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Built for You #2
Becoming Built
A story doesn’t need a villain when you are your own worst enemy.
Emmett
I shouldn’t be jealous of my best friend’s relationship. Can’t I just be left alone, but not lonely? I used to run my bar and felt on top of the world. In pain and partially paralyzed, I am not the man I used to be. Honestly, I am downright miserable, trapped in a cage of my own making and the only man that’s shown any interest in me for years works for me and drives me crazy. I know I have to make changes and start to live again, but I’m terrified.
James
Another new start with a new job along with some very inappropriate thoughts about my new boss. He is grouchy and gorgeous with his crooked smile. I know he thinks being with me would be a mistake, but I think some no strings attached fun is exactly what he needs. I never stay in one place long, but being around him makes me want to put down roots and have him tie me to the tree.
Becoming Built is a contemporary MM Romance with a bar owner who hides from everyone including himself and a fun loving slightly kinky bouncer who wants to spice up his bosses life.
This book involves a main character with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy, suffering from social anxiety, depression, and has compulsive tendencies. His case has permanent facial paralysis and pain, though not all individuals with Bell’s Palsy experience the same. Love may not fix, but it can fill the heart.
Join the employees and patrons of Built Bar as they find love for themselves and each other in the Built for You series.
Emmett
I shouldn’t be jealous of my best friend’s relationship. Can’t I just be left alone, but not lonely? I used to run my bar and felt on top of the world. In pain and partially paralyzed, I am not the man I used to be. Honestly, I am downright miserable, trapped in a cage of my own making and the only man that’s shown any interest in me for years works for me and drives me crazy. I know I have to make changes and start to live again, but I’m terrified.
James
Another new start with a new job along with some very inappropriate thoughts about my new boss. He is grouchy and gorgeous with his crooked smile. I know he thinks being with me would be a mistake, but I think some no strings attached fun is exactly what he needs. I never stay in one place long, but being around him makes me want to put down roots and have him tie me to the tree.
Becoming Built is a contemporary MM Romance with a bar owner who hides from everyone including himself and a fun loving slightly kinky bouncer who wants to spice up his bosses life.
This book involves a main character with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy, suffering from social anxiety, depression, and has compulsive tendencies. His case has permanent facial paralysis and pain, though not all individuals with Bell’s Palsy experience the same. Love may not fix, but it can fill the heart.
Join the employees and patrons of Built Bar as they find love for themselves and each other in the Built for You series.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2021
23 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 5, 2022
Oh my, Emmett, sweet, hurting, grumpy Emmett, how I love thee and want to wrap you up and adore you.
Grumpy men are my kryptonite, but as a chronic pain sufferer, my heart bleeds for the fear of his prognosis, the pain, the depression, and the desire to hide from the world. Thankful for the little bar family that loves him fiercely as he is and will do anything for him.
Enter James, a bit of a wandering soul who shows up for the security job at the bar. He definitely looks the part of a bouncer, but that boy has the sweetest heart. And what he quickly realizes is that what he wants the most, is to see Emmett smile and laugh. He wants to be the one to cause that.
I love how sweet these two big men are together, and I especially love how James pulls Emmett out of his shell and helps him break down some of his walls. He’s incredibly patient, and it’s perfect.
This is a fast-moving love story, but it’s satisfying and wholesome.
Grumpy men are my kryptonite, but as a chronic pain sufferer, my heart bleeds for the fear of his prognosis, the pain, the depression, and the desire to hide from the world. Thankful for the little bar family that loves him fiercely as he is and will do anything for him.
Enter James, a bit of a wandering soul who shows up for the security job at the bar. He definitely looks the part of a bouncer, but that boy has the sweetest heart. And what he quickly realizes is that what he wants the most, is to see Emmett smile and laugh. He wants to be the one to cause that.
I love how sweet these two big men are together, and I especially love how James pulls Emmett out of his shell and helps him break down some of his walls. He’s incredibly patient, and it’s perfect.
