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shazov's review
4.0
This was a really nice read. That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, but it really was all that. It's one of those books that has a bit of everything: good characters, great story, not too much angst and pretty steamy sex...
I enjoyed reading this and just wanted to know how it was going to end. But at the same tme there were loose ends that I wanted tied up. There were bits and pieces that I really would have liked to have ended differently, or know more about. Hopefully some of these will be addressed in another book. Because as good as it was, it left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
I enjoyed reading this and just wanted to know how it was going to end. But at the same tme there were loose ends that I wanted tied up. There were bits and pieces that I really would have liked to have ended differently, or know more about. Hopefully some of these will be addressed in another book. Because as good as it was, it left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
tiggers_hate_acorns's review
4.0
A good story about two men with memories that haunt them, finding each other and healing together. Not over-dramatic, pleased there was no fairy tale ending with Rey getting his daughter. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
whitneydr's review
3.0
This novel is depressing. If you’re looking for light and fun and fluffy, look elsewhere.
Brief synopsis: Officer Samuel Briggs moves to Stratton, PA after a tragic incident back in New Mexico. On his first patrol he encounters Rey King, an aloof man lives paycheck to paycheck trying to pay off debts from his own issues.
(Possible spoilers ahead)
From there, it seems like a one-up competition to see who has the most tragedies in their life.
I feel like the characters only get to know each other through their tragedies. And thus, we the readers only get to know them that way as well. At no time did I see the two leads genuinely happy; I think the just came together because they were two sad and lonely guys. I guess two people could fall in love under those circumstances, but I don’t see how a relationship like that could last.
Especially since the ghost of Samuel’s dead significant other seems to haunt them wherever they go. Ben was with Samuel until he was killed by a few bigots causing Samuel to whirl in a downward spiral and eventually move to Stratton for a new start. Samuel maybe in a new town, a new house and Ben is buried back in New Mexico, but he’s constantly in Samuel’s thoughts and affects his daily life. How was I supposed to believe Rey and Samuel fell in love, when- even 3 years later- Samuel still loves and mourns Ben. I’m not begrudging Samuel, I’m not saying “Just get over it!” but how can he start something with Rey when he’s still plagued with the thoughts of Ben? He even said he couldn’t love anyone like Ben. To be fair, Rey shouldn’t want to ‘replace’ Ben, but Samuel should make some room for him in his heart and by then end, I just didn’t feel like he did (regardless of the declarations of love).
Another thing that ground my gears is the mentioning of Rey’s daughter. I was mad as hell when that part came up. I was hoping toward the end, things would be set in motion to get her back. So I was unsatisfied with that aspect.
I guess you can say the ending was a “happy for now” one. I think Samuel and Rey’s story isn’t finished, but Arthur probably won’t come back to this couple.
My rating for this is 3.5 out of 5. It was well written, but it was depressing.
Brief synopsis: Officer Samuel Briggs moves to Stratton, PA after a tragic incident back in New Mexico. On his first patrol he encounters Rey King, an aloof man lives paycheck to paycheck trying to pay off debts from his own issues.
(Possible spoilers ahead)
From there, it seems like a one-up competition to see who has the most tragedies in their life.
I feel like the characters only get to know each other through their tragedies. And thus, we the readers only get to know them that way as well. At no time did I see the two leads genuinely happy; I think the just came together because they were two sad and lonely guys. I guess two people could fall in love under those circumstances, but I don’t see how a relationship like that could last.
Especially since the ghost of Samuel’s dead significant other seems to haunt them wherever they go. Ben was with Samuel until he was killed by a few bigots causing Samuel to whirl in a downward spiral and eventually move to Stratton for a new start. Samuel maybe in a new town, a new house and Ben is buried back in New Mexico, but he’s constantly in Samuel’s thoughts and affects his daily life. How was I supposed to believe Rey and Samuel fell in love, when- even 3 years later- Samuel still loves and mourns Ben. I’m not begrudging Samuel, I’m not saying “Just get over it!” but how can he start something with Rey when he’s still plagued with the thoughts of Ben? He even said he couldn’t love anyone like Ben. To be fair, Rey shouldn’t want to ‘replace’ Ben, but Samuel should make some room for him in his heart and by then end, I just didn’t feel like he did (regardless of the declarations of love).
Another thing that ground my gears is the mentioning of Rey’s daughter. I was mad as hell when that part came up. I was hoping toward the end, things would be set in motion to get her back. So I was unsatisfied with that aspect.
I guess you can say the ending was a “happy for now” one. I think Samuel and Rey’s story isn’t finished, but Arthur probably won’t come back to this couple.
My rating for this is 3.5 out of 5. It was well written, but it was depressing.
kaje_harper's review
4.0
A fast-paced story about Samuel, a cop who moves to a new town two thousand miles away from the traumas of his past to start over, and Rey, a fry-cook who has never caught a break in his life and is fighting to keep his head above water. Their attraction is rapid, and they find in each other a reason to move beyond the past. But sometimes their issues come between them, and eventually the past catches up with them. There is a fair bit of drama and excitement in this story, although it doesn't feel angsty. If anything, I would have liked a deeper feel for the emotions behind the trauma. I did appreciate the fact that not every thread was neatly tied off at the end of the story, and yet it was a complete arc. I do wonder if a sequel is planned - there is still room for some healing and progress to happen, both between these two men and in their wider lives.
goonie01913's review
1.0
This book started off well but halfway thru the focus fell on Rey and went down hill from there. Rey was a major downer of a guy. Then it was lame fight after lame fight between the two guys. The ending became something out of a Lifetime movie.
knrt_17's review
5.0
New to me author. This is a mm contemporary story set in the USA. Main characters are Samuel a cop and Rey a short order cook. Both have very sad pasts and together they slowly heal each other. Great start to the series and I’ll read more from this author and series.
writerlibrarian's review
3.0
First title in a series set in a smallish Pennsylvania town where we meet Samuel Briggs, police officer with a traumatic past and Rey King, short order cook, man of all trades with a traumatic present. The set up is well done, as a reader I got attached to the main characters but also the set of secondary characters that have for the most part their own lives and agenda. I'm currently reading the next title in the series. Both Rey and Samuel acts and are grown up men, trying to muddle through life, love and losses. I liked it.
nikkihastings67's review
5.0
I actually really liked Cost of Repairs. All the main characters are wonderfully complex. with far more depth than I initially expected. While I found the final "conflict event" to be generic and unrelated the the general plot, I was still okay with it, because the character's rich history and backstory helped to compensate.
There are still a few major storylines that are not yet resolved, so I am currently looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
There are still a few major storylines that are not yet resolved, so I am currently looking forward to reading the rest of this series.