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Life after Joe
It's not the breaking up that kills you, it's the aftermath.
Ever since his longtime lover decided he'd seen the "heterosexual light," Matt's life has been in a nosedive. Six months of too many missed shifts at the hospital, too much booze, too many men. Matt knows he's on the verge of losing everything, but he's finding it hard to care.
Then Matt meets Aaron. He's gorgeous, intelligent and apparently not interested in being picked up. Still, even after seeing Matt at his worst, he doesn't turn away. Aaron's kindness and respect have Matt almost believing he's worth it-and that there could be life after Joe. But his newfound happiness is threatened when Matt begins to suspect Aaron is hiding something, or someone...
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2010
33 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,176 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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July 9, 2022Review removed.
Content guidance: the book contains a scene of sexual assault perpetrated at knifepoint that is explicitly described as "not quite a rape" because penetrative anal sex does not occur, a view of sexual assault that some readers may find personally discomforting. Obviously your interpretation of this scene may vary. It is from the character's POV, of course, which is naturally subjective: but what happens is still quite graphically described and the protagonist never really re-evaluates it, so I'm providing this information not as a criticism of the book or insult to the author, for heaven's sake, but because I think it's baseline human decency to at least think about how someone who isn't you, who may be vulnerable to certain topics due to personal experiences or otherwise, may feel about a book you're discussing.
Content guidance: the book contains a scene of sexual assault perpetrated at knifepoint that is explicitly described as "not quite a rape" because penetrative anal sex does not occur, a view of sexual assault that some readers may find personally discomforting. Obviously your interpretation of this scene may vary. It is from the character's POV, of course, which is naturally subjective: but what happens is still quite graphically described and the protagonist never really re-evaluates it, so I'm providing this information not as a criticism of the book or insult to the author, for heaven's sake, but because I think it's baseline human decency to at least think about how someone who isn't you, who may be vulnerable to certain topics due to personal experiences or otherwise, may feel about a book you're discussing.
September 27, 2015
dunno what to say.
sometimes you read a thing that gets you between the ribs and pins you like a bug in a box.
because what you've read are things that are inside you, and you're afraid of them, and now there they are, out in the open.
i understand much better now, why someone i used to know liked to save books like this for a rainy day.
for when the rest of it becomes just too much, and too little.
for when he needed a taste of home.
because even if the things i fear are given names, reading this was a taste of home, and i want another.
and another.
until maybe one day this home becomes more like that one, and i can finally recognize myself inside the end of a romance novel, and not just the beginning.
recommended.
sometimes you read a thing that gets you between the ribs and pins you like a bug in a box.
because what you've read are things that are inside you, and you're afraid of them, and now there they are, out in the open.
i understand much better now, why someone i used to know liked to save books like this for a rainy day.
for when the rest of it becomes just too much, and too little.
for when he needed a taste of home.
because even if the things i fear are given names, reading this was a taste of home, and i want another.
and another.
until maybe one day this home becomes more like that one, and i can finally recognize myself inside the end of a romance novel, and not just the beginning.
recommended.
December 5, 2014
This book was indescribably fantastic. Harper Fox just wrecked me with this book!!!
I ADORED "Life After Joe". In only 100 or so pages it packed an emotional punch that rivals any book that I have ever read.
Matt has been in a tailspin since his partner since childhood left him for a woman. Meaningless sex, non-stop drinking; life is a blur for Matt at the moment. Only the green eyes of a reticent stranger at a bar seen to draw Matt out from his haze of misery. Aaron seems perfect to Matt; intelligent, gorgeous and a beacon of hope. But is Aaron as wonderful as he appears or is he keeping something from Matt as well?
Instantly, from the beginning of this book, I connected with Matt. I got right into his head space. I felt so entwined with him. Wow, did Harper Fox do an amazing job. For example, that blowjob scene in the bar... just wow. How did Harper Fox write such beautiful prose that was just exploding with emotion, yet get the gritty, base essence of that scene. I was just so there. I had tears pricking at the corners of my eyes for the whole story. The intensity was present throughout and I could focus on nothing else around me as the story played out. The story as a whole really really worked for me (if you can't tell!!).
I could have used more at the end, to be honest. I wanted Matt and Aaron's story to continue. However, that is just me being greedy. I think the story is perfect as is and I will add this book to my favorites shelf.
I ADORED "Life After Joe". In only 100 or so pages it packed an emotional punch that rivals any book that I have ever read.
Matt has been in a tailspin since his partner since childhood left him for a woman. Meaningless sex, non-stop drinking; life is a blur for Matt at the moment. Only the green eyes of a reticent stranger at a bar seen to draw Matt out from his haze of misery. Aaron seems perfect to Matt; intelligent, gorgeous and a beacon of hope. But is Aaron as wonderful as he appears or is he keeping something from Matt as well?
Instantly, from the beginning of this book, I connected with Matt. I got right into his head space. I felt so entwined with him. Wow, did Harper Fox do an amazing job. For example, that blowjob scene in the bar... just wow. How did Harper Fox write such beautiful prose that was just exploding with emotion, yet get the gritty, base essence of that scene. I was just so there. I had tears pricking at the corners of my eyes for the whole story. The intensity was present throughout and I could focus on nothing else around me as the story played out. The story as a whole really really worked for me (if you can't tell!!).
I could have used more at the end, to be honest. I wanted Matt and Aaron's story to continue. However, that is just me being greedy. I think the story is perfect as is and I will add this book to my favorites shelf.
November 5, 2016
"I didn’t know what I was to Aaron, but to me, he was—oh God, so much—warmth and life, proof I could, despite all post-Joe expectations, find it in my heart to fall in love again."
“Come in. For God’s sake, come in and…f*ck my brains out.”
He put his hands on my shoulders again.
“I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my time,” he said quietly. “But I’ve managed never to screw someone as drunk, stoned and fucked-up as you.”
Amazing! I just finished and I still don't know what to say except that I want to read more about Matt and Aaron
A beautiful and emotional story about moving on, and getting over one's partner.
"Oh God. That look would finish me. There wasn’t a trace of pity in it. It was searing compassion: hot, wordless, man-to-man. “It’s all right,” I tried, aware that though my voice was steady, huge tears were hitting the knees of my jeans, a flood I hadn’t given permission to start and was completely powerless to stop."
The story
Matt and Joe were childhood sweethearts, they've always been together and loved each other... Up until six months ago when Joe left him for a woman with whom he had an affair for two years.
Matt is of course devastated, he still loves Joe, and can't get over it.
Mostly he drowns his sorrows in alcohol, drugs, clubbing and meaningless sex.
One night in the club, after an intriguing and terribly attractive oil rigger Aaron refuses him, Matt gets kicked out and attacked by muggers, only to be saved by the oil rigger himself :)
After that, Matt can't stop thinking about him, and after some ups and downs in his life, he sees him again, and they start a relationship...
This quote just broke my heart
“It’s all right.
Nobody noticed.”
“Matthew,” he repeated fervently, and put out a gentle hand to my face. He brushed his thumb across my lips. “Thank God it didn’t work. Thank God.”
My thoughts on the story and characters
I can't say too much because I'd be spoiling the book, it's pretty short :(
I really, really don't like to pick up very emotional reads, I'm more of a happy book kind of gal :D But this one totally worked for me. It wasn't angsty, it was pure and simply emotional. I felt for Matt, and I know what it's like to be in his shoes, like I suppose mostly everyone would. I understood how deeply he must have felt for Joe, and how he couldn't deal with it.
And we got to see how low he sunk until he finally realised what was happening to him, and Aaron was a huge help in that department :)
There is the healing process here too, and it was so nice to see him letting go of Joe, finally, and moving on with his life :)
Aaron... I just love that guy. We don't get to discover much about him until the end of the book, so I won't talk about it, but we DO get to see his personality, and it's just beautiful :)
All the things he does for Matt, and how he behaves with him... UGH I just can't say any of it LOL :D But he's just a great great guy :))))
There was a moment near the end where I wanted to kill someone (), but that just added to the book in my opinion :D
The ending could've been a bit less dramatic, , but I still totally loved it :D And the REAL end had me in "WTF, it's over, I want MORE!!!" :D
"I had never been so glad of any pain. I didn’t know how to hold him, how to get my arms round him tight enough."
I totally fell in love with the characters here, and the story. A wonderful journey from sorrow to happiness :)
I recommend this to all readers who like their books emotional :)
Just a great read.
February 3, 2014
2 melodramatic stars. Review posted February 3, 2014
Expectations suck...
In a nutshell
Matt is supposed to be a doctor and drowns in self-pity by swallowing every crap he can get his hands on. He's stoned, drunk and unhappy all. The. Time. Plus, he fucks everybody on two legs. Disgusting. Let's keep it simple. He's a sobbing mess of a depressing alcoholic. But of course it's not his fault (yes, it's also his fault). Joe, the little mean fucker left him for… Tsk-tsk. Sorry for being a tiny bit sarcastic. How many times do I have to put up with that beat-up plot twist?
However, the icing on the cake was when Joe Well played, Matthew love. Ugh.
And the mysterious Instead of asking a couple questions that would have helped to solve the "threat", Matt prefers to shut his mouth ---> old pet peeve of mine: LACK OF COMMUNICATION, MISCOMMUNICATION, MISUNDERSTANDINGS yadda, yadda, yadda. I can't hear it anymore. I'm actually glad that I AM A CHICK cos I really do like to talk. I. Mean. Talk. As. In. Asking. Questions.
Jesus christ on a crutch
I do not like weepy, self-pitying "heroes". I do not like doormat "heroes", either. I do not like melodrama. No, scratch that. I'm HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO CHEESY MELODRAMA.
Also, the first sex scene between Matt and Aaron was hugely disappointing and very awkward. I wanted to close my eyes in order to not witness that pathetic scene. Matt annoyed me from the beginning but after my first update the whole thing went downhill fast. And what the heck happened to Matt's addiction? My very best guess is that some fairy dust sprinkled upon him and cured his drug and alcohol problem. Nothing was resolved regarding that aspect of the plot. It's very unrealistic and not good enough for me.
Fairy dust. There…you are cured, Matty boy.
It's safe to say that Life After Joe wasn't my cup of tea. Après moi le déluge.
http://baba.booklikes.com
Expectations suck...
In a nutshell
Matt is supposed to be a doctor and drowns in self-pity by swallowing every crap he can get his hands on. He's stoned, drunk and unhappy all. The. Time. Plus, he fucks everybody on two legs. Disgusting. Let's keep it simple. He's a sobbing mess of a depressing alcoholic. But of course it's not his fault (yes, it's also his fault). Joe, the little mean fucker left him for… Tsk-tsk. Sorry for being a tiny bit sarcastic. How many times do I have to put up with that beat-up plot twist?
However, the icing on the cake was when Joe Well played, Matthew love. Ugh.
And the mysterious Instead of asking a couple questions that would have helped to solve the "threat", Matt prefers to shut his mouth ---> old pet peeve of mine: LACK OF COMMUNICATION, MISCOMMUNICATION, MISUNDERSTANDINGS yadda, yadda, yadda. I can't hear it anymore. I'm actually glad that I AM A CHICK cos I really do like to talk. I. Mean. Talk. As. In. Asking. Questions.
Jesus christ on a crutch
I do not like weepy, self-pitying "heroes". I do not like doormat "heroes", either. I do not like melodrama. No, scratch that. I'm HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO CHEESY MELODRAMA.
Also, the first sex scene between Matt and Aaron was hugely disappointing and very awkward. I wanted to close my eyes in order to not witness that pathetic scene. Matt annoyed me from the beginning but after my first update the whole thing went downhill fast. And what the heck happened to Matt's addiction? My very best guess is that some fairy dust sprinkled upon him and cured his drug and alcohol problem. Nothing was resolved regarding that aspect of the plot. It's very unrealistic and not good enough for me.
Fairy dust. There…you are cured, Matty boy.
It's safe to say that Life After Joe wasn't my cup of tea. Après moi le déluge.
http://baba.booklikes.com
December 25, 2025
A story set around Christmas, but not really a Christmas story and definitely not a cheerful read. I wasn't quite aware that this story would be so heavy. Oh, my heart hurts quite a bit right now. But there is a happy ending, albeit a very abrupt one, but a well-deserved one.
I don't really have the right words. It's a very sad story and full of triggers. Alcohol and drug abuse, rape on page, cheating in the past, death of a loved one in the past, grief, mistrust, attempted suicide... probably a lot more.
But this author has an incredible way with words. I didn't think I could make it to the end, but I read it in one sitting, even though my heart ached so much and it was difficult to read through the tears.
It was worth the pain, even though I don't know off the top of my head what to read after a book like this... I'll find something.
“I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my time,” he said quietly. “But I’ve managed never to screw someone as drunk, stoned and fucked-up as you.” 🥺🥺🥺
“Okay,” I said, the truth on my lips before I had time to censor or pull up. “I…think I tried to kill myself last night.” It sounded absurd. I couldn’t take it seriously. “It’s all right. Nobody noticed.” 😭😭😭
Another trouble with breakups—the instant loss of the dozens of daily touches, the background tapestry of comfort, given and received. You can screw your way through half a city’s population and never get that back. I had been starving for it without knowing. 😩😪🤧
I don't really have the right words. It's a very sad story and full of triggers. Alcohol and drug abuse, rape on page, cheating in the past, death of a loved one in the past, grief, mistrust, attempted suicide... probably a lot more.
But this author has an incredible way with words. I didn't think I could make it to the end, but I read it in one sitting, even though my heart ached so much and it was difficult to read through the tears.
It was worth the pain, even though I don't know off the top of my head what to read after a book like this... I'll find something.
“I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my time,” he said quietly. “But I’ve managed never to screw someone as drunk, stoned and fucked-up as you.” 🥺🥺🥺
“Okay,” I said, the truth on my lips before I had time to censor or pull up. “I…think I tried to kill myself last night.” It sounded absurd. I couldn’t take it seriously. “It’s all right. Nobody noticed.” 😭😭😭
Another trouble with breakups—the instant loss of the dozens of daily touches, the background tapestry of comfort, given and received. You can screw your way through half a city’s population and never get that back. I had been starving for it without knowing. 😩😪🤧
June 21, 2010
What a pleasure it was to read such a literate, mature, intelligently written m/m romance. It's a deceptively simple story: two grieving men come to terms with their loss and learn to love again, but the author handles it deftly and with great sensitivity.
The writing itself is lyrical and lovely.
The writing itself is lyrical and lovely.
July 28, 2015
4 stars
I listened to the audio version of Life After Joe. Although Matt’s accent through me off the first few minutes of listening, it grew on me. This was a quick and emotional story that started off a bit depressing, but ended up being beautiful. My only real complaint is that ending. I really wish we would have gotten more with the ending. Still, a great read I would recommend!
January 25, 2025
This book was remarkable.
Surprisingly, I started out not liking it but ended up loving it by the end.
The story revolves around Matt, a young doctor who had been in a long-term relationship with the infamous Joe (from the book's title). Joe left him for a woman, a step towards heterosexuality that caught Matt completely off guard, as he had been prepared to spend his entire life with Joe.
Now, Matt is reeling, losing himself in meaningless, high-risk hookups, even going as far as letting a stranger assault him in a park.
During one of his many trips to a gay club, he notices a hot stranger sitting at the bar, watching people. Interestingly, this stranger doesn't pick anyone up, even though guys seem to be lining up to hit on him. Even more intriguingly, when Matt propositions him, the guy turns him down as well.
Later that night, after getting trashed, high on drugs, and thrown out of the club for performing a blowjob on the dancefloor, Matt hits rock bottom: A group of skinheads shows up, ready to give him a beating.
Suddenly, our handsome stranger is there and rescues Matt.
From that point on, the mysterious Aaron becomes part of Matt's life, building him up but never controlling him.
If you're wondering why Aaron does what he does... honestly, I can't say I fully understood how it came about.
Was it instalove?
I didn't really connect with the story until about 70% in. But then, when we got to see Aaron's life and his perspective, I was hooked.
Aaron is incredibly compelling, and his tragedy really touched me. His emotional turmoil made perfect sense (unlike Matt's drama with Joe...), and when Matt finally came around to support Aaron instead of focusing solely on his own misery, the story truly took off.
I absolutely loved the ending. However, I'm deducting one star because of all the darkness Matt brought upon himself.
4 stars!
Surprisingly, I started out not liking it but ended up loving it by the end.
The story revolves around Matt, a young doctor who had been in a long-term relationship with the infamous Joe (from the book's title). Joe left him for a woman, a step towards heterosexuality that caught Matt completely off guard, as he had been prepared to spend his entire life with Joe.
Now, Matt is reeling, losing himself in meaningless, high-risk hookups, even going as far as letting a stranger assault him in a park.
During one of his many trips to a gay club, he notices a hot stranger sitting at the bar, watching people. Interestingly, this stranger doesn't pick anyone up, even though guys seem to be lining up to hit on him. Even more intriguingly, when Matt propositions him, the guy turns him down as well.
Later that night, after getting trashed, high on drugs, and thrown out of the club for performing a blowjob on the dancefloor, Matt hits rock bottom: A group of skinheads shows up, ready to give him a beating.
Suddenly, our handsome stranger is there and rescues Matt.
From that point on, the mysterious Aaron becomes part of Matt's life, building him up but never controlling him.
If you're wondering why Aaron does what he does... honestly, I can't say I fully understood how it came about.
Was it instalove?
I didn't really connect with the story until about 70% in. But then, when we got to see Aaron's life and his perspective, I was hooked.
Aaron is incredibly compelling, and his tragedy really touched me. His emotional turmoil made perfect sense (unlike Matt's drama with Joe...), and when Matt finally came around to support Aaron instead of focusing solely on his own misery, the story truly took off.
I absolutely loved the ending. However, I'm deducting one star because of all the darkness Matt brought upon himself.
4 stars!
May 15, 2014
Oh yes!
Why haven't I read Harper Fox already? (Thanks Plainbrownwrapper for giving me that boot in the ass.) She's been sitting in my TBR shelf for too long. And it wasn't even this book. But I digress, the story's key here.
It had angst, it was darker than I expected and it made me think. Love stories like these. Two damaged men who quietly turn their affections on each other while mucking their way through life and their problems.
Love between a suicidal, damaged, drunk of a doctor resident, Matthew is down in the dumps after being dumped by his only boyfriend, Joe. Joe the prig left him for a woman and has been seeing this woman for two years...while seeing Matthew. Poor Matthew is in doormat status, still searching for oblivion rather than dealing with the shitstorm Joe dumed on him.
I loathed Lou (Joe and Matthew's friend), Joe and Marnie, the bitch Matthew got dumped for. And if I feel that strongly for wanting to perform a group ass kicking on fictional characters, you know this story is great.
And I was so happy for Aaron the dreamy, strong yet silent and manly man oil rigger who's been keeping an eye on Matthew during Matthew's weekend visits to a neighborhood gay bar.
And Aaron? *sigh* He was so good for Matthew. I can't even begin to describe his awesomeness. There was drama but so well written, I couldn't be upset with it. (Alright, the tears at the end was I guess excusable since it dealt with grief but there weren't bucket of tears added in again for that character - not telling who, you have to read. :P)
It's a satisfying happy ending (though I was a little worried at 70%, it got resolved by 75%)
I'm not letting my other Harper Fox stories languish on my TBR shelf for too long again. I swear.
FOUR & A HALF STARS
Why haven't I read Harper Fox already? (Thanks Plainbrownwrapper for giving me that boot in the ass.) She's been sitting in my TBR shelf for too long. And it wasn't even this book. But I digress, the story's key here.
It had angst, it was darker than I expected and it made me think. Love stories like these. Two damaged men who quietly turn their affections on each other while mucking their way through life and their problems.
Love between a suicidal, damaged, drunk of a doctor resident, Matthew is down in the dumps after being dumped by his only boyfriend, Joe. Joe the prig left him for a woman and has been seeing this woman for two years...while seeing Matthew. Poor Matthew is in doormat status, still searching for oblivion rather than dealing with the shitstorm Joe dumed on him.
I loathed Lou (Joe and Matthew's friend), Joe and Marnie, the bitch Matthew got dumped for. And if I feel that strongly for wanting to perform a group ass kicking on fictional characters, you know this story is great.
And I was so happy for Aaron the dreamy, strong yet silent and manly man oil rigger who's been keeping an eye on Matthew during Matthew's weekend visits to a neighborhood gay bar.
And Aaron? *sigh* He was so good for Matthew. I can't even begin to describe his awesomeness. There was drama but so well written, I couldn't be upset with it. (Alright, the tears at the end was I guess excusable since it dealt with grief but there weren't bucket of tears added in again for that character - not telling who, you have to read. :P)
It's a satisfying happy ending (though I was a little worried at 70%, it got resolved by 75%)
I'm not letting my other Harper Fox stories languish on my TBR shelf for too long again. I swear.
FOUR & A HALF STARS
September 5, 2010
I love a beautifully written work. My degree is in English lit, and while I came to appreciate Romance novels for what they are in middle life, I often wish that many of them were better written. This one is, with beautifully crafted turns of phrase and sentences that aren't ashamed to be more than six words long. In many ways, it feels more like a denizen of the literary shelf than the erotic romance shelf.
Don't let the lovely writing fool you, though. The story is often dark, perhaps too real for some romance readers. The single perspective isn't what romance readers are accustomed to and the hero is not your traditional romance hero. Some readers may find Matt difficult to take in his willful, self-destructive behavior. But this is a very real portrait of depression. He knows he's going down the tubes, he's knows it's idiotic, but he can't stop his downward spiral, almost as if he watched himself from the outside at times. He hasn't merely suffered a break up, his world has shattered, and the portrayal here is convincing and very real.
Aaron is a bit of a cipher through much of the book, but this is dramatic necessity. Even while he keeps his distance from us and keeps his secrets, the strength wrapped around terrible vulnerability comes through loud and clear. His actions speak for him and the reader feels drawn to him.
My only issue with this book is the ending. In such a carefully constructed plot, where both feet are firmly planted in gritty reality, the scenes leading up to the resolution suddenly made a far leap into the absurd. That such a series of events could occur just seemed...difficult to believe, to say the least.
All in all, though, this is a marvelous story about two people in need of rescue. Most of the Romance elements are there, the growing attraction, the emotional conflict, the obligatory Black Moment, the resolution, but this is not your traditional Romance. A good thing for me. I've always loved different.
Don't let the lovely writing fool you, though. The story is often dark, perhaps too real for some romance readers. The single perspective isn't what romance readers are accustomed to and the hero is not your traditional romance hero. Some readers may find Matt difficult to take in his willful, self-destructive behavior. But this is a very real portrait of depression. He knows he's going down the tubes, he's knows it's idiotic, but he can't stop his downward spiral, almost as if he watched himself from the outside at times. He hasn't merely suffered a break up, his world has shattered, and the portrayal here is convincing and very real.
Aaron is a bit of a cipher through much of the book, but this is dramatic necessity. Even while he keeps his distance from us and keeps his secrets, the strength wrapped around terrible vulnerability comes through loud and clear. His actions speak for him and the reader feels drawn to him.
My only issue with this book is the ending. In such a carefully constructed plot, where both feet are firmly planted in gritty reality, the scenes leading up to the resolution suddenly made a far leap into the absurd. That such a series of events could occur just seemed...difficult to believe, to say the least.
All in all, though, this is a marvelous story about two people in need of rescue. Most of the Romance elements are there, the growing attraction, the emotional conflict, the obligatory Black Moment, the resolution, but this is not your traditional Romance. A good thing for me. I've always loved different.
November 18, 2021
4.0 rating
"I didn’t know what I was to Aaron, but to me, he was—oh God, so much—
warmth and life, proof I could, despite all post-Joe expectations, find it in my heart to fall in love again."
Beautifully written!
Matthew and Aaron's story was emotional, angsty (the right dosage) and joyful.
Matt's heartbreak and the betrayal of Joe was hard to read at times because of how much it impacted Matt.
It hurt to see him struggle so much and going through life numb, only ceasing to exist day after day.
Him and Aaron were both coping with their own version of grief and loss.
The only sad thing is that the story was too short 🤧 I wish it was longer so we could see them together as a couple more.
"I didn’t know what I was to Aaron, but to me, he was—oh God, so much—
warmth and life, proof I could, despite all post-Joe expectations, find it in my heart to fall in love again."
Beautifully written!
Matthew and Aaron's story was emotional, angsty (the right dosage) and joyful.
Matt's heartbreak and the betrayal of Joe was hard to read at times because of how much it impacted Matt.
It hurt to see him struggle so much and going through life numb, only ceasing to exist day after day.
Him and Aaron were both coping with their own version of grief and loss.
The only sad thing is that the story was too short 🤧 I wish it was longer so we could see them together as a couple more.
October 12, 2010
Life After Joe is an emotionally grueling read. Matthew had a beautiful home, a promising career as a doctor and was living his happy ever after with the man of his dreams, the man who had been his friend since childhood and his lover since their early teens. And then Joe left Matt to marry a woman who he had been seeing on the sly for two years. Matt can’t compete and is completely and justifiably destroyed. He has fallen into a devastating depression, drinking and screwing any man who will have him just to forget all that he has lost. Matt has lost all hope, risks losing everything and is just about to hit rock bottom when he catches the attention of a handsome oil rigger named Aaron. Aaron’s rugged beauty immediately appeals to Matt but it’s his compassion and patience that help Matt begin to believe that he may be able to share his heart with another man again. But it will be a difficult road. Matt is suffering from an alcohol addiction and major trust issues and Aaron is keeping a major part of his life a secret.
If you want obstacles and heart-aching conflict as well as the steamy m/m sex this book has it. As I was reading I became increasingly worried that this book wasn’t going to end with anyone living happily ever after but to the author’s credit it was pulled off and pulled off believably. This book is painful and made me cry and that isn’t an easy feat. Matt is the major character here, and the one whose head we are in most often. He is just so broken that when he begins to find happiness with Aaron I was nearly holding my breath hoping he wouldn’t get hurt again. He’s a damaged character who evokes empathy and I sympathized with him throughout the story, knowing always where he was coming from. Aaron is damaged as well but I won’t go into the how or why’s because I’ll spoil a major reveal. He is less fleshed out as we see him mostly through Matt’s eyes but he’s a balm to Matt and hard to resist. Now that I know his secret I think I’ll have to go back and reread a few scenes which will make them even more poignant. My only complaint is the writing style, which was sometimes too wordy and had me rereading passages a few times to get the gist of what the author was trying to say. Much like the last m/m book I reviewed, Resistance by LM Turner, this one left me feeling emotionally raw and satisfied and I can easily recommend it to anyone willing to get put through the emotional wringer. After these two books I need to find me some fluff!
If you want obstacles and heart-aching conflict as well as the steamy m/m sex this book has it. As I was reading I became increasingly worried that this book wasn’t going to end with anyone living happily ever after but to the author’s credit it was pulled off and pulled off believably. This book is painful and made me cry and that isn’t an easy feat. Matt is the major character here, and the one whose head we are in most often. He is just so broken that when he begins to find happiness with Aaron I was nearly holding my breath hoping he wouldn’t get hurt again. He’s a damaged character who evokes empathy and I sympathized with him throughout the story, knowing always where he was coming from. Aaron is damaged as well but I won’t go into the how or why’s because I’ll spoil a major reveal. He is less fleshed out as we see him mostly through Matt’s eyes but he’s a balm to Matt and hard to resist. Now that I know his secret I think I’ll have to go back and reread a few scenes which will make them even more poignant. My only complaint is the writing style, which was sometimes too wordy and had me rereading passages a few times to get the gist of what the author was trying to say. Much like the last m/m book I reviewed, Resistance by LM Turner, this one left me feeling emotionally raw and satisfied and I can easily recommend it to anyone willing to get put through the emotional wringer. After these two books I need to find me some fluff!
April 1, 2020
The book is told from Matthew's point of view, whose lover has just left him for a woman. At the beginning I was irritated by Matthew's "poor me" attitude, but as the story developes you understand the depth of the betrayal he has suffered. And when he started to turn his life around, I began cheering him on. Aaron is a much more shadowy character and it's hard to get a take on him, at times he seems too good to be true. But on the whole its a good story and one that I'll probably read again.
September 22, 2018
I've devoured this novel by Harper Fox over a couple of days spent in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the more I get to know this beautiful city (I travel there regularly for family reasons), the more I learn to find around me the places and signs of novels such as this or her Half Moon Chambers.
Locations such as the Powerhouse club, Fenwicks department store, the Laing Art Gallery, the Half Moon Chambers building but also the very atmosphere of Newcastle, cold but welcoming, harsh but sparkling with sudden bursts of light, are all infused deeply into the bones of these stories.
In Life After Joe , Matt is left stranded and bewildered after the unexpected breakup with his long-time partner who leaves him for a girl with whom he's been having a secret affair.
As Matt drily remarks in the novel's opening, just before meeting his undoing and public humiliation in the middle of the Powerhouse's dancefloor, it's not the breaking up that can kill you but its aftermath. And the aftermath of his break-up seems to be on its way of doing just that: Matt is quickly spiralling into a serious alcoholic addiction, his medical career is falling apart and he spends his nights lost in meaningless sexual encounters that often become dangerous for the survival not just of his soul but of his body.
His downfall is unstoppable until he meets Aaron - a quiet, rugged and caring outsider who seduces Matthew by giving him that respect and dignity that he seems to have lost along the way.
But is Aaron exactly who he says he is?
There's a little mystery going on in LAJ that provides friction and angst to Matt and Aaron's growing love story but the obstacles they really face are all internal, emotional, connected to their fears and reluctance to let go and embrace the blessings and risks of a new relationship.
As usual with Harper Fox's novels, the motions of grief and abandonment are articulated with great attention and sensitivity. Matt is out of control, incapable of coming to terms with Joe's rejection not only of their relationship but of his own identity.
Matt's response to his unexpected loneliness is self-destructive and may come across as selfish and unpleasant, whilst Aaron's answer to loss is fully internalised and expressed through his quiet but steadfast will of taking care of Matt and his shattered bits of life.
Harper Fox's writing style is always beautiful and sensuous, enveloping the reader in Matt's self-deprecating and despairing POV from the very first line.
Reading this novel was a deeply emotional experience. LAJ is sad, raw, desperate but also curving towards an uplifting turn of events (including a surreal incursion onto an oil rig) that was moving, heartwarming and very romantic.
Another 5-star read for me and, just like with all Harper Fox's novels, a sure re-read.
Further reading tip: the novel is discussed by Alexis Hall in one of his contributions to Queer Romance Month on The Book Pushers that is really worth reading. You can do it here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/10/17/queer-romance-month-guest-post-2-with-alexis-hall/.
Locations such as the Powerhouse club, Fenwicks department store, the Laing Art Gallery, the Half Moon Chambers building but also the very atmosphere of Newcastle, cold but welcoming, harsh but sparkling with sudden bursts of light, are all infused deeply into the bones of these stories.
In Life After Joe , Matt is left stranded and bewildered after the unexpected breakup with his long-time partner who leaves him for a girl with whom he's been having a secret affair.
As Matt drily remarks in the novel's opening, just before meeting his undoing and public humiliation in the middle of the Powerhouse's dancefloor, it's not the breaking up that can kill you but its aftermath. And the aftermath of his break-up seems to be on its way of doing just that: Matt is quickly spiralling into a serious alcoholic addiction, his medical career is falling apart and he spends his nights lost in meaningless sexual encounters that often become dangerous for the survival not just of his soul but of his body.
His downfall is unstoppable until he meets Aaron - a quiet, rugged and caring outsider who seduces Matthew by giving him that respect and dignity that he seems to have lost along the way.
But is Aaron exactly who he says he is?
There's a little mystery going on in LAJ that provides friction and angst to Matt and Aaron's growing love story but the obstacles they really face are all internal, emotional, connected to their fears and reluctance to let go and embrace the blessings and risks of a new relationship.
As usual with Harper Fox's novels, the motions of grief and abandonment are articulated with great attention and sensitivity. Matt is out of control, incapable of coming to terms with Joe's rejection not only of their relationship but of his own identity.
Matt's response to his unexpected loneliness is self-destructive and may come across as selfish and unpleasant, whilst Aaron's answer to loss is fully internalised and expressed through his quiet but steadfast will of taking care of Matt and his shattered bits of life.
Harper Fox's writing style is always beautiful and sensuous, enveloping the reader in Matt's self-deprecating and despairing POV from the very first line.
Reading this novel was a deeply emotional experience. LAJ is sad, raw, desperate but also curving towards an uplifting turn of events (including a surreal incursion onto an oil rig) that was moving, heartwarming and very romantic.
Another 5-star read for me and, just like with all Harper Fox's novels, a sure re-read.
Further reading tip: the novel is discussed by Alexis Hall in one of his contributions to Queer Romance Month on The Book Pushers that is really worth reading. You can do it here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/10/17/queer-romance-month-guest-post-2-with-alexis-hall/.
March 21, 2017
4.5 stars
Wow, that was good.
Since losing his longtime lover, Matt has been a hot mess. His days have been an endless cycle of drinking and anonymous sex, while his career suffers. He doesn't care, until he's turned down by Aaron, the hot serious man at the bar who always sits alone.
As always, Harper Fox's writing is marvelous. Evocative and poetic prose without becoming purple. I could really feel the loss that Matt felt.
Matt's self destructive behaviour doesn't make him particularly likable at the beginning of the book. But as his history with Joe is slowly revealed, his actions become more understandable. Matt was completely broken, and needed someone to help put him back together.
The way that Aaron handled Matt was enough to make me fall for him. The strong and silent type, he gives Matt a shoulder, but refuses to become a crutch. The two fell for each other as Matt healed. It was a bumpy road, but they were so perfect for each other. They were two halves of a whole.
And then when it turns out that Aaron is just in need of mending as Matt, Matt steps up to the plate in a big way. I loved every page, every sentence that led to Matt and Aaron becoming set in stone.
Overall, this was a great read. Angsty as hell, but oh so romantic.
Wow, that was good.
Since losing his longtime lover, Matt has been a hot mess. His days have been an endless cycle of drinking and anonymous sex, while his career suffers. He doesn't care, until he's turned down by Aaron, the hot serious man at the bar who always sits alone.
As always, Harper Fox's writing is marvelous. Evocative and poetic prose without becoming purple. I could really feel the loss that Matt felt.
Matt's self destructive behaviour doesn't make him particularly likable at the beginning of the book. But as his history with Joe is slowly revealed, his actions become more understandable. Matt was completely broken, and needed someone to help put him back together.
The way that Aaron handled Matt was enough to make me fall for him. The strong and silent type, he gives Matt a shoulder, but refuses to become a crutch. The two fell for each other as Matt healed. It was a bumpy road, but they were so perfect for each other. They were two halves of a whole.
And then when it turns out that Aaron is just in need of mending as Matt, Matt steps up to the plate in a big way. I loved every page, every sentence that led to Matt and Aaron becoming set in stone.
Overall, this was a great read. Angsty as hell, but oh so romantic.
February 6, 2017
BR with Karen, Josy, Lila and Natalie, my partners in crime during this short read
Matthews has been dumped by Joe, his childhood friend and only lover. Since the break-up, he’s drowning, loosing himself in booze, pills and meaningless sex. He’s really going down : it’s raw and depressing. And there comes Aaron, respectful, understanding, supportive and so passionate. And Matthews realizes that there can be a life after Joe, even if Aaron’s life still remains unspoken about and triggers Matthews’s fear.
The first half of the book was quite dark and Mathews ‘s struggles were heart-breaking. And Matt and Aaron together ? They are so made for each other and it was hot. My niggle: the second half of the book felt rushed and it would so have benefited from Aaron’s POV.
5 stars for the first half, 3 stars for the second half : 4 stars in overall and because I loved the writing style
Matthews has been dumped by Joe, his childhood friend and only lover. Since the break-up, he’s drowning, loosing himself in booze, pills and meaningless sex. He’s really going down : it’s raw and depressing. And there comes Aaron, respectful, understanding, supportive and so passionate. And Matthews realizes that there can be a life after Joe, even if Aaron’s life still remains unspoken about and triggers Matthews’s fear.
The first half of the book was quite dark and Mathews ‘s struggles were heart-breaking. And Matt and Aaron together ? They are so made for each other and it was hot. My niggle: the second half of the book felt rushed and it would so have benefited from Aaron’s POV.
5 stars for the first half, 3 stars for the second half : 4 stars in overall and because I loved the writing style
March 28, 2023
First love. Heartbreak. Falling apart. Learning to love again. Learning to live again.
The writing is lovely. Insanely romantic. So many feelings. A little Instalove, but beautiful.
I can’t believe I didn’t know this author, and I can’t wait to read more.
The writing is lovely. Insanely romantic. So many feelings. A little Instalove, but beautiful.
I can’t believe I didn’t know this author, and I can’t wait to read more.
January 7, 2012
Matt was dumped. His partner Joe decided to bow to family pressure and settle down with a woman, have kids, the whole dream come true. So he left his committed relationship with Matt, cheated behind his back with a woman, proposed to her and then calmly told Matt he was leaving him.
And that did it. Drove Matt over the edge, and six months later he is drinking every night, sleeping with any man he can find, and getting very close to blowing his residency at the hospital and not becoming a doctor. And it is when he is out drinking and looking for the lay of the night that he sees Aaron.
Aaron is a mystery. Handsome, built, sure of himself. But he never does more than exchange pleasantries with the men who try to chat him up, and never leaves with anyone. But when Matt catches his eye, drunk, getting tossed out of the bar for having sex in public, he breaks his own rules and gives Matt a hand up and a walk home.
And right then, Matt takes a look at himself, his decisions, his behaviors. Joe's wife drops by to tell him he needs to sell the home he and Joe shared, as Joe wants his equity out. And decides it's enough. No more limbo. No more drinking and whoring.
"No point in an autopsy, picking over all the points at which my life had slowly died."
And so the two become lovers and friends. Matt hears Aaron calling our for Rosie in his sleep, and assumes he has a wife, another life. But the attraction is strong, and he knows he wants Aaron. For as long as he can have him.
"It was welcome, protest at the size of him, wild-excitement - a sudden grief that, of all the men I'd let inside my body, for the first time I wanted one."
Then Joe reappears, wanting Matt back. Will Joe go back? Or will he take a chance on Aaron? And will Aaron tell Joe the truth about Rosie?
Harper Fox has written a gentle and joyful book about two broken men who somehow find their way to each other and find the strength to love again. Their pains shape them, both men thinking they would ever emerge from it. And when they do, man, it is beautiful.
I loved this book. The quietness and care and love shine through.
Fine job.
Tom
And that did it. Drove Matt over the edge, and six months later he is drinking every night, sleeping with any man he can find, and getting very close to blowing his residency at the hospital and not becoming a doctor. And it is when he is out drinking and looking for the lay of the night that he sees Aaron.
Aaron is a mystery. Handsome, built, sure of himself. But he never does more than exchange pleasantries with the men who try to chat him up, and never leaves with anyone. But when Matt catches his eye, drunk, getting tossed out of the bar for having sex in public, he breaks his own rules and gives Matt a hand up and a walk home.
And right then, Matt takes a look at himself, his decisions, his behaviors. Joe's wife drops by to tell him he needs to sell the home he and Joe shared, as Joe wants his equity out. And decides it's enough. No more limbo. No more drinking and whoring.
"No point in an autopsy, picking over all the points at which my life had slowly died."
And so the two become lovers and friends. Matt hears Aaron calling our for Rosie in his sleep, and assumes he has a wife, another life. But the attraction is strong, and he knows he wants Aaron. For as long as he can have him.
"It was welcome, protest at the size of him, wild-excitement - a sudden grief that, of all the men I'd let inside my body, for the first time I wanted one."
Then Joe reappears, wanting Matt back. Will Joe go back? Or will he take a chance on Aaron? And will Aaron tell Joe the truth about Rosie?
Harper Fox has written a gentle and joyful book about two broken men who somehow find their way to each other and find the strength to love again. Their pains shape them, both men thinking they would ever emerge from it. And when they do, man, it is beautiful.
I loved this book. The quietness and care and love shine through.
Fine job.
Tom
July 7, 2015
After losing his longtime lover, Matthew is in a serious tailspin. In his late 20s, he can't imagine a life without Joe in it, since Joe has been a part of Matthew's existence since they were children. In the midst of Matthew's spiral of self destruction, he finds Aaron, an intriguing and attractive man who seems to be out of Matthew's reach.
As it turns out, Aaron isn't as far out of reach as Matthew thinks.
This was a great story. There's an emotional poignancy in Matthew's self analysis, and the reader is taken along on all the highs and lows of trying to move on from one relationship while navigating the intricate patterns of a new one. Matthew and Aaron are those characters who really need each other, and the reader is hard pressed to not get punched right in the feels any time either of them is hurting.
As it turns out, Aaron isn't as far out of reach as Matthew thinks.
This was a great story. There's an emotional poignancy in Matthew's self analysis, and the reader is taken along on all the highs and lows of trying to move on from one relationship while navigating the intricate patterns of a new one. Matthew and Aaron are those characters who really need each other, and the reader is hard pressed to not get punched right in the feels any time either of them is hurting.
November 14, 2013
I will start by saying I read this book under less-than-ideal circumstances. I had trouble downloading it from the diesel store, so I decided to read it in diesel's app, and it kept crashing my ipad, so I had to give up and try again in the morning.
BUT--that meant I actually got some sleep last night, because if I hadn't had all those problems, I would have been up ALL NIGHT reading, and probably re-reading this book. It was that good.
Anyone who has ever been shocked by a breakup--particularly one with infidelity involved--can understand the despair and depression Matt feels. I certainly could relate to his desire to drown his sorrows by any means necessary, and I physically hurt for him through much of this book.
But when he and Aaron come together? FIREWORKS. so perfect. SO perfect.
And then Matt screws up.
And Aaron forgives.
And Matt's heart heals a little.
And there are misunderstandings.
And Aaron's heart breaks a little.
And Joe is an utter shit-bag.
And there's a thwarted big romantic gesture and an even bigger romantic gesture, and then???
And then they all (except Joe, I hope) live happily ever after.
ROMANCE WIN.
BUT--that meant I actually got some sleep last night, because if I hadn't had all those problems, I would have been up ALL NIGHT reading, and probably re-reading this book. It was that good.
Anyone who has ever been shocked by a breakup--particularly one with infidelity involved--can understand the despair and depression Matt feels. I certainly could relate to his desire to drown his sorrows by any means necessary, and I physically hurt for him through much of this book.
But when he and Aaron come together? FIREWORKS. so perfect. SO perfect.
And then Matt screws up.
And Aaron forgives.
And Matt's heart heals a little.
And there are misunderstandings.
And Aaron's heart breaks a little.
And Joe is an utter shit-bag.
And there's a thwarted big romantic gesture and an even bigger romantic gesture, and then???
And then they all (except Joe, I hope) live happily ever after.
ROMANCE WIN.
March 11, 2013
Back when I was still feeling optimistic about Scarp Metal I bought this novella on a Valentine’s Day sale. Then I lost my optimism and I had this ebook lingering on my Kindle.
Again, at first, I thought maybe I hadn’t made such a huge mistake after all. Fox will never be one of my favourite authors but her stories are entertaining and I do have certain reading moods when I devour emotional anguish like candy. Yeah, no.
Matt is a horrible self-pitying mess with the worst taste in friends and childhood loves-cum-lovers. He’s supposed to be a medical student but at no point does he use anything resembling medical vernacular and he narrates the story. I couldn’t stand the guy. Oh, well, I’ve read about characters I didn’t like before and I’ve even loved such a book. Nope. Not this time.
There’s no romance. There’s rebound sex and codependency issues. Aaron is a couple of decades older, so there also might be daddy issues. There’s no plot. There are drugs, alcohol, and misunderstandings. And there are unbelievable plot twists that highlight just how too stupid to live Matt is. There’s also the compulsory vilifying of a female character.
And there’s purplish prose.
Let’s file this under not for me, never again, give up hope all ready, and what the hell was I thinking?
Again, at first, I thought maybe I hadn’t made such a huge mistake after all. Fox will never be one of my favourite authors but her stories are entertaining and I do have certain reading moods when I devour emotional anguish like candy. Yeah, no.
Matt is a horrible self-pitying mess with the worst taste in friends and childhood loves-cum-lovers. He’s supposed to be a medical student but at no point does he use anything resembling medical vernacular and he narrates the story. I couldn’t stand the guy. Oh, well, I’ve read about characters I didn’t like before and I’ve even loved such a book. Nope. Not this time.
There’s no romance. There’s rebound sex and codependency issues. Aaron is a couple of decades older, so there also might be daddy issues. There’s no plot. There are drugs, alcohol, and misunderstandings. And there are unbelievable plot twists that highlight just how too stupid to live Matt is. There’s also the compulsory vilifying of a female character.
And there’s purplish prose.
Let’s file this under not for me, never again, give up hope all ready, and what the hell was I thinking?
August 20, 2022
~ 4.5 stars ~
Wow! This was another exceptional book by Harper Fox! It's the third one I read and I loved all of them!
It always takes me a little while to get used to her writing but when I do, it grips me completely. And she always manages to create an intensity that is amazing and a little frightening. I was so in tune with Matt and his emotions that I felt like living through all of his struggles myself. Maybe that's the reason why, in the end, I couldn't really connect with Aaron. I didn't have anything left to give when his revelation came. It was sad and I felt sorry for him, but it didn't wreck me like Matt's story. Nevertheless, Matt and Aaron were perfect for each other!
The secondary characters? Well, I had feelings for them, too. Mainly anger, disgust, and disbelieve. Let's just say if you have friends like this, you don't need enemies.
Many thanks to my ladies Karen, Christelle, Lila, and Natalie who helped me get through this and who handed over tissues and teddy bears when needed :)
Wow! This was another exceptional book by Harper Fox! It's the third one I read and I loved all of them!
It always takes me a little while to get used to her writing but when I do, it grips me completely. And she always manages to create an intensity that is amazing and a little frightening. I was so in tune with Matt and his emotions that I felt like living through all of his struggles myself. Maybe that's the reason why, in the end, I couldn't really connect with Aaron. I didn't have anything left to give when his revelation came. It was sad and I felt sorry for him, but it didn't wreck me like Matt's story. Nevertheless, Matt and Aaron were perfect for each other!
The secondary characters? Well, I had feelings for them, too. Mainly anger, disgust, and disbelieve. Let's just say if you have friends like this, you don't need enemies.
Many thanks to my ladies Karen, Christelle, Lila, and Natalie who helped me get through this and who handed over tissues and teddy bears when needed :)
March 21, 2016
I feel like I've stumbled into a completely different world with Harper Fox's books. First Scrap Metal, now Life After Joe - different stories but the same in painfully beautiful prose and desperate love.
Her angst (examples below) makes me want to curl up in a pillow filled window seat somewhere and just look at the rainy ocean and enjoy my feelz.
What the fuck was I? A flicker in the dark yearning hopelessly towards another, which perhaps had forgotten my existence by now.
"Don’t leave me,” he choked out. I rolled on top of him, scrambled to stay with him, to be his shield—his place to hide, because I knew that as much as he needed this, it wasn’t bearable to him.
Her angst (examples below) makes me want to curl up in a pillow filled window seat somewhere and just look at the rainy ocean and enjoy my feelz.
What the fuck was I? A flicker in the dark yearning hopelessly towards another, which perhaps had forgotten my existence by now.
"Don’t leave me,” he choked out. I rolled on top of him, scrambled to stay with him, to be his shield—his place to hide, because I knew that as much as he needed this, it wasn’t bearable to him.
February 4, 2017
It's time...
That's right after having read this book at least 5 times, with the most recent being this past weekend when I was fortunate enough to share this reading experience in a buddy read with the awesomeness of Christelle, Josy, Lila and Natalie. It's high time that I attempted to review what is one of my absolute favorite books ever.
I'm not really sure that I know how to explain this book but here goes...'Life After Joe' is the story of what happens when one man's relationship ends. For Matt his relationship with Joe was a forever thing. They grew up together, so not only was Joe the man he loved...Joe was Matt's best friend. They shared everything, their dreams and aspirations, their hopes and fears, a bed...a home and Matt thought their hearts...until they didn't. Until Joe sat him down on that rug in front of the fireplace where he liked to make love to Matt and told him 'This isn't what I want anymore.' and walked out.
For any of us this would be heartbreaking so it's no surprise that Matt's devastated. He doesn't really know how to go on. His life becomes one continuous chain of drinks and one night stands, quick hook-ups and embarrassing moments. Until Aaron.
Aaron's got his own heartbreak to deal with and he's gone in a totally opposite direction from Matt. Oh, he goes out to the bars and has a few drinks but no matter who approaches him and men do approach him because Aaron's gorgeous and he's got an air of intrigue about him that draws men to him like moths to a flame, but he turns them all down. Politely sending each one away even Matt. But there's something different about Matt and Aaron watches him until circumstances bring him to Matt's rescue. Matt's initially baffled as to why Aaron treats him with such kindness and respect, he doesn't understand it, doesn't think he deserves it.
Their's is such a tenuous fragile beginning both men are so cautious. Drawing together only to pull away. Wanting and yet afraid to take. I have read this story as I said at the beginning at least 5 times and each time I'm drawn into it and at times it feels like my world has stopped so that I can be in theirs.
I love Harper Fox's writing style and the magic that she weaves with her stories, but for whatever reason 'Life After Joe' has endeared itself to me far more than any of her other stories that I have read. I loved 'Driftwood', 'Scrap Metal' is fabulous, 'The Salisbury Key' was awesome, I was pretty sure 'Half Moon Chambers' broke me forever and 'All Roads Lead to You' probably wrung more tears from me than just about any other book and yet, if you told me that I could only ever read one Harper Fox book I would pick 'Life After Joe'. it's one of those illogical things that doesn't really have a rhyme or reason for me it just is. We all connect with things for different reasons and sometimes for no other reason than 'we just do'. So if you ask me why I love 'Life After Joe' my honest answer is "I just do."
That's right after having read this book at least 5 times, with the most recent being this past weekend when I was fortunate enough to share this reading experience in a buddy read with the awesomeness of Christelle, Josy, Lila and Natalie. It's high time that I attempted to review what is one of my absolute favorite books ever.
I'm not really sure that I know how to explain this book but here goes...'Life After Joe' is the story of what happens when one man's relationship ends. For Matt his relationship with Joe was a forever thing. They grew up together, so not only was Joe the man he loved...Joe was Matt's best friend. They shared everything, their dreams and aspirations, their hopes and fears, a bed...a home and Matt thought their hearts...until they didn't. Until Joe sat him down on that rug in front of the fireplace where he liked to make love to Matt and told him 'This isn't what I want anymore.' and walked out.
For any of us this would be heartbreaking so it's no surprise that Matt's devastated. He doesn't really know how to go on. His life becomes one continuous chain of drinks and one night stands, quick hook-ups and embarrassing moments. Until Aaron.
Aaron's got his own heartbreak to deal with and he's gone in a totally opposite direction from Matt. Oh, he goes out to the bars and has a few drinks but no matter who approaches him and men do approach him because Aaron's gorgeous and he's got an air of intrigue about him that draws men to him like moths to a flame, but he turns them all down. Politely sending each one away even Matt. But there's something different about Matt and Aaron watches him until circumstances bring him to Matt's rescue. Matt's initially baffled as to why Aaron treats him with such kindness and respect, he doesn't understand it, doesn't think he deserves it.
Their's is such a tenuous fragile beginning both men are so cautious. Drawing together only to pull away. Wanting and yet afraid to take. I have read this story as I said at the beginning at least 5 times and each time I'm drawn into it and at times it feels like my world has stopped so that I can be in theirs.
I love Harper Fox's writing style and the magic that she weaves with her stories, but for whatever reason 'Life After Joe' has endeared itself to me far more than any of her other stories that I have read. I loved 'Driftwood', 'Scrap Metal' is fabulous, 'The Salisbury Key' was awesome, I was pretty sure 'Half Moon Chambers' broke me forever and 'All Roads Lead to You' probably wrung more tears from me than just about any other book and yet, if you told me that I could only ever read one Harper Fox book I would pick 'Life After Joe'. it's one of those illogical things that doesn't really have a rhyme or reason for me it just is. We all connect with things for different reasons and sometimes for no other reason than 'we just do'. So if you ask me why I love 'Life After Joe' my honest answer is "I just do."
October 10, 2022
This novella really packs an emotional punch.
Matt's going through a rough patch after being dumped by the titular Joe. He's spiraling; partying and drinking too much, missing work. He's nearing rock bottom when he meets Aaron at a club.
Aaron's not interested in being picked up by a clearly too drunk Matt. But after another bad decision causes Matt to be kicked out of the club and left in a bad way, Aaron makes sure he gets home safely.
Aaron may seem perfect but he's got some emotional baggage too. It was so good seeing Matt and Arron grow together and help each other heal from wounds both recent and old.
Harper Fox did a brilliant job crafting their relationship. And even though it was short, it was perfectly paced and left me satisfied.
Matt's going through a rough patch after being dumped by the titular Joe. He's spiraling; partying and drinking too much, missing work. He's nearing rock bottom when he meets Aaron at a club.
Aaron's not interested in being picked up by a clearly too drunk Matt. But after another bad decision causes Matt to be kicked out of the club and left in a bad way, Aaron makes sure he gets home safely.
Aaron may seem perfect but he's got some emotional baggage too. It was so good seeing Matt and Arron grow together and help each other heal from wounds both recent and old.
Harper Fox did a brilliant job crafting their relationship. And even though it was short, it was perfectly paced and left me satisfied.
January 30, 2016
4 stars for a gripping shortie about a second chance after a betrayal and some broken hearts
There was never any review written and now the time has gone. But I remember in any case, what a wonderful fine and nicely told story about Matthew and Aaron this was. A bit special and quite different. A 100 pages novella to remember.
Really good - highly recommended.
I LIKE - emotional and sad but with new hope
There was never any review written and now the time has gone. But I remember in any case, what a wonderful fine and nicely told story about Matthew and Aaron this was. A bit special and quite different. A 100 pages novella to remember.
Really good - highly recommended.
I LIKE - emotional and sad but with new hope
July 10, 2014
Good grief I love this book.
The end.
The end.
February 13, 2013
Another of those books that I liked in places.
This story should have had me enthralled. I love a vulnerable guy, an A-hole ex, a white night and all the mixed up baggage in between. So this should have been a 5 star read. Sadly it barely makes it to a 3 star, more a 2.5
For me the writing style was not my cup of tea. In places it was long winded and flowery. I don’t mind a little description, but the poetic prose that was used was a bit over done for my taste. Matthew also failed to bring out my emotions until near the end. He was too self-destructive for me.
I did enjoy the ending, but sadly this was not the angst fest I was imagining.
This story should have had me enthralled. I love a vulnerable guy, an A-hole ex, a white night and all the mixed up baggage in between. So this should have been a 5 star read. Sadly it barely makes it to a 3 star, more a 2.5
For me the writing style was not my cup of tea. In places it was long winded and flowery. I don’t mind a little description, but the poetic prose that was used was a bit over done for my taste. Matthew also failed to bring out my emotions until near the end. He was too self-destructive for me.
I did enjoy the ending, but sadly this was not the angst fest I was imagining.
February 5, 2017
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I wasn't expecting this story. I wasn't expecting these characters either. And yet, I found myself gripped by both, emotionally connected to them in a way that I find exceedingly rare. This story was raw and beautiful and meaningful.
I... Well, I think that to say anything more would muck it up instead of making the jumble of thoughts and emotions roiling inside of me right now more clear to you, so I won't.
But I hope you read this book and love it as much as I do.
I wasn't expecting this story. I wasn't expecting these characters either. And yet, I found myself gripped by both, emotionally connected to them in a way that I find exceedingly rare. This story was raw and beautiful and meaningful.
I... Well, I think that to say anything more would muck it up instead of making the jumble of thoughts and emotions roiling inside of me right now more clear to you, so I won't.
But I hope you read this book and love it as much as I do.
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