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Beyond Courtship #1
No Brief Affair
It’s worth fighting for the love of a lifetime.
Liam Macadam is a twenty-two-year-old recent college graduate starting law school. He’s a man with a broken heart who is wondering if the best answer might be working 24/7 and having anonymous hookups to keep him sane.
John Lawrence is a forty-year-old former music professor who is attending law school to fulfill a longtime dream. His sixteen-year relationship is over, and John wonders if the opportunity for love has passed him by.
When Liam and John meet on the first day of school, sparks fly and imaginations go wild. They fall in love quickly and realize that they’re meant for each other. Then someone interferes, and things go terribly wrong. Old fears surface, one of the men leaves, and the other goes after him. Will a transatlantic chase be enough to restore their love of a lifetime?
This sizzling tale is chock-full of flirtation, romance, angst, and adventure—not to mention plenty of steam and a very happy ending.
Liam Macadam is a twenty-two-year-old recent college graduate starting law school. He’s a man with a broken heart who is wondering if the best answer might be working 24/7 and having anonymous hookups to keep him sane.
John Lawrence is a forty-year-old former music professor who is attending law school to fulfill a longtime dream. His sixteen-year relationship is over, and John wonders if the opportunity for love has passed him by.
When Liam and John meet on the first day of school, sparks fly and imaginations go wild. They fall in love quickly and realize that they’re meant for each other. Then someone interferes, and things go terribly wrong. Old fears surface, one of the men leaves, and the other goes after him. Will a transatlantic chase be enough to restore their love of a lifetime?
This sizzling tale is chock-full of flirtation, romance, angst, and adventure—not to mention plenty of steam and a very happy ending.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2018
115 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 4, 2020
* I tried, I really did, but I seem to be IN THE MINORITY HERE. I did not like the characters, their childish talk, the self-made confusions, and delays in getting together. Neither man sounded like an adult.
It was long, drawn out, and flat. John is forty and is afraid to have sex, with someone he thinks he loves?!
Liam is a horny kidlike character. I got to 30%, and just couldn't stay interested. I jumped ahead and it was the same flatness, and indecision.
I hate giving negative reviews, but I will here.
Ryan Taylor is usually a inta-click for me, so I'm sorry.
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It was long, drawn out, and flat. John is forty and is afraid to have sex, with someone he thinks he loves?!
Liam is a horny kidlike character. I got to 30%, and just couldn't stay interested. I jumped ahead and it was the same flatness, and indecision.
I hate giving negative reviews, but I will here.
Ryan Taylor is usually a inta-click for me, so I'm sorry.
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January 1, 2019
I really liked this book. I thought the story was very interesting and the characters were amazingly real. I've read quite a few gay romance books and this one is atypical because the characters are so deep and the story has a lot of fascinating aspects you don’t usually find in a normal romance novel.
Writing-wise, it is very well done. I teach English and social studies, so I’m particular. The exposition and narration are well-executed, and sometimes even masterful. I loved the two distinct voices the main characters, Liam and John, bring to the writing. It’s not one nameless narrator talking in a lowest common denominator voice, which is very refreshing. The dialogue reflects the different backgrounds of the characters, one older and one younger, so of course they sound different. I read that the two authors are husbands in real life, so I wonder how much of their own personalities they put into it.
The bottom line is that this is an amazing book and I can’t wait to see what comes next from these writers.
Writing-wise, it is very well done. I teach English and social studies, so I’m particular. The exposition and narration are well-executed, and sometimes even masterful. I loved the two distinct voices the main characters, Liam and John, bring to the writing. It’s not one nameless narrator talking in a lowest common denominator voice, which is very refreshing. The dialogue reflects the different backgrounds of the characters, one older and one younger, so of course they sound different. I read that the two authors are husbands in real life, so I wonder how much of their own personalities they put into it.
The bottom line is that this is an amazing book and I can’t wait to see what comes next from these writers.
January 18, 2019
I was exhausted. I was struggled with this book. This is a new to me author, and I had to adjust with the writing. It's too much telling, and the pet names (punkins, sugar plum) irked me a lot.
Not to mention, that John was hard to like. And Liam was about "I'm at your service" all the time for John.
Also, the cheating annoyed me so much. Sure John and his partner's relationship died years ago, but they're still living together, and that's a relationship to me, despite of whatever bad his partner was, it's still counted as cheating.
Sure John cheated on Thorne with Liam the other MC, but still, cheating is cheating.
I didn't like the writing style, I skimmed it a lot. And the drama! And their annoying friends especially Jess! Grrr!
This book was not good for my blood pressure. I almost dnf this, but I think skimming is more responsible. LOL.
Definitely not my cup of à tea.
Full review soon.
*I received the ARC for an honest review*
Not to mention, that John was hard to like. And Liam was about "I'm at your service" all the time for John.
Also, the cheating annoyed me so much. Sure John and his partner's relationship died years ago, but they're still living together, and that's a relationship to me, despite of whatever bad his partner was, it's still counted as cheating.
Sure John cheated on Thorne with Liam the other MC, but still, cheating is cheating.
I didn't like the writing style, I skimmed it a lot. And the drama! And their annoying friends especially Jess! Grrr!
This book was not good for my blood pressure. I almost dnf this, but I think skimming is more responsible. LOL.
Definitely not my cup of à tea.
Full review soon.
*I received the ARC for an honest review*
December 30, 2018
I’m almost at the point where I’m ready a avoid ALL kindle unlimited books by authors unknown to me. Anyone can publish anything there and this book is a prime example of that. This was terrible. The stiff, stilted dialog made me cringe. Literally no one speaks like that. And I like endearments, but I hated the overuse of “punkin” as a pet name. It appeared in the book 292 times. TWO HUNDRED NINETY-TWO. Sweetheart was also annoyingly repetitive.
Anyway, the weird writing was the main reason I disliked this.
Anyway, the weird writing was the main reason I disliked this.
January 20, 2019
Stay away from this book. No plot, stupid characters, unnecessary drama lama
December 28, 2018
This is a great book about two men who find each other and work hard to overcome obstacles and create a life together. It's got a little of everything, including romance, wit, worry, heartbreak, and - most of all - lots of joy. It is quite un-formulaic, in the best possible way.
The characters come across as very authentic people, and you learn a lot about what makes them tick. It's fun to be there for their first meeting, then navigate with them through their initial courtship and missteps. Then, just when you think everything is okay...... Well, all I can say is get ready for a ride, and you won't be sorry. Believe me, you'll be happy you read every word!
The characters come across as very authentic people, and you learn a lot about what makes them tick. It's fun to be there for their first meeting, then navigate with them through their initial courtship and missteps. Then, just when you think everything is okay...... Well, all I can say is get ready for a ride, and you won't be sorry. Believe me, you'll be happy you read every word!
January 2, 2019
Definitely not your usual M/M fiction! It's literate and engaging. Can't decide if it's a romance novel or a novel with a romance. But, in any case, the authors have written fully-fleshed characters trying to overcome obstacles to their partnership.
The settings are believable, even if you've never been to law school (I haven't). European adventures are a perfect setting as the story unfolds. Read this book!
The settings are believable, even if you've never been to law school (I haven't). European adventures are a perfect setting as the story unfolds. Read this book!
March 21, 2024
Love Love Love this book!
These authors have quickly become one of my fav authors! I will automatically read anything they write. The love they are able to portray with their characters and their stories is like none other! In this book, I fell hard for the instalove between John and Liam. I hurt and cried with them as well as felt the love they had for each other with each carefully written word. I lost sleep reading this book because I just had to keep turning to pages to find out what happened. Such a great read! On to book two for this gal!
These authors have quickly become one of my fav authors! I will automatically read anything they write. The love they are able to portray with their characters and their stories is like none other! In this book, I fell hard for the instalove between John and Liam. I hurt and cried with them as well as felt the love they had for each other with each carefully written word. I lost sleep reading this book because I just had to keep turning to pages to find out what happened. Such a great read! On to book two for this gal!
January 11, 2024
Age Gap Law Students
I loved the first half of this story, it was so good, the meeting between Liam and John. Dazzled by each other on first glance. Sure John had been in a relationship he was trying to get free of, but they were getting there, and studying hard in their first year at Law School.
John was a Professor of Music and taught at a prestigious College, but wanted a change so he was a mature student, while Liam was in his early twenties.
Both of them had relationship baggage but were helping each other deal with it. I was rooting for both of them and liked both characters. Inevitably it was all going too well too fast.
John’s confidence had been shattered in his previous relationship and at the first hurdle with Liam, he bolted. Then I got really mad with John and how he handled the first glitch in their relationship.
***********************
From the moment they saw each other at Class Registration in Law School, Liam and John were smitten. Initially John was worried that he was nearly 40 and Liam was only 22. However, Liam wouldn’t listen to that argument and hung on for dear life.
John was in the process of untangling himself from a 16 year relationship with Thorne. For the past 4 years his soon to be ex, was avoiding him and there had been no intimacy between them. Always giving excuses for being late home, or having to be away for work etc.
The final parting was really nasty. From there on John and Liam relationship became much closer. Up to then, John’s was reluctant to become physical until he was free of Thorne. He didn’t want him to have ammunition in their separation.
All was going well for a few months until an old college friend of Liam’s visited unexpectedly, while John was away at a funeral in his hometown.
Misunderstandings, interference from friends, and lack of trust and it all came tumbling down.
One guy moves out and disappears, the other ends up in hospital. How could such a loving and caring couple accept this without fighting for each other.
*******************
I’ve already read a few of Ryan and Joshua’s books, and enjoyed all of them. They sure have a knack for writing steamy stories for their MC’s. ‘No Brief Affair’ is a perfect example of their skills.
Loved this one, great supportive family as side characters, wasn’t sure whether a best friend was really a bestie at one point. But there is a HEA.
I loved the first half of this story, it was so good, the meeting between Liam and John. Dazzled by each other on first glance. Sure John had been in a relationship he was trying to get free of, but they were getting there, and studying hard in their first year at Law School.
John was a Professor of Music and taught at a prestigious College, but wanted a change so he was a mature student, while Liam was in his early twenties.
Both of them had relationship baggage but were helping each other deal with it. I was rooting for both of them and liked both characters. Inevitably it was all going too well too fast.
John’s confidence had been shattered in his previous relationship and at the first hurdle with Liam, he bolted. Then I got really mad with John and how he handled the first glitch in their relationship.
***********************
From the moment they saw each other at Class Registration in Law School, Liam and John were smitten. Initially John was worried that he was nearly 40 and Liam was only 22. However, Liam wouldn’t listen to that argument and hung on for dear life.
John was in the process of untangling himself from a 16 year relationship with Thorne. For the past 4 years his soon to be ex, was avoiding him and there had been no intimacy between them. Always giving excuses for being late home, or having to be away for work etc.
The final parting was really nasty. From there on John and Liam relationship became much closer. Up to then, John’s was reluctant to become physical until he was free of Thorne. He didn’t want him to have ammunition in their separation.
All was going well for a few months until an old college friend of Liam’s visited unexpectedly, while John was away at a funeral in his hometown.
Misunderstandings, interference from friends, and lack of trust and it all came tumbling down.
One guy moves out and disappears, the other ends up in hospital. How could such a loving and caring couple accept this without fighting for each other.
*******************
I’ve already read a few of Ryan and Joshua’s books, and enjoyed all of them. They sure have a knack for writing steamy stories for their MC’s. ‘No Brief Affair’ is a perfect example of their skills.
Loved this one, great supportive family as side characters, wasn’t sure whether a best friend was really a bestie at one point. But there is a HEA.
October 8, 2019
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood. An amazingly talented team who have written a book I found riveting and exceptionally well written. No Brief Affair (Courtship Book 1). A book close to my heart because I'm the younger guy in my marriage.
The quote, at the beginning of the book, sums up the entire experience for me; “Where true love burns Desire is love’s pure flame…” Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
According to Coleridge, Love comes from the soul and it is a spiritual connection with another human being. The Desire is the symbol by which a person can express their Love. And indeed the purest love cannot be separated from lust.
For Liam, Desire is John, the older, wiser man that almost stops Liam’s heart when he first holds him in his sight. Both are law students, both are extremely intelligent. And both ooze sexual integrity. This is a love story that needed to be told. It’s a one night stand. I read it in one sitting, throughout the night. A one night stand it may be, but the love between Liam and John is definitely not a one nighter. One wonders, throughout the beginning and middle of the story, whether the HEA is achievable; I really wanted to inflict grievous bodily harm on John William Lawrence because of his mood swings. And rightly so. He doesn’t come without baggage, and as readers we love characters with baggage.
And then something happened: Liam. His psyche is way beyond his years. I was in tears several times during this journey because the events that unfold are totally believable. Angst. Tears. A continuous lump in my throat. My mind shouted, it calmed down, it shouted again. Every page slapped me in the face. From The US to Europe all I could do was cheer him on.
And it was like that throughout the entire, incredibly beautiful story.
The message it imparts is as clear as water on glass: Never ever give up on the one you love. Never. When you find that special person, give everything you have, don't keep anything back.
Three weeks after I promised to post a review, I simply had to reread this incredible story to verify my initial feelings. And for the second time around, this story leaves me breathless.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly and it thoroughly deserves five stars.
The quote, at the beginning of the book, sums up the entire experience for me; “Where true love burns Desire is love’s pure flame…” Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
According to Coleridge, Love comes from the soul and it is a spiritual connection with another human being. The Desire is the symbol by which a person can express their Love. And indeed the purest love cannot be separated from lust.
For Liam, Desire is John, the older, wiser man that almost stops Liam’s heart when he first holds him in his sight. Both are law students, both are extremely intelligent. And both ooze sexual integrity. This is a love story that needed to be told. It’s a one night stand. I read it in one sitting, throughout the night. A one night stand it may be, but the love between Liam and John is definitely not a one nighter. One wonders, throughout the beginning and middle of the story, whether the HEA is achievable; I really wanted to inflict grievous bodily harm on John William Lawrence because of his mood swings. And rightly so. He doesn’t come without baggage, and as readers we love characters with baggage.
And then something happened: Liam. His psyche is way beyond his years. I was in tears several times during this journey because the events that unfold are totally believable. Angst. Tears. A continuous lump in my throat. My mind shouted, it calmed down, it shouted again. Every page slapped me in the face. From The US to Europe all I could do was cheer him on.
And it was like that throughout the entire, incredibly beautiful story.
The message it imparts is as clear as water on glass: Never ever give up on the one you love. Never. When you find that special person, give everything you have, don't keep anything back.
Three weeks after I promised to post a review, I simply had to reread this incredible story to verify my initial feelings. And for the second time around, this story leaves me breathless.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly and it thoroughly deserves five stars.
June 14, 2019
This was exhausting to read. Overused exclamation points, pet names, lack of plot, annoying characters. I can't even say how many times I contemplated not finishing.
dnf
June 30, 2019I likw the set up but the writing is unbearable.
May 20, 2022
Great love story
A lot of bumps along the way, but had a wonderful ending. I enjoyed their story and felt all of the emotions that were written so well.
A lot of bumps along the way, but had a wonderful ending. I enjoyed their story and felt all of the emotions that were written so well.
December 13, 2019
The blurb was very promising, two law students meeting a falling in love despite the big age difference.
In reality the law school is barely nominated, they could have gone to med or another uni for all the importance it got.
John is 40 but often acts like a hormonal teenager, acting before thinking and without listening to anyone. There are also a lot of wetting eyes and copious tears ( don't get me wrong, I love a strong man who can cry without shame but too much is too much).
It was instant love, then hate for a while then love forever, like let's get married forever, even for Liam who is just 22 and have little experience with relationships.
Liam is said to be depressed because of tragedies which are not explained at all which is a pity since it would have been interesting to understand him better.
The are parts just made to shock and create drama that are unfortunately way over the top.
In conclusion the story could have been a good romance, sweet and pleasant but it results slow and way too long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In reality the law school is barely nominated, they could have gone to med or another uni for all the importance it got.
John is 40 but often acts like a hormonal teenager, acting before thinking and without listening to anyone. There are also a lot of wetting eyes and copious tears ( don't get me wrong, I love a strong man who can cry without shame but too much is too much).
It was instant love, then hate for a while then love forever, like let's get married forever, even for Liam who is just 22 and have little experience with relationships.
Liam is said to be depressed because of tragedies which are not explained at all which is a pity since it would have been interesting to understand him better.
The are parts just made to shock and create drama that are unfortunately way over the top.
In conclusion the story could have been a good romance, sweet and pleasant but it results slow and way too long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2024
The pacing was weird and the plot was aggravating. I want to bitch slap Jess. Trigger warnings for suicide and cheating scandal. For John being older by 18 years, he acts like the younger of the couple.
January 16, 2019
So, I will admit that I struggled with this book. I found it hard to connect with the characters and wasn't necessarily feeling the connection between Liam and John.
I love the premise of may/december, it's become one of my go to tropes in the past year and this book does it very well with twenty two year old Liam and John in his early forties, Liam straight from college into Law school and John on a sabbatical from teaching music. Both at different stages in their life, though both have experienced love, loss and hurt but in different ways. They are different men but they work well together. The friends and family that are included in the story bring great support for both men. I especially enjoyed the time they spent with Liam's family with them being so welcoming to John. The plot of the story is interesting and appealing in places, pulling me in when events happened and were engaging but then at others I found it a bit slow paced for me.
One thing I found really helpful was the glossary at the beginning with the law school terms and explanations of what they mean. I would have been lost otherwise!
One of the most annoying things, which has been noted by another reviewer, was the excessive use of pet names, and definitely one in particular. I am all for endearments, but one nearly every other sentence was a little much and I found it a slightly weird name for an older man from a younger man.
I will always encourage people to try a book as everyone enjoys different things but this one didn't really work out for me.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I love the premise of may/december, it's become one of my go to tropes in the past year and this book does it very well with twenty two year old Liam and John in his early forties, Liam straight from college into Law school and John on a sabbatical from teaching music. Both at different stages in their life, though both have experienced love, loss and hurt but in different ways. They are different men but they work well together. The friends and family that are included in the story bring great support for both men. I especially enjoyed the time they spent with Liam's family with them being so welcoming to John. The plot of the story is interesting and appealing in places, pulling me in when events happened and were engaging but then at others I found it a bit slow paced for me.
One thing I found really helpful was the glossary at the beginning with the law school terms and explanations of what they mean. I would have been lost otherwise!
One of the most annoying things, which has been noted by another reviewer, was the excessive use of pet names, and definitely one in particular. I am all for endearments, but one nearly every other sentence was a little much and I found it a slightly weird name for an older man from a younger man.
I will always encourage people to try a book as everyone enjoys different things but this one didn't really work out for me.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 24, 2022
I read their hockey series and really enjoyed it so I jumped into this one without reading reviews and I really wish I had. A day I won't be getting back. I read the first two chapters heartily before giving up and skimming my way through the rest.
John behaves like a whiny teenager the majority of the book despite being 40 and 23 year old Liam seems to have waaaay more emotional maturity than him. Yes, John we get it, your relationship with Thorne was terrible and everything but why does Liam have to pay that price by running from and refusing to listen to him after ONE perceived issue but you you quite easily put up with Thorne's BS for 16 years when you had actual proof of that? The drama that pulls them apart could have easily been avoided with one freaking conversation. Books that use a character's refusal to listen to reason and just have a single conversation with their bf/gf really grinds me gears. These 2 men get put through so much, Liam especially due to stubbornness and a childish level of avoidance by John. Liam always seems to be bending over backwards for John to make him happy and John just happily takes without giving half as much back. John is spoiled, and not in a cute way. And don't even get me started on Michael and Jess, most especially Jess. You both say you're friends with both and won't take sides and then all you do is take John's side and hide extremely important information from him which would exonerate Liam. I would be done with all 3 of them if I was him. (I have no love for John in case you couldn't tell lol) Liam deserved soooo much better.
John behaves like a whiny teenager the majority of the book despite being 40 and 23 year old Liam seems to have waaaay more emotional maturity than him. Yes, John we get it, your relationship with Thorne was terrible and everything but why does Liam have to pay that price by running from and refusing to listen to him after ONE perceived issue but you you quite easily put up with Thorne's BS for 16 years when you had actual proof of that? The drama that pulls them apart could have easily been avoided with one freaking conversation. Books that use a character's refusal to listen to reason and just have a single conversation with their bf/gf really grinds me gears. These 2 men get put through so much, Liam especially due to stubbornness and a childish level of avoidance by John. Liam always seems to be bending over backwards for John to make him happy and John just happily takes without giving half as much back. John is spoiled, and not in a cute way. And don't even get me started on Michael and Jess, most especially Jess. You both say you're friends with both and won't take sides and then all you do is take John's side and hide extremely important information from him which would exonerate Liam. I would be done with all 3 of them if I was him. (I have no love for John in case you couldn't tell lol) Liam deserved soooo much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
It was okay until John treated Liam like crap. Honestly I wasn’t a big fan of Jess either. They both accused Liam of cheating (which it did look bad so I can understand the initial response), but neither one responded or apologized when they found out they were wrong. In fact, Jess encouraged John NOT to let Liam know that he knew the truth. 😳 Jess and Michael had no right to help John flee the country and keep that from Liam. They said they were friends of both Liam and John but really only supported John. I’m not sure how Liam could be friendly with them after that.
And really, John? He was supposedly 40 years old, yet he acted like a teenager in his first relationship. Not calling after learning that Liam had overdosed and was in the hospital? Not giving Liam a chance to talk to him before selling everything and moving to another country? Blocking his emails? And considering moving on with Dominic 2 MONTHS after his heart was broken by the “love of his life”? Oh, and I also forgot how John was going to ignore Liam when he followed him to Prague AFTER he knew that Liam never ever cheated. What right did John have to deny Liam his right to speak knowing what he did? Liam deserved better than this.
Honestly, this book made me angry on Liam’s behalf. No one was there for him (well except for Dean Mann later). Even his family was like: You should make this right. WTF?? 😡 How can you make it right when the other person will not allow you to speak? Guess I’m still a little upset about this book 😂
And really, John? He was supposedly 40 years old, yet he acted like a teenager in his first relationship. Not calling after learning that Liam had overdosed and was in the hospital? Not giving Liam a chance to talk to him before selling everything and moving to another country? Blocking his emails? And considering moving on with Dominic 2 MONTHS after his heart was broken by the “love of his life”? Oh, and I also forgot how John was going to ignore Liam when he followed him to Prague AFTER he knew that Liam never ever cheated. What right did John have to deny Liam his right to speak knowing what he did? Liam deserved better than this.
Honestly, this book made me angry on Liam’s behalf. No one was there for him (well except for Dean Mann later). Even his family was like: You should make this right. WTF?? 😡 How can you make it right when the other person will not allow you to speak? Guess I’m still a little upset about this book 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
Punkin and Sugar plum
First impression is how great this written by a real life couple about a couple. That amps up the sweetness factor and adds authenticity as well. As to the review....I loved the first half...it was slice of life with 2 guys falling I love. Then...the misunderstanding, lack of communication, and break up/separation. It was out of character for 2 men so supposedly in love and committed to each other. John totally lost me...he was over the top, self-absorbed, and callous. He did nothing even when he learned of Liam's very serious crisis and did nothing when he learned the truth of what happened. It was almost a DNF at that point. Liam deserved someone that would try as hard as he did...a true equal but John was still wrapped up in hurt from a previous relationship and did nothing. Secondary characters were great but their role surprised me...they facilitated getting the guys together after the first roadblock John put up. They supported and befriended both guys...but did nothing to help Liam even though they knew the truth. They wouldn't tell Liam where John went but told John all about Liam's hospitalization without giving John a kick in the butt to get over himself and fix the mess??? Again John did NOTHING it was all Liam. I'm glad I did finish, nice HEA but I'm done with this couple.
First impression is how great this written by a real life couple about a couple. That amps up the sweetness factor and adds authenticity as well. As to the review....I loved the first half...it was slice of life with 2 guys falling I love. Then...the misunderstanding, lack of communication, and break up/separation. It was out of character for 2 men so supposedly in love and committed to each other. John totally lost me...he was over the top, self-absorbed, and callous. He did nothing even when he learned of Liam's very serious crisis and did nothing when he learned the truth of what happened. It was almost a DNF at that point. Liam deserved someone that would try as hard as he did...a true equal but John was still wrapped up in hurt from a previous relationship and did nothing. Secondary characters were great but their role surprised me...they facilitated getting the guys together after the first roadblock John put up. They supported and befriended both guys...but did nothing to help Liam even though they knew the truth. They wouldn't tell Liam where John went but told John all about Liam's hospitalization without giving John a kick in the butt to get over himself and fix the mess??? Again John did NOTHING it was all Liam. I'm glad I did finish, nice HEA but I'm done with this couple.
September 25, 2022
Long, Flat, Drama-filled, and Rediculous
I don't think this book had to be nearly as long as it was. It just went ON AND ON AND ON... Ihad to skim large swaths because I just didn't CARE.
Liam was the only saving grace and I felt like he was at times the rediculous male version of Bella from Twilight... "I can't survive without him... he's the only one for me" blah blah blah...
John was suppoed to be 40, but read like he was 13. He basically waits until almost 40% of the way through before finally ending it with his partner of 16 years. That's still cheating guys.
Then there was the whole "misunderstanding". Dude, you were technically with another man for 40% of this freaking book and you are too much of a cowardly, childish, ninny to LISTEN and COMMUNICATE like a freaking adult?!?!?
Don't get me started on the "best friends" Jess and Michael. With friends like those, who needs enemies?? Seriously. If a "friend" of mine withheld that kind of information and tried to manipulate my life like that, I would cut them out of my life so fast, whiplash would be involved.
Liam deserved so much better than what he got. We as readers probably deserved more than this flat, drawn out, teenager-angst riddled story too. Second book in the series won't be read any time soon.
My reviews are my opinions, it's cool if you agree and it's also cool if you don't.
I don't think this book had to be nearly as long as it was. It just went ON AND ON AND ON... Ihad to skim large swaths because I just didn't CARE.
Liam was the only saving grace and I felt like he was at times the rediculous male version of Bella from Twilight... "I can't survive without him... he's the only one for me" blah blah blah...
John was suppoed to be 40, but read like he was 13. He basically waits until almost 40% of the way through before finally ending it with his partner of 16 years. That's still cheating guys.
Then there was the whole "misunderstanding". Dude, you were technically with another man for 40% of this freaking book and you are too much of a cowardly, childish, ninny to LISTEN and COMMUNICATE like a freaking adult?!?!?
Don't get me started on the "best friends" Jess and Michael. With friends like those, who needs enemies?? Seriously. If a "friend" of mine withheld that kind of information and tried to manipulate my life like that, I would cut them out of my life so fast, whiplash would be involved.
Liam deserved so much better than what he got. We as readers probably deserved more than this flat, drawn out, teenager-angst riddled story too. Second book in the series won't be read any time soon.
My reviews are my opinions, it's cool if you agree and it's also cool if you don't.
December 14, 2019
This is a beautiful, wonderfully written may/dec story of two law school students finding love with each other. Their journey took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. If you're like me you my need to keep the tissues handy.
My review contains *Spoilers*.
I love how the chemistry is so apparent from the first time Liam and John meet in class. I love how their friends help in bringing them together. But later I don't like how those same friends help in keeping them apart.
I love Liam's commitment to John from the very beginning, even when John wanted to take things slow as he figured out how to get out of his toxic relationship with Thorne.
In just a short few months Liam and John fall in love and then their trust for each other is tested. When John feels betrayed he up and leaves the country. Liam finds the courage within himself to go after his love and restore their trust. Together they find a way to move forward.
This story reminds me how important communication is and that some things are worth fighting for. I look forward to reading more about Liam and John and highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My review contains *Spoilers*.
I love how the chemistry is so apparent from the first time Liam and John meet in class. I love how their friends help in bringing them together. But later I don't like how those same friends help in keeping them apart.
I love Liam's commitment to John from the very beginning, even when John wanted to take things slow as he figured out how to get out of his toxic relationship with Thorne.
In just a short few months Liam and John fall in love and then their trust for each other is tested. When John feels betrayed he up and leaves the country. Liam finds the courage within himself to go after his love and restore their trust. Together they find a way to move forward.
This story reminds me how important communication is and that some things are worth fighting for. I look forward to reading more about Liam and John and highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2019
The pressure! How to lose a guy and get him back! Liam, 22 just starting law school. He intends to keep walls around his heart and indult in anonymous sex. His broken heart is 'heavy' baggage! John, 40 is starting entering law school starting on a new second career. They meet, fall in love and start a relationship. That was the easy part! Law school is difficult enough, try navigating a May/Dec relationship with ex baggage, insecurity baggage, supportive/interfering friends baggage, miscommunication baggage and self reflection baggage. Lots of luggage to drag around. Can they put any down before it's too late? Can they keep their eyes on their prizes? Can they find a way to grow up and talk to each other? Great story. An emotional hand wringer! The author does an excellent job bringing you into the essence of this relationship. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2019
Sexy and Romantic
This story of two men who share undeniable love but have many obstacles in their path is an engaging read. They deal with a nearly twenty-year age difference, past lovers, misunderstandings and trust issues. The support of loving family and friends help them overcome their problems and find what they always wanted.
The writing is very good. I've gotten tired of characters who are always running their fingers through their hair or rubbing their faces when things get tough. This book largely avoids those cliches and is better for it.
My only complaint is that things get "cutesy" a lot, which I found irritating. It bothered me that a forty -year old man constantly referred to his lover as "sugar plum" while his twenty-something partner called him "punkin'." This is a matter of taste, but for me it made my teeth hurt.
This story of two men who share undeniable love but have many obstacles in their path is an engaging read. They deal with a nearly twenty-year age difference, past lovers, misunderstandings and trust issues. The support of loving family and friends help them overcome their problems and find what they always wanted.
The writing is very good. I've gotten tired of characters who are always running their fingers through their hair or rubbing their faces when things get tough. This book largely avoids those cliches and is better for it.
My only complaint is that things get "cutesy" a lot, which I found irritating. It bothered me that a forty -year old man constantly referred to his lover as "sugar plum" while his twenty-something partner called him "punkin'." This is a matter of taste, but for me it made my teeth hurt.
January 14, 2019
No Brief Affair is a contemporary M/M romance by Ryan Taylor snd Jodhua Harwood. It involves a May/December relationship between a young college student Liam and an older law student John. It is a beautiful journey through the good times and the bad, the heartbreaks and the makeups... the finding love and doing everything you can to keep it.
I loved this touching story that makes you feel all the emotions. There are some angsty bits, adorable flirtation, aggravating misunderstandings, steamy sexytimes, and a beautiful romance between two men that make you root for them. John and Liam are likeable and relateable. Their story made me need to see them get a HEA. Its a satisfying read and I definitely recommend it.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I loved this touching story that makes you feel all the emotions. There are some angsty bits, adorable flirtation, aggravating misunderstandings, steamy sexytimes, and a beautiful romance between two men that make you root for them. John and Liam are likeable and relateable. Their story made me need to see them get a HEA. Its a satisfying read and I definitely recommend it.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 19, 2019
3.5* Really.
This is a hard review to write as it is a debut novel by the authors who should definitely keep going.
The book is about a couple of law students thank goodness for the glossary! The couple have a nearly twenty year age gap and they are trying to navigate a new relationship. It is a romance with all the ups, downs, twists and turns of life when your experiences are so different, both of the characters have their share of trust issues and insecurities which come out.
For the most part the writing was well thought out, but the pet names were odd and it was maybe a little dry and slow in places but there were plenty of steamy scenes of you like that, overall it was a touching story and that came through.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
This is a hard review to write as it is a debut novel by the authors who should definitely keep going.
The book is about a couple of law students thank goodness for the glossary! The couple have a nearly twenty year age gap and they are trying to navigate a new relationship. It is a romance with all the ups, downs, twists and turns of life when your experiences are so different, both of the characters have their share of trust issues and insecurities which come out.
For the most part the writing was well thought out, but the pet names were odd and it was maybe a little dry and slow in places but there were plenty of steamy scenes of you like that, overall it was a touching story and that came through.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
Good plot - epic love story
The book has a good plotline, but also give a lot of details. I like the main characters, a may-december couple. I found myself wanting to push John along in the beginning to stand up against his long term (ex) partner. I was disappointed to see that John eagerly believed a former friend of Liam, but it might be logical due to his former relationship and the mental abuse/ neglect that occured. The part that Liam crossed the ocean to find John and get him back in his live was great. And ofcourse Liams' family are a great bunch of people.
I have received the updated and reworked version of the original book. The new version of this book has a better flow. I give that version a 4,5
The book has a good plotline, but also give a lot of details. I like the main characters, a may-december couple. I found myself wanting to push John along in the beginning to stand up against his long term (ex) partner. I was disappointed to see that John eagerly believed a former friend of Liam, but it might be logical due to his former relationship and the mental abuse/ neglect that occured. The part that Liam crossed the ocean to find John and get him back in his live was great. And ofcourse Liams' family are a great bunch of people.
I have received the updated and reworked version of the original book. The new version of this book has a better flow. I give that version a 4,5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Made Me Cry
So this book is a great read but it made me cry and I told them I didn’t want to cry. You wondering who they are? Join Joshua Harwood and Ryan Taylor’s Facebook group. You can find it at the end of the story. They said oH IT’s a wonderful, sweet book, which it is, but I cried and I knew before I read it that I would cry. I cant say for sure but I’m wondering if this book isn’t based on their life. No matter if it is or not this is a good read but if you don’t want to in the feels to much be careful reading. If you don’t care then go ahead and read it because it is a great book. This is why I gave it a 5 star ⭐️ rating. Ryan and Joshua are excellent storytellers. Enjoy the read! ❤️
So this book is a great read but it made me cry and I told them I didn’t want to cry. You wondering who they are? Join Joshua Harwood and Ryan Taylor’s Facebook group. You can find it at the end of the story. They said oH IT’s a wonderful, sweet book, which it is, but I cried and I knew before I read it that I would cry. I cant say for sure but I’m wondering if this book isn’t based on their life. No matter if it is or not this is a good read but if you don’t want to in the feels to much be careful reading. If you don’t care then go ahead and read it because it is a great book. This is why I gave it a 5 star ⭐️ rating. Ryan and Joshua are excellent storytellers. Enjoy the read! ❤️
July 16, 2021
This was one of those train wrecks you can’t look away from; I just wanted to see how much worse it could get. And it was bad.
The writing didn’t work for me at all, I thought the dialogues were terrible and the characters unbelievable. Despite their age difference, they both thought and acted like teenagers, which neither of them weren’t, and completely got on my nerves. I thought their POVs both sounded the same, I couldn’t see the difference between them and half the time I had to go back to figure out whose POV it was.
I had bought the second book on a .99 sale, but I have already deleted it from my kindle.
The writing didn’t work for me at all, I thought the dialogues were terrible and the characters unbelievable. Despite their age difference, they both thought and acted like teenagers, which neither of them weren’t, and completely got on my nerves. I thought their POVs both sounded the same, I couldn’t see the difference between them and half the time I had to go back to figure out whose POV it was.
I had bought the second book on a .99 sale, but I have already deleted it from my kindle.
October 28, 2022
I absolutely loved Liam and John's story very much.
I love how they met at law school and from there a wonderful love story developed between John and Liam despite John being worried about the age gap between himself and Liam.
Eventually he stops worrying about it and they grow closer until a huge misunderstanding drives them apart for three months.
After being released from the hospital for a flu related medication mixup, Liam finds out that John has taken a job in Cambridge in the UK and he finally tracks John down, not in Cambridge, but in Prague.
Once Liam gets his chance to explain his side of things, he and John eventually make up.
I love how they met at law school and from there a wonderful love story developed between John and Liam despite John being worried about the age gap between himself and Liam.
Eventually he stops worrying about it and they grow closer until a huge misunderstanding drives them apart for three months.
After being released from the hospital for a flu related medication mixup, Liam finds out that John has taken a job in Cambridge in the UK and he finally tracks John down, not in Cambridge, but in Prague.
Once Liam gets his chance to explain his side of things, he and John eventually make up.
October 31, 2023
💕 Sometimes you stay too long in a toxic relationship that has long since faded to nothing. Less than nothing. It’s left you feeling empty and insecure. Why? Because it’s safe? Comfortable? Because after 16 years, putting yourself back out there is scary? Because it feels like a failure?
Sometimes though, you never realize how bad things are until someone pops into your life and makes you feel like you are their everything, just as they are yours. But insecurities don’t disappear in the blink of an eye.
This story brings all these emotions to light. The fear; the degradation, the emptiness and dejection, the hope and love that’s willing to cross the ocean and fight for you.
Sometimes though, you never realize how bad things are until someone pops into your life and makes you feel like you are their everything, just as they are yours. But insecurities don’t disappear in the blink of an eye.
This story brings all these emotions to light. The fear; the degradation, the emptiness and dejection, the hope and love that’s willing to cross the ocean and fight for you.
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