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aboulle's review
5.0
Great book and addition to the series. This is a great story showing the growth and acceptance between Wade and Ben. I loved Wade's family and seeing their acceptance of him. Overcoming Wade's high school bullying was great but it was also great to see him teach his nephew how to overcome the same obstacles and not end up like him.
A fun read that you can easily finish in a day.
A fun read that you can easily finish in a day.
valerieullmerauthor's review
5.0
As you start the book, you hear of Ben's life in high school and understand that Wade made his life a living hell. But it doesn't kill the crush Ben has on the man. Ben and Wade spark when Ben starts working at Wade's family-own gift shop and you start to understand that the roles are truly reversed. Ben is the stronger man; he's dealt with bullying and was stronger because of it. Wade, although he struck out at Ben during high school because of his feelings for the man, still hasn't moved past his feelings, although he's apologetic for his past actions. This is a story of redemption and of finding and admitting who you are. A romantic and sweet read!
ofbooksandromance's review
4.0
4 “Wade kissed a boy… and he liked it.” stars
“A good friend told me that if I said ‘I forgive you,’ I had to mean it. That if there was the slightest possibility that at some point in the future, I’d bring up our past and throw it back at you, then I should walk away.” […] “This is me not walking away. This is me saying, ‘I forgive you.’ Not just now, but for always.”
I’m not actually sure this book is meant to be read as a standalone. I must admit, I spent a lot of the book wondering what the fuck was going on. I did not read the first book in this series and I never will read it because I know it’s about a gay man who knew he was gay but still married a woman and reading that trope makes me sick, so I will not put myself through that. I was quite confused as to who the characters are because there is tons of side characters in this book and i’m assuming they’re all introduced in book 1. But I rather not know who anyone is than reading book 1, so.
My rating for this book is mostly based on my enjoyment while reading the book and less on my feelings about the book in itself. I really enjoyed this book. Which is shocking since I haven’t enjoyed many books lately. I had some problems with the book but it didn’t bring down my enjoyment of the book. I had such a good time reading this book.
Brief summary
Ben was bullied in high school because Wade Parson thought he was gay. 8 years later, he gets a job interview at a gif shop owned by the Pearson family. Turns out the gift shop is managed by Wade. Wade was Ben’s first crush and he never forgot him. They fall in love.
First, I loved the atmosphere of the gift shop, it was so peaceful. And Wade’s mom who worked there was just so lovely. And Wade’s grandfather was so sweet too.
Second, the vibe of the town was lovely, it was a gorgeous small town surrounded by woods and waters and it felt like it would be so nice and peaceful to live there. I live in a remote small town, like the one the book is set in, so I really appreciate these kind of atmospheres in books, I much prefer it to cities.
Third, this is a very atmospheric book, which I really enjoyed. A lot of the start was about setting up the scene and who the characters are. I like how we got to know everyone in details.
Fourth, I really loved Ben as a character. He was sweet and always stood up for himself. I enjoyed Wade a little less, he barely did anything, he was saying how he was so invested in the relationship but it felt like he was barely a part of that relationship.
Fifth, it took so long for these guys to start interacting. At one point I realized that I was 46% in, they were still barely talking to each other. Wade was ignoring Ben and Ben hates it and can’t stand it and I just wanted Wade to talk to Ben instead of just ignoring him. It felt so long before these guys got together, and it was, they only had their first kiss at 65%. I wanted these two to spend more time as a couple.
Sixth, Wade was in the closet and scared as fuck of coming out… but he never said why so I didn’t understand why he was so scared. We were never told his reasons for it. I’m sure he had some but he kept saying how he can’t come out but he never said why. All that we saw of his family was them being supportive of Ben being gay and supportive of Wade by saying they didn’t care who he dated, if it was a man or a woman. I would have liked to know why he was closeted because I couldn’t understand based on his life story. And then when he came out to Ben, he came out to everyone else in under a week so it hard for me to see why he was still closeted at the start.
But I did feel for Wade and I could feel how much he was hurting and how bad he felt but I wish I understood his motives a little bit better. It was so hard for Wade to open up and I do get that. I guess he did make sense to me, after all, I just wish I understood him better.
Seventh, sometimes I was wondering if Wade is really into Ben. Ben’s pining for Wade was lovely. Wade with a little pining for it didn’t feel the same. It seemed like Ben was into Wade more, at the start anyway. We got to read a lot about Ben’s pining but barely about Wade’s pining, I wanted to see more of his pining It seemed like Ben was doing all of the effort to talk to Wade and make things better between them, Wade didn’t seem to do much. He never started anything, it was all on Ben.
Side note, I liked Wade’s mom and grandpa playing match-makers and trying to set them up together. And the both of them were so obvious and didn’t realize. It was so sweet.
Eight, I really liked the moment that Ben found out why Wade bullied him in school. I like that Ben didn’t make it easy for Wade and that Ben made Wade growel before he forgave him. But I really needed more groweling. There was a little but not enough to make me happy.
Side note, Wade’s family being supportive and nice was such a breath of fresh air compared to most of the other books I read.
Ninth, I love a good sexual exploration. Wade was a virgin, it was so lovely seeing his first time and his wonder at how everything feels. The sex scenes were lovely but very much lacking prep, you can’t just jam your dick into someone, you need prep. I love how Wade didn’t assume he’s a top or a bottom and wanted to try and tried both.
Tenth, Once these people commited, they commited. I got whiplash from how fast it went once they got together. These people only got together at 65% and at 80% they were ready to buy a house together. All that happened in under a week.
Side note, I did really enjoy how once they were together, they were together. I liked that there was no weird misscommunication or break up at 80%, that was lovely.
Everything happening in this book was a little too easy and I would have prefered more conflict but I still had such a good time reading this book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
“A good friend told me that if I said ‘I forgive you,’ I had to mean it. That if there was the slightest possibility that at some point in the future, I’d bring up our past and throw it back at you, then I should walk away.” […] “This is me not walking away. This is me saying, ‘I forgive you.’ Not just now, but for always.”
I’m not actually sure this book is meant to be read as a standalone. I must admit, I spent a lot of the book wondering what the fuck was going on. I did not read the first book in this series and I never will read it because I know it’s about a gay man who knew he was gay but still married a woman and reading that trope makes me sick, so I will not put myself through that. I was quite confused as to who the characters are because there is tons of side characters in this book and i’m assuming they’re all introduced in book 1. But I rather not know who anyone is than reading book 1, so.
My rating for this book is mostly based on my enjoyment while reading the book and less on my feelings about the book in itself. I really enjoyed this book. Which is shocking since I haven’t enjoyed many books lately. I had some problems with the book but it didn’t bring down my enjoyment of the book. I had such a good time reading this book.
Brief summary
Ben was bullied in high school because Wade Parson thought he was gay. 8 years later, he gets a job interview at a gif shop owned by the Pearson family. Turns out the gift shop is managed by Wade. Wade was Ben’s first crush and he never forgot him. They fall in love.
First, I loved the atmosphere of the gift shop, it was so peaceful. And Wade’s mom who worked there was just so lovely. And Wade’s grandfather was so sweet too.
Second, the vibe of the town was lovely, it was a gorgeous small town surrounded by woods and waters and it felt like it would be so nice and peaceful to live there. I live in a remote small town, like the one the book is set in, so I really appreciate these kind of atmospheres in books, I much prefer it to cities.
Third, this is a very atmospheric book, which I really enjoyed. A lot of the start was about setting up the scene and who the characters are. I like how we got to know everyone in details.
Fourth, I really loved Ben as a character. He was sweet and always stood up for himself. I enjoyed Wade a little less, he barely did anything, he was saying how he was so invested in the relationship but it felt like he was barely a part of that relationship.
Fifth, it took so long for these guys to start interacting. At one point I realized that I was 46% in, they were still barely talking to each other. Wade was ignoring Ben and Ben hates it and can’t stand it and I just wanted Wade to talk to Ben instead of just ignoring him. It felt so long before these guys got together, and it was, they only had their first kiss at 65%. I wanted these two to spend more time as a couple.
Sixth, Wade was in the closet and scared as fuck of coming out… but he never said why so I didn’t understand why he was so scared. We were never told his reasons for it. I’m sure he had some but he kept saying how he can’t come out but he never said why. All that we saw of his family was them being supportive of Ben being gay and supportive of Wade by saying they didn’t care who he dated, if it was a man or a woman. I would have liked to know why he was closeted because I couldn’t understand based on his life story. And then when he came out to Ben, he came out to everyone else in under a week so it hard for me to see why he was still closeted at the start.
But I did feel for Wade and I could feel how much he was hurting and how bad he felt but I wish I understood his motives a little bit better. It was so hard for Wade to open up and I do get that. I guess he did make sense to me, after all, I just wish I understood him better.
Seventh, sometimes I was wondering if Wade is really into Ben. Ben’s pining for Wade was lovely. Wade with a little pining for it didn’t feel the same. It seemed like Ben was into Wade more, at the start anyway. We got to read a lot about Ben’s pining but barely about Wade’s pining, I wanted to see more of his pining It seemed like Ben was doing all of the effort to talk to Wade and make things better between them, Wade didn’t seem to do much. He never started anything, it was all on Ben.
Side note, I liked Wade’s mom and grandpa playing match-makers and trying to set them up together. And the both of them were so obvious and didn’t realize. It was so sweet.
Eight, I really liked the moment that Ben found out why Wade bullied him in school. I like that Ben didn’t make it easy for Wade and that Ben made Wade growel before he forgave him. But I really needed more groweling. There was a little but not enough to make me happy.
Side note, Wade’s family being supportive and nice was such a breath of fresh air compared to most of the other books I read.
Ninth, I love a good sexual exploration. Wade was a virgin, it was so lovely seeing his first time and his wonder at how everything feels. The sex scenes were lovely but very much lacking prep, you can’t just jam your dick into someone, you need prep. I love how Wade didn’t assume he’s a top or a bottom and wanted to try and tried both.
Tenth, Once these people commited, they commited. I got whiplash from how fast it went once they got together. These people only got together at 65% and at 80% they were ready to buy a house together. All that happened in under a week.
Side note, I did really enjoy how once they were together, they were together. I liked that there was no weird misscommunication or break up at 80%, that was lovely.
Everything happening in this book was a little too easy and I would have prefered more conflict but I still had such a good time reading this book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review
4.0
What happens when you're faced with the man who made your childhood hell during a job interview? Well Ben found out the answer to that question when he showed up to his job interview and Wade stepped into view. When Ben gets the job he's shocked, but what shocks him even more is Wade. Over the weeks of working at Wade's families tourist shop Ben gets a glimpse into the man Wade is today. He's nothing like the bully Ben remembers from high school. In fact, he's been nothing but cordial to everyone he's interacted with.
After spending his high school years tormenting his crush, Wade has grown up. Giving Ben a job and forcing himself to spend time in his presence is what Wade considers his penance for all the terrible things he said to Ben when they were kids. Ben may never forgive him, but at least he can do this small gesture. It's not until Ben discovers Wade's harbored feelings for him that he truly uncovers all the reasons for Wade's behavior then AND now.
I liked how Ben didn't hold onto his grudge and try to get back at Wade in a cruel way. He was an adult and he understood people can change, especially when turning from kids to adults. Wade took to his exploring of his feelings with Ben surprisingly well too. It was sweet that Wade was so nervous meeting Ben's enigmatic group of friends. I loved the circle of friends and their comraderies and look forward to more of their HEAs. There is one book I look forward to the most, and that's Levi's. I want to know all about the one in their circle of friends he was in love with. Bravo KC Wells. Dangle a secret and you have me hooked!
After spending his high school years tormenting his crush, Wade has grown up. Giving Ben a job and forcing himself to spend time in his presence is what Wade considers his penance for all the terrible things he said to Ben when they were kids. Ben may never forgive him, but at least he can do this small gesture. It's not until Ben discovers Wade's harbored feelings for him that he truly uncovers all the reasons for Wade's behavior then AND now.
I liked how Ben didn't hold onto his grudge and try to get back at Wade in a cruel way. He was an adult and he understood people can change, especially when turning from kids to adults. Wade took to his exploring of his feelings with Ben surprisingly well too. It was sweet that Wade was so nervous meeting Ben's enigmatic group of friends. I loved the circle of friends and their comraderies and look forward to more of their HEAs. There is one book I look forward to the most, and that's Levi's. I want to know all about the one in their circle of friends he was in love with. Bravo KC Wells. Dangle a secret and you have me hooked!
luellen1990's review
5.0
Title - Ben's Boss (Maine Men #2)
Author - KC Wells
Genre - MM Romance
Published - June 2021
Pages - 267 Pages
Summary - Ben White has applied for a job at a gift shop, when he finds out the shop is owned by the guy who made his life a living hell in high school he's postitive he wont get the job. To his complete amazment he does get the job. Things are awakward between Ben and Wade and Ben wants answers as to why Wade hired him but also why Wade bullied him in school.
When Wade see's Ben's name on his CV he knows he has to give him the job, he has to make up for how he treated him in school, the only thing is Ben can never find out why he treated him that way, he can never know the reason he bullied him so much for being gay was because Wade himself was gay and fancied Ben but was too afraid to come out.
Can these two put aside their differences and make things work?
What I thought about this book - I love this series the first book was really good and I had high hopes for this second book and I was not disapointed. A really great book with great characters, it was great to see the previous books characters and also the other friends which i'm hoping following books will be about. A well written story with fantastic characters, plot and promise for future books. KC Wells is quickly becoming a favourite author.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - KC Wells
Genre - MM Romance
Published - June 2021
Pages - 267 Pages
Summary - Ben White has applied for a job at a gift shop, when he finds out the shop is owned by the guy who made his life a living hell in high school he's postitive he wont get the job. To his complete amazment he does get the job. Things are awakward between Ben and Wade and Ben wants answers as to why Wade hired him but also why Wade bullied him in school.
When Wade see's Ben's name on his CV he knows he has to give him the job, he has to make up for how he treated him in school, the only thing is Ben can never find out why he treated him that way, he can never know the reason he bullied him so much for being gay was because Wade himself was gay and fancied Ben but was too afraid to come out.
Can these two put aside their differences and make things work?
What I thought about this book - I love this series the first book was really good and I had high hopes for this second book and I was not disapointed. A really great book with great characters, it was great to see the previous books characters and also the other friends which i'm hoping following books will be about. A well written story with fantastic characters, plot and promise for future books. KC Wells is quickly becoming a favourite author.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
mmromancereviewed's review
5.0
What do you do when you had a crush on your high school bully and then find out he's your smokin' hot boss several years later? Nothing, of course... he's straight and seems to be avoiding you and the elephant in the room... This book is sweet with building heat and some relationship and old hurt angst, but it was great to bring Ben and Wade back together as adults and the writing was beautiful!
slee907's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
buffyloverlori's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
k8books's review
4.0
I am loving this series! I was intrigued at the end of the first book to see how this book would play out. I am not a huge fan of enemies to lovers but this was different. Ben and Wade start out as enemies or at least you would think so but truly Wade is Ben's enemy from high school and Wade is trying to live with the guilt he has from bullying Ben in high school.
Even though Ben and Wade are the MC's for this book, the side characters were fantastic! Mary and Gramps brought so much to the story. I didn't know I needed them until I read them. Another gem to this book was how Ben reacted to finding out that Wade has been in love with him. It was realistic that Ben had to walk away after finding this out, but the fact that the two men didn't dwell on it and chose to move forward was awesome. I also loved the support Ben's friends gave him. They approached the situation with open minds and clear hearts even though they knew how hurt Ben was by Wade's past actions. Once they knew that Ben was happy they included Wade into the group without hesitation.
I will say though, that cliff hanger with Seb, come one! I need the next book now!
Even though Ben and Wade are the MC's for this book, the side characters were fantastic! Mary and Gramps brought so much to the story. I didn't know I needed them until I read them. Another gem to this book was how Ben reacted to finding out that Wade has been in love with him. It was realistic that Ben had to walk away after finding this out, but the fact that the two men didn't dwell on it and chose to move forward was awesome. I also loved the support Ben's friends gave him. They approached the situation with open minds and clear hearts even though they knew how hurt Ben was by Wade's past actions. Once they knew that Ben was happy they included Wade into the group without hesitation.
I will say though, that cliff hanger with Seb, come one! I need the next book now!
alexleo13's review
3.0
Ben and Wade have history and not a good one. The first 48% of the book are dedicated to the struggle of Wade to come out to his family, himself and Ben about being gay and a former bully. In the meantime Ben is becoming part of Wade’s family given that he works for their family business and Wade’s mother and grandfather are apparently the picture perfect family members, catching all the innuendos, looks and heavy silences and pushing the MCs in the right direction to finally come clean and open their heart and their mind to a possible future together.
Once they have climbed both the metaphorical and the actual mountain and the magical word “forgiveness” has been outed, this is when this book becomes a fairytale. Everything becomes perfect: perfect friends’ advices, perfect first date, perfect first in and out (both ways), perfect love declaration. Only a ride into the sunset over the ocean was missing, and Hallmark could make a film out of this book.
And this was my issue with this story: the pace. The first half was well written, dealt with important issues and really helped to outline the characters. Ben might look fragile, but he has an incredible backbone and is not afraid to face adversities head on, he is bossy at times but has a great heart. Wade is the more complex character due to his past and his coming out. He is a man who goes a lot with the flow, working, taking care of his family, essentially hiding in plain sight (despite his imposing built) until Ben arrives. Then his scope of life becomes making amends and making Ben happy.
The second half of the book, as I mentioned before, just seems another story of instalove, where everything is coloured in pink, and there isn’t an hair out of place. Ok, so these two were attracted to each other in high school, but eight years have gone by and Ben and even more Wade have changed and given that Wade is a virgin in all senses, I would have expected some more build up, some fall backs. We are talking of a 27year old man who just came out, never had a romantic relationship in his life and within a week he manages to squeeze in all experiences he had missed; well that is a hell of a honeymoon phase!
So, this is the reason why I am conflicted in rating this book. I know this is romance, but I got to know KC Wells thanks to her Collars&Cuffs series and maybe this series is just way more vanilla than I expected. I received an ARC and I liked it, and I even loved some chapters. I just can’t get over the change of pace that occurs in it. I will continue reading the series in any case, because by reading the last chapter of the book it is clear that other great couples are coming our way!
Once they have climbed both the metaphorical and the actual mountain and the magical word “forgiveness” has been outed, this is when this book becomes a fairytale. Everything becomes perfect: perfect friends’ advices, perfect first date, perfect first in and out (both ways), perfect love declaration. Only a ride into the sunset over the ocean was missing, and Hallmark could make a film out of this book.
And this was my issue with this story: the pace. The first half was well written, dealt with important issues and really helped to outline the characters. Ben might look fragile, but he has an incredible backbone and is not afraid to face adversities head on, he is bossy at times but has a great heart. Wade is the more complex character due to his past and his coming out. He is a man who goes a lot with the flow, working, taking care of his family, essentially hiding in plain sight (despite his imposing built) until Ben arrives. Then his scope of life becomes making amends and making Ben happy.
The second half of the book, as I mentioned before, just seems another story of instalove, where everything is coloured in pink, and there isn’t an hair out of place. Ok, so these two were attracted to each other in high school, but eight years have gone by and Ben and even more Wade have changed and given that Wade is a virgin in all senses, I would have expected some more build up, some fall backs. We are talking of a 27year old man who just came out, never had a romantic relationship in his life and within a week he manages to squeeze in all experiences he had missed; well that is a hell of a honeymoon phase!
So, this is the reason why I am conflicted in rating this book. I know this is romance, but I got to know KC Wells thanks to her Collars&Cuffs series and maybe this series is just way more vanilla than I expected. I received an ARC and I liked it, and I even loved some chapters. I just can’t get over the change of pace that occurs in it. I will continue reading the series in any case, because by reading the last chapter of the book it is clear that other great couples are coming our way!