What do you think?
Rate this book
Regaining Trust
When workaholic Lawrence Weller walks in on the aftermath of his fiancé Frankie cheating on him, his world shatters. Frankie’s the love of his life, the only person he’s ever trusted, and the betrayal leaves him devastated.
Franklin Ennis makes a huge mistake he regrets deeply before it’s even over. He pleads for a second chance, willing to do whatever it takes to save their relationship.
A love that deep doesn’t just stop, so Lawrence agrees to try. But mistakes don’t happen in a vacuum. Are they both willing to own up to their part? Will their love be enough to repair what was crushed? Can trust once broken be rebuilt?
Franklin Ennis makes a huge mistake he regrets deeply before it’s even over. He pleads for a second chance, willing to do whatever it takes to save their relationship.
A love that deep doesn’t just stop, so Lawrence agrees to try. But mistakes don’t happen in a vacuum. Are they both willing to own up to their part? Will their love be enough to repair what was crushed? Can trust once broken be rebuilt?
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Nell Iris
65 books97 followersNell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, short over long, and quirky characters over alpha males. She published her first book in 2017.
Nell is an author with a day job that steals too much time from her writing, her reading, her gardening, and her crocheting. She’s an introverted tea drinker who loves her family, her books, and her home in the Swedish countryside.
Nell is an author with a day job that steals too much time from her writing, her reading, her gardening, and her crocheting. She’s an introverted tea drinker who loves her family, her books, and her home in the Swedish countryside.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 8, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't connect to the characters as much as I hoped, but it was an enjoyable read - despite the more serious subject matter.
I didn't connect to the characters as much as I hoped, but it was an enjoyable read - despite the more serious subject matter.
September 30, 2020
5 big shining stars
Throughout the whole story, I had an unbelievable sentimental feeling. I felt it in every cell.
An utterly UTTERLY sensitive soulful narrative. A place where is no room for hate.
It’s an impressive almost impossible road where two people who love each other strongly are trying their very best to pick up the pieces and go on with their life.
Nothing is the same and will never be, there has to be found a new normal.
Before you refuse to read it because of cheating please reconsider because in essence it’s about the process of healing and rebuilding trust with deep soul searching.
Throughout this story, we understand the deeper meaning behind trust! Two beautiful men who love each other, fighting for their future together. It’s a difficult process. But my goodness, they were the most honest and beautiful men and they made my cry.
Like all the stories from this author’s hand, it’s was so so beautiful, emotional, and full of love!
Throughout the whole story, I had an unbelievable sentimental feeling. I felt it in every cell.
An utterly UTTERLY sensitive soulful narrative. A place where is no room for hate.
It’s an impressive almost impossible road where two people who love each other strongly are trying their very best to pick up the pieces and go on with their life.
Nothing is the same and will never be, there has to be found a new normal.
Before you refuse to read it because of cheating please reconsider because in essence it’s about the process of healing and rebuilding trust with deep soul searching.
Throughout this story, we understand the deeper meaning behind trust! Two beautiful men who love each other, fighting for their future together. It’s a difficult process. But my goodness, they were the most honest and beautiful men and they made my cry.
Like all the stories from this author’s hand, it’s was so so beautiful, emotional, and full of love!
May 14, 2025
I never thought I'd say this, but the infidelity is exactly what this relationship needed. And I'm not just saying this as someone who loves the shit out of this trope.
I wonder why cheating fiancés love to wait on the couch for the other to come home after being nabbed. Like...you already made yourself at home with someone else in the bed, why are you on the couch at 3am waiting up?
Do they just not want to be seen against the backdrop of the crime scene? Is it because they think you'll forget about what happened in the bed if you find them lying uncomfortably on the couch like a martyr?
Meanwhile Frankie had the audacity to be hurt that Law wouldn't join him in the bed he'd found him getting, you know.....'well used' that very morning. 💀
Hmm.
But Law taking him a pillow and blanket on the couch so he wouldn't be any more uncomfortable than he absolutely had to on the couch? 😩
C'mon, man. That's probably the moment I knew these two would work shit out and I'd not only tolerate it, I'd be happy about it.
Like even with all the justification in the world, and the fact that everyone, including Frankie, would have forgiven him being petty and bitchy in the moment, his whole deal is, 'This sucks and I'm really not okay but Frankie can't sleep like that tonight'.
I thought I was a hard guy but seeing Law unable to stop himself from holding Frankie while he cried lowkey had me feeling sorry for them both. Because how fucked up is that?
Still, I had no idea how Law would talk himself into forgiving within 90 pages when he literally wakes up to vivid internal descriptions of the crime scene...
'The smell of cum lingering in the air. My fiancé disheveled, used.'
He uses the word 'used' so many times😂😂😂😂😂😂
And I'm sure the whole Frankie still having a hoarse voice from sucking dick the day before was NOT helping.
How do you say 'I'm sorry, I love you' when he can literally HEAR the other man's dick on your voice???
HECTIC.
Meanwhile, whole time I thought the neighbors knew. Because this guy came home that fateful day and one of them shouted, "Don't go in there, man."
So okay, he wants to forgive this person but at what cost? Bet the neighbors all think he's the dumbest MF to ever do it.
They need to move 💀
**turned out NOT to have been a neighbor BUT I maintain my thoughts on the matter.
So. I don't think Frankie's reason is justification, but I see where the disconnect was with them.
Law's seen abject poverty and his show of love is working so hard that Frankie never has to. Even if it means never really being home.
Frankie would rather live in a shithole with Law than opulently in an empty apartment, alone in bed. Even if it means going without creature comforts.
And to that, Law's feedback is: Bitch, what are you smoking?!
“Not even the greatest romance can survive constantly worrying about having enough money to feed your kids, or that the utilities will be turned off. Love dies and all that’s left is yelling and throwing things and bitterness."
Probably my favorite thing about this book is it doesn't shy away from the hard stuff.
Yes, Law wants to forgive the man he loves, but it doesn't stop him constantly lucid dreaming about the guy cumming down Frankie's throat.
Yes, he wants to make it work because if he doesn't have Frankie, he has nothing, but he also can't ignore the constant refrain in his mind, 'once a cheater, always a cheater'.
Yes, he wants to be over all that stuff RIGHT NOW, but it doesn't stop his heart going into overdrive when he sees a guy hit on Frankie, a reaction he never had before.
I wish this had been longer, because then we'd get to see them talking through things incessantly, and not merely be told it happens.
They put the work in, though, and it doesn't happen overnight. Neither does it happen linearly. It's one step forward, two steps back.
They have multiple moments when they think things are going well, only to have a seemingly small thing set them off. Months of this.
I won't lie, it helps that Frankie is harder on himself for the transgression than Law is. I don't really enjoy the bits where he's mad at his friend for 'not stopping him' because it gives transference of blame vibes, but the friend isn't great, so it's easy to overlook it.
Frankie does nothing but try. He tries and tries and tries. Which is nice. You have to put in as much effort into getting your relationship back on track as you did in ensuring the other guy got off. (yeah, sorry. Law won't be petty so I have to be)
But in all honesty, Frankie's hard to hate. I get why he ended up making a colossal mistake. These two seem to have been in a relationship for 5 years without doing much talking so their ideas of a good relationship were so different that I'm shocked they didn't have issues before this.
The cheating was just the thing that lay it all out in the open and forced them to face shit. They chose to fight for it, and I can understand why. The relationship had good bones. And they wanted to 🤷
Unexpected but commendable? Law admitting that the cheating did not happen in a vacuum and acknowledging that he had played a part in them getting where they were.
There's no perfect victim here, so maybe that makes their reconciliation more palatable.
Kudos to the author for managing to beat the novella curse with this, especially dealing with such a heavy subject. I genuinely did not think it could be done.
I did not have Sandy finding me a great cheating book on my 2025 bingo card. LMAO the jokes write themselves.
I wonder why cheating fiancés love to wait on the couch for the other to come home after being nabbed. Like...you already made yourself at home with someone else in the bed, why are you on the couch at 3am waiting up?
Do they just not want to be seen against the backdrop of the crime scene? Is it because they think you'll forget about what happened in the bed if you find them lying uncomfortably on the couch like a martyr?
Meanwhile Frankie had the audacity to be hurt that Law wouldn't join him in the bed he'd found him getting, you know.....'well used' that very morning. 💀
Hmm.
But Law taking him a pillow and blanket on the couch so he wouldn't be any more uncomfortable than he absolutely had to on the couch? 😩
C'mon, man. That's probably the moment I knew these two would work shit out and I'd not only tolerate it, I'd be happy about it.
Like even with all the justification in the world, and the fact that everyone, including Frankie, would have forgiven him being petty and bitchy in the moment, his whole deal is, 'This sucks and I'm really not okay but Frankie can't sleep like that tonight'.
I thought I was a hard guy but seeing Law unable to stop himself from holding Frankie while he cried lowkey had me feeling sorry for them both. Because how fucked up is that?
Still, I had no idea how Law would talk himself into forgiving within 90 pages when he literally wakes up to vivid internal descriptions of the crime scene...
'The smell of cum lingering in the air. My fiancé disheveled, used.'
He uses the word 'used' so many times😂😂😂😂😂😂
And I'm sure the whole Frankie still having a hoarse voice from sucking dick the day before was NOT helping.
How do you say 'I'm sorry, I love you' when he can literally HEAR the other man's dick on your voice???
HECTIC.
Meanwhile, whole time I thought the neighbors knew. Because this guy came home that fateful day and one of them shouted, "Don't go in there, man."
So okay, he wants to forgive this person but at what cost? Bet the neighbors all think he's the dumbest MF to ever do it.
They need to move 💀
**turned out NOT to have been a neighbor BUT I maintain my thoughts on the matter.
So. I don't think Frankie's reason is justification, but I see where the disconnect was with them.
Law's seen abject poverty and his show of love is working so hard that Frankie never has to. Even if it means never really being home.
Frankie would rather live in a shithole with Law than opulently in an empty apartment, alone in bed. Even if it means going without creature comforts.
And to that, Law's feedback is: Bitch, what are you smoking?!
“Not even the greatest romance can survive constantly worrying about having enough money to feed your kids, or that the utilities will be turned off. Love dies and all that’s left is yelling and throwing things and bitterness."
Probably my favorite thing about this book is it doesn't shy away from the hard stuff.
Yes, Law wants to forgive the man he loves, but it doesn't stop him constantly lucid dreaming about the guy cumming down Frankie's throat.
Yes, he wants to make it work because if he doesn't have Frankie, he has nothing, but he also can't ignore the constant refrain in his mind, 'once a cheater, always a cheater'.
Yes, he wants to be over all that stuff RIGHT NOW, but it doesn't stop his heart going into overdrive when he sees a guy hit on Frankie, a reaction he never had before.
I wish this had been longer, because then we'd get to see them talking through things incessantly, and not merely be told it happens.
They put the work in, though, and it doesn't happen overnight. Neither does it happen linearly. It's one step forward, two steps back.
They have multiple moments when they think things are going well, only to have a seemingly small thing set them off. Months of this.
I won't lie, it helps that Frankie is harder on himself for the transgression than Law is. I don't really enjoy the bits where he's mad at his friend for 'not stopping him' because it gives transference of blame vibes, but the friend isn't great, so it's easy to overlook it.
Frankie does nothing but try. He tries and tries and tries. Which is nice. You have to put in as much effort into getting your relationship back on track as you did in ensuring the other guy got off. (yeah, sorry. Law won't be petty so I have to be)
But in all honesty, Frankie's hard to hate. I get why he ended up making a colossal mistake. These two seem to have been in a relationship for 5 years without doing much talking so their ideas of a good relationship were so different that I'm shocked they didn't have issues before this.
The cheating was just the thing that lay it all out in the open and forced them to face shit. They chose to fight for it, and I can understand why. The relationship had good bones. And they wanted to 🤷
Unexpected but commendable? Law admitting that the cheating did not happen in a vacuum and acknowledging that he had played a part in them getting where they were.
There's no perfect victim here, so maybe that makes their reconciliation more palatable.
Kudos to the author for managing to beat the novella curse with this, especially dealing with such a heavy subject. I genuinely did not think it could be done.
I did not have Sandy finding me a great cheating book on my 2025 bingo card. LMAO the jokes write themselves.
September 30, 2020
Check out our full post for REGAINING TRUST on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
First thing’s first. If infidelity is a hard limit for you, this is so not the book for you. The whole premise of Regaining Trust is whether or not Lawrence and Frankie can salvage their relationship after Law walks in on Frankie after he’s cheated. Is the old adage, ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater,’ true? Or can they learn from their mistakes, learn to trust one another again, and come out stronger on the other side?
I feel like I need to disclose the fact that I’m asexual and that’s because it directly impacts my thoughts on sex and cheating. For me, sex is merely a bodily function that needs to be addressed from time to time and doesn’t require an emotional connection to my partner – it absolutely can, and has, but it’s not necessary. So for me, cheating in a relationship would be more of an emotional betrayal than a physical one and it’s what made Regaining Trust a fascinating read for me because I had to wait with Law to hear Frankie’s confessions and learn how events unfolded to determine whether Frankie’s betrayal was emotional or physical, from my point of view, and how Law would ultimately respond to it.
As I read the book, I made notes of things that stood out to me and I wrote the rest of this paragraph about midway through the story and had no idea just how right I was. My biggest sticking point in Frankie’s cheating – and the reason I felt he was deserving of a second chance – was how the circumstances unfolded that led to the actual cheating. I do not absolve Frankie of his responsibility, but as we learn about the events of that night, it felt more and more like Frankie’s supposed best friend took advantage of a situation to not only put the players in place, but actively encouraged Frankie to cheat. This is not the behavior of a good friend, much less a best friend. All of my besties throughout my lifetime would have stepped in to stop me from making such a huge mistake, not cheered me on to do it. With what I learned about the kind of person Frankie is over the course of the novel, I don’t think he would have gone out and actively looked to cheat on Law. So while he ultimately made the decision to cheat, I don’t think it would have happened had his alleged best friend not set the events in motion.
As I said, I found Regaining Trust to be a fascinating read, especially as we got to see the aftermath of the cheating from both Law and Frankie’s points of view. And though I didn’t go into it in my review, I found Law’s reactions to the cheating just as intriguing, especially how his childhood experiences affected his responses. This was a great look at human nature, which appeals to my degree in psychology and is why I gave it five stars. While I won’t tell you how the events played out, I will tell you that in all of my reading of Nell Iris’ books, I’ve yet to encounter one that didn’t end in a happy ending. What Law and Frankie’s happy ending looks like, well you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out, but I for one was quite pleased with it.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Read
October 3, 2020What starts as a sad, heartbreaking story develops into a rediscovery of a true relationship. A relationship where love never died but just got buried beneath years of loneliness and an over achieving work ethic. It's about talking and addressing the issues at the heart of the problem rather than covering it up with pretty words and frivolous gestures.
October 1, 2020
It's official, I am in a reading slump...
Seriously both this book and the previous audio book that I listened to have gotten rave reviews from the rest of the community and I have to say they're not wrong, but for some reason I'm just not feeling it.
So before I go any further I just want to say if cheating/infidelity is a hard limit for you...this is very probably not the book for you.
"Regaining Trust" is the ultimate in second chance stories and begs the reader to ask themselves the question..."If my partner cheated on me, could I truly forgive them and trust them ever again?" this is the dilemma that Lawrence faces when he returns home unexpectedly early one evening.
Lawrence and Frankie are engaged and very deeply in love and as anyone who's ever been in love can tell you...just because your partner made a mistake or did something stupid, you don't stop loving them.
I actually requested this book for review because of the subject, while much of my circumstances were different I've been in Lawrence's shoes and I made the choice that was right for me and over 35 years later and in a different relationship I know that I did what was right for me, but I wanted to see where Lawrence's path would go. Second chances are something that I truly believe in. I'm not saying that they should be given to every one, every time, but there are times when giving forgiveness to someone else also means forgiving yourself because whether we like it or not any relationship takes two...two to make it and two to break it.
"Regaining Trust" deals with what many would consider to be the ultimate betrayal in a relationship and looking at how and if it's possible for a relationship to come back from it.
I think the thing that I appreciated the most about this story was that there was a second chance for this relationship so often we see stories that are suppose to be about the ultimate love and then this happens and it's all over with everyone going their separate way and finding someone else to have their second chance with and while that may often be the case this one begs the question...does it always have to be the case? because if you love someone truly love someone...if they're your soulmate and they make a mistake does that mean the love just stops?
As much as I wanted to absolutely love this story and there was much about it that I really appreciated I think for me the biggest issue was the fact that as a reader I came into an already established relationship at what was essentially the worst moment and if I'd been given some time to get to know the characters and see their bond grow and develop into the kind of love that could endure what happened my connection to both the story and the characters would have been much stronger.
Overall though this was a sweet and endearing story with a message to share and a heartwarming and hopeful message for anyone who's ever made a mistake that they truly regret.
************************
An ARC of "Regaining Trust" was graciously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Seriously both this book and the previous audio book that I listened to have gotten rave reviews from the rest of the community and I have to say they're not wrong, but for some reason I'm just not feeling it.
So before I go any further I just want to say if cheating/infidelity is a hard limit for you...this is very probably not the book for you.
"Regaining Trust" is the ultimate in second chance stories and begs the reader to ask themselves the question..."If my partner cheated on me, could I truly forgive them and trust them ever again?" this is the dilemma that Lawrence faces when he returns home unexpectedly early one evening.
Lawrence and Frankie are engaged and very deeply in love and as anyone who's ever been in love can tell you...just because your partner made a mistake or did something stupid, you don't stop loving them.
I actually requested this book for review because of the subject, while much of my circumstances were different I've been in Lawrence's shoes and I made the choice that was right for me and over 35 years later and in a different relationship I know that I did what was right for me, but I wanted to see where Lawrence's path would go. Second chances are something that I truly believe in. I'm not saying that they should be given to every one, every time, but there are times when giving forgiveness to someone else also means forgiving yourself because whether we like it or not any relationship takes two...two to make it and two to break it.
"Regaining Trust" deals with what many would consider to be the ultimate betrayal in a relationship and looking at how and if it's possible for a relationship to come back from it.
I think the thing that I appreciated the most about this story was that there was a second chance for this relationship so often we see stories that are suppose to be about the ultimate love and then this happens and it's all over with everyone going their separate way and finding someone else to have their second chance with and while that may often be the case this one begs the question...does it always have to be the case? because if you love someone truly love someone...if they're your soulmate and they make a mistake does that mean the love just stops?
As much as I wanted to absolutely love this story and there was much about it that I really appreciated I think for me the biggest issue was the fact that as a reader I came into an already established relationship at what was essentially the worst moment and if I'd been given some time to get to know the characters and see their bond grow and develop into the kind of love that could endure what happened my connection to both the story and the characters would have been much stronger.
Overall though this was a sweet and endearing story with a message to share and a heartwarming and hopeful message for anyone who's ever made a mistake that they truly regret.
************************
An ARC of "Regaining Trust" was graciously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
I’m not normally a fan of cheating and I try avoid where possible but when I saw it was from Nell Iris I had to give it a go and I’m so glad I did.
This story isn’t about cheating it’s about making a mistake and taken accountability for your actions on both parts. It’s about learning to trust but also about how to communicate problems so that things like cheating and lonely ness can be avoided in the future.
What started as a heartbreaker ending up being one of my favourite ending ever. It was a truly wonderful story about how learning to trust again can change a relationship completely but in a good way. Highly recommended.
This story isn’t about cheating it’s about making a mistake and taken accountability for your actions on both parts. It’s about learning to trust but also about how to communicate problems so that things like cheating and lonely ness can be avoided in the future.
What started as a heartbreaker ending up being one of my favourite ending ever. It was a truly wonderful story about how learning to trust again can change a relationship completely but in a good way. Highly recommended.
September 30, 2020
Forgiving isn't easy.
Nell Iris has long been on my short list of favorite short story writers. Writing a great short story that doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated, is a talent that not all authors have. Now, having said all of that, Regaining Trust is a novella length book and I'm happy to say that Nell writes equally wonderful longer stories. ❤
Regaining Trust may not be for everyone as it starts out with a heartbreaking scene where one of the MC's is caught cheating on the other. As horrible as that scene is (it's not graphic), it is necessary to the remainder of the story which is all about forgiving and the regaining of trust – just like the title says.
I've never been in a similar position so I can't really know how I would feel or what I would do if it happened to me. I do know couples who have weathered tremendously difficult situations and have come out on the other side and remained committed to each other.
The depth of Lawrence and Frankie's love for each other radiated off of the pages and I felt the anguish that each of them had about the situation they found themselves in. I loved what the author said before the story began: "For everyone who’s loved deeply and refused to give up, even when everything was just too hard. Sometimes love actually conquers all."
So, while this might be a difficult story for some people to read or understand, I thought was a beautiful testament to the power of love and forgiveness. Bravo, Nell Iris, you've written another great story and I loved it.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Nell Iris has long been on my short list of favorite short story writers. Writing a great short story that doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated, is a talent that not all authors have. Now, having said all of that, Regaining Trust is a novella length book and I'm happy to say that Nell writes equally wonderful longer stories. ❤
Regaining Trust may not be for everyone as it starts out with a heartbreaking scene where one of the MC's is caught cheating on the other. As horrible as that scene is (it's not graphic), it is necessary to the remainder of the story which is all about forgiving and the regaining of trust – just like the title says.
I've never been in a similar position so I can't really know how I would feel or what I would do if it happened to me. I do know couples who have weathered tremendously difficult situations and have come out on the other side and remained committed to each other.
The depth of Lawrence and Frankie's love for each other radiated off of the pages and I felt the anguish that each of them had about the situation they found themselves in. I loved what the author said before the story began: "For everyone who’s loved deeply and refused to give up, even when everything was just too hard. Sometimes love actually conquers all."
So, while this might be a difficult story for some people to read or understand, I thought was a beautiful testament to the power of love and forgiveness. Bravo, Nell Iris, you've written another great story and I loved it.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
October 7, 2020
4 stars
As much as i hate cheating this book wasn't so bad. I don't condone infidality, but as much as it's an unpopular opinion I also believe some couples in specific situations can actually heal and move from on.
This book showed a beautiful and hard journey of repairing a broken trust. I truly enjoyed it, but my only problem is I needed Frankie to grovel more. Actually, Frankie hardly did any groveling and not because he wasn't ready to, but because Law simply didn't give him a chance to. Law realize way too quickly that they need to work on fixing this relationship instead of drowning in a bit of angst. He simply felt broken and sad, but never angry or ragey or feeling that this is unfair, actually quite the opposite, I felt like he was comforting FRANKIE, who cheated on him.
Also there were few times where he felt he was being unfair that he's taking too long to complety trust Frankie, which is ridiculous! Honestly Frankie sucked some guy's dick and Law forgave him the next day? Maybe not total forgiveness, but in less that 24 hours he agrees to work on mending on the relationship without giving himself enough space to heal.
Everything was perfect despite this. Their journey was realistic, maybe a little too elonquent. I think I just needed more choas and internal struggels and conlicts. This was definetly on the sweet side.
As much as i hate cheating this book wasn't so bad. I don't condone infidality, but as much as it's an unpopular opinion I also believe some couples in specific situations can actually heal and move from on.
This book showed a beautiful and hard journey of repairing a broken trust. I truly enjoyed it, but my only problem is I needed Frankie to grovel more. Actually, Frankie hardly did any groveling and not because he wasn't ready to, but because Law simply didn't give him a chance to. Law realize way too quickly that they need to work on fixing this relationship instead of drowning in a bit of angst. He simply felt broken and sad, but never angry or ragey or feeling that this is unfair, actually quite the opposite, I felt like he was comforting FRANKIE, who cheated on him.
Also there were few times where he felt he was being unfair that he's taking too long to complety trust Frankie, which is ridiculous! Honestly Frankie sucked some guy's dick and Law forgave him the next day? Maybe not total forgiveness, but in less that 24 hours he agrees to work on mending on the relationship without giving himself enough space to heal.
Everything was perfect despite this. Their journey was realistic, maybe a little too elonquent. I think I just needed more choas and internal struggels and conlicts. This was definetly on the sweet side.
October 4, 2020
DNF 30%
September 25, 2020
FR- Alors alors... alors quand j'ai commencé ce roman je me suis demandé pourquoi je l'avais pris étant donné qu'en général je n'aime pas les romans où quelqu'un se remet avec un ex. Ouais... c'est même pas la tromperie qui me gêne c'est les come backs... rancunière moi? Peut être un peu. Pour autant, quand j'ai réalisé que c'était de ça qu'il s'agit (j'avais lu le résumé y'a un petit moment et oublié de quoi il s'agissait) vu la longueur du roman je me suis dit que j'allais continuer. Et j'ai beaucoup aimé. La plume de l'auteure est très entraînante. J'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures.
Le roman est entièrement du point de vu de Lawrence et j'ai vraiment aimé suivre son cheminement. J'ai aimé qu'il se remette en question et que tous les torts ne soient pas uniquement sur Frankie. Mais j'ai également aimé que l'erreur de Frankie ne soit pas non plus minimisée. J'ai trouvé que les personnages étaient très matures et j'ai beaucoup aimé leur réaction à ce qui va leur arriver.
J'ai été très agréablement surprise par ce roman. J'ai trouvé que le sujet est très très bien traité. J'ai aimé cette tranche de vie, suivre ces personnages dans cette épreuve et voir la façon dont ils allaient s'en sortir.
Un roman très très bien écrit pour un sujet assez difficile. A lire sans plus tarder.
ENG- So well well well .... well when i started this novel i wondered why i took it given that i usually don't like novels where someone gets back together with an ex. Yeah ... it's not even the deception that bothers me it's the comebacks ... resentful me? Maybe a little bit. However, when I realized that that was what it was about (I had read the summary a little while ago and forgot what it was about), given the length of the novel I thought said I was going to continue. And I liked it a lot. The author's pen is very catchy. I devoured this novel in a few hours.
The novel is entirely from Lawrence's point of view and I really enjoyed following his path. I liked that he questioned himself and that all the wrongs weren't just on Frankie. But I also liked that Frankie's mistake wasn't downplayed either. I found the characters to be very mature and I really liked their reaction to what will happen to them.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this novel. I found the subject to be very, very well treated. I loved this slice of life, following these characters in this ordeal and seeing how they were going to come out of it.
A very, very well written novel for a fairly difficult subject. To read without further delay.
Le roman est entièrement du point de vu de Lawrence et j'ai vraiment aimé suivre son cheminement. J'ai aimé qu'il se remette en question et que tous les torts ne soient pas uniquement sur Frankie. Mais j'ai également aimé que l'erreur de Frankie ne soit pas non plus minimisée. J'ai trouvé que les personnages étaient très matures et j'ai beaucoup aimé leur réaction à ce qui va leur arriver.
J'ai été très agréablement surprise par ce roman. J'ai trouvé que le sujet est très très bien traité. J'ai aimé cette tranche de vie, suivre ces personnages dans cette épreuve et voir la façon dont ils allaient s'en sortir.
Un roman très très bien écrit pour un sujet assez difficile. A lire sans plus tarder.
ENG- So well well well .... well when i started this novel i wondered why i took it given that i usually don't like novels where someone gets back together with an ex. Yeah ... it's not even the deception that bothers me it's the comebacks ... resentful me? Maybe a little bit. However, when I realized that that was what it was about (I had read the summary a little while ago and forgot what it was about), given the length of the novel I thought said I was going to continue. And I liked it a lot. The author's pen is very catchy. I devoured this novel in a few hours.
The novel is entirely from Lawrence's point of view and I really enjoyed following his path. I liked that he questioned himself and that all the wrongs weren't just on Frankie. But I also liked that Frankie's mistake wasn't downplayed either. I found the characters to be very mature and I really liked their reaction to what will happen to them.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this novel. I found the subject to be very, very well treated. I loved this slice of life, following these characters in this ordeal and seeing how they were going to come out of it.
A very, very well written novel for a fairly difficult subject. To read without further delay.
October 4, 2020
3.5 stars- Not as viscerally raw as I expected, but a good read about a weighty topic
Regaining Trust is a unique book that examines a painful, difficult point in the relationship of an engaged couple who has been together for years. For sure, with a hot button issue like cheating, this is a story that won’t be for anyone, but as I love good, emotional reads, I was definitely intrigued about what this new-to-me author would have in store.
Regaining Trust starts off with the initial moment that rocks this couple’s relationship. I think given the relatively short length for such a weighty topic, this choice made sense. However, I would have preferred to see this couple before it happened so I had an opportunity to become invested in their relationship and outcome as well as better understand the events and feelings leading up to Frankie’s choice to stray. While I appreciated that there was a lot of background given after the fact, I couldn’t help but feel a bit distanced from the men as I read their story. I’m not sure if that is why Regaining Trust felt less angsty than I expected going in, but I guess I expected something more palpable on my end. That isn’t to say there isn’t strife and conflict. There was certainly no shortage of raw, complex emotions as Lawrence and Frankie work through the pain and trust issues Frankie’s infidelity caused. I liked how it was clear from their initial conversation that both men wanted to fix it and salvage their relationship, and I appreciated that it wasn’t overly smooth to make it unbelievable. Even so, I felt a bit underwhelmed when I was expecting to have almost a visceral level of emotion lobbed at me. All that said, I did like the book and thought that it was a good look into an oft avoided topic but one that celebrated that a relationship can come back from a difficult point if both sides truly want to work at it.
*eARC received via Gay Book Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Regaining Trust is a unique book that examines a painful, difficult point in the relationship of an engaged couple who has been together for years. For sure, with a hot button issue like cheating, this is a story that won’t be for anyone, but as I love good, emotional reads, I was definitely intrigued about what this new-to-me author would have in store.
Regaining Trust starts off with the initial moment that rocks this couple’s relationship. I think given the relatively short length for such a weighty topic, this choice made sense. However, I would have preferred to see this couple before it happened so I had an opportunity to become invested in their relationship and outcome as well as better understand the events and feelings leading up to Frankie’s choice to stray. While I appreciated that there was a lot of background given after the fact, I couldn’t help but feel a bit distanced from the men as I read their story. I’m not sure if that is why Regaining Trust felt less angsty than I expected going in, but I guess I expected something more palpable on my end. That isn’t to say there isn’t strife and conflict. There was certainly no shortage of raw, complex emotions as Lawrence and Frankie work through the pain and trust issues Frankie’s infidelity caused. I liked how it was clear from their initial conversation that both men wanted to fix it and salvage their relationship, and I appreciated that it wasn’t overly smooth to make it unbelievable. Even so, I felt a bit underwhelmed when I was expecting to have almost a visceral level of emotion lobbed at me. All that said, I did like the book and thought that it was a good look into an oft avoided topic but one that celebrated that a relationship can come back from a difficult point if both sides truly want to work at it.
*eARC received via Gay Book Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
September 30, 2020
Regaining Trust is another impressive read by Nell Iris.
Wow, this one starts off tough, with Lawrence catching his fiance Frankie with another man. What follows is a powerful story of betrayal, loss of trust, understanding and forgiveness.
The writing is great, although I don't love the present tense. Everything else is wonderful though, keeping me intrigued and emotional throughout.
Good god, I could feel the pain first hand. These are two men who both have made mistakes, with the biggest being the lack of communication about some important aspects of their lives.
The men have to deal with loneliness, mistakes, and regret. I absolutely love this romance. Everything about these men is worth a read.
As for the subject matter - Cheating - we all know that many readers won't read a story with cheating. But, be aware, that is the beauty of this tale. The story is about the cheating, what led to the cheating, and the journey towards trusting one another again. It is stellar in it's development and execution. It's a raw and honest look into an horrific event.
It's impressive when an author instantly makes the reader feel bad for the cheater. That isn't an easy feat, yet the author does just that.
I continue to be in awe of Nell's writing. It isn't easy to develop a short story in a way that a couple's connection is felt immediately. It's extraordinary to write a short story in a way that never feels like anything is missing. The emotions conveyed in this tale are like that of a 300 page novel. It's impressive.
Regaining Trust is a thought-provoking tale. Nell Iris excels at bringing this couple to life with only 106 pages. Nell is an extraordinary author.
Wow, this one starts off tough, with Lawrence catching his fiance Frankie with another man. What follows is a powerful story of betrayal, loss of trust, understanding and forgiveness.
The writing is great, although I don't love the present tense. Everything else is wonderful though, keeping me intrigued and emotional throughout.
Good god, I could feel the pain first hand. These are two men who both have made mistakes, with the biggest being the lack of communication about some important aspects of their lives.
The men have to deal with loneliness, mistakes, and regret. I absolutely love this romance. Everything about these men is worth a read.
As for the subject matter - Cheating - we all know that many readers won't read a story with cheating. But, be aware, that is the beauty of this tale. The story is about the cheating, what led to the cheating, and the journey towards trusting one another again. It is stellar in it's development and execution. It's a raw and honest look into an horrific event.
It's impressive when an author instantly makes the reader feel bad for the cheater. That isn't an easy feat, yet the author does just that.
I continue to be in awe of Nell's writing. It isn't easy to develop a short story in a way that a couple's connection is felt immediately. It's extraordinary to write a short story in a way that never feels like anything is missing. The emotions conveyed in this tale are like that of a 300 page novel. It's impressive.
Regaining Trust is a thought-provoking tale. Nell Iris excels at bringing this couple to life with only 106 pages. Nell is an extraordinary author.
February 5, 2025
3.5. I usually don’t read books with infidelity, but I was told to read this because it was going to be different and I was going to understand both sides and it was going to be a beautiful story and I was lied to it was none of that none of that at all. LAWRENCE IS A WEAK ASS FUCKER and FRANKIE IS A STUPID WEAK-MINDED CHEATER, let that be understood. It seemed like Lawrence had more of an issue with Dylan than he had with his actual fiancé, sucking another man’s dick in their apartment. Like 2+2 is equaling 16 HOW?!?! I didn’t feel like Frankie was sorry I felt like Frankie didn’t wanna lose Lawrence and those are two different things. This man will definitely cheat again. Lawrence better not ever work late. He better be home on time or if he come home late he’s gonna catch Frankie with his legs in the air and another man in between them. And I skipped the sex scenes because of disgust. I am not rating this book because if I rate it based on how I feel on the characters, I would give it one star but the book doesn’t deserve one star. It was well written for being so short, and I did see the concept of what the author was doing, but I can’t in good faith give it anything over one star so I will leave it blank.
I change my mind. I will rate it. This book had me hooked. I can’t lie. This is one of the first times in a long time that I truly had to comment on a book as I was reading because I was getting so worked up emotionally even if they weren’t good emotions. Leaving it blank ain’t right.
1 star for the characters
But 4 stars for everything else lol
I change my mind. I will rate it. This book had me hooked. I can’t lie. This is one of the first times in a long time that I truly had to comment on a book as I was reading because I was getting so worked up emotionally even if they weren’t good emotions. Leaving it blank ain’t right.
1 star for the characters
But 4 stars for everything else lol
July 17, 2024
Lawrence comes home early to find his fiance just gave some stranger a BJ during a party he's having in their apartment. He feels hurt and betrayed, but doesn't want to leave. So he doesn't. That's it. That's the whole story. There is no story.
I can't say it's unrealistic, because I'm sure someone in the world has reacted this way to cheating. (Basically a non reaction.) But I can't identify with this at all, and it was just kind of boring. And the whole conversation they have, the first time they talk it out, just creeps me out. The cheater saying stuff like "Don't hurt yourself by shutting me out, don't push me away. You can trust me. I'm not a cheater. "
Excuse me? WTF?
So it's titled Regaining Trust because Lawrence decides at the beginning not to leave but to put his effort into learning to trust this POS again. It made me think of Pascal's wager or something. Pascal's wager is about how you can decide to believe in God, then force yourself or brainwash yourself to believe after you decide to. That's what it felt like Lawrence was doing. Making himself trust after he decides he's staying in this relationship anyway, which is a backwards way of doing it. IMO.
And then the cheater does his own research on how to stay together after cheating. Wow. Why didn't he do his own research on how to stay together before cheating? 😂
I can't say it's unrealistic, because I'm sure someone in the world has reacted this way to cheating. (Basically a non reaction.) But I can't identify with this at all, and it was just kind of boring. And the whole conversation they have, the first time they talk it out, just creeps me out. The cheater saying stuff like "Don't hurt yourself by shutting me out, don't push me away. You can trust me. I'm not a cheater. "
Excuse me? WTF?
So it's titled Regaining Trust because Lawrence decides at the beginning not to leave but to put his effort into learning to trust this POS again. It made me think of Pascal's wager or something. Pascal's wager is about how you can decide to believe in God, then force yourself or brainwash yourself to believe after you decide to. That's what it felt like Lawrence was doing. Making himself trust after he decides he's staying in this relationship anyway, which is a backwards way of doing it. IMO.
And then the cheater does his own research on how to stay together after cheating. Wow. Why didn't he do his own research on how to stay together before cheating? 😂
September 30, 2020
This is another beautifully written, emotional and intense story by Nell Iris and I absolutely loved it. I usually stay far away from any books that involve cheating but I knew that if anyone could deal well with this topic it would be this author and I wasn't disappointed. Lawrence and Frankie have a lot of difficult conversations after Lawrence walks in on Frankie and another man and both of them are dealing with hurt and anger towards each other and themselves. I love that they don't stop communicating and that they really listen to what the other is saying. Both of them want to stay together so they are determined to do whatever it takes. The underlining theme throughout this story is how much they love each other and how incredibly important it is to never take anything or anyone for granted. It is definitely a difficult and emotional story to read but it is also a beautiful and realistic look at how a loving and committed couple work together to try to repair their relationship.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 6, 2020
3.5 *
Nell Iris a pris de sacrés risques avec cette histoire ! Alors oui, le sujet a de quoi sacrément effrayer mais au final il s'agit d'une histoire touchante et qui ne sombre jamais dans le glauque.
Lawrence et Frankin forme un couple solide, ces deux-là s'aiment c'est évident...Mais une infidélité viendra tout ébranler.
Il faudra alors trouver la force de reconstruire ce qui a été brisé, de pardonner et d'accorder de nouveau sa confiance.
Le cheminement suivi par les personnages est décrit avec justesse et je me suis prise à vouloir plus que tout qu'ils parviennent à surmonter cette épreuve.
Difficile de savoir comment on réagirait à la place de Lawrence mais j'ai trouvé ça très émouvant de voir ces deux hommes se battre pour que leur histoire surviven, ils aurait été finalement peut-être plus facile de tirer un trait... Et pour cette raison, Lawrence a toute mon admiration !
Nell Iris a pris de sacrés risques avec cette histoire ! Alors oui, le sujet a de quoi sacrément effrayer mais au final il s'agit d'une histoire touchante et qui ne sombre jamais dans le glauque.
Lawrence et Frankin forme un couple solide, ces deux-là s'aiment c'est évident...Mais une infidélité viendra tout ébranler.
Il faudra alors trouver la force de reconstruire ce qui a été brisé, de pardonner et d'accorder de nouveau sa confiance.
Le cheminement suivi par les personnages est décrit avec justesse et je me suis prise à vouloir plus que tout qu'ils parviennent à surmonter cette épreuve.
Difficile de savoir comment on réagirait à la place de Lawrence mais j'ai trouvé ça très émouvant de voir ces deux hommes se battre pour que leur histoire surviven, ils aurait été finalement peut-être plus facile de tirer un trait... Et pour cette raison, Lawrence a toute mon admiration !
February 7, 2025
Hard, but with it
Ooof. Sweet heavens, this starts off so fucking rough and holds on tight. I knew Novella. Ooof. Sweet Jesus, this starts off so rough and holds on tight. I knew going in that this is a 2nd chance romance, with a cheating trope. Both of those are high on my list of things I avoid - but I was curious how/ if an author could make me care enough to forgive in only 112 pages. She did it in a way that made me feel hopeful, instead of just hurt. They love each other so much. And they were both determined to get things right.going in that this is a 2nd chance romance, with a cheating trope. Both of those are high on my list of things I avoid - but I was curious how/ if an author could make me care enough to forgive in only 112 pages. She did it in a way that made me feel hopeful, instead of just hurt. They love each other so much. And they were both determined to get things right.
Ooof. Sweet heavens, this starts off so fucking rough and holds on tight. I knew Novella. Ooof. Sweet Jesus, this starts off so rough and holds on tight. I knew going in that this is a 2nd chance romance, with a cheating trope. Both of those are high on my list of things I avoid - but I was curious how/ if an author could make me care enough to forgive in only 112 pages. She did it in a way that made me feel hopeful, instead of just hurt. They love each other so much. And they were both determined to get things right.going in that this is a 2nd chance romance, with a cheating trope. Both of those are high on my list of things I avoid - but I was curious how/ if an author could make me care enough to forgive in only 112 pages. She did it in a way that made me feel hopeful, instead of just hurt. They love each other so much. And they were both determined to get things right.
September 25, 2020
The real emotions this book pulls out of you, after it breaks your heart within the first ten pages, is a genuine feat. Although in most romances, cheating, in any form, is a no-no. For me, at least. So when Lawrence walks in on the aftermath of his fiancé cheating on him, the story plays out in real time and deals with the devastating consequences. The heartbreak, anger, and overwhelming sadness is present and palpable throughout the entire book and you wonder if Lawrence should or could even forgive Frankie for the betrayal. But like any story, there are two sides, and not only does Lawrence listen to the hurt Frankie had to endure from his workaholic ways, he delves into why he acts the way he does and takes partial responsibility for what happened. A good read but a bit of a warning, this one is highly emotional.
February 1, 2022
No one writes emotion like Nell Iris. From the premise of infidelity, a reader might expect this story to go down the route of drama and recrimination, but they would be so wrong. Instead, Nell gives us a thoughtful examination where our couple takes stock, decide they want to work through this, coming to painful realisations about themselves and their relationship and trying to make changes accordingly.
The book is so emotionally honest, and Frankie and Lawrence are both so sincere and likeable that their journey, with its ups and downs, feels very real. Taking a long-term partner for granted and not communicating past and present issues are explored with great feeling. A beautiful book about how (with enough work and enough faith) love can truly conquer all.
The book is so emotionally honest, and Frankie and Lawrence are both so sincere and likeable that their journey, with its ups and downs, feels very real. Taking a long-term partner for granted and not communicating past and present issues are explored with great feeling. A beautiful book about how (with enough work and enough faith) love can truly conquer all.
September 30, 2020
“Regaining Trust” is a book that takes you inside a relationship that has just been shaken because of an infidelity. Nell Iris has written a beautiful story about forgiveness and rebuilding the trust that was broken. This is a story with lots of anger, betrayal, and heartache but ultimately there is love. I enjoyed reading this story, even though it will make your make your heart hurt.
I give this story 4 stars.
I received an arc from the author for an honest review.
I give this story 4 stars.
I received an arc from the author for an honest review.
October 3, 2020
This is a fantastic story about a partner cheating and the after affects, the healing and rebuilding of trust. This story will make you think on so many levels, it was so well, written!! I felt a lot of emotions on so many levels, this was an amazing read and I cannot recommend it enough. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 17, 2020
This was nice, I m glad it was short tho. The MC's names, both made everything feel very caricaturistic: Lawrence and Frankie?!really!?😀 I like this type of story with MC's screwing up and working to be forgiven. Lawrence is the character better developed here and I felt sympathy for him, Frankie was a pretty boring Mc, for half the book all he did was lye on the couch. Not a bad book but not great either.
December 1, 2022
twoish
Soo, yes I actually love books with cheating, and specifically cheating between both MC's, not with a wife, I want to feel the hurt, angst, pinning, begging to finally get back together or not, sadly, I find this SO hard to find, this was my third book in the matter and it was ok, I was craving for more tho, I feel like it was maybe to flowy and ""easy"", I needed more angst, more hurt, also, wth with Dylan, like, you are kind of a toxic "friend" my guy.
Soo, yes I actually love books with cheating, and specifically cheating between both MC's, not with a wife, I want to feel the hurt, angst, pinning, begging to finally get back together or not, sadly, I find this SO hard to find, this was my third book in the matter and it was ok, I was craving for more tho, I feel like it was maybe to flowy and ""easy"", I needed more angst, more hurt, also, wth with Dylan, like, you are kind of a toxic "friend" my guy.
February 5, 2022
A very heartbreaking story. Seeing his fiance cheating on him with a stranger in their own bed stutters Lawrence's world. The struggle to overcome, to understand, to forgive or walk away, to trust, makes for an amazing but painful read, brilliant stuff.
February 3, 2025
cute and quick read
I saw this recommended in a book group and it was a good read. It could have been a little longer, but really is it a bad thing when the worst thing about your book is that reader want more?
I saw this recommended in a book group and it was a good read. It could have been a little longer, but really is it a bad thing when the worst thing about your book is that reader want more?
September 3, 2025
3⭐
I enjoyed this, although I wished they took more time to heal with the help of a professional before getting back together.
They started communicating after the cheating incident, which was a promising start.
I enjoyed this, although I wished they took more time to heal with the help of a professional before getting back together.
They started communicating after the cheating incident, which was a promising start.
April 2, 2021
Good. I understand Lawrence's feeling of being betrayed. It was written beautifully. Kind of pissed with Frankie, but he redeemed himself.
September 5, 2024
Was expecting more depth from the situation
February 4, 2025
It was good for a short novela but I would have enjoyed it much better if it was a fully fleshed out story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews