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Lonely Heroes #5

Positive Raleigh

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Raleigh ‘Nemo’ Wallis

Positive. One word with a lot of meanings—but not all of them are good.

When I remember my time in the Navy as a SEAL, I know one word will define me and shape the course of my life until I die. Loss seems to follow me everywhere I go, but when Benji Hoffman comes back into my life, he makes me rethink a lot of things—mainly…

How can I love him and not kill him?

o-0-o

Benjamin Hoffman

The memories I carry from my childhood on Knott’s Island are precious to me, especially when life throws challenges in my path. I’m running for Congress at my best friend’s insistence, and someone sets fire to my campaign headquarters, just as my best friend is hospitalized for a major illness. When her brother comes back to the island to see her, I’m that fifteen-year-old kid again, crushing on him even though he comes off cool as a cucumber when I’m around him.

After getting my ass kicked at a quick stop while on the campaign trail, Raleigh Wallis decides to accompany me to keep me safe because of my friendship with his sister. How can I survive being with that man every day and not die of longing for him?

Both men have a desire to make life better for those about whom they care. Can Raleigh overcome deeply rooted fears from his past and let down his walls enough to let Benji in? Who is trying to undermine Benji’s shot at doing the only thing he’s ever wanted to do—make his home state a better place to live? Can they positively achieve their goals together?

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2018

58 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Sam E. Kraemer

90 books229 followers
I grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,666 reviews73 followers
September 6, 2021
3.5
A complicated and convoluted political plot and a man struggling with his HIV diagnosis.
This won't be for some as Raleigh/Rally/Nemo has decided not to date because of his fear of infecting someone. He holds some really outdated ideas of the realities of living with the virus.
Benji makes up for Raleigh's shortfalls with his persistence and charm.
I got a bit lost, there's a lot thrown at you and only some of it stuck but I loved seeing the other Lonely Heroes
Profile Image for Maijie.
232 reviews11 followers
September 16, 2021
Positive Raleigh is the 5th book in the Lonely Heroes series by Sam E. Kraemer. It follows Raleigh ‘Nemo’ Wallis a former Navy seal and Benjamin Hoffman, best friend of Raleigh's sister and is currently running for a position in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When I read the title and the blurb of this story I had a different idea for the plot in mind. I was actually taken by surprise when one of the main points of the story is something of a sensitive matter.

Raleigh has made some stupid decisions during his time in the Navy and he has to live with the consequences for the rest of his life. Becoming HIV positive, he has sworn off sexual intimacy and decided to not be involved with anyone romantically as he slowly built his life from the ground up. When a family emergency brought him back home, he met Benjamin his sister's best friend and through a painful event slowly bonded with him. When Benjamin comes into a bit of trouble with his campaign getting derailed by a fire set on his campaign headquarters, money goes missing and him being attacked after an event Benjamin, Raleigh decides to step in and help.

Benjamin had been crushing on his best friend's brother for a while. Now that they are spending more time with each other as they try to solve who wants him out of the running and had been behind on all the trouble he is experiencing, Ben falls in love more and more. Raleigh may be a tough and hard man who is used to keeping others at a distance, but Ben is determined to break that shell with his persistence and charm. With their moments together, Benjamin is able to see a glimpse of the caring and gentle person he had known when he was younger and he is not letting that person go without a fight.

Throughout the story, we get a really interesting political drama with just the right amount of mystery, intrigue and action woven in. It portrayed the darker aspects of politics in an easily understood manner but with just enough twist and turn to make everything a bit more fresh. The relationship between the main leads was done beautifully and the topic of HIV and dementia was written in a very competent and respectful manner. Ben and Raleigh are complex characters, easily likeable and well-fleshed out.

Overall, Positive Raleigh is a heartfelt story of a man slowly learning how to live his life again with the person who brings him so much joy. It is about finding that one person who you can trust with your whole being and overcoming obstacles that may come in your way.