This is a fast-moving love story, but it’s satisfying and wholesome.
October 27, 2021
Becoming Built was a good, solid story that showed research, empathy and depth, and is a solid follow up to Beautifully Built. I enjoyed meeting James and getting to know more about Emmett and reading their story. The world building and descriptions easily place me in Built, the apartment and the rest of their worlds, and it was great to see the characters from Beautifully Built and Bold Beginning again...
For the rest of my review please visit:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review.
For the rest of my review please visit:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review.
October 16, 2022
I fell in love with book 1 and knew I had to read the next one since it involved Emmett finding his special person. I wasn't disappointed. James was the special and right person to come into Emmett's life. They both were opposites in so many ways which made their connection intense. Loved all the support the guys had from friends and I especially loved James determination to show Emmett he was there for him during all his quirks and issues. This was a fun and sweet read. Enjoyed it from start to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 13, 2022
Becoming Built is the second story in the Built For You series. I have been looking forward to Emmett’s story. Emmett owns the Built Bar and suffers from debilitating pain. James works for Emmett and is drawn to him. Both men are flawed but they work perfectly. I loved how supportive James was. Overall, a sweet story, low on the angst side and well written.
October 25, 2021
Becoming Built is the second book in the Built for You series by T.H. Compton. This book is about Emmett, if you read bij 1 you already met him, and James. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
November 11, 2021
best part was that the MC live and love with disability without looking to resolve it.
October 28, 2021
This was a new to me author and I was drawn in this contemporary story. I did not feel at any point that I missed crucial information, since I did not read book one in this series. This really appreciated the care the author took in creating the character of Emmett and his health problems and consequently his social issues. James as a character is likeable and sweet who just wants to pour love onto Emmett so that he will be more secure in himself. This was a good story that has a nice flow and which seems to pick up speed later in the book. The story has a hea/hfn. I will be looking out for upcoming books in the series.
Be aware of triggers.I give this book 4 to 4,5*
This book was given to me to leave an honest review.
Be aware of triggers.I give this book 4 to 4,5*
This book was given to me to leave an honest review.
September 26, 2022
Great to see Emmett let himself find his man
I loved Emmett in Beautifully Built. His grumpy and insular disposition pulled me in and I really wanted to hear his story, both his past and his future. Seeing how his pain and anxiety came about and affected every aspect of his life, my heart broke for him. I was even more glad than I already was that Emmett had Caine to look out for him, take care of him, and not least love his moody best friend no matter how hard Emmett made that at times.
James was a sweetheart and made me smile with his perseverance. He was intrigued by Emmett from the first moment they met, wanted to get to know him regardless of how Emmett tried to keep him at arm's length, was patient and respectful and kind. He was perfect for Emmett and I loved them together throughout.
I loved seeing Caine and Logan, Devon and Samuel, and Syl again. I liked the glimpse we got of James' best friend, Jaylen, and want to see more of him too. Syl's book, Brightly Built, is next so I'm going to read that next. I can't wait to see who is worthy of all Syl's sparkle.
I loved Emmett in Beautifully Built. His grumpy and insular disposition pulled me in and I really wanted to hear his story, both his past and his future. Seeing how his pain and anxiety came about and affected every aspect of his life, my heart broke for him. I was even more glad than I already was that Emmett had Caine to look out for him, take care of him, and not least love his moody best friend no matter how hard Emmett made that at times.
James was a sweetheart and made me smile with his perseverance. He was intrigued by Emmett from the first moment they met, wanted to get to know him regardless of how Emmett tried to keep him at arm's length, was patient and respectful and kind. He was perfect for Emmett and I loved them together throughout.
I loved seeing Caine and Logan, Devon and Samuel, and Syl again. I liked the glimpse we got of James' best friend, Jaylen, and want to see more of him too. Syl's book, Brightly Built, is next so I'm going to read that next. I can't wait to see who is worthy of all Syl's sparkle.
October 15, 2022
Emmett was living what he thought was his best life. He was one of the owners of a growing business that was starting to thrive, had good friends and a good staff and a beau that he could see himself with for the long haul. And then life happened. His health takes a turn for the worst and he finds out that he beau was not to be counted on. So he retreats a bit from life and tries to cope through rough health times and to soldier on in relation to his business. When James is hired and takes an interest in Emmett between his questionable fortunes in health and in love he is not ready to believe that he can be happy and loved by someone especially because he is not at his best and likely will never be. This was so real and therefore refreshing. Sometimes life happens but that does not mean that love can't come along and that you can't trust that it will stick around. I liked the hope with a dash of reality that this story delivers.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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September 27, 2022I guess this was fine. The best part about this book is that it is a disability romance where the disabled character is not magically fixed or cured and is still disabled at the end. Way too many books use romance and love as a cure and that is just not a thing. I was relieved to see that our character learned some better coping mechanisms but still dealt with his disability daily.
Like all the other books in this series things are very instalove and very rushed. You get almost no character development or serious plot. You know like one or two things about each character and that's it. There's big time jumps where you get a quick rundown of what happened within like a paragraph or two. I'm frustrated because these books are not necessarily problematic but they aren't as good as they could be. This book is only like a hundred some pages and had the author just spent some time developing and adding another hundred pages It could have been a great book. As it is it's pretty lackluster.
Like all the other books in this series things are very instalove and very rushed. You get almost no character development or serious plot. You know like one or two things about each character and that's it. There's big time jumps where you get a quick rundown of what happened within like a paragraph or two. I'm frustrated because these books are not necessarily problematic but they aren't as good as they could be. This book is only like a hundred some pages and had the author just spent some time developing and adding another hundred pages It could have been a great book. As it is it's pretty lackluster.
October 5, 2022
Complex characters, so very well written!
This is a modern romance, the second in a series that must be read in order. Emmett has basically been hiding for the past 5 years, barely able to manage his life on the good days, let alone, the truly horrible painful ones. James is a new employee and he is more than interested in Emmett but he’s going to have to convince him to give James a chance. The characters are so richly layered in this series with realistic issues, flaws and needs. Love doesn’t magically heal but it does fill up a pretty lonely existence. I almost feel like the author read my review of book 1 because they added so much to the world-building in this episode which added so much to the story! The only odd thing would be the certain turns of phrase and descriptions that made me think the story (or author) was British or May not be American but it’s not distracting, just something curious. I eagerly had to jump to book 3!
This is a modern romance, the second in a series that must be read in order. Emmett has basically been hiding for the past 5 years, barely able to manage his life on the good days, let alone, the truly horrible painful ones. James is a new employee and he is more than interested in Emmett but he’s going to have to convince him to give James a chance. The characters are so richly layered in this series with realistic issues, flaws and needs. Love doesn’t magically heal but it does fill up a pretty lonely existence. I almost feel like the author read my review of book 1 because they added so much to the world-building in this episode which added so much to the story! The only odd thing would be the certain turns of phrase and descriptions that made me think the story (or author) was British or May not be American but it’s not distracting, just something curious. I eagerly had to jump to book 3!
October 31, 2021
Emmett and James
This was quite the little love story. Full of mushy moments, declarations of love and a sweet HEA.
I’ve been wanting Emmett to get his sweet story since we met him in Beautifully Built. He seemed to struggle so much. He definitely struggled here as well, but James was there to help him along. James was loving and supportive. He was able to convince Emmett that all he needed was a chance. He proved Emmett wrong and it was wonderful.
I wish the d/s portion of this story had been fleshed out a bit more. There was so much potential to really have both MCs explore themselves. There were also some portions that were more tell than show and I would have liked to see a bit more relationship building being shown, and not just being told it was happening.
