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Devotion #1
Reverence: A Second-Chance Gay Romance
Rasheed knew moving back to his small hometown in Virginia wouldn’t be smooth sailing, especially since he refused to so much as visit for twenty-five years, but he isn’t prepared for the level of vitriol he gets from the person he’s most anxious to see—his high school sweetheart, Percy. His best friend. His closest confidant. And the reason he’s returned.
Once upon a time, Rasheed chose his reputation over their relationship, and now, Percy makes it clear he isn’t the least bit interested in renewing their friendship, let alone anything more. Rasheed’s determined to show Percy he’s a changed man, and won’t make the same mistake twice.
But Percy’s changed, too, and as Rasheed learns more about him, and what it means to be out and proud in this town, he questions if he’s as ready as he thought.
Percy’s worth it, though, and after breaking his heart the first time, Rasheed’s on a mission to prove himself worthy of a second chance.
Once upon a time, Rasheed chose his reputation over their relationship, and now, Percy makes it clear he isn’t the least bit interested in renewing their friendship, let alone anything more. Rasheed’s determined to show Percy he’s a changed man, and won’t make the same mistake twice.
But Percy’s changed, too, and as Rasheed learns more about him, and what it means to be out and proud in this town, he questions if he’s as ready as he thought.
Percy’s worth it, though, and after breaking his heart the first time, Rasheed’s on a mission to prove himself worthy of a second chance.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 22, 2024
Rasheed is newly divorced and on his way hone after 25 years. He has two main objectives: open his new tutoring and activity center for his hometown, and get his first love Percy, to forgive him for leaving and not coming back.
This story was steady. It was easy. I love that. Percy was right not to trust Rasheed, but he also forgave and was ready to show his trust could be earned. Rasheed was a bonehead about some things, but he was teachable and corrected his course. I love how his brother, parents, and even Annabelle called him to the carpet when it was necessary. The homophobia of a small town and the couple's run ins with the bigots gave the story heft, let you know it was bigger than two people falling in love. Rasheed and Percy were sexy and free with each other. They were passionate and I really liked this story. And the way Rasheed learned to apologize and stand up to wrong.
This story was steady. It was easy. I love that. Percy was right not to trust Rasheed, but he also forgave and was ready to show his trust could be earned. Rasheed was a bonehead about some things, but he was teachable and corrected his course. I love how his brother, parents, and even Annabelle called him to the carpet when it was necessary. The homophobia of a small town and the couple's run ins with the bigots gave the story heft, let you know it was bigger than two people falling in love. Rasheed and Percy were sexy and free with each other. They were passionate and I really liked this story. And the way Rasheed learned to apologize and stand up to wrong.
October 24, 2022
3.5 rounded up for this second chance MM story. Rasheed is back in his hometown after running from his true self. 25 years have passed and wants to win back the heart of the man he always loved. First, I loved that the main characters are in their 40’s. I felt that gave it a realistic depiction of the struggle as a queer Black man in a small town trying to please everyone. Another plus his the family dynamics , I loved how he wasn’t judged based off his decisions in the past. Tommy and his mother encouraged him to live his life for him. With that being said, i wouldn’t loved Percy’s POV. I feel this story is just as much his and I wanted to know what he went though. Rasheed was in his head entirely too much in this book. It got annoying. I felt Rasheed didn’t do enough to actually win Percy back. It’s been 25 years with no call or show and I’m expect to believe that you miss me? Nahhhhhh. Come again. I wanted a satisfying resolution when it came to Nick’s false allegations. I know that it’s not good to out someone but I would’ve had to burst his bubble. I felt it was swept under the rug. Over all, it wasn’t a bad story, just wanted more details
May 19, 2023
I really loved this romance. It was quick, yet intense, sexy, and heartfelt. I think reading about the troubles of being a queer educational leader really resonated with me. As much progress as this country is allegedly making there are still so many bigoted folks that want anything and anyone LGBTQ+ removed from their children's classrooms. It really resonates with everything going on in Florida, and across the country with book-banning, anti-CRT, and "Don't Say Gay" legislation. Jayce Ellis hit a home run with this. And the slight cliff-hanger at the end has me wanting to hear Tommy's story.
February 7, 2023
Low Angst Second-Chance Romance
Not Ellis’s greatest work, but it’s just fine. Predictable, but comforting in a way that hits all of the right notes, so if you’re looking for a low angst second chance romance between two black men in their 40s, here it is!
Not Ellis’s greatest work, but it’s just fine. Predictable, but comforting in a way that hits all of the right notes, so if you’re looking for a low angst second chance romance between two black men in their 40s, here it is!
November 5, 2024
A wonderful story
A great story with relatable characters. Definitely a feel good book that makes you want to keep reading to the end.
A great story with relatable characters. Definitely a feel good book that makes you want to keep reading to the end.
March 5, 2023
A lovely second chance romance between two MCs over 40. There is some small town/small minds homomisia going on, but just a couple of key characters who are dealt with in the end. I really liked our MCs and reading about the drama of returning to a small town after decades.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews