had gotten himself hurt. Siah was the man that Danny saved. After their brief meeting in Mew Orleans neither man expected to see one another again. But sometime things are meant o be and Siah and Carter are definitely that.
Years after that first brief meeting ere sparks seemed to fly between them, Siah and Carter find themselves meeting again by accident. While on patrol, Carter comes across a man sitting and reading in the Arlington cemetery and turns out that man was Siah. To each mans surprise they both remembered the other even though their previous meeting was so brief.
After catching up for a moment both men agree that they would like to catch up more over coffee and exchange numbers. Carter was completely shocked when Siah followed through on that. What starts out as a friendship ends up turning to more for these two. But not without backlash.
Someone in Carter’s Unit is not happy about them being together. Though Carter has stood his own so far against all the crap, can these two handle what is about to come next?
This was an incredible read. I was definitely caught up in this read and loved every minute of this book. Cannot wait for more in this series. Such a great series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Carter and Siah met for their first time briefly when Carter came to help out one of the Heptad that had gotten himself hurt. Siah was the man that Danny saved. After their brief meeting in Mew Orleans neither man expected to see one another again. But sometime things are meant o be and Siah and Carter are definitely that.
Years after that first brief meeting ere sparks seemed to fly between them, Siah and Carter find themselves meeting again by accident. While on patrol, Carter comes across a man sitting and reading in the Arlington cemetery and turns out that man was Siah. To each mans surprise they both remembered the other even though their previous meeting was so brief.
After catching up for a moment both men agree that they would like to catch up more over coffee and exchange numbers. Carter was completely shocked when Siah followed through on that. What starts out as a friendship ends up turning to more for these two. But not without backlash.
Someone in Carter’s Unit is not happy about them being together. Though Carter has stood his own so far against all the crap, can these two handle what is about to come next?
This was an incredible read. I was definitely caught up in this read and loved every minute of this book. Cannot wait for more in this series. Such a great series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
May 8, 2020
Another Wonderful Installment
My only problem with this book is that I find it tough to figure out if the man on the cover is Siah, supposed to be sixth-grade teacher who is somewhat of a grown-up twink, or Carter, who is in the Army special detail at Arlington Cemetery, i.e., which one grew a beard that was never referred to in the book?
That said, both of these characters continue to explore the special relationship that has developed between an Army "heptad," sort of an extended family of senior servicemen and their spouses or significant others. This one brings in almost all the characters from the previous two books and reunites the catalyst of the second (Siah) and a somewhat peripheral hanger-on (Carter) who seemed tortured over his wayward wife and whether he should have joined the army to begin with.
That they accidentally meet up at Arlington is almost cute but quite believable, and the way they pursue their renewed acquaintance to friendship and lovers is handled splendidly with very few OMG moments.
What is different about this one, however, is the exposure of a deeply homophobic trio of soldiers who make life very uncomfortable at the wrong times.
In addition, there is a nice introduction to some new characters who become deeply involved in Carter and Siah's lives, including one who is destined to become one of the MC's in the next book.
I'm often disappointed in MM books that have a military theme, but this one is super and the series itself is well worth pursuing.
My only problem with this book is that I find it tough to figure out if the man on the cover is Siah, supposed to be sixth-grade teacher who is somewhat of a grown-up twink, or Carter, who is in the Army special detail at Arlington Cemetery, i.e., which one grew a beard that was never referred to in the book?
That said, both of these characters continue to explore the special relationship that has developed between an Army "heptad," sort of an extended family of senior servicemen and their spouses or significant others. This one brings in almost all the characters from the previous two books and reunites the catalyst of the second (Siah) and a somewhat peripheral hanger-on (Carter) who seemed tortured over his wayward wife and whether he should have joined the army to begin with.
That they accidentally meet up at Arlington is almost cute but quite believable, and the way they pursue their renewed acquaintance to friendship and lovers is handled splendidly with very few OMG moments.
What is different about this one, however, is the exposure of a deeply homophobic trio of soldiers who make life very uncomfortable at the wrong times.
In addition, there is a nice introduction to some new characters who become deeply involved in Carter and Siah's lives, including one who is destined to become one of the MC's in the next book.
I'm often disappointed in MM books that have a military theme, but this one is super and the series itself is well worth pursuing.
January 28, 2025
I was hoping Siah’s story would be next! Siah is the young man from book two who is in an abusive relationship, First Sergeant Danny Glenn rescues him at a bar, and ends up getting injured which is how Danny and Liam connect. Siah captivated me from the first moment with his smart mouth (that never stopped motoring) and his big heart. In an unusual coincidence two of the kids in Siah’s sixth-grade class belong to one of the heptad – the group of seven men who went through basic, served together, or both – who appear throughout this series. Even better is when Siah and Sergeant Carter May run into each other again since the heat between them three years prior is nothing compared to now.
It has been three years since Siah was rescued, finished his master’s and took a job in Virginia. He never expects to meet the real-life GI Joe he met the day he returned Danny’s phone to him but Siah isn’t one to let an opportunity pass him by. Assuming Carter is straight, Siah figures he can use a friend as he doesn’t have too many of those. Carter is in a bit of a slump and isn’t sure in what direction he wants to go. Luckily for him, he runs into Danny and Liam who introduce him to Mooney, the twins’ father, and Mooney as a Command Sergeant Major takes an interest in trying to help Carter make sense of his goals.
Find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
It has been three years since Siah was rescued, finished his master’s and took a job in Virginia. He never expects to meet the real-life GI Joe he met the day he returned Danny’s phone to him but Siah isn’t one to let an opportunity pass him by. Assuming Carter is straight, Siah figures he can use a friend as he doesn’t have too many of those. Carter is in a bit of a slump and isn’t sure in what direction he wants to go. Luckily for him, he runs into Danny and Liam who introduce him to Mooney, the twins’ father, and Mooney as a Command Sergeant Major takes an interest in trying to help Carter make sense of his goals.
Find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
June 24, 2020
Wonderful
This is the third booking the series and I have loved every one them. Carter and Siah's has produced the most tears however. I love the continuation of characters just as in real life. Carter and Siah met briefly and have now reconnected. They seem to click and reconnected with others from the past. I hope you love this as much as I do!
This is the third booking the series and I have loved every one them. Carter and Siah's has produced the most tears however. I love the continuation of characters just as in real life. Carter and Siah met briefly and have now reconnected. They seem to click and reconnected with others from the past. I hope you love this as much as I do!
Want to read
January 12, 2019
Learn With Me (With Me, #3) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review. I will voluntarily read this book and provided my honest opinion. Review to follow.
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