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Ex Equals
On the first day of his new career as a community college math teacher, Chris Reuben gets an unexpected - and most unwelcome - blast from the past: one of his students is his former shipmate...and ex-boyfriend.
Justin Hayes isn’t after a second chance when he signs up for an algebra class taught by his ex. All he wants besides a passing grade is a chance to make amends with the man he loved and hurt while they were deployed together three years ago.
Pain, guilt, and bitterness aren’t the only lingering feelings, though, and even if three years is enough to melt the ice between them, they’ve already risked their careers for each other once. Can Justin convince Chris that what they once had is worth putting careers and hearts on the line again?
Justin Hayes isn’t after a second chance when he signs up for an algebra class taught by his ex. All he wants besides a passing grade is a chance to make amends with the man he loved and hurt while they were deployed together three years ago.
Pain, guilt, and bitterness aren’t the only lingering feelings, though, and even if three years is enough to melt the ice between them, they’ve already risked their careers for each other once. Can Justin convince Chris that what they once had is worth putting careers and hearts on the line again?
122 pages, ebook
First published September 18, 2011
31 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
214 books2,684 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
April 10, 2015
Do you have a ‘usual’? You know your favorite restaurant or diner where you get the same thing? I do. When I find something I like, I stick with it. Whenever we hit our local café for breakfast, I get the same thing- Every. Single. Time.
LA Witt is one of my ‘regulars’.
I know what I’m going to get. It’s going to be good. I’m going to be happy. Sometimes it will really hit the spot and then other times it will be completely satisfying but not ground shaking. This was one of those ‘yep, that was good’ meals. But, it wasn't topped off with my favorite slice of apple pie.
Second chances? I’m always game.
Military boys? My favorite!
Dual POV’s? Makes me happy.
Chris and Justin had a nasty split. They were forced to keep their relationship undercover in fear of repercussions to their military careers. When promotions came around and only one of them got the boost up, everything changed. I was less than thrilled with how Justin stomped all over Chris’ heart and completely understood why their break up occurred. Years later when both men have moved on with their professional lives, they discover neither has moved on romantically.
Justin puts Chris on the spot when he snags a place in one of Chris’ classes. Considering this is Chris’ first class college class as a professor, he is anxious enough. Chris’ nerves were strung soo tight from the distracting pair of familiar eyes in the back row, I thought he might snap. And he hates the feelings that threaten to rush forward.
He certainly hasn’t forgiven Justin, but the question becomes…can he? The risk is still high but they must find out if it’s worth it.
I always enjoy flashes back in time. It’s rewarding revealing the whys behind the foundation of relationships. I adored watching them fall in love and felt their anguish when they bitterly broke apart. I would have preferred more begging and pleading. I wanted Justin on his knees! I think Chris let him off easy, too easy….but I can’t say I blame him. I’d rather forgive and move forward myself. Ohhh and shout out to the pup, I loved the adorable furry child.
It wasn't my favorite LA story, but I was left sated and smiling. You can count on me coming back for more!
*3.5 forgive-but-not-forget stars*
LA Witt is one of my ‘regulars’.
I know what I’m going to get. It’s going to be good. I’m going to be happy. Sometimes it will really hit the spot and then other times it will be completely satisfying but not ground shaking. This was one of those ‘yep, that was good’ meals. But, it wasn't topped off with my favorite slice of apple pie.
Second chances? I’m always game.
Military boys? My favorite!
Dual POV’s? Makes me happy.
Chris and Justin had a nasty split. They were forced to keep their relationship undercover in fear of repercussions to their military careers. When promotions came around and only one of them got the boost up, everything changed. I was less than thrilled with how Justin stomped all over Chris’ heart and completely understood why their break up occurred. Years later when both men have moved on with their professional lives, they discover neither has moved on romantically.
Justin puts Chris on the spot when he snags a place in one of Chris’ classes. Considering this is Chris’ first class college class as a professor, he is anxious enough. Chris’ nerves were strung soo tight from the distracting pair of familiar eyes in the back row, I thought he might snap. And he hates the feelings that threaten to rush forward.
He certainly hasn’t forgiven Justin, but the question becomes…can he? The risk is still high but they must find out if it’s worth it.
I always enjoy flashes back in time. It’s rewarding revealing the whys behind the foundation of relationships. I adored watching them fall in love and felt their anguish when they bitterly broke apart. I would have preferred more begging and pleading. I wanted Justin on his knees! I think Chris let him off easy, too easy….but I can’t say I blame him. I’d rather forgive and move forward myself. Ohhh and shout out to the pup, I loved the adorable furry child.
It wasn't my favorite LA story, but I was left sated and smiling. You can count on me coming back for more!
