What do you think?
Rate this book
Pieces
Patrick Donovan has spent the last three anniversaries of his lover’s suicide getting drunk at Josh Stevens’ bar. It’s at the bar he feels closest to Andrew, the man he misses, as well as to the man he has truly loved since high school, Josh, his dead lover’s cousin.
Troubled by Patrick’s annual visits to the bar, Josh encourages the man to put the pieces of his broken life back together and move on from his grief. Though it’s clear to Josh that Patrick yearns to move on with him, he wants no part of it. He’s avoided long-term relationships and knows the last thing he should do is get involved with Patrick, especially when he believes the man’s shattered heart still belongs to Andrew.
But Josh changes his mind once Patrick takes his advice and begins dating other guys. Despite his fear of committment and becoming a substitute for Andrew, Josh can no longer ignore his growing feelings for Patrick. Will he be able to let the man go, or will he eventually surrender to the notion that Patrick is perfect for him after all?
Gay / Contemporary
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2010
2 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lane
132 books309 followersShawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 22, 2010
A friend of mine once dubbed Shawn Lane the “Queen of Angst” and he is absolutely correct. But, one of my favorite things about her writing is her versatility to tell many different types of stories. The great thing about reading a book written by Shawn is that you never know what you’re going to get. I honestly can’t decide if I prefer her lighter, sweeter stories or her angsty dramatic ones. One of the best things about Shawn’s books is that there is something for everyone’s taste.
Patrick has been living with the burden of a guilty conscience. Ever since his lover committed suicide three years ago, he’s been plagued with the guilt over his death and the events that led up to it.
But, that’s not Patrick’s only problem.
He’s also been in love with his childhood friend, Josh, who also happens to be his ex-lover’s cousin. Every year on the eve of his ex-lover’s death, Patrick finds himself at Josh’s bar and gets rip roaring drunk because it was always a safe place to hang out and remember the good times they all shared together.
Josh has watched Patrick grieve for three years and he’s had enough of it. Josh knows it’s time for Patrick to stop feeling guilty over his cousins suicide, and rejoin the land of the living again…after Patrick’s yearly drunken ritual of course.
Josh takes the drunken Patrick home and they end up in a passionate embrace. This brings the feelings they have for one another to the surface. Will they be able to work through fear and guilty feelings and trust in the love that they have for each other?
I love Shawn’s heroes. Even though they are always very sexy and
unique they all have a quality of being humanly flawed. Watching Josh work through his fear of commitment and his feeling of betrayal by Patrick (read the book) rang very true to life for me. Patrick’s unrequited feelings for Josh and the guilt he felt for having them made my heart break for him. I understood why he felt guilty over his ex-lover’s death, and I was glad to see both heroes work through their own issues so they could find the happy ending they deserve.
I loved this book! I loved the sexy bar scene, (again, read the book) and I loved Josh and Patrick. Pieces definitely has earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf and I’m really looking forward to reading it over and over for many years to come.
Patrick has been living with the burden of a guilty conscience. Ever since his lover committed suicide three years ago, he’s been plagued with the guilt over his death and the events that led up to it.
But, that’s not Patrick’s only problem.
He’s also been in love with his childhood friend, Josh, who also happens to be his ex-lover’s cousin. Every year on the eve of his ex-lover’s death, Patrick finds himself at Josh’s bar and gets rip roaring drunk because it was always a safe place to hang out and remember the good times they all shared together.
Josh has watched Patrick grieve for three years and he’s had enough of it. Josh knows it’s time for Patrick to stop feeling guilty over his cousins suicide, and rejoin the land of the living again…after Patrick’s yearly drunken ritual of course.
Josh takes the drunken Patrick home and they end up in a passionate embrace. This brings the feelings they have for one another to the surface. Will they be able to work through fear and guilty feelings and trust in the love that they have for each other?
I love Shawn’s heroes. Even though they are always very sexy and
unique they all have a quality of being humanly flawed. Watching Josh work through his fear of commitment and his feeling of betrayal by Patrick (read the book) rang very true to life for me. Patrick’s unrequited feelings for Josh and the guilt he felt for having them made my heart break for him. I understood why he felt guilty over his ex-lover’s death, and I was glad to see both heroes work through their own issues so they could find the happy ending they deserve.
I loved this book! I loved the sexy bar scene, (again, read the book) and I loved Josh and Patrick. Pieces definitely has earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf and I’m really looking forward to reading it over and over for many years to come.
August 14, 2010
Three years after Patrick's lover committed suicide he still carries the guilt for what he considers his part in it. Despite being with Andrew for quite a while Patrick was in love with Josh, his lover's cousin and that also adds to his guilt. On the anniversary of Andrew's death Patrick is once again at Josh's bar getting drunk.
For his part Josh feels it's way past time for Patrick to start getting over his feelings of grief and rejoin the land of the living. When he drives Patrick home that night the men end up kissing before Patrick passes out. This act brings out feelings both men have kept buried for a long time and they will have to find a way to work through them if they are to have a chance at love. Will they be able to get over Patrick's guilt and Josh's fear of commitment or will they lose their second chance at love?
Once again Shawn Lane has written a wonderfully emotional tale of love. It does have some angst heavy moments however the author stopped short of letting that overwhelm the story which due to the subject matter could have easily happened. Instead she presents two well drawn and likable protagonists with a complicated history and allows them to slowly find a way to deal with their issues and reach a HEA ending. The secondary characters are wonderful additions to the story and it was nice to see how supportive they were of Patrick and Josh's new relationship.
Overall this was a well-written and interesting story. I was fully engaged from the beginning in Patrick and Josh's struggle to find a way to get past the emotional baggage they've been carrying around for ages and find a way to be together. I also liked that despite the sad theme of dealing with the aftermath of suicide there are also lighthearted and very sexy moments in the story. One such scene, in the bar after closing, was especially hot.
This story may not appeal to everyone since it does deal with a difficult subject and has a fair bit of angst-filled moments. Despite that I really enjoyed reading Pieces and definitely recommend it.
For his part Josh feels it's way past time for Patrick to start getting over his feelings of grief and rejoin the land of the living. When he drives Patrick home that night the men end up kissing before Patrick passes out. This act brings out feelings both men have kept buried for a long time and they will have to find a way to work through them if they are to have a chance at love. Will they be able to get over Patrick's guilt and Josh's fear of commitment or will they lose their second chance at love?
Once again Shawn Lane has written a wonderfully emotional tale of love. It does have some angst heavy moments however the author stopped short of letting that overwhelm the story which due to the subject matter could have easily happened. Instead she presents two well drawn and likable protagonists with a complicated history and allows them to slowly find a way to deal with their issues and reach a HEA ending. The secondary characters are wonderful additions to the story and it was nice to see how supportive they were of Patrick and Josh's new relationship.
Overall this was a well-written and interesting story. I was fully engaged from the beginning in Patrick and Josh's struggle to find a way to get past the emotional baggage they've been carrying around for ages and find a way to be together. I also liked that despite the sad theme of dealing with the aftermath of suicide there are also lighthearted and very sexy moments in the story. One such scene, in the bar after closing, was especially hot.
This story may not appeal to everyone since it does deal with a difficult subject and has a fair bit of angst-filled moments. Despite that I really enjoyed reading Pieces and definitely recommend it.
September 14, 2012
3.5*
Patrick is still grieving for his lover Andrew, who committed suicide 3 yrs ago.
A lot of his grief is from guilt since he also had a long time crush/love for Josh who happens to be Andrews cousin.
I'm not sure about Josh, I felt he didn't really want to commit but he didn't really want Patrick to move on either, maybe if I had been able to see things more from his perspective I would have liked and understood him more.
I also would have loved to see a bit of Andrew, I know nothing about him really except they gpfought and he killed himself. Josh kept bringing up his mental health issues, but then they were all shocked he killed himself..did he have mental health issues they knew about or not?
It was a sad story, but ended on a happy note for the MC's, I just felt a lot of time and opportunities were wasted by these guys, but especially Josh, he went from hot to cold and back again, it was hard for me to warm up to him and want him for Patrick.
Patrick is still grieving for his lover Andrew, who committed suicide 3 yrs ago.
A lot of his grief is from guilt since he also had a long time crush/love for Josh who happens to be Andrews cousin.
I'm not sure about Josh, I felt he didn't really want to commit but he didn't really want Patrick to move on either, maybe if I had been able to see things more from his perspective I would have liked and understood him more.
I also would have loved to see a bit of Andrew, I know nothing about him really except they gpfought and he killed himself. Josh kept bringing up his mental health issues, but then they were all shocked he killed himself..did he have mental health issues they knew about or not?
It was a sad story, but ended on a happy note for the MC's, I just felt a lot of time and opportunities were wasted by these guys, but especially Josh, he went from hot to cold and back again, it was hard for me to warm up to him and want him for Patrick.
August 6, 2010
I don't usually do well with Shawn Lane's story ... sometimes sex is all there is and I want something more than that. But I still like the summary for this, so I give it a try. It turns out this is one of the few of her stories that works (for me). I think the angst is palpable and real -- about keeping your love for someone for years, and end up making someone your second best, I love how Patrick and Josh finally works it out. There is one scene that just clogged my throat (it involves saying the truth in a cemetery). So yeah, it's definitely one of my favorites
February 20, 2015
The cover looks angsty and dark enuf, but I found that the story not that angsty enuf.
I like the story.
It took so long for both of the MC to realize their mistakes, their feelings and solved it.
Poor Andrew...
But that's life...
November 5, 2010
I enjoyed Pieces. It was a sweet, short romance about one man trying to get over his first love by finding comfort in the cousin until the cousin kills himself and then finds love again with his first. I liked both Patrick and Josh and how Josh couldn’t just admit he had feelings for Patrick until everything was said and done. I especially liked his unconscious jealousy with Patrick’s online date; it made me smile. Lol.
I would have liked it better if we learned a little more about Andrew. He was portrayed as a mentally sick guy but then you read about all the great times everyone had with him, so I was a little confused on why Josh was so adamant Andrew was sick like that. I also would have liked to know more about the lawsuit besides the bare bones of it. It would have been better if we got a glimpse into the chaos and frustration Josh went through being sued and not just the reason for being sued and then whether or not it settled in his favor.
Still, if you’re looking for something quick and light, this is definitely the book. It’ll put a slight smile on your face when you’re done. :D
For spoilers go here.
I would have liked it better if we learned a little more about Andrew. He was portrayed as a mentally sick guy but then you read about all the great times everyone had with him, so I was a little confused on why Josh was so adamant Andrew was sick like that. I also would have liked to know more about the lawsuit besides the bare bones of it. It would have been better if we got a glimpse into the chaos and frustration Josh went through being sued and not just the reason for being sued and then whether or not it settled in his favor.
Still, if you’re looking for something quick and light, this is definitely the book. It’ll put a slight smile on your face when you’re done. :D
For spoilers go here.
March 23, 2012
3.25 stars
For the past three years, Patrick has been mourning the suicide of his partner, Andrew, as his friend (and one-time lover), Josh, watches helplessly on the sidelines. Patrick always carried feelings for Josh, but after their encounter years before, both were left with feelings of shame, resentment and heartbreak. Through Andrew's death, the two men discover what's really important.
Even though Pieces is a rather short story, a lot of information is packed into its pages. However, I wanted more. I felt as though revelations were made a little too quickly, especially given the fact that one character in particular really had no clue what he wanted and, in a way, played with the other's feelings.
I would have also liked to have known more about Andrew, possibly in a flashback scene or two. All we really know is that he may have had a mental disorder, he didn't feel loved and he committed suicide. There had to have been more to him than that.
For the past three years, Patrick has been mourning the suicide of his partner, Andrew, as his friend (and one-time lover), Josh, watches helplessly on the sidelines. Patrick always carried feelings for Josh, but after their encounter years before, both were left with feelings of shame, resentment and heartbreak. Through Andrew's death, the two men discover what's really important.
Even though Pieces is a rather short story, a lot of information is packed into its pages. However, I wanted more. I felt as though revelations were made a little too quickly, especially given the fact that one character in particular really had no clue what he wanted and, in a way, played with the other's feelings.
I would have also liked to have known more about Andrew, possibly in a flashback scene or two. All we really know is that he may have had a mental disorder, he didn't feel loved and he committed suicide. There had to have been more to him than that.
February 22, 2012
Another wonderful story!
This one's more intense and angsty, but not overdone at all. I really liked how Patrick's psychological trauma was handled and Josh's decision to build a relationship together at the end looked real and thought out and I believed it. Nice little snipped from their lives two months later was sweet :)
This one's more intense and angsty, but not overdone at all. I really liked how Patrick's psychological trauma was handled and Josh's decision to build a relationship together at the end looked real and thought out and I believed it. Nice little snipped from their lives two months later was sweet :)
July 13, 2025
I found this super underwhelming. Honestly don't have much to say about it. Didn't really feel much about the characters, the reasoning for the conflict felt like an afterthought. POV switched between both characters and neither seemed to have a distinct voice. The emotions felt really superficial. When the love declarations happened near the end it felt like it came a bit out of nowhere.
I've mentioned before in previous reviews that I find Shawn Lane quite hit and miss. This one is definitely a miss for me. Not one star because I didn't hate it, I'm just indifferent to it.
I've mentioned before in previous reviews that I find Shawn Lane quite hit and miss. This one is definitely a miss for me. Not one star because I didn't hate it, I'm just indifferent to it.
February 26, 2017
This was a perfect, quick, sweet, sexy read. I'm glad I picked it up. This author just seems to "get it".
I really enjoyed it. I recommend 'Pieces' to everyone.
I really enjoyed it. I recommend 'Pieces' to everyone.
September 1, 2010
I’ve never actually read a Shawn Lane book that I didn’t enjoy and this one is no exception. I love the way this author writes, Shawn’s stories always captivate me and leave me glued to my ereader until the end.
Patrick has been in love with Josh for years, he even became involved with Josh’s counsin, Andrew, after a one night stand with Josh, where it seemed clear to him that Josh was never going to want anything long-term with him.
Three years after Andrew’s suicide, the two are still apart and unable to admit their love for one another, until Patrick signs up on an online dating site and brings his date to Josh’s bar. Seeing Patrick with another man ignites Josh’s jealous side and leads to him running off Patrick’s date.
Things don’t progress very easily for the two from there, there’s a lot of miscommunication and assumptions made by both parties, but eventually the two men manage to get things right and get their very sweet HEA.
Patrick has been in love with Josh for years, he even became involved with Josh’s counsin, Andrew, after a one night stand with Josh, where it seemed clear to him that Josh was never going to want anything long-term with him.
Three years after Andrew’s suicide, the two are still apart and unable to admit their love for one another, until Patrick signs up on an online dating site and brings his date to Josh’s bar. Seeing Patrick with another man ignites Josh’s jealous side and leads to him running off Patrick’s date.
Things don’t progress very easily for the two from there, there’s a lot of miscommunication and assumptions made by both parties, but eventually the two men manage to get things right and get their very sweet HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2016
Whilst I absolutely loved the premise of this book it was just way too short for me. I got Patrick, understood his motivations and his actions, but Josh? I didn't get him at all. There was not enough time to develop both characters and Josh got left behind.
It's a shame, as I think it would have worked really well as a longer story fleshing out both MCs and giving it a proper ending - that didn't work for me at all. The writing style was engaging so I will check out other books by this author, just longer ones.
2.5* rounded up to 3
It's a shame, as I think it would have worked really well as a longer story fleshing out both MCs and giving it a proper ending - that didn't work for me at all. The writing style was engaging so I will check out other books by this author, just longer ones.
2.5* rounded up to 3
March 3, 2015
Patrick still grieving for his partner who killed himself 3 years ago can't let it go .. Along with that comes guilt ..
He loved his childhood friend josh but he thought josh didn't love him and decided to be his cousin Andrew at the time..
So this story is about how he deals with the guilt and grieving and has to let it go .. And can he be with josh and will he return his love for him back.
He loved his childhood friend josh but he thought josh didn't love him and decided to be his cousin Andrew at the time..
So this story is about how he deals with the guilt and grieving and has to let it go .. And can he be with josh and will he return his love for him back.
Read
November 11, 2016The writing is as always good, but I just couldn't seem to get into this book or the characters... *shrugs*
February 24, 2011
MxM, Read in 2011
March 29, 2018
3.25 stars
March 16, 2015
2.5 stars.
The writing was okay but the story and characters disappointed me.
The writing was okay but the story and characters disappointed me.
June 20, 2017
This story was a sweet and very emotional...(for me)...Shawn Lane? I love your books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews