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D’ombres et de lumière
D’enfants à adultes.
De meilleurs amis à amants.
Sauf que la vie n’est jamais aussi simple…
Jamie :
Stephen Taylor est devenu magnifique en grandissant.
Il me traitait de tête de nœuds lorsque nous étions enfants, et j’ai aujourd’hui l’impression que c’est comme s’il n’était jamais parti.
Mis à part qu’à l’époque… je n’étais pas en fauteuil roulant.
Allez, Stephen. Je n’ai pas changé. Je suis toujours ce gamin dont tu te souviens.
Je t’en prie, sois différent. Vois au-delà de mon putain de fauteuil.
Évidemment. Si tu étais gay en plus de tout ça, tu serais parfait à mes yeux.
Un homme a bien le droit de rêver, pas vrai ?
Stephen :
Oh mon Dieu, il n’a pas changé.
Il est toujours aussi solaire qu’il l’était lorsque nous étions enfants.
Il veut savoir comment était ma vie en Californie, mais je n’ai pas envie de le lui dire.
Je n’ai pas envie de lui avouer ce que j’ai vécu. Il n’a pas besoin de savoir que j’ai un penchant pour les hommes mauvais.
Pourquoi aucun d’entre eux n’a-t-il pu être comme toi, Jamie ?
Parce que je pourrais facilement tomber amoureux d’un homme comme toi.
Il n’y a qu’une seule chose qui cloche : tu ne voudras jamais d’un gars comme moi.
Il n’y a qu’une seule chose qui cloche : tu ne voudras jamais d’un gars comme moi.
De meilleurs amis à amants.
Sauf que la vie n’est jamais aussi simple…
Jamie :
Stephen Taylor est devenu magnifique en grandissant.
Il me traitait de tête de nœuds lorsque nous étions enfants, et j’ai aujourd’hui l’impression que c’est comme s’il n’était jamais parti.
Mis à part qu’à l’époque… je n’étais pas en fauteuil roulant.
Allez, Stephen. Je n’ai pas changé. Je suis toujours ce gamin dont tu te souviens.
Je t’en prie, sois différent. Vois au-delà de mon putain de fauteuil.
Évidemment. Si tu étais gay en plus de tout ça, tu serais parfait à mes yeux.
Un homme a bien le droit de rêver, pas vrai ?
Stephen :
Oh mon Dieu, il n’a pas changé.
Il est toujours aussi solaire qu’il l’était lorsque nous étions enfants.
Il veut savoir comment était ma vie en Californie, mais je n’ai pas envie de le lui dire.
Je n’ai pas envie de lui avouer ce que j’ai vécu. Il n’a pas besoin de savoir que j’ai un penchant pour les hommes mauvais.
Pourquoi aucun d’entre eux n’a-t-il pu être comme toi, Jamie ?
Parce que je pourrais facilement tomber amoureux d’un homme comme toi.
Il n’y a qu’une seule chose qui cloche : tu ne voudras jamais d’un gars comme moi.
Il n’y a qu’une seule chose qui cloche : tu ne voudras jamais d’un gars comme moi.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2020
239 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
160 books1,860 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
September 29, 2020
~3.5~
My favorite part of this story is Jamie, who really is a ray of sunshine. Paralyzed from the waist down due to being hit by a drunk driver when he was 18, Jamie remains positive and optimistic; there's nothing he can't do. He only wishes more guys would see HIM, not his wheelchair.
Jamie and Stephen were best friends once upon a time. When Stephen's family moved to the other side of the country, Jamie and Stephen lost touch, but they reconnect at the beginning of the story, and Stephen moves in with Jamie (initially as a platonic roommate).
Jamie wants to be Stephen's boyfriend, but Stephen has some serious hangups. He doesn't think he's worth it, as he's stayed in abusive relationships in the past, and he believes Jamie can't be with a guy in a sexual way. He doesn't ask, mind you; he just assumes.
Eventually, Jamie and Stephen do get together, and theirs is a sweet relationship built on trust and love. I am always happy when authors feature differently abled MCs. Jamie shows Stephen he is absolutely a sexual creature; he just needs some accommodations to make it all work.
I found the dialogue a little scripted and sugary at times (also, Americans talk about the temperature in Fahrenheit, not Celsius) and the characters somewhat one-dimensional. Even though Jamie insists he's more than his wheelchair, he seems to spend a good chunk of time thinking how poorly he's treated due to his disability. And Stephen acts like he loves Jamie despite his disability, which kind of bugged.
I also wish Stephen's past had been explored in more depth (he refused to tell Jamie what happened to him, and Jamie, uncharacteristically, just accepted it), but overall this is a cute, mildly sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story.
My favorite part of this story is Jamie, who really is a ray of sunshine. Paralyzed from the waist down due to being hit by a drunk driver when he was 18, Jamie remains positive and optimistic; there's nothing he can't do. He only wishes more guys would see HIM, not his wheelchair.
Jamie and Stephen were best friends once upon a time. When Stephen's family moved to the other side of the country, Jamie and Stephen lost touch, but they reconnect at the beginning of the story, and Stephen moves in with Jamie (initially as a platonic roommate).
Jamie wants to be Stephen's boyfriend, but Stephen has some serious hangups. He doesn't think he's worth it, as he's stayed in abusive relationships in the past, and he believes Jamie can't be with a guy in a sexual way. He doesn't ask, mind you; he just assumes.
Eventually, Jamie and Stephen do get together, and theirs is a sweet relationship built on trust and love. I am always happy when authors feature differently abled MCs. Jamie shows Stephen he is absolutely a sexual creature; he just needs some accommodations to make it all work.
I found the dialogue a little scripted and sugary at times (also, Americans talk about the temperature in Fahrenheit, not Celsius) and the characters somewhat one-dimensional. Even though Jamie insists he's more than his wheelchair, he seems to spend a good chunk of time thinking how poorly he's treated due to his disability. And Stephen acts like he loves Jamie despite his disability, which kind of bugged.
I also wish Stephen's past had been explored in more depth (he refused to tell Jamie what happened to him, and Jamie, uncharacteristically, just accepted it), but overall this is a cute, mildly sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story.
September 8, 2020
So sweet! This book was an absolute delight even though it sensitively deals with the real consequences of a relationship with a paraplegic.
I loved both main characters, Jamie really is sunshine in person. He's gone through his dark times after he was paralysed and he's come out the other side determined to live the best life he can.
His childhood best friend Stephen's life-experiences, while not physically traumatic, have been emotional ones and he's stuck in a mire of relationship doubt when he bumps back into Jamie after 13 years apart.
I loved how their friendship just took right back off as if they'd never been apart, although there were obviously gaps in their lived experiences which they needed to deal with - Jamie's situation being the big one.
I liked how nothing is skipped over, Stephen makes mistakes, he underestimates Jamie, he makes assumptions and he learns. They fall from friendship slowly into love because both have fears which need overcoming.
This book just made me smile from start to finish and I very much believed and appreciated their journey into a relationship. There's a smashing cast of supporting characters too, both sets of parents are lovely and their collective sisters are a riot!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I loved both main characters, Jamie really is sunshine in person. He's gone through his dark times after he was paralysed and he's come out the other side determined to live the best life he can.
His childhood best friend Stephen's life-experiences, while not physically traumatic, have been emotional ones and he's stuck in a mire of relationship doubt when he bumps back into Jamie after 13 years apart.
I loved how their friendship just took right back off as if they'd never been apart, although there were obviously gaps in their lived experiences which they needed to deal with - Jamie's situation being the big one.
I liked how nothing is skipped over, Stephen makes mistakes, he underestimates Jamie, he makes assumptions and he learns. They fall from friendship slowly into love because both have fears which need overcoming.
This book just made me smile from start to finish and I very much believed and appreciated their journey into a relationship. There's a smashing cast of supporting characters too, both sets of parents are lovely and their collective sisters are a riot!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 30, 2020
This doesn't work. For a book with such a blatent agenda to point out every negative assumption made about wheelchair users, it refuses to see past The Chair itself. The Chair is mentioned on every page, infects every conversation. A little image of it is used as story breaks. Even between Jamie and his parents. Conversations are really scripted and unnatural including sudden timely phone calls when the author wants to make a point. There's no missed opportunity to point out how ignorant people can be.
I kept getting the strong sense that it was OK to be in a wheelchair - IF you were always smiling positivitity and considering sking/paragliding. As with the sanitary product adverts of old that bubbled us women could still run, swim, climb mountains at 'that time' while I was slumped on the sofa nursing a hot water bottle eyeing some chocolate, my response was why should they have too?
Felt sorry for sister's boyfriend Phil, made to suffer for trying an awkward joke at his first meet the family. How did that whole event become about Jaime, as did their parents anniversary?
The book doesn't let Jaime be Jaime, even his own head. He seems to be continually proving himself, why is he only now meeting family members for the first time since the accident, when it was eight years ago! The humour grates due to seeming so ungenuine.
There's awkward remenising but they're not meeting as adult terms, which makes the sudden lusting feel off. It's impossible to see past Jaime's bright facade. For a book that takes on deeper issues it's all surface. I wanted Jaime to be loved for who he is, not loved despite his disability, and for as long as he keeps smiling.
Wheelchair users can be amazing, shout-out to a good friend with her battles for independence; her own home, support team, equipment, the wish to work without loosing necessary assistance. Yes she faces peoples assumptions, her humour is at times edgy. The issues in the book are very real, but the delivery didn't work. The Chair is ever present, it does colour everything, but there's still a person in there!
.......though in fairness my friend did try to arrange paragliding at one point.
I kept getting the strong sense that it was OK to be in a wheelchair - IF you were always smiling positivitity and considering sking/paragliding. As with the sanitary product adverts of old that bubbled us women could still run, swim, climb mountains at 'that time' while I was slumped on the sofa nursing a hot water bottle eyeing some chocolate, my response was why should they have too?
Felt sorry for sister's boyfriend Phil, made to suffer for trying an awkward joke at his first meet the family. How did that whole event become about Jaime, as did their parents anniversary?
The book doesn't let Jaime be Jaime, even his own head. He seems to be continually proving himself, why is he only now meeting family members for the first time since the accident, when it was eight years ago! The humour grates due to seeming so ungenuine.
There's awkward remenising but they're not meeting as adult terms, which makes the sudden lusting feel off. It's impossible to see past Jaime's bright facade. For a book that takes on deeper issues it's all surface. I wanted Jaime to be loved for who he is, not loved despite his disability, and for as long as he keeps smiling.
Wheelchair users can be amazing, shout-out to a good friend with her battles for independence; her own home, support team, equipment, the wish to work without loosing necessary assistance. Yes she faces peoples assumptions, her humour is at times edgy. The issues in the book are very real, but the delivery didn't work. The Chair is ever present, it does colour everything, but there's still a person in there!
.......though in fairness my friend did try to arrange paragliding at one point.
October 19, 2020
4.5 This was an absolute blast 😁 and pleasure to read! I just adored Jamie with upbeat attitude and finding the good in things 😉 even though he lost the ability to walk. I would highly recommend this book, it's feel good read.
October 14, 2020
A well depicted look at a wheelchair bound man, making the most of his life, and his old friend coming home, and reuniting many years later.
Stephen comes home from California 13 years later, to work in his Dad's accounting firm. He sees his childhood friend, Jaime, but is shocked to find he's in a wheelchair. We have terrific families here, many talks, and our men getting to know each other as adults, but each man is holding back important details.
Stephen, 26, is buff and strong, but hides a shadowy secret.
Jaime, 26, is still bright as the sun, lively and positive
as he always used to be, but has his hurts also.
We watch them reconnect, go to the gym, see the town, and have meals, but avoid certain questions.
Upbeat Jaime is sassy and enjoys having his best friend back, hanging out and it's like old times for both of them. Stephen has a shadow hanging over himself.
Our guys finally admit to each other how they feel, and they both want to try being a couple. They give more background of themselves, too. They get their sexy times, with details and these two are scorching hot.
But it's more complicated than they thought, and then Stephen screws up.
He redeems himself, and along the way we all learn about the daily issues of being wheelchair bound, and how remarkable Jaime really is. We see what their combined lives will look like.
A lovely story of struggle and success.
ENJOY !
======
Stephen comes home from California 13 years later, to work in his Dad's accounting firm. He sees his childhood friend, Jaime, but is shocked to find he's in a wheelchair. We have terrific families here, many talks, and our men getting to know each other as adults, but each man is holding back important details.
Stephen, 26, is buff and strong, but hides a shadowy secret.
Jaime, 26, is still bright as the sun, lively and positive
as he always used to be, but has his hurts also.
We watch them reconnect, go to the gym, see the town, and have meals, but avoid certain questions.
Upbeat Jaime is sassy and enjoys having his best friend back, hanging out and it's like old times for both of them. Stephen has a shadow hanging over himself.
Our guys finally admit to each other how they feel, and they both want to try being a couple. They give more background of themselves, too. They get their sexy times, with details and these two are scorching hot.
But it's more complicated than they thought, and then Stephen screws up.
He redeems himself, and along the way we all learn about the daily issues of being wheelchair bound, and how remarkable Jaime really is. We see what their combined lives will look like.
A lovely story of struggle and success.
ENJOY !
======
June 10, 2023
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Ho un debole per le storie dove i migliori amici da ragazzini si separano, per poi ritrovarsi anni dopo, riscoprirsi amici e poi amanti… ed è esattamente quello che succede qui.
Nel buco temporale degli otto anni che li ha visti divisi, però, Jamie e Stephen hanno avuto esperienze che li hanno segnati profondamente: un terribile incidente rende Jamie paraplegico e Stephen sperimenta relazioni abusive che minano il suo equilibrio e la sua stima personale, tanto da convincersi a essere lui ‘quello sbagliato’ che attira solo uomini spaventosi.
Un incontro casuale, nella loro città natale, rimette in moto il legame dei protagonisti che recuperano lo stesso affetto del passato, tanto da diventare coinquilini.
Mi è piaciuto come i due caratteri appaiano complementari: la spontaneità di Jamie, la sua solarità e l’ironia compensano la visione da ‘bicchiere mezzo vuoto’ che accompagna spesso Stephen.
Malgrado il duro colpo inferto dalla vita, è ammirevole come Jamie abbia deciso che ogni giorno sia prezioso e che lui sia più della sua sedia a rotelle.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Ho un debole per le storie dove i migliori amici da ragazzini si separano, per poi ritrovarsi anni dopo, riscoprirsi amici e poi amanti… ed è esattamente quello che succede qui.
Nel buco temporale degli otto anni che li ha visti divisi, però, Jamie e Stephen hanno avuto esperienze che li hanno segnati profondamente: un terribile incidente rende Jamie paraplegico e Stephen sperimenta relazioni abusive che minano il suo equilibrio e la sua stima personale, tanto da convincersi a essere lui ‘quello sbagliato’ che attira solo uomini spaventosi.
Un incontro casuale, nella loro città natale, rimette in moto il legame dei protagonisti che recuperano lo stesso affetto del passato, tanto da diventare coinquilini.
Mi è piaciuto come i due caratteri appaiano complementari: la spontaneità di Jamie, la sua solarità e l’ironia compensano la visione da ‘bicchiere mezzo vuoto’ che accompagna spesso Stephen.
Malgrado il duro colpo inferto dalla vita, è ammirevole come Jamie abbia deciso che ogni giorno sia prezioso e che lui sia più della sua sedia a rotelle.
Continua sul nostro blog!
February 25, 2021
On paper this should be a home run for me but I just didn't connect to the characters. Neither did I feel their connection. Leaving me... rather cold. But it was funny and sweet and easy to read.
November 10, 2020
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story set in the USA. Main characters are Stephen and Jamie. Childhood best friend meet again as adults and they find their friendship renewed. Told from both characters POV. Some times a title is so perfect for a book like this one. This story is kind and sweet. I’ll read more from this author.
September 13, 2020
I have mixed feelings about Jamie and Stephen's best-friends-to-lovers romance. On the one hand, I thought this was an uplifting and sweet second-chance at love for two best friends who have been separated for 13 years. It was obvious from the beginning of the story how much these two click with each other, and seeing all that platonic affection turn into something more was adorable. On the other hand, I'm not a huge fan of how this author focused so much on Jamie's disability. I understand that it's a huge part of Jamie's life and that he has to face countless obstacles that able-bodied people don't even think about, but I didn't like how so much of this story was about Stephen and his family coming to terms with Jamie's disability. I wanted to read about Jamie and Stephen falling in love, but instead I got a story where Stephen transitioned from being totally ignorant about disabled people to loving Jamie "in spite of" his disability. One line that really stood out to me was this one: “I love you. Every bit of you. Even the bits that don’t work.” This mentality of loving someone "even with the disability" really bothers me, because why should someone's disability factor into your love at all? I may be overly sensitive about this, but after reading an entire story where every time Stephen does something for Jamie there's a mention of how well he accommodated him, that's the impression I got.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Want to read
October 25, 2020kindle freebie 10/25/20
September 16, 2020
This was an absolutely beautiful BFFs to lovers story. It's heartbreaking in ways because of what both of these young men have to deal with and what they really want and how they even look at themselves because of it. But when it finally gets down to the heart of the matter, what they wanted and needed in their lives was each other. And they finally got the dreams they had been wishing for for so long. It doesn't mean things are easy. But for love, they're worth it.
