Comfort BR with Meags!

4.5 Stars

I don't know if I'm on the rebound from my most recent let down of a read, but I don't care. I pretty much loved this book.

Sure there were some things that niggled or bothered me, but overall this was a great story about family and love.

What stands out for me the most was the dialogue.
The banter
The quick wit
The flirting
The arguing
And I'm not necessarily just talking about the push/pull of the MC's. Everyone had their piece to say on a variety of topics and it was all done so very smartly.

Loved, loved, loved Travis - he's straightforward, perceptive, sensitive, and brave. I was continually impressed just like Ben, as the layers were peeled away revealing quite the package. I don't blame Ben one bit for falling hard.

I could also say that Ben too, has layers. Assertive, conceited, bossy, a little bit kinky - he's got a lot to learn about his brothers and himself. He pissed me off a couple of times for sure, but he comes around beautifully.

This pretty much had it all - apt poignancy, deft humor, emotional angst. Brad Boney has a way with words showing off some great philosophical revelations about living life and appreciating what you've got. Everything's about perspective - the rest will simply take care of itself. ( )

I usually avoid trilogies as I hate becoming attached to characters just to have them just disappear after book #3. Seem that didn't stop me from doing it again:) It's a well plotted story about what happens when reality slams head-long into your life. It seems that all M/M romances have characters that are flawed. I hate that as I just want everyone to have love and be happy. i know that's not how life works no matter if you are gay or straight. Still keeps me wishing and wanting. Be prepared for Ben to be slightly less than likeable for most of the book, but you can be assured that by the end he has matured and is much more likeable. I really liked how Ben handled his three younger brothers...especially Jason. The book does a beautiful job of conveying life as what is. ( )

99c at DSP through January 16, 2019
https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-nothingness-of-ben-by-brad-boney-163...

4.5 stars.

I'll admit that the title of this book kept me from reading it for a while. I expected to have a story full of angst and heartbreak. Instead I find a story, that yes, has a sad start, but is filled with joy, wonder and excitement.

The relationship building between Ben and Travis is beautiful. The rebuilding of the reationships between the brothers even more so. This is truly a story filled with hope, love and the discovery of how to be and become a family. ( )

A Recommended Read! My review along with a character interview is posted at Book Reviews & More by Kathy.

Brad Boney’s debut novel, The Nothingness of Ben, is absolutely amazing. It is a beautiful story of love and hope that will completely captivate you as the Walsh siblings and Travis Atwood become a family following a terrible loss.

Reeling in the aftermath of his parents' death, Ben Walsh steps up and becomes the guardian of his younger brothers, Quentin, Jason and Cade. Barely able to take care of himself, let alone three teenagers, Ben depends on neighbor and friend Travis Atwood to help him with their daily routine. Their close friendship soon turns into a romance that is quickly complicated by the stresses of Ben's new life. When a misguided attempt to introduce his brothers and Travis to his old life in New York does not go quite as planned, Ben must make some difficult decisions about his future and exactly what role, if any, Travis will play in it.

Mr. Boney's character development of lead protagonists Ben and Travis is exceptional. They are immensely likable, well-rounded and so realistic they leap off the pages and right into your heart. They are not larger than life heroes, but every day, average men trying to find their way during life's harsher moments. Their struggles are realistic and they make mistakes. But it is what they learn from their mistakes and how they find solutions to their problems that makes The Nothingness of Ben such an magnificent story.

Quentin, Jason and Cade are typical teens. Of the three, Quentin is the most angry about Ben's perceived desertion of their family. He is skeptical that Ben will come through for the boys and he does not cut Ben any slack. In addition to his grief over his parents' death, middle brother Jason is fighting his own battles and he is keeping secrets from Ben. Cade is quite different from his older brothers and although is the youngest, he is the most perceptive.

One of the things I found most appealing about The Nothingness of Ben is Brad Boney's writing style. I never felt like I was reading a book. Instead, I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their emotions and reactions to events as they occurred. I especially appreciated how Mr. Boney's minimalist approach to scene building kept the story from becoming bogged down in too many superfluous details.

The Nothingness of Ben is a quiet but incredibly compelling novel. There is no over the top conflict, no grand gestures, and very little angst. But that is exactly what makes it such an extraordinary read. It is a refreshingly realistic romance that I hated to see end!
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