*3.5 forgive-but-not-forget stars*
April 5, 2020
Kindle Reading #1
Avevo bisogno di un refill di M/M e siccome con la quarantena è meglio non andare nemmeno in posta ho deciso di mettere la Kindle app, avendo io un Kobo, perchè è più facile trovare libri gratis. Per iniziare sarà composta solo da M/M e Thriller.
Per quanto riguarda L.A. Witt è il mio primo libro.
Il voto è basato solo sul libro. Il traduttore ha un voto a parte che non è calcolato nella media. Quando comincio a inserire frasi con "il traduttore" significa già che non sono soddisfatta della traduzione.
Bene cominciamo con il titolo che è fuorviante. Il titolo inglese è Ex Equals quindi il titolo italiano è tutto partorito da mente italiana. Quando ho comprato il libro leggendo "il marinaio" ho pensato a un marinaio e non a un Marine. Penso che il titolo Il professore e il Marine, con maiuscola anche, sia migliore e renda meglio il pairing. Il marinaio è una cosa e il Marine è un' altra per me.
Ora passiamo alla traduzione. La mancanza di parole per allineare il testo è già fastidiosa di suo ma qui ne mancano un casino. I tempi verbali che non stanno ne in cielo ne in terra anche se raro, una sola frase per fortuna, sono una cosa fastidiosa. Mi dispiace essere pedante ma se aveste letto la prima edizione di Slash mi capireste. E poi arriviamo al punto clou. Il pisello. Pisello lo dicono i bambini e noi siamo in romanzo per adulti. Pisello è perdonato in un libro come Ethan ama Carter, che non ricordo chi ha subito danni cerebrali. Ma non qui. Viene usato solo una volta all'inizio poi usa cazzo ma non lo perdono lo stesso. Se c'è stato un cambio di idea finale il testo non è stato riletto di sicuro per tutte queste cose. Ancora più pedante certo. Dopo che leggete libri tradotti dalla Di Berardino (o qualcosa così) che rovina i vostri autori preferiti capirete che non ne faccio passare una.
Per quanto riguarda la Witt come ho detto è il primo. Il testo è scorrevole ma ho letto di meglio. Insomma è carino ma niente di più. Ma qui è colpa mia che non sopporto sia Chris che Justin. Può essere che in futuro ne provi altri. Tre stelle per me vuol dire "So so". Passabile ma non eccelso.
Avevo bisogno di un refill di M/M e siccome con la quarantena è meglio non andare nemmeno in posta ho deciso di mettere la Kindle app, avendo io un Kobo, perchè è più facile trovare libri gratis. Per iniziare sarà composta solo da M/M e Thriller.
Per quanto riguarda L.A. Witt è il mio primo libro.
Il voto è basato solo sul libro. Il traduttore ha un voto a parte che non è calcolato nella media. Quando comincio a inserire frasi con "il traduttore" significa già che non sono soddisfatta della traduzione.
Bene cominciamo con il titolo che è fuorviante. Il titolo inglese è Ex Equals quindi il titolo italiano è tutto partorito da mente italiana. Quando ho comprato il libro leggendo "il marinaio" ho pensato a un marinaio e non a un Marine. Penso che il titolo Il professore e il Marine, con maiuscola anche, sia migliore e renda meglio il pairing. Il marinaio è una cosa e il Marine è un' altra per me.
Ora passiamo alla traduzione. La mancanza di parole per allineare il testo è già fastidiosa di suo ma qui ne mancano un casino. I tempi verbali che non stanno ne in cielo ne in terra anche se raro, una sola frase per fortuna, sono una cosa fastidiosa. Mi dispiace essere pedante ma se aveste letto la prima edizione di Slash mi capireste. E poi arriviamo al punto clou. Il pisello. Pisello lo dicono i bambini e noi siamo in romanzo per adulti. Pisello è perdonato in un libro come Ethan ama Carter, che non ricordo chi ha subito danni cerebrali. Ma non qui. Viene usato solo una volta all'inizio poi usa cazzo ma non lo perdono lo stesso. Se c'è stato un cambio di idea finale il testo non è stato riletto di sicuro per tutte queste cose. Ancora più pedante certo. Dopo che leggete libri tradotti dalla Di Berardino (o qualcosa così) che rovina i vostri autori preferiti capirete che non ne faccio passare una.
Per quanto riguarda la Witt come ho detto è il primo. Il testo è scorrevole ma ho letto di meglio. Insomma è carino ma niente di più. Ma qui è colpa mia che non sopporto sia Chris che Justin. Può essere che in futuro ne provi altri. Tre stelle per me vuol dire "So so". Passabile ma non eccelso.
March 9, 2018
Retiro mi review porque pensándolo bien, todo lo que venga de un bully es 💩
May 27, 2019
Not my favorite LAW book...
I felt like, even though we get both characters' POV we don't get the kind of redemption arc for Justin that I'm used to from LAW's stories when her characters behave like assholes. We don't see how his abysmal treatment of Chris impacted his life (other than Chris dumping him) and while I don't necessarily need excessive groveling, I did feel like he needed to provide more than a simple apology and a pretty lame explanation.
I'm going to blame it on the book length. Just one extra chapter could have addressed it.
But I did enjoy Trip Warren's performance, even though it was at times difficult to distinguish between the MCs.
I felt like, even though we get both characters' POV we don't get the kind of redemption arc for Justin that I'm used to from LAW's stories when her characters behave like assholes. We don't see how his abysmal treatment of Chris impacted his life (other than Chris dumping him) and while I don't necessarily need excessive groveling, I did feel like he needed to provide more than a simple apology and a pretty lame explanation.
I'm going to blame it on the book length. Just one extra chapter could have addressed it.
But I did enjoy Trip Warren's performance, even though it was at times difficult to distinguish between the MCs.
January 2, 2015
This wasn't a bad book. There were some nice moments in this. I loved the writing, which isn't a surprise because I'm a fan of L.A. Witt. I've read a few of her books and of the ones I've read, I enjoyed most. So that wasn't the problem. My main problem with this was the story, I guess.
Second chance romances can work for me... sometimes. It can be nice to see a former couple who've always loved each other get back together (once there's no cheating there, of course). But there are times when there needs to be more and when there isn't, like with this story, it can make it all fall flat. I mean, with how Justin treated Chris in the past, I needed more. Maybe a longer novel would have given more time to develop everything. I just couldn't love it here.
Despite all that, I did like Justin and Chris. I kind of had to put certain things out of my head to like then, but it worked. And the ending was really nice, so that's an added bonus.
Recommended if you like second chance stories and quick reads.
Second chance romances can work for me... sometimes. It can be nice to see a former couple who've always loved each other get back together (once there's no cheating there, of course). But there are times when there needs to be more and when there isn't, like with this story, it can make it all fall flat. I mean, with how Justin treated Chris in the past, I needed more. Maybe a longer novel would have given more time to develop everything. I just couldn't love it here.
Despite all that, I did like Justin and Chris. I kind of had to put certain things out of my head to like then, but it worked. And the ending was really nice, so that's an added bonus.
Recommended if you like second chance stories and quick reads.
January 26, 2015
L.A. Witt managed to pack quite a bit of emotion, angst and hot sex into this quick read. I love second chance stories and really enjoyed this one as well. My only disappointment was that I wanted Justin to have to work a bit harder for the super sh*tty way he treated Chris. That last flashback broke my heart, but the epilogue made me feel a bit better.
August 5, 2016
Easy and quick read, I liked both characters. The story is told in alternating view points with flashbacks to their initial relationship. I saw the feeling there, though not why they still felt the same three years later. I felt Chris forgave far too easily. I did like the epilogue though and the sex was hot.
May 26, 2015
I actually didn't like Justin at all. He never really redeemed himself in my eyes. I thought Chris forgave him too easily. Maybe I just hold a mean grudge, but there's no way. After all that hurt. Nope.
October 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this story and was pleasantly surprised by that fact. I like how it was written and Justin really made my blood boil with what he did to Chris but I believed in their love. I also like that the ending wasn't too fairy tale like; it was a realistic ending.
September 30, 2016
Davvero una lettura molto piacevole e interessante l'unica pecca troppo corta.
May 1, 2018
3.5 stars
This was a good reunited lovers romance. The MCs meet again three years after they broke up in an algebra class at the local community college: Chris is the teacher and Justin is the student. They had been in the Navy together and in love and hiding their relationship because of DADT. When their relationship ended and it ended ugly. I liked how the story was told with flashbacks of how they fell in love and how and why it all fell apart, while at the same time you see them back together on the present dealing with the past and figuring out if there can be or if they even want a future together. My biggest problem with the story is that I thought it was a bit too easy how they got back together. I wanted more groveling. But it was an enjoyable read and I loved the epilogue!
This was a good reunited lovers romance. The MCs meet again three years after they broke up in an algebra class at the local community college: Chris is the teacher and Justin is the student. They had been in the Navy together and in love and hiding their relationship because of DADT. When their relationship ended and it ended ugly. I liked how the story was told with flashbacks of how they fell in love and how and why it all fell apart, while at the same time you see them back together on the present dealing with the past and figuring out if there can be or if they even want a future together. My biggest problem with the story is that I thought it was a bit too easy how they got back together. I wanted more groveling. But it was an enjoyable read and I loved the epilogue!
March 28, 2020
Non mi è piaciuto, certo non è pessimo ma entrambi i protagonisti mi sono stati antipatici, Chris un pelino meno, però è mancato il coinvolgimento e quindi andavo avanti a leggere solo per inerzia
September 19, 2011
I loved the story and the way it unfolded between present and past, with POV from each of the protagonists. I do wish it had been longer, so we could have experienced more of the details. I especially wished there wasn't quite as big a jump to the epilogue, as I'd have liked to see a bit more of how they worked things out and dealt with the daily realities of being together again in secret. I understand why Chris forgave Justin relatively easily, but after the hell of the end and the three years apart, it seemed to me that forgiveness was just a bit too easy. And/or that Justin was a bit too clueless; maybe I'd have felt better about it if we'd seen more of his coming-to-terms with just how badly he screwed up.
This probably won't be an issue for most readers, but I wished for some more specific details about their work environment: what kind of a ship were they on? What were their rates? "Choose your rate, choose your fate" is a reality, not just a trite saying, so it would have told me a lot more about the characters and their lives if I knew that. At the very least, what sort of shop were they in? (Of course, if I knew their rates I could guess at the shop). And where were they? I thought San Diego at first, but mention of humidity made me think Norfolk. At which point I realized I was thinking of those because they're major Navy cities, and I really had no clue. It would have helped to know, to anchor (haha) me better in a sense of place.
Other than racking my brain trying to read between the lines to figure out those details, I really appreciated the accuracy and attention to detail of Navy life. Of course, LA Witt being a Navy wife, I expected it, but it was still a joy to see. As a former Navy wife myself, all the Navy details made for some interesting (fun and not-so-fun) flashbacks.
Though it was a surprise to learn that the Navy finally wised up and ditched the hated dungarees for a uniform they can actually wear off the darn base. I can only imagine the joy that decision was met with! I trusted she was right and went with it, but as soon as I finished I headed for Wikipedia to get a look at the new uniform for myself and find out the specifics of when and how it all changed.
Also, there was something interesting about reading this story the day before DADT is officially history. Was the release date at all intentional, or just a great coincidence?
This probably won't be an issue for most readers, but I wished for some more specific details about their work environment: what kind of a ship were they on? What were their rates? "Choose your rate, choose your fate" is a reality, not just a trite saying, so it would have told me a lot more about the characters and their lives if I knew that. At the very least, what sort of shop were they in? (Of course, if I knew their rates I could guess at the shop). And where were they? I thought San Diego at first, but mention of humidity made me think Norfolk. At which point I realized I was thinking of those because they're major Navy cities, and I really had no clue. It would have helped to know, to anchor (haha) me better in a sense of place.
Other than racking my brain trying to read between the lines to figure out those details, I really appreciated the accuracy and attention to detail of Navy life. Of course, LA Witt being a Navy wife, I expected it, but it was still a joy to see. As a former Navy wife myself, all the Navy details made for some interesting (fun and not-so-fun) flashbacks.
Though it was a surprise to learn that the Navy finally wised up and ditched the hated dungarees for a uniform they can actually wear off the darn base. I can only imagine the joy that decision was met with! I trusted she was right and went with it, but as soon as I finished I headed for Wikipedia to get a look at the new uniform for myself and find out the specifics of when and how it all changed.
Also, there was something interesting about reading this story the day before DADT is officially history. Was the release date at all intentional, or just a great coincidence?
October 24, 2011
4.25 stars.
Ex Equals is a wonderful story of Chris Reuben and Justin Hayes, ex-lovers and shipmates who were driven apart by the military’s DADT rules and Justin’s ego. L.A. Witt takes a very likeable character, Chris, and pairs him with a sometimes unsympathetic partner in Justin. Through flashbacks the reader learns of their passionate and very secret love affair when they were in the Navy together. Even though they’ve since broken up and Chris left the military, while Justin stayed in, you can tell these two men are destined to be together.
What I liked most about Ex Equals was the realistic portrayal of Chris and Justin when they were in the Navy. It is obvious that Ms. Witt knows about the military, their procedures and policies and it shows in the book. As a former Navy vet myself, I found this to be a plus because I could see the details were accurate and only enhanced my enjoyment of the novel. Plus, who doesn’t love a man in (and out) of uniform?
After Justin and Chris are reunited when Justin takes a math class Chris is teaching at the local college, the sparks fly once again. However, Chris is very reluctant to even be friendly with Justin after their bitter break-up. And while I admit that I was on Team Chris more than Team Justin at first, Ms. Witt won me over to liking Justin by the end. I figure if Chris could forgive Justin for being a jerk, so could I. And the ending? Some people may think it was cheesy, but I loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed Ex Equals and moves into the top spot as my favorite L.A. Witt novel. (With the Band now moves into second place). If you like hunky men in uniform, angst and reunited lovers who remind you of Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman, then this is the book for you! Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
Ex Equals is a wonderful story of Chris Reuben and Justin Hayes, ex-lovers and shipmates who were driven apart by the military’s DADT rules and Justin’s ego. L.A. Witt takes a very likeable character, Chris, and pairs him with a sometimes unsympathetic partner in Justin. Through flashbacks the reader learns of their passionate and very secret love affair when they were in the Navy together. Even though they’ve since broken up and Chris left the military, while Justin stayed in, you can tell these two men are destined to be together.
What I liked most about Ex Equals was the realistic portrayal of Chris and Justin when they were in the Navy. It is obvious that Ms. Witt knows about the military, their procedures and policies and it shows in the book. As a former Navy vet myself, I found this to be a plus because I could see the details were accurate and only enhanced my enjoyment of the novel. Plus, who doesn’t love a man in (and out) of uniform?
After Justin and Chris are reunited when Justin takes a math class Chris is teaching at the local college, the sparks fly once again. However, Chris is very reluctant to even be friendly with Justin after their bitter break-up. And while I admit that I was on Team Chris more than Team Justin at first, Ms. Witt won me over to liking Justin by the end. I figure if Chris could forgive Justin for being a jerk, so could I. And the ending? Some people may think it was cheesy, but I loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed Ex Equals and moves into the top spot as my favorite L.A. Witt novel. (With the Band now moves into second place). If you like hunky men in uniform, angst and reunited lovers who remind you of Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman, then this is the book for you! Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
April 2, 2016
A short story about second chances and forgiveness.
Justin and Chris, while in the military, went into a closeted relationship. However, Justin turned out to be a real jerk for fear of repercussion on his career. Needless to say, it ended badly between them.
A few years later, Justin shows up in a class with Chris as his teacher. And all the memories, the longing but also the pain surface.
In a few pages, L.A.Witt packed up a lot of hotness coupled with emotion. As most of the times with this author, her writing got to me.
Too short a story for my taste though : I needed more, but still a 4 stars because I got what I was looking for when I read it.
Justin and Chris, while in the military, went into a closeted relationship. However, Justin turned out to be a real jerk for fear of repercussion on his career. Needless to say, it ended badly between them.
A few years later, Justin shows up in a class with Chris as his teacher. And all the memories, the longing but also the pain surface.
In a few pages, L.A.Witt packed up a lot of hotness coupled with emotion. As most of the times with this author, her writing got to me.
Too short a story for my taste though : I needed more, but still a 4 stars because I got what I was looking for when I read it.
August 15, 2014
Sometimes love deserves a second chance. This was a sweet story about two men who, while in the military, had a relationship that would have gotten them booted. It ended badly. Three years later, Chris is teaching math at a community college and Justin needs the math credits for his degree and signs up for Chris' class to both get those credits and to apologize to Chris for how things ended. They are both still in love with each other and it takes a bit to get past the hurt and anger to get to where they both want to be. But they do, and I loved that.
July 1, 2016
Reread 2016-07-01
I enjoyed this story so much more the second time around. I think what bugged me during the first read was that I don't like flashbacks, and was dreading the inevitable breakup.
During the second read I knew what to expect, and it was not nearly as angsty as I imagined it to be. In fact, it is a very enjoyable story about two exes who still love each other, trying to reconnect. Their concerns about the effect of their relationship on their careers added a realistic touch.
I enjoyed this story so much more the second time around. I think what bugged me during the first read was that I don't like flashbacks, and was dreading the inevitable breakup.
During the second read I knew what to expect, and it was not nearly as angsty as I imagined it to be. In fact, it is a very enjoyable story about two exes who still love each other, trying to reconnect. Their concerns about the effect of their relationship on their careers added a realistic touch.
April 22, 2020
Storia leggera e molto scorrevole, non troppo pretenziosa. I protagonisti tornano a conoscersi dopo anni in cui sono stati lontani, vediamo un'evoluzine nel loro rapporto ben descritta e accurata. Sono presenti molti refusi, che in alcuni momenti mi hanno indispettita un po'. Non abbiamo eventi di un'interesse particolare, il tutto avviene in modo molto lineare.
Resta comunque una lettura piacevole.
Resta comunque una lettura piacevole.
October 26, 2014
This barely missed the five star mark for me. Loved the guys, loved the storyline. Didn't think Justin paid nearly enough for how he treated Chris and wish I would have felt more of Chris's pain. I love some good angst. However, it was a great read and I actually didn't want it to end. Plus, hot smexing never hurts.
October 4, 2021
A nice story about two Navy officers who fall in love shortly after DADT (first published in 2011) but stay in the closet as they are both trying for promotion to chief. One gets it and one doesn't, therefore not only angst but also a mean underhanded way of distancing occurs when Justin, the one promoted, chooses his career over his love for Chris.
Now, several years later, Chris is a civilian college prof and who shows up to take an Algebra class but, you guessed it--Justin. Still in the Navy, and still in the closet, but apparently he still loves Chris (this was hard to buy) and wants to apologize.
There were several issues that threw me in this, including Chris's ultimate acceptance of the apology. But this was written ten years ago so I took that into consideration. It was a one-day read and had plenty of angst so those who love the emotional pain should like this one. :p
Now, several years later, Chris is a civilian college prof and who shows up to take an Algebra class but, you guessed it--Justin. Still in the Navy, and still in the closet, but apparently he still loves Chris (this was hard to buy) and wants to apologize.
There were several issues that threw me in this, including Chris's ultimate acceptance of the apology. But this was written ten years ago so I took that into consideration. It was a one-day read and had plenty of angst so those who love the emotional pain should like this one. :p
March 20, 2022
Nice second-chance romance. I liked the tension between the MCs, but the book felt a bit too short to really dig into the grovelling and get me on board with them getting back together. The book also really dragged when it came to the reason they ended up breaking up, and I'm not sure that anything was gained by having that "reveal" so late in the book, mostly it just frustrated me whenever the book kept dropping hints and referring to it instead of just telling me what happened. I'm glad the book ended with a lot of good communication, but overall it was just an okay read to me.
May 9, 2018
A fun read about former lovers who reconnect, with a healthy dose of angst. I'm a sucker for anything military, and when you add in the fact that one of the lovers has left the service to become a professor, I'm all in.
July 28, 2022
Voto: 3.5
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RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
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January 1, 2015
A story of love that grew over time, a love e that was derailed by prejudice. What cruelty human beings do to others in the name of sticking your nose in my business.
I let my head fall b I against the cabinet. I was so tired of playing these . Everyone close to me was either being de deceived like the rest of the world, or quietly plying along. I was tired of having to pi I and choose who knew the real me, and use -hurt- those who knew so I could keep everyone else in the dark. All because there were people who just couldn'the get over the fact that there were people like me in the military who had the audacity to be attracted to those of our own gender. In defense of my career, I'd turned everyone I knew into pawns and turned my entire life into a series of smoke and mirrors.
A series of smoke and mirrors that, along with my own short-sighted, selfish stupidity, had cost me the only man I'don't ever really, truly fallen in love with.
Justin and Chris were equals until Justin was promoted. Fear of losing his career caused Justin to be cruel to hris, forcing him away. Chris left the military. Then in a reversal, Chris was Justin'so college professor.
Justin in my lass. After all this time.
The memories didn't have to come flooding back. They'd been there all along, every last one of them, floating at the edges of my consciousness like flotsam and jets am just waiting to tangle with a rudder and throw me off course. After three years, I should have been over it. Up until tonight, I'd thought I was over it. But then he was there, and it hurt so goddammit bad to be in the same room with him.
Could love survive time, rejection and betrayal? Love is more than great sex, but was all they had left just hot sex? Justin and Chris were won full chapters that made me feel their love and lust. As usual L. A. Witt wrote a many layered story with characters that me me care.
I let my head fall b I against the cabinet. I was so tired of playing these . Everyone close to me was either being de deceived like the rest of the world, or quietly plying along. I was tired of having to pi I and choose who knew the real me, and use -hurt- those who knew so I could keep everyone else in the dark. All because there were people who just couldn'the get over the fact that there were people like me in the military who had the audacity to be attracted to those of our own gender. In defense of my career, I'd turned everyone I knew into pawns and turned my entire life into a series of smoke and mirrors.
A series of smoke and mirrors that, along with my own short-sighted, selfish stupidity, had cost me the only man I'don't ever really, truly fallen in love with.
Justin and Chris were equals until Justin was promoted. Fear of losing his career caused Justin to be cruel to hris, forcing him away. Chris left the military. Then in a reversal, Chris was Justin'so college professor.
Justin in my lass. After all this time.
The memories didn't have to come flooding back. They'd been there all along, every last one of them, floating at the edges of my consciousness like flotsam and jets am just waiting to tangle with a rudder and throw me off course. After three years, I should have been over it. Up until tonight, I'd thought I was over it. But then he was there, and it hurt so goddammit bad to be in the same room with him.
Could love survive time, rejection and betrayal? Love is more than great sex, but was all they had left just hot sex? Justin and Chris were won full chapters that made me feel their love and lust. As usual L. A. Witt wrote a many layered story with characters that me me care.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
Si dice che la strada verso l’inferno sia lastricata di buone intenzioni, come la storia sofferta di Justin e Chris, commilitoni nella marina americana, di pari grado, che diventano amici e che, segretamente, si sentono attratti vicendevolmente. Ma le relazioni omosessuali sono fortemente osteggiate nell’ambiente militare e i marinai non possono essere gay, no?
I due uomini, però, cedono all’amore, vissuto in clandestinità e con la costante ansia di essere scoperti, rovinando così una carriera per cui hanno entrambi faticato molto.
La svolta avviene quando Justin è promosso e da lì va tutto a rotoli, portando ad una dolorosa rottura.
Eppure, tre anni dopo, anche se c’è di mezzo il dolore e il risentimento, il loro amore è ancora forte. Ma ora Chris, che ha abbandonato la vita militare e si è ricostruito una nuova carriera, è quello con più potere, essendo il professore di un corso che Justin deve frequentare. Nuovi conflitti di interesse, problemi e vecchi sentimenti ritornano. Forse non vale la pena farsi male di nuovo... o forse sì. In fondo… è tutta questione di priorità. Cosa è più importante?
Mi è piaciuta la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, in particolare l’ironia di Chris è piacevolissima. Justin mi sta simpatico per la sua allergia all’algebra, anche se meriterebbe un bel paio di ceffoni, ma i suoi sbagli sono nati da buone intenzioni e dal desiderio di proteggere entrambi, anche se non ha funzionato.
Adoro le storie che parlano di seconde possibilità e questa ci regala momenti molto dolci e molto hot, nei flashback tra passato e presente. La parte drammatica non è cupa, mantenendo tutto nei toni della commedia, pur trattando realisticamente le discriminazioni quotidiane subite dai nostri eroi, e non solo da loro.
Ah, una grattatina a Raven, perché è adorabile!
Breve storia, ma davvero carina. Quindi la consiglio se cercate un buon intrattenimento.
I due uomini, però, cedono all’amore, vissuto in clandestinità e con la costante ansia di essere scoperti, rovinando così una carriera per cui hanno entrambi faticato molto.
La svolta avviene quando Justin è promosso e da lì va tutto a rotoli, portando ad una dolorosa rottura.
Eppure, tre anni dopo, anche se c’è di mezzo il dolore e il risentimento, il loro amore è ancora forte. Ma ora Chris, che ha abbandonato la vita militare e si è ricostruito una nuova carriera, è quello con più potere, essendo il professore di un corso che Justin deve frequentare. Nuovi conflitti di interesse, problemi e vecchi sentimenti ritornano. Forse non vale la pena farsi male di nuovo... o forse sì. In fondo… è tutta questione di priorità. Cosa è più importante?
Mi è piaciuta la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, in particolare l’ironia di Chris è piacevolissima. Justin mi sta simpatico per la sua allergia all’algebra, anche se meriterebbe un bel paio di ceffoni, ma i suoi sbagli sono nati da buone intenzioni e dal desiderio di proteggere entrambi, anche se non ha funzionato.
Adoro le storie che parlano di seconde possibilità e questa ci regala momenti molto dolci e molto hot, nei flashback tra passato e presente. La parte drammatica non è cupa, mantenendo tutto nei toni della commedia, pur trattando realisticamente le discriminazioni quotidiane subite dai nostri eroi, e non solo da loro.
Ah, una grattatina a Raven, perché è adorabile!
Breve storia, ma davvero carina. Quindi la consiglio se cercate un buon intrattenimento.
May 30, 2020
Mild spoilers ahead, nothing that can't really be inferred from the blurb. Too lazy to do tags.
This story has the same issues that I have with a lot of Witt's stories and that's arguments repeating themselves: characters bringing up the same points two or three or more times, no one really hearing it, and then everything just kind of works itself out somehow. Now, maybe this is how it works for some couples and maybe that's how arguments tend to go. I don't know. What I do know is I don't really want to read the same argument over and over again. This could've easily been five pages shorter if those had been cut out or lessened. At least here they actually do talk things out in the end.
Still I do like her characters and her attention to detail in regards to life in the Navy. I thought Justin was a massive douche when he and Chris were together the first time, and Chris should've made him sweat it out to the end of the semester before getting back together with him. Not to mention Chris is also his teacher and that's way unprofessional, dude. He's not just risking this job but the ability to get any other job ever. Surely, they could've put their dicks on pause for another 9 weeks until the end of term, yeah? They're grown men. They should be able to do that, I'm assuming. Or am I expecting too much? ... I'm probably expecting too much.
Even though teacher/student is a trope I usually stay away from, the imbalance of power didn't bother me too much since they'd been lovers before while in the Navy. Justin was not a naive teenager fresh from home, and Chris wasn't a predatory professor. I thought there was a good balance of flashbacks and present day to tell their story and show where they're coming from.
This story has the same issues that I have with a lot of Witt's stories and that's arguments repeating themselves: characters bringing up the same points two or three or more times, no one really hearing it, and then everything just kind of works itself out somehow. Now, maybe this is how it works for some couples and maybe that's how arguments tend to go. I don't know. What I do know is I don't really want to read the same argument over and over again. This could've easily been five pages shorter if those had been cut out or lessened. At least here they actually do talk things out in the end.
Still I do like her characters and her attention to detail in regards to life in the Navy. I thought Justin was a massive douche when he and Chris were together the first time, and Chris should've made him sweat it out to the end of the semester before getting back together with him. Not to mention Chris is also his teacher and that's way unprofessional, dude. He's not just risking this job but the ability to get any other job ever. Surely, they could've put their dicks on pause for another 9 weeks until the end of term, yeah? They're grown men. They should be able to do that, I'm assuming. Or am I expecting too much? ... I'm probably expecting too much.
Even though teacher/student is a trope I usually stay away from, the imbalance of power didn't bother me too much since they'd been lovers before while in the Navy. Justin was not a naive teenager fresh from home, and Chris wasn't a predatory professor. I thought there was a good balance of flashbacks and present day to tell their story and show where they're coming from.
January 1, 2015
I'm struggling. I love Lori's writing style. She also always gives me characters that I can cheer for, even if they're a huge asshole. The sex is hot and the story lines heartbreaking. No one gives you an impossible situation like Lori where you just ache with her characters. Like in this book. You totally kinda got where Justin was coming from and you were totally feeling for him...
But.
One thing I love is redemption stories. And Lori write some guys who NEED redeeming. And guys who are feisty enough that they don't usually just give in. But in this one... There was so much hurt and the forgiveness just... happened. It went from major grudge to "OMG why am I still mad at him for treating me like garbage and not only disrespecting my rank but making my last 6 months in the military humiliating." Like maybe a chapter of thinking or true ACTION on Justin's part to receive the forgiveness wasn't there.
Regardless I really enjoyed the writing and the story. Was SO headed for five star.
But.
One thing I love is redemption stories. And Lori write some guys who NEED redeeming. And guys who are feisty enough that they don't usually just give in. But in this one... There was so much hurt and the forgiveness just... happened. It went from major grudge to "OMG why am I still mad at him for treating me like garbage and not only disrespecting my rank but making my last 6 months in the military humiliating." Like maybe a chapter of thinking or true ACTION on Justin's part to receive the forgiveness wasn't there.
Regardless I really enjoyed the writing and the story. Was SO headed for five star.
April 18, 2016
3-3.5
This was cute. I wish it had been a little longer as I would have liked a little more depth, but the few flashbacks helped and I did like it.
The situation was just crappy.
Why not wait till you make senior chief? Maybe push it to master chief? Stay in until thirty years and then come out at your retirement before you go home to an empty bed?
Justin was admittedly a total prick, but I almost wish we had gotten that situation from his perspective as well. Overall, I did like it, definitely would have appreciated a little bit longer story, but worth the read.
"We were, what?"
"We were perfect."
I couldn't argue with that. "We were."
This was cute. I wish it had been a little longer as I would have liked a little more depth, but the few flashbacks helped and I did like it.
The situation was just crappy.
Why not wait till you make senior chief? Maybe push it to master chief? Stay in until thirty years and then come out at your retirement before you go home to an empty bed?
Justin was admittedly a total prick, but I almost wish we had gotten that situation from his perspective as well. Overall, I did like it, definitely would have appreciated a little bit longer story, but worth the read.
"We were, what?"
"We were perfect."
I couldn't argue with that. "We were."
April 12, 2012
I’ve really enjoyed every book I’ve read by this author. Through this story, I could better empathize with our military men (and women) who have to pretend or cover up their relationships with same sex partners. It was nice to get perspectives from both main characters within the story to understand the thought process behind their actions. While I liked the ending, it also made me wish for just a tiny future glimpse to know any consequences to their choices.
Beyond all this, the clincher in how much I enjoyed the story was the bond I forged with Chris and his dog Raven. I kept thinking, OMG, that sounds just like me and my dog (also a black Lab)! I could totally visualize it and relate because the writing was so very descriptive. Just like Raven, my dog has her weird little rituals and she greets me with the same level of enthusiasm described in the book. Loved it!
Beyond all this, the clincher in how much I enjoyed the story was the bond I forged with Chris and his dog Raven. I kept thinking, OMG, that sounds just like me and my dog (also a black Lab)! I could totally visualize it and relate because the writing was so very descriptive. Just like Raven, my dog has her weird little rituals and she greets me with the same level of enthusiasm described in the book. Loved it!
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