I'd give this a 4.25 out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,555 reviews49 followers
September 12, 2021
Lonely Heroes has been a great series so far from Sam E. Kraemer and I've enjoyed all of the characters and stories that we've met. This fifth book sees Raleigh "Nemo" Wallis reuniting with his sister's best friend having not seen each other since Raleigh left for the Navy and it's not good circumstances that brings them back together.
Benjamin comes into a little bit of trouble when his campaign headquarters are set on fire, money goes missing from his campaign accounts and he is attacked after an event. Raleigh takes it upon himself to ensure that Benjamin is safe whilst on his campaign trail, trying to deny their attraction as he has been self imposed celibate since a diagnosis back in his Navy days. They bond over their grief for Raleigh's sister and their confusion over who has it out for Benjamin.
This is quite a good political story for this series, showing some of the darker aspects for back room deals and having to make others happy to make any headway if you want to do good like Benjamin does. There are quite a few twists and turns along the way and I did find myself having to recheck I was following what was going on a couple of times just because of how much information is given. When it comes to their relationship, Benjamin is so sweet on Raleigh and has been for years but it takes a lot of convincing as Raleigh has been living with his illness for so long that he's resigned to being alone and protecting himself and others. It's definitely a battle of wills that is entertaining to read. I loved getting to catch up with others from the series as well, especially Bruno who I hope gets a HEA of his own in the future.
A great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to who gets their story next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Manuela.
903 reviews
February 7, 2022
So after reading book 7 I turned to book 5. Don't ask me why, I guess I wasn't ready before.

Raleigh contracted HIV in a moment he wasn't thinking, so he doesn't really harbour ill will against the person he got it from. Luckily he has access to the right medical help and has an undetectable viral load. Still he errs on the safe side and stays celibate, not chancing to pass on the virus to someone else. When his sister ends up in hospital because her body starts to reject the donor kidney she received five years ago, Raleigh returns home to Knott's Island to be at her bedside.
Benjamin 'Benji' Hoffman runs for State Senator because he wants to do good. Unfortunately someone doesn't want him to win, so Benji finds his campaign office on Knott's Island destroyed by fire. When his best friend Rachael ends up in hospital he rushes to her hospital to see her.

Just remind me, please to never get involved in politics. Reading all the crap that is going on behind the scenes and the backroom deals that are needed to get ahead in the game might be fictitious, but could be so real all the same. So when Rachael dies and gets accused of embezzling money, Benji doesn't believe it for a second and Raleigh is ready to prove that those allegations aren't true.
True to the nature of the previous books you can imagine that the following story has twists and turns, that the good guys seem bad sometimes and the bad guys good.

Pretty much any generalisation I said for the previous books in the series are valid here too. The people are all gorgeous and good looking, the sex is the best there is to have, even with PrEP and condomes. Some fathers were never meant to have children and you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends.

Profile Image for Aethena Drake.
1,189 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2024
I continue to listen to this series because the narration is well performed and the author has very insightful stories about socially important issues. This book addresses issues such as HIV and false accusations as a political tool. I enjoyed the path that the plot took, but I didn't feel like the story was entirely resolved. This is a long series, so I expect more revelations about the main characters in the next books. The author still struggles with excessive descriptions in both character dialog and story. People don't talk like that. Even those of us who are a bit neurodivergent learn to abbreviate our excessively detailed descriptions. We also don't refer to friends and family by their first and last names on a regular basis.

I was a little frustrated by the nasty attitude towards homeopathy by several of the characters. Valid health care treatment or not, there is a culture behind homeopathy. When a character who has experienced prejudice and misunderstanding of their own healthcare and condition is dismissive of someone else's choices, I find the hypocrisy a bit alarming. The issue isn't really addressed in the story. Personally, I don't think the issue in the story was really homeopathy, I think the problem was a mental health issue, and this was not addressed either.

Overall this was an interesting read/ listen with a sweet romance that kept me reading through the rocky spots.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
September 6, 2021
What an excellent story. When I first started this book, my heart wanted to break for Raleigh. I felt like he just kept taking hit after hit, between missions and then his sister. I wanted to embrace him in a big hug and tell him everything would be okay. Benji seemed like this rock of a guy who had always been in the background of Raleigh’s life and I enjoyed his stead fast presence.

Raleigh seemed like such a hard man at first, but once Benji was under his skin? Goodness, the softer side of Raleigh was wonderful to see. Benji refused to give on Raleigh and it was a well won battle for Benji.

Throughout the book, we get a well woven political drama that plays out. It was an intricate plot that gave us intrigue and action to follow.

This was a story about a man learning to live again. Raleigh had put his whole life on hold and stopped living all together. Seeing him come alive again was lovely to read. Sam wrote a book that was heartfelt and addressed a social issue with tact and grace. A wonderful addition to the Lonely Heroes Series.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,596 reviews48 followers
September 10, 2021
I was really curious about this entry in one of my favorite series because in the others, I could make some guess about plot from the cover. This astoundingly hot cover, however, had me stumped. What I got was a story about an inspiring politician (I want this guy in real life) and a bodyguard romance that hit all the right notes. Kraemer has such a clever way with titles. Once you read the stories, there are things you understand about the title choices made that always make me smile. Raleigh has had some horrible experiences that would have broken as lesser man, but they have done nothing to change him from the caring soul he is. It is so natural for him to reach out and help a friend's brother. Poor Ben! That puts him right in close contact with his long-time crush. The relationship that develops between these two great guys is wonderful and hot. In addition, the mystery of the campaign saboteur is very well done. I love a mix of romance and mystery and this is a great one.
Profile Image for CJ.
532 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2021
the lonely heroes series 1-5

I have just finished glancing (as there is no way I could have read every word) over this series and omg is this author against people in general as everyone of the charters in her book, GORGEOUS, HANDSOME, MODEL MATERIAL OR A GODDESS AND ON AND ON ABOUT THE PERSONS LOOKS, THE FIRST BOOK WOW “THIS HANDSOME MAN, MR BAYLESS MY HANDSOME MAN 🤮🤮.
Never have I read a bunch of books that are so hung up on looks of people and don’t get me started on how they talk to each other its like a bunch of girls not highly trained action men only one that could pass as a gay guy was Maxi in the 4th book. These books spent to much time describing someones looks than an actual story, the story was only half told when told, Gabe and Dylan should never have kids omg and sex scenes should never have been mentioned in these books.
Cannot really believe so many people would give these books 5 stars if I could I would give them -5 and beg for my money back and time I wasted doe these books to become good.
427 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2024
Unique Story

I fell in live with this story for a couple of reasons. First, it touches on a subject that isn't written about much at all, which is refreshing and needed, in my opinion. Second, it was written in a very real way, showing both the fears and the education to overcome them. Raleigh is an amazing guy who wants to do right by people. He never wants to put anyone at risk, most especially those he cares about. Benji was a wonderful guy who wasn't afraid of the situation. Instead, he became informed and knowledgeable on the subject. He was also respectful of Raleigh's limits. It was hard to see all the people go after him with lies and frame jobs. Rumors often follow you for life, and that really sucks to deal with. Their journey was a bit rough, but they got there in the end. I loved that he got him Beans.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
September 6, 2021
I didn’t think any story would surpass Cowboy Shep, but this flew past it!! The plot was fantastic! Raleigh made a stupid mistake in time as a SEAL, and it is something he has to live with the rest of his life. Ben is Raleigh’s sister’s best friend. Ben has crushed on Raleigh since he was a teenager. When Ben needs help, Raleigh steps in and takes over, there’s a great mystery to solve. The author handled tough tops like HIV and Dementia really well. I love how the author gives us interactions with the previous Lonely Heroes couples, they all pretty much make an appearance. The story is really well written with complicated and complex characters, highly recommend it!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy I received. This was solely based on my honest thoughts and opinion.
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,214 reviews30 followers
September 7, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Talk about hitting all the emotional feels with Raleigh and Benji, how could Bruce care more for an object then flesh and blood? Because yes that was how I totally felt reading one part, here I was thinking it was all because of Raleigh decisions.
A family emergency brings Raleigh back home to North Carolina. Keeping a dark secret thag only a few are in the know. With one request he sees more in future imploded in on itself as he is unwilling to condemn anyone to his fate. Benji was running for house ofrepresentatives but someone wasnt to thrilled to say the least, when his best-friends brother Benji is the victim by blood, will the man he has fallen for be able to keep him safe.
Profile Image for James Hill.
724 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2021
Wow. This book had me in tears! It is a solid 5/5 for me. I really enjoy how the author tackled some very real issues in this book. It is truly refreshing. Benjamin is running for the office of congressman in North Carolina. Rachel his best is his right hand woman. Of course with him being out, people want to bully him. Enter Rachel’s brother ( who is a bodyguard) Raleigh, the guy that Benjamin likes. Raleigh liked Benjamin just as much but he is celibate. Someone is trying to sabotage Benjamin’s campaign. They are trying to cram Rachel for being a thrift and him for being a pedophile. Benjamin and Raleigh have their work cut out for them. This book is good. There several sub plots that work well with the main plot.
765 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2022
Cute story

These two were kind of friends or friends by association. Raleigh sister was best friends Benji. These two I reacted with each other as they were growing up. With Benji kind of having g a crush on Raleigh since his teen years. So Ben run for a political job and get it. In come Raleigh when his sister becomes ill. Her kidney transplant has gone bad. These two become reacquainted again when Raleigh sister passes away. Stuff starts to happen with Ben chaphine. Raleigh sister is accused of still funds. Then Ben had to endure a slanderous insult to him that rocks his world but Raleigh is there to support him. Feeling g develops. Secrets are revealed. Promising made. I enjoyed this book alot.
Profile Image for Elayne.
988 reviews
September 7, 2021
This has been one of the more intense and convoluted books in this series. Raleigh has his issues, which for years he’s coped with, just not always in the mentally healthiest of ways. Enter or is it re enter Benji, a blast from the past, a breath of fresh air…and a guy with massive problems of his own! He’s got Raleigh’s measure and he’s tenacious.
Watching the development of their relationship, the interactions with the other characters kept me reading well past bedtime.
I’m not usually a fan of politically based stories, but found this one entertaining.
I’m looking forward to more from them as promised by the author.
1,931 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2021
This is a fantastic series but this one I have to say is my favorite! Such a well written story with a look into some deep issues. I absolutely loved Raleigh and Benji! My heart broke for them both! Watching their love progress was amazing! I’m so glad Benji was such a strong man and stood by Raleigh and basically gave him his life back! A very sweet and touching story that had action, drama, intrigue, and humor. Loved seeing the other characters in this series! Amazing read that I highly recommend! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
2,030 reviews25 followers
September 10, 2021
Positive Raleigh is a great new addition to the Lonely Heroes series. Raleigh is such a sweetheart that has to deal with his HIV status and his sister has been admitted to the hospital. Benji is trying to win an election, his father's dementia and someone is trying to ruin his political career. Raleigh and Benji's story is romantic, sweet, very emotional, some intense moments, action-packed, with a lot of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The book had my attention from start to finish and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
251 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2022
Uplifting and concerning

I've been avidly reading this series. This one touches on what may occur as politicians attempt to win races. Ben and Rally share labels one acquired by what Rally refers to as his own carelessness. Ben is slapped on him as a vengeful political opponent attempts to ruin Ben's political aspirations.
I appreciate this author's astuteness regarding social and political issues.
This love story is beautiful. It reminds me of the challenges partners endure as we live our lives. I hope you enjoy all of this author's books.
1,666 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2023
A typically adorable Lonely Heroes book. Here is the story of Nemo (Raleigh) and an old crush Beagle (Benji) from his home town in North Carolina who is the target of unscrupulous people.

There are few twists and turns within the plot just like the other books in the series, so it is never boring or slow. Things happen, there is danger, there is excitement and there is always love. Each book introduces a new character that you know you'll see eventually down the line of the series.

Fun, escape reading.
Profile Image for Mildred.
230 reviews8 followers
September 2, 2021
I have loved this series, getting to read about all of the characters but after reading Positive Raleigh I have to say this is my favorite!  One stupid mistake has defined Raleigh's future until he runs into his sister's best friend, Ben. Ben has crushed on Raleigh since high school but with Raleigh's current predicament and him swearing off relationships, does Ben stand a chance? This book was heartbreaking but so beautifully written ❤
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2021
Heartwarming and had all the feels. This plot was well thought out in regards to HIV and dementia by Sam, well written, loveable complex characters, enemies, families, angst, lots of humour and great to see previous characters. I loved Raleigh and Benji together, sensual scenes were hot. Each time I think the last book was the best but Sam is full of surprises. WOW.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this story.
Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2021
Living With A Positive Outlook.

MM, friends to lovers, Contemporary romance. Easy to read page-turner with a guaranteed HEA, fantastic story full of intrigue and twists and turns, action throughout the story as well of lots of emotional ups and downs. I went through a barrage of emotions whilst reading their story. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and as I've come to expect from this series, I'm left wanting more...
164 reviews
September 20, 2021
A Lonely Hero

Plot: Childhood crush, political intrigue, unexpected sensitive topic
Feels: Heartbreak right off the bat
Drama: Political hijinks, on-page tragedy, villains you want to smack
Heat: 1/5
Characters: I love how Benji doesn’t give up on Raleigh and they support each other well
Pacing: Medium
Length: Some filler and felt overcooked by 5 minutes
Ending: HEA, but wish there wasn’t that bit of negativity at the end and in the epilogue
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
March 12, 2022
If you dispose rumors & judgement - then you'll like this story!

A senator running for a vacant Congress seat. Everyone knows politics is dirty - wait til you seen behind the curtain. Ben aka Beagel is learning lessons, not everyone is decent but don't be fooled he a tough & bossy one. Nemo is adamant no dating but Gravel is breaking the walls down. He giving hope and education to bridge a wide divide. MM Romance with a great insight.
3,021 reviews46 followers
September 11, 2021
Positive Raleigh is a wonderful addition to the Lonely Heroes series.
I loved Raleigh and Benji. Seeing them fall in love and grow into a wonderful relationship is amazing.
This emotion driven romance is also full of action, drama, intrigue, and humor.
The story held my attention from start to finish.
430 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2021
Look out for love!

Action and adventure follows Raleigh everywhere he goes! Benji is running for office and someone is out to ruin his chances and then more trouble just keeps popping up!
A positive outlook is what this beautiful story is all about and the family is there to back it up all the way. This is another 10 star winner!
1,043 reviews
October 11, 2023
Being positive is great, but have backup, too!

Raleigh, a former Navy SEAL, has a sense for lies and things not being quite right. When the campaign office of his sister’s best friend, Benji, is burned down, Raleigh wants to protect this good man. Enjoy this thrilling tale of growing passion between Raleigh and Benji, dangerous hidden agendas, and good friends to back you up!
Profile Image for Kurandera .
219 reviews
September 9, 2021
Great series

I'm really enjoying this series.. The main characters are believable. Their individual concerns and issues are realistic and topical. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book.
752 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
Wonderful read! This author does a fantastic job with some hot bed issues. Politics and medical issues were dealt with in an excellent manner. The storyline was engaging and so hard to put down!! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
September 16, 2021

I was glad Raleigh was able to find the happiness he was so sure he didn’t deserve. Benji is such a sweet soul and I loved how much he fought for what he believed even when others tried to stand in his way. I enjoyed their story and how they were able to build a solid relationship that would withstand everything that was thrown at them.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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