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River City Romances #2
Starting Over
It's been fourteen years since Kent saw Dylan, and the sight of him still makes Kent tremble. Dylan had been his best friend, his first kiss, his first heartbreak, and now that they're back in each other's lives, is it possible to pick up where they left off in high school? When Dylan last saw Kent, he'd been deep in the closet. That had changed now. He was out and proud and knew what he wanted. And what he wanted was Kent. Convincing him he'd changed, that might be harder.
- GenresLGBT
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2020
7 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Rob Browatzke
13 books55 followersRob Browatzke has been writing for as long as he can remember, and is pretty darn excited for someone else to be reading his stuff finally! When it comes to gay bars and booze and drugs and drama, he knows what he's talking about. He came out in the mid-90s, and liquor and drama went hand in hand. He has 25+ years of experience working in gay clubs in Edmonton, Alberta, and his current Wonderlounge is every bit as amazing as Alex's Wonderland. Rob is now 15+ years clean and sober, although there's still a bit of drama once in a while, for old times' sake.
Rob loves the growing market for gay fiction and m/m romance. There are some incredible authors out there, and it's important to be able to see in print (or on the screen) stories about people just like us. Coming out, our relationships, the issues we face, we all have stories to tell. And this book is just one of the stories coming out of Wonderland.
Rob loves the growing market for gay fiction and m/m romance. There are some incredible authors out there, and it's important to be able to see in print (or on the screen) stories about people just like us. Coming out, our relationships, the issues we face, we all have stories to tell. And this book is just one of the stories coming out of Wonderland.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 19, 2020
They first met more than a decade ago. When Kent, fourteen years old, run a tutoring program with math and science, to help out other students. He needed the money to help his mother.
Dylan was his first. They got along great, had fun, and were more than friends until Dylan dumped Kent. Now at twenty-eight Dylan wants to talk to Ken.
Some feelings never die and some love is made to last forever, not then, maybe now.
They were young, at school there was always someone picking on Ken. Dylan was different, Kent was special, they had a secret friendship, in the end, it all went down.
Dylan wants another chance, he never forgot Kent, never got over him.
This was truly a wonderful story when I could only use one word? ‘Real’ would do.
It felt so real, natural, without excessive drama. There was hurt to overcome, but with open hearts and minds, you already put the first half behind. They were the boys next door. Special in their own way.
Alternating between past and present we can follow them. Their fun and hurt, how they grow. What happened, why Dylan let Kent down. It’s an honest, mature, natural feeling narrative. Two beautiful kind souls, fun, honest, strong, and lovable. Very enjoyable to watch them.
The writing style was engaging, the plot well worked out, I loved the steady focus on the main story.
One constructive criticism: The texting messages lines should put between “ “ because it wasn’t always clear.
Overall a comfortable paced, charming, genuine narrative.
Read and Reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
Dylan was his first. They got along great, had fun, and were more than friends until Dylan dumped Kent. Now at twenty-eight Dylan wants to talk to Ken.
Some feelings never die and some love is made to last forever, not then, maybe now.
They were young, at school there was always someone picking on Ken. Dylan was different, Kent was special, they had a secret friendship, in the end, it all went down.
Dylan wants another chance, he never forgot Kent, never got over him.
This was truly a wonderful story when I could only use one word? ‘Real’ would do.
It felt so real, natural, without excessive drama. There was hurt to overcome, but with open hearts and minds, you already put the first half behind. They were the boys next door. Special in their own way.
Alternating between past and present we can follow them. Their fun and hurt, how they grow. What happened, why Dylan let Kent down. It’s an honest, mature, natural feeling narrative. Two beautiful kind souls, fun, honest, strong, and lovable. Very enjoyable to watch them.
The writing style was engaging, the plot well worked out, I loved the steady focus on the main story.
One constructive criticism: The texting messages lines should put between “ “ because it wasn’t always clear.
Overall a comfortable paced, charming, genuine narrative.
Read and Reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
November 14, 2020
Ahhh, I really, really enjoyed reading this book! It was so good, I couldn't put it down.
Dylan and Kent both were lovely and real characters, their story was well written and with all the good feelings.
Second chance with your first crush/love. Loved the before scenes too, Dylan and Kent were really cute as teenagers and loved how they fell in love.
It was deep, funny and so romantic. I just read and read and was so happy to be in this book, I didn't want it to end. And I was really sad when it suddenly ended at 90%!
This book gave me all the warm feels, this is how a good romance looks like.
It's the second book in the series, but can be read as standalone (but highly recommend the first too, I loved that book too!!).
I'm here for more from the author, I really enjoyed his two MM book so far, can't wait for more.
ps. Loved the pop culture mentions, it was really nostalgic :D
Dylan and Kent both were lovely and real characters, their story was well written and with all the good feelings.
Second chance with your first crush/love. Loved the before scenes too, Dylan and Kent were really cute as teenagers and loved how they fell in love.
It was deep, funny and so romantic. I just read and read and was so happy to be in this book, I didn't want it to end. And I was really sad when it suddenly ended at 90%!
This book gave me all the warm feels, this is how a good romance looks like.
It's the second book in the series, but can be read as standalone (but highly recommend the first too, I loved that book too!!).
I'm here for more from the author, I really enjoyed his two MM book so far, can't wait for more.
ps. Loved the pop culture mentions, it was really nostalgic :D
November 19, 2020
Rob Browatzke’s breezy style in Starting Over (book 2 in the standalone River City Romances series) parallels his characters’ romance. Both seem almost superficial, hiding their real depth while creating a delightfully easy read. At its opening, lifeguard Dylan even thinks, “(The) dance floor (was) packed with shirtlessness (which was brave of them considering most gyms had only just reopened, and yup, as soon as he thought it, he heard how shallow it was.)” But he and his friends call themselves the “Baewatch Boys,” for their love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude. It’s just one small slice of the humor that powers this tale.
Dylan is at River City’s gay bar, as the town’s coronavirus lockdown is lifted, when every horny/lonely man packs in for a night of dancing and partying. Eeek! As someone who lives in a highly COVID-saturated area, where folks have been largely homebound since March, all I could think is “super-spreader.” Browatzke’s towns, however, have barely seen evidence and seem to put the danger in the past.
At the bar is nurse Kent, Dylan’s early high school best friend. Kent loves his profession and his roommate, but has lost interest in hook ups and is fairly pessimistic about love. When he bumps into Dylan, Kent flees and Dylan acknowledges it is deserved.
The first half of the novel shifts between past and present as we learn their past, while the two men struggle to determine if they can/should renew their relationship. I’m often frustrated when authors use time switches as a pregnant pause, cutting at critical moments. Instead, Mr. Browatzke’s flow is complementary and fills in needed information.
Kent and Dylan are a case of love denied by others. Without exposing readers to trauma, we suffer the impact of their losses. I winced and cringed at several points. Once again, deceptively simple language is used to help us connect fully with Kent and Dylan’s lives, like when teenaged Dylan finally tells Kent, “‘Don’t touch me…We aren’t friends.’” Oh, my heart broke.
Yeah, as adults, this is a hot couple and their intimacy is natural, realistic and scorching. I enjoyed their dedication to their professions and details of how they juggle work with their relationship. Of course, they have miscommunications where their interesting and supportive friends demonstrate the importance of community in fostering love. But what I like best is how Kent and Dylan learn and develop from their second chance.
“Getting past one’s past” always seemed like a booby prize to me. I would prefer to grow from it. Kent and Dylan are healthy men with complete lives when we meet them. We watch them realize many others have moved on as well, and that some of their own current reactions are based on past truths, not the present ones. “He liked living in the moment, mostly because he knew his past would trap him like a mosquito in amber if he spent too much time looking back.”
In ‘Starting Over’ Rob Browatzke depicts people whose high school homophobia was ignorance-based, and who have matured. It is a generous outlook that readers know isn’t universally true, but the whole novel reminds us to live in our current circumstances. Given the polarized nature of our society, it’s a timely and important message – people do change and there is hope for a more unified future.
