Jaime Reese

Honestly Yours by Jaime Reese: Release Blitz and Release Day Review

May 13, 2022 by Denise

The truth hurts. But in the end, honesty wins. Or does it?

Warren Prescott loves a challenge. He knows how to play the game and adapts when necessary to succeed in his cutthroat world. Tired of pining for a man he’s wanted for months, Warren intends to seal the deal. Until that man throws him an endearing curveball…

Be honest.

Gian Benedetti doesn’t play games. Success has cost him the personal connections he craves, and he doubts he’ll take another chance on a relationship. Until the attractive, younger man with the brazen personality and confidence stirs his interest.

Except…someone else is playing games.
And threatening everything Gian has worked hard to achieve.

Warren won’t rest until he uncovers the new player and gets his forever with Gian.

But they’ll soon face a hard truth—
Honesty may be what brings them together…
Or it could be the one thing that tears them apart.

—–

Honestly Yours is an age-gap standalone romance. It features a snarky younger man with a giant crush on a good-hearted, affectionate, bisexual older man. Expect some banter, a little mystery, a few twists, a dash of angst, curious parents, animal trivia, and a whole lot of love…and hugs (so many hugs).

Title: Honestly Yours

Author: Jaime Reese

Release: May 12, 2022

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Genre: Contemporary M/M romance

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Honestly (see what I did there?), it took me a chapter or two to suck me in. On the surface, both Gian and Warren seemed kind of…boring. But as you quickly get to know them, they are anything but.

Both men are so driven and by completely opposite things. One of them comes from nothing, one of them from money. One is pretty well known in the building/construction world, the other stays in the background.

They are as much opposites as they are similar. They navigate their differences while building a relationship that is so organic. These men were meant to be together.

Gian (and his parents) open hearts help Warren acknowledge and begin to heal from his pain and trauma. And while it seems very one sided that Gian is always there for Warren, always forgiving with arms wide open- Gian NEEDS to be able to be that person to someone. He has so much to give and just needed the right person to give it to.

There’s a bit of mystery in the plot from a couple of different directions. And while there is some angst, there is never that big break up to only get back together. Been there, done that, breaking up over silly conflicts is high school stuff. The maturity level is nice to see.

There are definitely bits of levity that are welcome, but not out of context. There were also tears, including mine.

Good story, great characters, all the feels. And a fun Easter egg that made me smile.

4 pieces of eye candy

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

Social Media Links

Website: https://jaimereese.com

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Newsletter/New Release Announcements: https://eepurl.com/MewIz

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A Sweet Man (The Men of Halfway House Book 7) by Jaime Reese: Quick Review

September 4, 2020 by Denise

Two men. One sweet dream of family and forever.

Gabriel “Bull” del Toro loves his fast-paced globe-trotting job, but aches for an honest relationship and the trust that comes with it. After a few too many heartbreaks, he’s nearly given up hope of finding that special someone.

Until Ben.

Born deaf, Ben is used to working twice as hard for what he wants, but risking a newfound friendship on an impossible dream is scary. After all, there’s one lesson he’s learned: everything is temporary—freedom, friends, even family.

Neither man expects the undeniable spark between them or for every moment together to fuel that connection. For the first time, a happily ever after is within reach, but they must trust that the dream of acceptance, family, and a place to call home is more than a sweet fantasy.

It can be forever.

Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

What a beautiful, lovely story. I’m not sure I wanted it to end.

Ben has not had it easy, to say the least. Growing up deaf, and really being almost ignored as a deaf child. His mother basically tossed him aside, his sister, well, she was a piece of work, and people he thought were his friends, just used him until he was sent back to jail.

Bull could not have been more patient or more supportive with Ben. He didn’t try to turn him into something he wasn’t, he just wanted to find a way to be friends. I loved that texting was important to them initially, since Ben was mostly a lip reader. But Bull was so patient, and just slowly worked with Ben, no pressure, as they became closer on his sign language. It just became a part of their interactions, but not the sum total.

Ben had so many people in his corner, and he was not aware. It was so heartbreaking when someone(s) hurt him intentionally. His heart was so big, and so soft, that pain came quickly for him. (I might have cried several times during this book).

It was so great to see Ben find his way into something that he loved, that he earned, and not just what was easiest for him to do. It was so rewarding for him to finally earn something for himself, because he worked so hard at it. (Another tissue buster).

I absolutely loved this story. Jaime always hits with the feels, and this one may be my favorite so far.

5 pieces of eye candy

A Sweet Man (The Men of Halfway House) by Jaime Reese: Blog Tour and Release Day Review

June 17, 2020 by Denise

Two men. One sweet dream of family and forever.

Until Ben.

It can be forever.

———––

A Sweet Man is an interconnected standalone within The Men of Halfway House series. It is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and never giving up on a dream. It includes wounded hearts, an age-gap romance, and enough cake and sweetness to give you a toothache.

Title: A Sweet Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House

Author: Jaime Reese

Release: June 16, 2020

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance (can be a stand alone)

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Men of Halfway House Series – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Does it feel like it has been eleventy years since the last book? Is it just me? Well, it was Sept 2018, so coming up on 2 years. Guess what? Totally worth the wait.

Sometimes when a series of books starts to get long (this is book 7), the stories can become convoluted. This guy knows that guy who is interested in this one but his 2nd cousin dated him in high school, etc etc. And I will admit that there was one book in this series that was like that for me. I just had to disconnect in my head the connections. But this one felt more like independent characters who weren’t really connected to people from other stories. I mean, they were, but it isn’t integral.

We met Ben in a previous book. The shy, deaf guy on parole for a crime he was an unwitting accessory to. Then he gets popped again and thrown back in jail for the rest of his sentence. This guy really did nothing wrong. Except be in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.

Once he is released, again, he has to go to a halfway house. He is embarrassed and feels like he let down Matt and Julian (who run THE halfway house) so he chooses another one. That didn’t even last 24 hours.

Back where he knows people- who know sign language- Ben is more comfortable. But trying to find a job is a challenge. Being deaf, his choices aren’t plenty. Until Aidan (the connection between books) suggests his friend’s sister’s bakery. Their grandfather was deaf, so they are fluent in ASL.

Aidan definitely had alterior motives though. Mainly his friend Bull- brother of the bakery owner. Aidan is playing matchmaker.

A tentative friendship begins that Ben doesn’t want to risk with more. Finally he has people in his life that understand him, can easily communicate with him AND don’t coddle him.

This is a slow burn but so worth it. Because of the slow burn, we really get to know each man as they get to know each other. The restrictions around Ben’s stay at the halfway house also make them take more time together. When Ben confesses one of his secrets to Bull and Bull offers to help…just swoony.

Ben grows so much as a person, gaining confidence in his job, in his friendships and his relationship with Ben. Learning to stand up for himself and not always being a people pleaser. You just want to cheer him on.

Bull also has to stand up for himself. Which he does, with Ben right by his side.

Oh, and there is some drama and police are involved and characters from other books come in to help, etc. etc. 😉

It is obvious that the author took the time to really understand life as a deaf person. Especially a deaf person who relies on reading lips and typing notes with most people. It is exhausting mentally. Even with ASL how you create personal signs for names or to say something to each other.

I really loved this book. It might be my favorite of the series, but I have a soft spot for deaf characters.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Social Media Links

Website: https://jaimereese.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jaime-reese

Newsletter/New Release Announcements: https://eepurl.com/MewIz

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/jaimereese

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Shades by Jaime Reese: Release Day Review

May 24, 2018 by Denise

Life made him dangerous. Love made him lethal.

Killian Marks is a third-generation hitman. After hunting monsters for over twenty years, he lives under no illusions of happily ever afters and fairy tales. Until he meets a man who threatens to disarm him, by giving him hope for a future and showing him there’s more to life than just death.

