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The Road Between
Just because you can go home again, doesn't mean you should. Television personality, Parker Houston has spent a lifetime following that motto; Running away at seventeen and vowing never to return to the small country town that made growing up gay, unbearable. When the death of a loved one forces him home for the first time in twenty years, Parker has to reconcile the life and the people he left behind -- unearthing secrets and conflicts long buried. While trying to mend the fractured relationships within his complicated family, Parker meets Bryce, a cocky rancher with a womanizing past. Although the friendship seems unlikely, neither man can deny the explosion they feel when their two worlds collide.
- GenresM M Romance
Paperback
Published December 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 1, 2020
First, I have to say that I truly did enjoy the writing, but I did not like the characters and the choices they made; however, I would definitely keep a look out for other books by this author because their writing was seriously good.
Now, Parker was a pretty witty main character who had a rather poor upbringing because of a pushover mother who chose her homophobic and abusive husband over her gay son. It is always difficult to read about toxic parents who have no business being parents, yet I would also add that Parker's sister Lauren is part of that toxicity. So too is Parker's lust interest Bryce. Matter of fact, let's just say it was the whole town.
This story had such potential for me; however, somewhere near the end where certain revelations from Lauren and Bryce come to light, it fell apart for me. Parker's initial reaction of their actions annoyed me because it did not make any sense. Coming back to that backwater town must have cost him his spine and sense. I felt truly sorry for Oliver, Bryce's brother. ( I am actually hoping that Oliver gets his own book and finds someone worthy of his love, and since I only read MM I am hoping it's a guy.)
Because of my inability to like certain characters, I was not rooting for an HEA or HFN between Bryce and Parker. Parker deserved so much better than Bryce's utter indifference of his rather abhorrent actions
I did not want a reconciliation between Parker and Lauren because of her equally abhorrent actions
I did not feel that those two characters deserved forgiveness because there was no redemption from them. They did not show any remorse for what they did, and Parker kind of rewarded them in a way. That confused me and jarred me out of the story and my enjoyment of it because I find it hard to believe that his reaction matched the nature of his character.
Ultimately, I did enjoy the writing and the overall story if not the ending of it. I would recommend this because the writing really does make this worthwhile. I just cannot abide by characters who did want Lauren and Bryce did or understand characters who have reactions that are unlike what mine would be; I know that is unfair. Nevertheless, I expected more from Parker. That being said, it is because of this writing that I would welcome Oliver's own story (obviously hope it's MM because that is all I read) because I want to learn more about his account of all of this.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Now, Parker was a pretty witty main character who had a rather poor upbringing because of a pushover mother who chose her homophobic and abusive husband over her gay son. It is always difficult to read about toxic parents who have no business being parents, yet I would also add that Parker's sister Lauren is part of that toxicity. So too is Parker's lust interest Bryce. Matter of fact, let's just say it was the whole town.
This story had such potential for me; however, somewhere near the end where certain revelations from Lauren and Bryce come to light, it fell apart for me. Parker's initial reaction of their actions annoyed me because it did not make any sense. Coming back to that backwater town must have cost him his spine and sense. I felt truly sorry for Oliver, Bryce's brother. ( I am actually hoping that Oliver gets his own book and finds someone worthy of his love, and since I only read MM I am hoping it's a guy.)
Because of my inability to like certain characters, I was not rooting for an HEA or HFN between Bryce and Parker. Parker deserved so much better than Bryce's utter indifference of his rather abhorrent actions
I did not want a reconciliation between Parker and Lauren because of her equally abhorrent actions
I did not feel that those two characters deserved forgiveness because there was no redemption from them. They did not show any remorse for what they did, and Parker kind of rewarded them in a way. That confused me and jarred me out of the story and my enjoyment of it because I find it hard to believe that his reaction matched the nature of his character.
Ultimately, I did enjoy the writing and the overall story if not the ending of it. I would recommend this because the writing really does make this worthwhile. I just cannot abide by characters who did want Lauren and Bryce did or understand characters who have reactions that are unlike what mine would be; I know that is unfair. Nevertheless, I expected more from Parker. That being said, it is because of this writing that I would welcome Oliver's own story (obviously hope it's MM because that is all I read) because I want to learn more about his account of all of this.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Road Between is a debut book by author Patrick Benjamin and I like to find new authors that spark my interest. The book is told solely from Parker’s POV and we join him as he is returning home for his mother’s funeral. Parker is successful now, but his childhood was filled with bullying and abuse and the small town he grew up in did nothing to help him.
Parker’s family is completely dysfunctional and, as each scene goes by, we learn a little more about Parker and about them. Parker’s father is a horribly abusive man, but Parker is still trying to make peace with him. His sister, Laura, has kept in sporadic touch with Parker over the years, but isn’t exactly as supportive as she seems, and their deceased mother allowed Parker to be abused for years without stepping in to stop it. The book is deeply a family drama with the beginnings of a romance mixed in. Bryce is introduced early in the book, but Parker thinks he’s straight and it takes a while for the narrative to move in the direction where a closer relationship seems even possible for them. Bryce is known to be someone that never falls in love, although all of his past relationships still cling to the hope they can rekindle what they had with him. The chemistry is subdued purposely for the first portion of the book, but once they make their move, the men act first and speak later.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Road Between is a debut book by author Patrick Benjamin and I like to find new authors that spark my interest. The book is told solely from Parker’s POV and we join him as he is returning home for his mother’s funeral. Parker is successful now, but his childhood was filled with bullying and abuse and the small town he grew up in did nothing to help him.
Parker’s family is completely dysfunctional and, as each scene goes by, we learn a little more about Parker and about them. Parker’s father is a horribly abusive man, but Parker is still trying to make peace with him. His sister, Laura, has kept in sporadic touch with Parker over the years, but isn’t exactly as supportive as she seems, and their deceased mother allowed Parker to be abused for years without stepping in to stop it. The book is deeply a family drama with the beginnings of a romance mixed in. Bryce is introduced early in the book, but Parker thinks he’s straight and it takes a while for the narrative to move in the direction where a closer relationship seems even possible for them. Bryce is known to be someone that never falls in love, although all of his past relationships still cling to the hope they can rekindle what they had with him. The chemistry is subdued purposely for the first portion of the book, but once they make their move, the men act first and speak later.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 1, 2020
This is one of those books that sneaked up on me and gave me a good-sized wallop to the heart. I began it thinking it was a M/M romance… and it’s so much more than that. This is a story about all the things that can happen in life. It’s realistic and challenging and I loved it!
Parker Houston is a TV personality … he’s returning home for the first time since he was a teenager to attend his mother’s funeral. Parker had a pretty horrendous childhood. He was bullied mercilessly at school, and then when he was at home he was forced to deal with an abusive father. When he was finally able to escape… he did and he never looked back. The funeral brings him back home out of respect for his mother and a slight chance at a relationship with his sister.
While embroiled in the dysfunctional family dynamic, Parker meets his sisters’s brother in law, Bryce. Bryce has a past… he’s been a bit of a player but he’s the kind of guy that everyone seems able to forgive. In spite of all the trouble he’s gotten into, Bryce turns out to be a pretty decent guy. When he offers to let Parker stay at his family home rather than the run-down local motel, they become close… and things get even messier.
What’s this book about? Wow. What isn’t it about? I suppose it’s about going back or attempting to. Returning home after a long absence can be difficult enough when you weren’t completely miserable. Parker was damaged by the way he grew up. He was beaten once so badly in High school that he ended up in the hospital. He was gay… and different and it was the reason for everything that happened to him. His father’s disgust is as blatant when Parker returns as it is in the emotional memories of his past.
The book is also about secrets and lies. It’s about keeping things from people because we think it’s for the best. It’s about feeling as though we don’t owe people an explanation about everything we do. It’s about the pain and hurt that comes along with finding out someone was never who we thought they were.
I’m not trying to be cryptic. There are some heavy themes in this book and the writing style is great. Most of the heavier incident kind of caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting some of the twists and turns and found myself as shocked as the characters. I consider that to be the sign of a great author.
Parker is a great main character. Sure, he has his issues (who wouldn’t after the childhood he was subjected to), but he’s made a life for himself. He went on to be what he wanted to be. I liked Parker because he was still, somehow, able to be open to speaking with people and trusting. I liked that because it spoke to the resilience that I believe people have in spite of really troubled pasts.
Bryce was an interesting character! I really liked him and then the author made me really dislike him… and man, I was in a bit of a pickle over all of that. I always consider it to be a sign of excellent writing when my feelings about a character can morph. Again, I don’t want to give away what happens in Bryce’s life to bring about such a change in my feelings for him…but I was really conflicted about it.
This book primarily focusses on Parker and his family. So much has happened in the past that it seems hopeless for Parker to have a relationship with most of his family. I was really emotionally invested in Parker. Benjamin has written a well-thought-out, well rounded and authentic character. He reacts without thinking at times because he’s caught up in the swell of emotion. He smiles in spite of the chaos that goes on around him. He cares. And all of that makes this character a joy to read.
The relationship between Bryce and Parker is sweet. It’s believable… neither of them are caricatures. They are authentic, unique characters and when they become involved… it’s emotional and messy but it’s also a very believable friendship.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I expected to. I loved the way that Parker stood up for himself. I loved his strength and vulnerability. The plot was complex enough to be engaging, and all the supporting characters were intriguing.
Parker Houston is a TV personality … he’s returning home for the first time since he was a teenager to attend his mother’s funeral. Parker had a pretty horrendous childhood. He was bullied mercilessly at school, and then when he was at home he was forced to deal with an abusive father. When he was finally able to escape… he did and he never looked back. The funeral brings him back home out of respect for his mother and a slight chance at a relationship with his sister.
While embroiled in the dysfunctional family dynamic, Parker meets his sisters’s brother in law, Bryce. Bryce has a past… he’s been a bit of a player but he’s the kind of guy that everyone seems able to forgive. In spite of all the trouble he’s gotten into, Bryce turns out to be a pretty decent guy. When he offers to let Parker stay at his family home rather than the run-down local motel, they become close… and things get even messier.
What’s this book about? Wow. What isn’t it about? I suppose it’s about going back or attempting to. Returning home after a long absence can be difficult enough when you weren’t completely miserable. Parker was damaged by the way he grew up. He was beaten once so badly in High school that he ended up in the hospital. He was gay… and different and it was the reason for everything that happened to him. His father’s disgust is as blatant when Parker returns as it is in the emotional memories of his past.
The book is also about secrets and lies. It’s about keeping things from people because we think it’s for the best. It’s about feeling as though we don’t owe people an explanation about everything we do. It’s about the pain and hurt that comes along with finding out someone was never who we thought they were.
I’m not trying to be cryptic. There are some heavy themes in this book and the writing style is great. Most of the heavier incident kind of caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting some of the twists and turns and found myself as shocked as the characters. I consider that to be the sign of a great author.
Parker is a great main character. Sure, he has his issues (who wouldn’t after the childhood he was subjected to), but he’s made a life for himself. He went on to be what he wanted to be. I liked Parker because he was still, somehow, able to be open to speaking with people and trusting. I liked that because it spoke to the resilience that I believe people have in spite of really troubled pasts.
Bryce was an interesting character! I really liked him and then the author made me really dislike him… and man, I was in a bit of a pickle over all of that. I always consider it to be a sign of excellent writing when my feelings about a character can morph. Again, I don’t want to give away what happens in Bryce’s life to bring about such a change in my feelings for him…but I was really conflicted about it.
This book primarily focusses on Parker and his family. So much has happened in the past that it seems hopeless for Parker to have a relationship with most of his family. I was really emotionally invested in Parker. Benjamin has written a well-thought-out, well rounded and authentic character. He reacts without thinking at times because he’s caught up in the swell of emotion. He smiles in spite of the chaos that goes on around him. He cares. And all of that makes this character a joy to read.
The relationship between Bryce and Parker is sweet. It’s believable… neither of them are caricatures. They are authentic, unique characters and when they become involved… it’s emotional and messy but it’s also a very believable friendship.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I expected to. I loved the way that Parker stood up for himself. I loved his strength and vulnerability. The plot was complex enough to be engaging, and all the supporting characters were intriguing.
November 13, 2021
This book is a “WOW!” for me. It is an awesome love story. It also tells a story that secrets are not good. Parker has to return home to his small town after being gone for twenty years. He father father abused him physically and his mother did not stop it. He is going to his mother’s funeral. Of course the twin is still much the same and his tormentor from high is still in town. But he meets Bryce who is his sisters’s brother in law and who is very straight. Of course Parker is attracted to Bryce and Bryce likes sex with anyone. But before these two man can build anything together they must confront a lot of secrets in their family. This is a good book.
January 17, 2020
I was impressed with this confident, well crafted book, and found myself hooked early and hard. There’s plenty of drama going on here, but it’s gunfire-drama not fireworks-drama: there are some serious causes for it. Things turn out to not to be as simple as they initially seem, so there’s a delicious complexity as the layers peel away.
January 26, 2020
The Road Between is a slow burn romance by author Patrick Benjamin. This story is told in the first person by the character Parker.
I really felt this was more about the journey Parker takes to accept not only where he is now, but where he was before in life. He comes full circle in this book. The romance is almost a secondary thing that happens. I think it would need a sequel to really explore the romance angle more.
However, this is a compelling book. There is a ton and I mean a ton to get through. This is a book I could not read in one sitting.
Parker has been through hell and back, and for a sensitive reader, there could be triggers in his story. Abuse heavily plays a part in his tale. Parker is following the path he wanted to since childhood. Now he has to accept himself and move past a few things.
Bryce, I am on the fence on how I feel about him. He is a good secondary character. But as a love interest, he falls short for me. He is Parker’s sister’s brother in law. But his attitudes come off chilly at times. He does improve as the book goes on. But again, he doesn’t feel as developed or necessary in this story.
Overall a good read. I am glad I got the chance to read it. A bit heavy in places and the romance is a slow burn if that is what you are looking for in a book this is the one to pick up.
Four Twinkling Stars
I really felt this was more about the journey Parker takes to accept not only where he is now, but where he was before in life. He comes full circle in this book. The romance is almost a secondary thing that happens. I think it would need a sequel to really explore the romance angle more.
However, this is a compelling book. There is a ton and I mean a ton to get through. This is a book I could not read in one sitting.
Parker has been through hell and back, and for a sensitive reader, there could be triggers in his story. Abuse heavily plays a part in his tale. Parker is following the path he wanted to since childhood. Now he has to accept himself and move past a few things.
Bryce, I am on the fence on how I feel about him. He is a good secondary character. But as a love interest, he falls short for me. He is Parker’s sister’s brother in law. But his attitudes come off chilly at times. He does improve as the book goes on. But again, he doesn’t feel as developed or necessary in this story.
Overall a good read. I am glad I got the chance to read it. A bit heavy in places and the romance is a slow burn if that is what you are looking for in a book this is the one to pick up.
Four Twinkling Stars
January 1, 2020
Patrick Benjamin's The Road Between is a wonderful book.
For the first time in twenty years, Parker is back in town. The memories have never left, as he's still a hostage to the homophobia, bullying, and abuse he suffered while there. His background is tragic and heart-breaking. It's seriously a tough read at times.
I feel so bad for Parker that he's treated as he is. Of course he carries a chip on his shoulder. He shouldn't be made to feel guilty for this.
The writing is phenomenal, instantly drawing me into the pain and hurt that Parker suffers. Told in 1st person pov, all from his view, the reader is absolutely able to feel and experience every emotion with him.
I definitely enjoy some of his in-your-face banter as well.
Parker and Bryce's story involves dealing with the past, secrets unveiled, and a whole lot of pain and hurt.
I love The Road Between and I'm thrilled I had a chance to read this Patrick Benjamin book.
January 6, 2020
This story was a difficult read for me. The characters are from dysfunctional families and even though you think you know everything about their lives another bit of information is revealed that is really difficult to handle. If you are wanting a sweet and steamy read, this one is not for you. I read this through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 7, 2020
Hoping for a sequel!
January 1, 2020
This book is a lot heavier than what usually read but it sounded fantastic so I gave it a go. I did enjoy it though and I’m glad I chose to read it. There are some really emotional moments with Parker and his family which creates a good underlying tension. The author really made Parker likeable but took me on a roller coaster regarding my feelings about Bryce. I hung on for those twists and turns and found The Road Between to be a wonderful book.
January 3, 2020
Wow! This was so well written. I really enjoyed it! I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 1, 2020
The Road Between by Patrick Benjamin is a contemporary m/m romance, featuring dysfunctional family dynamics, a Friends to lovers slow burn romance, and small town bigotry. The well written book pulls at your emotions with intriguing story and interesting characters.
This s a stand alone story that draws the reader into the life of the main character, Parker, as he navigates the peaks and valleys of his homecoming in the aftermath of his mother's passing. Secrets and lies are uncovered, old hurts burn anew and forgiveness is a struggle as he deals with his distorted family. But one bright light in the return home is the friendship that develops between Parker and Bryce. Their connection evolves into a heated relationship.
But even that comes with secrets and obstacles.
I enjoyed the characters interactions and the way their story played out. So much drama, suspense, secrets... I was captivated. Overall, a highly entertaining tale.
This s a stand alone story that draws the reader into the life of the main character, Parker, as he navigates the peaks and valleys of his homecoming in the aftermath of his mother's passing. Secrets and lies are uncovered, old hurts burn anew and forgiveness is a struggle as he deals with his distorted family. But one bright light in the return home is the friendship that develops between Parker and Bryce. Their connection evolves into a heated relationship.
But even that comes with secrets and obstacles.
I enjoyed the characters interactions and the way their story played out. So much drama, suspense, secrets... I was captivated. Overall, a highly entertaining tale.
February 28, 2021
Ok so where to start. I know that whatever happened in the book is something that happens in real life and it makes me sick. Parker was put through the wringer by his family and he took off at the age of 17yrs old vowing never to come back. Well he did after 20 yrs for the funeral of his mom. Going back he finds out a lot of things that really make you sick and breaks your heart for him. Bryce becomes Parker's love interest but did not really like him. He and others knowing what Parker went through take things so lightly especially what his father(?) Robert did to him. No redemption on Robert's part!! I hated the bastard!!!!!! Lauren(Parker's sister) was a selfish bitch. Jack the bully had not changed and still hated Parker and I got no satisfaction where he was concerned. Oliver(Lauren's hubby) was the only one I liked and felt bad for him. I really hated all except 2 characters Parker and Oliver.
December 1, 2022
Bland, Boring and Disturbing
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I didn’t like at least one of the characters.
The father of the main character was just evil personified
The dead mother was one step up from evil
The sister was just a little better than her parents
The sister’s husband was just the only good thing about this book
Bryce slept with both the sister and the brother and had no conscience
Parker was a spineless fool
The writer of this book was in so many lanes I was getting dizzy from him not just picking one or two lanes and sticking with it.
This writer was a one and done for me.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I didn’t like at least one of the characters.
The father of the main character was just evil personified
The dead mother was one step up from evil
The sister was just a little better than her parents
The sister’s husband was just the only good thing about this book
Bryce slept with both the sister and the brother and had no conscience
Parker was a spineless fool
The writer of this book was in so many lanes I was getting dizzy from him not just picking one or two lanes and sticking with it.
This writer was a one and done for me.
March 9, 2022
Do you ever read a book just to see how much worse it can get? EVERYONE in this book except the MC are just horrible people. Horrible. Even the love interest. Especially the love interest. The book should have ended when Parker went back to his life and left it that. But at least with the open ending I can imagine Parker standing up Bryce on their “date” and knowing he ditched the guy who had an affair with his brother’s wife (and the MC’s sister). Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews