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Breakthrough
The road to recovery is never easy, even when you’re just an innocent bystander to someone else’s addiction.
For Jack, it’s especially hard because he blames himself for his son Rick’s drug problems. It took Jack over half his life to admit to himself (and his wife) that he was gay, but years later, he still carries guilt over what his realization did to his son.
He never thought Rick’s treatment would help him rehabilitate too, but when Jack meets Seth, the man trying to help his son get back on his feet, it’s the breakthrough he never knew he needed.
For Jack, it’s especially hard because he blames himself for his son Rick’s drug problems. It took Jack over half his life to admit to himself (and his wife) that he was gay, but years later, he still carries guilt over what his realization did to his son.
He never thought Rick’s treatment would help him rehabilitate too, but when Jack meets Seth, the man trying to help his son get back on his feet, it’s the breakthrough he never knew he needed.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
1 person is currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Knight
19 books348 followersJ.H. Knight has been writing love stories since the second grade. When she’s not catering to the whims of her imaginary friends (whom she sometimes refers to as “characters”), she’s usually found in the kitchen setting dinner on fire or in the garden trying not to kill a rose bush.
A Pacific Northwest native, she loves the outdoors in every season whether she’s in the city, the mountains, or watching the sunset from her back porch. She gets through most days with a lot of laughter, a little snark, too much coffee, and a commitment to not taking life too seriously.
Never miss a freebie, deleted scene, or new release by signing up for her newsletter at https://subscribepage.io/gmScFR Visit her blog at knightwylde.blogspot.com or find her at her website, http://www.authorjhknight.com/ where you can check out her available books, follow her on social media, or drop her an email. She loves hearing from readers!
A Pacific Northwest native, she loves the outdoors in every season whether she’s in the city, the mountains, or watching the sunset from her back porch. She gets through most days with a lot of laughter, a little snark, too much coffee, and a commitment to not taking life too seriously.
Never miss a freebie, deleted scene, or new release by signing up for her newsletter at https://subscribepage.io/gmScFR Visit her blog at knightwylde.blogspot.com or find her at her website, http://www.authorjhknight.com/ where you can check out her available books, follow her on social media, or drop her an email. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 19, 2015
Jack. Sweet, tortured-by-guilt Jack. My dream book-boyfriend. As a 46-year-old woman married to a 48-year-old man, Jack is right in my demographic. As I read J.H. Knight's description of Jack, model Laurence Nicotra popped into my head and I fell even harder. Best. Visual. Ever.
Jack is a man with guilt weighing him down to the point of misery. He denied his sexuality for so long that by the time he came out of the closet, he had a wife and teenage son. His son, Rick, struggles with addiction and has been in and out of rehab for years.
Rick is currently in a swanky, country club style rehab facility in Arizona when he calls his dad to come out for a visit and a round of family therapy sessions. Jack begrudgingly agrees (not because he doesn't love and support his son, but because he is very hands-off with his emotions and afraid of the therapeutic process.) Jack meets with his ex-wife Marie, her husband Doug (a delightful, open, honest man who Jack is very fond of) son Rick and Rick's hippyish tree-hugging-granola-eating-sandal-wearing therapist Seth, who Jack finds very attractive. During this therapy session, Jack has a "breakthrough" about his life, life choices and overwhelming guilt. It turns his life on its head. From the Psychology Wikia:
A psychotherapeutic breakthrough can be said to occur when a client makes swift progress, particularly after a period of resistance, perhaps as a result of new insight.
So, Jack is dealing with newfound emotions, his son's new, vibrant health, his growing email and chat room friendship with Seth, his own dabbling in therapy sessions and meeting his best friend, Mindy's, new boyfriend. He writes in his diary of this time period:
If feel lonely, but I feel happy too. How is that possible?
You'll have to read the book to see what surprises are in store for our lovely Jack.
As a rabid fan of J.H. Knight's The Last Thing He Needs (my favorite book of 2014) I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one. I'm quite sure that you will read other reviews when Breakthrough comes out and hear a common consensus: "I loved it, but it should have been longer!" At only 59 pages, this is a short one. Bummer, huh? BUT, I'm going to focus on all the positive aspects of this book. It is heartfelt, engaging and sweet. It contains wonderful, surprisingly fleshed-out characters for the length and we even get a melt-the-paint-off-the-walls sex scene. Don't ever say I am one to look a gift horse in the mouth. J.H. Knight is a fabulous story-teller and I will gladly gobble up whatever she has for me. No complaints about length, character development or lack of multiple sex scenes. Breakthrough is perfect just the way it is. It left me feeling outrageously warm and fuzzy with that overly sweet ooey, gooey feeling that only a rare few books give me. (Examples include Witness, the Last Thing He Needs, Learning to Feel, Strong Enough and The Shearing Gun).
Highly, highly recommended.
Advanced review copy of Breakthrough provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave
August 23, 2015
Boring and lacking emotional connection.
There, I said it.
I hate to be the bad guy, especially when someone as talented as J.H. Knight is involved, but I feel like I didn't even read the same book as some other reviewers.
I'm not a fan of books where the two MCs don't meet or get together until the very end and this book is very much that type of story. The two guys barely interact in person and then have a very acquaintance-type relationship through email for some time. I didn't feel the connection between them and I certainly didn't feel the romance. It was just a hint, which wasn't enough for me.
I guess if you want to read a sort of dull story about a guy whose son is going through rehab and who likes to spend a lot of time drinking wine with his neighbor this might work, but I was expecting greatness from this author and I was left feeling extremely underwhelmed.
Not horrible, but just blah overall.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
There, I said it.
I hate to be the bad guy, especially when someone as talented as J.H. Knight is involved, but I feel like I didn't even read the same book as some other reviewers.
I'm not a fan of books where the two MCs don't meet or get together until the very end and this book is very much that type of story. The two guys barely interact in person and then have a very acquaintance-type relationship through email for some time. I didn't feel the connection between them and I certainly didn't feel the romance. It was just a hint, which wasn't enough for me.
I guess if you want to read a sort of dull story about a guy whose son is going through rehab and who likes to spend a lot of time drinking wine with his neighbor this might work, but I was expecting greatness from this author and I was left feeling extremely underwhelmed.
Not horrible, but just blah overall.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 5, 2015
A Hearts On Fire Review
4.5 HEARTS--Want a short story that gives a good case of the comfort?
This story has it.
I was touched by the entire cast of characters, every one of them, even the grandkids and cats. That's how charmed I am with "Breakthrough". Like...I might've sprung a leak in the upper half of my face and made my cheeks hurt while grinning kind of charmed. The feels were touched.
Jack is a forty-nine year old (silverfox!) accountant with a successful career. He's divorced, has one son, Rick and two adorable grandchildren. But sadly Rick has been devastating his family and himself with drug addiction for years. Drug addiction devastates so many and I'm happy to say this book isn't trying to sludge you down with reality. It doesn't cheapen the effect and gives more perspective from the family member's POV while still giving you a glimpse of reality.
Jack blames himself for his son's addiction. He came out of the closet late life, while married to Rick's mother. Jack likes things to fit into their boxes. Some might say picky but I totally get Jack's mind frame. He doesn't easily show emotion, a fact his best friend says is why he hasn't struck gold in the love department. The thing is he hasn't met the right man, he's met a couple of characters but no one to challenge him.
Enter, Rick's drug counselor at his rehab, Seth. Seth sees something in Jack. (Don't worry nothing tawdry begins while Rick is under Seth's care) The two form a friendship, Jack discovers a different side of himself. And let me tell you the MANTEARS were abundant but in a GREAT way. I chortled so much at each drop that left a certain someone's face.
So good.
So, so, so good.
The two become friends and confidants through email. They get along so well and how they end up together is pretty funny and sweet.
Well if I loved it so much, why not the full 5 hearts? There were two instances when I had to reread a changing scene over to understand that the time changed. And I wished there was a scene or even a conversation with Rick discussing his feelings on "Davey" and his dad. Maybe a little brief something instead of Seth telling Jack Rick was cool with it. I'm sure it wasn't just hormones talking...but I'd have liked it.
The story ends at 93% and with a solid HFN (with room to grow). I'm not even complaining about the early end...story is that good.
Could I have read another 200 pages on this couple including the secondary characters? Yep.
But I didn't need it and I think the story has done it's job and then some. I'm running to get all works of this author. Twice in a row my chest cavity has been engaged with their author's words.
Recommended for readers who enjoy romance for a character later in life, feel good humor...and main character self-discovery.
4.5 HEARTS--Want a short story that gives a good case of the comfort?
This story has it.
I was touched by the entire cast of characters, every one of them, even the grandkids and cats. That's how charmed I am with "Breakthrough". Like...I might've sprung a leak in the upper half of my face and made my cheeks hurt while grinning kind of charmed. The feels were touched.
Jack is a forty-nine year old (silverfox!) accountant with a successful career. He's divorced, has one son, Rick and two adorable grandchildren. But sadly Rick has been devastating his family and himself with drug addiction for years. Drug addiction devastates so many and I'm happy to say this book isn't trying to sludge you down with reality. It doesn't cheapen the effect and gives more perspective from the family member's POV while still giving you a glimpse of reality.
Jack blames himself for his son's addiction. He came out of the closet late life, while married to Rick's mother. Jack likes things to fit into their boxes. Some might say picky but I totally get Jack's mind frame. He doesn't easily show emotion, a fact his best friend says is why he hasn't struck gold in the love department. The thing is he hasn't met the right man, he's met a couple of characters but no one to challenge him.
Enter, Rick's drug counselor at his rehab, Seth. Seth sees something in Jack. (Don't worry nothing tawdry begins while Rick is under Seth's care) The two form a friendship, Jack discovers a different side of himself. And let me tell you the MANTEARS were abundant but in a GREAT way. I chortled so much at each drop that left a certain someone's face.
So good.
So, so, so good.
The two become friends and confidants through email. They get along so well and how they end up together is pretty funny and sweet.
Well if I loved it so much, why not the full 5 hearts? There were two instances when I had to reread a changing scene over to understand that the time changed. And I wished there was a scene or even a conversation with Rick discussing his feelings on "Davey" and his dad. Maybe a little brief something instead of Seth telling Jack Rick was cool with it. I'm sure it wasn't just hormones talking...but I'd have liked it.
The story ends at 93% and with a solid HFN (with room to grow). I'm not even complaining about the early end...story is that good.
Could I have read another 200 pages on this couple including the secondary characters? Yep.
But I didn't need it and I think the story has done it's job and then some. I'm running to get all works of this author. Twice in a row my chest cavity has been engaged with their author's words.
Recommended for readers who enjoy romance for a character later in life, feel good humor...and main character self-discovery.
August 14, 2015
This is a sweet story, but it's not really a romance.
Jack and Seth meet briefly at 30 percent, don't see each other again until 75 percent, and have one intimate scene at the end.
I appreciate an "older" MC (Jack is a gray fox at 49), and I liked the close relationship Jack has with his friend Mindy.
However, the focus here is on Jack learning to live with his feelings and finally letting go of the guilt he's carried around for more than a decade, thinking his coming out triggered his son's drug addiction.
None of the secondary characters, including Seth, the second MC and Jack's son's hippie counselor, are particularly well sketched.
Seth is a bit of a caricature of the kind, clever, yoga-pant-wearing therapist: Tell us how you feel about that, Jack.
One man causes Jack to shed tears he hasn't shed for 30 years! WOW.
Jack and Seth have hardly any on-page time together, and the ending is a tentative HFN.
The sexy scene at the end is fairly hot, but it wasn't enough to make me believe in the (brand new, build on lust and emails) relationship.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the formatting was incredibly distracting; random paragraphs were in italics, which took me out of the story time and time again.
Jack and Seth meet briefly at 30 percent, don't see each other again until 75 percent, and have one intimate scene at the end.
I appreciate an "older" MC (Jack is a gray fox at 49), and I liked the close relationship Jack has with his friend Mindy.
However, the focus here is on Jack learning to live with his feelings and finally letting go of the guilt he's carried around for more than a decade, thinking his coming out triggered his son's drug addiction.
None of the secondary characters, including Seth, the second MC and Jack's son's hippie counselor, are particularly well sketched.
Seth is a bit of a caricature of the kind, clever, yoga-pant-wearing therapist: Tell us how you feel about that, Jack.
One man causes Jack to shed tears he hasn't shed for 30 years! WOW.
Jack and Seth have hardly any on-page time together, and the ending is a tentative HFN.
The sexy scene at the end is fairly hot, but it wasn't enough to make me believe in the (brand new, build on lust and emails) relationship.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the formatting was incredibly distracting; random paragraphs were in italics, which took me out of the story time and time again.
August 7, 2015
3.5 stars
J.H. Knight, doing what she does best!
There's a broken man who tries to run from his feelings as long as he can, a family that's going through a rough patch, some great secondary characters, and a very believable comfort/healing theme.
For such a short story, Breakthrough deals with some very heavy topics. Jack's emotional recovery was at times heartbreaking, but it was a process that needed to happen. I liked that the book addresses an often little-discussed issue: how many gay men, particularly those who come out at later times in their life, feel responsible for problems in their family. It was good to see this topic being discussed in a realistic manner.
But I needed more. The romance takes a back seat for most of the book as Jack heals and grows. I don't think I really got a feel for who Seth was, because most of his interactions with Jack happen through email. So I felt that the ending was very abrupt and rushed, just pushing Jack and Seth together. Even so, that sex scene was hella hot.
Overall, I enjoyed this short story. It was well-written, and had the kind of feel-good angst that I've come to expect from J.H. Knight. The ending was a solid HFN, but did seem to leave things open for a sequel, which I would definitely read!
J.H. Knight, doing what she does best!
There's a broken man who tries to run from his feelings as long as he can, a family that's going through a rough patch, some great secondary characters, and a very believable comfort/healing theme.
For such a short story, Breakthrough deals with some very heavy topics. Jack's emotional recovery was at times heartbreaking, but it was a process that needed to happen. I liked that the book addresses an often little-discussed issue: how many gay men, particularly those who come out at later times in their life, feel responsible for problems in their family. It was good to see this topic being discussed in a realistic manner.
But I needed more. The romance takes a back seat for most of the book as Jack heals and grows. I don't think I really got a feel for who Seth was, because most of his interactions with Jack happen through email. So I felt that the ending was very abrupt and rushed, just pushing Jack and Seth together. Even so, that sex scene was hella hot.
Overall, I enjoyed this short story. It was well-written, and had the kind of feel-good angst that I've come to expect from J.H. Knight. The ending was a solid HFN, but did seem to leave things open for a sequel, which I would definitely read!
July 28, 2015
Since The Last Thing He Needs came out, I've tried to devour everything this author has written. It's realistic fiction at it's finest. This novella was no different. I enjoyed the life challenges that Jack had to overcome. This dealt with a topic that we see a lot of. Jack was a married gay man to a straight woman. He was ashamed of his sexuality, and felt like he was a failure to his only child, who is dealing with addiction. This didn't get any better to me. I loved it, Jack had to deal with some personal issues in himself before he could ever be happy. I really liked the story, I liked seeing them talk out their issues, and I liked seeing the two mc's come together.
Seth was definitely a breath of fresh air. He had the best optimism in the world. I liked his energy, and how he treat Jack. He definitely didn't hold back. I would have loved for this to be a full length novel. I love this author's writing style alot. She is a wonderful writer, and she gives us things we can see in everyday life. I'm greedy and I want anything she decides to release.
Seth was definitely a breath of fresh air. He had the best optimism in the world. I liked his energy, and how he treat Jack. He definitely didn't hold back. I would have loved for this to be a full length novel. I love this author's writing style alot. She is a wonderful writer, and she gives us things we can see in everyday life. I'm greedy and I want anything she decides to release.
August 6, 2015
I would not mind reading more about them. I truly enjoyed their banter and emails. I would have been much happier if the book hadn't ended rather abruptly at 93 percent. I was looking for a bit more story or an epilogue. This would definitely have been a five star read if there had been a little more.
August 11, 2015
This need just one more chapter or an Epi. It ends and I needed more. I really liked Jack and Seth. Would have liked to have seen what Rick really thinks of them together though. It easy to say you're "cool with it" when you haven't seen it up close and personal. Especially since Rick KNOWS Seth. He poured his heart out to him. Seth knows everything there is to know about Rick, stuff Jack doesn't even know.
I'll be waiting for more from these two :)
I'll be waiting for more from these two :)
August 19, 2015
I really liked this one! As a parent I could totally relate to Jack and the guilt he felt about his son's issues. I loved the group therapy session and how Seth got him to let go of some of that guilt. And I loved Jack's relationship with his best friend Mindy. Plus he's a 49-year-old silver fox. We need more MC's in that age range :)
August 7, 2015
This was a great story about learning to be comfortable in your own skin - and realising that you can't always control everything. Loved the fact the MC was older. Thanks L. :)
August 23, 2015
Overall I liked it a lot. The italics thrown in every now and then in my copy were rather disruptive to my reading flow and the end was a tad bit predictable, but other than that - yap, an entertaining read.
August 11, 2015
I wanted to like this because (a) I absolutely loved at least one of JH Knight's previous stories (b) this had an older (49 year old) MC and (c) I liked that this dealt with some serious issues (Jack's adult son was undergoing therapy for his drug addiction).
Unfortunately, though, this didn't work too well for me.
First, and very importantly, this had huge editing issues. There were random italicized paragraphs and groups of paragraphs throughout the story which I found annoying and completely distracted me from the story. At over $3.50 for a 59 page story, I would not expect this type of issue.
Secondly, I couldn't warm up to Jack. I especially didn't like him when he was going through this period where he was crying all the time and where he kept saying/thinking things like "maybe I'm really a woman in a man's body or "maybe I've grown a uterus".
Thirdly, in my opinion, there was very little development of the romance itself. The MCs actually spend very little time together and we see just a small amount of communication between them.
I do really appreciate that this did have an older MC and I hope we see more romances with older MCs.
Unfortunately, though, this didn't work too well for me.
First, and very importantly, this had huge editing issues. There were random italicized paragraphs and groups of paragraphs throughout the story which I found annoying and completely distracted me from the story. At over $3.50 for a 59 page story, I would not expect this type of issue.
Secondly, I couldn't warm up to Jack. I especially didn't like him when he was going through this period where he was crying all the time and where he kept saying/thinking things like "maybe I'm really a woman in a man's body or "maybe I've grown a uterus".
Thirdly, in my opinion, there was very little development of the romance itself. The MCs actually spend very little time together and we see just a small amount of communication between them.
I do really appreciate that this did have an older MC and I hope we see more romances with older MCs.
August 23, 2015
3.5 stars
Well this was a surprisingly nice read. It's always a bit hit and miss with short stories for me, but this was written in a way that it was just long enough to really get into the story.
It was kinda silly in a certain part but overall, despite the topic, it was actually quite a fun read.
When I started it, bearing in mind the theme of addiction, and some of the thoughts of the main character early on, I thought that it might have been a bit heavy. However, it really wasn't and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
So yep, a decent short read. I definitely enjoy books more these days when I go in with no expectations!
Well this was a surprisingly nice read. It's always a bit hit and miss with short stories for me, but this was written in a way that it was just long enough to really get into the story.
It was kinda silly in a certain part but overall, despite the topic, it was actually quite a fun read.
When I started it, bearing in mind the theme of addiction, and some of the thoughts of the main character early on, I thought that it might have been a bit heavy. However, it really wasn't and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
So yep, a decent short read. I definitely enjoy books more these days when I go in with no expectations!
August 3, 2015
Review coming soon @STRW
4.25 out of 5 stars
I swoon over J.H. Knight‘s works every time. This week I read two of them: this new novella called Breakthrough and a free story, Just a Feeling. If you love sweet stories like I do, these two are just for you too. The author of the so emotional The Last Thing He Needs never disappointed me. She’s so talented. What I like more in her books is they all are so real, especially this new one. Breakthroughwas a quick read, light and funny too. What amazed me was that in just 57 pages she could put so many emotions, I found myself often crying with Jack. We were both a wreck.
I’m pretty sure this was my first book with a Mc as a grandfather, a young one cause Jack is only 49 years old, still I found it interesting. Moreover it was also the first one I read where the focus of the story wasn’t mainly on MCs’ relationship, the spot was on Jack and the breakthrough he’s subjected to while trying to help his son recovering from a serious drug addiction. In only one meeting Seth was the key to finally break the impenetrable wall behind which Jack hides his deep guilty trip over the failure of his wedding and his son’s addiction.
I enjoyed Breakthrougha lot, I put it in my comfort shelf and I am surely going to reread it, but it could have been much better, and that’s the only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars. In my opinion it needed just one more little chapter, an epilogue, to know something about Jack and Seth life together, just a little snippet would have been so appreciated, because I saw them together just a couple of times and it wasn’t enough!
Well done JH! Waiting for more by this author, always. Highly recommended!
Cover art by Brooke Albrecht. Honestly this cover didn’t impress me, it’s well done and the model could fit the story but nothing more. It wasn’t eye catching
4.25 out of 5 stars
I swoon over J.H. Knight‘s works every time. This week I read two of them: this new novella called Breakthrough and a free story, Just a Feeling. If you love sweet stories like I do, these two are just for you too. The author of the so emotional The Last Thing He Needs never disappointed me. She’s so talented. What I like more in her books is they all are so real, especially this new one. Breakthroughwas a quick read, light and funny too. What amazed me was that in just 57 pages she could put so many emotions, I found myself often crying with Jack. We were both a wreck.
I’m pretty sure this was my first book with a Mc as a grandfather, a young one cause Jack is only 49 years old, still I found it interesting. Moreover it was also the first one I read where the focus of the story wasn’t mainly on MCs’ relationship, the spot was on Jack and the breakthrough he’s subjected to while trying to help his son recovering from a serious drug addiction. In only one meeting Seth was the key to finally break the impenetrable wall behind which Jack hides his deep guilty trip over the failure of his wedding and his son’s addiction.
I enjoyed Breakthrougha lot, I put it in my comfort shelf and I am surely going to reread it, but it could have been much better, and that’s the only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars. In my opinion it needed just one more little chapter, an epilogue, to know something about Jack and Seth life together, just a little snippet would have been so appreciated, because I saw them together just a couple of times and it wasn’t enough!
Well done JH! Waiting for more by this author, always. Highly recommended!
Cover art by Brooke Albrecht. Honestly this cover didn’t impress me, it’s well done and the model could fit the story but nothing more. It wasn’t eye catching
August 20, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
This story was not at all what I expected. To categorize it as a romance is pushing it as there is virtually no relationship building and very little on the sexy side. Here’s the thing, as a story about recovery and growth or healing and finding one’s self, it’s a decent story. But still nothing about it blew me away or made me feel much of anything.
Jack is okay, but for the most part I was highly irritated by his self-deprecation. I’m of the mind that if you’re going to come out of the closet late in life, own it. I get that his kid had issues that Jack thought were his fault, but I also felt like he was unintentionally trying to overshadow his child’s addiction with his own self-importance. Let me be frank in saying that addiction is a heavy issue and it affects an entire family, but I feel like this character went about his own issues the wrong way. And again, this probably has more to do with my own type A personality, but Jack just didn’t work very well for me.
I’ve mentioned the lack of relationship building, and that is a stickler in the romance department for me. I feel like there could have been so much more to Jack and Seth that would have made me believe in their (someday) love. Instead, I’m left with emails and texts and maybe a phone call. By the end, I hardly cared if they were together or not.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
This story was not at all what I expected. To categorize it as a romance is pushing it as there is virtually no relationship building and very little on the sexy side. Here’s the thing, as a story about recovery and growth or healing and finding one’s self, it’s a decent story. But still nothing about it blew me away or made me feel much of anything.
Jack is okay, but for the most part I was highly irritated by his self-deprecation. I’m of the mind that if you’re going to come out of the closet late in life, own it. I get that his kid had issues that Jack thought were his fault, but I also felt like he was unintentionally trying to overshadow his child’s addiction with his own self-importance. Let me be frank in saying that addiction is a heavy issue and it affects an entire family, but I feel like this character went about his own issues the wrong way. And again, this probably has more to do with my own type A personality, but Jack just didn’t work very well for me.
I’ve mentioned the lack of relationship building, and that is a stickler in the romance department for me. I feel like there could have been so much more to Jack and Seth that would have made me believe in their (someday) love. Instead, I’m left with emails and texts and maybe a phone call. By the end, I hardly cared if they were together or not.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
August 13, 2015
Jack is 49 years old man who happens to have a son Rick,who happens to be an addict. Jack doesn't handle emotions well,so he hides behind sarcasm and suites,or so we are TOLD (I didn't get to see that). And,apparently when he finaly lets himself to feel,it's GLORIOUS - he cries all day every day for over a month! This coming from a guy who barely cries... Does this sound INSANE to you as does to me? This non-stop crying? I wish that author showed us some of those emotions,but no...we are again only TOLD about them. You know,you don't develop character by TELLING us what's he like,you do that by SHOWING us. Just saying...
Rick happens to have a councelor named Seth who happens to be gay. Seth happens to be most cliched psychologist I've ever had pleasure to read about in MM romance - "And how does that make you feel?", "And how do you feel now?". You know,pcychology is MUCH MORE than those cliche questions,but apparently author was too lazy to create decent character out of Seth.
Oh,and I have to mention Mindy,Jack's friend. Is she that important? Well no,but by all means she shoul've been mentioned in a blurb,since she had more on-page time than Rick and Seth. o.O
Interesting premise,but the book is anything but. Honestly,if I didn't know otherwise,I'd say this is author's first foray into writing - it's undeveloped with one-dimensional characters and suffers from overusage of cliches.
Rick happens to have a councelor named Seth who happens to be gay. Seth happens to be most cliched psychologist I've ever had pleasure to read about in MM romance - "And how does that make you feel?", "And how do you feel now?". You know,pcychology is MUCH MORE than those cliche questions,but apparently author was too lazy to create decent character out of Seth.
Oh,and I have to mention Mindy,Jack's friend. Is she that important? Well no,but by all means she shoul've been mentioned in a blurb,since she had more on-page time than Rick and Seth. o.O
Interesting premise,but the book is anything but. Honestly,if I didn't know otherwise,I'd say this is author's first foray into writing - it's undeveloped with one-dimensional characters and suffers from overusage of cliches.
August 15, 2015
Jack is a divorced man who split up because he realized he’s gay. He’s been holding on to that guilt – the perceived guilt of breaking up his family – for the last decade. When his adult son enters rehab, Jack feels responsible, so he’s willing to do anything to help – even group therapy.
While in therapy, Jack meets the amazing Seth, younger than Jack but older than his son, and manages to have a significant breakthrough on dealing with his own guilt issues.
Over the course of the next few months, Jack and Seth become email friends, supporting each other and just being friendly. But both men harbor secret desires for the other – the question is – will it ever happen?
**
This is a short story that feels like a full-length novel. JH Knight is a gifted writer and is able to condense the timeline in a way that doesn’t feel rushed or awkward or altered to meet page expectations. It felt organic and whole.
I loved Jack and his crying jags! Seth was a bit more of an unknown in this story and if we ever get a sequel I’d love more from his POV. Even the ex-wife is a wonderful person, and not a shrieking harpy!
All in all this was a sweet, loving and even a little bit hot and sexy, short-story!
While in therapy, Jack meets the amazing Seth, younger than Jack but older than his son, and manages to have a significant breakthrough on dealing with his own guilt issues.
Over the course of the next few months, Jack and Seth become email friends, supporting each other and just being friendly. But both men harbor secret desires for the other – the question is – will it ever happen?
**
This is a short story that feels like a full-length novel. JH Knight is a gifted writer and is able to condense the timeline in a way that doesn’t feel rushed or awkward or altered to meet page expectations. It felt organic and whole.
I loved Jack and his crying jags! Seth was a bit more of an unknown in this story and if we ever get a sequel I’d love more from his POV. Even the ex-wife is a wonderful person, and not a shrieking harpy!
All in all this was a sweet, loving and even a little bit hot and sexy, short-story!
September 3, 2015
3.0 Stars
Meh. Jack and Seth were alright. This one was really short and didn't excite me much. The writing was tight (duh, it's J.H. Knight) but what was up with the sporadic and seemingly meaningless use of italics?!?
Bottom line: Just okay.
Meh. Jack and Seth were alright. This one was really short and didn't excite me much. The writing was tight (duh, it's J.H. Knight) but what was up with the sporadic and seemingly meaningless use of italics?!?
Bottom line: Just okay.
August 6, 2015
I liked Jack, especially because he's older but a romance with his son's drug counselor that oversaw group therapy with Jack where he had his emotional epiphany? Huh...no, unethical.
The secondary characters, especially Jack's neighbor and best friend, are wonderful, as is Jack's family. Their relationships save the novella for me.
The secondary characters, especially Jack's neighbor and best friend, are wonderful, as is Jack's family. Their relationships save the novella for me.
August 6, 2015
This was a great little story that shows it’s never too late to find love, and it may just happen in the unlikeliest of places.
Jack is forty-nine years old and about a decade ago he bravely admitted that he is gay to both himself and his wife. His only regret is that his coming out sent his teenage son into a downward spiral of drug addiction that has once again landed the young man in rehab. When Rick phones and asks if Jack would be willing to come and visit for the facility’s family day, he’s more than eager to be there for the son who is asking something of him for the first time in years. However a family therapy session ends with Jack under the therapist’s scrutiny – the hot, young therapist who Jack is more than a little interested in.
I just adored all of the characters in this short story. Jack and Seth were great together, their romance played out in a realistic yet cute fashion, but beyond that I really enjoyed hearing from the secondary characters too. Mostly I loved reading about “the family” together. Jack remains friends with his ex-wife, to the point that he has missed her because he hasn’t seen her for a while. Her new husband, Rick’s step-father, is a loving supportive figure who couldn’t be any friendlier if he tried. Even Rick’s ex-girlfriend, the mother of his children, is portrayed as a compassionate and understanding person, though she doesn’t actually make an appearance. I think I appreciated the fact that there didn’t have to be a villain.
Jack and Seth don’t physically spend a whole lot of time together in the story, but keep in touch with emails until they meet again, once Seth is no longer Rick’s therapist. However, maybe because the story is only fifty odd pages, it doesn’t feel like you miss out on couple time. When they do physically reconnect, it’s my favourite scene in the book. I love the cute little twist the author added here, though you could pretty much see it coming.
I thought this was a rather charming short read and recommend it to anyone who needs to add a spot of happy to their day.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/08/0...
Jack is forty-nine years old and about a decade ago he bravely admitted that he is gay to both himself and his wife. His only regret is that his coming out sent his teenage son into a downward spiral of drug addiction that has once again landed the young man in rehab. When Rick phones and asks if Jack would be willing to come and visit for the facility’s family day, he’s more than eager to be there for the son who is asking something of him for the first time in years. However a family therapy session ends with Jack under the therapist’s scrutiny – the hot, young therapist who Jack is more than a little interested in.
I just adored all of the characters in this short story. Jack and Seth were great together, their romance played out in a realistic yet cute fashion, but beyond that I really enjoyed hearing from the secondary characters too. Mostly I loved reading about “the family” together. Jack remains friends with his ex-wife, to the point that he has missed her because he hasn’t seen her for a while. Her new husband, Rick’s step-father, is a loving supportive figure who couldn’t be any friendlier if he tried. Even Rick’s ex-girlfriend, the mother of his children, is portrayed as a compassionate and understanding person, though she doesn’t actually make an appearance. I think I appreciated the fact that there didn’t have to be a villain.
Jack and Seth don’t physically spend a whole lot of time together in the story, but keep in touch with emails until they meet again, once Seth is no longer Rick’s therapist. However, maybe because the story is only fifty odd pages, it doesn’t feel like you miss out on couple time. When they do physically reconnect, it’s my favourite scene in the book. I love the cute little twist the author added here, though you could pretty much see it coming.
I thought this was a rather charming short read and recommend it to anyone who needs to add a spot of happy to their day.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/08/0...
November 2, 2015
3.75 stars
I have a fondness for addiction-focused books, and it was interesting to read one from a different POV: a parent's. I actually would have been happy if this had been longer. My only real complaint about it is that because it's novella length, everything happened kind of quickly. I loved the scene at Rick's rehab, when they're all in group, but we didn't get nearly enough of it. And I do think there was good build-up to Seth and Jack getting together, but there could have been more. What it boils down to is that I really like JH Knight's writing, and I want all of her books to be 500 pages. :)
Often shorter stories are just flashes of moments in time, but this one actually included character growth, which can be tough to do in a shorter format. But we really do see Jack grow between the start and finish, so that was satisfying. I'd have liked a bit more involvement with his son, but I don't think that was the point of the book.
Quick, enjoyable read with a message: let go and move forward.
PS It's nice to see a book with an older protagonist, too. :)
I have a fondness for addiction-focused books, and it was interesting to read one from a different POV: a parent's. I actually would have been happy if this had been longer. My only real complaint about it is that because it's novella length, everything happened kind of quickly. I loved the scene at Rick's rehab, when they're all in group, but we didn't get nearly enough of it. And I do think there was good build-up to Seth and Jack getting together, but there could have been more. What it boils down to is that I really like JH Knight's writing, and I want all of her books to be 500 pages. :)
Often shorter stories are just flashes of moments in time, but this one actually included character growth, which can be tough to do in a shorter format. But we really do see Jack grow between the start and finish, so that was satisfying. I'd have liked a bit more involvement with his son, but I don't think that was the point of the book.
Quick, enjoyable read with a message: let go and move forward.
PS It's nice to see a book with an older protagonist, too. :)
August 7, 2015
Non so se il problema di questa novella sia la sua lunghezza, ma, al contrario di quanto era avvenuto con The Last thing he needs, qui emozioni e personaggi rimangono a un livello molto superficiale. Peccato, perché mi piaceva l'idea di quest'uomo non giovanissimo che, dopo aver negato la propria omosessualità e aver in qualche modo rinunciato a una vita sentimentale per espiare alla colpa di aver "distrutto" la sua famiglia, portando il figlio a drogarsi (o almeno questo è ciò che crede lui), imparava a perdonarsi e a darsi una seconda chance.
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
4.25stars
Breakthrough is a story of a father who came out late in life. He blames himself, and his need to be himself, for all the problems his son has had since he divorced. At it's core, it is a tale of redemption and slow-burning love.
For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
February 18, 2016
Throughout this book, italics were used in ways I do not understand. Whole paragraphs were italicized with no purpose, need or consistency. It was so distracting and aggravating I wanted to stop reading. It definitely had an effect on my opinion of the book.
February 19, 2016
2.5 stars
August 5, 2015
So enjoyable, a short story that packs great characters, family development and a super heart warming romance.
August 8, 2015
*** 3.75 Stars ***
August 11, 2015
I liked this, and there's a lot of story packed into this short length, but there wasn't quite enough for me to stop seeing Seth as Jack's counselor and start seeing him as his boyfriend.
November 4, 2018
3.5 stars.
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