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Restoration #3
Taking a Chance
The last time Elliott fell in love, his fiancé cheated on him. Now fresh out of rehab, Elliott's confidence lags behind his libido—not that that stops him from lusting after the sexy carpenter working on his kitchen—from a distance. He won't risk his sobriety on another potential broken heart.
As half of an experienced home renovation duo, Augustus expects this job will be easy. Until he sees the house's tenant, a man he never thought he'd meet—his ex's other man. Augustus knows he should say something about their secret, shared past, but he's tongue-tied by their intense, unwanted attraction.
Despite attempts to keep things professional, the two men give in to temptation and forge a genuine connection—and his developing feelings for Elliott leave Augustus in an impossible situation. If he stays, his secret will always hang over the relationship. But telling the truth might send Elliott spiraling to a new rock bottom and cost Augustus the only man he's ever really loved.
As half of an experienced home renovation duo, Augustus expects this job will be easy. Until he sees the house's tenant, a man he never thought he'd meet—his ex's other man. Augustus knows he should say something about their secret, shared past, but he's tongue-tied by their intense, unwanted attraction.
Despite attempts to keep things professional, the two men give in to temptation and forge a genuine connection—and his developing feelings for Elliott leave Augustus in an impossible situation. If he stays, his secret will always hang over the relationship. But telling the truth might send Elliott spiraling to a new rock bottom and cost Augustus the only man he's ever really loved.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2015
55 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,235 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 14, 2016
And an angsty time was had by all!
I've pretty much read everything thing written by this author with the exception of a couple of stories that appear to be out of circulation and the one thing that has been a constant is the fact that with each new book the stories go to a higher level of being angst ridden.
'Taking A Chance' is the final chapter in this trilogy and it's probably the story that I've wanted the most. It's Elliott and Augustus. Elliot has been a consistent character in the previous two books especially #2 Finding Their Way. Which really was over the top and then some on the angst and drama scale. Which is maybe why this one didn't seem quite so bad for me or maybe it's just because I really wanted Elliott's story.
So let's highlight some of the angst here (I'm putting this in a spoiler tag, so if you plan on reading this book you might want to skip over this and if not enjoy) This is your final warning these are SERIOUSLY HUGE spoilers.
So after all that stress, worry and anxiety you'd think I would be a wreck, right? Nope, not me because at the end of it all when the crap keeps getting heaped on to the pile it reaches the point of ridiculous and you guessed it I had a good laugh. Ironically I also saw spots where opportunities to add to the angst pile were missed and sincerely appreciated them. I think what made me feel a bit better about this story than the previous book was the last 40 or 50 pages of this story. The ending for me was realistic and all things considered it was pretty low angst as well. Overall I liked Elliott and Auggie. They were cute as a couple and for me they worked. So while book #2 only got 2 stars from me. I'm 'Taking a Chance' and giving this one 4.5 angst ridden stars because still no 1/2 stars here and I really did like that ending.
I've pretty much read everything thing written by this author with the exception of a couple of stories that appear to be out of circulation and the one thing that has been a constant is the fact that with each new book the stories go to a higher level of being angst ridden.
'Taking A Chance' is the final chapter in this trilogy and it's probably the story that I've wanted the most. It's Elliott and Augustus. Elliot has been a consistent character in the previous two books especially #2 Finding Their Way. Which really was over the top and then some on the angst and drama scale. Which is maybe why this one didn't seem quite so bad for me or maybe it's just because I really wanted Elliott's story.
So let's highlight some of the angst here (I'm putting this in a spoiler tag, so if you plan on reading this book you might want to skip over this and if not enjoy) This is your final warning these are SERIOUSLY HUGE spoilers.
So after all that stress, worry and anxiety you'd think I would be a wreck, right? Nope, not me because at the end of it all when the crap keeps getting heaped on to the pile it reaches the point of ridiculous and you guessed it I had a good laugh. Ironically I also saw spots where opportunities to add to the angst pile were missed and sincerely appreciated them. I think what made me feel a bit better about this story than the previous book was the last 40 or 50 pages of this story. The ending for me was realistic and all things considered it was pretty low angst as well. Overall I liked Elliott and Auggie. They were cute as a couple and for me they worked. So while book #2 only got 2 stars from me. I'm 'Taking a Chance' and giving this one 4.5 angst ridden stars because still no 1/2 stars here and I really did like that ending.
August 18, 2015
Damn! I somehow keep putting myself through all this angst and keep on loving it.
I said in my review of Finding their Way that Elliot's story would be either a fantastic story or a clusterf@ck. And thank goodness is was the former with just a little bit of the latter. I loved it!
Elliot is getting himself settled in his new life after rehab. He has good days and bad ones too, but his support system is steady and ready to be there at a moment's notice--something that he both appreciates and resents. He wants to lead a 'normal' life, even when he knows he's can't go back to being the same man he was before, but his issues are many and at times overwhelming. It isn't until he meets Augustus that he starts to put his life in order and recognizes that he's much more than his issues.
Augustus is not looking to get involved, especially with his ex's boyfriend. But he can't seem to keep away from Elliot, there's just something about the broken man that draws him in. Although haunted by his guilt over his role in Elliot's situation, he knows that Elliot is the man for him and he is determined to make the best of his time with him.
What can I say? There was drama and angst and sexual tension galore--all things I've come to expect from A.M. Arthur.
I loved Elliot. He had intrigued me from the moment I met him, but getting to know him in this story truly revealed how much he has been through and how far he has come. I admired his tenacity, worried about his recovery and hoped he would finally find his happily ever after.
Did I think Augustus was the right partner for him? Er, nope. Not in the beginning. Mainly it was because Augustus seemed so serious and withdrawn. Thankfully, as the story progressed I not only got the chance to see how good he was for Elliot but how well they complemented each other. They had great chemistry, but it was their connection that truly did it for me. I loved their interactions. Be it their flirty banter, their honest dialogue or their candid moments every single one served to showcase how their connection had grown from that first meeting.
As with all other books in the series, I enjoyed the secondary characters and what they brought to the story. It was nice to see James and Nathan again, but I admit it was Boxer and Ryan's presence that I enjoyed the most. *sigh*
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend you read the previous books (in order) if you truly want to experience Elliot's downward spiral firsthand. The author does a great job in providing the backstory but having experienced it for myself made me recognize how far Elliot had come from that initial meeting in Getting it Right.
All in all, an fantastic emotion-driven story. I don't think I could have ask for a better story for Elliot.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
I said in my review of Finding their Way that Elliot's story would be either a fantastic story or a clusterf@ck. And thank goodness is was the former with just a little bit of the latter. I loved it!
Elliot is getting himself settled in his new life after rehab. He has good days and bad ones too, but his support system is steady and ready to be there at a moment's notice--something that he both appreciates and resents. He wants to lead a 'normal' life, even when he knows he's can't go back to being the same man he was before, but his issues are many and at times overwhelming. It isn't until he meets Augustus that he starts to put his life in order and recognizes that he's much more than his issues.
Augustus is not looking to get involved, especially with his ex's boyfriend. But he can't seem to keep away from Elliot, there's just something about the broken man that draws him in. Although haunted by his guilt over his role in Elliot's situation, he knows that Elliot is the man for him and he is determined to make the best of his time with him.
What can I say? There was drama and angst and sexual tension galore--all things I've come to expect from A.M. Arthur.
