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Partners #1
Stronger Together: An M/M Friends-to-Lovers Gay Romance
One unexpected kiss. Two lives turned upside down.
Working for British Intelligence, agents Liam Bancroft and Colin Mason live a life of danger, on the razor’s edge. They’ve seen it all, done it all, trusting one another unequivocally with their very lives. Partners. Best mates. Their bond unbreakable.
Until one assignment changes everything…
It should’ve been nothing more than a simple, innocent kiss to save their cover and their mission. But instead, it sends Colin fleeing on a difficult journey of self-discovery and Liam fearing he’s irrevocably destroyed their friendship beyond repair.
Against the backdrop of a quaint cottage in the sleepy English countryside, painful secrets are revealed, long-buried feelings rise to the surface and two men learn for the first time in their lives what it truly means to be in love.
Working for British Intelligence, agents Liam Bancroft and Colin Mason live a life of danger, on the razor’s edge. They’ve seen it all, done it all, trusting one another unequivocally with their very lives. Partners. Best mates. Their bond unbreakable.
Until one assignment changes everything…
It should’ve been nothing more than a simple, innocent kiss to save their cover and their mission. But instead, it sends Colin fleeing on a difficult journey of self-discovery and Liam fearing he’s irrevocably destroyed their friendship beyond repair.
Against the backdrop of a quaint cottage in the sleepy English countryside, painful secrets are revealed, long-buried feelings rise to the surface and two men learn for the first time in their lives what it truly means to be in love.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2022
30 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Lynn Miller
24 books60 followersJamie Lynn Miller has been writing male/male fanfiction stories for nearly fifteen years and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008. She's a romantic at heart, and her stories reflect the desire we all have to find "the one", persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.
Jamie has a degree in Fine Arts and has spent the last thirteen years working as a Graphic Designer. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today, with her husband and their furry, four-footed "children".
Besides writing, Jamie enjoys traveling, softball, reading, science fiction, hanging out with friends, and just being creative.
She is eternally thankful for all of the love and support her husband has given her over the years with her writing and other endeavors.
Jamie has a degree in Fine Arts and has spent the last thirteen years working as a Graphic Designer. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today, with her husband and their furry, four-footed "children".
Besides writing, Jamie enjoys traveling, softball, reading, science fiction, hanging out with friends, and just being creative.
She is eternally thankful for all of the love and support her husband has given her over the years with her writing and other endeavors.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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April 4, 2023I'm bowing out at 56% but won't rate it because I think it's me who just doesn't get the book or doesn't get the language (although I can't understand how certain words could be used without major cringe-effect?)
English is not my first language so I think I had a harder time than others getting used to the writing style and expressions /terms the author used.
I've read many books by british authors, but never a book that took place in London in the 1970's. I guess most of the terms and expressions I didn't know and didn't get used to during my reading, were terms that were used 50 years ago in London.
Just a few examples.
The author never used the term "woman/women", but always used the term "bird/birds".
In direct speech the MCs almost never used "I" but said for example simply "Went there..".
The thing that irked me most (besides the many birds, haha) was that both MCs (who were both 29 years old), called each other often "my son". I tried to power through, but when one Mc during sex, while being inside the other MC, STILL called him "my son" I just couldn't go on anymore.
Sorry not sorry, but I'll have to avoid obviously such books in the future.
My last (minor) complaint: WHY can't the cover reflect the story? On the cover both MCs have short straight hair. One of the MCs has shoulder-lenght and wavy hair. Why?
English is not my first language so I think I had a harder time than others getting used to the writing style and expressions /terms the author used.
I've read many books by british authors, but never a book that took place in London in the 1970's. I guess most of the terms and expressions I didn't know and didn't get used to during my reading, were terms that were used 50 years ago in London.
Just a few examples.
The author never used the term "woman/women", but always used the term "bird/birds".
In direct speech the MCs almost never used "I" but said for example simply "Went there..".
The thing that irked me most (besides the many birds, haha) was that both MCs (who were both 29 years old), called each other often "my son". I tried to power through, but when one Mc during sex, while being inside the other MC, STILL called him "my son" I just couldn't go on anymore.
Sorry not sorry, but I'll have to avoid obviously such books in the future.
My last (minor) complaint: WHY can't the cover reflect the story? On the cover both MCs have short straight hair. One of the MCs has shoulder-lenght and wavy hair. Why?
April 2, 2023
Stronger Together - MM Friends to Lovers (Partners Book 1)
First let me say that this book in set circa 1970, in London UK. Being Gay held problems on many levels, not least, serving in any Government Body, or Military Service.
Liam Bancroft and Colin Mason are partners in an elite Team at SecTen, a British version of CIA, I’m guessing. It’s dangerous, stressful work but both men have served in Army, Navy and Police Force between them so are fit strong men.
They have been Team partners for 2 years. Liam is a quiet man with dark secrets from past activities while in Africa. Colin is a more bubbly character in contrast. Another secret that Liam harbours is his feelings for Colin, he’s managed to keep this to himself since the first time he met Colin. They spend a lot of time together on the job but also socially with their colleagues.
All is going well until an incident occurred while they were trailing a gun smuggling suspect. In order to avoid being spotted in front of the suspect, Liam grabbed Colin and kissed him against a shop doorway.
Next day Colin fails to pick Liam up for work as promised, and when Liam checks with the Boss he’s informed that Colin arrived earlier and took immediate emergency leave.
Liam is devastated. What has he done? Colin must be disgusted with Liam.
I loved this story and the characters. I don’t think I’ve read this author, Jamie Lynn Miller before, but I see now that she writes a lot of books with Military background or other services.
I do recommend this story which I’m not going to say anything else about. Just get a copy and read it, it’s not very long.
First let me say that this book in set circa 1970, in London UK. Being Gay held problems on many levels, not least, serving in any Government Body, or Military Service.
Liam Bancroft and Colin Mason are partners in an elite Team at SecTen, a British version of CIA, I’m guessing. It’s dangerous, stressful work but both men have served in Army, Navy and Police Force between them so are fit strong men.
They have been Team partners for 2 years. Liam is a quiet man with dark secrets from past activities while in Africa. Colin is a more bubbly character in contrast. Another secret that Liam harbours is his feelings for Colin, he’s managed to keep this to himself since the first time he met Colin. They spend a lot of time together on the job but also socially with their colleagues.
All is going well until an incident occurred while they were trailing a gun smuggling suspect. In order to avoid being spotted in front of the suspect, Liam grabbed Colin and kissed him against a shop doorway.
Next day Colin fails to pick Liam up for work as promised, and when Liam checks with the Boss he’s informed that Colin arrived earlier and took immediate emergency leave.
Liam is devastated. What has he done? Colin must be disgusted with Liam.
I loved this story and the characters. I don’t think I’ve read this author, Jamie Lynn Miller before, but I see now that she writes a lot of books with Military background or other services.
I do recommend this story which I’m not going to say anything else about. Just get a copy and read it, it’s not very long.
March 6, 2024
What a surprise this was! I’m not sure how it got on my TBR, but I am very glad that it did. This new to me author blew me away with an intelligent and mature story of two men, partners in the spy game, who find that they love and want each other. Set in 1970’s London and then in a countryside cottage, the period details and dialogue are on point, along with a newly emerging gay liberation, very much in its nascent stage for Colin and Liam who work for a super secret British intelligence unit.
This book is so very romantic and when the plot line moved to a confused Liam searching for and going after a distraught Colin who is staying at a childhood cottage, I was in that heavenly romance bubble of relationship building for many days with no one intruding in a most beautiful English countryside setting. The two men are both super sexy and attractive, opposites in temperament and likes, but they fit together so well.
The sex was chef’s kiss superb!!
It is beautiful when Colin lets go of hiding that he is gay and knows that Liam wants him. Oh, the feelings between these two men got deeper with each page. The writing is just excellent! This was a delightful read and very moving with no manufactured drama, the emotions were real and drew me in.
The book took me away! I was almost saddened when it ended with a very hopeful HFN. I could have kept reading, especially after their vow of not breaking apart from the pressures of hiding their relationship in a super stressful environment. Is there a sequel? All the stars for this one.
I read this at Kobo. The cover does not do justice to how attractive these late 20’s MCs are described as being.
This book is so very romantic and when the plot line moved to a confused Liam searching for and going after a distraught Colin who is staying at a childhood cottage, I was in that heavenly romance bubble of relationship building for many days with no one intruding in a most beautiful English countryside setting. The two men are both super sexy and attractive, opposites in temperament and likes, but they fit together so well.
The sex was chef’s kiss superb!!
It is beautiful when Colin lets go of hiding that he is gay and knows that Liam wants him. Oh, the feelings between these two men got deeper with each page. The writing is just excellent! This was a delightful read and very moving with no manufactured drama, the emotions were real and drew me in.
The book took me away! I was almost saddened when it ended with a very hopeful HFN. I could have kept reading, especially after their vow of not breaking apart from the pressures of hiding their relationship in a super stressful environment. Is there a sequel? All the stars for this one.
I read this at Kobo. The cover does not do justice to how attractive these late 20’s MCs are described as being.
April 12, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was really interested to see how it would end. Liam and Collin work for British Intelligence. They trust each other totally and are very good at what they do. The two men are always there for each willing to do what it takes to catch the bad guy. One day a spur of the moment kiss changes everything for the two men. Never mind that the kids was to keep their cover intact. But Colin runs and of course Liam follows him after the case is closed. What happens next is a journey of self discovery for the two men. The two men must come to terms with feeling and revealing secrets.
April 28, 2022
This amazing book was the perfect blend of passion, friendship, fear, discovery, flaming hot sex, intrigue, danger, action, and adventure. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this one ASAP!
April 22, 2022
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am glad that I decided to try it. I really enjoyed it. I wasn't aware that the story would be set in the 1970's from when I read the book blurb. But I liked it. This is the story of agents Liam Bancroft and Colin Mason. They are good friends and have been partners for 5 years. They have dangerous jobs with a clandestine offshoot of the British Secret Intelligence Service known as Section G-10 or SecTen. Both love their jobs and neither expects to live until retirement age in their jobs. A kiss to preserve their cover while working on a case seems to blow their partnership apart. Instead of talking it out like they always do, Colin runs off without warning. Liam, worried about their friendship; sets about trying to track him down. This is their story. It is well written and easy to read. It sets the stage for future books really well but it doesn't lessen the impact that this story makes by itself. I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to future books.
April 22, 2022
It is always a good time to read a book by someone new. I was coming out of my yearly book slump, and I wanted to discover someone unknown to me with the familiar trope of friends to lovers. After completing this story, I think I got what I wanted to read, which was light romance. It felt like exactly what I was into when I first started reading MM romance almost exclusively ten years ago. However, today I thought this one was just okay. It had one too many physically intimate scenes. I would love it all back then, but I didn't feel the connection outside the bedroom. I thought I was told about these intense feelings and not shown enough of it. Before they transitioned into something more, I needed more background on them as friends. Everything leads to them hooking up. The MC had a traumatic childhood, and the other had to comfort him with his body. It all felt repetitive.
Overall, it was an easy read, and most will enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and I voluntarily chose to review it.
Overall, it was an easy read, and most will enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and I voluntarily chose to review it.
April 20, 2022
This was a wonderful story.
There was action, drama and intrigue but ultimately it was a love story.
Liam and Colin are partners, spies on a secret British task force in the 70's.
The author did an amazing job immersing us in that era.
Liam is bisexual, has made Colin aware of this and it hasn't been an issue.
Until a simple kiss as a cover blows everything sky high.
Not only have they been partners, they're best friends.
The problem is that Liam has been secretly in love with Colin and now suddenly, Colin has run off.
Liam seeks him out, terrified he's damaged their friendship beyond repair only to discover that Colin actually enjoyed the kiss.
What follows is a beautiful exploration of love as Liam patiently guides Colin through what a relationship between two men can be during a time when it was most decidedly frowned upon.
The connection between these two was already solid as best friends and it only intensified when they became lovers.
There was action, drama and intrigue but ultimately it was a love story.
Liam and Colin are partners, spies on a secret British task force in the 70's.
The author did an amazing job immersing us in that era.
Liam is bisexual, has made Colin aware of this and it hasn't been an issue.
Until a simple kiss as a cover blows everything sky high.
Not only have they been partners, they're best friends.
The problem is that Liam has been secretly in love with Colin and now suddenly, Colin has run off.
Liam seeks him out, terrified he's damaged their friendship beyond repair only to discover that Colin actually enjoyed the kiss.
What follows is a beautiful exploration of love as Liam patiently guides Colin through what a relationship between two men can be during a time when it was most decidedly frowned upon.
The connection between these two was already solid as best friends and it only intensified when they became lovers.
April 28, 2022
Colin and Liam have been friends and partners for a long time. Colin knows Liam is bisexual but it’s never bothered him until a kiss to throw off a potential bust.
Colin runs but why?
This was a very good story with lots of emotions. I loved the characters and the development of their relationship..
It starts out super good with their job and I really liked that. Then it went strictly to relationship and dropped their job. I would have liked to have seen more of a blend of work to relationship and how that developed.
But all in all it’s a beautiful love story.
Colin runs but why?
This was a very good story with lots of emotions. I loved the characters and the development of their relationship..
It starts out super good with their job and I really liked that. Then it went strictly to relationship and dropped their job. I would have liked to have seen more of a blend of work to relationship and how that developed.
But all in all it’s a beautiful love story.
April 14, 2022
This was a really good, low angst romance book. It's a little different than I normally read since it was set in the past, but it was interesting. I loved how it showed Liam's interest in Colin and finally Colin's acceptance of himself. These two men fall in love that starts from their friendship but there is acknowledgement of how hard it's going to be for them in a time where there is no outward acceptance of LGBT.
January 6, 2023
I love friends-to-lovers romance stories, and this one was pretty great. Collin and Liam had a close relationship throughout the novel, and I enjoyed how Jamie showed how close they were as friends before they became lovers. It was sweet, and I loved the setting of the English cottage. I definitely want to read the second book with them spending Christmas in the cottage.
April 16, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Jamie Lynn Miller and I'm so glad that I picked it up. This author is an amazing writer with such a great world building aura. I can't wait to read Book 2 of this series.
April 29, 2022
Stronger Together
Finding love where you didn't expect but hoped for so long that it would be with a special person already in your life. Such a great story of finding just that. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
Finding love where you didn't expect but hoped for so long that it would be with a special person already in your life. Such a great story of finding just that. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
May 11, 2022
GREAT BOOK!!!
I really enjoyed this Book. I love the subjects and situations this talented Author takes on. Colin and Liam are complete opposites that work so well together. Finding their footing at this time in their lives was amazing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
I really enjoyed this Book. I love the subjects and situations this talented Author takes on. Colin and Liam are complete opposites that work so well together. Finding their footing at this time in their lives was amazing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
December 8, 2022
This is a new to me author and I loved this book. Looking forward to reading more.
July 15, 2024
Mèh. Not awful, but not that engaging either
May 22, 2025
The fact this book takes place in the 1970s is almost irrelevant. I loved how they both took turns being strong for the other, and they were a team.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews