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Love Me Gently
Dusty Mack likes his quiet life, even if it means sometimes he’s lonely. He keeps busy with work and Dusty spends his down time being a shoulder for his newly single sister to cry on. Love is the last thing he’s thinking about, but after a splurge purchase, he can’t get the cute sales associate off his mind.
Jason Robinson has his life figured out. Work hard, pay your bills, smile, and don’t be a burden. He knows his mother’s death wasn’t his fault, but he feels like the destruction of his older brother’s marriage probably was. Fighting for independence, Jason wants nothing more than to stand on his own two feet. So when a hot, older customer needs a little more help than most, he’s happy to oblige.
Soon, Jason and Dusty are dating, but neither of their lives is perfect. While Dusty’s sister struggles, Jason does what he always does. He keeps his nose to the grindstone and hopes for the best. And the more Jason tries to get ahead, the farther the universe pulls him down. Even though Jason feels tempted to open up to Dusty, he doesn’t want to be another problem on Dusty’s list.
But they’re both about to learn that you can only ignore your needs and your wants for so long.
If there’s any hope for a future between them, Jason must learn to accept help from the people he loves, and Dusty will need to believe he’s worth loving.
Jason Robinson has his life figured out. Work hard, pay your bills, smile, and don’t be a burden. He knows his mother’s death wasn’t his fault, but he feels like the destruction of his older brother’s marriage probably was. Fighting for independence, Jason wants nothing more than to stand on his own two feet. So when a hot, older customer needs a little more help than most, he’s happy to oblige.
Soon, Jason and Dusty are dating, but neither of their lives is perfect. While Dusty’s sister struggles, Jason does what he always does. He keeps his nose to the grindstone and hopes for the best. And the more Jason tries to get ahead, the farther the universe pulls him down. Even though Jason feels tempted to open up to Dusty, he doesn’t want to be another problem on Dusty’s list.
But they’re both about to learn that you can only ignore your needs and your wants for so long.
If there’s any hope for a future between them, Jason must learn to accept help from the people he loves, and Dusty will need to believe he’s worth loving.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2022
29 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Denning
96 books555 followersEM Denning has more than twenty romance novels under her belt and has become an author you can rely on to bring you emotionally endearing, soft and fuzzy, stories. She is well known among her friends for her love of naps and sarcasm. She spends her free time reading as many romance novels as she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 7, 2022
This was a beautiful little slice of life book. Dusty is in his early forties, has been single for several years and has just fell into a simple routine life while Jason is in his mid-twenties and just trying to make it on his own after a difficult start. This slow burn romance works its way into your heart and you just want these precious humans to have all the happiness and love.
March 3, 2023
This was told in dual, 3rd person POV.
A very low angst story of two people starting a relationship that progresses into deeper feelings. Low angst is all I’ve been craving lately so it was good in that aspect, I did enjoy the story but I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. Since this was told in 3rd person the MCs name were used A LOT and if the name was sometimes replaced by “he” then the story would’ve been written a lot more smoothly. 😵💫
Also, I get this is an age gap of 17 years ? But having the older MC constantly refer to himself as an old man was kinda’ annoying, his name didn’t help- Dusty 🙈
No cheating/no sharing
Daily life, time jumps + cute epilogue
A very low angst story of two people starting a relationship that progresses into deeper feelings. Low angst is all I’ve been craving lately so it was good in that aspect, I did enjoy the story but I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. Since this was told in 3rd person the MCs name were used A LOT and if the name was sometimes replaced by “he” then the story would’ve been written a lot more smoothly. 😵💫
Also, I get this is an age gap of 17 years ? But having the older MC constantly refer to himself as an old man was kinda’ annoying, his name didn’t help- Dusty 🙈
No cheating/no sharing
Daily life, time jumps + cute epilogue
August 3, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Love Me Gently is a sweet, contemporary story that very much fits the title. There is just a nice, easy way about the book and a tenderness of two men falling for each other. Both Dusty and Jason are struggling with various things — Jason largely financial and Dusty more with setting boundaries with his family — and both are sure the other man could do better. So even as they are starting to develop feelings, the two men are both a little tentative. As a result, this is a very slow burn, sort of roll into love. Dusty and Jason take their time moving on to sex, and they don’t have much time to see one another. But it is clear how much they are growing to care for each other and their feelings come through as a reader, even if they don’t recognize them in each other. The guys probably needed to do more talking (and more believing what the other says), but this didn’t bother as much as it can in some books. It just felt like a sweet, tender falling in love with two men who are taking care of and supporting each other.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Love Me Gently is a sweet, contemporary story that very much fits the title. There is just a nice, easy way about the book and a tenderness of two men falling for each other. Both Dusty and Jason are struggling with various things — Jason largely financial and Dusty more with setting boundaries with his family — and both are sure the other man could do better. So even as they are starting to develop feelings, the two men are both a little tentative. As a result, this is a very slow burn, sort of roll into love. Dusty and Jason take their time moving on to sex, and they don’t have much time to see one another. But it is clear how much they are growing to care for each other and their feelings come through as a reader, even if they don’t recognize them in each other. The guys probably needed to do more talking (and more believing what the other says), but this didn’t bother as much as it can in some books. It just felt like a sweet, tender falling in love with two men who are taking care of and supporting each other.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 6, 2022
4.5 stars, rounding up upon re-read - This has a lot of catnip for me, age gap, working class MCs, where both MCs doubt they are worthy of the other character. It’s a sweet and somewhat simple story, but the emotions really worked for me, and it had well-balanced side characters, teen side characters who seemed like teens, and family dynamics that made sense but didn’t overwhelm everything else.
I can't point to anything in the plot that stands out; it's just the way these two characters become more and more important to each other and want to support each other (while one of them simultaneously tries to avoid being supported by anyone in any way) that melted my heart. (Well, melted it when Jason wasn't busy breaking it, poor guy)
I can't point to anything in the plot that stands out; it's just the way these two characters become more and more important to each other and want to support each other (while one of them simultaneously tries to avoid being supported by anyone in any way) that melted my heart. (Well, melted it when Jason wasn't busy breaking it, poor guy)
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August 21, 2022Not rating since I didn't finish it, but I just wasn't grabbed by the characters, by themselves or as a couple, to keep reading and finish. This was very sweet, but just a bit too bland for me unfortunately.
January 13, 2025
Lovely quiet sort of story with a sweet age gap romance.
September 26, 2022
Gentle Romance.
A slow burn love story with characters you warm to and in some cases relate to! There's some angst since Jason especially felt worthless and guilt ridden over issues of the past. Dustin's older, but just a nice unassuming bloke, whose kindness shone through throughout the book. Neither guy had much, and the story showed that sometimes true love isn't all about the grand gestures, the flashy gifts and the bright lights. Sometimes it's the little things: showing that you care, and that you want the best for your partner. The ending was lovely, demonstrating the love Jason and Dustin have for one another. 4.5.
A slow burn love story with characters you warm to and in some cases relate to! There's some angst since Jason especially felt worthless and guilt ridden over issues of the past. Dustin's older, but just a nice unassuming bloke, whose kindness shone through throughout the book. Neither guy had much, and the story showed that sometimes true love isn't all about the grand gestures, the flashy gifts and the bright lights. Sometimes it's the little things: showing that you care, and that you want the best for your partner. The ending was lovely, demonstrating the love Jason and Dustin have for one another. 4.5.
May 1, 2024
Very low angst, sweet easy read. I enjoyed this one and didn't really have any issues with it. I loved the characters but the story was just... nice, which isn't a bad thing by any means. :)
● Contemporary
● Age difference (One MC-42, the other-25)
● Slow burn
● Both caring Uncles
● Adulting is hard
● These two probably should have communicated a bit better (nothing serious & not on going)
● Adored the MCs... Dusty & Jason
● Great family & friends
● Maybe a little slow paced for me at this time
● Very satisfying ending
August 7, 2022
I liked that this was a story about 2 normal guys with normal everyday problems but it just wasn't all that memorable in the end. Dusty and Jason are cute together, too bad it took Jason getting sick to find out how much he really means to those around him.
May 29, 2025
Dusty & Jason
Rating: 3.4⭐
- Garbage Man
- Sales Clerk
- Age Gap (17yrs)
- Low Angst
- Slow Burn
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 42 & 25
Rating: 3.4⭐
- Garbage Man
- Sales Clerk
- Age Gap (17yrs)
- Low Angst
- Slow Burn
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 42 & 25
August 1, 2022
Love Me Gently was a sweet romance. Dusty hasn’t had a relationship in years, he’s trying to help his sister and niece. He meets Jason, who is a young man who is struggling to make ends meet. He is also kind of beat down by his brother. He has trouble trusting. Their romance I thought was sweet. I didn’t like Dusty’s sister or Brother-in-law! Paul was kind of a jerk and I felt Heather was a user. Loved the low angst, age-gap. I loved Dusty’s patience with Jason! Overall, a great read! Well develop character, well written with great pacing. Highly recommend.
July 26, 2022
4 Stars
This was a slow, slow burn but it worked for me. I enjoyed that this centered around two normal guys, they had everyday jobs, no one was a millionaire or exceptional at everything, just normal guys with normal problems which was refreshing. I liked that the guys got to know each other slowly and then progressed from there.
I loved Dusty the garbo. He was such a nice character to read, one who as part of his makeup was a natural caretaker who just wanted to take care of Jason but at the same time gave him the space to make his own mistakes. His relationship with his sister was a bit one sided on the giving part but you could also see the love there and it didn't come from any place of malice, she was just hurting and taking a bit of an advantage.
Jason was also a good character, he struggled with being a burden to people throughout the book and took great pains to be independent even at his own detriment. He was a hard worker doing everything he could to make money to survive. I felt for his brother trying to connect with him and it was nice to see them communicating at the end and putting the misconceptions to rest.
Enjoyable read
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review***
This was a slow, slow burn but it worked for me. I enjoyed that this centered around two normal guys, they had everyday jobs, no one was a millionaire or exceptional at everything, just normal guys with normal problems which was refreshing. I liked that the guys got to know each other slowly and then progressed from there.
I loved Dusty the garbo. He was such a nice character to read, one who as part of his makeup was a natural caretaker who just wanted to take care of Jason but at the same time gave him the space to make his own mistakes. His relationship with his sister was a bit one sided on the giving part but you could also see the love there and it didn't come from any place of malice, she was just hurting and taking a bit of an advantage.
Jason was also a good character, he struggled with being a burden to people throughout the book and took great pains to be independent even at his own detriment. He was a hard worker doing everything he could to make money to survive. I felt for his brother trying to connect with him and it was nice to see them communicating at the end and putting the misconceptions to rest.
Enjoyable read
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review***
August 11, 2022
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts
Dusty’s last relationship finished after five years and is happy about it. However, his sisters’ breakup is a stark reminder of the resulting loneliness. In the absence of his sister’s husband and to help connect to his niece, Dusty buys a gaming system. That’s when he meets Jason, the man with gorgeous eyes, ass, and smile, but so much younger than Dusty. Jason is pansexual. It’s the person, not gender, that attracts him. When this shy, silver fox man needs his help – more than electronics is sparked. Nevertheless, Jason doesn’t have the purse for a relationship – all his spare hours are taken up working to make ends meet.
Love Me Gently is a 205-page story that is as sweet and gentle as the title suggests.
The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Dusty and Jason. Short of the odd independent body part, with plenty of weak knees and melting, it is technically sound. Worldbuilding revolves around their apartments, work, and extended family, as does most people's real life.
Jason and Dusty work hard. Dusty is of the age where he has been through hard times and emerged on the other side, with food in the fridge and a nest egg. He’s settled, but his sister’s situation takes up much of his spare time. With tragedy in his past, Jason refuses to be a burden to anyone and therefore works super hard. All the same, his brother tries to keep a protective eye on him. Dusty and Jason’s schedules make it difficult to get together, but where love strikes…
Love Me Gently is a sweet tale of blossoming love between the shy settled man older man and the still floundering – trying to find his way younger man. It is a quiet story, full of awkwardness, doubts, body language, taking it slow, learning, family, and two men who fulfill a missing part in the other. It may not be a dynamic action novel, but it will leave you with warm fuzzies.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Dusty’s last relationship finished after five years and is happy about it. However, his sisters’ breakup is a stark reminder of the resulting loneliness. In the absence of his sister’s husband and to help connect to his niece, Dusty buys a gaming system. That’s when he meets Jason, the man with gorgeous eyes, ass, and smile, but so much younger than Dusty. Jason is pansexual. It’s the person, not gender, that attracts him. When this shy, silver fox man needs his help – more than electronics is sparked. Nevertheless, Jason doesn’t have the purse for a relationship – all his spare hours are taken up working to make ends meet.
Love Me Gently is a 205-page story that is as sweet and gentle as the title suggests.
The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Dusty and Jason. Short of the odd independent body part, with plenty of weak knees and melting, it is technically sound. Worldbuilding revolves around their apartments, work, and extended family, as does most people's real life.
Jason and Dusty work hard. Dusty is of the age where he has been through hard times and emerged on the other side, with food in the fridge and a nest egg. He’s settled, but his sister’s situation takes up much of his spare time. With tragedy in his past, Jason refuses to be a burden to anyone and therefore works super hard. All the same, his brother tries to keep a protective eye on him. Dusty and Jason’s schedules make it difficult to get together, but where love strikes…
Love Me Gently is a sweet tale of blossoming love between the shy settled man older man and the still floundering – trying to find his way younger man. It is a quiet story, full of awkwardness, doubts, body language, taking it slow, learning, family, and two men who fulfill a missing part in the other. It may not be a dynamic action novel, but it will leave you with warm fuzzies.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
June 28, 2022
Love Me Gently is a…gentle book. That’s the best way to describe it. It’s soft and sweet and all the best parts of an EM Denning book.
Dusty and Jason are two… "regular” guys. They work hard and have done their best to get where they are in life. They’re also two of the sweetest guys ever. Dusty is older, kind, and patient and allows Jason to flourish.
Jason is determined to do everything on his own, but over the course of the book, he learns that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of strength. He broke my heart because he so wanted to stand on his own two feet but every time he refused to see that asking for help wasn’t a bad thing made me want to hug him.
These two were soft and sweet. I loved them so much and the title is perfect for the characters and their relationship. They’re cautious, neither of them wanting to rush things or risk getting hurt. They fall fast and far but they don’t jump into anything. I admire them for taking their time and wanting to make sure they’re doing the right thing for them. Though I did want to shake them at one point because by taking their time they fell into a place where neither one of them wanted to rock the boat and it was almost detrimental. Though this is an EM Denning book so it didn’t last long and both of them realized they were being stupid quickly so no shaking occurred.
Love Me Gently is the type of book you read when you want a hug. It’s soft and warm and will cradle you as you read. It’s so sweet but in a soft way as opposed to sickenly sweet.
Dusty and Jason are two… "regular” guys. They work hard and have done their best to get where they are in life. They’re also two of the sweetest guys ever. Dusty is older, kind, and patient and allows Jason to flourish.
Jason is determined to do everything on his own, but over the course of the book, he learns that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of strength. He broke my heart because he so wanted to stand on his own two feet but every time he refused to see that asking for help wasn’t a bad thing made me want to hug him.
These two were soft and sweet. I loved them so much and the title is perfect for the characters and their relationship. They’re cautious, neither of them wanting to rush things or risk getting hurt. They fall fast and far but they don’t jump into anything. I admire them for taking their time and wanting to make sure they’re doing the right thing for them. Though I did want to shake them at one point because by taking their time they fell into a place where neither one of them wanted to rock the boat and it was almost detrimental. Though this is an EM Denning book so it didn’t last long and both of them realized they were being stupid quickly so no shaking occurred.
Love Me Gently is the type of book you read when you want a hug. It’s soft and warm and will cradle you as you read. It’s so sweet but in a soft way as opposed to sickenly sweet.
August 5, 2022
M/M, age-gap romance: real-life people having real-life issues
Sadly, one of the most realistic stories I have read for a very long time. I say sadly because these two wonderful guys have a rough go of it before they get to the gently loving part. If you like your M/M romance to be between two insecure but loveable men, age-gap (one of my favorites) with an HEA, try this book. It was all that and more. I should also say that the author has done a brilliant job of adding humor to the story.
Dusty Mack is a 42yo garbage worker for his city. He’s strong, protective and caring but lonely. It has been several years since he had a partner but he fills his free time taking care of his newly single sister Heather and his teenage niece Chloe. Trying to help Chloe get over the turmoil revolving around her with an absent dad and a harried mother, Dusty goes to a store to purchase a gaming system, which is Chloe’s latest addiction. At the store Dusty meets a beautiful young man Jason Robinson who is 25yo and very independent. They seem to “notice” each other immediately, so Dusty takes a chance and goes back to ask Jason out for coffee.
I loved this book because it was about two real-life blokes trying to make it in a not-always friendly world. It is not a long book at about 200 pages, but so worth the reading. I honestly recommend this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. The cover is a perfect Jason!
Sadly, one of the most realistic stories I have read for a very long time. I say sadly because these two wonderful guys have a rough go of it before they get to the gently loving part. If you like your M/M romance to be between two insecure but loveable men, age-gap (one of my favorites) with an HEA, try this book. It was all that and more. I should also say that the author has done a brilliant job of adding humor to the story.
Dusty Mack is a 42yo garbage worker for his city. He’s strong, protective and caring but lonely. It has been several years since he had a partner but he fills his free time taking care of his newly single sister Heather and his teenage niece Chloe. Trying to help Chloe get over the turmoil revolving around her with an absent dad and a harried mother, Dusty goes to a store to purchase a gaming system, which is Chloe’s latest addiction. At the store Dusty meets a beautiful young man Jason Robinson who is 25yo and very independent. They seem to “notice” each other immediately, so Dusty takes a chance and goes back to ask Jason out for coffee.
I loved this book because it was about two real-life blokes trying to make it in a not-always friendly world. It is not a long book at about 200 pages, but so worth the reading. I honestly recommend this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. The cover is a perfect Jason!
July 26, 2022
This is a soft, sweet and lovely book. Dusty is older and is also trying to help his sister who is going through a rough divorce. He hasn’t had a relationship in years and hasn’t even bothered to try. Jason is a younger man who struggles every day trying to make ends meet. He is also tired of his overbearing, much older brother. He has trouble trusting and letting anyone in. He feels like he should handle his problems on his own and anything else would be a bother to others. Watching these two fall in love was actually very peaceful. All Dusty wants to do is love Jason and help him but Jason holds everything so close to the vest. These characters were so lovable and believable. Jason broke my heart with his beliefs that he isn’t good enough and not wanting to be a burden. He almost sabotages their very stable relationship but Dusty is patient and knows what he wants. This was a nice read. I do have to say though that I don’t like Heather and Paul very much. Paul cheated on his wife and doesn’t understand why they can’t all be happy with everything. And Heather uses Dusty because she knows how caring and giving he is, but I can at least empathize with her. Paul, not so much.
August 4, 2022
A gentle story of a gentle romance between two gentle men
The title is so apt for Dusty and Jason's story. This slow burn, age gap romance really is sweet and gentle, with two men who were so deserving of being loved even though they didn't feel that to be true.
Both men would like someone to come home to but neither is very confident. They work hard in normal jobs, earning a normal wage, but a chance meeting makes them realise just how lonely they. Both have hangups from their childhood which made them into the men they are, Dusty spending only what he needs while saving money for security, Jason determined to stand on his own two feet without help or handouts. Dusty is not sure the beautiful young man would be interested in an older, soft around the middle man like him, while Jason thinks that he's not worthy of the kind and considerate Dusty, but they can't stop thinking about each other.
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder as they realise how deeply they feel, missing the other because their work schedules keep them apart. Their relationship was so lovely, watching them fall in love and find happiness together.
The epilogue was perfect, and this is perfect for anyone who needs a big book hug.
The title is so apt for Dusty and Jason's story. This slow burn, age gap romance really is sweet and gentle, with two men who were so deserving of being loved even though they didn't feel that to be true.
Both men would like someone to come home to but neither is very confident. They work hard in normal jobs, earning a normal wage, but a chance meeting makes them realise just how lonely they. Both have hangups from their childhood which made them into the men they are, Dusty spending only what he needs while saving money for security, Jason determined to stand on his own two feet without help or handouts. Dusty is not sure the beautiful young man would be interested in an older, soft around the middle man like him, while Jason thinks that he's not worthy of the kind and considerate Dusty, but they can't stop thinking about each other.
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder as they realise how deeply they feel, missing the other because their work schedules keep them apart. Their relationship was so lovely, watching them fall in love and find happiness together.
The epilogue was perfect, and this is perfect for anyone who needs a big book hug.
August 2, 2022
Love Me Gently is a sweet and easy romantic read. Dusty and Jason are perfectly suited to each other, regardless of their age difference, experience or lack of any shared interests. Dusty is adorable in his hesitance to ask Jason out, thinking he's too old or chubby but Jason was clearly interested when they first met.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the story. It gives the readers and characters a chance to get to know each other. We learn of Jason's intense stubbornness and pride which holds him back from relying on others and Dusty just wants to help any way he can but not push because that may then cause problems. They're so good together and the nerves to start with are charming, but Jason's lack of self esteem/worth may be their downfall, at least if Dusty wasn't sure he wanted him forever.
The story also has so good side characters on both sides, brother/sister, niece/nephew bringing their own mini drama and teen attitude.
Another wonderful recommended read from this author.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the story. It gives the readers and characters a chance to get to know each other. We learn of Jason's intense stubbornness and pride which holds him back from relying on others and Dusty just wants to help any way he can but not push because that may then cause problems. They're so good together and the nerves to start with are charming, but Jason's lack of self esteem/worth may be their downfall, at least if Dusty wasn't sure he wanted him forever.
The story also has so good side characters on both sides, brother/sister, niece/nephew bringing their own mini drama and teen attitude.
Another wonderful recommended read from this author.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 4, 2022
A fantastic and sweet story!
This book is amazing! The story of Dusty and Jason is one of two men at different places in their lives that find forever with each other. They meet at Jason’s job when Dusty goes to by a video gaming system to be able to help his niece through her parent’s divorce. The attraction is instant but Dusty’s a bit shy and unsure. They start out slowly but are soon spending every free moment together. Jason’s past leaves him unwilling to ask for help and this will put him in danger. Dusty will be there for him every step of the way and when Jason learns the truth about the break up of his brother, Brad’s, marriage, he realizes that maybe he isn’t the burden he thought he was and decides to try to be more willing to accept help. It will allow him and Dusty to move forward with their own happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is amazing! The story of Dusty and Jason is one of two men at different places in their lives that find forever with each other. They meet at Jason’s job when Dusty goes to by a video gaming system to be able to help his niece through her parent’s divorce. The attraction is instant but Dusty’s a bit shy and unsure. They start out slowly but are soon spending every free moment together. Jason’s past leaves him unwilling to ask for help and this will put him in danger. Dusty will be there for him every step of the way and when Jason learns the truth about the break up of his brother, Brad’s, marriage, he realizes that maybe he isn’t the burden he thought he was and decides to try to be more willing to accept help. It will allow him and Dusty to move forward with their own happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 1, 2022
A very sweet read about two men who find each other and take each other completely by surprise.
Dusty has been on his own for awhile. He has his job, his sister, and his niece, and his best friend. He doesn’t necessarily want to be alone, but he’s not dated much and struggles to find the motivation. Until he meets a beautiful man, then he’d like to figure it out.
Jason has always scraped by and made ends meet. He may not love his job or his apartment, but they’re his. He’s dated here and there but nothing serious. Until he meets a silver fox at work, then he’d like to try.
Dusty struggles with not wanting to rock the boat, and Jason has trouble saying when he needs help. They really try to understand each other, but they are two stubborn men! But when they finally get it right, they get it very right.
This was very sweet and sexy, and the romance is really lovely!
Dusty has been on his own for awhile. He has his job, his sister, and his niece, and his best friend. He doesn’t necessarily want to be alone, but he’s not dated much and struggles to find the motivation. Until he meets a beautiful man, then he’d like to figure it out.
Jason has always scraped by and made ends meet. He may not love his job or his apartment, but they’re his. He’s dated here and there but nothing serious. Until he meets a silver fox at work, then he’d like to try.
Dusty struggles with not wanting to rock the boat, and Jason has trouble saying when he needs help. They really try to understand each other, but they are two stubborn men! But when they finally get it right, they get it very right.
This was very sweet and sexy, and the romance is really lovely!
August 3, 2022
The title of this book is absolutely fitting— this is a beautifully gentle age-gap love story between two characters who can absolutely make each other’s lives better, if they only let themselves get out of their own way. Both Dusty and Jason have ordinary lives, with pressures from work and/or family. Dusty prioritizes maintaining the status quo at the expense of his own happiness; Jason so badly wants to make things better but can’t bring himself to ask for the help he needs. It’s an unsustainable dilemma, and watching them gradually and carefully realize and work through it to reach each other makes for a really rewarding read. I definitely wanted to hug them both, multiple times, over the course of the story, and I challenge anyone not to be deeply invested in their happiness by the end of it. Well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 7, 2022
Families and friends can challenge, love provides a good shield. Dusty and Jason, are two men who take on burdens that aren't their own, but feel obligated to shoulder them anyway. Dusty's sister, Heather is done wrong by her ex, Paul. Dusty is providing the best of sibling support and helping his niece, Chloe. Jason, is a sales associate who spots Dusty shopping for his niece. Jason, was admiring the silver fox who was trying his best to show his niece some love. These two, complimented each other like grilled cheese and tomato soup! They were what each other needed to bring out the best in themselves. The journey to getting to know themselves and each other and finding their balance is sweet. Interesting siblings, nice characters and good storyline flow. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2023
Dusty and Jason meet at an electronics store where Dusty is looking for a video game system. Jason is the salesperson who helps him. The two guys are checking each other out but Dusty and Jason have significant issues. Jason is struggling and does not want to ask for help. Dusty, who is about 20 years older than Jason, is slightly more put together, but seems to have self-esteem issues, particularly as it relates to his chances with Jason. While I liked the MCs, their constant worry about whether each is good enough for the other grew tiresome. The lack of communication, especially on Jason's part, was frustrating too. There were elements of sweetness but that was buried under schmaltzy writing.The secondary characters were annoying too. Dusty's sister, Heather was buried in her own mess making it difficult for Dusty to live his life. Jason's brother, Brad was controlling which made him unlikeable. So not a wonderful read.
July 10, 2022
This is a really sweet age gap opposites attract book with 2 wonderful MC's. Both Jason and Dusty are lonely and hoping for a long term relationship without really expecting to get one. Dusty because he is getting older and works long hours, and Jason because he feels he doesn't deserve one due to dropping out of high school and working a low pay job. They meet when Dusty comes to Jason's place of work to buy a gaming system to play with his niece and later goes back to ask Jason out. This is a slow burn romance with each character finally realizing they deserve to be loved for who they are. Jason also has to learn that asking for and accepting help does not make hi a burden. It's a lovely read that leaves you with a smile on your face.
August 4, 2022
Love Me Gently is a gentle, slow burn, age-gap love story between Dusty a forty-two year old trash collector and Jason, a twenty-five year old retail worker.
Dusty has been on his own for quite awhile and is out of practice at dating. Jason has been on his own since he was seventeen and is barely able to pay his bills. I appreciated that the story focused on two ordinary men and the struggles that came with their lives.
Neither MC was perfect and while I wished they would have communicated more while they were getting to know each other, the love they had for each other was evident. This book was sweet with a little bit of angst thrown in to keep it interesting. I was happy to see that Dusty and Jason both got the happy ending they deserved.
Dusty has been on his own for quite awhile and is out of practice at dating. Jason has been on his own since he was seventeen and is barely able to pay his bills. I appreciated that the story focused on two ordinary men and the struggles that came with their lives.
Neither MC was perfect and while I wished they would have communicated more while they were getting to know each other, the love they had for each other was evident. This book was sweet with a little bit of angst thrown in to keep it interesting. I was happy to see that Dusty and Jason both got the happy ending they deserved.
August 5, 2022
All the way through reading, I was singing "Love me gently, love me slow" to the tune of "Love me Tender, Love me Sweet" and found it so fitting for this book.
Jason is a salesperson struggling with life and being able to keep his head above water financially. He is able to help Dusty with a purchase of video games and necessities to set up for Dusty's niece, Chloe. Dusty doubts his attraction to Jason, especially because of the age gap.
Jason tugged at my heartstrings as I was reared believing if you didn't have the money, you went without. Not always a wise decision if it affects your health.
Another winner from this author and a wise selection on the cover.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Jason is a salesperson struggling with life and being able to keep his head above water financially. He is able to help Dusty with a purchase of video games and necessities to set up for Dusty's niece, Chloe. Dusty doubts his attraction to Jason, especially because of the age gap.
Jason tugged at my heartstrings as I was reared believing if you didn't have the money, you went without. Not always a wise decision if it affects your health.
Another winner from this author and a wise selection on the cover.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
July 26, 2022
A bit of an age difference but not so much that it was awkward. Dusty and Jason fit well together. They both had some baggage, both had some family issues but both were moving forward and when they came together life just made more sense. Some drama on both sides juice up the story some, but the romance aspect was pretty sweet and, aside from the blip of a hospital stay, these two had a fast paced, low drama love story. The world around them had some chaos but they were solid. They were easy to like and yes, rooting for their success was easy, too. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
August 3, 2022
My Heart! These two guys were complete and utter sweethearts! Just two ordinary guys at a slightly different stage in their lives but both lonely and unsure. In most books I am usually more wrapped up in one of the guys finally finding love and security, but here I was totally balanced with the intense need for Dusty and Jason to take care of each other and love each other! To both be treated the way they deserved to be! I read and an arc, and besides wanting Dusty's sister to go away I loved every second. It was truly heartwarming!
August 3, 2022
Every once in awhile you come across a romance book written not with fairy tale love, but real life love, complete with real life problems. Dusty and Jason's story is one of those and I was so happy to read it. Two hardworking, real life men who meet and the interest sparks. There is real struggle with lining up their wants and needs and communication issues. In the end their love gets them through it and they come out the other side stronger and together. A true love story that most of us can only hope happens.
August 3, 2022
Dusty, a garbage man, has not dated much and is an awkward dater. Jason met Dusty at a department store he works in and is young and insecure. Both fell hard for each other but want to take it slowly to adjust. This book made me sad often as Dusty can't express himself well emotionally and Jason suppresses his feelings and hides truths. They need each other but take it so slowly they almost lose each other. This book will make you feel even if its their hesitations and their eventual happiness. I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
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