For Nick, living in shadows is second nature. He’s all too familiar with the dark side of humanity and knows how delicate life can be. Each new day is a gift, even though it means doing it alone. But he’ll risk his survival for the one man who awakens something deep within and leaves him yearning for more.

Nick wants to solve the mystery behind the dark, brooding man, while Killian craves the life and light emanating from Nick. They soon discover they have more in common than either could have anticipated. With both their lives and hearts at stake, they must confront the ghost from Nick’s past intent on tying up a loose end. Only then will they truly find peace, and discover the shades of life in between.

Title: Shades

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance; Romance Suspense

Release: May 23, 2018

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Jaime Reese’s series, The Men of Halfway House, is in my top 10 probably. I loved how these broken men were trying to get their lives back together, finding love, etc. So I jumped on this book (which is a stand alone, no affiliated with TMOHH at all), because these guys sounded so broken. I am a glutton for angst. Bring it on!

And…..it was ok. I never understood the whole assassin thing. I mean, I get it. They are a real thing. Probably not as prevalent as books would make them seem (they are running a close second with billionaires), but ok. What I don’t really get is that when the object of their affection finds out that they are an assassin- they seem fine with it! Oh, it’s ok because you only kill bad guys, no women or children. Uh, ok.

Anyway. I really liked Nick. The non-assassin half of this couple. He was just a guy, trying to get by in life without the mob finding him. But he wasn’t whiny, wasn’t really with the dramatic “oh woe is me, I can never have love”. He just kind of did his thing. Well, and fell for an assassin. No big whoop.

Letting the assassin thing go for a minute. There is another part of the story line that was a bit out there for me for many reasons. I won’t say what it is. But here are my issues. 1. money 2. no way can it be a secret 3. the sheer logistics of it. Just, no.

Yes, I am being vague. Sorry, not sorry. I am not one for spoilers.

Killian and Nick were hot together. That goes without saying. I loved the slow burn. I really loved that Nick said no for a long time. Killian’s romantic overtures were swoon worthy. Killian’s partner Dex is absolutely hilarious. He did remind me of a *different* Dex, but I’ll let that go.

It was a fun story to read. Not really the angst I was suspecting and it was wrapped up in the end pretty neatly, but still. It was ok, I liked it.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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A Worthy Man by Jaime Reese: Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

May 10, 2017 by Denise

Title: A Worthy Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House #5

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Romance

Release: May 2, 2017

Photographer: Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography

A story of two men and the boundless love that forever changed them.

Drayton grew up with a trust fund and pre-planned future, but an unexpected encounter one night forces him to abandon everything and start from scratch. He is now a self-made man and developer of one of the most sought after electric exotic automobiles in the world with a fortune greater than that of his birthright. Yet, he’d surrender it all—again—for the only man who’s still ever-present in his heart.

After a decade and entirely too much distance between them, Vann is suddenly released back into a world that has been nothing but cruel. Drayton never lost hope they would once again reunite and pick up where they left off, but Vann’s stubborn nature and repeated encounters with a heartbreaking world prove to be a challenge.

Vann needs to tap into his fighting spirit’s reservoir of strength and hope life doesn’t punish him for taking a chance. Only then will he realize his own value and feel worthy enough to finally have Drayton’s heart. And their chance at forever.
—

* Although part of a series, this full-length novel can be read as a stand-alone. *Word count: 124K

“Emotionally, beautiful and inspiring” – Amanda L Amazon Reviewer

“A great addition to this series. One of the most romantic books I’ve read this year.” – Bayou Book Junkie

“Overall…Their story is beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, sexy, and moving.” – Two Book Pushers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are a lot of second chance love stories out there in the world. But I really don’t know that I’ve read one like this. One of them knowing where the other is (prison) and working to get him out. And the other having no idea what is going on- until he is released. Right into the arms of his first love and the man he went to prison for.

Oftentimes with this trope there is a lot of push and pull. One character pushing the other toward reconciliation and the other fighting it tooth and nail. Instead, we found two men who were separated by a decade and a lifetime of experience,getting to know each other all over again, falling in love all over again.

Both of them are so SO damaged- but they don’t use that against each other. Vann tries to use his damage- quite often- as a reason that Dray should walk away. Vann has accepted his lot in life- forever the ex con who will never be as good as Dray. But he doesn’t feel sorry for himself. It is more of a realist attitude. And while it could have gone overboard with the platitudes of Dray reassuring Vann- it never happens. He reassures him, he loves him, he is THERE for him. Which is exactly what Vann needs.

There was also a whole story line about what Drayton had been doing with his life for the past ten years and how he was trying to draw Vann into that life. Some of it was a bit of a stretch for me- but it also reinforced what kind of men they were, Vann refused to have anything handed to him and Dray wasn’t going to buy his love or trust.

Matt and Julian feature fairly prominently (as they should since Vann is staying at their halfway house) and we got some great cameos from previous characters.

There is a slow build of sexual tension since they don’t get much alone time at all in the beginning. What they do get is seriously hot. When they get alone time- whew! Have a fire extinguisher handy.

This is a must read that can be a stand alone- but you should really read them all. Excellent writing, great characters and a moving story.

Favorite Line: “The only positive of being away from you for so long is that now I get to enjoy falling for you all over”

4.5 pieces of eye candy

“C’mon,” Drayton said, tugging Vann by the hand. After breakfast and a countertop quickie, they had immediately returned to the bedroom and had been hibernating there since. He had no objection to spending all day in bed, but he had a surprise for Vann and couldn’t stand waiting any longer. “I want to show you the rest of the house.”

“But I like the bedroom.”

Drayton chuckled, pulling him up with more force. “We can come back after.”

“Fine,” Vann grumbled, finally sitting up on the bed with a dramatic pout.

“You’re cute when you don’t get your way.”

“Cute enough to stay in bed?” He waggled his eyebrows and petted the bed. “It’s really soft.”

Drayton leaned in and gave Vann a chaste kiss, jerking back quickly to avoid his grasp.

Vann’s laughter filled the room. “Damn. You’re still super-fast.” He reluctantly stood and stretched his arms over his head.

Drayton’s lips parted, enjoying the flex of muscles.

“Like what you see?” Vann asked, delivering a cocky grin as he seductively licked his lower lip. “Let’s get back in bed—”

Drayton threw his head back and laughed. “You’re still persistent as hell. C’mon. I want to show you something.”

“I want to show you something too.”

“This is important.” Drayton crossed his arms. “We can skim the other rooms but there’s one that’s special. It’s…yours.”

Vann sobered. “You’ve given me enough to cover every event for the rest of my life and then some. I don’t want—”

“It’s also for me. I’ll watch you while you use the room.”

“Hmm.” Vann pursed his lips. “Okay, you’ve got my attention.”

After a little more bargaining, Drayton finally lured Vann out of the bedroom and down the hallway. He opened the door to his office and stepped inside. “This is the room I’m usually in when I’m here.”

“Not anymore.”

He chuckled as they exited the office. They walked down the hall to the room he’d had converted into a gym.

“Damn, this is nice.” Vann checked the different weight options and looked at each of the machines.

“You’ve got everything here for all types of routines. And if you don’t like the view, you’ve got a TV.”

“The view’s beautiful.”

“Whatever we need to change out or add, we’ve still got space. I do a lot of thinking while I’m on the treadmill, so we’re not getting rid of that.”

Vann chuckled. “Okay.” He walked over to Drayton and leaned in for a slow kiss.

“Mmm. What was that for?”

“Is this the room I’ll use while you watch me? I promise I’ll make you sweat too.”

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A Worthy Man by Jaime Reese: Release Blitz with Excerpt and Teasers

May 2, 2017 by Denise

Title: A Worthy Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House #5

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Romance

Release: May 2, 2017

Photographer: Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography

A story of two men and the boundless love that forever changed them.

Vannguard Shaw has spent the last ten years serving a life sentence and adjusting to the ache of solitude. He accepts his fate, a sacrifice for the only man he ever loved and the one person who saw beyond his rough edges.

Drayton grew up with a trust fund and pre-planned future, but an unexpected encounter one night forces him to abandon everything and start from scratch. He is now a self-made man and developer of one of the most sought after electric exotic automobiles in the world with a fortune greater than that of his birthright. Yet, he’d surrender it all—again—for the only man who’s still ever-present in his heart.

After a decade and entirely too much distance between them, Vann is suddenly released back into a world that has been nothing but cruel. Drayton never lost hope they would once again reunite and pick up where they left off, but Vann’s stubborn nature and repeated encounters with a heartbreaking world prove to be a challenge.

Vann needs to tap into his fighting spirit’s reservoir of strength and hope life doesn’t punish him for taking a chance. Only then will he realize his own value and feel worthy enough to finally have Drayton’s heart. And their chance at forever.
—

* Although part of a series, this full-length novel can be read as a stand-alone. *Word count: 124K

Vann grew silent again, rubbing his thumb along Drayton’s hand. “I’m tired of life kicking my ass all the time.”

“Then maybe it’s time you kicked back.”

“Um, I’m pretty sure that’s the kind of shit that would land me back in that hell.” He patted their clasped hands with his free one. “You’re supposed to be the smart one in this relationship.”

Drayton chuckled, thankful the teasing side of Vann was still present. “What I mean is…don’t let this shit hit its mark. You’re not this tough guy everyone thinks you are.”

“You’re supposed to tell me how badass I am and how you’ve been fantasizing about me every night.”

Drayton threw his head back and laughed.

“I missed hearing your laugh all those years,” Vann whispered.

He sighed as he tilted his head toward Vann. “I need you to listen to me. Okay?”

Vann nodded, staring at their clasped hands.

“You’ve got a good heart, and I’ve learned that’s both a strength and a weakness. It’s the reason you are the most caring man I know, but also the reason you feel this pain so much.”

“You’re getting better at this whole reading people thing.” Vann tilted his face toward him, his eyes pleading as if making an effort to absorb his message. “I’m not the same guy I used to be.”

“You’re still my Vann.” Drayton reached out, placing his palm against Vann’s chest. “In here.”

“I feel as if I take one step forward then get kicked ten steps backward.” Vann softly thumped the back of his head against the wall, another tic that seemed to linger after all these years.

“You’re a fighter.”

“That’s what Four Finger Fred said.”

“Who?”

“Never mind,” Vann mumbled.

“You’re not a quitter, so don’t you dare start now. You always find a way to make things work.” Drayton quieted, hoping to convey every ounce of love he felt for the man staring back at him. “That relentless fighter, he’s the guy I fell in love with when I was a kid and he’s the guy who had the strength to pull through the last ten years. And he’s the guy staring back at me right now. Who I love. Back then, now, and always.”

“You’re a romantic fucker,” he said with a weak chuckle. Vann ghosted his fingers along Drayton’s jaw, his focus following his fingers as they traveled down his neck. Drayton’s chest tightened when Vann looked up and gave him a lopsided grin—one that bore a hint of youthful innocence Drayton hadn’t seen in so long. “I’m supposed to be the strong one, standing guard while you change the world. Now…I just feel so fucking lost.”

Drayton leaned in and pressed a kiss to Vann’s lips. “You and me, we’re a team. Don’t ever forget that. I’ll stand guard for you until you find your footing again.”

Vann wrapped his arms around Drayton’s shoulders and held him close. “Thank you.”

He slid his arms around Vann and sighed. He stroked the back of Vann’s hair and hoped his message had been received, and that his words had enough power to cast out the evil demons trying to imprison Vann’s spirit.

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