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Six years ago, Noah Wheeler went to meet his boyfriend, Dante Cerreto, at the airport, and his world ended. Dante was kissing someone else and claimed to be in love. So Noah took his heartbreak-and the sonogram pictures of their surrogate child-and closed the door on the big picture of what he thought his life would be, focusing instead on the piece of the dream he got to keep, being a father.
Now on vacation in Las Vegas, Noah accidentally runs into the Cerreto family, and then the man himself, and learns that not only was he deceived, but Dante was as well. Now Dante wants to make up for lost time, six years' worth, and to do that he needs Noah, the only man he's ever loved, and Grace, the daughter he didn't know he had, to give him a chance at happiness. Dante's going to have to take a crash course in communication and seduction, though. Noah's not going to fall in love just to be broken again.
Now on vacation in Las Vegas, Noah accidentally runs into the Cerreto family, and then the man himself, and learns that not only was he deceived, but Dante was as well. Now Dante wants to make up for lost time, six years' worth, and to do that he needs Noah, the only man he's ever loved, and Grace, the daughter he didn't know he had, to give him a chance at happiness. Dante's going to have to take a crash course in communication and seduction, though. Noah's not going to fall in love just to be broken again.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
131 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,015 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
April 16, 2020
GAH! OMMFG. Nope. I can't. Not with ANY of this.
In the 6 previous Mary Calmes books that I've read, I don't remember any of them going totally off the rails, through the weeds and off the side of a mile-high cliff quite the way that this story did for me.
I'm not even sure where to begin.
Okay, I think I'll start with the fuckery where Dante's CIA boss broke up a loving, MARRIED couple, just so that his operative wouldn't retire. Because, it's just the gays, so fuck them, right?
Then the fact that Noah and Dante 'knew' just how in love they both were. Until Dante receives a letter ( God, I'm gonna break my motherfucking caps lock in this review, people ), ONE LETTER, from Noah saying that it's over, go away, at which point Dante simply "respects his wishes" and fucks right the hell off. From his HUSBAND.
Yet, fast forward nearly 6 years later, with not even a phone call's worth of contact, they run into one another by accident, and Dante is DEMANDING immediately that Noah move himself and his daughter from California to Maine. #MeTarzanYouJaneMuch ???
First of all, fuck you. Second of all, if you want Noah so bad, pack your shit up in a U-Haul, Mary Ann, and move YOUR happy ass across state lines. Asshole.
Then Dante's Alpha Male dick takes over and completely molests Noah in public, while the only thing coming out of Noah's mouth is "no."
Calm the fuck right down with that bullshit. Even if 'you' think their butthole is screaming yes, if their mouth is saying no... YOU STOP!
But did Dante? Uh, nope. And this from the same guy who deserted a marriage to "respect Noah's wishes." Respect. Yeah, fuck you, dude. But at least he used a condom. Ever the gentleman. I so wanted to kick that Alpha bullshit right in the chestnuts.
Then, oh yes, not one case, but TWO cases of my number one "oh, hell no!" offense: CHEATING.
Sorry, but Noah was *with* someone. Even if he had decided it wasn't going to work with them, break up FIRST, then go get banged like a loose storm shutter in hurricane Katrina. NOT before!
And all of this made me sad, because I really liked Noah and how he was raising his daughter all alone. She was his world, he made sure she was happy, and I really respected that.
But after the wishy-washy, "he's my man and I'm a delicate flower" doormat behavior in the rest of the story, nope. That respect went right out the window. Grow a pair.
About the only bright spots that remained untainted by all of the other "oh God no, out of what left field did this shit storm of a plot come" was the adorable little girl and Dante's loving, supportive family.
The rest of it, I. AM. DONE. with.
2 stars. Tops. Begrudgingly.
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August 7, 2017
*2.5 stars*
Um... what?
The narration of this audiobook was fab and the sex was hot, but the plot... just crazy town.
There is just no way that you would divorce your husband over a phone call or letter without confronting them. No way. I wouldn't even breakup with my high school boyfriend over the word from someone else instead of them. The plot was just ridiculous, so much so that I found myself huffing and snorting as I was listening.
I actually made me mad, and I got even madder that Noah just took Dante back! I like my wronged men to make the significant other SUFFER. It was all too easy, too doormat-ish, too... unsatisfying.
Despite my simmering anger, I also found myself liking parts of the story. Some of the alpha dialogue was sexy even as it enraged me. Is it possible to like and hate a story all at the same time?
Maybe this is just for die-hard Mary Calmes fans? Either way, it wasn't a hit with me.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Um... what?
The narration of this audiobook was fab and the sex was hot, but the plot... just crazy town.
There is just no way that you would divorce your husband over a phone call or letter without confronting them. No way. I wouldn't even breakup with my high school boyfriend over the word from someone else instead of them. The plot was just ridiculous, so much so that I found myself huffing and snorting as I was listening.
I actually made me mad, and I got even madder that Noah just took Dante back! I like my wronged men to make the significant other SUFFER. It was all too easy, too doormat-ish, too... unsatisfying.
Despite my simmering anger, I also found myself liking parts of the story. Some of the alpha dialogue was sexy even as it enraged me. Is it possible to like and hate a story all at the same time?
Maybe this is just for die-hard Mary Calmes fans? Either way, it wasn't a hit with me.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 17, 2022
Dante is a huge part, almost the entire read, of Mary's newest release, The Big Fix. It just made me have to read Dante's story again. This is my third read and they are not wrong when they say the third time is the charm because this was the best read through I've had. I'm upping my rating to 5 stars. I hate that it ended but loved every single word of it.
Re-Read 2022 because after that new Calmes, how can I not?
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I have avoided this book like the plague. I think forced separations and secret kids may be my least favorite trope. But, it is Calmes and I needed something quick to read, it was on my Kindle and well, it is Calmes.
This was totally unbelievable and what happened made no sense but I enjoyed every second of it. Love survives and conquers all and you know, the romantic in me just ignored everything else and smiled big.
Who cares that it has been 6 years and you didn’t know you had a kid? Who cares you were tricked? Who cares about anything else aside from you throwing me up against a wall, in a casino, now.
Not me!
Don’t judge me.
Re-Read 2022 because after that new Calmes, how can I not?
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I have avoided this book like the plague. I think forced separations and secret kids may be my least favorite trope. But, it is Calmes and I needed something quick to read, it was on my Kindle and well, it is Calmes.
This was totally unbelievable and what happened made no sense but I enjoyed every second of it. Love survives and conquers all and you know, the romantic in me just ignored everything else and smiled big.
Who cares that it has been 6 years and you didn’t know you had a kid? Who cares you were tricked? Who cares about anything else aside from you throwing me up against a wall, in a casino, now.
Not me!
Don’t judge me.
September 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this so damn much, I’m not even slightly sorry.
Noah and Dante are ex’s who long ago broke up due to reasons neither of them really understood at the time (i.e. there was some pesky miscommunication and a meddling third party asshole involved). Now, some six years later, they unexpectedly cross paths again and the truth surrounding their initial separation quickly comes to light, shocking both men and immediately reigniting old feelings that never truly died. Only this time there’s a kid involved...
Arguably, this had one of the most ridiculously far-fetched miscommunication plots I’ve ever read in a second chance romance, and by all accounts it should have left me feeling nothing but stabby...but, miraculously, it didn’t.
I don’t know how to explain it really. Must just be that Mary Calmes crack magic all myobsessed buddies are always talking about?! Either way, I gobbled this straight up, and in one sitting no less.
For me, this story was fun and sexy and super addictive. Sure, it had a silly premise and it moved so quickly it didn’t leave much time to call it much more than an insta-(re)love story, but I’m more than happy to overlook that stuff as long as I’m content and enjoying myself in the moment, which I most certainly was.
I can never quite predict which Calmes books will or won’t work for me, but surprisingly this one did and I’m grateful for that.
I enjoyed this so damn much, I’m not even slightly sorry.
Noah and Dante are ex’s who long ago broke up due to reasons neither of them really understood at the time (i.e. there was some pesky miscommunication and a meddling third party asshole involved). Now, some six years later, they unexpectedly cross paths again and the truth surrounding their initial separation quickly comes to light, shocking both men and immediately reigniting old feelings that never truly died. Only this time there’s a kid involved...
Arguably, this had one of the most ridiculously far-fetched miscommunication plots I’ve ever read in a second chance romance, and by all accounts it should have left me feeling nothing but stabby...but, miraculously, it didn’t.
I don’t know how to explain it really. Must just be that Mary Calmes crack magic all my
For me, this story was fun and sexy and super addictive. Sure, it had a silly premise and it moved so quickly it didn’t leave much time to call it much more than an insta-(re)love story, but I’m more than happy to overlook that stuff as long as I’m content and enjoying myself in the moment, which I most certainly was.
I can never quite predict which Calmes books will or won’t work for me, but surprisingly this one did and I’m grateful for that.
August 6, 2011
1.5 stars
Anyone else want to scream "take a breath for christ sake!!!"
Im pretty disappointed with this book and my feelings are more messed up than Noah's by the look of it, I really like books where the writing just flows at a steady stream but this just seemed to have no breaks and made me feel like i was holding my breath from as soon as Dante turned up to the end of the book. It was too much too fast.
I can hardly even remember what ive just read and ive only just put it down this minute to write this review.
It could have been an excellent book if it was paced out more. (a couple of hundred more pages would have made me love this book)
I enjoyed the beginning of the book and it felt like it was building up to dante's return just right and the character build was going well.
Noah came across as a really nice person and a great dad and then my feeling just went totally out of the window.
How could Noah not put any ground rules for dante down?
The sex should not have happened so soon in this book!!
Dante disrespected Noah as a person and as a father by not listening to him and just doing what he wanted and saying what he wanted to Gracie without a second thought to anyone but himself.
I get that they still loved each other and Gracie and the past just didnt seem to matter to either of them, except for them being apart.
You cant just steamroll back into some one's life after 6 years and not work through the hurt, anger, loss of trust like that.
None of it felt true to me, and everything was just brushed over as if it never happened or mattered and the ending was like a smack in the face totally coming out of left field.
Anyone else want to scream "take a breath for christ sake!!!"
Im pretty disappointed with this book and my feelings are more messed up than Noah's by the look of it, I really like books where the writing just flows at a steady stream but this just seemed to have no breaks and made me feel like i was holding my breath from as soon as Dante turned up to the end of the book. It was too much too fast.
I can hardly even remember what ive just read and ive only just put it down this minute to write this review.
It could have been an excellent book if it was paced out more. (a couple of hundred more pages would have made me love this book)
I enjoyed the beginning of the book and it felt like it was building up to dante's return just right and the character build was going well.
Noah came across as a really nice person and a great dad and then my feeling just went totally out of the window.
How could Noah not put any ground rules for dante down?
The sex should not have happened so soon in this book!!
Dante disrespected Noah as a person and as a father by not listening to him and just doing what he wanted and saying what he wanted to Gracie without a second thought to anyone but himself.
I get that they still loved each other and Gracie and the past just didnt seem to matter to either of them, except for them being apart.
You cant just steamroll back into some one's life after 6 years and not work through the hurt, anger, loss of trust like that.
None of it felt true to me, and everything was just brushed over as if it never happened or mattered and the ending was like a smack in the face totally coming out of left field.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, I generally like Ms Calmes writing method, but this book just rubbed me the wrong way. Dante was just so unappealing as a character that it took everything in me to give up on this book. One, he was gone 6 years and had the resources to find Noah if he chose to but did not. Second, the way Noah capitulated to him did not seem like a love thing, the way he gave in to dante was just too easy in my opinion, there was no resolution to address the 6 year absence. Third, the way she threw the character of Keith under the bus was so immature as a writing tool,she introduced him as such a likeable character, he had a relationship with Noah's kid for crying out loud and the way he was dispatched just was plain laziness on the part of the author, why introduce a character if you do not know what to do with him. She owed him alot more than she gave him.
The biggest error in my eyes was how Dante muscled his way into Gracie's life, sure he was her bio dad , but you don't just inject yourself into a child's life with no caution, she had an attachment to Keith and that he was not even allowed to say goodbye to her was just irresponsible, and also there was no tact in it and that Noah could not at least control who was introduced into his impressionable child's life, he rolled over and just bent to Dante's whims...... Other than the one conversation he had with his mother, I felt no remorse on Dante's part, other than him claiming what he felt were his possessions. I get that it is a work of fiction and that we suspend disbelief in some way, but that just galled me to no end. The book could have gone so many places with the potential of a wonderful story that deserved more than the 94 pages the author saw fit to give...
I don't often write reviews on books but this book absolutely infuriated me to the extent that I am really questioning reading any further books by this author. I have read her books before and she does seem to have an affinity for writing one of her leads as having very strong personalities..(see the Timing books..), but at least those characters had redeemable traits, this one here had nothing to bring to the table except manipulation and disregard for all else than what he wants.
Long winded, I know, but I had to get this off my chest
Cheers.
The biggest error in my eyes was how Dante muscled his way into Gracie's life, sure he was her bio dad , but you don't just inject yourself into a child's life with no caution, she had an attachment to Keith and that he was not even allowed to say goodbye to her was just irresponsible, and also there was no tact in it and that Noah could not at least control who was introduced into his impressionable child's life, he rolled over and just bent to Dante's whims...... Other than the one conversation he had with his mother, I felt no remorse on Dante's part, other than him claiming what he felt were his possessions. I get that it is a work of fiction and that we suspend disbelief in some way, but that just galled me to no end. The book could have gone so many places with the potential of a wonderful story that deserved more than the 94 pages the author saw fit to give...
I don't often write reviews on books but this book absolutely infuriated me to the extent that I am really questioning reading any further books by this author. I have read her books before and she does seem to have an affinity for writing one of her leads as having very strong personalities..(see the Timing books..), but at least those characters had redeemable traits, this one here had nothing to bring to the table except manipulation and disregard for all else than what he wants.
Long winded, I know, but I had to get this off my chest
Cheers.
October 24, 2017
How I failed to talk about this, or mention this or at least SCREAM MY FUCKING HEAD OFF about this is mind boggling to me.
It's Mary's witchcraft. Somehow she has the ability to make you just fall in love and not so much bitch. Well...I have some bitching to do.
Oh wait, I did bitch, kind of, at least a complaint. I did use one word. TRICKED. See? Not enough but that is what re-reads are for.
How in the ever loving fuck did Dante's Boss decide this love story was not meshing with what was best for the CIA, dissolve a marriage and that is it? He doesn't want you. Move on, get over it. This is it and no matter what we know about each other we believe the Boss? OH MY FUCKING GOD.
I think I actually might have liked it more this time than I did the first time and I noticed more this time but was just totally on board with the crazy even though I hope someone from one of the other books kills Dante's Boss.
What is his fucking name and can we take a hit out on him before all the beautiful boys find love an go straight?
Mary you make even my typing crazy.
It's Mary's witchcraft. Somehow she has the ability to make you just fall in love and not so much bitch. Well...I have some bitching to do.
Oh wait, I did bitch, kind of, at least a complaint. I did use one word. TRICKED. See? Not enough but that is what re-reads are for.
How in the ever loving fuck did Dante's Boss decide this love story was not meshing with what was best for the CIA, dissolve a marriage and that is it? He doesn't want you. Move on, get over it. This is it and no matter what we know about each other we believe the Boss? OH MY FUCKING GOD.
I think I actually might have liked it more this time than I did the first time and I noticed more this time but was just totally on board with the crazy even though I hope someone from one of the other books kills Dante's Boss.
What is his fucking name and can we take a hit out on him before all the beautiful boys find love an go straight?
Mary you make even my typing crazy.
August 14, 2014
Noah does going dancing with a bunch of women (unfortunately, any dancing takes place off page).
Said women then explain to Noah how really, really good looking he is even though he knows he's quite, quite average.
There is a pregnant character.
There is a super sweet almost 6 year old who is just so fantastic that everyone who meets her sees that she's a shining light in this world. Have these people never run into a screaming child in the toy aisle of Target?
Dante calls Noah "baby" 12 times.
We're told Dante is "stunning" in his Armani suit and also "stunning" in his navy blue Donna Karan suit with a powdered baby blue light sweater. Excellent.
Guess what? Dante's in Vegas with his entire family who all adore Noah too and love to brush his cheeks with their greasy fingers. But does his skin break out? No, of course not. So not fair.
No Henleys, but one long sleeved t-shirt.
The boyfriend only becomes an ex at the end, but guess what? He's a raging asshole who never appreciated Noah and accuses him of not liking anal. Not like anal? Whaaa?
However, there are only 3 "gasps," one lunge hug and 2 eye squints.
Also only ONE eyebrow waggle.
AND NO PEA COATS.
WTF? Can't a girl depend on anything in this world?
P.S. I really enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
March 17, 2015
3.5 stars
Okay, let's see what DOESN'T WORK first.
One: since the story is pretty much fast-forwarded 5-years after the first chapter (in which we read about Noah being miserable after Dante dumped him for a woman), I expect MORE on the reunion. I don't care what Dante's reason is (or that someone else actually ruined their life for them), I totally NOT expect .
Two: the point of having Keith (as Noah's current guy), which is TRULY good for a conflict, only . I dislike that kind of plot, such an easy excuse to make readers prefer one guy over the other. I want some kind of internal struggle first, I guess.
So, what DOES work? First chapter, hands down, so delightful (Noah trying to overcome his grief and his friend, Pete, is so funny. I chuckled a couple of times, even if the scene is supposed to be angsty. Then there's a kid. A lovely and cute kid. I love kids in any m/m stories. Give me kids and I'm a goner :).
Okay, let's see what DOESN'T WORK first.
One: since the story is pretty much fast-forwarded 5-years after the first chapter (in which we read about Noah being miserable after Dante dumped him for a woman), I expect MORE on the reunion. I don't care what Dante's reason is (or that someone else actually ruined their life for them), I totally NOT expect .
Two: the point of having Keith (as Noah's current guy), which is TRULY good for a conflict, only . I dislike that kind of plot, such an easy excuse to make readers prefer one guy over the other. I want some kind of internal struggle first, I guess.
So, what DOES work? First chapter, hands down, so delightful (Noah trying to overcome his grief and his friend, Pete, is so funny. I chuckled a couple of times, even if the scene is supposed to be angsty. Then there's a kid. A lovely and cute kid. I love kids in any m/m stories. Give me kids and I'm a goner :).
April 27, 2012
EDIT 27 Apr 2012: So once I came to terms with the Jory-ness, this has become one of my favourite stories of all time. When I have a really tough day this is short enough for a feel-good, melt-my-heart read in bed before I go to sleep. It has a 100% success rate at de-stressing me.
Original rating was 3 stars, revised rating = 5 stars.
Original review follows:
So, big mistake! I read the Matter of Time series in a solid 24 hours, because i just love, love, loved it. I always steered clear of Mary Calmes before because I read the 4th from the Warder series and just thought it lacked plot (probably should have started from the beginning). So once I completely fell in desperate, heart-stopping love with Jory and Sam and the whole Time universe, I of course wanted to read everything that Mary Calmes ever wrote.
I made the mistake of picking Again as that next book. Mistake, because it IS Jory and Sam, just with different names, in a cute novella. Same characters, same details (newspaper swan, top is in law enforcement, top goes away undecover, top likes to watch his giant cock going in and out). Plus, of course, after the extended length of what is effectively one long Matter of Time story, this novella is so short! It barely gets going and it's over already! Therefore how could I feel anything but let down?
So my rating here does not reflect the stirling nature of Mary Calmes story-telling ability, merely my purely subjective experience of reading Again right after something amazing. And it was a let-down, I can tell you. I wanted longer, more, and different characters. But I still want to read everything she wrote: I might just leave it a while first.
Original rating was 3 stars, revised rating = 5 stars.
Original review follows:
So, big mistake! I read the Matter of Time series in a solid 24 hours, because i just love, love, loved it. I always steered clear of Mary Calmes before because I read the 4th from the Warder series and just thought it lacked plot (probably should have started from the beginning). So once I completely fell in desperate, heart-stopping love with Jory and Sam and the whole Time universe, I of course wanted to read everything that Mary Calmes ever wrote.
I made the mistake of picking Again as that next book. Mistake, because it IS Jory and Sam, just with different names, in a cute novella. Same characters, same details (newspaper swan, top is in law enforcement, top goes away undecover, top likes to watch his giant cock going in and out). Plus, of course, after the extended length of what is effectively one long Matter of Time story, this novella is so short! It barely gets going and it's over already! Therefore how could I feel anything but let down?
So my rating here does not reflect the stirling nature of Mary Calmes story-telling ability, merely my purely subjective experience of reading Again right after something amazing. And it was a let-down, I can tell you. I wanted longer, more, and different characters. But I still want to read everything she wrote: I might just leave it a while first.
May 25, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I like Mary Calmes' writing, I do. I believe that's what keeps making me come back for more. However, her stories just, for the most part, doesn't work for me. I mean, I do love a 'second chance at love' story, but not when it take a day. I like it a bit dragged out, more pain and more frustration... just more. Getting back just because he says so in one day just doesn't work for me. Things were forgiven too easily. I also miss depth in Mary Calmes' books. There should just be more. I hate it when it feels like something is missing... Noah Wheeler (31) seemed like a cute, nice man who loved and adored his daughter Grace “Gracie” Anita Wheeler (5) and Dante Cerreto (?) seemed like a hot, sexy man who you don't really get to know. Overall, it was fast forward, easy and cute with little depth.
“I should see him alone.”
“No.” He chuckled, lifting my chin. “You will never be alone again.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dante Cerreto.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars
September 20, 2014
I wasn't able to get behind this Mary Calmes book 100% because of the over confident alpha-maleness of MC Dante. He freaked me out just a bit too much. I also found the misunderstanding to be a bit hard to take and a tab convoluted.
Not for me!
Not for me!
December 31, 2023
DNF 67% - that was painful.
Piss poor plot, dumb kid behavior, sex with zero prep, just an all around mess. Do not recommend.
Oh, and suicide jokes, my favorite. 🙄
Piss poor plot, dumb kid behavior, sex with zero prep, just an all around mess. Do not recommend.
Oh, and suicide jokes, my favorite. 🙄
July 2, 2017
Wonderfully narrated by Nick J. Russo with great character voices, terrific timing, and good pacing.
The story begins with Noah who went to pick up his husband, Dante, at the airport and found him Dante kissing his partner, his female partner, and was told their relationship is over.
What’s worse? Noah had arranged for his twin sister to be impregnated with Dante’s sperm and she’s pregnant with their daughter. He never even gets to show Dante the sonogram picture. Once the shock wears off, and even though Noah is absolutely crushed, he does everything he can to contact Dante to tell him about their daughter – to no avail.
The beginning was actually my favorite part of the book – wonderfully written and brilliantly narrated by Nick, the emotions in beginning of this had me mesmerized.
The story picks up almost 6 years later when, by chance, Noah and his daughter Grace are in Vegas and Dante, along with his entire family, show up out of nowhere and push back into Noah’s life.
After the initial prologue the story actually takes place in less than 12 hours. It’s also a super short novella so while there is some backstory that gets revealed, there’s also a lot that’s not mentioned – and it does impact the story.
There’s also the matter of the guy Noah is non-exclusively dating, Keith, who I just felt like didn’t even need to be in the story. As a character and a plot point with what happens with him, it just felt unnecessary. Though I'll be honest, there is one hilarious scene involving Keith that Nick J. Russo performs so wonderfully that I'm really glad we didn't miss out on.
This is definitely not your standard miscommunication plot – this is more of a totally wild outside manipulation of characters by a trusted source that leads to the dissolution of marriage and breaking of hearts.
I really loved Noah and Grace, but I never warmed to Dante. He just kept rubbing me the wrong way. Especially when he decrees at first that Noah and his daughter pick up and move (from Southern California) to Maine without a thought to the disruption of Noah or Grace’s lives…it rankled.
Anyway, they eventually work it out and there’s a HFN/HEA, but I think the story would have been much better served if this had been a full-length novel.
In the end, while I really loved the narration I’m only sort of in like with the story.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 30, 2019
4 Hearts
Well… *clears throat*
That was quite the hot little number from the infamous Calmes.
I suspect fans of hers would say this is everything one would want and expect.
Noah and Dante have been apart for years, both victims of a horrible manipulative boss interfering with their lives with no remorse or conscience. These two never stopped loving each other despite believing the other wanted out. Fortuitous circumstance allows Noah and Dante to meet up 6 years later and surprise!!! This results, of course, in some very nice proprietary claiming. Oh yeah...
The more I listen to Nick J. Russo, the more I like him. He just keeps getting better and better, bringing this story to life and making it exasperatingly funny and sexy in only the ways Calmes can do so.
I laughed, I swooned, I fanned myself. This totally brought a smile to my face!
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
Well… *clears throat*
That was quite the hot little number from the infamous Calmes.
I suspect fans of hers would say this is everything one would want and expect.
Noah and Dante have been apart for years, both victims of a horrible manipulative boss interfering with their lives with no remorse or conscience. These two never stopped loving each other despite believing the other wanted out. Fortuitous circumstance allows Noah and Dante to meet up 6 years later and surprise!!! This results, of course, in some very nice proprietary claiming. Oh yeah...
The more I listen to Nick J. Russo, the more I like him. He just keeps getting better and better, bringing this story to life and making it exasperatingly funny and sexy in only the ways Calmes can do so.
I laughed, I swooned, I fanned myself. This totally brought a smile to my face!
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
August 13, 2011
I loved it, as I usually do with Mary Calmes. My only complaint was that I felt it was too short! I could easily have seen this expanded into a novel that could have offered a bit more explanation into the backgrounds of Noah and Dante.
June 15, 2012
Mary Calmes has such an easy style of writing, it is engaging and funny and really portray's the characters personalities to a T. It is real, feel good kind of read that leaves you smiling.
I loved this book, and it follows the previous books of hers that I have read, of the main characters, one is big, dominate, alpha type, incredibly built and sexy, whilst the other is as cute as a button and everyone loves and adores him.
I loved it, great little read.....:)
I loved this book, and it follows the previous books of hers that I have read, of the main characters, one is big, dominate, alpha type, incredibly built and sexy, whilst the other is as cute as a button and everyone loves and adores him.
I loved it, great little read.....:)
February 7, 2017
This was the literary equivalent of a runaway train - out of control from the very first scene. The writing felt a little paint by numbers in parts and it had a lot of the "you know you love me and only me" posturing that absolutely drives me up the wall. But, you know... it wasn't unreadable.
July 17, 2017
4 Stars for this short but sweet romance ~
Full review will be found here: Alpha Book Club after 7/17/17 @8a
Reviewed Book and Audio-book
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Full review will be found here: Alpha Book Club after 7/17/17 @8a
Reviewed Book and Audio-book
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
July 12, 2016
CAUTION: Spoilers
A Harlequin-like story. Instead of a baby-mommmy story, it's a baby-daddy story. The alpha-guy isn't a millionaire, billionaire, sheik, king, prince, CEO, etc... he's CIA...
Dislike 1: The plot device of having the current boyfriend to be a total douchebag so that the protagonist can move on to love their supposed-soulmate guilt-free. Often used in Harlequin and Harlequin-esque romances.
But was Keith really a douchebag? I mean, both Keith and Noah knew the relationship was not exclusive. I would goes as far to say Keith wasn't even a boyfriend but a sex buddies to Noah. (They may not had anal sex, but oral sex is still sex.) The only "wrong" I can see was Keith using their hotel room when Grace (Noah's kid) is present to shag someone else.
And why did Noah bother to apologize to Keith once Keith realizes Noah basically did the same thing — "cheating" on Keith with Dante? Seriously. I think author was forcing the story to make Keith the bad guy. I rather had the author give Noah and Keith an amicable breakup...Hell, it wasn't even a breakup since there wasn't a commitment from the start. I don't understand why it was so hard for Noah to admit that they were doing the friends-with-benefit deal.
Like 1: Dante.
Some people thought he was too pushy, but I like his alpha-tude. And it made sense to me because after five years discovering that it was all just a Big Misunderstanding (another overused plot device), he did not want to lose the opportunity to reunite with Noah, especially when it also meant losing Grace, his own daughter. He wanted no chance for failure.
Dislike 2: The Big Misunderstanding plot device. When breaking up with someone, do it face to face, literally listing the reasons for the breakup. Otherwise, this would lead to the Big Misunderstanding where each assume something wrong about the other.
In this story, it was Noah assuming Dante loves Cassandra because he did not know their kiss was an act as part of their CIA job. And Dante assuming Noah didn't love him anymore because of some false letters. Had they brokeup face to face, they would have realize Beck, Dante's boss, was screwing them both.
Like 2: Family.
I like how family was the backdrop for the entire story with Noah's sister getting married and Dante's family vacationing for their reunion.
Overall, this was a sweet and short story. 4 stars for a I-really-like-it.
A Harlequin-like story. Instead of a baby-mommmy story, it's a baby-daddy story. The alpha-guy isn't a millionaire, billionaire, sheik, king, prince, CEO, etc... he's CIA...
Dislike 1: The plot device of having the current boyfriend to be a total douchebag so that the protagonist can move on to love their supposed-soulmate guilt-free. Often used in Harlequin and Harlequin-esque romances.
But was Keith really a douchebag? I mean, both Keith and Noah knew the relationship was not exclusive. I would goes as far to say Keith wasn't even a boyfriend but a sex buddies to Noah. (They may not had anal sex, but oral sex is still sex.) The only "wrong" I can see was Keith using their hotel room when Grace (Noah's kid) is present to shag someone else.
And why did Noah bother to apologize to Keith once Keith realizes Noah basically did the same thing — "cheating" on Keith with Dante? Seriously. I think author was forcing the story to make Keith the bad guy. I rather had the author give Noah and Keith an amicable breakup...Hell, it wasn't even a breakup since there wasn't a commitment from the start. I don't understand why it was so hard for Noah to admit that they were doing the friends-with-benefit deal.
Like 1: Dante.
Some people thought he was too pushy, but I like his alpha-tude. And it made sense to me because after five years discovering that it was all just a Big Misunderstanding (another overused plot device), he did not want to lose the opportunity to reunite with Noah, especially when it also meant losing Grace, his own daughter. He wanted no chance for failure.
Dislike 2: The Big Misunderstanding plot device. When breaking up with someone, do it face to face, literally listing the reasons for the breakup. Otherwise, this would lead to the Big Misunderstanding where each assume something wrong about the other.
In this story, it was Noah assuming Dante loves Cassandra because he did not know their kiss was an act as part of their CIA job. And Dante assuming Noah didn't love him anymore because of some false letters. Had they brokeup face to face, they would have realize Beck, Dante's boss, was screwing them both.
Like 2: Family.
I like how family was the backdrop for the entire story with Noah's sister getting married and Dante's family vacationing for their reunion.
Overall, this was a sweet and short story. 4 stars for a I-really-like-it.
July 15, 2011
Like others, my only complaint was how short it was. But otherwise it was sweet, funny, and engaging. Dante was hilarious--you could see why Noah was such a sucker for him, and Gracie was wonderful. Noah was funny because he tried so hard to be 'rational' but when Dante was there he was a whole other person--and no, his supposed boyfriend DIDN'T get him at all. In a way, this felt like a salute to the Harlequin novels of yore--the theme was a familiar one for the old het romances and, Noah's determination to treat Dante fairly in spite of what he saw as perfidy was also resonant. Like I said--it went quickly--too quickly--but it was enjoyable, fun, and oh-so-hot.
March 11, 2024
I really wanted to like this, because it starts off great, with funny and supportive characters. Noah is charming and engaging, and Gracie is wonderful. The downfall is the big misunderstanding, which is ridiculous in the face of Dante claiming to love Noah yet never bothering even once to call the man? Then there is Dante himself, who just wasn't likeable for me. Arrogant and DOES. NOT. LISTEN. So not worthy of Noah.
August 19, 2012
I wanted more, more, more!! Sweet, heartwarming read about re-united lovers that stayed away from each other far too long due to a mis-understanding. I adored Dante and his charming personality, and Noah's concern for his daughter's well being and putting her needs first, was so admirable. Dante's reclaiming of Noah was raw and passionate. Watching the three of them become a family was just lovely!
February 22, 2014
Soooo....
Not my cup of tea,
unfortunatly things went too fast!
Not my cup of tea,
unfortunatly things went too fast!
December 5, 2022
3,5 stars
May 23, 2018
DNF@55%
WTF!
WTF!
May 3, 2019
4.5 stars
July 15, 2011
‘Again’ is a completely captivating, breathtakingly fast-paced, sweet fairy tale of a story. Forget realism, the focus here is on the whirlwind of emotions Noah, the narrator of the story, goes through. I don’t think I took a single breath between the first and last page and I loved every second of it. Mary Calmes masterfully condensed the feelings and events of what could easily have been a novel into the microcosm of a novella and, as a consequence, left me with the same response I always have after a rollercoaster ride: “Again! I want to do this again.” I know re-reading it will never be like the first time, but I bet I’ll discover the little gems of dialogue and scenes I wasn’t even able to take in when I just wanted to know what’s next on the first read.
Following Noah from the breakup through his attempts to put his life back together until he finally runs into Dante again was a fascinating experience. At each stage, his emotions are palpable. The total desolation when Dante leaves him comes through in the first part of the story, which is mostly dialogue. Then he goes numb, pretty much to protect himself, and focuses on Gracie; most of that is told in a few characteristic events. As Dante comes into the picture again, Noah’s emotions are all over the place and most of what happens is dialogue again.
Did I want to smack Dante for staying away and giving up on them? Of course I did! But the explanation he gives makes perfect sense and his behaviour is completely in character. Equally, his reactions when he runs into Noah again, are also totally believable.
In case anyone has missed it: I loved this story. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with lots of emotions, great characters and a few belly laughs, I can only recommend you give this a try. As long as you read it with a mindset of ‘fairy tale’ I doubt that you’ll be disappointed.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the prupose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
Following Noah from the breakup through his attempts to put his life back together until he finally runs into Dante again was a fascinating experience. At each stage, his emotions are palpable. The total desolation when Dante leaves him comes through in the first part of the story, which is mostly dialogue. Then he goes numb, pretty much to protect himself, and focuses on Gracie; most of that is told in a few characteristic events. As Dante comes into the picture again, Noah’s emotions are all over the place and most of what happens is dialogue again.
Did I want to smack Dante for staying away and giving up on them? Of course I did! But the explanation he gives makes perfect sense and his behaviour is completely in character. Equally, his reactions when he runs into Noah again, are also totally believable.
In case anyone has missed it: I loved this story. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with lots of emotions, great characters and a few belly laughs, I can only recommend you give this a try. As long as you read it with a mindset of ‘fairy tale’ I doubt that you’ll be disappointed.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the prupose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
March 23, 2023
What the hell happened? I love Mary's books, but I hated this one. I honestly finished it because I hoped somehow I'd get on board with the two heroes.
It didn't happen.
Dante is a douche. He's a bully and frankly had no right to steamroll his way into Noah and Grace's life like he did. I hated that we are just supposed to accept his coming into their lives and allowing him to change it in an HOUR or so? HELL no!
Where was Noah's backbone? Apparently he didn't have one after seeing Dante for five minutes. Never mind the hurt and betrayal he felt for the past six years. His acceptance and allowance for Dante to enter his and Gracie's life, like nothing happened was B.S.
Also, why throw Keith under the bus? What was done to him, just so Noah and Dante's dumb, despicable behavior could be justified was just wrong on so many levels.
Keith deserved better. So did Gracie.
Apparently, nice guys really do finish last.
It didn't happen.
Dante is a douche. He's a bully and frankly had no right to steamroll his way into Noah and Grace's life like he did. I hated that we are just supposed to accept his coming into their lives and allowing him to change it in an HOUR or so? HELL no!
Where was Noah's backbone? Apparently he didn't have one after seeing Dante for five minutes. Never mind the hurt and betrayal he felt for the past six years. His acceptance and allowance for Dante to enter his and Gracie's life, like nothing happened was B.S.
Also, why throw Keith under the bus? What was done to him, just so Noah and Dante's dumb, despicable behavior could be justified was just wrong on so many levels.
Keith deserved better. So did Gracie.
Apparently, nice guys really do finish last.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2013
What a great short story! Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the HEA! And I love Mary Calmes writing style! It's so easy to read, but so full of feeling and emotion, you can feel what the characters are going through. I will definitely read more of her books :)
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