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See Me

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Beckett is an English professor who, after learning his partner was cheating on him, picked up the pieces and moved his life and career to teach at Evanston University in North Carolina. He's healed over the past six years, but hasn't found anyone he's interested in making a connection with...until he meets a beautiful younger man on campus with a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a precious canine companion.

After a heinous act in his youth, Sterling lost his vision, along with his dream of being a photographer. His world was turned upside down as everything changed around him. Over time, he's adjusted to his new normal, but has kept himself isolated...until a kind professor with a big heart makes him feel seen for the first time, and for exactly who he is.

This is an insta-love, low-angst story of healing, trust, and romance. It contains heartwarming moments and plenty of steam, but no cheating or cliffhangers. It also has a very happy HEA!
Trigger warning; there is mention of violent acts, though nothing is depicted on page.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2023

48 people are currently reading
156 people want to read

About the author

Jayda Marx

84 books537 followers
I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

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5 stars
195 (42%)
4 stars
136 (29%)
3 stars
100 (21%)
2 stars
24 (5%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Bekka.
1,288 reviews169 followers
February 4, 2023
4.5 this-made-me-smile-so-much stars!

First book by Jayda. I hadn't read one before because I'm often not a fan of insta-love but this sold me so hard. Yes, they got together extremely quickly but it didn't feel that way?
So many moments had me smiling so happily and I even shed a tear okay several !

I didn't even care about things that are normally pet peeves of mine like couldn't deny the way my hands tingled (p. 11) because awww (also puns and Sterling's first kiss... :))

Some quotes
"Okay then, what's your favorite type of food?" I'd find the best version of it to share on a date. A date! It'd been a very long time, and the anticipation sent my heart racing." (p. 14)

"Are you trying to butter me up by spoiling my dog?"
"Yes," I answered unashamedly. "Is it working?"
"Absolutely," he answered with a chuckle. (p. 18)

"I squeezed his hand, which was nestled in mine. That was the best part of the movie; Sterling let me hold his hand from start to finish." (p. 19)

"it was the first time someone assumed that I was something instead of assuming that I wasn't or couldn't. You didn't see a disability; you saw a potential." (p.86)


NSFW infos:
- Two out gay men
- One 47, silver-streaked dark hair (tops)
- One 28, silver-streaked blue eyes (bottoms, virgin, blind )

Nicknames:
Beckett -> Beck
Sweetheart
Profile Image for Kaity.
2,020 reviews24 followers
Read
April 28, 2023
DNF @ page 44….

Can I even say I read this haha I mean there’s 117 pages and I couldn’t even make it half way. I think it was the narrator. He made the 47 (…?) year old man sound like a teenager.. idk I couldn’t feel the connection with these two. I know Jayda Marx is known for the insta love but normally I feel something with the characters and all I felt with these two is bored.

Oh well.. on to the next!
Profile Image for Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§).
845 reviews75 followers
March 4, 2023
See Me - Jayda Marx

Beckett Rice 47, is a Professor of English Lit at Evanston University. He’d moved there 6 years ago from Pennsylvania after he’d split from his cheating boyfriend. He’s been single ever since.

To avoid a student who always came to his office at lunchtime to quibble unnecessarily about his grades, Beckett decided to eat his sandwich on a bench near the building.

Noticing a man sitting there with his dog he walked over and sat down.
That’s how he met Sterling Dunn 28, and his Golden Retriever, Cooper. That was a day he’ll never forget.

If you like warm, cozy, insta love then this is the one for you. I’ve not read this author before but, having seen the blurb at the end of this ebook, she has written enough books to fill a small town library, though not usually in this genre.

Personally, the Insta love was a bit too much for me to take on board but I did like Sterling.
Profile Image for Janet (iamltr).
1,227 reviews90 followers
April 14, 2023
Audiobook Review

Such a sweet story packed into a short story.

So in this one we have Beckett, an older gentleman who has been alone for a long time. He sees a blind man sitting on a bench one day and decides to say hello.

The man ends up being Sterling, who was made blind in a homophobic attack when he was in college.

These two instantly fall for each other and after something bad happens to Sterling, end up living together.

The epilogue is two years later and everything is great for them and they go on to have their HEA
Profile Image for Vanessa.
7 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2023
This book was an absolutely beautiful read! Beckett and Sterling were such a lovely couple, and how they fell in love had me beaming and crying joyfully ✨. They made love seem so natural, easy, and delightful that I feel empty now that the book is finished. I would give this story ten stars if I could. Reading “See Me” has been a delightful experience. This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read!

Also, Cooper was such a helpful cutie!! I loved him with all my heart 💗.
Profile Image for vrstal.
621 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2023
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: Ableism, robbery, homophobia, slurs, animal injury

Kink: N/A

This is a story between English professor Beckett and a young man he meets on campus, Sterling.

Marx expresses that her papaw was blind and lost sight later in life, which she based the experiences (and jokes) Sterling had off of him. I thought that was quite sweet. Just like in Head Over Wheels you could tell there was care in research and exploring different aspects of accessibility and disability.

As for the romance — of course, it was quite sweet! This had more fade to black scenes than typical in a Jayda Marx romance, but it didn’t bother me. I enjoyed the focus on their live. There was one event that was quite sad but they worked through together. I loved the growth Sterling experienced, the sweet epilogue, and overall it was a great read.
Profile Image for Luisa.
432 reviews20 followers
February 3, 2023
This was super cute!, an adorable short, SUPER insta-love story between Beckett and Sterling. I'm usually not a fan of insta-love and prefer lots of angst and conflict but this was a perfect in-between story that kept me smiling from the get-go.

I love how Sterling was living his life the best he could next to Cooper (doggie) and how Beckett was never faced by Sterling's blindness but on the contrary so amazed by him and being adaptable and accepting himself.

Lovely read <3.
Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,514 reviews
March 1, 2024
I’ve tripped into another lite, easy read. Jayda Marx manages to skirt being too simple, too easy, too lite but she got close. That being said I did enjoy reading it and I’m now curious about her other works.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,021 reviews33 followers
June 4, 2023
3.5 A nice read from a dependable romance writer. I liked the interior thoughts of Beckett and his ‘full speed ahead’ attitude with sweet Sterling. It was pretty amusing at times. I enjoyed the story.
Am I the only reader who thought of ‘Mad Men’ and the Sterling Cooper ad agency when seeing doggie and master’s names?
Profile Image for Danielle Hendrikse.
314 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
"See Me" weaves a heartfelt tale of healing, connection, and the transformative power of love. In this review, we'll explore the key elements that make this insta-love, low-angst story a compelling read, emphasizing its themes of resilience and the beauty of seeing beyond the surface.

Beckett, an English professor, serves as a relatable protagonist whose journey of overcoming betrayal and rebuilding his life sets the stage for a poignant love story. The review succinctly captures Beckett's character, highlighting his emotional growth over six years and his resilience in the face of heartbreak. The relocation to Evanston University in North Carolina becomes a symbolic fresh start, paving the way for a new chapter in his life.

Sterling, with his lost vision and shattered dreams of photography, emerges as a compelling character grappling with the aftermath of a heinous act. The review adeptly communicates Sterling's journey to acceptance and adjustment, emphasizing the isolation he experiences. The introduction of a kind professor becomes a catalyst for Sterling's transformation, offering readers a glimpse into the profound impact of connection and understanding.

The review excels in conveying the central theme of the story—insta-love and low-angst romance. It skillfully outlines the blossoming connection between Beckett and Sterling, emphasizing the heartwarming moments and the genuine chemistry that develops. The mention of a canine companion adds a delightful layer to the narrative, enhancing the overall warmth of the story.

The inclusion of a trigger warning demonstrates transparency about the story's sensitive elements, providing potential readers with valuable information while maintaining an air of suspense. This careful balance between disclosure and withholding information enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to engage with the story's themes without unnecessary surprises.

In conclusion, "See Me" promises a tale of emotional healing, trust, and romance. The review effectively captures the essence of the narrative, enticing readers with the prospect of a love story that transcends physical sight and delves into the deeper layers of human connection. The commitment to a very happy HEA ensures a satisfying and uplifting conclusion, making this book a recommended read for those seeking a blend of heartwarming moments and steamy romance.
247 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2023
This was a beautiful book; a beautiful story. The true to life, realistic angle is really well done, well written and totally believable.
I loved how these two met and even though I'm not a huge fan of insta love, I've been a Jayda fan for a long time and have read many, many of her books. She writes insta-love well.
I loved Cooper too. I generally avoid stories with little kids or animals because oftentimes these sideplayers overwhelm the story to the point that the story becomes more about them and the romance between mc's take a back seat to their shenanigans.
But this author has woven Cooper into the interactions in a solidly realistic way. It's clear that Jayda has done some homework (or has personal experience) regarding working guide dogs, and has given us just enough Cooper to appreciate his necessary presence in all his scenes.

What I might have changed/omitted from this book:
My only reason for dropping that 5th star is that
*firstly, the presence of the white cane in the beginning actually served no purpose whatsoever as Sterling never ever used it. This bit of the initial meeting /introduction could have been omitted. (although, granted, it did make for a nice piece of opening dialogue in the Meet-cute)
*Secondly, I felt that the dramatic incident ; the break-in/robbery was irrelevant and unnecessary. This served as an excuse to bring in some drama and angst and served as nothing more than filler.
It would have carried more weight if the original perpetrators ; the cause of Sterling's disability, had been re-introduced and brought to book once and for all.
I spent a large part of this read hoping for this to happen and was disappointed that it didn't.
* Lastly, I loved the first person pov, but I would have connected better with Sterling if we'd have had his pov as well. I don't, personally, enjoy singular pov.

As a whole, I would not hesitate to recommend this book.
It was a lovely read!

° Standalone
° Beckett's pov only. First person. Past tense
° Heat/steam level around 3 🔥
° No graphic on-page violence. Violent scenes in the re-telling only.

Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,995 reviews45 followers
December 15, 2023
English Professor Beckett learnt that his partner was cheating on him and so moved his life and career to teaching at Evanston University in North Carolina. Six years later he has healed but has not found anyone he wants to make a romantic connection with until he meets a beautiful younger man on campus with a great sense of humour, an infectious laugh and a precious canine companion. After an evil act in his youth, Sterling lost his vision along with his dream of being a photographer. Over time he has adjusted after it turned his world upside down but he has kept himself isolated. Then a kind professor with a big heart made him feel seen for exactly who he was for the first time.

I loved this sweet story of the kind man who treated Sterling like a person who deserved kindness, love and respect just like any other normal person. It was touching to see the way that Beckett encouraged and supported Sterling to do normal things with just a little support. The pottery was special and gave Sterling the courage to do something artistic and more true to himself. Easy to read, feel and understand this will pull your heartstrings. This is an MM story with mature content.
Profile Image for Lucy Lennox.
Author 5 books116 followers
April 27, 2023
I have mixed feelings. The disability rep is good! The author mentions in the preface that her grandfather was blind. This is a much more grounded, realistic depiction of a blind person than in the average fluffy romance.

Age-gap romance is not really my thing, but it was handled pretty well. The gap is not that big, and the younger partner is already a mature adult, so I didn't find it too cringey.

The insta-love is as advertised, although tonally it was a little all over the place. There are a lot of domestic scenes where nothing much happens, some explicit sex, and a few scenes of jarring violence. Every book has to find a balance of sweetness and conflict but usually it works better to have the conflict at the start rather than near the end. Both main characters were sweet but kind of bland.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
February 1, 2023
See Me

Sweet insta-love story between Beckett and Sterling. I did like how Beckett never let Sterling’s lack of sight be an issue for him. He accepted Sterling from the beginning.

These books are designed to be super sweet and See Me was no different. No angst to be found and an adorable HEA. I’ve got no problem with the sugary nature of Jayda Marx books, they fit the bill when you’re looking for a break from the real world.

Beckett and Sterling were perfect for one another. Cooper really stole the show throughout the book. The was a super quick read that has a satisfying HEA.
Profile Image for Sophie ARGINTARU.
930 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2023
Certes, voici une romance fort sympathique ! Tout commence gentiment, par une rencontre entre un professeur quadragénaire et un jeune homme (non, qui n'est pas son étudiant...) aveugle, à la suite d'une agression homophobe. L'ensemble est chaleureux, tendre avec juste ce qu'il faut comme scènes sensuelles, juste ce qu'il faut en dialogues, mini péripéties... court format.

Mon seul souci, c'est qu'il ne se passe pas grand chose. Pas l'ombre d'une originalité. La différence d'âge ne gêne personne. Hormis les parents, aucun intervenant d'amis ou de relations, pas le moindre rebondissement. C'est juste... GENTIL ! Alors, oui j'ai apprécié ce moment charmant, mais qui sera vite oublié.
1,016 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2023
Loved this story!

This hit the spot! I loved this sweet story about a blind man, his dog, and a professor. I liked how Beckett and Sterling met at the university Beckett works at. I enjoyed how they got to know each other, especially the pottery date. A wonderful must read story from one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Jooke.
1,341 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2024
3.5*

This really was insta-love and insta everything. The MC's were really cute together and just loved the pooch. But it was all a bit too over the top perfect, it really felt urealistic how easy and quickly Sterling put his trust in Becket not only to let him in his house, but also in his bed and family. Especially since he hasn't had a relationship at all since his assault as a teenager...
Profile Image for Chloe.
400 reviews37 followers
June 4, 2024
See Me by Jayda Marx

🤎 Age Gap
🤎 Disability Rep
🤎 First Times
🤎 A Sweet Guide Dog
🤎 Novella

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5

First person single pov 👀

CW: mention of cheating (past, not between mc's), detailed description of a hate crime (past), use of a homophobic slur, home invasion and robbery, threat, minor animal injury.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre.
1,209 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2023
love

Great book,,,I love when authors put real life people in there books like these two,,,I love how there story goes ,,and it’s bad when you get bet up because of some homophobia in school,,,,,,and even if your disability doesn’t stop you from a career or love
Profile Image for Louise.
464 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2023
Lovely

This was a really sweet read. You go into these books knowing they are instalove and low angst so there are no surprises in that sense but I did enjoy the tension that came later in the book that was a moving moment.
77 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2023
Such a touching book! Full of love, gives an insight to what everyday life and struggles can be for someone who is blind and how different ways they can be helped. Just because someone is partially or completely blind doesn't mean they can't be treated like a normal person!
101 reviews
February 14, 2023
Incredible story a bit sad but truly special

What an extremely heartwarming story. I absolutely loved the idea of someone doing something so special for the disadvantaged.
I hope the world gets closer to doing that.
Profile Image for DTM.
1,202 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2023
I loved it...It is a seriously insta love, age-gap read so you gotta love that in order to read it, but it was sweet and sexy and I enjoyed the writing. I plan to dive a bit deeper in to her backlist....She is an unabashed insta love writer as stated in her notes.
115 reviews
March 14, 2023
sweet and adorable

This is just a lovely read. Pretty much instalove - fairly unrealistic but handled so sweetly it rings true throughout. No miscommunication- just a bit of angst brought in another way to add some plot tension.
Profile Image for Brei-ayn.
602 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2023
I loved this book. Beckett and Sterling have been through so much. Beckett is a English professor at Evanston University and meets Sterling and his service dog Cooper. Will they take the chance and fall for each other?
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,148 reviews26 followers
February 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Sweet insta love age gap romance. Quick and easy to read with lovely characters and Cooper the protective guide dog.
132 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2023
Enjoy

I love this author and I’m all about the instant love. Maybe because that’s how it was for me and my husband. This was another great book.
107 reviews
February 3, 2023
Loved it!!

What a great story. We don't say a lot of stories with disabled protagonist in the author did an amazing job with the story. I just love Beckett and Sterling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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