As is the nature with warnings, spoilers beyond this point: All are dealt with, I feel, in an appropriate and thoughtful manner, but I also feel obliged to warn for them as they can be upsetting. Sep 01, J. I loved this story. Because it made me think about people in my life I haven't thought about in a long time. In other words - it was relatable. It was real to me , it resonated and yes, dammit, I was tearing up on the train ride home. I can't say too much because I think it will spoil other people's experience with this book, but I will say this: I have friends who constantly validate Donnie's reactions and feelings and experiences.
I have been Ben. Ugh, so many feels - congrats t 4. Ugh, so many feels - congrats to the author. But dammit Ben - you're a little controlling Still, despite those flaws, I loved Ben. I'd also like to say that I was really impressed that Helen, the ex-wife, wasn't depicted as a raging harpy. Sure, there were some tense emotions, and understandably so, but in the end, she was understanding, patient and forgiving yet, still a human being.
Nope, not saying more - read it. Bisexuality is a thing people. And the author made this just part of everyday life, as it should be. Ben likes boys and Ben likes girls. Now, why I docked half a star This is a quick read, and I think I would have enjoyed staying with Ben and Donnie a little longer. You want a book with feels? PS - Floyd's a douche. DNF I couldn't get into it. I'm not a fan of flashbacks, unnecessary plot components, and the insta-love was the nail in the coffin.
I think others will enjoy it though. Sep 12, E.
Special offers and product promotions
A World Apart is a love story about Ben, a cop whose marriage is disintegrating after years of indifference, and Donnie, a recovering addict. This story is very sweet, but the romance feels rushed to the point of disbelief. His desire to take care of Donnie feels like a desperate rebound. I could feel his distress and his awful homelife. The dingy house he and his brother shared was clear in my imagination. In terms of bi-rep yay! The story might have been better served as a longer novel, because the bones for a solid story are there, but as it is, suffered from the fantasy-love that keeps me away from most adult romance novels and stuff just happens too fast for me to believe.
I would describe reading this book as getting into a vehicle where the author took me on a high-speed car chase where I was hoping it would end well but my heart was in my stomach a lot. It started with a very dramatic courtroom scene. The main characters met when Police Officer Ben Griers saw his best friend and fellow officer Jason being overly aggressive with a suspect. Ben stepped in and insisted that Jason release the suspect Donnie Saunders since Jason had no evidence connecting Donnie to an alleged hit-and-run accident.
Donnie was grateful and went on his way. It seemed that something passed between them although it felt like sympathy, a bit of pity and gratitude. Later at an AA meeting, Ben ran into Donnie and there was a recognition of sorts. Two struggling people trying to find their way out of their predicaments.
- Follow the Author.
- La Migration (FICTION) (French Edition)!
- From Charcoal to a Polished Gem!
- MASSAGE FOR HORSES.
- Women, Prison, and Life Behind Bars?
- Jane Eyre (Illustrated and Formatted Specifically for Kindle)!
- A World Apart.
Ben was having problems in his marriage so the reader was supposed to understand why and how Donnie evoked feelings that seemed dead in Ben. Ben's wife seemed like a reasonable person. I am not entirely sure what was the real problems in their marriage and why it couldn't be addressed via counseling and effort. They all seemed to be good people at heart, but seomthing just wasn't right so they were glossed over.
The writing was so uneven that it felt like I was holding on for dear life through this rather shallow journey of the character's lives. This author is new to me but I had high hopes for the book based on the enticing blurb. I was disappointed with this one. German born Mel Gough currently lives in London, England. She has been an avid reader form a young age and A World Apart released September 18th is her debut novel.
The book comes with a content warning due to the mention of childhood abuse and the warts and all portrayal of serious medical issues. Mel does not try to lessen the effects of the conditions being portrayed, nor does she dance around the very real consequences of both the illness and the necessary treatments. This is in itself a real positive for me because, while it does make for some uncomfortable moments, it gives the scenario the respect it deserves rather than romanticising it. I also want to give a shout-out to our protagonist Ben here. Donnie is an interesting love interest for Ben too, and discovering his backstory as the tale progresses is a Helluva ride.
Meanwhile, the other characters that we encounter are, while not as fleshed out as our leading pair, more than capable of fitting their roles and holding your attention. It should be noted here that the book does contain a handful of erotic scenes. While not an erotica reader myself, I can appreciate the way these were set up. As such, they never feel shoehorned in, and actually add to the tale. So, like I said, the content warning is there for good reason. At the same time, if you prefer your sweet romance to remain sweet and avoid too many hardships, then you may struggle with the harshness that A World Apart depicts.
Moving on though, I only really have one criticism. Now, I am not really a contemporary romance reader. I tend to stick with speculative fiction for the most part because it just fits with my tastes better. You see, I have a preference for slowly built romance. If anything, I liked the moments of sweetness as a contrast to the cold, hard reality of the leads lives.
The story weaves together a healthy mix of harsh moments, sweetness and some decent representation for a number of different types of people. It is emotional, draw at your heart-strings type of love story which is not at all conventional. The MCs meet when they are both very down in their lives and find a connection which was pure and beautiful in so many ways.
Ben is going through a rough time in his marriage. The life he has created with his family is falling apart around him and he cannot do anything to stop it, as he knows deep down that it is for the best. Whereas, Donnie is battling a horrible sickness all on his own. These two men come together by chance but they soon discover a connection which they both needs to battle each of their demons and also support and hold up each other when things are far from perfect in their lives.
As I said this is not one of your conventional romances. The author really delves into his sufferings and how badly he needs someone in his court as Donnie falls terribly sick almost at the beginning of their relationship. I loved Ben for sticking with Donnie throughout. Ben and Donnie made a very sweet couple who were just what each other needed at the right time in their lives. The romance happened too fast for me. The story had a lot of awesome elements to be a real hit for me but ultimately I did not like how it was executed.
Overall it was an ok read for me. My heart went out to Donnie. He's been through so much in the past and still faces so many obstacles throughout this story. It's like every time he gets up someone slaps him in the face and pushes him back down again. I loved that Ben was an unwavering support for Donnie throughout, never giving up or walking away from him, yet instinctively knowing when to take a step back and let Donnie have some breathing room.
I loved both Donnie and Ben, th 4. I loved both Donnie and Ben, they were both very likable characters who you could root for and they really did come from two different walks of life. They've lead very different lives, but those differences compliment each other.
They had amazing chemistry and an electrical connection and although the book felt a bit like instalove, it was believable, because I really felt those feelings between Ben and Donnie coming off the pages of the book. But I have one complaint here. While the chemistry was powerful, Ben's endearment for Donnie, the word "buddy" diminished the feeling and sincerity somewhat during tender moments. Buddy is just not something you call a lover in my opinion.
Sorry, while I loved the story this just didn't work for me. This wasn't always an easy read. Donnie is very sick throughout the story and sometimes it all felt like too much. I just wanted the weight to be lifted so I could breathe a bit easier, so I can't even begin to imagine how Donnie felt. But the story wasn't all doom and gloom. It had sweet, sexy and loving moments throughout. It's well-written for the most part.
It's told primarily from Ben's POV, but we do hear from Donnie throughout, I'm just not sure why Donnie's small POVs were told like a flashback instead of something that is happening in real time. It was confusing at first and it took some time getting used to this. All in all, this is a powerful and at times emotionally taxing read. While I've closed the book, I know Donnie and Ben will remain in my thoughts for quite some time. Very recommendable, but have tissues handy! A World Apart is an incredibly emotive character driven story.
I loved how Gough gave the characters depth that reflected through their actions and decisions. Ben, Donnie and even Helen felt like real people. The relationship between Ben and Donnie was sweet. It did feel like it progressed quite quickly but it wasn't unrealistic. The fear and anxieties they both had were understandable and their journey to overcome them was touching.
The story touched on a number of heavy issues but they were wr A World Apart is an incredibly emotive character driven story. The story touched on a number of heavy issues but they were written with sensitivity and humanity. I was provided with an ARC of the story in exchange for an honest review. I'm pissed in American English I know this is a first time author and all, but I just don't get what makes someone think to themselves: It hurts my brain.
Why didn't a proofreader stop her right there? There's no curse word more British than 'wanker. So I really don't understand how it could happen that a rather white trashy character named Floyd really, Floyd?! It would be advisable to tread with caution and remember that in most cases, less is more. Not every 'you' should be a 'ya. The relationship didn't develop organically, it was just a bit weird. Not rating as I didn't finish.
They barely had What I liked: While I can understand love at first sight, that concept just didn't work here. Or was it the author's writing? Floyd's condition, the divorce, the drug dealership It felt like there was no enough supporting scenes leading to those examples I've mentioned. Felt like some of it was added like an afterthought. There was no real chemistry between them that made me feel the love they have for each other.
I was really hoping that I'll enjoy this story but I ended up being disappointed. This truly was a heartbreaking read for so many different reasons. Reasons that I do not want to give away so I am going to leave this review short and sweet. As far as how much I enjoyed it, I can say that I truly did but it did break my heart and make me cry a few times.
Ben is a police officer and his best friend Jason is his partner. They do not always see eye to eye on everything but they have each other's backs or at least they do until a guy Jason picked up and brought in for questioning t This truly was a heartbreaking read for so many different reasons. They do not always see eye to eye on everything but they have each other's backs or at least they do until a guy Jason picked up and brought in for questioning turns out to be innocent and had Jason taking the time to ask the questions he should have asked, he would have known.
But the Ben would never have gotten to meet Donnie. It really is fate that these two men meet. When both need someone the way they do, it was like fate dropped them in each other's lap. Things are not easy at all for Donnie. He has so much going on that he literally does not know which way is up or down. When he meets Ben, it could not have been more perfect timing. Just when Donnie is about to give up, Ben is there to catch him and then vice versa. Because Ben was not fairing so well when they met either. I truly believe these two men needed to be there to catch one another in order to survive everything coming their way.
This was an incredible read about never giving up or giving in even if you feel like there is nothing out there for you because you could turn a corner and everything can change in an instant. Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review Dec 02, Ruth Evans rated it really liked it. A good book to read. The reader gets to build the characters as secrets are revealed. Donnie and Ben meet under less than a great situation but what comes through for Donnie is how nice Ben is to him. Donnie has lived his whole life mostly without that kindness and definitely never from a stranger.
When he meets Ben again he doesn't want to get to close but he can't hide. Donnie slowly realises he doesn't have to do them alone. Ben's life is coming apart and he turns to the one thing he knows will A good book to read. Ben's life is coming apart and he turns to the one thing he knows will let him forget.
That brings him back to Donnie and he doesn't want to leave him. This is about how their secrets bring them together and keep them at each others sides. They both need to learn to deal with the secrets they discover and with falling in love with each other. The two men in this story had such a strong connection almost immediately. It was as if they 'needed' and found each other just at the right time.
It was a heartbreaking read about the sickness Donnie has to deal with and the hardships of his life, but so beautiful to read how caring and supportive Ben was - when so many others could back away and not want to deal with these issues. It was an honest and daunting portrayal of what this sickness can do to a person's life, and the lives of their loved ones. It was painful but eye opening, and written with caring tenderness. I really enjoyed this book and the characters, my only downfall was I wanted it to be longer and more drawn out, I wanted MORE. Nov 30, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: Ben is in a dead marriage when finally his wife says enough is enough.
This leads to Ben falling off the wagon and ending up at AA. When he see the person who he has been thinking about for the last coup of days. That is until the kindness of a stranger gives him light at the end of the tunnel. Definitely well worth a read. Dec 05, tammy rufo rated it really liked it. Donnie and Ben gave me all the feels. Nov 26, Mellanie Rourke rated it really liked it. I was provided an ARC of this book, and I was deeply intrigued by the characters.
Ben is a cop who's marriage is falling apart and his career is going nowhere. Donnie is a victim of domestic abuse and erroneously gets pulled in to an active investigation. When Ben attends an AA meeting after falling off the wagon, the two test the spark that has ignited something between them.
The relationship between these two men is sweet, honest and a realistic portrayal of someone with multiple health problem I was provided an ARC of this book, and I was deeply intrigued by the characters. The relationship between these two men is sweet, honest and a realistic portrayal of someone with multiple health problems. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I could tell immediately that this author was not from the south even though she tried to make the characters from that area.
I was of two minds as to whether I wanted to read this book, so when the author sent through a request for a review I took it as a sign that it was meant to be. Our two main characters are Ben and Donnie. Ben is a well respected police sergeant, who married his college sweetheart and now lives in a nice house with his wife and daughter. For many years now the focus of his life has been progressing his career and though he had an idea that his marriage I was of two minds as to whether I wanted to read this book, so when the author sent through a request for a review I took it as a sign that it was meant to be.
Donnie is just a goddamn hot mess. Despite coming from absolutely opposite worlds, Ben and Donnie quickly fall in love and dedicate themselves to building a new life together. I actually liked the way that the author handled this aspect. Ben was the character who was dealing with the most changes to his life so I appreciated the story focusing mostly on him. Actually, I think that side of the story was spotlighted more than the romance.
In that way, the story had a realistic feel to it. Instead they experience the somewhat awkward excitement of learning a new lover. Even Ben, the king of patience and understanding has his moments of what-the-fuckery. Ben and his wife are separated before Ben starts seeing Donnie. I loved her involvement in this book. She was awesome, yet once again, flawed and believable. I think the author did a great job with her character, not resorting to the crazy bitch who deserves to be left by her husband, but not making her so perfectly sweet that she caused tooth decay.
She was perhaps my favourite character of the story. As much as I loved the idea of Ben and Donnie together at times I struggled to believe that their relationship could survive long term. Donnie is ill for the majority of the book and sometimes Ben seemed more like a carer than a boyfriend. And by inequality, I mean that Ben seems like the mature adult and Donnie the pseudo child who needs looking after. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it to other readers. Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews http: Dec 08, Deirdre rated it it was amazing.
I found this book so poignant.
A World Apart (Loving Again Book 1)
The author really developed the characters, making them multidimensional. I definitely felt an emotional connection to them. After he left active service, he served in a psychological operations unit in the Reserves, deploying to Thailand and Korea to support missions there. He has served in a variety of positions with the State of California. In his career, he has been an Executive Fellow, an appointee of the Governor, as well as a civil service analyst and manager. A long-time fan of fantasy and science fiction, The Jake Thomas Trilogy is his first writing effort.
He resides in Northern California with his wife, Emily. Product details File Size: November 8, Sold by: Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Read reviews that mention looking forward world apart jake thomas next book well written main character forward to the next grammatical errors character development thomas trilogy looking forward apart jake bad guys well developed well done next books good guys great read good story great story. Showing of 51 reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and the dialogue was great Character interactions and conversations have got to be realistic, not simply to advance a story line. This book was fantasy as it should be, real enough to believe in, fun enough to make me laugh or curse, and have a strong plot to keep me reading until the wee hours I very much look forward to book 2 in this series and hope more will be coming soon!
I rarely ever put much faith in negative reviews because personal preference has too much to do with a book review, If you manage to get past the description of a book to find yourself looking at the reviews you need to buy the book regardless of what those reviews have to say. Some fantastic stories are written by novices that have trouble with editing, i rarely let that bother me if the story is a good one. I am very thankful to independent authors for the courage involved in putting their work out there for us to read This book is technically excellent by the way.
I,m not usually a fan of science fiction. I mostly read books on mystery and suspense. I chose this book because I went to the same elementary school, where both the author"s mother and my mother taught. Our mothers are still good friends. When I heard that Steven had written a book, I wanted to buy it and try it out on my new kindle. I have to admit this book was much more than what I expected.
It"s not just for science fiction lovers; it's for anyone who likes a well crafted story. It has suspense, budding romance, sword play, etc. I would recommend it to young and young at heart too. I look forward to the next two books coming out in ! Congratulations to you, Steven on your fine work of fiction!
One person found this helpful. Fairly common premise but handled pretty realistically. The main character is well done. Supporting characters are also great, particularly Dominic. As another reviewer mentioned, the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. If you're looking for a Severus Snape, where you don't know which side he's on, you wont' find it here. But for what it is, this is a great read. The only real complaint is that it takes a while before the real action begins to kick in. There is a lot of adjusting to the new world, building characters, etc.
But it's worth it in the end. I will definitely be following the further adventures of Jake. Give a young man awesome powers and the ability to travel to other worlds and what does he do with it? That's right, he accidentally causes a massive catastrophe and cheats on his girlfriend.
Hilarious and entertaining book. Tolle combines action and adventure, reality and fantasy, good and evil, and fear and bravery in a story that has you involved and committed from the first pages. It's easy to become attached to the good guys and easy to hate the bad ones.
A World Apart (Shades Below, #1) by L.J.K. Oliva
Tolle has a good grasp of human nature - our strengths and our weaknesses - and he applies that understanding to the development of both the good guys and the bad guys. Mostly, it's a good old fashioned coming of age action and adventure story about the light and darkness that is in each of us. I recommend it for both teens and adults. I'll say it again This was a very entertaining read.
I enjoyed the book very much. If you are tempted to read it, do it! The main character is fleshed out well. I could predict how he would react to some situations and that was good. I also liked when I was surprised a couple of times.
- Knitting Pattern Peach and Cream Booties for a Baby Girl 3-6 Months.
- Emerging Values in Health Care: The Challenge for Professionals.
- The Book of Nutrition.
- Oh So Tiny Bunny: A Picture Book.
- (Bild-) Journalismus - Ein systemtheoretischer Diskurs (German Edition);
- Get A Copy.
The other characters are also well thought out. They all reacted like real people would and none of them were perfect, which made them much easier to like. The book was well written and paced well.