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Vino & Veritas #5
Aftermath
Brent Weyland was the life of the party until an injury ended his hockey career. Now he’s retreated alone to a lakefront house, trying to make sense of a life and body that don’t feel like his anymore.
Jon Norquist was happily married right up until he wasn’t. Now a single father in his forties, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. In the meantime, he pours his heartache and regret into the lyrics he sings for the wine bar crowd a couple of nights a week.
When a friend coaxes Brent out for a night of wine and music, he puts Brent and Jon on a collision course. Their chemistry is instantaneous. Jon gives Brent’s battered body a much-needed remedial lesson in pleasure. And Brent gives Jon a reason to smile again.
Multiple reasons, actually. Neither man wants anything serious, but love has a habit of showing up whether it’s welcome or not. No matter how hard they try, the two can’t help having feelings for each other, even as life continues to throw them curveballs.
But they’ve both got baggage to unpack and hurt to move past, and if they can’t leave their pasts in the past, they might just miss out on an amazing future.
Jon Norquist was happily married right up until he wasn’t. Now a single father in his forties, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. In the meantime, he pours his heartache and regret into the lyrics he sings for the wine bar crowd a couple of nights a week.
When a friend coaxes Brent out for a night of wine and music, he puts Brent and Jon on a collision course. Their chemistry is instantaneous. Jon gives Brent’s battered body a much-needed remedial lesson in pleasure. And Brent gives Jon a reason to smile again.
Multiple reasons, actually. Neither man wants anything serious, but love has a habit of showing up whether it’s welcome or not. No matter how hard they try, the two can’t help having feelings for each other, even as life continues to throw them curveballs.
But they’ve both got baggage to unpack and hurt to move past, and if they can’t leave their pasts in the past, they might just miss out on an amazing future.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2021
About the author
L.A. Witt
196 books2,534 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 449 reviews
August 31, 2022
I enjoyed this entry in the Vino and Veritas series but I also found it frustrating at times - even though the situation both men were in made their behaviour completely believable.
Both Brent and Jon have serious issues they're dealing with and that gave a bit of a melancholy air to a lot of the narrative which, for me, meant I didn't rush through it like I had with some of the others in the series.
That's not to say it wasn't a great romance, because it really is. It demonstrates beyond any doubt that love is love and if you love someone enough, you will move all obstacles - even the ones you create yourself with doubt - to make it work.
I also very much appreciated one specific element of the narrative, which I won't go into detail on because I think it deserves to be read and understood as you're going through their experiences. I think it was handled with incredible care and sensitivity.
And, as someone who lives with chronic pain and serious mobility issues through atrophy and other tendon/muscular related reasons, I would seriously like to thank L.A. for the consideration and accuracy in which she explored Brent's injuries and debilitating medical conditions and the very realistic affects they had on his daily life.
There are some really beautiful moments in this book but also times when I wanted to shake or slap them both and tell them to just have a bloody conversation about their fears 😁
The ending is incredibly satisfying though, and I loved the dogs and Jon's son Cody. Brent's dad, he needs to gerrint bin as we say in Yorkshire.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
Both Brent and Jon have serious issues they're dealing with and that gave a bit of a melancholy air to a lot of the narrative which, for me, meant I didn't rush through it like I had with some of the others in the series.
That's not to say it wasn't a great romance, because it really is. It demonstrates beyond any doubt that love is love and if you love someone enough, you will move all obstacles - even the ones you create yourself with doubt - to make it work.
I also very much appreciated one specific element of the narrative, which I won't go into detail on because I think it deserves to be read and understood as you're going through their experiences. I think it was handled with incredible care and sensitivity.
And, as someone who lives with chronic pain and serious mobility issues through atrophy and other tendon/muscular related reasons, I would seriously like to thank L.A. for the consideration and accuracy in which she explored Brent's injuries and debilitating medical conditions and the very realistic affects they had on his daily life.
There are some really beautiful moments in this book but also times when I wanted to shake or slap them both and tell them to just have a bloody conversation about their fears 😁
The ending is incredibly satisfying though, and I loved the dogs and Jon's son Cody. Brent's dad, he needs to gerrint bin as we say in Yorkshire.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
April 12, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up, for a great, realistic approach to a seldom-discussed issue. Brent is a hockey player injured in a car accident. His injuries, his chronic pain complications, and the way they impact his health, his moods, his desire, and his capability were handled with a skillful touch that gave them appropriate weight without making the story drown in Brent's pain and losses. He was real, hurting, determined, and someone I could really empathize with.
Jon is a great guy for someone in Brent's situation, because his day job as a massage therapist gives him both an understanding of chronic pain, and something he could do to ease his lover, a comfort for both of them. And Jon has his own issues so he's not just a savior for Brent. Jon's divorce, his shared custody of his son, and the house project he took on but is having a hard time with, give him vulnerabilities and regrets.
Brent brings home repair skills, determination, money, and new ideas to the table, making the two men relatively equal outside of the relationship. I also liked that Jon's ex-wife was believable in her low-key antagonism, but wasn't a caricature of the evil ex.
I docked the half star for the reiterations of "I'm not good enough for him to want to keep." Yes, both men had potential reasons for feeling undesirable (particularly Brent) but there were enough other reasons for the relationship to hit snags, and I would have been happier if this misperception hadn't been such a big player, especially on Jon's part. Still, I was impressed by the way the story walked through the minefields of being too optimistic or too depressing and hit an excellent middle ground of solid romance, love, resolution, and some healing, while acknowledging that Brent's challenges will be lifelong.
Jon is a great guy for someone in Brent's situation, because his day job as a massage therapist gives him both an understanding of chronic pain, and something he could do to ease his lover, a comfort for both of them. And Jon has his own issues so he's not just a savior for Brent. Jon's divorce, his shared custody of his son, and the house project he took on but is having a hard time with, give him vulnerabilities and regrets.
Brent brings home repair skills, determination, money, and new ideas to the table, making the two men relatively equal outside of the relationship. I also liked that Jon's ex-wife was believable in her low-key antagonism, but wasn't a caricature of the evil ex.
I docked the half star for the reiterations of "I'm not good enough for him to want to keep." Yes, both men had potential reasons for feeling undesirable (particularly Brent) but there were enough other reasons for the relationship to hit snags, and I would have been happier if this misperception hadn't been such a big player, especially on Jon's part. Still, I was impressed by the way the story walked through the minefields of being too optimistic or too depressing and hit an excellent middle ground of solid romance, love, resolution, and some healing, while acknowledging that Brent's challenges will be lifelong.
January 27, 2024
4.25**** stars
⇢ interesting take on the friends-with-benefits trope
⇢ one MC with chronic pain and ED
⇢ one MC touch-starved
⇢ so cuddling and talking and nearness it is.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this story but I really really did!! Especially on audio. Greg B and John Solo did a fine job here!
Brent is struggling hard with coming to terms with his body how it now was —now, after the accident that cost him his career as well as it caused permanent damage to his body. He struggles with the feeling of not being enough anymore. For no one. And I loved Jon’s soft and understanding approach. He never let Brent feel like anything but enough. Even in bed, Jon went with what they COULD do instead of what they couldn’t. What they had was about more than just getting off.
It is obvious how well these two connect right from the beginning. And without saying it out loud they both feel that they’re already way past the usual friends-with-benefits situation they both wanted. It’s intimate and caring and wonderful what is developing between them.
And the dogs!
And Jon’s kid!
So sweet.
It is a beautiful love story about two men struggling but fighting to be enough, not only for each other but in general and also accepting, that they are!
I don’t understand why there isn’t more appreciation for this book. So give it a go and enjoy.
side note: The only reason I’m not giving this five stars are my own reading tastes. It was a rather quiet and low-drama romance which, again, was beautiful, but I live for intense feels and wild rides. *smirk
2nd side note: Sometimes I’m really questioning how it is possible for some people to feel so little compassion for others. (referring to Brent’s father here)
*****************
Vino & Veritas multi-author series
Book 5 - Aftermath - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Booklover - tbr
Book 9 - Turnabout - 4.25 stars
Book 10 - Unguarded - audio tbr
Book 11 - Insatiable - 3.5 stars
Book 13 - Heartsong - currently listening (on hold)
Book 16 - Unforgettable - dropped
Book 19 - Roommate - 4.0 stars
*** the audios in this series are currently free with the Audible subscription.
⇢ interesting take on the friends-with-benefits trope
⇢ one MC with chronic pain and ED
⇢ one MC touch-starved
⇢ so cuddling and talking and nearness it is.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this story but I really really did!! Especially on audio. Greg B and John Solo did a fine job here!
Brent is struggling hard with coming to terms with his body how it now was —now, after the accident that cost him his career as well as it caused permanent damage to his body. He struggles with the feeling of not being enough anymore. For no one. And I loved Jon’s soft and understanding approach. He never let Brent feel like anything but enough. Even in bed, Jon went with what they COULD do instead of what they couldn’t. What they had was about more than just getting off.
It is obvious how well these two connect right from the beginning. And without saying it out loud they both feel that they’re already way past the usual friends-with-benefits situation they both wanted. It’s intimate and caring and wonderful what is developing between them.
And the dogs!
And Jon’s kid!
So sweet.
It is a beautiful love story about two men struggling but fighting to be enough, not only for each other but in general and also accepting, that they are!
I love you. I’m terrified of not being enough for you, and of you finding someone better, but if you’ll give me a chance, I’ll try my damnedest to be enough.” […]
“You’ve been more than enough for me from the start.”
I don’t understand why there isn’t more appreciation for this book. So give it a go and enjoy.
side note: The only reason I’m not giving this five stars are my own reading tastes. It was a rather quiet and low-drama romance which, again, was beautiful, but I live for intense feels and wild rides. *smirk
2nd side note: Sometimes I’m really questioning how it is possible for some people to feel so little compassion for others. (referring to Brent’s father here)
*****************
Vino & Veritas multi-author series
Book 5 - Aftermath - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Booklover - tbr
Book 9 - Turnabout - 4.25 stars
Book 10 - Unguarded - audio tbr
Book 11 - Insatiable - 3.5 stars
Book 13 - Heartsong - currently listening (on hold)
Book 16 - Unforgettable - dropped
Book 19 - Roommate - 4.0 stars
*** the audios in this series are currently free with the Audible subscription.
January 31, 2024
Loved the the focus on intimacy and not sex as a tool to get off. Loved that Jon was patient and understanding, and took Brent's pain and limitations seriously.
But. I can't give this more than 3 stars, sadly, because everything surrounding the awesome central parts of the story sucked.
The unability for both MCs to TALK about their feelings and their fears was beyond frustrating.
In my opinion both MCs had been for some time in need of therapy to address their change in circumstances. Brent because of his accident and surgeries and the loss of his hockey career (and the relationship with his father), and Jon because of his divorce after having been with his ex wife for 20 years and all the insecurities the divorce caused for him.
There were some additional things that bothered me, like the extreme way in which Brent's dad was portayed and how Brent's mum always tried to calm him down but it wasn’t ever believable to me. Like Brent's ex-wife's new boyfriend, who was awful with their kid but we just had to accept that without any explanation, or how his ex-wife's behaviour wasn't understandable and never addressed. She was shown as this cold woman who had moved on, good for her actually, but why was she so bitter?
I have a hard time with MCs who can't let go of the mantra "I'm not not good enough for them, they deserve better than me" and in this book there was wayyyy too much of that for too long. And then they were stuck in that same thought pattern again. And again. I understood (to a certain degree) where both MCs were coming from, but talking to each other would have done both a world of good.
But. I can't give this more than 3 stars, sadly, because everything surrounding the awesome central parts of the story sucked.
The unability for both MCs to TALK about their feelings and their fears was beyond frustrating.
In my opinion both MCs had been for some time in need of therapy to address their change in circumstances. Brent because of his accident and surgeries and the loss of his hockey career (and the relationship with his father), and Jon because of his divorce after having been with his ex wife for 20 years and all the insecurities the divorce caused for him.
There were some additional things that bothered me, like the extreme way in which Brent's dad was portayed and how Brent's mum always tried to calm him down but it wasn’t ever believable to me. Like Brent's ex-wife's new boyfriend, who was awful with their kid but we just had to accept that without any explanation, or how his ex-wife's behaviour wasn't understandable and never addressed. She was shown as this cold woman who had moved on, good for her actually, but why was she so bitter?
I have a hard time with MCs who can't let go of the mantra "I'm not not good enough for them, they deserve better than me" and in this book there was wayyyy too much of that for too long. And then they were stuck in that same thought pattern again. And again. I understood (to a certain degree) where both MCs were coming from, but talking to each other would have done both a world of good.
Read
February 14, 2024You know how sometimes it’s just not the right book at the time for you?
Case in point: this one. As you might or might not know, I broke my arm 2 weeks ago, and while it heals well, I’m still a bit in pain and can’t do things I want to do (like sports. Or dancing in the middle of the concert crowd. But I digress.)
Brent, one of the MCs, is a former hockey player who’s had a really bad accident a year ago, and who’s not only in constant pain, the fact that he broke his pelvis left him with ED, too. At 29. You can imagine how much of his life and his thoughts circle around both pain about his “lost” sex life. It’s basically all he thinks about (at least at this point in the book), and it doesn’t leave room for much else.
Jon, his counterpart, is a massage therapist who recently divorced his (toxic) wife of 20 years and who shares custody with her for his 10 years old son.
And if that’s not enough misery to deal with, Brent’s father continues to make Brent feel like if he’d just try harder than he does, he’d be back on the ice, playing hockey.
On top of everything, I got the audio, and while I loved listening to Greg B narrating Brent’s pov, Jon Solo as Jon made me aggressive with his overly modulated and soft, breathy voice 😅
I loved the representation of a different kind of relationship than we usually get, but that wasn’t enough to keep me interested - dnf around 40%, no rating.
Who knows, at some other point in my life I might have loved it more 😆
Case in point: this one. As you might or might not know, I broke my arm 2 weeks ago, and while it heals well, I’m still a bit in pain and can’t do things I want to do (like sports. Or dancing in the middle of the concert crowd. But I digress.)
Brent, one of the MCs, is a former hockey player who’s had a really bad accident a year ago, and who’s not only in constant pain, the fact that he broke his pelvis left him with ED, too. At 29. You can imagine how much of his life and his thoughts circle around both pain about his “lost” sex life. It’s basically all he thinks about (at least at this point in the book), and it doesn’t leave room for much else.
Jon, his counterpart, is a massage therapist who recently divorced his (toxic) wife of 20 years and who shares custody with her for his 10 years old son.
And if that’s not enough misery to deal with, Brent’s father continues to make Brent feel like if he’d just try harder than he does, he’d be back on the ice, playing hockey.
On top of everything, I got the audio, and while I loved listening to Greg B narrating Brent’s pov, Jon Solo as Jon made me aggressive with his overly modulated and soft, breathy voice 😅
I loved the representation of a different kind of relationship than we usually get, but that wasn’t enough to keep me interested - dnf around 40%, no rating.
Who knows, at some other point in my life I might have loved it more 😆
March 29, 2021
Brent + Jon.
A year ago, 29 year old Brent was a famous hockey pro.
Now he's retired and in constant pain after a horrible car crash.
41 year old massage therapist Jon has been divorced for 18 months now. He shares custody for his 10 year old son with his ex.
Brent and Jon meet at Vino and Veritas, where Jon perfoms twice a week. It’s insta attraction for both, but they’re also not really looking for anything serious. So one night might be cool, right? Nope. That night does not go according to plan. And the newly formed friend/relationship is not what most people might call 'normal' either. LOL.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
═════════════════
I loved reading this.
I think this will definitely go on my World of True North favorite list.
I loved Brent and Jon. Both are so adorable and sad and heartbroken. And in Brent's case in so much pain. I just loved to see them fall for each other in this sweet and insta but also so very slow and grown-up way.
It was a tiny bit too much with their constant .. But this is just a friends-with-benefit thing & He won't want to be with me anyway-bla-bla. Yes, we got it the first time. But you should finally get that it's NOT a FWB thing and that you're both falling! The book was a tiny bit too long with all that back and forth and repeat... BUT I really loved all the moments. The dog and kid and cuddle and sexy time moments. Just adorable! And sweet and heartbreaking and so full of pain for poor Brent. But we hope so hard for a happy end in all aspects of life for our darlings!
Beautiful story!
And ooh how I hate Brent's dad! What an awful guy - I wish he would've gotten a bit better towards the end :/
Like I always say: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
AFTERMATH was such a sweet + sexy + heartbreaking + beautiful + hopeful love story! I adored it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Brent + Jon - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
June 18, 2021
This was soo long and sooo slow.
April 3, 2021
My feels on this author's works run the gamut and this is pretty firmly in the decent but not great category. It suffered from two common issues I often encounter in this author's works: 1. length/pacing/repetitiveness and 2. clunkiness with whatever ~cause~ is in the book to the point of it feeling super awkward and preachy. In this case, one of the characters deals with chronic pain, and I thought it was well-handled/researched, but SO many of the conversations around the chronic pain issues felt like merely an opportunity for the author to show off everything she'd learned/knew about the topic and the various struggles those with chronic pain can experience to the point where it felt really forced and inauthentic. This is a really common issue for Witt IMO, and I get wanting to really be explicit with advocacy, but sometimes less is more in writing and though I rarely disagree with the points she's making, it's feels so forced down my throat that even though I agree, it throws me entirely out of the story she's created. I generally enjoyed the first half, but the second definitely could have been massively cut down and edited out with some of the back and forth. Overall I liked the characters and concept, and their connection was lovely, but it didn't wow me.
![Profile Image for Madigan Likes to Read [in my DNF era].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1669773554i/66230405._UY200_CR50,0,200,200_.jpg)
December 30, 2023
03/31/23 re-read and upon re-read I bring my rating up to 5 stars.
Look, I know LA Witt is not for everyone and I know she can be long-winded. Perhaps this book could use an edit, but I valued that significant time was spent on two topics that resonate deeply with me: (1) living with chronic pain and (2) coping with toxic family.
Chronic pain is one of those silent killers. It wears you down and it wears you out. It can affect your mental health. And it can affect your relationships. Worst of all, there are those that simply can’t accept that the pain is as bad as you say it is. All of that is touched upon in this book, and it’s done well imo.
Additionally, Witt is the master of toxic family. This is one among several of her books that accurately portray the way a toxic family member can burrow under your skin, undermine your mental health and invalidate your existence, and somehow leave you feeling like it’s all your fault. And this is also one among several of her books that pushes the message that we are not required to make space in our lives for toxic family members. I wish we had more books like this one that normalize going no contact.
Highly recommend to others looking for an accurate and relatable portrayal of these issues. Will read again!
ETA: 07/18/23 re-read. The more you read a book, the more you find small details to nitpick, even when you continue to love the book. In this case it’s money. Idk why people think hockey players possess true wealth. Only the top tier players sign salary cap busting contracts, and even those contracts don’t reach the heights we often see in football and basketball. If Brent, who was not an elite player, has managed his money well, sure, he can live on it for some time, but that money won’t stretch very far when he’s paying for long term medical care, buying property, covering household expenses and incidentals, contributing funds to child rearing, running what is essentially a dog shelter, and (ffs!) maintaining not one but two horses (!!), all while never working again. I know it’s extremely difficult for the average American to conceptualize how far a few million dollars can take you, but I promise you it cannot stretch this far. Brent, sweetheart, you need to get a job.
Look, I know LA Witt is not for everyone and I know she can be long-winded. Perhaps this book could use an edit, but I valued that significant time was spent on two topics that resonate deeply with me: (1) living with chronic pain and (2) coping with toxic family.
Chronic pain is one of those silent killers. It wears you down and it wears you out. It can affect your mental health. And it can affect your relationships. Worst of all, there are those that simply can’t accept that the pain is as bad as you say it is. All of that is touched upon in this book, and it’s done well imo.
Additionally, Witt is the master of toxic family. This is one among several of her books that accurately portray the way a toxic family member can burrow under your skin, undermine your mental health and invalidate your existence, and somehow leave you feeling like it’s all your fault. And this is also one among several of her books that pushes the message that we are not required to make space in our lives for toxic family members. I wish we had more books like this one that normalize going no contact.
Highly recommend to others looking for an accurate and relatable portrayal of these issues. Will read again!
ETA: 07/18/23 re-read. The more you read a book, the more you find small details to nitpick, even when you continue to love the book. In this case it’s money. Idk why people think hockey players possess true wealth. Only the top tier players sign salary cap busting contracts, and even those contracts don’t reach the heights we often see in football and basketball. If Brent, who was not an elite player, has managed his money well, sure, he can live on it for some time, but that money won’t stretch very far when he’s paying for long term medical care, buying property, covering household expenses and incidentals, contributing funds to child rearing, running what is essentially a dog shelter, and (ffs!) maintaining not one but two horses (!!), all while never working again. I know it’s extremely difficult for the average American to conceptualize how far a few million dollars can take you, but I promise you it cannot stretch this far. Brent, sweetheart, you need to get a job.
November 19, 2023
2023: i guess i just reach for this book whenever i need a hug
2022: the way this has stealthly become a comfort read for me
2022: the way this has stealthly become a comfort read for me
March 29, 2021
The blurb of Aftermath and my past experience with the author is what drew me to this book, that and the fact that it is part of the multi-author series Vino & Veritas which is set in Sarina Bowen's True North World which I have been enjoying. I really liked most aspects of the book I loved that we got to see how Brent struggles as he tries to find his new normal after a horrific car accident that ended his pro hockey career and almost cost him his life. It's not an easy transition by any account, his body suffered injuries that required multiple surgeries and he is in constant pain, he also encounters some other side effects of the trauma that he hadn't even considered before he met Jon playing his guitar and singing at V & V one night after being dragged there by his best friend that was afraid Brent is becoming to much of a hermit.
Jon is a divorced father of a ten year old son, he was totally blindsided when his wife asked for a divorce about two years ago, so after his divorce he dove back into writing songs and started performing at Vino & Veritas a couple of times a week. Then one night he locked eyes with a gorgeous younger man in the audience and almost forgot the words of his own song.
I enjoyed the way Jon and Brent decided pretty quickly to be FWB because neither of them were looking for anything serious, here we have two men that are starting different chapters in their lives but if they can have a cuddle buddy, someone to spend time with and share that intimate contact that they each have been missing then more power to them....only you know it doesn't stay that way.
The biggest issue I had with this story is the constant repetitiveness, it really got to be quite annoying at times. Other than that I really enjoyed this age gap romance. Jon and Brent worked well together and had good chemistry, and the author did a great job with conveying the chronic pain that Brent was in.
I would recommend this book to those that enjoy MM Romance, Age Gap Romance, Sports / Music Romances, or Small Town Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewA
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Jon is a divorced father of a ten year old son, he was totally blindsided when his wife asked for a divorce about two years ago, so after his divorce he dove back into writing songs and started performing at Vino & Veritas a couple of times a week. Then one night he locked eyes with a gorgeous younger man in the audience and almost forgot the words of his own song.
I enjoyed the way Jon and Brent decided pretty quickly to be FWB because neither of them were looking for anything serious, here we have two men that are starting different chapters in their lives but if they can have a cuddle buddy, someone to spend time with and share that intimate contact that they each have been missing then more power to them....only you know it doesn't stay that way.
The biggest issue I had with this story is the constant repetitiveness, it really got to be quite annoying at times. Other than that I really enjoyed this age gap romance. Jon and Brent worked well together and had good chemistry, and the author did a great job with conveying the chronic pain that Brent was in.
I would recommend this book to those that enjoy MM Romance, Age Gap Romance, Sports / Music Romances, or Small Town Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewA
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
April 5, 2021
It's good that L.A. Witt is prepared to tackle the normally taboo subjects of chronic pain, divorce, depression, emotional abuse and erectile dysfunction within the parameters of a contemporary romance setting. It really and truly is.
But to quote one of the great philosophers of the 1970s, I think you ought to know I'm feeling very depressed.
But to quote one of the great philosophers of the 1970s, I think you ought to know I'm feeling very depressed.
July 20, 2021
Aftermath was the perfect love story about two men who had been through hell & back but ended up finding a home in the most unexpected way. Jon & Brent might be one of my favorite couples from the Vino & Veritas series so far.
While this story wasn't as fast passed as the others in the series, Jon and Brent's journey was slow growing and beautiful. After having your life shatter before your eyes, it can seem impossible to have hope for a future that you never thought you would have but with the right person you can find that sense of belonging again.
Brent's life was forever changed after a serious car accident left his body broken and him without the one thing that he thought made him who he is, hockey. Nearly a year later he is practically a recluse just staying in his house and going to his physical therapy appointments. When his friend convinces to go out to Vino & Veritas for an hour or so just to get out of the house, he can't find a valid reason to say no. With Brent's luck of course there happens to be live music that night and he is not thrilled with this turn of events until he catches a glimpse of the guy singing. He is the first man that Brent has noticed since his accident, and what could be the harm in going up to talk to him after his set?
Jon has been divorced for close to two years and things don't seem to be getting any easier. He has been trying to come to terms with the divorce but when it is his son who is caught in the middle it makes things that much harder for him. A massage therapist during the day and singing at Vino & Veritas at night helps him pay the bills but he still isn't as fulfilled as he thought he would be at the age of 40. When an attractive man approaches him at the bar, he doesn't mind the flirting but as he starts to talk with this guy, he starts to realize that he wouldn't mind getting to know this guy more. When Jon decides to go out on a limb and as the guy for this number and he gets it he starts to have hope for a new beginning.
Jon and Brent decide to have their own version of friends with benefits after their very awkward first night together. This arrangement is working well for them and as it grows slowly both men realize that the easy simple relationship, they both wanted wasn't going to work out so well when feelings get involved. As these two navigate all the fears that they both have for the future can they get over the possibility of the "what ifs" and realize that while a relationship wasn't something they planned it could certainly be something worth saving.
Aftermath was such a beautiful slow burn. You can't help but love both of these men hard because of the pasts that they had to overcome. While Brent's past was literal pain, Jon's was more heart breaking and for me this was such a gorgeous story of future possibilities and what can happen when you let love in.
While this story wasn't as fast passed as the others in the series, Jon and Brent's journey was slow growing and beautiful. After having your life shatter before your eyes, it can seem impossible to have hope for a future that you never thought you would have but with the right person you can find that sense of belonging again.
Brent's life was forever changed after a serious car accident left his body broken and him without the one thing that he thought made him who he is, hockey. Nearly a year later he is practically a recluse just staying in his house and going to his physical therapy appointments. When his friend convinces to go out to Vino & Veritas for an hour or so just to get out of the house, he can't find a valid reason to say no. With Brent's luck of course there happens to be live music that night and he is not thrilled with this turn of events until he catches a glimpse of the guy singing. He is the first man that Brent has noticed since his accident, and what could be the harm in going up to talk to him after his set?
Jon has been divorced for close to two years and things don't seem to be getting any easier. He has been trying to come to terms with the divorce but when it is his son who is caught in the middle it makes things that much harder for him. A massage therapist during the day and singing at Vino & Veritas at night helps him pay the bills but he still isn't as fulfilled as he thought he would be at the age of 40. When an attractive man approaches him at the bar, he doesn't mind the flirting but as he starts to talk with this guy, he starts to realize that he wouldn't mind getting to know this guy more. When Jon decides to go out on a limb and as the guy for this number and he gets it he starts to have hope for a new beginning.
Jon and Brent decide to have their own version of friends with benefits after their very awkward first night together. This arrangement is working well for them and as it grows slowly both men realize that the easy simple relationship, they both wanted wasn't going to work out so well when feelings get involved. As these two navigate all the fears that they both have for the future can they get over the possibility of the "what ifs" and realize that while a relationship wasn't something they planned it could certainly be something worth saving.
Aftermath was such a beautiful slow burn. You can't help but love both of these men hard because of the pasts that they had to overcome. While Brent's past was literal pain, Jon's was more heart breaking and for me this was such a gorgeous story of future possibilities and what can happen when you let love in.
Want to read
November 8, 2021Kindle freebie 11/7/21
August 18, 2021
They met at the wine bar when Brent's best friend got him out of the house. On the stage was Jon, playing and singing with that wonderful voice, they made eye contact. The men were awkward but interested.
Brent, 28, scars, tall with blue eyes and light brown hair,
this gay ex-hockey player was forced to retire after a horrific car accident that almost cost his life. Constant pain is his companion, and he's depressed, going through physical therapy, down on his abilities, with ED issues, too.
Jon, 41, recently divorced with a son, Cody, 10, is
a massage therapist and plays guitar and sings at Vino. His issues are from a failed marriage, rejection, and how he will re-engage into his new single, gay life.
Their first times together are rough around the edges, because Brent is ashamed that he can't perform. Friends with benefits sounded good at first, because Jon is patient and understanding, and both need companionship. Neither was ready for more yet.
We watch their beginnings, honesty, schedule issues, custody times and more. We are privy to their deepest thoughts and wishes. Brent's constant pain and problems are met with sensitivity and patience as they move ahead.
Jon is still finding his way, being alone for the first time in his life, plus he thinks he's too old for Brent, while Brent is struggling with pain and his belligerent Dad, and happy for his time with Jon.
(We do get info on using a penis pump.) They have each gotten a dog to help keep them company.
Luna and Winston...
Brent has an encounter with his Dad that sends him spinning, and he pushes Jon away. While separated, each man realizes what is important.
We got to see them hang out, meet family, and truly enjoy their togetherness.
Our very wise men find their way, and create a new family with each other and Cody.
It's a full length tale of men with issues who find their ways to make their important feelings, needs, and love come first.
Very rewarding.
ENJOY !
=====
Brent, 28, scars, tall with blue eyes and light brown hair,
this gay ex-hockey player was forced to retire after a horrific car accident that almost cost his life. Constant pain is his companion, and he's depressed, going through physical therapy, down on his abilities, with ED issues, too.
Jon, 41, recently divorced with a son, Cody, 10, is
a massage therapist and plays guitar and sings at Vino. His issues are from a failed marriage, rejection, and how he will re-engage into his new single, gay life.
Their first times together are rough around the edges, because Brent is ashamed that he can't perform. Friends with benefits sounded good at first, because Jon is patient and understanding, and both need companionship. Neither was ready for more yet.
We watch their beginnings, honesty, schedule issues, custody times and more. We are privy to their deepest thoughts and wishes. Brent's constant pain and problems are met with sensitivity and patience as they move ahead.
Jon is still finding his way, being alone for the first time in his life, plus he thinks he's too old for Brent, while Brent is struggling with pain and his belligerent Dad, and happy for his time with Jon.
(We do get info on using a penis pump.) They have each gotten a dog to help keep them company.
Luna and Winston...
Brent has an encounter with his Dad that sends him spinning, and he pushes Jon away. While separated, each man realizes what is important.
We got to see them hang out, meet family, and truly enjoy their togetherness.
Our very wise men find their way, and create a new family with each other and Cody.
It's a full length tale of men with issues who find their ways to make their important feelings, needs, and love come first.
Very rewarding.
ENJOY !
=====
April 1, 2021
Oh my god I hated this. I can see a lot of people enjoying this book, but I’m not one of them. Minor spoilers ahead.
Two stars because the writing was good (no grammatical errors, etc) and for the most part, the characters were good as well. Jon was so kind and patient - he was everything one would want in a partner - and Brent was (for the most part) great at communicating.
I do think representation is important, but I read romance as an escape from real life and if I wanted to read nearly 400 pages about how much pain someone is in, I’d read my own autobiography or just open the file of one of my patients at work. I love when different types of people are included in romance novels, with different ailments or disorders, etc. But this story revolved around Brent’s pain, and everything else was secondary. I found it overwhelming, repetitive, and eventually very boring.
The back and forth in the final quarter of the book between Brent and Jon was absolutely ridiculous. The 80% breakup is one of my biggest pet peeves, especially when it’s because of martyrdom - “he/she deserves better” - and not only did we get that, but we got it TWICE! Oh my god I was so done before this point, that this tipped me over into hatred. I definitely skimmed the last quarter of the book. And because it is so fitting to this story, I’ll say it once again: this book was repetitive.
There was so many other things I absolutely hated about the story, so I’ll just leave this now instead of being a terrible person and continuing into every little thing that pissed me off.
Two stars because the writing was good (no grammatical errors, etc) and for the most part, the characters were good as well. Jon was so kind and patient - he was everything one would want in a partner - and Brent was (for the most part) great at communicating.
I do think representation is important, but I read romance as an escape from real life and if I wanted to read nearly 400 pages about how much pain someone is in, I’d read my own autobiography or just open the file of one of my patients at work. I love when different types of people are included in romance novels, with different ailments or disorders, etc. But this story revolved around Brent’s pain, and everything else was secondary. I found it overwhelming, repetitive, and eventually very boring.
The back and forth in the final quarter of the book between Brent and Jon was absolutely ridiculous. The 80% breakup is one of my biggest pet peeves, especially when it’s because of martyrdom - “he/she deserves better” - and not only did we get that, but we got it TWICE! Oh my god I was so done before this point, that this tipped me over into hatred. I definitely skimmed the last quarter of the book. And because it is so fitting to this story, I’ll say it once again: this book was repetitive.
There was so many other things I absolutely hated about the story, so I’ll just leave this now instead of being a terrible person and continuing into every little thing that pissed me off.
August 26, 2023
Liked it! The bones of the story were good, and I enjoyed many of the themes such as physical injuries and pain management, and the relationship insecurities. But the writing veered toward repetitive at times, and held a few too many internal monologues for me to rate it higher than 3-3.5 stars.
April 27, 2021
2.5
The characters in this story were unique and well written. They were very realistic and the author took time to really show all the difficulties they were going through in their lives. Also, there was no magically healing due to the love of a good man. They also had some different behaviors in the bedroom to address the one MC's physical disabilities. All interesting and unique choices for the author to take.
So why not a higher rating? Cuz I was bored through half of the book. The inner monologues went on for days. And days. And while I totally understand the trials they were going through it was a bit like a romance between Eeyore and Charlie Brown. They exhausted me and I kept looking at the percentage of my kindle hoping the story was almost over. I was over both of the guys and their problems way before the end of the book.
The characters in this story were unique and well written. They were very realistic and the author took time to really show all the difficulties they were going through in their lives. Also, there was no magically healing due to the love of a good man. They also had some different behaviors in the bedroom to address the one MC's physical disabilities. All interesting and unique choices for the author to take.
So why not a higher rating? Cuz I was bored through half of the book. The inner monologues went on for days. And days. And while I totally understand the trials they were going through it was a bit like a romance between Eeyore and Charlie Brown. They exhausted me and I kept looking at the percentage of my kindle hoping the story was almost over. I was over both of the guys and their problems way before the end of the book.
March 29, 2021
L.A. Witt made so many fantastic choices with this story that I don’t even know where to begin and I kinda just want to tell you to go #oneclick right now and that’s it. But I’m gonna give you more cuz I’m a giver like that :)
The meet-cute was strong and sizzled. When I was reading the scene, I felt their connection and it was glorious. The ensuing relationship, friendship and lovers, was ridiculously satisfying for me. Both of these men brought a different dimension to their friendship. Truth be told, several different dimensions and it made their story more poignant for me. Brent wasn’t just an injured ex-hockey player reinventing his future and Jon wasn’t just a newly divorced single dad revamping his future, they were both lugging around very heavy backpacks full of history they needed to navigate and move past.
I have to give props to LA Witt for writing Brent’s growth in the story respectfully and accurately. She gave careful consideration to all the nuances that come with Brent’s struggles and she represented his turmoil with respect and a lot of knowledge. I have never suffered from chronic pain or ever had to endure what Brent had to endure but I’m pretty astute and have a few years under my belt, and what I read came across as thoroughly researched and true to life as I believe it to be. There’s a lot of vulnerability in the storyline and I truly appreciated it all of it, because these two had a lot to unpack and again, it made their story that much more poignant for me.
I could only find one miniscule thing I would rather not have had to do and that’s the bit of skimming that I did. I get it. I know the why of it. I don’t need it explained to me but, gaaaaaaaaaaaawd, so much inner monologue. I like my stories to be 90% interactive and 10% introspective, if I was to give a ratio and this one leaned the scale the opposite way. I don’t think I missed anything key in the story because I was never lost or confused. I was just *sigh* sometimes LOL But that’s such a tiny spec of nothing in the grand scheme of things that this is still a 4.9 so obviously 5 STAR read!
Okay, but one last thing ... someone tell that boy to get his hands out of his mouth and stop biting his nails #notwinning *runs*
The meet-cute was strong and sizzled. When I was reading the scene, I felt their connection and it was glorious. The ensuing relationship, friendship and lovers, was ridiculously satisfying for me. Both of these men brought a different dimension to their friendship. Truth be told, several different dimensions and it made their story more poignant for me. Brent wasn’t just an injured ex-hockey player reinventing his future and Jon wasn’t just a newly divorced single dad revamping his future, they were both lugging around very heavy backpacks full of history they needed to navigate and move past.
I have to give props to LA Witt for writing Brent’s growth in the story respectfully and accurately. She gave careful consideration to all the nuances that come with Brent’s struggles and she represented his turmoil with respect and a lot of knowledge. I have never suffered from chronic pain or ever had to endure what Brent had to endure but I’m pretty astute and have a few years under my belt, and what I read came across as thoroughly researched and true to life as I believe it to be. There’s a lot of vulnerability in the storyline and I truly appreciated it all of it, because these two had a lot to unpack and again, it made their story that much more poignant for me.
I could only find one miniscule thing I would rather not have had to do and that’s the bit of skimming that I did. I get it. I know the why of it. I don’t need it explained to me but, gaaaaaaaaaaaawd, so much inner monologue. I like my stories to be 90% interactive and 10% introspective, if I was to give a ratio and this one leaned the scale the opposite way. I don’t think I missed anything key in the story because I was never lost or confused. I was just *sigh* sometimes LOL But that’s such a tiny spec of nothing in the grand scheme of things that this is still a 4.9 so obviously 5 STAR read!
Okay, but one last thing ... someone tell that boy to get his hands out of his mouth and stop biting his nails #notwinning *runs*
October 3, 2021
Brent es un ex-jugador de hockey, lesionado con dolor cronico que vive encerrado en su casa en las afueras de Burlington. Pero un dia su amigo Ethan lo convence de salir a un bar de vinos llamado Vino & Veritas y ahi conoce al primer hombre que le llama la atencion en mas de 1 año de su accidente. Pero no sabe si es capaz de perseguir esa relacion por sus problemas de salud y su depresion por no saber que hacer con su vida.
Jon es un padre-soltero, divorciado despues de casi 20 años de matrimonio, despechado con la vida y dispuesto a seguir con su vida sin nada mas permanente que su hijo y su trabajo. Pero una noche cuando cantaba en el local Vino & Veritas conoce a un hombre que despierta en el algo que hace muchisimo no sentia, pero no quiere una relacion solo quiere explorar esa quimica y ver si puede superar su matrimonio fallido despues de tanto tiempo.
Tanto Brent como Jon tiene muchisimos problemas de autoestima, y por ningun motivo buscan algo permanente. Pero mientras mas tiempo pasan juntos, mas comodos estan el uno con el otro, mas confianza y afecto hay entre ellos, asi que deberan enfrentar su futuro de una vez por todas y decidir si lo que quieren en su vida es al otro o si quieren seguir como estaban antes.
Por supuesto que es un libro romantico, pero para nada rosa, esta lleno de drama, autocompasion, depresion, problemas fisicos, y divertidos cachorros. El autor lo maneja de forma magistral, llegas a sentir a los personajes hasta el punto de querer saber mas de ellos, querer saber que paso despues.
Llegas a llorar con los dolores de Brent, pero tambien sientes la rabia restringida de Jon y la manipulacion del padre de Brent.
Tambien vemos apenas a un par de los personajes de libros anteriores, pero apenas de pasada, ya que son los que trabajan en el bar y uno de los secundarios de otro libro, que espero tenga pronto su propia historia.
Y, aunque el personaje de Jon trabaja para Vino & Veritas, por lo que el libro entra en esta serie, su historia no tiene practicamente nada que ver con el bar-libreria, y sin embargo, el autor logra meternos tanto en el drama de su relacion que ni siquiera te das cuenta.
Definitivamente una de las series multiautor que mas he disfrutado hasta ahora, esperemos que el resto de los libros siga este patron.
Jon es un padre-soltero, divorciado despues de casi 20 años de matrimonio, despechado con la vida y dispuesto a seguir con su vida sin nada mas permanente que su hijo y su trabajo. Pero una noche cuando cantaba en el local Vino & Veritas conoce a un hombre que despierta en el algo que hace muchisimo no sentia, pero no quiere una relacion solo quiere explorar esa quimica y ver si puede superar su matrimonio fallido despues de tanto tiempo.
Tanto Brent como Jon tiene muchisimos problemas de autoestima, y por ningun motivo buscan algo permanente. Pero mientras mas tiempo pasan juntos, mas comodos estan el uno con el otro, mas confianza y afecto hay entre ellos, asi que deberan enfrentar su futuro de una vez por todas y decidir si lo que quieren en su vida es al otro o si quieren seguir como estaban antes.
Por supuesto que es un libro romantico, pero para nada rosa, esta lleno de drama, autocompasion, depresion, problemas fisicos, y divertidos cachorros. El autor lo maneja de forma magistral, llegas a sentir a los personajes hasta el punto de querer saber mas de ellos, querer saber que paso despues.
Llegas a llorar con los dolores de Brent, pero tambien sientes la rabia restringida de Jon y la manipulacion del padre de Brent.
Tambien vemos apenas a un par de los personajes de libros anteriores, pero apenas de pasada, ya que son los que trabajan en el bar y uno de los secundarios de otro libro, que espero tenga pronto su propia historia.
Y, aunque el personaje de Jon trabaja para Vino & Veritas, por lo que el libro entra en esta serie, su historia no tiene practicamente nada que ver con el bar-libreria, y sin embargo, el autor logra meternos tanto en el drama de su relacion que ni siquiera te das cuenta.
Definitivamente una de las series multiautor que mas he disfrutado hasta ahora, esperemos que el resto de los libros siga este patron.
November 5, 2021
Brent is an ex hockey player, after a car accident that almost killed him he doesn’t feel like himself anymore and he preferes to stay at home by himself. Jon sings at Vino and Veritas twice a week, he is divorced and he feels lonely the weeks he doesn’t have his son custodity. When Brent’s best friend drags him to the wine bar doesn’t expect to see him taking an interest in the singer. Brent and Jon are instantly attracted from each other so they decides to become friends with benefits but soon enough their relationship takes a deeper turn. Will they make some peace with the past to be happy in the present? Or their friendship is bound to break?
I liked Brent and Jon, they help each other to go back to enjoy their new lives, stop sitting around, moping and feeling sorry for themselves.
I was glad to follow them in this long and hurtful journey that will make them see they are nothing less than their previous self.
I found this book a little wordy and repetitive but the characters and the storyline kept me interested till the end.
March 30, 2022
4 Stars! This was more angsty that I was prepared for.. but I still ended up liking it. Both MCs had a lot of baggage and pre-conceived notions so between their initial connection and eventual relationship there was a lot of slow-burn. Despite their difficulties, both Jon and Brent are "good people" and the way they both compliment each other.. it feels like it's meant to be . Brent's issues are his physical constraints and related insecurities, whereas Jon's still reeling from his broken marriage and has not been able to find any closure . They couldn't be more different in their life-styles, but somehow they find compatibility with one another.
This is certainly a mature romance but has plenty of heat and sizzle too. It's also quite emotional in places but overall it's medium angsty. There are some supporting characters that are not even worth mentioning, but prepare to be outraged. All in all, its a great story.. with a very unique couple. Highly recommended!! 👍
This is certainly a mature romance but has plenty of heat and sizzle too. It's also quite emotional in places but overall it's medium angsty. There are some supporting characters that are not even worth mentioning, but prepare to be outraged. All in all, its a great story.. with a very unique couple. Highly recommended!! 👍
September 26, 2022
Really refreshing to have a romance where the physical side isn't smooth sailing.
Loved how this book took on so many serious things (divorce, single parent, mental health, serious injury/disability) but didn't feel overly heavy. Loved both the characters and the way they progressed ����
Loved how this book took on so many serious things (divorce, single parent, mental health, serious injury/disability) but didn't feel overly heavy. Loved both the characters and the way they progressed ����
April 5, 2021
L.A. Witt is someone who is prepared to tackle difficult issues in her novels but who always handles them with respect and sensitivity, and nowhere is that more evident than in Aftermath, her entry in the
Vino and Veritas
series.
Her two main characters are a twenty-nine-year-old former hockey player whose career was ended by a horrific car accident that almost cost him his life, and a forty-one-year-old divorcé with a ten-year-old son. They meet by chance when Brent’s best friend encourages him to go for a drink at Vino and Veritas, where Jon is providing the live music that night. There��s an instant attraction there – for Brent, it’s the first time he’s felt anything remotely like it since the accident – but as he discovers, while the spirit is willing, the flesh is… not at all on board, and the night ends somewhat disastrously.
Fortunately, he finds the courage to text Jon the next day to apologise for running out on him and after that, they settle into what they both believe is a friends with benefits situation – even though it’s quickly clear to both of them that whatever is going on between them isn’t really a casual arrangement at all. They hang out together, sleep together – even though sex is rarely on the table – and eventually Jon brings Brent to meet his son… but what if they’re not really on the same page? Brent worries that eventually, his limitations will become too much for Jon to deal with; Jon worries that a hot, young former athlete will wake up one day and wonder what he’s doing with an over-the-hill single dad. While at first sight they would seem to have little in common, as the story progresses it becomes apparent they’re both going through stages of grief for the lives they thought they were going to have and a period of adjustment to their new ‘normal’.
The story includes a lot of things you won’t find in many romance novels; chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, depression, emotional abuse – but they’re presented in a very realistic way, especially when it comes to Brent and all the limitations his injuries have imposed on him and the toll his reduced mobility and the way his life has been completely upended has taken on him mentally. Kudos, too, for the way she presents the issue of Brent’s ED; in a genre in which male characters – regardless of sexual orientation – are often presented as well-hung studs who can go all night and then some – it’s… maybe not ‘nice’ exactly, but it’s good to see the issue represented in a very matter-of-fact but compassionate manner, and in this particular case how, with Jon’s unconditional support and encouragement, Brent is able to at least start to come to terms with the changes to his libido and sex life.
Jon is a really sweet guy, who is still reeling a bit from his divorce two years before (which completely blindsided him), and he, too is nursing insecurities he needs to put behind him. I liked him and Brent individually and together – they’re good for each other and for the most part they communicate well and the author does a good job of developing their relationship. On the downside, this is a fairly long book and it was sometimes a bit wordy and repetitive – but I enjoyed it despite that. The love between Brent and Jon is so strong, their connection so well-developed that by the end, you know they’re absolutely solid and in it for the long haul, equipped to deal with whatever life throws at them, together.
Her two main characters are a twenty-nine-year-old former hockey player whose career was ended by a horrific car accident that almost cost him his life, and a forty-one-year-old divorcé with a ten-year-old son. They meet by chance when Brent’s best friend encourages him to go for a drink at Vino and Veritas, where Jon is providing the live music that night. There��s an instant attraction there – for Brent, it’s the first time he’s felt anything remotely like it since the accident – but as he discovers, while the spirit is willing, the flesh is… not at all on board, and the night ends somewhat disastrously.
Fortunately, he finds the courage to text Jon the next day to apologise for running out on him and after that, they settle into what they both believe is a friends with benefits situation – even though it’s quickly clear to both of them that whatever is going on between them isn’t really a casual arrangement at all. They hang out together, sleep together – even though sex is rarely on the table – and eventually Jon brings Brent to meet his son… but what if they’re not really on the same page? Brent worries that eventually, his limitations will become too much for Jon to deal with; Jon worries that a hot, young former athlete will wake up one day and wonder what he’s doing with an over-the-hill single dad. While at first sight they would seem to have little in common, as the story progresses it becomes apparent they’re both going through stages of grief for the lives they thought they were going to have and a period of adjustment to their new ‘normal’.
The story includes a lot of things you won’t find in many romance novels; chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, depression, emotional abuse – but they’re presented in a very realistic way, especially when it comes to Brent and all the limitations his injuries have imposed on him and the toll his reduced mobility and the way his life has been completely upended has taken on him mentally. Kudos, too, for the way she presents the issue of Brent’s ED; in a genre in which male characters – regardless of sexual orientation – are often presented as well-hung studs who can go all night and then some – it’s… maybe not ‘nice’ exactly, but it’s good to see the issue represented in a very matter-of-fact but compassionate manner, and in this particular case how, with Jon’s unconditional support and encouragement, Brent is able to at least start to come to terms with the changes to his libido and sex life.
Jon is a really sweet guy, who is still reeling a bit from his divorce two years before (which completely blindsided him), and he, too is nursing insecurities he needs to put behind him. I liked him and Brent individually and together – they’re good for each other and for the most part they communicate well and the author does a good job of developing their relationship. On the downside, this is a fairly long book and it was sometimes a bit wordy and repetitive – but I enjoyed it despite that. The love between Brent and Jon is so strong, their connection so well-developed that by the end, you know they’re absolutely solid and in it for the long haul, equipped to deal with whatever life throws at them, together.
May 9, 2021
[3.25] Props to the author for delving into so many tough topics with respect and sensitivity. I won’t spoil the turn L.A. Witt takes early on in the story, but it was a brave direction to venture in within the context of a contemporary romance novel.
Jon and Brent are two touch-starved men struggling to find footing after their respective life-altering events—a divorce for the former and a horrific car accident for the latter. They decide almost right off the bat to be friends with benefits (or more apropos, ~cuddle buddies~) to give each other the comfort and physical touch they've both been lacking. But let it be clear that their relationship was never a mere FWB thing from the start with how sweet and tender they acted and the sheer amount of time they spent finding excuses to be near each other.
I thought Jon was the sweetest, most understanding and patient guy you could ever find. The fact that he was made to feel unworthy because of other people’s personal problems was a travesty 😔
The book started off strong, but the second half revealed the story's repetitive nature, dragging on with no clear end in sight. The MCs are often in their heads, and while I can understand the origins of their self-doubts and insecurities, I can only read inner monologues of “woe is me! we won’t ever last 😩" and "here i lie in wait for the inevitable heartbreak 😑" so many times before I’m internally screaming "just talk alreadyyyyy." And right when I thought they were finally on the same page, those thoughts reached a crescendo and we got . When the best friend who shows up maybe three(?) times in the entire book is the only voice of (emotional) reason heh.
For all that we’d gone through (this was by no means a quick read), the ending felt a bit….lacking. For example, while realistic, the situation with Brent's dad was left open, which was hugely dissatisfying for me as I was about ready to clobber the man with a frying pan and spray Brent’s mom with a hose for being the kind of bystander who sweeps issues under the rug when witnessing repeated emotional abuse on her own son. PROTECT YOUR CHILD 😤
Jon and Brent are two touch-starved men struggling to find footing after their respective life-altering events—a divorce for the former and a horrific car accident for the latter. They decide almost right off the bat to be friends with benefits (or more apropos, ~cuddle buddies~) to give each other the comfort and physical touch they've both been lacking. But let it be clear that their relationship was never a mere FWB thing from the start with how sweet and tender they acted and the sheer amount of time they spent finding excuses to be near each other.
I thought Jon was the sweetest, most understanding and patient guy you could ever find. The fact that he was made to feel unworthy because of other people’s personal problems was a travesty 😔
The book started off strong, but the second half revealed the story's repetitive nature, dragging on with no clear end in sight. The MCs are often in their heads, and while I can understand the origins of their self-doubts and insecurities, I can only read inner monologues of “woe is me! we won’t ever last 😩" and "here i lie in wait for the inevitable heartbreak 😑" so many times before I’m internally screaming "just talk alreadyyyyy." And right when I thought they were finally on the same page, those thoughts reached a crescendo and we got . When the best friend who shows up maybe three(?) times in the entire book is the only voice of (emotional) reason heh.
For all that we’d gone through (this was by no means a quick read), the ending felt a bit….lacking. For example, while realistic, the situation with Brent's dad was left open, which was hugely dissatisfying for me as I was about ready to clobber the man with a frying pan and spray Brent’s mom with a hose for being the kind of bystander who sweeps issues under the rug when witnessing repeated emotional abuse on her own son. PROTECT YOUR CHILD 😤
June 5, 2021
This book starts well but is just too long- about 60% too long. It is rare that I don’t finish a book but I gave up trying to finish at 47% and deleted it. The author is very repetitive, telling the reader the same thing over and over (and over) again. Brent has suffered injuries and is in pain- we get it. We remember from the other 5 times you told us!
This has the potential to be a good book, but it needs a good editor to slash huge chunks out of it.
This has the potential to be a good book, but it needs a good editor to slash huge chunks out of it.
September 23, 2022
To be honest, I thought that the "final reward" about this relationship is how Brent overcome his ED... they talk and discuss a lot about that, and I found that boring. I've never been a reader who focuses on that, being an asexual and sex repulsive in real life. The book was so much better when Brent and Jon deal with the dogs or with Cody (Jon's son). I skipped most of the sexual related content.
March 29, 2021
Unlike the fourth book, which was fast-paced and interesting, this one just dragged on and on. And when it ended, I honest-to-god said, "Thank fuck," out loud.
The book started off great. It's about Jon and Brent. Jon is a recently divorced man with a ten-year-old son, who's still trying to adjust to being single after twenty years. Whereas Brent is a 29-year-old former NHL player who was severely injured in a car crash. He's still recovering from his injuries and coming to terms with the end of his career, and that he'll be in chronic pain for the rest of his life and will never gain the mobility that he had.
Both parts of the story were good, and they were done so well. We got to hear about both their struggles. I mean, a divorce after twenty years is bound to be a shock. And severe injuries like Brent's? I loved the care and attention the author devoted to the effects the injuries had on his life and his psyche. Both the characters were also very likable, and they had the sweetest relationship.
The problem arose about halfway through when it started to become more and more obvious how repetitive the book was getting. The characters understandably have doubts, and they think about them often. And a lot of the time, it's the same doubt that's come to haunt them again. We didn't need a long inner monologue reiterating the things we read just a couple of chapters ago. Instead of two pages of the same thing, you could've just alluded to the character's thoughts, that they were the same as before, in a single paragraph. Though really, the book was verbose in general, even when it wasn't repetitive.
You know what this book needed? An editor who could chop off 50 or more pages. And maybe change the conflict toward the end so it wouldn't be so generic.
Speaking of... it wasn't a conflict I haven't read before. And while it might bother me in any other book, here it bothered me a lot. The author had taken so much time to develop a good relationship between the protagonists, and the conflict cheapened that. Not to mention, the amount of time it took for them to realize they weren't just "fuck buddies" was ridiculous.
Overall, a book that would've been better had it not been so occupied with saying the same thing over and over. I was so tired of it by the end. And it'll be a while before I pick up another book by the author.
The book started off great. It's about Jon and Brent. Jon is a recently divorced man with a ten-year-old son, who's still trying to adjust to being single after twenty years. Whereas Brent is a 29-year-old former NHL player who was severely injured in a car crash. He's still recovering from his injuries and coming to terms with the end of his career, and that he'll be in chronic pain for the rest of his life and will never gain the mobility that he had.
Both parts of the story were good, and they were done so well. We got to hear about both their struggles. I mean, a divorce after twenty years is bound to be a shock. And severe injuries like Brent's? I loved the care and attention the author devoted to the effects the injuries had on his life and his psyche. Both the characters were also very likable, and they had the sweetest relationship.
The problem arose about halfway through when it started to become more and more obvious how repetitive the book was getting. The characters understandably have doubts, and they think about them often. And a lot of the time, it's the same doubt that's come to haunt them again. We didn't need a long inner monologue reiterating the things we read just a couple of chapters ago. Instead of two pages of the same thing, you could've just alluded to the character's thoughts, that they were the same as before, in a single paragraph. Though really, the book was verbose in general, even when it wasn't repetitive.
You know what this book needed? An editor who could chop off 50 or more pages. And maybe change the conflict toward the end so it wouldn't be so generic.
Speaking of... it wasn't a conflict I haven't read before. And while it might bother me in any other book, here it bothered me a lot. The author had taken so much time to develop a good relationship between the protagonists, and the conflict cheapened that. Not to mention, the amount of time it took for them to realize they weren't just "fuck buddies" was ridiculous.
Overall, a book that would've been better had it not been so occupied with saying the same thing over and over. I was so tired of it by the end. And it'll be a while before I pick up another book by the author.
November 24, 2023
I've given this an A/B for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so 4.5 stars
Aftermath – the fifth book in the Vino and Veritas series – features a young hockey player whose career came to an abrupt end when he was seriously injured in a car accident, falling for a single dad in his early forties who was – or thought he was – happily married until his wife asked for a divorce. It’s a sweet and sexy romance between two men whose lives have been upended in different ways and who are both struggling to work through their grief for the lives they thought they were going to have while at the same time, going through a period of adjustment into whatever their new normal is going to be.
Brent Wayland was at the peak of his professional hockey career when the car he was driving was hit by a drunk driver. Brent was seriously injured and it’s a miracle he survived the accident, let alone that he can walk again. It’s been a long, hard and painful road to recovery and even a year later, he’s not there yet. Intense physical therapy hurts like hell and tires him out, his dad keeps going on and on about how other hockey players have come back from worse injuries and telling Brent he needs to snap out of it and get back on the ice, his body is never going to be the same, things are probably not going to get a great deal better than they are now, and he has no idea what he’s going to do with the rest of his life. It’s a lot to cope with – and truth be told, he hasn’t really been coping. Ever since he came home, he’s been more or less a recluse, venturing out only to attend his appointments and for weekly weekend lunches at his parents’ place. But at the urging of his best friend – mostly just to shut him up – Brent agrees to go out for a drink at the new-ish wine bar in town. He can have one drink then make an excuse to leave after an hour. It’ll be fine.
What Brent couldn’t have foreseen is the way he reacts to the guy who steps onto the stage to provide the live music that night. Whoever he is, he’s a gorgeous silver fox singing songs with achingly beautiful lyrics in an equally beautiful voice, and Brent is captivated. It’s been so long since he’s felt even the slightest stirring of attraction for anyone – since before the accident at least – and it kind of knocks him sideways. After the singer – Jon – has finished his set, he and Brent start talking at the bar, and it’s clear that the attraction Brent is feeling is mutual. Brent is excited and relieved that he can still get turned on – but as soon as he and Jon are behinds closed doors, he realises that something’s badly wrong. The spirit is more than willing but the flesh… isn’t, and embarrassed, he bolts, leaving Jon wondering what the hell just happened.
Jon Norquist has always known he’s bisexual and was happily married to Ashley for almost twenty years – until she asked for a divorce a couple of years before. They have a ten-year-old son, Cody (Ashley and Cody appear briefly in Unguarded) and now split custody between them. Jon is still finding his feet as a single man, and although he isn’t looking for another relationship right now, is certainly not opposed to having some fun. He’d been sure that Brent had been as into him as he’d been into Brent and is at a loss to know what went wrong.
Fortunately, Brent isn’t a total idiot and works up the courage to text Jon to apologise for running out on him, and suggests they meet for coffee and a chat. To Brent’s relief, Jon agrees, and even though it’s difficult for him, he explains why he acted as he did and talks a bit about his injuries and what his life has been like for the past year. He hadn’t expected Jon to be so completely accepting of his limitations, but Jon’s day job as a massage therapist means he has experience of working with people with chronic pain, so he has a very good general idea of the things Brent is up against.
After this, Jon and Brent embark upon what they agree is going to be a casual fling, something to help them both regain a bit of confidence as they adjust to their changed personal circumstances. They hang out – usually at one of their houses in the weeks Jon doesn’t have Cody home, otherwise, they text and face-time regularly – they eat together, sleep together (even though sex isn’t always on the table)… it’s clear fairly quickly that this isn’t a friends-with-benefits situation for either of them, although they both keep trying to persuade themselves that it is, allowing their insecurities to convince them that the other man isn’t on the same page. Brent worries that his physical limitations will eventually become too much for Jon to deal with; Jon thinks a hot, young former athlete who could have his pick of guys will eventually see he can do much better than a fortysomething single dad.
L.A. Witt is no stranger to featuring characters facing particularly difficult challenges in her stories, and I really appreciated her careful handling of a number of sensitive issues – depression, emotional abuse, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction – not often found in romance novels. At only twenty-nine, Brent has to come to terms with the fact that his life has changed irrevocably, to learn to adapt to all the limitations imposed upon him by his injuries – and realise that those effects are probably not just physical ones. Brent and Jon are three-dimensional characters with problems and insecurities that feel authentic, and I liked them together and individually. The author creates a strong emotional connection between them and there’s no question they’re good for each other – I could easily see them making it work long-term
With two very experienced narrators on board, Aftermath was bound to be an enjoyable listen – and it was. Greg Boudreaux performs the chapters from Brent’s PoV and John Solo those from Jon’s (which is the way around I hoped it would be!) – and taken individually, both narrations are very good; expressive and well-paced, with distinct characterisations for the two leads and the secondary roles, and clear differentiation between them all. It’s no secret that Greg Boudreaux can do no wrong in my ears (!), but while I’ve enjoyed performances by Mr. Solo, he’s less consistent; he has the tendency to do this weird thing where he over-emphasises certain words and phrases (I call it his movie-trailer announcer voice!), and gives his voice this odd almost-vibrato-like quality (so it sounds like he’s shaking) at moments of high emotion. So I admit that I had some misgivings about this particular pairing and would have preferred a solo performance by Mr. Boudreaux. I was, however, pleased to note that Mr. Solo is really toning down those vocal tics (I didn’t hear any of them here – yay!), but his delivery is too breathy in places, and the volume balance between the two voices is off. Mr. Solo’s chapters seem quieter than Mr. Boudreaux’s and – this is a small thing – his chapter headers (eg. Chapter Four – Jon) are so quiet they’re impossible to hear without adjusting the volume.
Despite those criticisms though, I did enjoy the narration and was pleased to revisit Aftermath in audio. It’s a tender, heartfelt romance with a hard-earned HEA, and I’m happy to recommend it.
Aftermath – the fifth book in the Vino and Veritas series – features a young hockey player whose career came to an abrupt end when he was seriously injured in a car accident, falling for a single dad in his early forties who was – or thought he was – happily married until his wife asked for a divorce. It’s a sweet and sexy romance between two men whose lives have been upended in different ways and who are both struggling to work through their grief for the lives they thought they were going to have while at the same time, going through a period of adjustment into whatever their new normal is going to be.
Brent Wayland was at the peak of his professional hockey career when the car he was driving was hit by a drunk driver. Brent was seriously injured and it’s a miracle he survived the accident, let alone that he can walk again. It’s been a long, hard and painful road to recovery and even a year later, he’s not there yet. Intense physical therapy hurts like hell and tires him out, his dad keeps going on and on about how other hockey players have come back from worse injuries and telling Brent he needs to snap out of it and get back on the ice, his body is never going to be the same, things are probably not going to get a great deal better than they are now, and he has no idea what he’s going to do with the rest of his life. It’s a lot to cope with – and truth be told, he hasn’t really been coping. Ever since he came home, he’s been more or less a recluse, venturing out only to attend his appointments and for weekly weekend lunches at his parents’ place. But at the urging of his best friend – mostly just to shut him up – Brent agrees to go out for a drink at the new-ish wine bar in town. He can have one drink then make an excuse to leave after an hour. It’ll be fine.
What Brent couldn’t have foreseen is the way he reacts to the guy who steps onto the stage to provide the live music that night. Whoever he is, he’s a gorgeous silver fox singing songs with achingly beautiful lyrics in an equally beautiful voice, and Brent is captivated. It’s been so long since he’s felt even the slightest stirring of attraction for anyone – since before the accident at least – and it kind of knocks him sideways. After the singer – Jon – has finished his set, he and Brent start talking at the bar, and it’s clear that the attraction Brent is feeling is mutual. Brent is excited and relieved that he can still get turned on – but as soon as he and Jon are behinds closed doors, he realises that something’s badly wrong. The spirit is more than willing but the flesh… isn’t, and embarrassed, he bolts, leaving Jon wondering what the hell just happened.
Jon Norquist has always known he’s bisexual and was happily married to Ashley for almost twenty years – until she asked for a divorce a couple of years before. They have a ten-year-old son, Cody (Ashley and Cody appear briefly in Unguarded) and now split custody between them. Jon is still finding his feet as a single man, and although he isn’t looking for another relationship right now, is certainly not opposed to having some fun. He’d been sure that Brent had been as into him as he’d been into Brent and is at a loss to know what went wrong.
Fortunately, Brent isn’t a total idiot and works up the courage to text Jon to apologise for running out on him, and suggests they meet for coffee and a chat. To Brent’s relief, Jon agrees, and even though it’s difficult for him, he explains why he acted as he did and talks a bit about his injuries and what his life has been like for the past year. He hadn’t expected Jon to be so completely accepting of his limitations, but Jon’s day job as a massage therapist means he has experience of working with people with chronic pain, so he has a very good general idea of the things Brent is up against.
After this, Jon and Brent embark upon what they agree is going to be a casual fling, something to help them both regain a bit of confidence as they adjust to their changed personal circumstances. They hang out – usually at one of their houses in the weeks Jon doesn’t have Cody home, otherwise, they text and face-time regularly – they eat together, sleep together (even though sex isn’t always on the table)… it’s clear fairly quickly that this isn’t a friends-with-benefits situation for either of them, although they both keep trying to persuade themselves that it is, allowing their insecurities to convince them that the other man isn’t on the same page. Brent worries that his physical limitations will eventually become too much for Jon to deal with; Jon thinks a hot, young former athlete who could have his pick of guys will eventually see he can do much better than a fortysomething single dad.
L.A. Witt is no stranger to featuring characters facing particularly difficult challenges in her stories, and I really appreciated her careful handling of a number of sensitive issues – depression, emotional abuse, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction – not often found in romance novels. At only twenty-nine, Brent has to come to terms with the fact that his life has changed irrevocably, to learn to adapt to all the limitations imposed upon him by his injuries – and realise that those effects are probably not just physical ones. Brent and Jon are three-dimensional characters with problems and insecurities that feel authentic, and I liked them together and individually. The author creates a strong emotional connection between them and there’s no question they’re good for each other – I could easily see them making it work long-term
With two very experienced narrators on board, Aftermath was bound to be an enjoyable listen – and it was. Greg Boudreaux performs the chapters from Brent’s PoV and John Solo those from Jon’s (which is the way around I hoped it would be!) – and taken individually, both narrations are very good; expressive and well-paced, with distinct characterisations for the two leads and the secondary roles, and clear differentiation between them all. It’s no secret that Greg Boudreaux can do no wrong in my ears (!), but while I’ve enjoyed performances by Mr. Solo, he’s less consistent; he has the tendency to do this weird thing where he over-emphasises certain words and phrases (I call it his movie-trailer announcer voice!), and gives his voice this odd almost-vibrato-like quality (so it sounds like he’s shaking) at moments of high emotion. So I admit that I had some misgivings about this particular pairing and would have preferred a solo performance by Mr. Boudreaux. I was, however, pleased to note that Mr. Solo is really toning down those vocal tics (I didn’t hear any of them here – yay!), but his delivery is too breathy in places, and the volume balance between the two voices is off. Mr. Solo’s chapters seem quieter than Mr. Boudreaux’s and – this is a small thing – his chapter headers (eg. Chapter Four – Jon) are so quiet they’re impossible to hear without adjusting the volume.
Despite those criticisms though, I did enjoy the narration and was pleased to revisit Aftermath in audio. It’s a tender, heartfelt romance with a hard-earned HEA, and I’m happy to recommend it.
March 29, 2021
So, I've been a little hooked on the Vino and Veritas books and a lot hooked on the True North world. Even though I'm not a huge MM reader I had to dive into a couple after either meeting them in the other series or just being sucked into the blurb.
Funnily enough I remember Jon from one of the previous books, but I had no idea who he was when I first picked this up. But I soon realised that really didn't matter because he was so much more than the bars musician. And I enjoyed getting to know him and his son.
Brent was a really likable, sweet character who I felt immense empathy for. He was so long in the middle of this hurricane that had previously been his life and he couldn't see out of it. And God did my heart break for him. He just kept getting hit from every corner every time he thought he had his feet under him he took another hit.
I loved both characters and the story was good. I was dying to see all the walls drop and these two guys to get their happily ever after. And for things to be better for both of them but the story felt a little repetitive about some things. And for me personally, and I want to emphasize that most people probably won't have this issue, it was too descriptive. I kept getting distracted when it felt like it was just filler. Just because I don't care about the tile choices based on the lighting, I want to know what is going to happen with the last plot twist.
And that's a me problem. I have so little quiet reading time, I no longer want the long novels I can get lost in because two 3 year old girls are not letting that happen. So, I feel like I didn't appreciate the authors writing style enough. And I really am struggling with how to rate it. I think I'll hit in the middle and go 3.5.
Funnily enough I remember Jon from one of the previous books, but I had no idea who he was when I first picked this up. But I soon realised that really didn't matter because he was so much more than the bars musician. And I enjoyed getting to know him and his son.
Brent was a really likable, sweet character who I felt immense empathy for. He was so long in the middle of this hurricane that had previously been his life and he couldn't see out of it. And God did my heart break for him. He just kept getting hit from every corner every time he thought he had his feet under him he took another hit.
I loved both characters and the story was good. I was dying to see all the walls drop and these two guys to get their happily ever after. And for things to be better for both of them but the story felt a little repetitive about some things. And for me personally, and I want to emphasize that most people probably won't have this issue, it was too descriptive. I kept getting distracted when it felt like it was just filler. Just because I don't care about the tile choices based on the lighting, I want to know what is going to happen with the last plot twist.
And that's a me problem. I have so little quiet reading time, I no longer want the long novels I can get lost in because two 3 year old girls are not letting that happen. So, I feel like I didn't appreciate the authors writing style enough. And I really am struggling with how to rate it. I think I'll hit in the middle and go 3.5.
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