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A Mended Man
(The Men of Halfway House #4)
by
Detective Aidan Calloway is rock-solid strong. He's a man of justice—loyal to his friends, family, and job—even if it requires bending a law…or two. He shields himself behind an abrasive, fearless facade, until a phone call one night chips his armor and throws his perfectly planned, hollow life into a tailspin.
Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted a ...more
Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted a ...more
ebook, 382 pages
Published
April 28th 2016
by Romandeavor
(first published April 2016)
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This series is about wounded, imperfect men who find their HEA through struggle and sacrifice. The road to happily ever after is stained with blood, sweat, and tears.
But there's love. There’s always love.
What I appreciate about Jaime Reese’s books is that past trauma is never easily or magically fixed. It takes hard work and determination.
A Mended Man is not an easy read. It’s broody and sad. It begins and ends with a brutal attack, and deals with issues of abandonment, rape, and PTSD. Conte ...more
But there's love. There’s always love.
What I appreciate about Jaime Reese’s books is that past trauma is never easily or magically fixed. It takes hard work and determination.
A Mended Man is not an easy read. It’s broody and sad. It begins and ends with a brutal attack, and deals with issues of abandonment, rape, and PTSD. Conte ...more
May 22, 2016
Denise H.
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
angst,
drama,
erotic,
military,
first-time,
suspense,
contemporary,
cops,
m-m-romance,
m-m-sex
*** Deep topics, an important book, so relevant ! *** I've loved every story in this series !
*** This time it's big, tall, Aiden the cop,
( on the book cover) who has met the Halfway House men through various encounters. He's been to war, had trauma, been tortured, and is a tough, hard, closed off man, until his old friend, Jessie, needs help, having been kidnapped & held, and this time, he fought back.
Jessie
Aiden responds immediately, turns off work, and life and concentrates on Jessie's hea ...more
*** This time it's big, tall, Aiden the cop,
( on the book cover) who has met the Halfway House men through various encounters. He's been to war, had trauma, been tortured, and is a tough, hard, closed off man, until his old friend, Jessie, needs help, having been kidnapped & held, and this time, he fought back.
Jessie
Aiden responds immediately, turns off work, and life and concentrates on Jessie's hea ...more
4.5 Stars
First, I just want to say -- isn't that cover just delicious? Yum yum yum. I got to be one of the few people to actually lay eyes on that cover last year at GRL, and I actually drooled a bit. The cover still has that effect on me, actually. He makes the perfect Aidan, too. Delicious. Of all the covers in this series, this one is my favorite, hands down! Why did it take me six months to read it? I don't even know.
A Mended Man is not an easy read. Of all of the MC's in this series, I thin ...more
First, I just want to say -- isn't that cover just delicious? Yum yum yum. I got to be one of the few people to actually lay eyes on that cover last year at GRL, and I actually drooled a bit. The cover still has that effect on me, actually. He makes the perfect Aidan, too. Delicious. Of all the covers in this series, this one is my favorite, hands down! Why did it take me six months to read it? I don't even know.
A Mended Man is not an easy read. Of all of the MC's in this series, I thin ...more
This series just keeps getting better and better. Who doesn't love a damaged hero afraid to open his heart but unable to resist when it comes to the one he loves - one who also has his own terrible past to confront??
Aiden - a man with walls and defenses so impenetrable, he's pretty much closed himself off to anything beyond the superficial. He's overwhelmed by grief and guilt, and despite the fact that he can't physically will himself to engage more with Jessie, he truly thinks he doesn't deserv ...more
Aiden - a man with walls and defenses so impenetrable, he's pretty much closed himself off to anything beyond the superficial. He's overwhelmed by grief and guilt, and despite the fact that he can't physically will himself to engage more with Jessie, he truly thinks he doesn't deserv ...more
I liked the beginning, Aidan was a superstar when Jess needed him, and I liked the ending but unfortunately the middle dragged on way too much for me. I was also irritated with pivotal plot points happening off page yet drowning in waffle overload when really, cutting out a good chunk from the middle of the book would've made for a more captivating read. The story was there, and it was a good one but bloody hell, it took some work weeding it out.
Loved Jessie, Aidan worked my last nerve for most ...more
Loved Jessie, Aidan worked my last nerve for most ...more
This is book number four in this series and I have enjoyed reading ever single one of them !! This time it's Jessie and Aiden's turn...and I've been waiting for their story anxiously :)
Jessie used to be Hunter's assistent (book 2) and grouchy detective Aiden is Hunters best friend as well as Ty's brother (book 3).
These two have been sniffeling around each other for ages, so the time has finally come for them to get together.
The hardest part for me to read in this book, was the reason why, they ...more
BR with the Dutch Girls. (Susan, Wendy and Karlijn)
*4,5 stars*
Boy, did these men had to work hard for their HEA. This is the fourth book of the series The Men of Halfway House. I wanted so to read Aidan and Jessie’s story!!!
Aidan was Hunter’s (Cam’s boy-toy) best friend. We already knew he was a very troubled man. He meets Jessie as Hunter’s assistant and immediately he finds that Jessie gives him peace and keeps him grounded. But because of his past he’s afraid to commit, to even dream of havin ...more
3,5 stars
This book was different than the previous ones. As much as I loved Aidan and Jessie, this book was hard to read. It's painfully slow. Not only the romance but also the action. I felt like the same things were playing on repeat. Aidan's determination to stay back, Jessie's determination to get closer to Aidan. The beginning was pretty good. Unexpected scenes. But after a while I craved action.
The first half was really slow and if it wasn't for my determination to finish it I think I wou ...more
This book was different than the previous ones. As much as I loved Aidan and Jessie, this book was hard to read. It's painfully slow. Not only the romance but also the action. I felt like the same things were playing on repeat. Aidan's determination to stay back, Jessie's determination to get closer to Aidan. The beginning was pretty good. Unexpected scenes. But after a while I craved action.
The first half was really slow and if it wasn't for my determination to finish it I think I wou ...more
While I love this series, this book didn't engage me as much as the previous books had.
First off, the good stuff: This book was absolutely brimming with mental and emotional intimacy - steps forward and backwards, things said and left unsaid - and that part was beautiful. I loved how real the characters' struggles to tear down their walls and let someone else in felt. I loved that sometimes they didn't succeed. I loved how obviously each character tried to help their partner tear down their wal ...more
First off, the good stuff: This book was absolutely brimming with mental and emotional intimacy - steps forward and backwards, things said and left unsaid - and that part was beautiful. I loved how real the characters' struggles to tear down their walls and let someone else in felt. I loved that sometimes they didn't succeed. I loved how obviously each character tried to help their partner tear down their wal ...more
2.5 stars
This is a hard book to review. This is one of those books where my expectations went one way and the story took me another way. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it, but I think this is my least favorite of the series. While I was expecting it to become my favorite..
Yes, this book had hurt/comfort to the max, but I felt it was a bit much having first concentrated on Jessie being hurt and then Aidan who had to overcome the trauma of his past.
I felt as if Jessie healed too easily. I don’t ...more
This is a hard book to review. This is one of those books where my expectations went one way and the story took me another way. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it, but I think this is my least favorite of the series. While I was expecting it to become my favorite..
Yes, this book had hurt/comfort to the max, but I felt it was a bit much having first concentrated on Jessie being hurt and then Aidan who had to overcome the trauma of his past.
I felt as if Jessie healed too easily. I don’t ...more
Dayummmm. This was long and tragic, but beautifully hopeful. I get why it was so long, why the author took so long to get to the end. Nobody with that many internal scars is healed that quickly or easily and it was good how we were there watch them heal and grow together. But it would have flowed much better if trimmed a bit. And the whole mystery ended a bit abruptly. I was glad that part wasn't what was dragged out but it felt like it was too rushed and felt pointless to the story.
I'm so happ ...more
I'm so happ ...more
5 Stars
It’s no secret that my love for this series borders on obsessive, and as such, my expectations going into this book were extremely high.
I realised early on in my reading that Aidan and Jessie’s story was going to be very different from the story I had been hoping for all these years -- different, but luckily, still amazing. I guess I had been so focused on the eventuality of finally getting these two characters together romantically that I didn’t really consider how that was going to hap ...more
It’s no secret that my love for this series borders on obsessive, and as such, my expectations going into this book were extremely high.
I realised early on in my reading that Aidan and Jessie’s story was going to be very different from the story I had been hoping for all these years -- different, but luckily, still amazing. I guess I had been so focused on the eventuality of finally getting these two characters together romantically that I didn’t really consider how that was going to hap ...more
I'm conflicted. I loved Aidan and Jessie in the previous books and to be honest I did love them in this but I didn't love this book as much as the last one in this series and I just wasn't as invested as I was in previous books. Both Aidan and Jessie's journeys are heartbreaking and what they endure, is at times, difficult to read. At the start I was excited about the section titles because I thought that it would be a story of love but also one of healing wounds that aren't visible and while it ...more
As much as I love this series and really liked Aidan and Jessie and their individual stories, I struggled with this book. I found it frustrating and actually walked away for a bit before picking it back up again. I appreciate where the author was going with it and that the men went through a lot individually. As much as they are perfect for each other and as attached as they were, it still took so long for Aidan to open up I felt like I was reading a lot of the same thing over and over again.
I' ...more
I' ...more
Well, that was a journey. A long journey that covered SO many emotions. It was so well done though that I didn’t take any notice of the page count (or percentage count) as I read. I was way too engaged in the evolution of Aiden and Jessie to even pay attention.
I’ve been hooked on this series since Julian and Matt in A Better Man. I read that one in 2012 and reread it again and again. Julian has always had a special spot in my heart. I love strong protective characters with tough pasts. The char ...more
I’ve been hooked on this series since Julian and Matt in A Better Man. I read that one in 2012 and reread it again and again. Julian has always had a special spot in my heart. I love strong protective characters with tough pasts. The char ...more
Quick question, you know The Men of Halfway House, right? Yes...most excellent. No…ohh? Well, I’ll wait right here while you acquaint yourself. I promise you’ll thank me.
Alrighty then, I think we’re ready now. Everyone knows (and loves) Julian & Matt, Cam & Hunter and Ty & Cole and is ready for Aidan & Jessie. Do you have a favorite? I know, I know, it’s nearly impossible to choose. With the Aidan time we've had thus far, I can confidently tell you Aidan was not my favorite...or even close to t ...more
Alrighty then, I think we’re ready now. Everyone knows (and loves) Julian & Matt, Cam & Hunter and Ty & Cole and is ready for Aidan & Jessie. Do you have a favorite? I know, I know, it’s nearly impossible to choose. With the Aidan time we've had thus far, I can confidently tell you Aidan was not my favorite...or even close to t ...more
DNF @ 43%
Dissenting opinion here, but I finally give up. I got the book a few months back and have been trying to finish it since. It doesn't hold my interest at all, and it's been a few pages here and a few pages there. It's too freaking long and slow (glacial pace), and in need of tightening up. I tried because I liked the rest of the series, but can't do no more.
...more
Dissenting opinion here, but I finally give up. I got the book a few months back and have been trying to finish it since. It doesn't hold my interest at all, and it's been a few pages here and a few pages there. It's too freaking long and slow (glacial pace), and in need of tightening up. I tried because I liked the rest of the series, but can't do no more.
...more
4.5 stars from me.
***edit June 2020. Yes, a re-read in advance of A Sweet Man coming out later this month. This one isn't my fave of the series by any means, mainly cause it's so difficult to read about people being tortured and suffering from the mental consequences BUT it's very well-written. Team Calloway certainly racked up a shedload of credit with his loving behaviour towards Jessie. 😍😍😍***
There are triggers which could make some readers uncomfortable with this read, so just be forewa ...more
***edit June 2020. Yes, a re-read in advance of A Sweet Man coming out later this month. This one isn't my fave of the series by any means, mainly cause it's so difficult to read about people being tortured and suffering from the mental consequences BUT it's very well-written. Team Calloway certainly racked up a shedload of credit with his loving behaviour towards Jessie. 😍😍😍***
There are triggers which could make some readers uncomfortable with this read, so just be forewa ...more
I gave up on this series.
As much as I like hurt/comfort trope, when one of the main characters keeps rumbling I'm not good enough for you blah blah blah bullshit, it's time to put it to bloody death.
Story: 2/5
Main Characters: 2/5 ...more
As much as I like hurt/comfort trope, when one of the main characters keeps rumbling I'm not good enough for you blah blah blah bullshit, it's time to put it to bloody death.
Story: 2/5
Main Characters: 2/5 ...more
5 Stars
A Mended Man is book four in Jaime Reese's Men of Halfway House Series and is a book I have beenunpatiently waiting for now for just over a year. So when I saw an ARC come around you can be assured I greedily raised my hand and gobbled this bad boy up! Let me tell you, the wait. Worth it. I am not going to sugar coat it however there are things in this book that might be too much for some, the things that our MC's go through are horrific. So be ready for an emotional ride and also be re
...more
A Mended Man is book four in Jaime Reese's Men of Halfway House Series and is a book I have been
All the stars!
Aiden is my favorite character in this amazing series. He's a grump with asshole tendencies, but he's always sweet to HIS Jessie. TBH, there were times in the other books, I didn't like him very much.
However, when his heartbreaking past is revealed, we get to see why. He's very closed off and emotionally vacant most of the time. When he opens up...It's like seeing a rainbow for the first time. Jessie is his light and beacon of hope in his dark existence. "I know I don't say it, bu ...more
Aiden is my favorite character in this amazing series. He's a grump with asshole tendencies, but he's always sweet to HIS Jessie. TBH, there were times in the other books, I didn't like him very much.
However, when his heartbreaking past is revealed, we get to see why. He's very closed off and emotionally vacant most of the time. When he opens up...It's like seeing a rainbow for the first time. Jessie is his light and beacon of hope in his dark existence. "I know I don't say it, bu ...more
What a stunning book - this was like reading the slow build of a tsunami ! Aiden & Jesse both suffered torture, pain and nightmares that they carried through much of their lives. It kept them closed off to others and struggling to build trust or form relationships. When the beast resurfaces and almost kills Jesse, Aiden is faced with his deepest fears - how to move forward and love & protect Jesse without letting him in. Jesse is relentless in easing Aiden from his past and bringing him into the
...more
ANGST! Self Loathing! Grinding of jaws! Bad Things Happening! Pain! Hospitals! Suffering! More Self Loathing! Person an absolute mental mess with no one noticing! Who Suffers! A Lot! As does the other guy! For Different Reasons!
And it went on and on an on...until I had no sympathy for anybody.
I couldn't stand it quite frankly. I even lost interest in the crime stuff which usually keeps me reading when I lose interest in the characters.
Reading this was extremely unpleasant. ...more
And it went on and on an on...until I had no sympathy for anybody.
I couldn't stand it quite frankly. I even lost interest in the crime stuff which usually keeps me reading when I lose interest in the characters.
Reading this was extremely unpleasant. ...more
3 stars.
I swear if I didn't have to read this for a challenge, I would have DNF @40%. It was extremely too damn long. ...more
I swear if I didn't have to read this for a challenge, I would have DNF @40%. It was extremely too damn long. ...more
I love this series and was so excited when I got my hands on the next book in Jaime’s The Men of Halfway House series. As always the wait was worth it and Jaime delivers yet another stunning but very different book. You never know what you’re going to get with Jaime and this one couldn’t be more different in style to the third book if it tried. In the former book A Restored Man we were introduced to Ty and Cole, Cole your cheeky guy with a quip and superhero undies. I loved this combination as T
...more
It’s going to take me a bit but I will write a review. There should be a worldwide discussion about themes in this book and I will soapbox the fuck out of it.
This was my least favorite book in the series. The best part of the book was Cole. This book was too long and the story dragged. I wasn't the bit interested in the police case. Jessie had the patience of a saint. I would have cared more about Aidan's issues if we were given a hint about what his issues were. It was like watching paint dry how their relationship progressed.
...more
Apr 17, 2016
Mrs. Reader
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
series,
m-m,
steamy,
violence,
five-star-read,
friends-to-lovers,
hea,
dark-themes,
alpha-males-females,
bad-boy
I have been waiting for Aidan and Jessie's story for awhile and this did not disappoint. I didn't expect for Jessie's story to have the past that he had. I loved the progression of Aidan's character and their relationship. It was definitely a five star read for me.
...more
Not my favorite of the series, definitely worth the read, but after Cole's book this one just didn't move quite fast enough for me. It was rough and the beginning was stellar. Still beautiful moments and it pulled on the heart strings a few times
...more
Each and every one of the books in the ‘Men of Halfway House’ series so far has been an outstanding novel, an excellent character study, and so intense that I usually need a few days to “recover” – in the best possible way. ‘A Mended Man’ is no exception. In fact I think it is the best one yet. I knew going in that Aidan’s story would be powerful, and the blurb is a clear and truthful indication of the level of passion and suffering that both Aidan and Jesse face before they get their happy end.
...more
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I get this huge dorky grin on my face when I receive a message from someone who has taken the time to read my book. I know readers have a choice in a sea of many options. I'm humbled when someone chooses one of mine. Thank you. ~JR
About me...
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakne ...more
About me...
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakne ...more
Other books in the series
The Men of Halfway House
(7 books)
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“Pushing papers all day was not an option. A paper cut would be certain death.”
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“A few months after my mom died, he said he was tired of trying. He said he couldn't understand me or why I couldn't throw a football straight or hit a baseball farther than the baseline. He didn't understand why I loved our neighbor's shih tzu and would play with her whenever she dug her way out of her yard into ours to spend some time with me when I came home from school. He said it was a little girl's dog and that young men wouldn't play with dogs like that." He spoke distantly, as if reading a detached script, trying to avoid any emotion. He took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. "He made his feelings about me very clear when he threw me head first into the grass and I landed inches away from one of the presents she'd left in our yard I hadn't had a chance to clean up yet. He laughed and called it ironic considering I was a shitty excuse for a son," he said in a mocking deep voice. He paused again and swallowed heavily before looking over to Aidan. "He gave up on me and told me to leave. If I'm going to be honest with you, I didn't want to stay. I was terrified of becoming him.”
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