September 5, 2021
3.6 stars
Sweet and a little bit hot. I liked how much effort Stephen put into understanding Jamie's situation (after Jamie verbally smacked him around for assuming instead of asking). Overall, this was a bit more surface level than I was looking for -- well written, but I just didn't really connect deeply with any of the people. Although Stephen's grandmother's neighbors...those are my kind of guys!
Sweet and a little bit hot. I liked how much effort Stephen put into understanding Jamie's situation (after Jamie verbally smacked him around for assuming instead of asking). Overall, this was a bit more surface level than I was looking for -- well written, but I just didn't really connect deeply with any of the people. Although Stephen's grandmother's neighbors...those are my kind of guys!
September 30, 2020
3.5 stars
I wholeheartedly agreed with ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~'s review for this book. Jamie is the star of this story; his charm of sunshine is tremendous and he carries the book. Maybe a bit "too" positive sometimes, but then Jamie did admit that he had eight years into 'adjustment' to his situation. He said that the first year wasn't pretty, and I liked that confession.
Stephen, on the other hand, was a little bit too reserved, and I was rather annoyed that he didn't FULLY open up to Jamie about what happened back in San Diego. I could guess, but it wasn't the same thing. I feel that going out in the open will be better for their relationship, right? They're best friends already, and I know Jamie will not judge.
Apart from that I really liked that Wells wrote a WHOLE LOT of things regarding disability into the story. How Jamie works his way around the house, at the gym, and so on and so forth. Those are good stuffs :)
I wholeheartedly agreed with ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~'s review for this book. Jamie is the star of this story; his charm of sunshine is tremendous and he carries the book. Maybe a bit "too" positive sometimes, but then Jamie did admit that he had eight years into 'adjustment' to his situation. He said that the first year wasn't pretty, and I liked that confession.
Stephen, on the other hand, was a little bit too reserved, and I was rather annoyed that he didn't FULLY open up to Jamie about what happened back in San Diego. I could guess, but it wasn't the same thing. I feel that going out in the open will be better for their relationship, right? They're best friends already, and I know Jamie will not judge.
Apart from that I really liked that Wells wrote a WHOLE LOT of things regarding disability into the story. How Jamie works his way around the house, at the gym, and so on and so forth. Those are good stuffs :)
September 23, 2020
Jesus, this book was annoying. I almost DNF only a few chapters in, but decides to stick it out until about 70%. I thought it would get better.
It did not.
I'll just name my top few issues with this so I can move on.
#1. The humor in this book wasn't actually funny. The banter back and forth was kind of childish and seemed like the author was just trying to fill space.
#2. The reminiscing got kind of annoying. All throughout the book it was inside jokes on things they used to do and I felt zero connection between the two MCs present day.
#3. This was probably my biggest issue. Literally everyone in the book was a complete frickin moron and it was way over the top how the author made EVERYONE have stupid assumptions about wheelchair users. "Oh, you live alone?" *gasp* "oh, you can live and breathe like any other person?" *eye roll*
I was surprised when I realized this wasn't written by a first time author, but in fact a seasoned author.
Please don't waste your time here, people.
It did not.
I'll just name my top few issues with this so I can move on.
#1. The humor in this book wasn't actually funny. The banter back and forth was kind of childish and seemed like the author was just trying to fill space.
#2. The reminiscing got kind of annoying. All throughout the book it was inside jokes on things they used to do and I felt zero connection between the two MCs present day.
#3. This was probably my biggest issue. Literally everyone in the book was a complete frickin moron and it was way over the top how the author made EVERYONE have stupid assumptions about wheelchair users. "Oh, you live alone?" *gasp* "oh, you can live and breathe like any other person?" *eye roll*
I was surprised when I realized this wasn't written by a first time author, but in fact a seasoned author.
Please don't waste your time here, people.
June 26, 2025
This is absolutely perfect..I have to say Kc Wells knows how to make you feel for her men....Jamie and Stephen are beautiful together...Meeting again after years apart they slowly get together and when they do they are amazing..Stephen learns to see the world in a different light after years of being with abusive men...Jamie shows him how to see the world in a different light...After his accident that left him in a wheelchair he's a very happy go lucky man who sees the good in everything....They really are a perfect match...Seeing how a person in a wheelchair is seen by the world makes you want to slap a few people but they all are good people.....Another great read x
September 20, 2020
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Coming home was something Stephen didn't want to do, but for his dad, he did. Running into Jamie, his childhood friend was both a blessing and a curse. Cos Jamie is still the kid he was best friends with at school, still all bright and breezy. Except for one thing. Stephen needs to show Jamie he can see past the chair if they are gonna be together.
I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Its delightful, it really is. It's heartbreaking in places, funny is others. It's deeply emotional in places, and so sweet in others. It runs the whole scale of emotions, it really does!
Jamie is dealing with the aftermath of the accident that left him in the wheelchair. When telling about what he has to do, the medical problems that he faces, its told in way a lay person can fully understand. It's not lectured at you, you know? We get bits and bobs, but when Jamie tells Stephen everything, it all comes together in a way that makes total sense. Sometimes, medical facts are TOLD at you, and things can go over my head but I was fully able to keep up with everything Jamie has to deal with.
Stephen, too, gets on board with what Jamie has to do, and I love that he made an effort to research, to find out what *HE* needed to do to help Jamie. Once Stephen was fully on board, I found this not ever so explicit, but just enough steam and heat comes out the pages, you know? Its hot and steamy, but we don't get it all on screen. And I loved that.
Both Stephen and Jamie have a say, in the third person. I'm glad they do, ya'll know I love to hear from everyone, but I would have been deeply disappointed had only one or other have had a say. You really do need to know what they are both thinking!
A thoroughly enjoyable, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute, 4 star read
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Coming home was something Stephen didn't want to do, but for his dad, he did. Running into Jamie, his childhood friend was both a blessing and a curse. Cos Jamie is still the kid he was best friends with at school, still all bright and breezy. Except for one thing. Stephen needs to show Jamie he can see past the chair if they are gonna be together.
I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Its delightful, it really is. It's heartbreaking in places, funny is others. It's deeply emotional in places, and so sweet in others. It runs the whole scale of emotions, it really does!
Jamie is dealing with the aftermath of the accident that left him in the wheelchair. When telling about what he has to do, the medical problems that he faces, its told in way a lay person can fully understand. It's not lectured at you, you know? We get bits and bobs, but when Jamie tells Stephen everything, it all comes together in a way that makes total sense. Sometimes, medical facts are TOLD at you, and things can go over my head but I was fully able to keep up with everything Jamie has to deal with.
Stephen, too, gets on board with what Jamie has to do, and I love that he made an effort to research, to find out what *HE* needed to do to help Jamie. Once Stephen was fully on board, I found this not ever so explicit, but just enough steam and heat comes out the pages, you know? Its hot and steamy, but we don't get it all on screen. And I loved that.
Both Stephen and Jamie have a say, in the third person. I'm glad they do, ya'll know I love to hear from everyone, but I would have been deeply disappointed had only one or other have had a say. You really do need to know what they are both thinking!
A thoroughly enjoyable, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute, 4 star read
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
September 10, 2020
Such a sweet story, I loved it!
Sunshine & Shadows is a wonderful story and I'm so glad that KC wrote this book. If this subject has been tackled in a romance, with as much depth as she did in this book, I haven't run across it.
Friends-to-lovers is tied with second chance for my favorite romance tropes. Although Stephen and Jamie didn't have a romantic relationship when they were parted (they were only kids), the story still has that second chance feel because of them reconnecting after 13 years apart.
I love the way the subject matter was treated and at the same time I was so sad for Jamie because guys he had a date with couldn't see past the chair to give him second date. Stephen is still recovering from a string of abusive relationships that have caused him to have no self confidence when it comes to dating. Fate brought them back together again and they were perfect for each other.
The personality K.C. Wells gave Jamie was perfect. It kept the serious parts of the story from becoming too somber without taking away from the seriousness of the subject matter. I shed a few sad tears while reading this but there were far more happy ones shed – my favorite kind of story!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Sunshine & Shadows is a wonderful story and I'm so glad that KC wrote this book. If this subject has been tackled in a romance, with as much depth as she did in this book, I haven't run across it.
Friends-to-lovers is tied with second chance for my favorite romance tropes. Although Stephen and Jamie didn't have a romantic relationship when they were parted (they were only kids), the story still has that second chance feel because of them reconnecting after 13 years apart.
I love the way the subject matter was treated and at the same time I was so sad for Jamie because guys he had a date with couldn't see past the chair to give him second date. Stephen is still recovering from a string of abusive relationships that have caused him to have no self confidence when it comes to dating. Fate brought them back together again and they were perfect for each other.
The personality K.C. Wells gave Jamie was perfect. It kept the serious parts of the story from becoming too somber without taking away from the seriousness of the subject matter. I shed a few sad tears while reading this but there were far more happy ones shed – my favorite kind of story!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
September 26, 2020
Amazon
Jamie and Stephen were once best friends but lost contact when Stephen's family moved. Now Stephen's back, and thinking of his childhood bestie, when lo and behold, who appears but that same Jamie. Jamie who is the same ray of sunshine and sweetness he was as a child, but with a difference - he's in a wheelchair after having been paralyzed in an accident. When Stephen ends up moving into Jamie's place as just a roommate, will their friendly feelings morph to something more?
Such a sweet friends to more story. I especially liked Jamie's character, how optimistic he was, what a sweetheart. In contrast to Stephen's very much down on himself personality. Although I ended up liking both men, I wanted more description in Stephen's backstory, on why he was so down on himself. But aside from that, I found this a very enjoyable story with two likable characters.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
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September 14, 2020
Really good book. It tells a story of two best friends who got separated when they were 13 and met again at 26. And one of them is now in a wheelchair. They rediscover their friendship that gradually develops into love. But there is more to this book than just friends to lovers romance. This book tells a lot about disabled people, how strong they are to live their life to the full and how hard it is to fight the assumptions others make about them.
I absolutely loved Jamie and his attitude - how he managed to be a sunshine despite everything that happened to him. I liked how the author showed that it was not just a character trait but also a conscious choice.
Despite having a fully functioning body Stephen is a weaker one of the two. Jamie was always a leader in their relationships. The book features dual POV but it felt like it was more from Jamie perspective. I knew exactly what he thought and felt while Stephen was less clear. I wasn't sure about his feelings for Jamie before the big talk. And his assumptions about Jamie sex life came out of the blue. He could easily google it if he was curious. The only excuse I can make for him is his age.
I liked the development of their relationships after everything was discussed and confessed, the way they explore sex together. Epilogue was sweet and happy.
I definately recommend this book to anybody looking for a sweet low angst romance and for those who would like to know more about living with a disability.
I absolutely loved Jamie and his attitude - how he managed to be a sunshine despite everything that happened to him. I liked how the author showed that it was not just a character trait but also a conscious choice.
Despite having a fully functioning body Stephen is a weaker one of the two. Jamie was always a leader in their relationships. The book features dual POV but it felt like it was more from Jamie perspective. I knew exactly what he thought and felt while Stephen was less clear. I wasn't sure about his feelings for Jamie before the big talk. And his assumptions about Jamie sex life came out of the blue. He could easily google it if he was curious. The only excuse I can make for him is his age.
I liked the development of their relationships after everything was discussed and confessed, the way they explore sex together. Epilogue was sweet and happy.
I definately recommend this book to anybody looking for a sweet low angst romance and for those who would like to know more about living with a disability.
June 19, 2023
Veramente bellissimo!! 🤩
Una storia che parla di disabilità e nel disagio delle persone che ci circondano.
Un'amicizia da ragazzini ad adulti.
Da migliori amici ad amanti.
Solo che poi la vita non è mai così semplice.
Consigliato 💖💖💖💖💖
Una storia che parla di disabilità e nel disagio delle persone che ci circondano.
Un'amicizia da ragazzini ad adulti.
Da migliori amici ad amanti.
Solo che poi la vita non è mai così semplice.
Consigliato 💖💖💖💖💖
September 27, 2020
Sweet friends to lovers story with a disabled MC. The subjects of disability, sex and relationships seemed very well researched. The MCs were adorable together.
September 29, 2020
3.5. What Dani(ela) said!
October 3, 2020
4.5 von 5 *
Stephen und Jamie waren in ihrer Kindheit beste Freunde. Doch als Stephens Familie wegzieht, verlieren sie den Kontakt zueinander. Doch dann kehrt Stephen zurück in die alte Heimat. Und sie treffen sich wieder. Unerwartet und bittersüss. Denn sie sind nicht nur erwachsen geworden, sie haben sich natürlich verändert. Vor allem Jamie, der nach einem Unfall im Rollstuhl sitzt!
Für Stephen ist es ein Schock und er weiss erst nicht so recht, wie er mit Jamies Schicksal umgehen soll. Jamie erscheint ihm viel zu fröhlich und 'normal' zu sein. Und es schockiert Stephen umso mehr, wie selbständig Jamie sein Leben lebt und wie er sein Schicksal eben angenommen hat.
Dabei war es für Jamie nicht so einfach. So jung im Rollstuhl zu landen, war für ihn nicht einfach. Doch seine Familie unterstützt ihn und es hat ihn viel Kraft gekostet seinen Weg zurück ins Leben zu finden. Deswegen hat er auch gar keine Lust auf Mitleid oder Schamgefühl. Jamie hat das Gefühl alles erreichen zu können, doch in der Liebe hatte er bislang kein Glück. Wer will denn schon einen Krüppel?
Jamie ist wirklich bewundernswert. Und auch wenn er ein sehr positiver Charakter ist, so hat er natürlich auch immer wieder mit Hoch und Tiefs zu kämpfen. Nicht alles ist immer schön und toll. Aber er hat eine positive Lebenseinstellung und versucht Schwierigkeiten und Probleme zu bewältigen. Stephen hingegen muss erst lernen mit Jamies Charakterstärke umzugehen. Oft macht er den - nachvollziehbaren - Fehler Jamie zu unterschätzen. Das tun auch Stephens Eltern, die Jamie ebenfalls wiedertrifft.
Der Weg von Freunden zu Liebhabern ist gar nicht so einfach. Stephen muss viel lernen und Jamie braucht viel Geduld. Das bleibt natürlich nicht immer konfliktfrei. Und dann gibt es auch noch Stephens Vergangenheit, die leider immer nur ein wenig angeschnitten wird. Da wird der Leser im Unklaren gelassen und man kann sich nur ein wenig was zusammenreimen. Das war eigentlich der einzige Punkt an dem Buch, der mich etwas gestört hat. Ansonsten hat mir die Geschichte gut gefallen.
Stephen und Jamie waren in ihrer Kindheit beste Freunde. Doch als Stephens Familie wegzieht, verlieren sie den Kontakt zueinander. Doch dann kehrt Stephen zurück in die alte Heimat. Und sie treffen sich wieder. Unerwartet und bittersüss. Denn sie sind nicht nur erwachsen geworden, sie haben sich natürlich verändert. Vor allem Jamie, der nach einem Unfall im Rollstuhl sitzt!
Für Stephen ist es ein Schock und er weiss erst nicht so recht, wie er mit Jamies Schicksal umgehen soll. Jamie erscheint ihm viel zu fröhlich und 'normal' zu sein. Und es schockiert Stephen umso mehr, wie selbständig Jamie sein Leben lebt und wie er sein Schicksal eben angenommen hat.
Dabei war es für Jamie nicht so einfach. So jung im Rollstuhl zu landen, war für ihn nicht einfach. Doch seine Familie unterstützt ihn und es hat ihn viel Kraft gekostet seinen Weg zurück ins Leben zu finden. Deswegen hat er auch gar keine Lust auf Mitleid oder Schamgefühl. Jamie hat das Gefühl alles erreichen zu können, doch in der Liebe hatte er bislang kein Glück. Wer will denn schon einen Krüppel?
Jamie ist wirklich bewundernswert. Und auch wenn er ein sehr positiver Charakter ist, so hat er natürlich auch immer wieder mit Hoch und Tiefs zu kämpfen. Nicht alles ist immer schön und toll. Aber er hat eine positive Lebenseinstellung und versucht Schwierigkeiten und Probleme zu bewältigen. Stephen hingegen muss erst lernen mit Jamies Charakterstärke umzugehen. Oft macht er den - nachvollziehbaren - Fehler Jamie zu unterschätzen. Das tun auch Stephens Eltern, die Jamie ebenfalls wiedertrifft.
Der Weg von Freunden zu Liebhabern ist gar nicht so einfach. Stephen muss viel lernen und Jamie braucht viel Geduld. Das bleibt natürlich nicht immer konfliktfrei. Und dann gibt es auch noch Stephens Vergangenheit, die leider immer nur ein wenig angeschnitten wird. Da wird der Leser im Unklaren gelassen und man kann sich nur ein wenig was zusammenreimen. Das war eigentlich der einzige Punkt an dem Buch, der mich etwas gestört hat. Ansonsten hat mir die Geschichte gut gefallen.
October 14, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Sunshine and Shadows is a sweet, if somewhat limited exploration of the relationship challenges between two men with vastly different outlooks on the world. Jamie, who uses a wheelchair after an accident, is sunny and chipper and generally sees the world and its challenges as something to be relished and enjoyed. He hasn’t always been this way and acknowledges there were plenty of dark times following his accident, but he refuses to dwell on the past. Stephen, on the other hand, seems consumed by past abuse and failed relationships. These have left him doubting his worth and, while he’s not completely pessimistic, he’s definitely looking at things more bleakly than Jamie. This contrast did provide a nice dynamic to their relationship as each had to really think about why they see the world as they do.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Sunshine and Shadows is a sweet, if somewhat limited exploration of the relationship challenges between two men with vastly different outlooks on the world. Jamie, who uses a wheelchair after an accident, is sunny and chipper and generally sees the world and its challenges as something to be relished and enjoyed. He hasn’t always been this way and acknowledges there were plenty of dark times following his accident, but he refuses to dwell on the past. Stephen, on the other hand, seems consumed by past abuse and failed relationships. These have left him doubting his worth and, while he’s not completely pessimistic, he’s definitely looking at things more bleakly than Jamie. This contrast did provide a nice dynamic to their relationship as each had to really think about why they see the world as they do.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 19, 2020
4 stars. Maybe, if I was being really objective it should be a 3.5, but I felt happy and light reading this so I giving it a 4.
Reading the blurb for this one after three weeks of nothing keeping my interest was like eating for the first time after starving. Best friends reconnecting? That's always great. And it was a really nice read.
While the editing got a bit weak close to the end, the writing was good. It had a simple plot, but one that worked nonetheless. Written in double POV, this book follows Jamie and Stephen as they reconnect after 13 years and fall in love.
I always like when authors write characters that deviate form the norm in media — that norm being white, straight, able-bodied, neurotypical — and so much so that I mostly read MM now days. But, of course, they should only write diverse characters when they have done their research. And here, K.C. Wells has clearly done hers.
Jamie was lovely to read, but one thing I would like to add is that I would really have enjoyed more about him that doesn't revolve around his wheelchair. You can see how he is a complete character, ranging from his work to his drawings, but I would have liked that to be more on page.
The character development was there, yes, but Stephen's trauma regarding abusive relationships could have been more explored, IMO, without changing the mood of the book.
The relationship development, for me, was the best part. From reconnecting to being roommates to becoming more. It was a bit fast paced in the beginning, but once they were roommates it didn't felt rushed and I was able to enjoy their relationship grow as they became more and more comfortable with each other.
One thing though, Stephen took a long time to start thinking of Jamie as attractive. Normally, it would have been ok if I felt like it was there, in his subconscious. Here it was more like from one second to another his way of seeing Jamie changed.
Overall, a nice read. Not full of angst and you never doubt how it will end, but it makes you feel all happy inside. Nothing is done to perfection, but nothing is horrible either and that was enough for me here. If you enjoyed Anyta Sunday's Marc Jillson & The Gazebo you will probably enjoy this one too, as they both have one MC that grows and gets past his ableism.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
Reading the blurb for this one after three weeks of nothing keeping my interest was like eating for the first time after starving. Best friends reconnecting? That's always great. And it was a really nice read.
While the editing got a bit weak close to the end, the writing was good. It had a simple plot, but one that worked nonetheless. Written in double POV, this book follows Jamie and Stephen as they reconnect after 13 years and fall in love.
I always like when authors write characters that deviate form the norm in media — that norm being white, straight, able-bodied, neurotypical — and so much so that I mostly read MM now days. But, of course, they should only write diverse characters when they have done their research. And here, K.C. Wells has clearly done hers.
Jamie was lovely to read, but one thing I would like to add is that I would really have enjoyed more about him that doesn't revolve around his wheelchair. You can see how he is a complete character, ranging from his work to his drawings, but I would have liked that to be more on page.
The character development was there, yes, but Stephen's trauma regarding abusive relationships could have been more explored, IMO, without changing the mood of the book.
The relationship development, for me, was the best part. From reconnecting to being roommates to becoming more. It was a bit fast paced in the beginning, but once they were roommates it didn't felt rushed and I was able to enjoy their relationship grow as they became more and more comfortable with each other.
One thing though, Stephen took a long time to start thinking of Jamie as attractive. Normally, it would have been ok if I felt like it was there, in his subconscious. Here it was more like from one second to another his way of seeing Jamie changed.
Overall, a nice read. Not full of angst and you never doubt how it will end, but it makes you feel all happy inside. Nothing is done to perfection, but nothing is horrible either and that was enough for me here. If you enjoyed Anyta Sunday's Marc Jillson & The Gazebo you will probably enjoy this one too, as they both have one MC that grows and gets past his ableism.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
June 16, 2021
Sunshine and Shadows is the story of Jamie and Stephen, childhood friends who reunite after years apart. This is told in third person from both Jamie and Stephen’s pov.
September 15, 2020
What a disappointment! Jamie insists he's happy and doesn't need to be treated any differently, but ALL HE THINKS ABOUT is his disability and how hard everything is for him. And the only thing the people in his life think about is how they need to accommodate him and how hard everything is for him. Stephen often acts like he thinks he deserves a medal for "overlooking" Jamie's disability and loving him in spite of "parts that don't work." The book reads like a checklist of ableist stereotypes.
I struggled to read through 50%, then skipped to the end to see if any of it had changed, but it was more of the same. Saying the characters have grown and changed isn't the same as showing it through their thoughts and actions.
In general, the entire book felt superficial. Each character was given a single defining trait--for Jamie, it was his disability; for Stephen, it was (quite oddly) that he was tall. And that was it. That's how they constantly thought of each other, that's how others thought of them, that's what was repeated OVER and OVER throughout the entire book. And that's really all we get to know about them. Stephen walks into a club and the bartender even refers to him as "tall guy," as if he towered over everyone else in the room. Yet, as the book also repeats over and over again, Stephen was six feet tall, hardly a notable height.
Aside from those problems, the book also desperately needed an editor. Grammar, punctuation, and formatting all had numerous mistakes that pulled me out of the story--more glaring because the story itself was so flawed that my attention constantly wandered.
I've read and enjoyed some of the author's past books, but this was a complete failure for me.
I struggled to read through 50%, then skipped to the end to see if any of it had changed, but it was more of the same. Saying the characters have grown and changed isn't the same as showing it through their thoughts and actions.
In general, the entire book felt superficial. Each character was given a single defining trait--for Jamie, it was his disability; for Stephen, it was (quite oddly) that he was tall. And that was it. That's how they constantly thought of each other, that's how others thought of them, that's what was repeated OVER and OVER throughout the entire book. And that's really all we get to know about them. Stephen walks into a club and the bartender even refers to him as "tall guy," as if he towered over everyone else in the room. Yet, as the book also repeats over and over again, Stephen was six feet tall, hardly a notable height.
Aside from those problems, the book also desperately needed an editor. Grammar, punctuation, and formatting all had numerous mistakes that pulled me out of the story--more glaring because the story itself was so flawed that my attention constantly wandered.
I've read and enjoyed some of the author's past books, but this was a complete failure for me.
April 4, 2021
A delightful story. Very sweet. Childhood best friends separated for years reunite and ultimately fall in love. But their story is not so simple because when Jamie was 18 he was hit by a drunk driver and is paralyzed from the waist down.
Always a positive thinker, he's fought for where he is today and does not consider himself disabled in that he can do whatever he puts his mind to doing. Stephen returns to town to help his dad start a new business and is shocked to meet up with Jamie, but their friendship immediately comes back strong and before long they are each thinking of the other in more intimate ways. But Stephen is not sure what Jamie can or cannot do with sex and Jamie is disappointed when Stephen treats him like all the others have.
I like the way the author handled this story. Having Jamie as a positive character and giving readers information on what he can do and how he does it was very well done. Sensitive and yet informative. I really enjoyed these guys together and appreciated how Jamie helped Stephen with his own outlook. The ending was, of course, perfect. Definitely recommended.
Always a positive thinker, he's fought for where he is today and does not consider himself disabled in that he can do whatever he puts his mind to doing. Stephen returns to town to help his dad start a new business and is shocked to meet up with Jamie, but their friendship immediately comes back strong and before long they are each thinking of the other in more intimate ways. But Stephen is not sure what Jamie can or cannot do with sex and Jamie is disappointed when Stephen treats him like all the others have.
I like the way the author handled this story. Having Jamie as a positive character and giving readers information on what he can do and how he does it was very well done. Sensitive and yet informative. I really enjoyed these guys together and appreciated how Jamie helped Stephen with his own outlook. The ending was, of course, perfect. Definitely recommended.
September 10, 2020
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book. Was it a low-angst, sweet and romantic story about best friends reconnecting years later and finding love? Yes it was, but it was so much more than that too. This book was about acceptance, understanding, and learning to not make assumptions. The book was perfectly named. Jamie is a ray of sunshine and it comes through in everything he does. But both Jamie and Stephen had shadows they needed to get out from behind so they could truly live and find love and happiness.
When they reconnected years later, it was like no time had passed and they fell easily right back into the comfortable friendship they once had. But as adults, and with Jamie now in a wheelchair, they had so much growing and learning to do. Their journey to true love was very sweet, very touching, very heartwarming, and very sexy at times too! I really love this author's writing and KC Wells really wrote a nice story here that pulled on my heartstrings.
I really enjoyed this book. Was it a low-angst, sweet and romantic story about best friends reconnecting years later and finding love? Yes it was, but it was so much more than that too. This book was about acceptance, understanding, and learning to not make assumptions. The book was perfectly named. Jamie is a ray of sunshine and it comes through in everything he does. But both Jamie and Stephen had shadows they needed to get out from behind so they could truly live and find love and happiness.
When they reconnected years later, it was like no time had passed and they fell easily right back into the comfortable friendship they once had. But as adults, and with Jamie now in a wheelchair, they had so much growing and learning to do. Their journey to true love was very sweet, very touching, very heartwarming, and very sexy at times too! I really love this author's writing and KC Wells really wrote a nice story here that pulled on my heartstrings.
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