Dylan is at River City’s gay bar, as the town’s coronavirus lockdown is lifted, when every horny/lonely man packs in for a night of dancing and partying. Eeek! As someone who lives in a highly COVID-saturated area, where folks have been largely homebound since March, all I could think is “super-spreader.” Browatzke’s towns, however, have barely seen evidence and seem to put the danger in the past.
At the bar is nurse Kent, Dylan’s early high school best friend. Kent loves his profession and his roommate, but has lost interest in hook ups and is fairly pessimistic about love. When he bumps into Dylan, Kent flees and Dylan acknowledges it is deserved.
The first half of the novel shifts between past and present as we learn their past, while the two men struggle to determine if they can/should renew their relationship. I’m often frustrated when authors use time switches as a pregnant pause, cutting at critical moments. Instead, Mr. Browatzke’s flow is complementary and fills in needed information.
Kent and Dylan are a case of love denied by others. Without exposing readers to trauma, we suffer the impact of their losses. I winced and cringed at several points. Once again, deceptively simple language is used to help us connect fully with Kent and Dylan’s lives, like when teenaged Dylan finally tells Kent, “‘Don’t touch me…We aren’t friends.’” Oh, my heart broke.
Yeah, as adults, this is a hot couple and their intimacy is natural, realistic and scorching. I enjoyed their dedication to their professions and details of how they juggle work with their relationship. Of course, they have miscommunications where their interesting and supportive friends demonstrate the importance of community in fostering love. But what I like best is how Kent and Dylan learn and develop from their second chance.
“Getting past one’s past” always seemed like a booby prize to me. I would prefer to grow from it. Kent and Dylan are healthy men with complete lives when we meet them. We watch them realize many others have moved on as well, and that some of their own current reactions are based on past truths, not the present ones. “He liked living in the moment, mostly because he knew his past would trap him like a mosquito in amber if he spent too much time looking back.”
In ‘Starting Over’ Rob Browatzke depicts people whose high school homophobia was ignorance-based, and who have matured. It is a generous outlook that readers know isn’t universally true, but the whole novel reminds us to live in our current circumstances. Given the polarized nature of our society, it’s a timely and important message – people do change and there is hope for a more unified future.
November 15, 2020
What drew me to doing an ARC review of Starting Over was the premise of a romance taking place in the immediate aftermath of Corona, especially since Kent is a nurse. He and Dylan literally meet the day pandemic restrictions are lifted. This presented an enjoyable emotional roller coaster at the beginning of the book, the manic energy of finally being able to interact with people again only to run into an ex from ten years ago that did not end well. I had hoped this would continue throughout the book, but unfortunately once our main couple gets together, the post Corona setting is mostly forgotten except for the occasional reminder about it.
The other thing that drew me to reviewing the book was the nonlinear timeline. Throughout the story, the narrative jumps back and forth between what is happening to the main characters ‘now’ and what happened between them in their childhood. This is a fun way to review things about a characters, especially when the events in the two timelines line up and play off each other to reveal why characters are the way they are. Unfortunately, about halfway through the story this jumping between timelines stops, and the second half of the story takes place entirely in the ‘now’. There are hints about events that happened later in their childhoods that would have been interesting to see, like their high school experiences or Dylan’s relationship with Lea.
I was not expecting for my favorite character to be one of the side characters. Duncan was a delight of sage-like wisdom every time he was on the page, and I was glad the story went back to him several times. Starting Over is part of a series, so I hope that this character will feature more in future books, and maybe even get his own story.
Overall I rated this a three start because while there were interesting plot points, it felt like a lot of setup with little payoff. Some of these might pay off later in future stories (I haven’t looked at future stories to know) but just on its own merit, this left the story rather underwhelming. There were several plot points that seemed to be promising drama, and would take the time to build up anticipation for what was going to happen, only for either nothing to happen, or for what did happen to never get addressed. While I enjoyed the setup of the story, and the anticipation for the drama I thought was coming, the lack of payoff in the end made for a reading experience that was less satisfying than it could have been.
The other thing that drew me to reviewing the book was the nonlinear timeline. Throughout the story, the narrative jumps back and forth between what is happening to the main characters ‘now’ and what happened between them in their childhood. This is a fun way to review things about a characters, especially when the events in the two timelines line up and play off each other to reveal why characters are the way they are. Unfortunately, about halfway through the story this jumping between timelines stops, and the second half of the story takes place entirely in the ‘now’. There are hints about events that happened later in their childhoods that would have been interesting to see, like their high school experiences or Dylan’s relationship with Lea.
I was not expecting for my favorite character to be one of the side characters. Duncan was a delight of sage-like wisdom every time he was on the page, and I was glad the story went back to him several times. Starting Over is part of a series, so I hope that this character will feature more in future books, and maybe even get his own story.
Overall I rated this a three start because while there were interesting plot points, it felt like a lot of setup with little payoff. Some of these might pay off later in future stories (I haven’t looked at future stories to know) but just on its own merit, this left the story rather underwhelming. There were several plot points that seemed to be promising drama, and would take the time to build up anticipation for what was going to happen, only for either nothing to happen, or for what did happen to never get addressed. While I enjoyed the setup of the story, and the anticipation for the drama I thought was coming, the lack of payoff in the end made for a reading experience that was less satisfying than it could have been.
November 14, 2020
Kent and Dylan were together briefly when they were young. Being with someone of the same sex was different, new and exciting. Through flashbacks, Browatzke shares that lovely time for two young men who were falling in love with each other. Then, as soon as it began, it all fell apart. One day, Dylan simply stopped speaking with Kent and there was nothing he could do about it. Kent went on to be bullied at school and Ken never stepped in... he could have...but he didn't.
Fourteen years later, Kent is out with friends celebrating the end of the pandemic-that-shall-not-be-named. He runs into none other than Dylan. The problem is that Kent still has no idea what happened when Dylan disappeared from his life. He doesn't really want to find out... in spite of the fact that Dylan is suddenly in a gay bar. Clearly there ahve been some changes, but Kent isn't sure that his heart is up for another round with Dylan.
The two men end up going on a date that quickly leads to more. There are some speed bumps along the way, and it takes them both a while to get over the past for different reasons.
I really loved that the characters in this book have grown and changed since they were teenagers. Often I find with books that the characters don't grow much or at all, but that's not the case with this book. It was really refreshing to read about characters that had changed for the better as they grew up!
This book is the second in the "River City Romance" Series. The first book I found a lot lighter, but this one was enjoyable in spite of the bullying and discimrination that happened in Kent's youth.
An enjoyable read that will give you hope that there's an "after" for us as we currently live through this pandemic!
Fourteen years later, Kent is out with friends celebrating the end of the pandemic-that-shall-not-be-named. He runs into none other than Dylan. The problem is that Kent still has no idea what happened when Dylan disappeared from his life. He doesn't really want to find out... in spite of the fact that Dylan is suddenly in a gay bar. Clearly there ahve been some changes, but Kent isn't sure that his heart is up for another round with Dylan.
The two men end up going on a date that quickly leads to more. There are some speed bumps along the way, and it takes them both a while to get over the past for different reasons.
I really loved that the characters in this book have grown and changed since they were teenagers. Often I find with books that the characters don't grow much or at all, but that's not the case with this book. It was really refreshing to read about characters that had changed for the better as they grew up!
This book is the second in the "River City Romance" Series. The first book I found a lot lighter, but this one was enjoyable in spite of the bullying and discimrination that happened in Kent's youth.
An enjoyable read that will give you hope that there's an "after" for us as we currently live through this pandemic!
November 22, 2020
A new author for me with this book and read as a standalone.
A good start for the book as Kent and Dylan briefly meet after 14 years of not seeing each other. This includes jumps back in time to when the boys where freinds of sorts and the start of feelings. A history of past hurts unresolved til now for both and new things to work out.
A good book for a second chances theme and written well. I have a slight shy away from time jumps in books is why I didnt do a 5. Problems crop up a long the way but they get their HEA.
The book starts after a COVID lockdown period with everyone celebrating at the club.
Kent then 14 and Dylan had as past and it had ended badly, but now Dylan cant forget Kent.
Kent was a nurse and single but not for the lack of trying, friend-zones was a thing for him.
Dylan was a lifeguard and always wanted to be one..
A good start for the book as Kent and Dylan briefly meet after 14 years of not seeing each other. This includes jumps back in time to when the boys where freinds of sorts and the start of feelings. A history of past hurts unresolved til now for both and new things to work out.
A good book for a second chances theme and written well. I have a slight shy away from time jumps in books is why I didnt do a 5. Problems crop up a long the way but they get their HEA.
The book starts after a COVID lockdown period with everyone celebrating at the club.
Kent then 14 and Dylan had as past and it had ended badly, but now Dylan cant forget Kent.
Kent was a nurse and single but not for the lack of trying, friend-zones was a thing for him.
Dylan was a lifeguard and always wanted to be one..
October 31, 2021
This is the second story in this series. I’m really enjoying the series and the author’s way of putting characters and situations together to hold my attention throughout. Each story so far is a standalone yet the places and some things seem to just show up in the background. This is a real nerd, jock second chance with such attraction between the characters that I knew right away where I wanted these two to end up. The pain they both go through to see if they can work out the events from the past kept me page turning. The way the author wrote this is such a real possibility that I could picture just this happening. I have to go back and read some of this author’s previous stories now.
November 18, 2020
Second chances. Making things right. Life after COVID. Falling in love, again.
The author really pinned the relief that the world will feel (I hope) when the virus is finally beaten. We’ll get out and enjoy being around others again. If we’re very lucky, we might run into an old love and have that chance.
I loved Kent. Dylan, not so much, but he had a lot to make up for. He had his ups and downs.
I really enjoyed the way the characters were written, and the back flashes were well done, too. All in all, I enjoyed it quite a bit!
The author really pinned the relief that the world will feel (I hope) when the virus is finally beaten. We’ll get out and enjoy being around others again. If we’re very lucky, we might run into an old love and have that chance.
I loved Kent. Dylan, not so much, but he had a lot to make up for. He had his ups and downs.
I really enjoyed the way the characters were written, and the back flashes were well done, too. All in all, I enjoyed it quite a bit!
February 1, 2021
A sweet and simple romance
Who hasn't wanted a second chance at least once in their life? The opportunity to co-owner something you messed up the first time? That's exactly what Dylan and Kent get in the new novel from Rob Browatzke.
It doesn't have a complicated plot. There's not a lot of twists or turns (unless you count the water slides) but what it does offer is a glimpse into a post pandemic world where people appreciate each other a little bit more and are afraid of getting hurt a little bit less. A quick and easy read that I will definitely be starting over soon.
Who hasn't wanted a second chance at least once in their life? The opportunity to co-owner something you messed up the first time? That's exactly what Dylan and Kent get in the new novel from Rob Browatzke.
It doesn't have a complicated plot. There's not a lot of twists or turns (unless you count the water slides) but what it does offer is a glimpse into a post pandemic world where people appreciate each other a little bit more and are afraid of getting hurt a little bit less. A quick and easy read that I will definitely be starting over soon.
November 15, 2020
Starting Over by Rob Browatzke is a lovely Second Chance love story that is packed with feeling. We get glimpses of the past these characters share and then the present where they must face what happened, forgive and decide to let go or and embrace what could still be. There is a bit of fun and a lot of sweet and I really enjoyed the well written story and the amazing characters.
November 30, 2020
Kent and Dylan were once everything to each other. Dylan had been all the firsts for Kent. Its now been fourteen years since that time. They meet again at a bar. The story shifts between past and present. The story had great depth! This was a good story, easy to read. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
May 6, 2022
A nice second chance romance.
I really liked Dylan, he was very reasonable and mature. I found that Kent had some behaviour showing some low self esteem, like he should love himself more. Overall it was nice.
I really liked Dylan, he was very reasonable and mature. I found that Kent had some behaviour showing some low self esteem, like he should love himself more. Overall it was nice.
February 6, 2022
Cute
Love the characters in this book. I got to be honest though I missed all the drag stuff from the last book. However this book was equally fun.
Love the characters in this book. I got to be honest though I missed all the drag stuff from the last book. However this book was equally fun.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews