Review: Complicated Romance That Offers Up A Satisfying Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 31, 2012
This was the third book in a series, but I didn't realize it until I sat down to write the review. I can now see the connections to the second book easily, but it didn't interfere with me enjoying this story.Now on to this story and what I think about it.The story is about a middle-aged man, Noah, who came out of the closet in a rather spectacular way about a year before.  He had a wife that was his childhood sweetheart and has two grown sons.  His attraction to another man was the catalyst even though the other guy chose to be with someone else.  Now with a little pressure from his oldest son and the knowledge of his own needs, he tentatively starts dating.  But each time he is dissatisfied and comes home alone while trying to figure out what is missing.  It is not until he steps in to help a newly evicted guy and his two siblings that Noah begins to realize what was lacking.But the problem is that Zane is much younger and he is straight not to mention the poor guy is practically overwhelmed by responsibility so Noah tries to keep his distance.Zane has more on his plate than even Noah is aware.  He is in awe of the man who swoops in as his savior by offering him, his brother and sister a place to stay, a car to borrow and then a part-time job.  Zane has no intentions of letting Noah learn of the fear he has of the kids' aunt swooping in and taking them away from him or the trouble he is in with a dirty lone shark for the money he borrowed to stay afloat.When Zane learns Noah is gay, he is shocked and then later when he is alone he does some hard thinking about his own feelings and attraction for the kind, handsome man who has become his friend and more.The plot starts out slow what with establishing what is going on with Noah and then with Zane.  It takes its time as the two guys tentative grow closer on one level while their attraction smolders impatiently waiting on another level.  There were scenes that extended the story and there were a few moments when I found them unnecessary and repetitive. I'm all for smoking hot passion and heated or tender declarations, but in my book there can be too much and too often especially when its not really advancing things along with the plot.  It was not something huge or glaring; it was just something I thought because I got distracted at times before plunging back into the story.As to the characters, I really liked both the main characters and I also enjoyed all the secondary characters from both their families, the staff at Zane's job and Noah's friends- who were the main characters in the book before this one.  Most of the focus was on Noah and Zane and the story switched back and forth between them which was nice so I could get things from both perspectives.  I was particularly struck with the way it ended when the two men just didn't dive into their happily ever after.  I liked the realism of how they, particularly Noah, were aware of the time needed to integrate their lives and their children before they could have a full-on relationship.  I also liked how their was a friendship between them and a good camaraderie with the children.This was a very enjoyable and satisfying read that I can recommend to all who enjoy m/m contemporary romance with a spicy side.