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Rebound
They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else… At least that's what Ben is trying to convince himself. Ready to put his ex-boyfriend in the rear view for good, he connects with a handsome older man who's only interested in something quick and casual. Their rules are simple—no strings, no feelings, and absolutely no kissing. Thomas has never been with a man before, but in the midst of divorcing his estranged wife, he knows it's something he is ready to act on. He's wondered for years if his attraction to men is something real, so hooking up with an experienced and gorgeous younger man seems like a surefire way to find out. Better yet, it’ll kill two birds with one exploring the depths of his midlife awakening and moving forward into a brand kind of new life. One time together turns into two times, and two turns into something regular, but the rules still apply… until they don't. Late night phone calls lead to early evening dinner dates, and one by one the rules are all out the window. Ben was supposed to be Thomas's first time, and Thomas was supposed to be Ben's rebound...but what if the best way to get over someone is also the best way to fall in love?
--- Please look inside at the preface for content warnings
--- Please look inside at the preface for content warnings
282 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2022
189 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
94 books934 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 15, 2022
In a world where many sex scenes can get repetitive and skim worthy, this one had me reading every single word of every single scene on the edge of my seat.
The communication between the two main characters was sometimes guarded, for good reason, but majority of the time it was sweet and open and honest and that is highly appreciated.
Ben and Thomas both felt like real three dimensional people, their thoughts, feelings, worries, ideas, mannerisms. Really great writing if not for some minor editing issues throughout.
-age gap (17 years)
-first times
-bi awakening
-one of the sweetest scenes in the rain
”We’re already soaked,” Ben said again, “But now the whole night smells like you.” “Excuse me?”…………………………………
”You smell like the rain,” Ben said. “Even before now. When you came outside earlier, you smelled like the rain.” Thomas’s breath hitched in his throat and as Ben slowly pulled his face away from his neck, he looked down.
The communication between the two main characters was sometimes guarded, for good reason, but majority of the time it was sweet and open and honest and that is highly appreciated.
Ben and Thomas both felt like real three dimensional people, their thoughts, feelings, worries, ideas, mannerisms. Really great writing if not for some minor editing issues throughout.
-age gap (17 years)
-first times
-bi awakening
-one of the sweetest scenes in the rain
”We’re already soaked,” Ben said again, “But now the whole night smells like you.” “Excuse me?”…………………………………
”You smell like the rain,” Ben said. “Even before now. When you came outside earlier, you smelled like the rain.” Thomas’s breath hitched in his throat and as Ben slowly pulled his face away from his neck, he looked down.
February 14, 2024
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Rebound is a wonderfully sweet and steamy romance between Ben and Thomas, who are only looking for a simple no strings attached hookup, but unknowingly fall head over heels for one another after an initial one night stand turns into something more bigger than either could have anticipated.
Ben begins the story in a toxically controlling relationship that he ends for his own sanity, whereas Thomas is finalizing his divorce after 20 plus years of marriage due to his wife's infidelity. They are both in transitional places in their lives and are looking for something light without any complications. They meet on a hook up app and have one amazing night together that quickly becomes more.
Seeing the slow exploration of a no strings attached hookup into a relationship is so brilliantly done as the bond and trust between Ben and Thomas is so well established you can't help but root for their success.
Rebound is a fantastic story that I devoured in one entire sitting as I was enraptured with the relationship between Ben and Thomas. Together they make for one strong, devoted and loving pair that I had to know where they would end up. There were some surprises along the way that I was literally gasping at, but overall I was more than pleased with this beautiful story about starting over, trauma healing and exploration.
Rebound is a wonderfully sweet and steamy romance between Ben and Thomas, who are only looking for a simple no strings attached hookup, but unknowingly fall head over heels for one another after an initial one night stand turns into something more bigger than either could have anticipated.
Ben begins the story in a toxically controlling relationship that he ends for his own sanity, whereas Thomas is finalizing his divorce after 20 plus years of marriage due to his wife's infidelity. They are both in transitional places in their lives and are looking for something light without any complications. They meet on a hook up app and have one amazing night together that quickly becomes more.
Seeing the slow exploration of a no strings attached hookup into a relationship is so brilliantly done as the bond and trust between Ben and Thomas is so well established you can't help but root for their success.
Rebound is a fantastic story that I devoured in one entire sitting as I was enraptured with the relationship between Ben and Thomas. Together they make for one strong, devoted and loving pair that I had to know where they would end up. There were some surprises along the way that I was literally gasping at, but overall I was more than pleased with this beautiful story about starting over, trauma healing and exploration.
September 16, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Baggage. That’s the first thing that Ben and Thomas have in common. Thomas is nearing the end of a divorce after a lifetime of marriage. Ben is trying to get over the messy pseudo relationship he had with a manipulative narcissist.
During the dissolution of his marriage Thomas decided he has interests in men. Ben believes that the quickest way to get over someone is to get under someone else. So, the two come together thanks to a hook-up app.
One night turns into two which evolves into spending time outside of the bedroom. Before you know it those pesky emotions get involved and as most well planned situations they disintegrate.
I enjoyed that both characters were low key, down to earth. They gave each other room to breathe but still couldn’t stay away from each other. The evolution felt organic and sweet, it wasn’t hard to fall in love right along with them.
The twist was surprising and I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t have minded a little more drama. Having said that, it doesn’t really fit into who these characters are.
If you’re looking for a sweet, steady romance with high steam this one’s for you.
Baggage. That’s the first thing that Ben and Thomas have in common. Thomas is nearing the end of a divorce after a lifetime of marriage. Ben is trying to get over the messy pseudo relationship he had with a manipulative narcissist.
During the dissolution of his marriage Thomas decided he has interests in men. Ben believes that the quickest way to get over someone is to get under someone else. So, the two come together thanks to a hook-up app.
One night turns into two which evolves into spending time outside of the bedroom. Before you know it those pesky emotions get involved and as most well planned situations they disintegrate.
I enjoyed that both characters were low key, down to earth. They gave each other room to breathe but still couldn’t stay away from each other. The evolution felt organic and sweet, it wasn’t hard to fall in love right along with them.
The twist was surprising and I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t have minded a little more drama. Having said that, it doesn’t really fit into who these characters are.
If you’re looking for a sweet, steady romance with high steam this one’s for you.
dnf
September 26, 2022dnf at 26%
i’m bored out of my mind, i hate the MCs and the sex feels like a business transaction.
i’m bored out of my mind, i hate the MCs and the sex feels like a business transaction.
September 15, 2022
I know I had previously shelved this author but a friend asked to read it with her so I figured I’d try. I think she made it 20% before DNF’ing.
This book is a bit of a mess. The sex was hot but I didn’t actually feel anything between the two MC’s. We went from fucking to dramatic feels and I felt like I missed something. That disconnect persisted until the very end, where I actually skimmed the final sex scene, which is the last scene in the book, only for there to not be an epilogue. For a couple that is still on very unsteady ground at the end, an epilogue is like… really important.
But I didn’t care enough about the characters to really get up in arms about it.
I did not expect the twist at the end, and it felt a bit OTT soap opera but… eh. Mehhhhhh.
Re-shelving. 🥴
This book is a bit of a mess. The sex was hot but I didn’t actually feel anything between the two MC’s. We went from fucking to dramatic feels and I felt like I missed something. That disconnect persisted until the very end, where I actually skimmed the final sex scene, which is the last scene in the book, only for there to not be an epilogue. For a couple that is still on very unsteady ground at the end, an epilogue is like… really important.
But I didn’t care enough about the characters to really get up in arms about it.
I did not expect the twist at the end, and it felt a bit OTT soap opera but… eh. Mehhhhhh.
Re-shelving. 🥴
September 17, 2022
Rebound by Kate Hawthorne is a sweet and steamy MM romance, with a twist of angst and a HEA.
You will enjoy Rebound if you love:
❣️MM contemporary romance
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️All the firsts
❣️Age gap
❣️HEA
Recommended in this genre.
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You will enjoy Rebound if you love:
❣️MM contemporary romance
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️All the firsts
❣️Age gap
❣️HEA
Recommended in this genre.
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 14, 2022
I discovered that Kate can be a hit or miss for me. One thing I can always count on though, is the steam. This book is no different, but there's a lot of feelings in the mix as well. And maybe because of that, this book was quite a hit for me this time. There was a lot to love and enjoy about Thomas and Ben.
Thomas is at a point in his life where he finally stands up for himself and divorces his wife after a marriage that lasted over twenty years. It's not the example he wants to set for his son and daughter, though they both seem to blame him more for the failure of the marriage than they do their mother, when in reality she was the one to be unfaithful.
Ben comes out of a short, but struggling relationship with a guy he suspects cheats on him. That guy also has a temper problem. It's not that he was physically abusive, but when things didn't go the way he liked, things were about to get smashed and broken. It's left Ben with fear of starting a new relationship, his trust in other men being smashed and broken just as much as the furniture or the plates that had to endure a raging fit from his ex-boyfriend.
Both Thomas and Ben aren't looking for anything new, but when they hook up, there's something special about the connection they share, and for some reason they want to keep seeing each other.
Thomas has often wondered about his sexuality, if he was as straight as he thought he was. He's curious and he wants to explore. Ben is openly gay and knows all there is to know, so he can teach Thomas anything he wants to learn.
They make a great couple together, healing each other's wounds without actively doing so. It's just that they talk, they understand, they're patient. And it works. There's quite a huge age gap between them, but it doesn't bother them. Well, Thomas did have kind of an issue at the beginning, seeing that Ben was just a few years older than his kids, but in the end he also understood that age was but a number, and that he and Ben were so much more than that.
I loved how naturally their relationship developed from just a hook up to being boyfriends. There are a lot of emotions involved - the lack of trust, the scars from a failed relationship, the lack of self worth, it was all there, with both men, and they healed one another because they understood. I loved how honest and open these men were, how they took time when they needed it without an unnecessary break up. A job well done by the author!
There's also a plot twist I didn't see coming, and whether that was necessary or not, I appreciated that eventually it didn't turn into this huge drama the story really didn't need.
So, would I recommend this book? Certainly. It's steamy, it's emotional, it has great dialogues and the pace and development of the relationship are very natural. We read both Ben's and Thomas's pov's.
What I didn't like a lot were Thomas's children and his ex-wife. She's not made out to be some awful human being, thank goodness, but she was selfish and took their children and their friends with her in her dishonesty. That part of the story did hit close to home and I was kind of overwhelmed with the fact how much. Guess there's more women like that in the world.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntarily, unbiased review
Thomas is at a point in his life where he finally stands up for himself and divorces his wife after a marriage that lasted over twenty years. It's not the example he wants to set for his son and daughter, though they both seem to blame him more for the failure of the marriage than they do their mother, when in reality she was the one to be unfaithful.
Ben comes out of a short, but struggling relationship with a guy he suspects cheats on him. That guy also has a temper problem. It's not that he was physically abusive, but when things didn't go the way he liked, things were about to get smashed and broken. It's left Ben with fear of starting a new relationship, his trust in other men being smashed and broken just as much as the furniture or the plates that had to endure a raging fit from his ex-boyfriend.
Both Thomas and Ben aren't looking for anything new, but when they hook up, there's something special about the connection they share, and for some reason they want to keep seeing each other.
Thomas has often wondered about his sexuality, if he was as straight as he thought he was. He's curious and he wants to explore. Ben is openly gay and knows all there is to know, so he can teach Thomas anything he wants to learn.
They make a great couple together, healing each other's wounds without actively doing so. It's just that they talk, they understand, they're patient. And it works. There's quite a huge age gap between them, but it doesn't bother them. Well, Thomas did have kind of an issue at the beginning, seeing that Ben was just a few years older than his kids, but in the end he also understood that age was but a number, and that he and Ben were so much more than that.
I loved how naturally their relationship developed from just a hook up to being boyfriends. There are a lot of emotions involved - the lack of trust, the scars from a failed relationship, the lack of self worth, it was all there, with both men, and they healed one another because they understood. I loved how honest and open these men were, how they took time when they needed it without an unnecessary break up. A job well done by the author!
There's also a plot twist I didn't see coming, and whether that was necessary or not, I appreciated that eventually it didn't turn into this huge drama the story really didn't need.
So, would I recommend this book? Certainly. It's steamy, it's emotional, it has great dialogues and the pace and development of the relationship are very natural. We read both Ben's and Thomas's pov's.
What I didn't like a lot were Thomas's children and his ex-wife. She's not made out to be some awful human being, thank goodness, but she was selfish and took their children and their friends with her in her dishonesty. That part of the story did hit close to home and I was kind of overwhelmed with the fact how much. Guess there's more women like that in the world.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntarily, unbiased review
July 25, 2024
The main characters of Ben and Thomas are well-developed, and the author has managed to infuse them with outstanding personalities. Ben is coming out of an abusive relationship with his boyfriend, Cody, and Thomas was finalizing a divorce that should have happened years ago. He never thought much about his being bisexual...until his loneliness overcame his shyness, and he used his long unused apt that he had on his phone to try the "other side"... a hook-up with a man...and he finds and answers Ben's request on the same site.
It leads them both to a new relationship coming from very different angles... for Thomas, finding peace with a part of himself that he never thought that he never could ...and for Ben...something that he hadn't experienced for a very long time...trust. They just happen to perfectly mesh, even though it takes a bit of work for both of them to get there. Neither man expected to see the other past that first night together. This was an anonymous hookup, so neither man confesses anything about why this encounter is so important. These hidden issues elevate the scene from standard sexy shenanigans to a true focus on every facet of how Ben and Thomas interact, even if neither man yet knows the weight of its significance. This could have all gone so very, very wrong, but since this IS a romance novel, it’s only the beginning of a fascinating "almost" relationship.
Things are going well for them...they are meeting more often and exchanging apartment keys, shopping for furniture and sheets...but not yet moving in together...nope. There are things that need to happen first. Ben wants Thomas to meet his two best friends. Thomas wants Ben to meet his daughter, Lana, and possibly his son Dakota. Dinner is planned...Thomas's adult children walk into the restaurant, and Thomas and Ben's perfect world explodes.
Kudus to Kate Hawthorne for this amazing twist to the story. I never would have figured out the tie between Thomas's son Dakota and Ben's abusive ex, Cody. I loved the way the story came together and how the author made us even more invested in the new relationship and caused us to care even more about Thomas and Ben's happy ever after.
It leads them both to a new relationship coming from very different angles... for Thomas, finding peace with a part of himself that he never thought that he never could ...and for Ben...something that he hadn't experienced for a very long time...trust. They just happen to perfectly mesh, even though it takes a bit of work for both of them to get there. Neither man expected to see the other past that first night together. This was an anonymous hookup, so neither man confesses anything about why this encounter is so important. These hidden issues elevate the scene from standard sexy shenanigans to a true focus on every facet of how Ben and Thomas interact, even if neither man yet knows the weight of its significance. This could have all gone so very, very wrong, but since this IS a romance novel, it’s only the beginning of a fascinating "almost" relationship.
Things are going well for them...they are meeting more often and exchanging apartment keys, shopping for furniture and sheets...but not yet moving in together...nope. There are things that need to happen first. Ben wants Thomas to meet his two best friends. Thomas wants Ben to meet his daughter, Lana, and possibly his son Dakota. Dinner is planned...Thomas's adult children walk into the restaurant, and Thomas and Ben's perfect world explodes.
Kudus to Kate Hawthorne for this amazing twist to the story. I never would have figured out the tie between Thomas's son Dakota and Ben's abusive ex, Cody. I loved the way the story came together and how the author made us even more invested in the new relationship and caused us to care even more about Thomas and Ben's happy ever after.
November 6, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Slightly angsty, age gap, one-night-stand to lovers.
Had a difficult time rating this, because while I did enjoy reading it I still felt something was missing.
The relationship was nice, as was the spice, but it felt….incomplete.
The angst felt unresolved at the end, and even if it was an HEA for Ben and Thomas, it definitely didn’t feel like it for me. The twist was unexpected, but it wasn’t really built on, just sort of put there for the sake of drama.
Overall, good writing and nice story — just lacks a bit of emotional connection, in my opinion.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Age gap
- Bi-awakening
- Cheating (not betweens MCs)
- Narcissistic abuse
- Phone sex
- Vers MCs
- Flip-fuck
Slightly angsty, age gap, one-night-stand to lovers.
Had a difficult time rating this, because while I did enjoy reading it I still felt something was missing.
The relationship was nice, as was the spice, but it felt….incomplete.
The angst felt unresolved at the end, and even if it was an HEA for Ben and Thomas, it definitely didn’t feel like it for me. The twist was unexpected, but it wasn’t really built on, just sort of put there for the sake of drama.
Overall, good writing and nice story — just lacks a bit of emotional connection, in my opinion.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Age gap
- Bi-awakening
- Cheating (not betweens MCs)
- Narcissistic abuse
- Phone sex
- Vers MCs
- Flip-fuck
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 17, 2022
The Rebound was not what I expected. This is a story of two people emerging from broken and, to a degree, abusive relationships. What starts as a no-string attached agreement morphs into love. Keeping emotions at bay is difficult for Ben and Thomas as they get to know each other more and more. Both Ben and Thomas still have reservations but slowly get on the same page and overcome worries and insecurities, and realize their past relationships should not define or sully their current or future relationships. In a way, it was low drama. I liked how Ben and Thomas talked about their feelings and confronted one another instead of hiding behind misunderstandings or unspoken feelings and concerns - most of the time. Bi-awakening of Thomas was sweet and sexy to read about as well. I also enjoyed the little twist. To be honest, I should have seen it coming. Overall, this was a great read, and I truly enjoyed it. This is my first book by Kate Hawthorne, and I truly enjoyed it! I loved the writing and storytelling and plan to check out more of their works.
September 7, 2022
This was my first M/M romance book and I'm so mad at myself for not reading them sooner. I truly enjoyed this book as I was hooked from the very first chapter. I must admit, I had a little crush on Thomas as he stole the show for me in this story. Thomas' character development was spot on as the author did a great job of going into detail. The author's words sucked me in and by the time I knew it, four hours had passed, and I had finished reading. That's right, finished in one sitting.
The relationship between Ben and Thomas started off as a one-night hookup but soon blossomed into a wonderful romance. By the time I reached the middle of the book, I knew some sort of plot twist was coming, and when it finally arrived, I about fell out of my chair. I'll admit that I yelled at myself for not figuring it out sooner, but that is a huge KUDOS to the author. The plot twist was definitely unexpected and as always it lead the reader to experience some heartache. I will say the sex scenes were spicy!
Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I will gladly read other novels written by Kate. Great job!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
The relationship between Ben and Thomas started off as a one-night hookup but soon blossomed into a wonderful romance. By the time I reached the middle of the book, I knew some sort of plot twist was coming, and when it finally arrived, I about fell out of my chair. I'll admit that I yelled at myself for not figuring it out sooner, but that is a huge KUDOS to the author. The plot twist was definitely unexpected and as always it lead the reader to experience some heartache. I will say the sex scenes were spicy!
Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I will gladly read other novels written by Kate. Great job!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
September 10, 2022
4.5 stars. A one-night stand, that’s what they agreed on, nothing more. One night got two, and two got three and three…
This story has an incredible natural vibe, with lovely honest, mature characters.
There are beautifully written different emotional levels and all are strongly palpable.
Imagine if they missed out on each other, if they never met, that would be a disaster because together they are everything.
Outside their delicious and comfortable bubble, there’s life to handle.
Thomas is recently divorced and the relationship he has with his kids is on thin ice.
Ben just broke up with his unhealthy ex, still trying to glue his battered soul together.
Meeting each other was the best thing that could happen.
Gosh, I cried for Ben, caught up in a relationship he didn’t want and didn’t understand, after he did, again I cried for him. Meeting Thomas was so deliberating!
“You can’t make people love you. You can’t change people who don’t deserve the honor.”
They are so good to each other, at so many different levels. Please read it yourself, it’s so worthy!!
Two open-minded vulnerable men, with quite an age gap between them, with quite some baggage, finding the courage to make decisions and try to live the life they deserve.
Before they are to that point there are a few difficulties to overcome. There’s so much healing to do.
The author has a way of writing, painting approachable characters with depth and a significant story to tell. What a beautiful and emotional read!
This story has an incredible natural vibe, with lovely honest, mature characters.
There are beautifully written different emotional levels and all are strongly palpable.
Imagine if they missed out on each other, if they never met, that would be a disaster because together they are everything.
Outside their delicious and comfortable bubble, there’s life to handle.
Thomas is recently divorced and the relationship he has with his kids is on thin ice.
Ben just broke up with his unhealthy ex, still trying to glue his battered soul together.
Meeting each other was the best thing that could happen.
Gosh, I cried for Ben, caught up in a relationship he didn’t want and didn’t understand, after he did, again I cried for him. Meeting Thomas was so deliberating!
“You can’t make people love you. You can’t change people who don’t deserve the honor.”
They are so good to each other, at so many different levels. Please read it yourself, it’s so worthy!!
Two open-minded vulnerable men, with quite an age gap between them, with quite some baggage, finding the courage to make decisions and try to live the life they deserve.
Before they are to that point there are a few difficulties to overcome. There’s so much healing to do.
The author has a way of writing, painting approachable characters with depth and a significant story to tell. What a beautiful and emotional read!
September 5, 2022
Well I didn’t see that coming!!
An emotional and very sexy story of second chances at happiness and believing in your own worth.
Loved both these two. What started as a one night hookup, turns into a repeat, turns into one date, then another. While they try and fight it, and fight the effects of their toxic exes, they must make choices. Trust what could be or trust the false narratives their broken pasts have fed them.
I really enjoyed the slow build between these two. As they build trust and understanding, it’s not simple or easy, but it makes it worth a whole lot more when they get there.
You get all the feelings in this one. The jittery get to know yous, the loss and pain of horrible exes, sweet moments, and of course love.
An emotional and very sexy story of second chances at happiness and believing in your own worth.
Loved both these two. What started as a one night hookup, turns into a repeat, turns into one date, then another. While they try and fight it, and fight the effects of their toxic exes, they must make choices. Trust what could be or trust the false narratives their broken pasts have fed them.
I really enjoyed the slow build between these two. As they build trust and understanding, it’s not simple or easy, but it makes it worth a whole lot more when they get there.
You get all the feelings in this one. The jittery get to know yous, the loss and pain of horrible exes, sweet moments, and of course love.
September 13, 2022
I dunno about this one
Ok so, me and this book did not click for the first 90% of the story. I dunno why, but at 90% it suddenly had real emotions and I liked that part.
This was about Thomas, who's marriage ended at the beginning and Ben, who ended an abusive relationship. They agree to a no strings affair, which we all know where that leads to. I loved the ending.
Spoilers ahead
This actually had a surprise in that Thomas was the father of the guy Ben ended things with. So it was a father of the ex, age gap, damaged people story. It should've been something perfect for me. But alas, it just didn't work out.
Ok so, me and this book did not click for the first 90% of the story. I dunno why, but at 90% it suddenly had real emotions and I liked that part.
This was about Thomas, who's marriage ended at the beginning and Ben, who ended an abusive relationship. They agree to a no strings affair, which we all know where that leads to. I loved the ending.
Spoilers ahead
This actually had a surprise in that Thomas was the father of the guy Ben ended things with. So it was a father of the ex, age gap, damaged people story. It should've been something perfect for me. But alas, it just didn't work out.
September 10, 2022
"Rebound" received TWO stars.
I liked the story idea and the characters, but the book needed a couple more rounds of edits.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story." More than a handful of copy edit mistakes and the writing could’ve used some tweaks in a few spots.
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
I liked the story idea and the characters, but the book needed a couple more rounds of edits.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story." More than a handful of copy edit mistakes and the writing could’ve used some tweaks in a few spots.
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
Read
September 15, 2022DNF @25%
Not feeling it
Not feeling it
August 8, 2022
A bit of a long-running joke in this author’s social media groups is that she can’t write a stand-alone novel. This book, however, definitely stands alone, and whether she wrote it that way on purpose or not is irrelevant, because it still includes everything I love about her writing and storytelling. Ben and Thomas are well-developed characters coming at a new relationship from very different angles. They happen to perfectly mesh in the middle, even though it takes a bit of work for both of them to get there.
Neither man expected to see each other past their first night together, which is little more than an anonymous hookup arranged by app. Ben wants to replace memories of his emotionally abusive ex, and Thomas is fresh out of a divorce and finally ready to indulge in the sexual attraction he feels for men. But this is an anonymous hookup, remember, so neither confesses anything about why this encounter is so important to them. These hidden issues elevate the scene from standard sexy shenanigans to a true focus on every facet of how Ben and Thomas interact, even if neither man yet knows the weight of its significance. This could have all gone poorly, but since this is a romance novel, it’s only the beginning of a fascinating not-quite relationship.
Hawthorne effortlessly blends a romance storytelling arc with the progression of a relationship that is intended to be nothing like a romance. Much of this is helped by the focus on each character as an individual. I found myself completely invested in the post-divorce drama of Thomas’ family dynamics, and Hawthorne also uses a deft touch with Ben’s healing, especially by never hiding the acknowledgment that it is possible for a man to experience an abusive relationship and need to heal from the trauma, no matter the circumstances (such as length of relationship or verbal vs physical abuse).
But this is also a Hawthorne novel, which means nothing is as simple as it appears. We get the briefest brush of an “idiots in love” scenario as a relationship begins to develop between Ben and Thomas despite their best intentions, but deeper connections between the men are revealed that upend everything they’ve almost built. No matter when you put the particular pieces together (I almost fell off the treadmill), this story includes a pretty amazing twist that will only make you even more invested in these characters and their story. Then, far from being idiots, both men prove to be (mostly) mature adults in how they practice self-care after these reveals, which only makes me care about their eventual happily ever after even more.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Neither man expected to see each other past their first night together, which is little more than an anonymous hookup arranged by app. Ben wants to replace memories of his emotionally abusive ex, and Thomas is fresh out of a divorce and finally ready to indulge in the sexual attraction he feels for men. But this is an anonymous hookup, remember, so neither confesses anything about why this encounter is so important to them. These hidden issues elevate the scene from standard sexy shenanigans to a true focus on every facet of how Ben and Thomas interact, even if neither man yet knows the weight of its significance. This could have all gone poorly, but since this is a romance novel, it’s only the beginning of a fascinating not-quite relationship.
Hawthorne effortlessly blends a romance storytelling arc with the progression of a relationship that is intended to be nothing like a romance. Much of this is helped by the focus on each character as an individual. I found myself completely invested in the post-divorce drama of Thomas’ family dynamics, and Hawthorne also uses a deft touch with Ben’s healing, especially by never hiding the acknowledgment that it is possible for a man to experience an abusive relationship and need to heal from the trauma, no matter the circumstances (such as length of relationship or verbal vs physical abuse).
But this is also a Hawthorne novel, which means nothing is as simple as it appears. We get the briefest brush of an “idiots in love” scenario as a relationship begins to develop between Ben and Thomas despite their best intentions, but deeper connections between the men are revealed that upend everything they’ve almost built. No matter when you put the particular pieces together (I almost fell off the treadmill), this story includes a pretty amazing twist that will only make you even more invested in these characters and their story. Then, far from being idiots, both men prove to be (mostly) mature adults in how they practice self-care after these reveals, which only makes me care about their eventual happily ever after even more.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
September 19, 2022
Meh.
Too many things appening, too little depth.
A lot of sex, to detriment of the plot and the characters building imo.
Too many things appening, too little depth.
A lot of sex, to detriment of the plot and the characters building imo.
September 7, 2022
4.25 imbroglio stars
This book had the perfect balance between steam and feelings. Ben and Thomas had a real connection and great chemistry. They both had baggage that made them wary to build something with a new partner, but love didn’t leave them the choice and notwithstanding all the obstacles they finally got their HEA.
While following the evolution of Ben and Thomas’s relationship, we got to witness how life circumstances lead Ben to doubt himself and develop guilt over his own behavior despite being the victim of a toxic relationship. I liked how the author treated this topic and put up front the damages being with a narcissistic pervert can cause. It was sometimes frustrating, but it really showed how hard it is to break through this circle of thoughts. Thomas had quite a different story. His own plotline revolved more around his family and how disconnected from his children he felt. Secrets and divorce don’t go well together, and the consequences can be a complete downfall. Without too much pathos – except Jennifer herself – the author portrayed a realistic example which left me bitter honestly. I still loved Kenzie and how things evolved between father and daughter. Let’s say it was the silver lining. Dakota on the other end 😡
There was a “sex teaching” side to this book, as we sometimes get in bi-awakening stories. I’m not a fan of the trope, but it didn’t feel overtly done (as in way too much dirty talk). I felt like the plot was getting drown down by sex in the middle of the book, so a little less steam would have been enough for me. If you loooove smut, don’t hesitate.
The last part was mind-blowing and simply heart wrenching. It made me so mad! But I liked how it impacted Thomas and made him reflect on himself and his past decisions. It was refreshing to have a character who saw the bigger picture. This big twist, and its resolution, was the perfect way to close this story.
This book had the perfect balance between steam and feelings. Ben and Thomas had a real connection and great chemistry. They both had baggage that made them wary to build something with a new partner, but love didn’t leave them the choice and notwithstanding all the obstacles they finally got their HEA.
While following the evolution of Ben and Thomas’s relationship, we got to witness how life circumstances lead Ben to doubt himself and develop guilt over his own behavior despite being the victim of a toxic relationship. I liked how the author treated this topic and put up front the damages being with a narcissistic pervert can cause. It was sometimes frustrating, but it really showed how hard it is to break through this circle of thoughts. Thomas had quite a different story. His own plotline revolved more around his family and how disconnected from his children he felt. Secrets and divorce don’t go well together, and the consequences can be a complete downfall. Without too much pathos – except Jennifer herself – the author portrayed a realistic example which left me bitter honestly. I still loved Kenzie and how things evolved between father and daughter. Let’s say it was the silver lining. Dakota on the other end 😡
There was a “sex teaching” side to this book, as we sometimes get in bi-awakening stories. I’m not a fan of the trope, but it didn’t feel overtly done (as in way too much dirty talk). I felt like the plot was getting drown down by sex in the middle of the book, so a little less steam would have been enough for me. If you loooove smut, don’t hesitate.
The last part was mind-blowing and simply heart wrenching. It made me so mad! But I liked how it impacted Thomas and made him reflect on himself and his past decisions. It was refreshing to have a character who saw the bigger picture. This big twist, and its resolution, was the perfect way to close this story.
September 14, 2022
This book started off really strong, I was excited to see the age gap and how the story would unfold.
Thomas is older and in the middle of a divorce, his adult children don’t like him and think their parents failed marriage is his fault.
Ben is younger and getting out of an emotionally abusive relationship.
Their relationship starts as a hookup and slowly develops into more. I really liked the concept, and as I said I thought it started strong. For me personally I felt like the story lost steam, I had a hard time seeing any genuine connection between the two. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t give me butterflies.
This is a new author for me, and I enjoyed their writing style and tone. I will definitely be looking at and reading more books by them in the future. I totally recommend this book to people as I feel like I personally just didn’t connect. 2.5/5 🌟
Thomas is older and in the middle of a divorce, his adult children don’t like him and think their parents failed marriage is his fault.
Ben is younger and getting out of an emotionally abusive relationship.
Their relationship starts as a hookup and slowly develops into more. I really liked the concept, and as I said I thought it started strong. For me personally I felt like the story lost steam, I had a hard time seeing any genuine connection between the two. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t give me butterflies.
This is a new author for me, and I enjoyed their writing style and tone. I will definitely be looking at and reading more books by them in the future. I totally recommend this book to people as I feel like I personally just didn’t connect. 2.5/5 🌟
October 6, 2022
3.5 stars
September 11, 2022
4.5⭐️ - This was my first book by Kate and it won’t be my last! This book was filled with so much heat and emotion.
I loved Ben and Thomas - and I really loved them together. They were both dealing with so much and neither was looking for anything serious. But from the moment they first connected they both couldn’t keep it at only one time. They were both scared but they ached for the other. It wouldn’t be easy and there would be shocking secrets that would turn everything upside down.
Thomas’s ex was the flipping worst but not in like an antagonist way but in a self involved way. She really had no regard for him and the sacrifices he made for their family so she would do for their family the way she wanted. She made no sacrifices but turned around and cheated. She took Thomas and their kids for granted. So Thomas found himself finally getting to put his needs first and reading his journey was actually wonderful. He was such a giving and caring partner.
Ben didn’t have a strong familial relationship but he did have Lara. That friendship was such a delight! They were like siblings but better because they unconditionally supported each other. Be didn’t have any successful romantic relationships to draw experience from and he was coming out of a verbally abusive and manipulative situation. He craved that closeness but didn’t trust it was out there. They way he fell for Thomas was so sweet and how much he cared and wanted to give Thomas so much was adorable.
This was so wildly hot! I wasn’t expecting that at all but I freaking loved their passion for each other. I loved how enthusiastic Thomas was and how understanding and gentle Ben was with him. They fit together on so many levels. Even though there was a substantial age gap, they worked!
I loved Ben and Thomas - and I really loved them together. They were both dealing with so much and neither was looking for anything serious. But from the moment they first connected they both couldn’t keep it at only one time. They were both scared but they ached for the other. It wouldn’t be easy and there would be shocking secrets that would turn everything upside down.
Thomas’s ex was the flipping worst but not in like an antagonist way but in a self involved way. She really had no regard for him and the sacrifices he made for their family so she would do for their family the way she wanted. She made no sacrifices but turned around and cheated. She took Thomas and their kids for granted. So Thomas found himself finally getting to put his needs first and reading his journey was actually wonderful. He was such a giving and caring partner.
Ben didn’t have a strong familial relationship but he did have Lara. That friendship was such a delight! They were like siblings but better because they unconditionally supported each other. Be didn’t have any successful romantic relationships to draw experience from and he was coming out of a verbally abusive and manipulative situation. He craved that closeness but didn’t trust it was out there. They way he fell for Thomas was so sweet and how much he cared and wanted to give Thomas so much was adorable.
This was so wildly hot! I wasn’t expecting that at all but I freaking loved their passion for each other. I loved how enthusiastic Thomas was and how understanding and gentle Ben was with him. They fit together on so many levels. Even though there was a substantial age gap, they worked!
September 8, 2022
This was my first book by Kate Hawthorne and I will definitely be reading her again in the future! I really liked Ben and Thomas’ story. Love the age gap, and if you like your books hot & steamy this is for you. I guessed the twist pretty early on before I even knew something was coming. A great book that I enjoyed!
December 6, 2022
10% - Cool, Cool
20% - Nice 👌🏻
25% - Ok, now we’re talking 🔥
50% - Aww, they are very sweet 😍
80% - WOWZA. Did not see that coming !! No likey.
100% - hmmm 🤷🏼♀️
20% - Nice 👌🏻
25% - Ok, now we’re talking 🔥
50% - Aww, they are very sweet 😍
80% - WOWZA. Did not see that coming !! No likey.
100% - hmmm 🤷🏼♀️
September 18, 2022
Its a great book
Who says you can't fall in love with your bed mate....Weather it be the first time or last time..love is love and in this book I am glad they found each other
Who says you can't fall in love with your bed mate....Weather it be the first time or last time..love is love and in this book I am glad they found each other
October 3, 2022
#SpoilerWarrior
I want to say first that I’ve created my own rating system and 1 star is for dnf’ing a book, 2 stars is a book that I finished but hated. And maybe you feel like a person shouldn’t rate a book they haven’t finished but listen, I tried. At 83% I wanted to throw in the towel but I thought, what if both of these completely unstable dudes go to therapy in the next ten pages and it changes everything? So I kept trying. And at 87% I gave up and searched for the word “therapy”, and when it brought up no results, I bailed. You cannot, at 82%, CANNOT be like “what up this is a ‘dating my abusive ex’s dad’ trope’ and just like…, use that as your 4th Act Conflict. I think what makes this so bad is that it was pretty good for the first half, and then it just unraveled in the most unhinged manner.
I want to say first that I’ve created my own rating system and 1 star is for dnf’ing a book, 2 stars is a book that I finished but hated. And maybe you feel like a person shouldn’t rate a book they haven’t finished but listen, I tried. At 83% I wanted to throw in the towel but I thought, what if both of these completely unstable dudes go to therapy in the next ten pages and it changes everything? So I kept trying. And at 87% I gave up and searched for the word “therapy”, and when it brought up no results, I bailed. You cannot, at 82%, CANNOT be like “what up this is a ‘dating my abusive ex’s dad’ trope’ and just like…, use that as your 4th Act Conflict. I think what makes this so bad is that it was pretty good for the first half, and then it just unraveled in the most unhinged manner.
September 11, 2022
*CW/TW - Narcissistic abuse that manifests as physical violence (toward inanimate objects) and cheating, none of which is between the main characters.*
Thomas, recently divorced after finding out his wife had been having an affair with her co-worker, is ready to explore his attraction to men. Ben, coming off a break-up with a narcissistic ex who destroyed property while destroying Ben’s mental health, is looking for a hot rebound. When an older man he meets off an app (Thomas) goes from a one-time hookup to two times, to an exclusive arrangement minus kissing and feelings, to broken rules, glamping, dinner dates and meeting friends & family.
What happens when Thomas and Ben find out that they have more in common than getting over their exes by getting under one another? Can Ben find the strength to deal with the damage left behind by his abusive ex to let Thomas into his heart and life? Can Thomas support Ben from afar while dealing with what he deems as his failure as a parent when he finds out that his son is an abusive adulterer?
Kate Hawthorne did a beautiful job bringing Thomas and Ben’s story to life. It was easy to fall in love with them as they fell in love with one another and when we hit the angst, we hit it hard enough to cry with them. Ben’s pain is so real and palpable that you want to burn the world down to punish the person who hurt him. Thomas’ exploration into his bisexuality takes unexpected turns into what went wrong in his marriage, where he feels that he failed as a parent and what it means to put his heart and love for Ben ahead of keeping the peace with his ex-wife. Their HEA is hard-won and it is so satisfying that I cried again when I finished the book.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Rebound
Kate Hawthorne
Thomas, recently divorced after finding out his wife had been having an affair with her co-worker, is ready to explore his attraction to men. Ben, coming off a break-up with a narcissistic ex who destroyed property while destroying Ben’s mental health, is looking for a hot rebound. When an older man he meets off an app (Thomas) goes from a one-time hookup to two times, to an exclusive arrangement minus kissing and feelings, to broken rules, glamping, dinner dates and meeting friends & family.
What happens when Thomas and Ben find out that they have more in common than getting over their exes by getting under one another? Can Ben find the strength to deal with the damage left behind by his abusive ex to let Thomas into his heart and life? Can Thomas support Ben from afar while dealing with what he deems as his failure as a parent when he finds out that his son is an abusive adulterer?
Kate Hawthorne did a beautiful job bringing Thomas and Ben’s story to life. It was easy to fall in love with them as they fell in love with one another and when we hit the angst, we hit it hard enough to cry with them. Ben’s pain is so real and palpable that you want to burn the world down to punish the person who hurt him. Thomas’ exploration into his bisexuality takes unexpected turns into what went wrong in his marriage, where he feels that he failed as a parent and what it means to put his heart and love for Ben ahead of keeping the peace with his ex-wife. Their HEA is hard-won and it is so satisfying that I cried again when I finished the book.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Rebound
Kate Hawthorne
October 9, 2022
Quite good if a little uneven. Ben and Thomas both have significant baggage. Ben has recently ended an abusive relationship. Thomas was married for several years to a woman who cheated on him. They divorce and as part of his new life, Thomas wants to explore other aspects of his sexuality. Neither are interested in a relationship and end up meeting as a result of a Grindr-like app just for sex. So cue the Romancelandia rules :) - lots of sex and those messy feelings enter into the equation. Though, imo, those feelings develop rather quickly, I did really like the progression of Ben and Thomas' relationship. They are cute trying to suppress the need to blurt out their respective feelings but each picks up on what the other is feeling. Now, I have a mini-rant. Though I seem have a number of this author's books on my tbr, this is the first I've read. She has quite the body of work under her name. Several MM books written over the last few years. So why is there so much odd wording that took me out of the story. These are just a few "His chest sat messy with drying cum and their mixed sweat, and he would have loved to wash the lube and salt away from both of their bodies, but he’d have to do it on his own. " Sat?! "Her eyes dripped with sincerity and concern, and he sighed, shoulder-checking her into an end cap of Chapstick." Not even sure what that means. Don't get me wrong. I applaud authors who are able to craft a well-told tale, market it and sell it to thousands of people. I could never do it. But my pet peeve is the lack of editing. Authors, edit, please. I kept reading this book because I really liked the story, the family drama and the characters but I cringed each time I tripped over some strange phrasing.
dnf
September 15, 2022DNFing this book at 27%… this is my first read by this author and I think it may be my last. There were so many typos and they really drew me out of the story. The writing was also very disjointed I kept getting really confused in the middle of their sex scenes because things were switching between paragraphs. But the real kicker was the language that the author decided to use. I do not understand why authors choose to use dialogue that puts women down. I know there are no women in the book relationship wise but that doesn’t mean one of the characters (Thomas) needs to crassly debate in his mind how opening up an ass is comparable to a cu*t… like why was that word used????? And then Ben talks about how he’s “not a maiden or a princess in need of saving….”
I read because I want to enjoy it, not to be told that “whimpering” during sex is a degrading feminine thing. Idk not a lot pisses me off and I can get down with a real dark book but I just hate stuff like this in supposedly fluffy contemporary romances. Plus I saw a review for the twist at the end and was like nooo thank you. You’re view may be different but this book was not for me.
I read because I want to enjoy it, not to be told that “whimpering” during sex is a degrading feminine thing. Idk not a lot pisses me off and I can get down with a real dark book but I just hate stuff like this in supposedly fluffy contemporary romances. Plus I saw a review for the twist at the end and was like nooo thank you. You’re view may be different but this book was not for me.
September 13, 2022
**might contain minor spoilers**
So this was a super steamy read! I loved the connection the characters had from their first meet up and them together was just fire!
Rebound was a pretty fast paced and intense read, neither Ben or Thomas were looking for more than one hook up, but as these stories always goes, they got more than they planned. I felt so much for Ben and his struggle with his last relationship which turned abusive, I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and reassure him that that everything was going to be okay.
I had one issue with this book, and it was the plot twist towards the end, it just felt unnecessary to me and I didn't really see why it was needed for the plot. The timing and the twist/revelation itself just totally deflated the story for me at that point...
Overlooking my issue with the twist, I really enjoyed Ben and Thomas' story up until that point. I wish there were more with them dating and not only meeting at each other's apartments, and while they had a lot of very steamy moments, I wouldn't have minded a little more depth towards the end.
I do recommend this one - it’s a great read if you’re looking for something steamy with a lot of chemistry between the characters! Read the trigger warnings though and be aware that there’s a pretty big age gap between the characters.
So this was a super steamy read! I loved the connection the characters had from their first meet up and them together was just fire!
Rebound was a pretty fast paced and intense read, neither Ben or Thomas were looking for more than one hook up, but as these stories always goes, they got more than they planned. I felt so much for Ben and his struggle with his last relationship which turned abusive, I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and reassure him that that everything was going to be okay.
I had one issue with this book, and it was the plot twist towards the end, it just felt unnecessary to me and I didn't really see why it was needed for the plot. The timing and the twist/revelation itself just totally deflated the story for me at that point...
Overlooking my issue with the twist, I really enjoyed Ben and Thomas' story up until that point. I wish there were more with them dating and not only meeting at each other's apartments, and while they had a lot of very steamy moments, I wouldn't have minded a little more depth towards the end.
I do recommend this one - it’s a great read if you’re looking for something steamy with a lot of chemistry between the characters! Read the trigger warnings though and be aware that there’s a pretty big age gap between the characters.
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