I loved Elliot. He had intrigued me from the moment I met him, but getting to know him in this story truly revealed how much he has been through and how far he has come. I admired his tenacity, worried about his recovery and hoped he would finally find his happily ever after.
Did I think Augustus was the right partner for him? Er, nope. Not in the beginning. Mainly it was because Augustus seemed so serious and withdrawn. Thankfully, as the story progressed I not only got the chance to see how good he was for Elliot but how well they complemented each other. They had great chemistry, but it was their connection that truly did it for me. I loved their interactions. Be it their flirty banter, their honest dialogue or their candid moments every single one served to showcase how their connection had grown from that first meeting.
As with all other books in the series, I enjoyed the secondary characters and what they brought to the story. It was nice to see James and Nathan again, but I admit it was Boxer and Ryan's presence that I enjoyed the most. *sigh*
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend you read the previous books (in order) if you truly want to experience Elliot's downward spiral firsthand. The author does a great job in providing the backstory but having experienced it for myself made me recognize how far Elliot had come from that initial meeting in Getting it Right.
All in all, an fantastic emotion-driven story. I don't think I could have ask for a better story for Elliot.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
September 14, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
A.M. Arthur has a way of blending her series so perfectly and drawing her reader in to the story that you feel like you know her characters, like they are your friends so when something happens in their lives you feel in and man do I feel like I was sucker punched by the pairing in her latest release Taking a Chance. That's not to say that I didn't love this story but wow did she throw me for a loop and as this book played out I kept wondering if I was going to get my happily ever after at the end because I wasn't sure it was possible but I did and the characters did but not without some strife, some soul searching and some time to heal and accept that sometimes things happen for a reason and you just have to let go and believe. Complex doesn't even being to describe what unfolds in this book however it was scintillating, passionate, emotional yet it was hopeful not only for the two main characters but for their friends as well.
Hell only remotely describes the last year of Elliott Quinn's life; finding out your fiancé cheated on you, losing him in a car crash after a confrontation, falling into a pit of drinking, drugs and reckless sex, a suicide attempt and rehab that brought out even more issues Ell is trying to get his life together and get back on track. He's thankful for the friends he considers family being there for him, for Tori and Allen who have given him a place to live but it's time to find a job and get his own place but the wreck he made of his life last year isn't easy to erase and his work history and credit are keeping him from doing both but he won't let the past come back it is time to move on he just hopes when he does he'll find someone who is willing to overlook what comes with him.
Playing the "straight" half of a home-improvement team drives Auggie Rhinehart a bit nuts. After ending his 15 year old marriage because he is in fact gay and being betrayed by the only man he was ever involved with Auggie's life hasn't been a bed of roses. He loves his work and is hoping he and his design partner will be offered a contract for year three but before that they have a special project to get through for the station. Maybe once they have a new contract he can start to worry about his private life but until then he'll play the straight guy and worry about his love life later.
The first week of their new project and Auggie runs into the man he never thought he'd face, Elliott, the man whose fiancé was Auggie's first male lover and the man that betrayed them both with his lies and deceit. Auggie knows he should stay away despite the fact that he is inexplicitly drawn to him but when his standoffishness comes across and rude and Elliott confronts him he can't help but admire the man. When Auggie comforts Elliott after a rough day it becomes evident they both want more but they are both hiding secrets and while Elliott is determined to make sure Auggie knows what he's getting into Auggie can't let go of his for fear of sending Elliott in a backwards spiral. I really admired Elliott for coming clean about his past and owning up to his mistakes even knowing it might cost him the one man who's made him want to have a physical relationship again. It was easy for him and he antagonized over it but in the end he did what he needed to and that took courage something Elliott had been lacking. I understood Auggie's reasoning for deceiving Elliott even though I really didn't like it; I could understand that he was trying to do right by Elliott and it came from a good place but keeping something so big from him was an error of epic proportions. It was easy to think that these two made no sense together but when they were together whether it was something simple as taking a walk, eating dinner or even their sexy times it was more than evident that they worked. Unfortunately it wasn't always pretty.
We saw a lot of the group from the previous books in this series as well as the connected series and their lives were very much entangled in Elliott and Auggie's relationship. There were a few times I felt the relationship kind of got lost in everything else that was going on but in reality Auggie was there to support Elliott through some bad times and gave him someone who had his back unconditionally. At times I saw a bit of the selfish Elliott especially where Auggie's sexuality was concerned but that also made me realize that while Elliott is better, he's still that same person underneath. I did like that they were both there for each other during some rough spots and helped each other through them. I also appreciated that Auggie understood that when he screwed up, Elliott needed some time and distance to understand it all and he gave him that even though it was very hard on him.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
A.M. Arthur has a way of blending her series so perfectly and drawing her reader in to the story that you feel like you know her characters, like they are your friends so when something happens in their lives you feel in and man do I feel like I was sucker punched by the pairing in her latest release Taking a Chance. That's not to say that I didn't love this story but wow did she throw me for a loop and as this book played out I kept wondering if I was going to get my happily ever after at the end because I wasn't sure it was possible but I did and the characters did but not without some strife, some soul searching and some time to heal and accept that sometimes things happen for a reason and you just have to let go and believe. Complex doesn't even being to describe what unfolds in this book however it was scintillating, passionate, emotional yet it was hopeful not only for the two main characters but for their friends as well.
Hell only remotely describes the last year of Elliott Quinn's life; finding out your fiancé cheated on you, losing him in a car crash after a confrontation, falling into a pit of drinking, drugs and reckless sex, a suicide attempt and rehab that brought out even more issues Ell is trying to get his life together and get back on track. He's thankful for the friends he considers family being there for him, for Tori and Allen who have given him a place to live but it's time to find a job and get his own place but the wreck he made of his life last year isn't easy to erase and his work history and credit are keeping him from doing both but he won't let the past come back it is time to move on he just hopes when he does he'll find someone who is willing to overlook what comes with him.
Playing the "straight" half of a home-improvement team drives Auggie Rhinehart a bit nuts. After ending his 15 year old marriage because he is in fact gay and being betrayed by the only man he was ever involved with Auggie's life hasn't been a bed of roses. He loves his work and is hoping he and his design partner will be offered a contract for year three but before that they have a special project to get through for the station. Maybe once they have a new contract he can start to worry about his private life but until then he'll play the straight guy and worry about his love life later.
The first week of their new project and Auggie runs into the man he never thought he'd face, Elliott, the man whose fiancé was Auggie's first male lover and the man that betrayed them both with his lies and deceit. Auggie knows he should stay away despite the fact that he is inexplicitly drawn to him but when his standoffishness comes across and rude and Elliott confronts him he can't help but admire the man. When Auggie comforts Elliott after a rough day it becomes evident they both want more but they are both hiding secrets and while Elliott is determined to make sure Auggie knows what he's getting into Auggie can't let go of his for fear of sending Elliott in a backwards spiral. I really admired Elliott for coming clean about his past and owning up to his mistakes even knowing it might cost him the one man who's made him want to have a physical relationship again. It was easy for him and he antagonized over it but in the end he did what he needed to and that took courage something Elliott had been lacking. I understood Auggie's reasoning for deceiving Elliott even though I really didn't like it; I could understand that he was trying to do right by Elliott and it came from a good place but keeping something so big from him was an error of epic proportions. It was easy to think that these two made no sense together but when they were together whether it was something simple as taking a walk, eating dinner or even their sexy times it was more than evident that they worked. Unfortunately it wasn't always pretty.
We saw a lot of the group from the previous books in this series as well as the connected series and their lives were very much entangled in Elliott and Auggie's relationship. There were a few times I felt the relationship kind of got lost in everything else that was going on but in reality Auggie was there to support Elliott through some bad times and gave him someone who had his back unconditionally. At times I saw a bit of the selfish Elliott especially where Auggie's sexuality was concerned but that also made me realize that while Elliott is better, he's still that same person underneath. I did like that they were both there for each other during some rough spots and helped each other through them. I also appreciated that Auggie understood that when he screwed up, Elliott needed some time and distance to understand it all and he gave him that even though it was very hard on him.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 19, 2015
Love A. M. Arthur's delicious characters !! Beautiful story of love and acceptance with deep understanding. Deep characters, hot sex, and an interesting plot make this a totally worthwhile read. Augustus is part of the Restoration Duo and they've chosen a kitchen remodel as a promotion for their show. Elliott, you'll remember from the last story, has undergone major life events and is fresh out of drug rehab. He's staying with friends and will be at the house during the remodel. On the first day of work, boom!! Augustus walks in and sees Elliott, the man his ex was seeing when he died. It seems Doug was fooling around with Elliott and Augustus at the same time, but Elliott doesn't know Augustus, yet Augustus knows who Elliott is from photos he'd seen. If Auggie admits what he knows their project blows up and Elliott will be devastated again. Auggie is attracted to Elliott like no other man before him, and vice versa. Deep feelings, attraction, sizzle and fondness grows into a relationship. Auggie is afraid to tell him, and things keep happening to put off the conversation. He doesn't want Elliott to go to drugs again, or feel rejected because he's admitted to being HIV positive, etc. There is a lot going on and Augustus becomes essential in Elliott's life, as well as accepted by their extended "family". This group of friend are more devoted than any family can be. Tori's pregnant, Boxer must undergo Chemo for skin cancer, and all the while they support and care about the others immensely. Auggie's untold secret comes out and Elliott is furious to have been lied to yet again. He freaks and ends up in jail, and when they get him out, he finally tells of his first love's betrayal. These two must work this out, because their kind of love is once in a lifetime. Auggie backs off to give Elliott time to recover from the shock, and hopes he'll be forgiven. He loves Elliott with all his heart. Beautifully written tale of overcoming hurt, deception and lies, to grabbing hold of what is more important than anything, love. These men find acceptance, understanding, friendships, emotional connections, and true love.
Loved it !!! I'll be reading more of this author's books.
Amazing characters, great romance, and has you smiling. Terrific book, and I recommend it highly. ENJOY !!!
Loved it !!! I'll be reading more of this author's books.
Amazing characters, great romance, and has you smiling. Terrific book, and I recommend it highly. ENJOY !!!
September 10, 2015
I wonder if this author is secretly looking at some reviews, especially those of us who have found a couple of her novels very dark, and tough to read, because suddenly I read her books, and I am not at all tempted to hug a pillow and cry into my sheets.
Ha. We have seen Elliot the MC here, in two previous books. And the downer he has been on, had me just wanting to give him a hug! Man, it's been difficult for him - depressed, suicidal, addicted and escaping all of this with truly risky sexual behaviour, Ell now sees the repercussions of the last two grief-stricken years.
Now, to watch him come back, and find life and acceptance and know his buddies are his family, gosh, I am so glad I stuck with him.
It's an interesting decision to have Ell fall for Augustus. It's a big ask for readers to accept this pairing - Doug was cheating on them both at the same time. Too contrived? Too obvious? I don't know. I loved it.
That Auggie knew but Elli didn't meant we were heading for a big melt down. Arthur handles this really well.
It's truly not as dark as the first book. It's our present for sticking with the series, I reckon. I really liked it.
Copy provided through Netgalley, and read with thanks.
Ha. We have seen Elliot the MC here, in two previous books. And the downer he has been on, had me just wanting to give him a hug! Man, it's been difficult for him - depressed, suicidal, addicted and escaping all of this with truly risky sexual behaviour, Ell now sees the repercussions of the last two grief-stricken years.
Now, to watch him come back, and find life and acceptance and know his buddies are his family, gosh, I am so glad I stuck with him.
It's an interesting decision to have Ell fall for Augustus. It's a big ask for readers to accept this pairing - Doug was cheating on them both at the same time. Too contrived? Too obvious? I don't know. I loved it.
That Auggie knew but Elli didn't meant we were heading for a big melt down. Arthur handles this really well.
It's truly not as dark as the first book. It's our present for sticking with the series, I reckon. I really liked it.
Copy provided through Netgalley, and read with thanks.
August 6, 2015
I have no words for how much I loved this book! This whole series was so good! Elliot's book was a perfect ending to this series. The romance between these two was so sweet. There was perfect amount of angst added in too. I would definitely recommended this whole series to my friends.
ARC received from NetGalley for a honest review! Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!
ARC received from NetGalley for a honest review! Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!
could-not-finish
November 6, 201618% dnf
Although well written, this story felt like it was heading towards sappyville.
Although well written, this story felt like it was heading towards sappyville.
September 13, 2015
Tears... sad tears, happy tears, angry tears... lots and lots of tears. 4.5 stars worth of tears to be exact... *sigh*
I may be kind of late jumping on the A.M. Arthur band wagon, but I’m seriously trying to make up for lost time. As per my usual ‘jump in without looking’ approach, the first book I read by this author was Stand by You, which just happened to be the last book in her Belonging series. I knew then that she was an author that I needed to pay close attention to. I wasn’t wrong, because the Restoration series has been one of my favorites and since it has several characters in common with the Belonging series, it pretty much reinforced the fact that I need to start at the beginning of the Belonging series and continue until I’ve re-read them all through the Restoration series. These books and characters are that good.
Elliot has been the most ‘unbalanced’ character throughout this series. Not that he didn’t have his reasons. He’d been through a lot… including an intervention with his friends when they realized where he was headed. Even those closest to him didn’t know the extent of his pain. From the beginning of Taking a Chance he had turned things around, but he still had a lot to deal with and he still felt guilty for depending on his friends. Augustus was dealing with his own kind of pain. He couldn’t fight his feelings for Elliot even though he knew he should stay as far away from him as possible. I felt for him as much as I felt for Elliot. It was a disaster waiting to happen, but I couldn’t help but be as drawn in as Elliot and Augie by their connection.
Even though Taking a Chance is focused on Elliot and Augustus, the previous characters spend a fair amount of time front and center. There was a lot to deal with in Taking a Chance. What impressed me most was the ‘realness’ of it all. From what the characters were going through to the very honest feelings of a young teenage girl… none of it was sugar coated and it left me feeling more than I’ve felt from more than one character in a single book for a very long time. A lot of it is going to stick with me for a while… I kinda love it when that happens, even with the tears.
The only real complaint I have with Taking a Chance is that I’m sorry to have to say good-bye to these characters. I can’t believe the series has already come to an end, but A.M. Arthur did say in her comments at the end of Taking a Chance that readers haven’t seen the last of this family of characters.
I received Taking a Chance in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I may be kind of late jumping on the A.M. Arthur band wagon, but I’m seriously trying to make up for lost time. As per my usual ‘jump in without looking’ approach, the first book I read by this author was Stand by You, which just happened to be the last book in her Belonging series. I knew then that she was an author that I needed to pay close attention to. I wasn’t wrong, because the Restoration series has been one of my favorites and since it has several characters in common with the Belonging series, it pretty much reinforced the fact that I need to start at the beginning of the Belonging series and continue until I’ve re-read them all through the Restoration series. These books and characters are that good.
Elliot has been the most ‘unbalanced’ character throughout this series. Not that he didn’t have his reasons. He’d been through a lot… including an intervention with his friends when they realized where he was headed. Even those closest to him didn’t know the extent of his pain. From the beginning of Taking a Chance he had turned things around, but he still had a lot to deal with and he still felt guilty for depending on his friends. Augustus was dealing with his own kind of pain. He couldn’t fight his feelings for Elliot even though he knew he should stay as far away from him as possible. I felt for him as much as I felt for Elliot. It was a disaster waiting to happen, but I couldn’t help but be as drawn in as Elliot and Augie by their connection.
Even though Taking a Chance is focused on Elliot and Augustus, the previous characters spend a fair amount of time front and center. There was a lot to deal with in Taking a Chance. What impressed me most was the ‘realness’ of it all. From what the characters were going through to the very honest feelings of a young teenage girl… none of it was sugar coated and it left me feeling more than I’ve felt from more than one character in a single book for a very long time. A lot of it is going to stick with me for a while… I kinda love it when that happens, even with the tears.
The only real complaint I have with Taking a Chance is that I’m sorry to have to say good-bye to these characters. I can’t believe the series has already come to an end, but A.M. Arthur did say in her comments at the end of Taking a Chance that readers haven’t seen the last of this family of characters.
I received Taking a Chance in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 17, 2015
There are entirely too many things to list about the Restoration series that are stay away from for me. I do not read addicts, EVER. I don’t care for suicide or recovering addicts either. A.M. Arthur puts these things in her stories in a way that works for me. It fells real and often reflects what I know. Taking a Chance is the third and final book in this series. I recommend reading them in order. Elliott is introduced in Getting It Right when the family/friends corral at the hospital due to Elliott’s fiancé’s deadly car accident. Readers then get to see Elliott’s downward spiral filled with sex, drugs, and self-hate in Finding Their Way. Taking a Chance is Elliott and Augustus’s story and it’s amazing.
I love reading a hot mess. Elliott and the time in his life he is trying so desperately to come back from is exactly that. Elliott is trying to pick up the pieces, put them back together, and carry on with his life. He has an amazing network of friends that are his family behind him offering every type of support he could possibly need. The only thing he misses is his sex life, but after the disastrous relationship that destroyed his heart he’s almost positive that he isn’t missing that until he spots the construction guy Augustus.
It was just supposed to be a simple kitchen renovation job. Augustus has done them before and he’ll do them again. Nothing out of the ordinary here except that his ex’s other man is looking very sexy in the next room. The chemistry is there from the very first meeting. Auggie knows it’s a bad idea. The problem here is that the more time he spends around Elliott the more that he wants more time to spend with him, get to know him, explore that attraction (and body), and see where this can go considering it has a no where chance from the very beginning.
I could not put this book down. It is overflowing with so many emotions. The entire time I was reading this it was nail biting anxiety while I impatiently waiting for it to come out. There is an elephant in this book that can only tear the room apart once it becomes known. It was heart-wrenching and amazing and emotional.
I love reading a hot mess. Elliott and the time in his life he is trying so desperately to come back from is exactly that. Elliott is trying to pick up the pieces, put them back together, and carry on with his life. He has an amazing network of friends that are his family behind him offering every type of support he could possibly need. The only thing he misses is his sex life, but after the disastrous relationship that destroyed his heart he’s almost positive that he isn’t missing that until he spots the construction guy Augustus.
It was just supposed to be a simple kitchen renovation job. Augustus has done them before and he’ll do them again. Nothing out of the ordinary here except that his ex’s other man is looking very sexy in the next room. The chemistry is there from the very first meeting. Auggie knows it’s a bad idea. The problem here is that the more time he spends around Elliott the more that he wants more time to spend with him, get to know him, explore that attraction (and body), and see where this can go considering it has a no where chance from the very beginning.
I could not put this book down. It is overflowing with so many emotions. The entire time I was reading this it was nail biting anxiety while I impatiently waiting for it to come out. There is an elephant in this book that can only tear the room apart once it becomes known. It was heart-wrenching and amazing and emotional.
February 11, 2017
Low 3 stars - I kind of am struggling with forgiving Auggie for lying.
June 29, 2016
Egads. While the characters seem like perfectly nice people, the amount of hardship that they've gone through in their lives strains all credulity.
MC #1:
Bullied in high school
So badly beat up in senior year went to ER
first boyfriend commits suicide
Kicked out of home by religious parents
Next boyfriend cheats on him
Same boyfriend dies in auto accident
Becomes addicted to alcohol and drugs
Attempts suicide
Goes to rehab
Diagnosed with HIV
Loses job
MC #2:
Teenage gang member
Gets shot
Sister also shot
Marries a woman to deny his true sexuality
Wife has miscarriage
Divorces
First boyfriend cheats on him
First boyfriend dies in car accident
Stays in the closet
MC#2 somehow develops ability to speak with the objectivity and compassion of a professional therapist while all the while making poor decisions.
I just couldn't get on board this fantasy.
MC #1:
Bullied in high school
So badly beat up in senior year went to ER
first boyfriend commits suicide
Kicked out of home by religious parents
Next boyfriend cheats on him
Same boyfriend dies in auto accident
Becomes addicted to alcohol and drugs
Attempts suicide
Goes to rehab
Diagnosed with HIV
Loses job
MC #2:
Teenage gang member
Gets shot
Sister also shot
Marries a woman to deny his true sexuality
Wife has miscarriage
Divorces
First boyfriend cheats on him
First boyfriend dies in car accident
Stays in the closet
MC#2 somehow develops ability to speak with the objectivity and compassion of a professional therapist while all the while making poor decisions.
I just couldn't get on board this fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2015
Okay, #1 in this series was a hot mess, #2 might be in my top twenty reads of
this year and #3 is right in the middle. There were things I really enjoyed and things I had to wonder 'Why o'why?' I fell for Elliot when we first met him in a previous book? Boxer & Riley could have lived without the drama but it was great being with them again. This is what family is, it’s what you make it.
I feel AM Arthur's gift is the ability to integrate main characters from previous books into the story almost like real life interacting honestly. Oh and a special bravo to the author for using men of color, too.
this year and #3 is right in the middle. There were things I really enjoyed and things I had to wonder 'Why o'why?' I fell for Elliot when we first met him in a previous book? Boxer & Riley could have lived without the drama but it was great being with them again. This is what family is, it’s what you make it.
I feel AM Arthur's gift is the ability to integrate main characters from previous books into the story almost like real life interacting honestly. Oh and a special bravo to the author for using men of color, too.
December 9, 2015
Very nice to see Eliott heal and move on with his life. Poor Auggie - he knows his relationship with Doug is eventually cause the relationship to crash and burn but it really isn't his fault - well the keeping it a secret was - but the reasoning ,add sense at least to me. I did like that the story discusses and includes Elliott's status and how it falls into different parts of his life. Not many stories include this and it was interesting to see and something that really should be covered more often.
November 1, 2015
loved Ell and Auggie, they made a great couple, but of course their are complications. There is Ell's just being out of rehab and Auggie's guilt of what he knows about Ell's ex. It was great seeming them finding their way. good read with much emotion.
I liked that we got to catch up with the other characters from 'finding their way'
I liked that we got to catch up with the other characters from 'finding their way'
April 28, 2019
DNF at 27%
A.M. Arthur is know for her angsty stories, and I didn't really mind as long as the characters got their HEA, but I draw a line at the author's decision to inflict more pain and suffering on a character from a previous book. I'm not into torture for torture's sake.
A.M. Arthur is know for her angsty stories, and I didn't really mind as long as the characters got their HEA, but I draw a line at the author's decision to inflict more pain and suffering on a character from a previous book. I'm not into torture for torture's sake.
March 14, 2016
I was the good with the book for the first half and then after that - Elliott was just too much for me. He became a very unlikable character.
September 20, 2015
4 Heartfelt Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley
Finally Elliot's story.
"I won't tell you what to do, but I do encourage you to listen to your heart, rather than to your fear."
In the last two books we have seen the destruction of Ell, after his heartbreak from his cheating dead fiance.
Augustus (Auggie) has made a few mistakes but falling in love with a cheating bastard is one of them. Now that that bastard is dead he can't seem to process his feelings. What he does know, is that he still feels terrible for what it did to the other man.
Elliot was the living, breathing embodiment of Auggie's most
embarrassing failure. It topped marrying a woman and pretending to be straight until he was thirty-five years old. It topped keeping up the image of the straight guy in the TV partnership when half the time he
wanted to scream to the heavens that he was queer, damn it.
As fate would have it, the two men meet. What they didn't expect is to be attracted to one another. For Ell, because of his recent stint at rehab and shocking news that he was given. And for Auggie because knowing that Ell is the other man.
Making a decision, Auggie decides to go ahead with Ell, while also deciding not to tell him the truth.
"I wish I could promise I'll never do something like this again, make you feel embarrassed or hurt, but I'm human and I am deeply flawed. So if I do, please tell me so we can talk about it."
With Elliot, in the past I have loved and hated him, but here is where you get to find out all behind Ell's ways. Poor Elliot, such brutal consequences from bad life decisions. My heart goes out to Ell and his new truths and insecurities. Hopefully, Auggie can be the man to help Ell heal and move forward.
"I know you're anxious about this, Elliot. This is an entirely new game board, and you aren't sure where all of the pieces belong. It's okay to hesitate. Just don't close yourself off for good because of perceived rejection. Everyone gets rejected now and then. It's the nature of life and being human."
These two, so many secrets that are tearing them apart. Why, they both felt they should keep in secrets is beyond me, when you know only more heartache can happen if they don't tell the truth.
"I hate you for lying to me, but I also still love you. I need time to decide what I want."
The subject of serodiscordant partners is a hard topic but a good one to talk about because everyone should be able to find love.
"This is your truth, Ell. You have shared so much with me. Trusted me to know things that are intensely private. That's not something you run from. It's the kind of person you run toward."
I'm sad that this trilogy's done, but happy that there will be more books from the boys in Wilmington. Did I like this trilogy? Yes, very much. Did I like this story? Yes, very much. It was heartfelt and sweet. A.M. Arthur has quite the knack at getting to heartfelt issues within a story of so much love.
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September 5, 2017
Even though I knew that Auggie's lie by ommision was going to blow up in their faces and even though I knew this author always gives me the HEA that I NEED from a story... I still was afraid that this one was going to be the one that let me down. I have NO clue why I allowed myself to be so fearful... Ms. Arthur has never let me down and that includes this book! :D
I so wanted Elliot to have his happy ending and Augustus deserved one also... so why not let them find it together? Wonderful idea... with just one small problem... asshole Doug! grrrr
This story had my emotions all over the place and led me down a winding path till the very end... but it was VERY worth it! I look forward to seeing all the guys and now "gals" in the near future... just have to figure out where to find them! *grin*
I so wanted Elliot to have his happy ending and Augustus deserved one also... so why not let them find it together? Wonderful idea... with just one small problem... asshole Doug! grrrr
This story had my emotions all over the place and led me down a winding path till the very end... but it was VERY worth it! I look forward to seeing all the guys and now "gals" in the near future... just have to figure out where to find them! *grin*
May 4, 2017
3.5+ I'm not a big fan of the whole Big Secret plot device and it just pissed me off for the majority of this book. Poor freaking Elliott, man. So much stuff happens to him in this book, he's basically just reacting and surviving. Even though I wanted to strangle Auggie 70% of the time I enjoyed him as well. The ending was a bit rushed, would've rather seen some of the other unnecessary stuff taken out in the middle of the book and had a little bit more of an introspection on Elliott's part in the last chapter, but overall I thought it was an ok read.
May 24, 2022
PERFECTION❤❤❤
This series THE RESTORATION SERIES is my absolute favourite. All 3 books written perfectly and all have their absolute own stories. I loveeeeeeeee James and Nathan in Getting It Right❤ I love Boxer and Riley's story Finding Their Way BUT Elliott and Augustus❤❤in Taking A Chance well they blew my heart apart l loveeeeeeeeee love them so very❤❤
Thank-you A.M.Arthur for this beautiful series these boys their friends and husbands/partners were perfectly written❤❤❤❤❤❤
This series THE RESTORATION SERIES is my absolute favourite. All 3 books written perfectly and all have their absolute own stories. I loveeeeeeeee James and Nathan in Getting It Right❤ I love Boxer and Riley's story Finding Their Way BUT Elliott and Augustus❤❤in Taking A Chance well they blew my heart apart l loveeeeeeeeee love them so very❤❤
Thank-you A.M.Arthur for this beautiful series these boys their friends and husbands/partners were perfectly written❤❤❤❤❤❤
February 9, 2018
Really I would like this one,more than 2 stars.
But I am not a fan,off reading about a previous character
going trough a painful and hard time.for page time sake.
The main characters can do the job of angst and drama very nicely.
For me there was an overload on drama and angst.
to a point it was unbelievable.
it no longer was a nice read,but more how much suffering
can two mc`s take.
But I am not a fan,off reading about a previous character
going trough a painful and hard time.for page time sake.
The main characters can do the job of angst and drama very nicely.
For me there was an overload on drama and angst.
to a point it was unbelievable.
it no longer was a nice read,but more how much suffering
can two mc`s take.
March 26, 2018
Haven’t liked Elliot in any of the previous books and was hopeful I would get him or like him in his own story. I didn’t. Keeping the big secret hanging over our heads all book kept us from exploring any other parts of their story.
May 20, 2018
Sexy Read!
I really liked this romance between Augustus & Elliott. I liked premise based on pop culture, the well developed MCs, the secondary characters and the chemistry/sexy times. Well written...need to read more!
I really liked this romance between Augustus & Elliott. I liked premise based on pop culture, the well developed MCs, the secondary characters and the chemistry/sexy times. Well written...need to read more!
September 14, 2017
So many curve balls, I loved it.
August 29, 2024
We have a man who's fiancé cheated on him and he went off the deep end. The man who his ex cheated with accidently meets Elliot and realizes who he is but falls for him anyway.
October 22, 2015
The Restoration Series follows three best friends – James, Boxer, and Elliott – all finding love after experiencing some major setbacks in their lives. Each book features one of the three finding love, with the other two friends playing their own important roles in their friend’s story. Taking A Chance is Elliott’s story and, oh my goodness, does Elliott experience some heartbreaking setbacks!
Although Taking A Chance can probably stand on its own, to really experience Elliott’s full journey I really recommend starting from book one. Elliott Quinn was first introduced in Getting It Right (Restoration #1 – James’s story), when his fiancé Doug was in a coma after being in a horrible car accident. This is when Elliott first confesses finding out about his fiancé’s cheating ways shortly before the accident and where he deals with the immediate aftermath of his fiancé death – this is also when Elliott first starts self-medicating his pain with sex, drugs, and alcohol. In book two, Finding Their Way (Restoration #2), even though it is primarily Boxer’s story, glimpses are given of Elliott in the background as he begins spiraling to rock bottom – eventually leading to his suicide attempt and then entrance into rehab to get the help he needs.
All this backstory brings us to the beginning of Taking A Chance (Don’t worry too much if you haven’t read the other books, the author does a good job of catching the reader up on what’s already gone down). Elliott is fresh out of rehab and trying to get his life back on track while dealing with the aftermath of the havoc his heavy partying has had on his health. His confidence is at an all-time low and all his focus is on getting back on his feet – that is until he lays eyes on Augustus Rhinehart, the gorgeous contractor working on his friend’s kitchen renovation. The attraction goes both ways, but Augustus knows something that Elliott doesn’t – he was the other man that Elliott’s late fiancé was cheating with. It’s pretty much a recipe for disaster from the beginning – and I couldn’t look away!
After having read the other books in this series, I knew there was going to be angst from the beginning, but oh, did it get heavy. Poor Elliott. Poor Augustus. Doug really did a number on both of them, the jerk. Elliott is gun shy about making himself vulnerable to someone again, while Augustus has the terrible secret of the part he played in Doug’s betrayal of Elliott weighing heavy on his soul (which, really, wasn’t his fault at all, he had no idea that he was the “other man”). It was kind of hard watching them fall in love, knowing there was this axe hanging over their relationship – luckily I had complete faith in the author that everything would work out in the end (which it does… eventually). A.M. Arthur may liberally apply the angst, but she also writes fantastic HEA endings wrapped in big red bows – I appreciated having that assurance to fall back on, especially when it got pretty worrying there for awhile.
This book was a highly anticipated read for me – Elliott has been my favorite character in this series from the beginning – and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this whole series, and Elliot finally finding his Happily Ever After with a really great guy who treats him like the prince he is was the perfect way to bring it all full circle. A.M. Arthur is my go-to author for angsty romances with sweet endings and I can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
Although Taking A Chance can probably stand on its own, to really experience Elliott’s full journey I really recommend starting from book one. Elliott Quinn was first introduced in Getting It Right (Restoration #1 – James’s story), when his fiancé Doug was in a coma after being in a horrible car accident. This is when Elliott first confesses finding out about his fiancé’s cheating ways shortly before the accident and where he deals with the immediate aftermath of his fiancé death – this is also when Elliott first starts self-medicating his pain with sex, drugs, and alcohol. In book two, Finding Their Way (Restoration #2), even though it is primarily Boxer’s story, glimpses are given of Elliott in the background as he begins spiraling to rock bottom – eventually leading to his suicide attempt and then entrance into rehab to get the help he needs.
All this backstory brings us to the beginning of Taking A Chance (Don’t worry too much if you haven’t read the other books, the author does a good job of catching the reader up on what’s already gone down). Elliott is fresh out of rehab and trying to get his life back on track while dealing with the aftermath of the havoc his heavy partying has had on his health. His confidence is at an all-time low and all his focus is on getting back on his feet – that is until he lays eyes on Augustus Rhinehart, the gorgeous contractor working on his friend’s kitchen renovation. The attraction goes both ways, but Augustus knows something that Elliott doesn’t – he was the other man that Elliott’s late fiancé was cheating with. It’s pretty much a recipe for disaster from the beginning – and I couldn’t look away!
After having read the other books in this series, I knew there was going to be angst from the beginning, but oh, did it get heavy. Poor Elliott. Poor Augustus. Doug really did a number on both of them, the jerk. Elliott is gun shy about making himself vulnerable to someone again, while Augustus has the terrible secret of the part he played in Doug’s betrayal of Elliott weighing heavy on his soul (which, really, wasn’t his fault at all, he had no idea that he was the “other man”). It was kind of hard watching them fall in love, knowing there was this axe hanging over their relationship – luckily I had complete faith in the author that everything would work out in the end (which it does… eventually). A.M. Arthur may liberally apply the angst, but she also writes fantastic HEA endings wrapped in big red bows – I appreciated having that assurance to fall back on, especially when it got pretty worrying there for awhile.
This book was a highly anticipated read for me – Elliott has been my favorite character in this series from the beginning – and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this whole series, and Elliot finally finding his Happily Ever After with a really great guy who treats him like the prince he is was the perfect way to bring it all full circle. A.M. Arthur is my go-to author for angsty romances with sweet endings and I can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
September 14, 2015
My Review:
This has been such a good series. A.M. Arthur has become one of those authors that I simply know when I pick up her book to read that it's going to be satisfying, a bit angsty, and will provide me with hours of reading pleasure because I can't ever put her books down once I start. This book was no exception to that rule.
Elliott has been part of this series from the very beginning...and his life has been in turmoil that entire time. At the beginning of this book, he's still trying to pick up the pieces and find a new normal. Because he got kicked out of his apartment and lost his job in a big way, he's out of work and can't find another place to stay. So he's crashing with his friends at their house. Well, they are chosen by the local TV station to have their kitchen redone by Auggie and Steve...the locals who are somewhat famous for their house renovation show.
When Auggie sees Elliott, he's shocked. Auggie knows who Elliott is, but Elliott has no idea that Auggie is the man that his dead fiance was cheating with. Elliott found out about that affair the night Doug died. The thing is...Doug deceived Auggie, too. He didn't know about Elliott either. Auggie doesn't want to lie, but sees no reason to bring up the past hurt when he's only going to be around for a week. And then he realizes just how much hurt that affair brought to Elliott. Elliott's entire world crumbled in the aftermath and so much of the blame can be laid at Auggie's door, even though Auggie was a victim and was left hurt by Doug's deceptions, too. Confused? I know...but really, the book is good! AM does a much better job at explaining the ins and outs of how all this occurred.
What's important is that these two men are drawn to each other when there's every reason for them not to get involved. Reasons that Elliott is in the dark about. Yeah, you can see where this story is going. But it's such a good journey to get there. These men have such complex histories that are really so opposite one another. I loved them together. Elliott is more the life of the party type, while Auggie sits back and observes and takes in the world. But together they are awesome...just in that they really appreciates so much what the other man brings to the table in their relationship. It's wonderful to watch their trust and love grow, even as you know it's about to all come crashing down.
Another thing I love about these books is this circle of friends who have truly developed into a family. That theme is so strong in this book. We get to see lots of the friends that we've grown to love in the series all together. And then those relationships are contrasted to these two men's families. There's no comparison. It's such a good thread that underlines the story though. We don't get to choose our families, but we do get to choose who we treat as our family. Sometimes the best friends are better than anything. I love this group of friends.
This has been a FANTASTIC series and I've loved every single one of the characters in it. I would be sad to see it end, but A.M. Arthur did mention in her final note in the book, that she isn't leaving Wilmington completely behind. Whew, because I'm not ready to give them up either.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This has been such a good series. A.M. Arthur has become one of those authors that I simply know when I pick up her book to read that it's going to be satisfying, a bit angsty, and will provide me with hours of reading pleasure because I can't ever put her books down once I start. This book was no exception to that rule.
Elliott has been part of this series from the very beginning...and his life has been in turmoil that entire time. At the beginning of this book, he's still trying to pick up the pieces and find a new normal. Because he got kicked out of his apartment and lost his job in a big way, he's out of work and can't find another place to stay. So he's crashing with his friends at their house. Well, they are chosen by the local TV station to have their kitchen redone by Auggie and Steve...the locals who are somewhat famous for their house renovation show.
When Auggie sees Elliott, he's shocked. Auggie knows who Elliott is, but Elliott has no idea that Auggie is the man that his dead fiance was cheating with. Elliott found out about that affair the night Doug died. The thing is...Doug deceived Auggie, too. He didn't know about Elliott either. Auggie doesn't want to lie, but sees no reason to bring up the past hurt when he's only going to be around for a week. And then he realizes just how much hurt that affair brought to Elliott. Elliott's entire world crumbled in the aftermath and so much of the blame can be laid at Auggie's door, even though Auggie was a victim and was left hurt by Doug's deceptions, too. Confused? I know...but really, the book is good! AM does a much better job at explaining the ins and outs of how all this occurred.
What's important is that these two men are drawn to each other when there's every reason for them not to get involved. Reasons that Elliott is in the dark about. Yeah, you can see where this story is going. But it's such a good journey to get there. These men have such complex histories that are really so opposite one another. I loved them together. Elliott is more the life of the party type, while Auggie sits back and observes and takes in the world. But together they are awesome...just in that they really appreciates so much what the other man brings to the table in their relationship. It's wonderful to watch their trust and love grow, even as you know it's about to all come crashing down.
Another thing I love about these books is this circle of friends who have truly developed into a family. That theme is so strong in this book. We get to see lots of the friends that we've grown to love in the series all together. And then those relationships are contrasted to these two men's families. There's no comparison. It's such a good thread that underlines the story though. We don't get to choose our families, but we do get to choose who we treat as our family. Sometimes the best friends are better than anything. I love this group of friends.
This has been a FANTASTIC series and I've loved every single one of the characters in it. I would be sad to see it end, but A.M. Arthur did mention in her final note in the book, that she isn't leaving Wilmington completely behind. Whew, because I'm not ready to give them up either.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
Ok... there are spoilers in this review.... you thumbs downing it will not make me change it.... this is your warning to not read it, if you don't want my take on it...
so.... this one was harder for me to get into... I knew it was gonna be super angsty and Elliot has never been my favorite. I know he's had a tough time of it the last year or so, but really the majority was of his own making. Yes, he had a fiance that cheated on him and lied. It happens, who hasn't been cheated on, that doesn't give you free reign to act like an idiot and hurt people and yourself. I didn't like his non-filtered just spew anything he was thinking no matter how rude attitude, I didn't like that his disrespect towards Riley just because he hadn't been around to get to know him and how good he was for Boxer, I did feel sorry for him when he talked about being Positive, even though, that too was a consequence of his own carelessness. And I knew exactly how things were gonna go with Auggie.
Now Auggie, a gay, local t.v. personality doing renovations on people's houses, I assume kind of like that one show Extreme Makeover.... Tori and Allen get picked to get a room in their house madeover by the show and thats where Auggie meets Elliot, even though he knew who he was because, he was the affair Doug was having before he died. Doug, was Elliots fiance. Although he played them both, I can see where Elliot would think Auggie was the bad guy.... or at least, someone to shoulder the blame since Doug wasn't around anymore, I can understand him not wanting anything to do with Auggie... BUt of course, Auggie had to keep it a secret until almost the end and of course that caused a breakup. I hated how everyone went after Auggie though and I was glad at least Riley was a rationale one. I just love how Riley is with Boxer, I swear they're my favorite!
It all worked out in the end with them though, Elliot with the help of James makes him come to his senses and Auggie gave him space and time to figure out if he could forgive him for not telling him who he was from the beginning. Which he should have done. In the end, it all worked out.
I really liked Auggie, even if I did think he deserved someone lower maintenance that Elliot. BUT, love and all that.
Also with these stories having stories within the story, I worried the whole time about Boxer, I haven't made it a secret that Boxer is my favorite and him being sick worried me so much. In my heart of hearts I knew he wouldn't die or anything, but it made me sad that he and Riley were going through so much again. I love them together and I'm really really glad everything worked out for them! Reading about Boxer with baby Eliza, I would love to see Boxer and Riley get married and have lots of cute little Boxer babies!!
So, wrapping up this series, it was lots of angst, lots of pain and heartbreak but all with happy endings. Everyone is happy and healthy(ish) and together.... can't get better than that!
so.... this one was harder for me to get into... I knew it was gonna be super angsty and Elliot has never been my favorite. I know he's had a tough time of it the last year or so, but really the majority was of his own making. Yes, he had a fiance that cheated on him and lied. It happens, who hasn't been cheated on, that doesn't give you free reign to act like an idiot and hurt people and yourself. I didn't like his non-filtered just spew anything he was thinking no matter how rude attitude, I didn't like that his disrespect towards Riley just because he hadn't been around to get to know him and how good he was for Boxer, I did feel sorry for him when he talked about being Positive, even though, that too was a consequence of his own carelessness. And I knew exactly how things were gonna go with Auggie.
Now Auggie, a gay, local t.v. personality doing renovations on people's houses, I assume kind of like that one show Extreme Makeover.... Tori and Allen get picked to get a room in their house madeover by the show and thats where Auggie meets Elliot, even though he knew who he was because, he was the affair Doug was having before he died. Doug, was Elliots fiance. Although he played them both, I can see where Elliot would think Auggie was the bad guy.... or at least, someone to shoulder the blame since Doug wasn't around anymore, I can understand him not wanting anything to do with Auggie... BUt of course, Auggie had to keep it a secret until almost the end and of course that caused a breakup. I hated how everyone went after Auggie though and I was glad at least Riley was a rationale one. I just love how Riley is with Boxer, I swear they're my favorite!
It all worked out in the end with them though, Elliot with the help of James makes him come to his senses and Auggie gave him space and time to figure out if he could forgive him for not telling him who he was from the beginning. Which he should have done. In the end, it all worked out.
I really liked Auggie, even if I did think he deserved someone lower maintenance that Elliot. BUT, love and all that.
Also with these stories having stories within the story, I worried the whole time about Boxer, I haven't made it a secret that Boxer is my favorite and him being sick worried me so much. In my heart of hearts I knew he wouldn't die or anything, but it made me sad that he and Riley were going through so much again. I love them together and I'm really really glad everything worked out for them! Reading about Boxer with baby Eliza, I would love to see Boxer and Riley get married and have lots of cute little Boxer babies!!
So, wrapping up this series, it was lots of angst, lots of pain and heartbreak but all with happy endings. Everyone is happy and healthy(ish) and together.... can't get better than that!
January 26, 2016
I’m not one to usually reread a book, but after finishing this I realized that I can, and probably will be, one to reread a whole series. I got into the RESTORATION series by chance, and it has been a rough ride, an extremely emotional ride, but definitely a worthy one. This final book in the series may mark an ending of sorts, but I feel like this won’t be the last I’ll be hearing from these guys. Just like its predecessors, this one took me on an emotional roller coaster that ended up being a worthy experience.
For those who are familiar with the storyline-and I strongly suggest you read these books in order if you’re considering the series- it was obvious that this was going to be a difficult journey for Elliott and Auggie. Having unknowingly shared a man, they had a chance to finally put things to rest and move on with each other, and theirs was a beautiful story.
I liked Auggie almost immediately. He was charming and considerate almost to the point of too good to be true, but it was so subtle that I could only love him. There are many positive adjectives with which I can refer to this man but I won’t waste your time describing just how perfect-for-Elliott he was because what I really want to talk about is Elliott himself.
Up until this book, apart from anything minor, I didn’t have any connection issues with any of the heroes. But Elliott, I gotta admit, was my most challenging hero so far. This is not to say I disliked him because damn that would be a lie, but it took me more time and effort to get there, to see Elliott the way his friends and Auggie saw him. I’m not going to lie, when we met him in this book, and some parts of the previous one, he wasn’t in a good place emotionally. He was recovering, yes, but his healing still wasn’t complete. And though the two heroes shared the spotlight, for all his inner turmoil and more dependent character, Elliott was the one who truly shone in the end. Having been betrayed by the same man, Auggie was quicker into forgive and forget mode, but for Elliott it took some time and that ended up being the story. I might’ve been confused with Elliott’s dependent and clingy personality at first, but he balanced that out with his joyful energy-when he allowed it through his grief- and his boyish charm. I especially loved his inner strength the last 80 something pages, I think that was when he truly showed just how strong he could be. Despite what he’s been through and his need to be taken care of, Elliott was the perfect match for Auggie’s caring nature. And despite my initial confusion, getting to know Elliott was like gaining a new friend through and through.
Needless to say I loved this book. From its two heroes, to all the emotional turmoil. If you enjoy reading m/m romance and you wouldn’t mind serious obstacles and your heart’s strings played with, then I strongly recommend this series. It’s been a true pleasure to read these guys, and I feel much better knowing I’ll be rereading them.
For those who are familiar with the storyline-and I strongly suggest you read these books in order if you’re considering the series- it was obvious that this was going to be a difficult journey for Elliott and Auggie. Having unknowingly shared a man, they had a chance to finally put things to rest and move on with each other, and theirs was a beautiful story.
I liked Auggie almost immediately. He was charming and considerate almost to the point of too good to be true, but it was so subtle that I could only love him. There are many positive adjectives with which I can refer to this man but I won’t waste your time describing just how perfect-for-Elliott he was because what I really want to talk about is Elliott himself.
Up until this book, apart from anything minor, I didn’t have any connection issues with any of the heroes. But Elliott, I gotta admit, was my most challenging hero so far. This is not to say I disliked him because damn that would be a lie, but it took me more time and effort to get there, to see Elliott the way his friends and Auggie saw him. I’m not going to lie, when we met him in this book, and some parts of the previous one, he wasn’t in a good place emotionally. He was recovering, yes, but his healing still wasn’t complete. And though the two heroes shared the spotlight, for all his inner turmoil and more dependent character, Elliott was the one who truly shone in the end. Having been betrayed by the same man, Auggie was quicker into forgive and forget mode, but for Elliott it took some time and that ended up being the story. I might’ve been confused with Elliott’s dependent and clingy personality at first, but he balanced that out with his joyful energy-when he allowed it through his grief- and his boyish charm. I especially loved his inner strength the last 80 something pages, I think that was when he truly showed just how strong he could be. Despite what he’s been through and his need to be taken care of, Elliott was the perfect match for Auggie’s caring nature. And despite my initial confusion, getting to know Elliott was like gaining a new friend through and through.
Needless to say I loved this book. From its two heroes, to all the emotional turmoil. If you enjoy reading m/m romance and you wouldn’t mind serious obstacles and your heart’s strings played with, then I strongly recommend this series. It’s been a true pleasure to read these guys, and I feel much better knowing I’ll be rereading them.
September 22, 2015
4.5 stars
Holy crap, I love it when an author takes criticism and uses it to better the books he/she writes. This series in general has been getting better and better, but this book in particular has to be my favorite from all the books this author wrote so far. It simply hit the right spot at the exact right time, and the writing was very good, so no complaints here.
I've been looking forward to Elliot's book because as annoying as he was in the first book, he was easy to love. And of course we knew who his love interest was going to be, which had me so excited to read this book. After Elliot's lover and cheating asshole Doug passed away in a car accident, Elliot nurses his broken heart with a cocktail of different drugs and sex with strangers every night. Once he hits rock bottom, his friends drive him to a rehab center in an effort to help him get his life back. There, Elliot discovers his nights of anonymous debauchery resulted in him contracting HIV; the shame and regret are still affecting him a few months later, and his love life is non-existent.
Augustus is the man Doug cheated on Elliot with, and while both men were the victims of a cheating man and neither knew about the existence of the other, Augustus made an effort to know about Ell after Doug died. When one of Elliot's friends is the winner of Augustus's home renovation project, both men are thrown together against their will. Elliot has no idea who Augustus is, all he knows is that Augustus is seriously hot and hits every one of Elliot's buttons. His old flirtatious self comes to life again, only Augustus doesn't seem to like Elliot at all.
The attraction and chemistry between them is insane, and while they both have different reasons to stay away from each other, they decide to take a risk and give in to this genuine connection that develops between them. I loved the slow burn and the passion, and I loved how vulnerable Elliot allowed himself to be in front of Augustus. There's angst aplenty, but it wasn't overdone and it was to be expected; there's absolutely no way to deal with a sero-discordant relationship and not have some angst and heartbreak. Add to that who Elliot and Augustus are to each other, and you get an intense story, full of hope and heartbreak and angst and friendship. I loved it!
Holy crap, I love it when an author takes criticism and uses it to better the books he/she writes. This series in general has been getting better and better, but this book in particular has to be my favorite from all the books this author wrote so far. It simply hit the right spot at the exact right time, and the writing was very good, so no complaints here.
I've been looking forward to Elliot's book because as annoying as he was in the first book, he was easy to love. And of course we knew who his love interest was going to be, which had me so excited to read this book. After Elliot's lover and cheating asshole Doug passed away in a car accident, Elliot nurses his broken heart with a cocktail of different drugs and sex with strangers every night. Once he hits rock bottom, his friends drive him to a rehab center in an effort to help him get his life back. There, Elliot discovers his nights of anonymous debauchery resulted in him contracting HIV; the shame and regret are still affecting him a few months later, and his love life is non-existent.
Augustus is the man Doug cheated on Elliot with, and while both men were the victims of a cheating man and neither knew about the existence of the other, Augustus made an effort to know about Ell after Doug died. When one of Elliot's friends is the winner of Augustus's home renovation project, both men are thrown together against their will. Elliot has no idea who Augustus is, all he knows is that Augustus is seriously hot and hits every one of Elliot's buttons. His old flirtatious self comes to life again, only Augustus doesn't seem to like Elliot at all.
The attraction and chemistry between them is insane, and while they both have different reasons to stay away from each other, they decide to take a risk and give in to this genuine connection that develops between them. I loved the slow burn and the passion, and I loved how vulnerable Elliot allowed himself to be in front of Augustus. There's angst aplenty, but it wasn't overdone and it was to be expected; there's absolutely no way to deal with a sero-discordant relationship and not have some angst and heartbreak. Add to that who Elliot and Augustus are to each other, and you get an intense story, full of hope and heartbreak and angst and friendship. I loved it!
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