Parts of this made me so mad for them, but I loved them so much! Such amazing storytelling and character building!!! ( )

How could I not have reviewed this one: it was definitely different! I don't know how realistic it was, but the unusual premise is that two guys who have never even looked at another guy, find that they are ... at least gay for each other. I found it an intriguing story and the exciting thing was how different in personality each guy was and how much they appreciated that and utilised it. They positively blossom. Couldn't help but admire their courage as they turned their lives upside down. From the moment when they become aware enough of their feelings that they need to talk, led by Bryce, they are so unbelievably honest - and clear and simple - with each other. I use the word unbelievable in a literal sense because their willingness to talk about exactly where they are at in their new world is so unlikely, but wow, so great, and so instrumental in getting them to a HEA! To continue the road metaphors, these romance novels - all the same but all with their subtle differences - are such a roadmap to happy.

A reminder of what the story is about: After divorcing the woman he'd been with since he was seventeen, Nick Fuller is starting over. He owns the restaurant of his dreams and he's determined to meet new people, find new passions, and experience life to its fullest. Easier said than done-that is, until he meets his new neighbor, Bryce Tanner.Neither man has ever wanted another guy, but there's a connection between Nick and Bryce from the start-a spark they can't deny. They find themselves navigating an unfamiliar new world and dealing with unforeseen obstacles. Physical desire isn't enough, and now Nick and Bryce are at a crossroads. They have to decide which way to go ... ( )

I read through a few of the reviews for this book, and was instantly amused by the variety. I know why. I kept waiting to be put off by how previously non-gay men were presented as suddenly finding themselves attracted to *this* guy. I laughed out loud at the first kiss, because it was perfect.

To the few who protested the timeline from initial meeting to first kiss, I say; were you paying attention? Because the attraction not only had time to form, but had to be pointed out. Love is confusing enough without the complication of challenging one's personal history and assumed preferences. Love is person-specific, maybe less gender-specific than most assume BECAUSE they're not made to see what they feel. (In addition to all the other complications, such as it maybe being one-sided.)

To the reviewers who went over the top in praise, I roll my eyes a little. I saw editing errors and there was more telling than showing. Illustrating visceral pleasure in words is hard, but worth the effort (I'm learning in my own writing efforts).

I don't protest the "mommy issues" as one reviewer did, because dude. That's the reality. Families can fuck everything up. And families can rescue, too. I liked the difficulties they faced and their mistakes with each other and that the deep connection was impossible to ignore. I liked this novel, imperfections and all, because it felt real enough to me, a person who cannot know this exact set of circumstances. I'm a sf/f fan, so I'm familiar with trying to understand very different life forms. Even men. :) ( )

Author's skill could use some polishing, some really serious polishing.

I guess my tastes run more towards less steam and better writing.
( )

It's not a real long story, but it's a story that has an interesting, though really not so unusual, twist. Two men who always considered themselves straight, falling for each other. Yes, it does sound kind of weird but deep down they eventually decide that love is love and anyone can find their soulmate whether they call themselves gay or straight. It didn't happen overnight, and they did put a lot of thought into it and tried to weigh all the pros and cons. The angst of whom to tell and the worrying of family and friends' reaction rang true to reality. I remember when our son told us he was gay. He was 15 and was so sure his father was going to have a cow. Instead, my wonderful husband listened to his son's stumbling declaration...put down the newspaper...looked his son in the eye and said "okay...don't forget to take out the trash before you go to school." I loved how most of the story consisted of Nick and Bryce actually falling in love. ( )