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Seattle Stories Series, Book 1A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans.
While Theo experiences a powerful physical attraction to fellow gym member Peter, it's his new online friend, Morgan, who provides the intellectual challenge to make him come alive. Morgan is witty, brave, and irreverent, and Theo is ready to take the plunge... show more until he discovers Morgan might be half his age.
Theo's late partner was significantly older—enough to strain Theo's relationship with his family—and the potential of another relationship being cut short leaves him gunshy. Theo needs to lay Ben's memory to rest, reconcile with his family, and rekindle neglected friendships if he's to start afresh with a new lover. But Theo isn't the only one with a past.
His biggest challenge, in living after Ben, might not be his to face.
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POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: Death of a long-time partner.
A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans.
Losing a longtime partner, someone you've loved with all your heart, can't ever be easy. Even if we've never experienced it, we all understand this at least on an intellectual level, but to be confronted by it emotionally would be so much harder. Writing about it credibly, and with compassion, while keeping the readers' interest seems would be a challenge, but this author, Con Riley, has met fully with this book. Just be aware that it will leave you emotionally drained, but satisfied with the show more way things have turned out for Theo. The story is a slow burn, totally realistic, and illustrates the different stages of grieving and survivor's guilt at every step Theo takes.
Theo has lost more than his partner; he has lost his will to live. He goes through the motions, and he tells himself that this is "coping", but he has clearly completely shut down. His friends try to bring him back into the "land of the living", but Theo just can't deal with it. He tells himself that it's too early, but the truth is a complicated mixture of guilt, not knowing where to start, and a reluctance to even think about much less start another relationship to possibly face another loss. He knows won't survive it.
His and Ben's friends, Peter and Morgan are total opposites and finally confront Theo with some real choices he needs to make. Peter is all about the physical, but even just taking that step back into even touching a man is difficult to even imagine for Theo. Actually, there are not many emotions that he does feel would be easier for him to deal with. But, in the end, the question becomes something has got to work for him, but the question remains if it is going to ever be enough.
Morgan is the one man that Theo really feels attracted to on an intellectual level. They didn't meet until fairly late in the book, so their relationship has time to develop. When they do meet "all hell breaks loose"... in more ways than one. Dealing with his attraction to Morgan forces Theo to confront not just the need to say good-bye to Ben, but also to face some of his own preconceived ideas of what a relationship really should be.
One of the things that was truly amazing was how quickly and deeply the author got me into Theo's head and heart to actually feel those emotions with him. When he is torn between the two potential new love interests, even though he barely even acknowledges them as such initially, I felt torn as well. The gradual dawning of the solution, and the slow awakening of Theo's desire to live again were a real joy to watch. If you like realistic stories about men who deal with loss; if you enjoy the slow burn of a new romance; and if you are able to deal with grief as being a part of life and is a topic you may want to find out more about, you will probably like this novel. Just be aware there are parts that will break you apart. show less
A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans.
Losing a longtime partner, someone you've loved with all your heart, can't ever be easy. Even if we've never experienced it, we all understand this at least on an intellectual level, but to be confronted by it emotionally would be so much harder. Writing about it credibly, and with compassion, while keeping the readers' interest seems would be a challenge, but this author, Con Riley, has met fully with this book. Just be aware that it will leave you emotionally drained, but satisfied with the show more way things have turned out for Theo. The story is a slow burn, totally realistic, and illustrates the different stages of grieving and survivor's guilt at every step Theo takes.
Theo has lost more than his partner; he has lost his will to live. He goes through the motions, and he tells himself that this is "coping", but he has clearly completely shut down. His friends try to bring him back into the "land of the living", but Theo just can't deal with it. He tells himself that it's too early, but the truth is a complicated mixture of guilt, not knowing where to start, and a reluctance to even think about much less start another relationship to possibly face another loss. He knows won't survive it.
His and Ben's friends, Peter and Morgan are total opposites and finally confront Theo with some real choices he needs to make. Peter is all about the physical, but even just taking that step back into even touching a man is difficult to even imagine for Theo. Actually, there are not many emotions that he does feel would be easier for him to deal with. But, in the end, the question becomes something has got to work for him, but the question remains if it is going to ever be enough.
Morgan is the one man that Theo really feels attracted to on an intellectual level. They didn't meet until fairly late in the book, so their relationship has time to develop. When they do meet "all hell breaks loose"... in more ways than one. Dealing with his attraction to Morgan forces Theo to confront not just the need to say good-bye to Ben, but also to face some of his own preconceived ideas of what a relationship really should be.
One of the things that was truly amazing was how quickly and deeply the author got me into Theo's head and heart to actually feel those emotions with him. When he is torn between the two potential new love interests, even though he barely even acknowledges them as such initially, I felt torn as well. The gradual dawning of the solution, and the slow awakening of Theo's desire to live again were a real joy to watch. If you like realistic stories about men who deal with loss; if you enjoy the slow burn of a new romance; and if you are able to deal with grief as being a part of life and is a topic you may want to find out more about, you will probably like this novel. Just be aware there are parts that will break you apart. show less
Cut to Theo Anderson, still working on finding his way after the death of his long-time partner, Ben, just a year ago. Try as he might, Theo hasn't been able to find a way to move on or even to reconnect to the world. A glimmer of hope shines through when he meets Peter at the gym, but it may not be enough to help him find a way to cope. But when he forms an unexpected friendship with Morgan on an internet discussion forum, he wonders if maybe he has finally found exactly what he needs. But will Morgan live up to his expectations in person? What if they don't connect the same way offline? Can Theo really move past Ben, the love of his life? And who is Morgan, really?
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. When it started, I show more thought it was a bit slow and that it was going to be page after page of reliving Theo's grief. (Don't get me wrong, there is a fair share of that - but I think it's necessary for the reader to truly understand the intensity of his connection, which is something we can't get from Theo's present, as Ben is no longer around.) But it turned out to be a story of love and loss, finding your way in the world when you don't think you can, recognizing that things don't always go as planned but they still go on, and that as long as we stay hung up on our preconceptions about what we deserve and what life should be - we can never expect more from ourselves. There's some definite emotional moments in this one (and a few steamy moments, too), but it's a touching tale and one I certainly recommend. I'm looking forward to the next book and learning more about this group of guys... show less
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. When it started, I show more thought it was a bit slow and that it was going to be page after page of reliving Theo's grief. (Don't get me wrong, there is a fair share of that - but I think it's necessary for the reader to truly understand the intensity of his connection, which is something we can't get from Theo's present, as Ben is no longer around.) But it turned out to be a story of love and loss, finding your way in the world when you don't think you can, recognizing that things don't always go as planned but they still go on, and that as long as we stay hung up on our preconceptions about what we deserve and what life should be - we can never expect more from ourselves. There's some definite emotional moments in this one (and a few steamy moments, too), but it's a touching tale and one I certainly recommend. I'm looking forward to the next book and learning more about this group of guys... show less
The emotions that have surged through me during this novel! The giggle-snorts and the sad tears. I have journeyed with Theo after Ben, and I have seen what Theo saw, I have felt what Theo felt.
I have had all the emotions:
The aching after losing a loved one. (“For years he had bruised his nose, pressing it against the buzzer until Ben opened the door for him.”)
The excitement of tumbling around on the net, finding friends who are easier to deal with than your real life ones. (“Theo sat in his bed, pink cheeked, wide awake, and smiling.”)
The giggles as Theo tries to get his bearings again. Like when he watches the two interns meet on his street between interviews—the two who later fall in love with each other at his office. show more (“This was the most entertainment he’d had in… forever.”) Or: (“When the tall man looked up at Theo and winked, Theo walked right into a rack of shirts.”)
And then the love. The surging, all-encompassing feeling that just needs an outlet. The feeling that makes you race around the globe, running like the wind, to look deeply into a lover’s eyes and tell him that you are in love with him. *happy sigh*
I adore Morgan. Absolutely adore him. God, I love an intelligent man. A well-versed, confrontational, intellectual man. (“Pissed and amused was pure Morgan.”)
I love how Morgan connects with Theo on the net, how they play and live and have fun, without knowing who they are in real life. How those moments, at the end of the day, (and later also in the beginning of each day), become moments to live for, moments that make you NOT give up. Sheer brilliance. Made me cry huge, salty, happy and sad tears. Anyone who has suffered loss, and later, the revival of spirit, can relate to the words in this novel.
The parts of Italian family-life that emerge in a short section of this novel is so spot-on that I found myself giggling almost hysterically. Yes, I live in Italy. No, I am not Italian, so I look at this funny society a little bit from the outside. I love it, and Con Riley has captured the animus of a Milanese family so well it truly cracks me up. Oh, yes, Ben came from this crazy, incredible and loving place, for sure. His little brother Marco killed me with his happy-go-lucky (!) attitude and huge insight. Brilliant character, and lovingly described. As I sit here and write these words, I find I am wearing a wolfish grin from one ear to the other. Marco does that to me. (Con Riley, if it would please you, next time you are in Milan, the caffé in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is on me. I can also show you where to dig your heels in, for luck. On a bull’s balls, no less. No kidding.)
I am happy to know that there are more books coming in this series, as I feel lonely without Theo. So much so that I have started over from the beginning.
I would recommend this first novel in The Seattle Stories, to all who love to read about Love, in itself, for itself, wherever it came from and whomever may be involved; a must read for lovers of Love is Love as a concept. This is a finely tuned story about losing your life partner and about what comes next, when you try to live again, by yourself. It is heart-breaking and beautiful, and happy and funny. Con Riley has a witty language-streak and possesses true mastery of the English language, with very few typos/errors, for those who care about that sort of thing. (I know I do—yes, I’m slightly (ha!) OCD when it comes to these matters). I shall be following this author closely.
Here there be monster-emotions.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone. I did, however, receive it as a present, so for once I did not pay with my own money, as I usually do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch. However, I would have bought this ebook if it hadn’t been given to me, and I am right now considering getting a printed copy, to put in my bookshelf. Yes, it is that good.
ETA: 18 August 2013—Just read this again, and the emotions are even greater.
This review can also be found on: My Fiction Nook show less
Losing a longtime partner, someone you've loved with all your heart, isn’t easy. We all understand this on an intellectual level, but to be confronted by it emotionally is much harder. Writing about it credibly, with compassion, and keeping the readers' interest is a challenge, but one that Con Riley has met full-on with this book. It left me emotionally drained, yet satisfied with the way things have developed for Theo. This story is a slow burn, totally realistic, and illustrates the different stages of grieving and survivor's guilt at every step Theo takes.
Theo has lost more than his partner, he has lost the will to live. He may go through the motions, and he tells himself that this is "coping", but he has clearly shut down. His show more friends try to pull him back into the land of the living, but Theo cannot deal with it. He tells himself it is too early, but the truth is a complex mixture of guilt, not knowing where to start, and a reluctance to start another relationship – possibly just to face another loss.
Peter and Morgan are total opposites, and confront Theo with some real choices he needs to make. Peter is all about the physical, and even just taking a step back into touching a man is difficult enough for Theo. Since there are fewer emotions, it is easier for him to deal with. But, in the end, the question becomes if it is enough.
Morgan is the man Theo really feels attracted to on an intellectual level. They never meet until fairly late in the book, so their relationship has time to develop. When they do meet all hell breaks loose – in more than one way. Dealing with his attraction to Morgan forces Theo to confront not just the need to say good-bye to Ben, but also to face some of his own preconceived ideas of what a relationship should be.
One of the things I found amazing was how deeply the author got me into Theo's head and heart to feel with him. When he is torn between the two potential new love interests, even though he barely even acknowledges them as such initially, I was torn as well. The gradual dawning of the solution, and the slow awakening of Theo's desire to live again were a joy to watch. If you like realistic stories about men who deal with loss, if you enjoy the slow burn of new romance, and if dealing with grief as part of life is a topic you want to find out more about, you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
Theo has lost more than his partner, he has lost the will to live. He may go through the motions, and he tells himself that this is "coping", but he has clearly shut down. His show more friends try to pull him back into the land of the living, but Theo cannot deal with it. He tells himself it is too early, but the truth is a complex mixture of guilt, not knowing where to start, and a reluctance to start another relationship – possibly just to face another loss.
Peter and Morgan are total opposites, and confront Theo with some real choices he needs to make. Peter is all about the physical, and even just taking a step back into touching a man is difficult enough for Theo. Since there are fewer emotions, it is easier for him to deal with. But, in the end, the question becomes if it is enough.
Morgan is the man Theo really feels attracted to on an intellectual level. They never meet until fairly late in the book, so their relationship has time to develop. When they do meet all hell breaks loose – in more than one way. Dealing with his attraction to Morgan forces Theo to confront not just the need to say good-bye to Ben, but also to face some of his own preconceived ideas of what a relationship should be.
One of the things I found amazing was how deeply the author got me into Theo's head and heart to feel with him. When he is torn between the two potential new love interests, even though he barely even acknowledges them as such initially, I was torn as well. The gradual dawning of the solution, and the slow awakening of Theo's desire to live again were a joy to watch. If you like realistic stories about men who deal with loss, if you enjoy the slow burn of new romance, and if dealing with grief as part of life is a topic you want to find out more about, you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
3.25 stars. This was a hard book to rate. There were a lot of things I liked about it. The portrayal of grief, and the slow recovery from a devastating loss, was movingly captured. I truly felt how much Ben had meant to Theo and his struggle to redefine his life after the initial shock had worn off. The connection with Morgan, especially after they met face to face, was intense and passionate. I appreciated the fact that once Theo decided he was all in, he was fully committed without lingering guilt or doubt. And I also found Theo's relationship with his parents to be well crafted and developed, demonstrating that it's never too late to forgive and change.
But the writing style at times got in the way of the story for me. There was a show more lot of telling instead of showing, especially in Theo's initial online conversations with Morgan. We're told that they had lively debates about a variety of topics but we never actually see evidence of them. And while I found the flashbacks to Theo's life with Ben to be poignant reminders of how much they loved each other, the author also has a weird habit of starting a chapter and then flashing back to something that just happened a few hours or days ago. It made the story feel much more passive to be reporting on something instead of engaging in it as it happened.
Theo isn't always an easy character to like. He is inappropriate bordering on creepy with his young interns, and he totally takes his amazing assistant Maggie for granted. Morgan too has his faults, including a tendency to be judgmental and moody. But that's actually a plus for me; love and romance shouldn't be reserved for perfect characters only. In a way it's more meaningful to find myself rooting for two people who I don't always like; it means they feel real to me.
In summary, this book was a mixed bag for me, but it was very emotionally impactful in several places so I'd rate it as slightly above average. I had a similar reaction to another Con Riley book, [b:Must Like Spinach|32712654|Must Like Spinach|Con Riley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476974816l/32712654._SY75_.jpg|52701614], so I guess I would include her in my list of Maybe I'll Take a Chance On Their Next Book authors. show less
But the writing style at times got in the way of the story for me. There was a show more lot of telling instead of showing, especially in Theo's initial online conversations with Morgan. We're told that they had lively debates about a variety of topics but we never actually see evidence of them. And while I found the flashbacks to Theo's life with Ben to be poignant reminders of how much they loved each other, the author also has a weird habit of starting a chapter and then flashing back to something that just happened a few hours or days ago. It made the story feel much more passive to be reporting on something instead of engaging in it as it happened.
Theo isn't always an easy character to like. He is inappropriate bordering on creepy with his young interns, and he totally takes his amazing assistant Maggie for granted. Morgan too has his faults, including a tendency to be judgmental and moody. But that's actually a plus for me; love and romance shouldn't be reserved for perfect characters only. In a way it's more meaningful to find myself rooting for two people who I don't always like; it means they feel real to me.
In summary, this book was a mixed bag for me, but it was very emotionally impactful in several places so I'd rate it as slightly above average. I had a similar reaction to another Con Riley book, [b:Must Like Spinach|32712654|Must Like Spinach|Con Riley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476974816l/32712654._SY75_.jpg|52701614], so I guess I would include her in my list of Maybe I'll Take a Chance On Their Next Book authors. show less
Oh this novel was...hmm...I don't think I can do this one justice. But I'll try.
It was a realistic, funny, heartwarming, sweet, sexy, cool, great story. The dialogue, to me, was superb! The dirty talk alone was...stimulating. Any little minor issues were easily overshadowed by the great story, this author tells.
We are introduced to a grieving Theo. His partner, Ben passed away over a year ago and Theo is still grappling on living life while mourning. He forgets to eat, got over his drinking problem and has to deal with trying to live. Other than his interaction with his personal assistant and close friend, Maggie, Theo doesn't really want to talk to anyone. Except for online, where he befriends Morgan, a newcomer on a political online show more community.
Morgan? Love. Him. I'll get to why soon.
So as we are get to glimpse these two's interaction, we get to meet Theo's new interns. And at this time, I'm playing the 'who the hell is Morgan?' game. I thought it was Joel for a little bit. than maybe it was Evan. I loved the mystery of it all.
Once we do get to meet Morgan? Awesome x 1000! :)
Morgan's definitely one of my favorite characters I have read this year. I would love to have an online debate with him (alas he's just a character). He's a funny mofo. He's flawed but who the hell is perfect?
The buildup between Theo and Morgan was not insta-love. (Loved that) But truly a great buildup so when these two finally meet, they pretty much combusted. Seriously they made dirty talk hot, just guess how they were together? Mmhmm...
The author did a wonderful job with advocating about domestic abuse through her characters. Because if everyone automatically left their abusers...there wouldn't be abuse. I think she did a excellent job of explaining the psyche without victimizing abuse survivors.
Here's my fave quote (there's many but this stuck out to me):
THEO: You should walk a fucking mile before you judge a situation. You should put yourself in someone else's shoes before you blame, or judge, or pity. It takes a long time to wear down someone's confidence, and it takes much more strength of will to walk away than it does to take another punch."
I loved that though this story is an emotional one it didn't get bogged down by extreme dramatics. It was such a solid story with real outcomes, results and just...life.
Who do I recommend to read this one?
Hell, everyone. FIVE STARS
" show less
It was a realistic, funny, heartwarming, sweet, sexy, cool, great story. The dialogue, to me, was superb! The dirty talk alone was...stimulating. Any little minor issues were easily overshadowed by the great story, this author tells.
We are introduced to a grieving Theo. His partner, Ben passed away over a year ago and Theo is still grappling on living life while mourning. He forgets to eat, got over his drinking problem and has to deal with trying to live. Other than his interaction with his personal assistant and close friend, Maggie, Theo doesn't really want to talk to anyone. Except for online, where he befriends Morgan, a newcomer on a political online show more community.
Morgan? Love. Him. I'll get to why soon.
So as we are get to glimpse these two's interaction, we get to meet Theo's new interns. And at this time, I'm playing the 'who the hell is Morgan?' game. I thought it was Joel for a little bit. than maybe it was Evan. I loved the mystery of it all.
Once we do get to meet Morgan? Awesome x 1000! :)
Morgan's definitely one of my favorite characters I have read this year. I would love to have an online debate with him (alas he's just a character). He's a funny mofo. He's flawed but who the hell is perfect?
The buildup between Theo and Morgan was not insta-love. (Loved that) But truly a great buildup so when these two finally meet, they pretty much combusted. Seriously they made dirty talk hot, just guess how they were together? Mmhmm...
The author did a wonderful job with advocating about domestic abuse through her characters. Because if everyone automatically left their abusers...there wouldn't be abuse. I think she did a excellent job of explaining the psyche without victimizing abuse survivors.
Here's my fave quote (there's many but this stuck out to me):
THEO: You should walk a fucking mile before you judge a situation. You should put yourself in someone else's shoes before you blame, or judge, or pity. It takes a long time to wear down someone's confidence, and it takes much more strength of will to walk away than it does to take another punch."
I loved that though this story is an emotional one it didn't get bogged down by extreme dramatics. It was such a solid story with real outcomes, results and just...life.
Who do I recommend to read this one?
Hell, everyone. FIVE STARS
" show less
This is definitely a journey book. We follow Theo through his period of adjustment as he comes to terms with the death of his partner, Ben. Ben was larger than life, and dealing with life now is a struggle for Theo. But with the help of his trusted assistant, his gym buddy, two amusing interns and his online friend, he pulls himself back into the world to start interacting again. And along the way, he finds his new love. It's a sweet story, a little bit teary in places (for me ;), but Theo finds strength in some unexpected places.
I'd love to see a story on Ben's younger brother, Marco. Perhaps with Evan's older brother, Aiden? Yum!
I'd love to see a story on Ben's younger brother, Marco. Perhaps with Evan's older brother, Aiden? Yum!
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