This really was a sweet, low angst adorable story. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
This was quite the little love story. Full of mushy moments, declarations of love and a sweet HEA.
I’ve been wanting Emmett to get his sweet story since we met him in Beautifully Built. He seemed to struggle so much. He definitely struggled here as well, but James was there to help him along. James was loving and supportive. He was able to convince Emmett that all he needed was a chance. He proved Emmett wrong and it was wonderful.
I wish the d/s portion of this story had been fleshed out a bit more. There was so much potential to really have both MCs explore themselves. There were also some portions that were more tell than show and I would have liked to see a bit more relationship building being shown, and not just being told it was happening.
This really was a sweet, low angst adorable story. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 12, 2022
The second book in the series is as good as the first.
Not quite insta love but definitely about looking beyond the outer packaging.
Emmett is a equal partner in the Built Bar, but he stays mainly behind the scenes. This is his choice as he doesn’t want to be on display.
Having suffered from a very severe and on going bout of Bells Palsy, with sudden attacks of debilitating pain Emmett is understandably depressed and reclusive.
James is hopeful of becoming the new bouncer at the bar. But after spilling coffee on his clothes and having no time to change, his expectation of landing the job lowers considerably, but is very happy when he is successful.
As Emmett spends more time in the bar James gets to know the man he admires and Emmett slowly warms to James.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review
Not quite insta love but definitely about looking beyond the outer packaging.
Emmett is a equal partner in the Built Bar, but he stays mainly behind the scenes. This is his choice as he doesn’t want to be on display.
Having suffered from a very severe and on going bout of Bells Palsy, with sudden attacks of debilitating pain Emmett is understandably depressed and reclusive.
James is hopeful of becoming the new bouncer at the bar. But after spilling coffee on his clothes and having no time to change, his expectation of landing the job lowers considerably, but is very happy when he is successful.
As Emmett spends more time in the bar James gets to know the man he admires and Emmett slowly warms to James.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review
October 16, 2022
Thanks goodness for good friends. James, is the new bar bouncer at Built Bar. He is usually a roaming twig, but he put down stakes and decided to stay awhile. Emmett, is part owner of Built Bar with his best friend Caine. He was stricken with Bell's Palsey and his life changed. He spent time adjusting, compensating and going around and around in his head. James and Emmett, slightly challenge each other. They step a little outside their own heads and out of their personal bubbles. They make each other think. The author, did an excellent job personalizing James and Emmett and pulling us into their lives. The crew is still amazing and we get to see more of Logan and Caine. Great story, excellent flow. Will James put down roots? Will Emmett relax and embrace his value? Does Emmett come out of his shell? Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2022
Becoming Built is the second book in the Built for You series by author T.H. Compton. This story is Emmett’s story. You might remember him from book one. I loved him so much I am so happy he got his own story.
Emmett is sassy, sweet, broken, and kind. He owns his own bar now. He has literally earned everything he has now. He is a great friend, and loyalty is everything for him. He suffers from crippling pain. But he handles that with grace too.
James: New start for him, and a new job as a bouncer for the bar. He is supportive, kind, and very protective.
I loved these two together! This story has all the feels and love I could ever want. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, I am starting to become addicted to these guys.
Five Shooting Stars
Emmett is sassy, sweet, broken, and kind. He owns his own bar now. He has literally earned everything he has now. He is a great friend, and loyalty is everything for him. He suffers from crippling pain. But he handles that with grace too.
James: New start for him, and a new job as a bouncer for the bar. He is supportive, kind, and very protective.
I loved these two together! This story has all the feels and love I could ever want. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, I am starting to become addicted to these guys.
Five Shooting Stars
October 31, 2021
another amazing book
This series has been so good. Emmett struggles with anxiety and depression just to name a few, ever since his Bells Palsy episode that left him with pain and a half paralyzed face. He still owns half the bar with Caine but often struggles to function every day outside of his own apartment above the bar. James is the new bouncer and is fascinated by the enigmatic bar owner. He is determined to draw him it of his shell and help him see that he is truly worthy of love. This author is so good at creating these flawed characters who are perfect in their own way and helping them realize that that can have meaningful relationships. This boom is every bit as good as the first one!
This series has been so good. Emmett struggles with anxiety and depression just to name a few, ever since his Bells Palsy episode that left him with pain and a half paralyzed face. He still owns half the bar with Caine but often struggles to function every day outside of his own apartment above the bar. James is the new bouncer and is fascinated by the enigmatic bar owner. He is determined to draw him it of his shell and help him see that he is truly worthy of love. This author is so good at creating these flawed characters who are perfect in their own way and helping them realize that that can have meaningful relationships. This boom is every bit as good as the first one!
September 18, 2022
I love this series! Emmett has a disability living with a virulent form of Bell's Palsy. His employee, James, loves and is attracted to him despite Emmett's gruffness and insecurities. T. H. has a gift for bringing people with insecurities to life in her books with genuine concerns and thoughts that make you feel their desires and pain. You see them as people like everyone else with passion, sexy times and needs. She creates a love interest that is compassionate, desirable and all you could wish for in a companion. Bravo! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
October 21, 2022
2.5 stars
I'm not convinced by the relationship that develops between James, the man hired as security for Built, and Emmett, Built's co-owner. Emmett hides behind his illness and uses it as an excuse to be rude. James is unbelievably long-suffering and kind and falls rather quickly for Emmett. I often found myself feeling impatient with Emmett and incredulous at James's almost saintly patience with him. Also, I found the story to be unevenly told, maybe because it felt rushed. That's probably also why I don't believe their relationship...given all Emmett's hangups, there just wasn't enough credible time spent showing his progressive change of heart.
I'm not convinced by the relationship that develops between James, the man hired as security for Built, and Emmett, Built's co-owner. Emmett hides behind his illness and uses it as an excuse to be rude. James is unbelievably long-suffering and kind and falls rather quickly for Emmett. I often found myself feeling impatient with Emmett and incredulous at James's almost saintly patience with him. Also, I found the story to be unevenly told, maybe because it felt rushed. That's probably also why I don't believe their relationship...given all Emmett's hangups, there just wasn't enough credible time spent showing his progressive change of heart.
September 28, 2022
Emmett is suffering from Bell's Palsy which I will admit I was not very familiar with. I thought this book handled that side carefully and with it being a short book we get some angst, but this is more the story of Emmett finally being able to accept that he can be loved. The book had some fun and lighter moments will James the new bouncer in town wooing our Grumpy and a bit stubborn Emmett. The banter was amusing and there was quite a bit of super sweet moments too. This was a touching romance that I could put down until I got to the happy ending!
October 5, 2022
So happy to get this HEA for Emmett! We first met Emmett in book 1, Beautifully Built, and he was so, so damaged (physically and mentally) and needed someone to show him some love. In walks James - perfect match!
James is honest, caring, and straightforward - and drawn to Emmett from the start. He has to fight to break through the walls Emmett has built but when he does, they are gorgeous together!
I quick read that is 4/5 stars for me!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reads and am glad to leave my honest review!
James is honest, caring, and straightforward - and drawn to Emmett from the start. He has to fight to break through the walls Emmett has built but when he does, they are gorgeous together!
I quick read that is 4/5 stars for me!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reads and am glad to leave my honest review!
October 5, 2022
This is the second book from the Built For You series and I’m loving these characters and stories. After an unexpected diagnosis irrevocably changes his life, Emmett struggles with so many things others take for granted. James is immediately intrigued by Emmett when he meets him while interviewing for a job. I loved the dynamic between James and Emmett and how they grow in their journey together. I highly recommend this book!
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 8, 2022
Gawd Emmett! What can you say about a man who has hidden his self away from living for years but has the sweetest heart that just needed James to help him along the way. Emmett has struggles and still struggles so much with his disability. But when Hanes shows up and sees past it all and just wants Emmett for Emmett he finds it hard to believe so James has some work to do. Good thing he is up for the job. I found this love story so heartbreakingly beautiful and I can’t wait to read the next book
October 16, 2022
The author has created an extremely real character in Emmett. We feel his physical pain and completely understand how he has adjusted his life to deal with it as best he can, even though that has left him lonely. He has been coasting along in that mode and probably would have continued except for the entry into his life of his new bouncer James. James comes to understand Emmett's pain but thinks if Emmett will just let him in, he can help emotionally until he moves on as is his usual pattern. What these two find together, turns out to be life changing for both of them.
January 30, 2023
Emmet's story takes a complicated man and explains, not only the reasons for his complications (Bell's Palsy, social anxiety, compulsive behaviours, depression) but shows you the incredible toll these complications take on his life and self-confidence.
It's never a pity party, but it also doesn't shy away from showing just how brutal living with these conditions can be.
The love story between Emmet and James was sensitively and sweetly handled and showed the depth of both these characters.
I loved it
It's never a pity party, but it also doesn't shy away from showing just how brutal living with these conditions can be.
The love story between Emmet and James was sensitively and sweetly handled and showed the depth of both these characters.
I loved it
October 28, 2021
I am really loving this series! Emmett thought he found love when an unexpected illness took over his life. Five years later he thinks he is unlovable. Enter new hire James. James is instantly attracted to Emmett and with the encouragement of his new coworkers and friends, he tries to get Emmett to see how special he really is. James is hilarious, sweet, and patient. I enjoyed their banter. And dang was this hot!
September 23, 2022
A great instalment in the Built for You series. The MCs were likeable characters (even Emmett when he was being a grump). I thought the handling of Bell's Palsy was researched and done well. Like the first book in this series, self-esteem plays a huge part and lends a real people vibe to the story line. You do not need to read book one to enjoy this book, but I enjoyed both and would recommend them.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
October 16, 2022
This is the story of Emmett and James, it is the 2nd book in the Built For You series. Please read the trigger warnings. I have read most of the books in this series and I must admit that Emmett's story is my favourite. There is something very special for me to this story, it has all the emotion and then the acceptance. Love the sass and sweetness. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
April 5, 2022
Enjoyable
I enjoyed James and Emmett’s story. It’s sweet, angsty, and has a satisfying HEA. I think the author did a good job portraying Emmett’s struggles and I appreciated how Emmett described himself as both the hero and the villain in his own story. I also liked how accepting James was of Emmett’s situation and how he adapted to Emmett’s different moods.
I enjoyed James and Emmett’s story. It’s sweet, angsty, and has a satisfying HEA. I think the author did a good job portraying Emmett’s struggles and I appreciated how Emmett described himself as both the hero and the villain in his own story. I also liked how accepting James was of Emmett’s situation and how he adapted to Emmett’s different moods.
May 3, 2022
Good
Once again, I just couldn't connect with this book. I wanted to and there were parts I enjoyed. Perhaps it's just the writing style? I wish I knew.
Even though I'm not connecting with them, I'd still happily suggest these if anyone were looking for something trope wise that these fell in. Regardless of me just not feeling it, they are good stories.
Once again, I just couldn't connect with this book. I wanted to and there were parts I enjoyed. Perhaps it's just the writing style? I wish I knew.
Even though I'm not connecting with them, I'd still happily suggest these if anyone were looking for something trope wise that these fell in. Regardless of me just not feeling it, they are good stories.
September 20, 2022
I was looking forward ro Emmett’s story having met him in the first novel and wondering how he would deal with falling in love again following his diagnosis. James was perfect for him and everything he deserved, it just took a little while for Emmett to realise it. This was a quick easy read but didn’t feel rushed like the first book imo. I like the premise of this series and characters and look forward to reading the rest of the novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews