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Nobody's Home
Second chances can appear where you least expect them. An You can’t go home again—that was Nick’s motto for the past twenty years. He was a teenager when he left his abusive, mentally ill father back in Lacland, a small town in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Nick’s made a successful life for himself in New York. Then comes the call—his estranged father has killed himself. Nick flies home to a house crumbling from years of neglect, and one very fat bulldog. And a Jonas doesn’t love his job enforcing university research protocol. His passion is working with dogs, especially volunteering for his boyfriend’s behavioral studies projects. But when he discovers his so-called "life partner" is messing around, he leaps at a job offer in a small town miles away. In spite of the grief swirling around Nick and Jonas, their first meeting is electric. But Nick will be in town for only a short time and Jonas is still stinging from the betrayal. The men try to keep their distance, but that’s easier said than done, especially in a small town where misery and hope share the same address. This poignant story about two mature gay men will warm the hearts of readers who believe happy endings are within anyone's grasp. This is an author’s version of the story, originally released in 2013 from Amber Allure
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2013
109 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Dev Bentham
25 books127 followersDev Bentham believes in the transformative power of true love. She’s the author of many gay romances, including Moving in Rhythm, August Ice and the Tarnished Souls Jewish Holiday series.
Over the years, she’s lived in way too many places and had far too many jobs, but she’s finally settled in frozen northern Wisconsin where she draws on her former lives to write enduring love stories in which wonderful men find each other. Her restless feet take her globetrotting whenever she gets the chance, but most of the time she’s tucked up in her office in the woods dreaming about romance.
Over the years, she’s lived in way too many places and had far too many jobs, but she’s finally settled in frozen northern Wisconsin where she draws on her former lives to write enduring love stories in which wonderful men find each other. Her restless feet take her globetrotting whenever she gets the chance, but most of the time she’s tucked up in her office in the woods dreaming about romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 26, 2018
2,5 stars
I was looking for a short and relaxing story and I found this one on my Kindle. To be honest I can't remember when I added it but I dived into it with full force, hoping it's something light and sweet. It really isn't. Actually it's pretty sad and too slow for my taste.
Nick has to come back to his childhood town to burry his father after he committed suicide. He haven't seen him for 20 years and now he's supposed to take care of his funeral and his old house.
Jonas breaks up with his cheating boyfriend of 8 years and now he found a new job as a veterinarian.
Nick and Jonas meet. Both have dogs. Well I kind of lost interest at one point. If I wasn't the kind of reader that absolutely hates not finishing books, I think I would have DNF this one pretty fast. The beginning drags a lot. We get too many descriptions and too little dialogues. I get it, we needed their back stories, BUT enough with the descriptions.
This was a painful slow burning romance. We get hot scenes pretty close to the ending and overall I can't say it made me love the story. So I guess it was only an OK read for me.
I was looking for a short and relaxing story and I found this one on my Kindle. To be honest I can't remember when I added it but I dived into it with full force, hoping it's something light and sweet. It really isn't. Actually it's pretty sad and too slow for my taste.
Nick has to come back to his childhood town to burry his father after he committed suicide. He haven't seen him for 20 years and now he's supposed to take care of his funeral and his old house.
Jonas breaks up with his cheating boyfriend of 8 years and now he found a new job as a veterinarian.
Nick and Jonas meet. Both have dogs. Well I kind of lost interest at one point. If I wasn't the kind of reader that absolutely hates not finishing books, I think I would have DNF this one pretty fast. The beginning drags a lot. We get too many descriptions and too little dialogues. I get it, we needed their back stories, BUT enough with the descriptions.
This was a painful slow burning romance. We get hot scenes pretty close to the ending and overall I can't say it made me love the story. So I guess it was only an OK read for me.
January 22, 2018
Nada realmente destacable, pero una lectura dulce.
February 26, 2017
3.75* I liked this book but had issues and the longer I think of them the bigger those issues get.
The first half is really good, two characters facing tough times in their life and gaining canine companions. Grief, displacement came across vividly as did their attraction for each other on the night they both decide to let it all go for a time.
I think the problems were perhaps too well written, because the later half of the book was then too easy and felt a bit off balance. The adorable doggies where around throughout but despite a promising intro were remarkably well behaved and lacked personality by the end. Nick's problems were big but he suddenly seemed to have everything falling into place got busy placating Jonas's insecurities.
While I liked that they solved their own problems not reliant on the other, any bonding between them was too much off-page to feel real. For me the 'I love you' came from nowhere. And I really wanted to be cheering them on.
Every time goofy Jonas tries to protect his heart I thought of poor Mel.
And Nick, that house, where... really?
The end has a nice hopeful feel but I was left thinking this could have been a favourite when instead it didn't quite deliver. May try, or at least sample another by this author.
The first half is really good, two characters facing tough times in their life and gaining canine companions. Grief, displacement came across vividly as did their attraction for each other on the night they both decide to let it all go for a time.
I think the problems were perhaps too well written, because the later half of the book was then too easy and felt a bit off balance. The adorable doggies where around throughout but despite a promising intro were remarkably well behaved and lacked personality by the end. Nick's problems were big but he suddenly seemed to have everything falling into place got busy placating Jonas's insecurities.
While I liked that they solved their own problems not reliant on the other, any bonding between them was too much off-page to feel real. For me the 'I love you' came from nowhere. And I really wanted to be cheering them on.
Every time goofy Jonas tries to protect his heart I thought of poor Mel.
And Nick, that house, where... really?
The end has a nice hopeful feel but I was left thinking this could have been a favourite when instead it didn't quite deliver. May try, or at least sample another by this author.
October 16, 2014
Love dogs. Love reading stories about adult males who are comfortable in their gayness and just need to find the right person for them.
September 8, 2020
2.5 stars
I liked the first two thirds of the book, the writing was good and the characters and their situation interesting. Then and while I can understand where he was coming from, the way the situation progressed from there didn’t make much of a romance.
The resolution basically amounted to No, that didn’t work for me.
I’m tempted to round it up to 3 stars because I liked some parts of it and I really loved the dogs, but by the end I was skimming and by skimming I mean I was reading two or three sentences per page and I never do that, so 2 stars it is.
I’m starting to think August Ice was a fluke and this author isn’t really for me.
I liked the first two thirds of the book, the writing was good and the characters and their situation interesting. Then and while I can understand where he was coming from, the way the situation progressed from there didn’t make much of a romance.
The resolution basically amounted to No, that didn’t work for me.
I’m tempted to round it up to 3 stars because I liked some parts of it and I really loved the dogs, but by the end I was skimming and by skimming I mean I was reading two or three sentences per page and I never do that, so 2 stars it is.
I’m starting to think August Ice was a fluke and this author isn’t really for me.
November 23, 2016
Loved Nick, Jonas and the dogs.
Recommended!
January 17, 2018
A really sweet and well written love story.
Nick and Jonas are both endearing, with enough history in their past to make a bit of uncertainty believable, but not enough that them falling in love is too.
Nick and Jonas are both endearing, with enough history in their past to make a bit of uncertainty believable, but not enough that them falling in love is too.
September 22, 2019
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story with a sadder side. Nick a New York artist returns to his hometown to sort out his father’s affairs. Jonas escapes from an eight year relationship. They find each other in Lacland USA. This is a slow burn story but so, so beautiful. Dev Bentham writes amazing moving stories.
January 3, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
I never read the first edition, so I didn't know how different this one with the original Amber Allure version. In any case, Nobody's Home is a solid read that focuses on character development.
Nick came back to Lacland to deal with his father's affairs, after he committed suicide. Meanwhile Jonas was slowly getting back on his feet after he left his cheating boyfriend of eight years. Dogs brought them together (after a night of hot sex when they both were just strangers) when Nick brought his father's sick dog the the veterinarian office where Jonas worked as the new vet.
I thought Bentham balanced out the progress of both Nick and Jonas really well. I always love Bentham's writing -- she emphasis on characters and their story, rather than just sexual attraction between the men. Unfortunately, because of that, I wasn't very satisfied with how the romance progressed. I thought Nick and Jonas spent more time apart, as they tried to work things out with their own problems. I would love to see more scenes of Nick and Jonas together so I could believe in their romance.
PS: Last title read in 2016.
PSS: Thank you so much to Santa Baby from 2016 Goodreads Secret Santa Exchange who bestowed this ebook upon me.
I never read the first edition, so I didn't know how different this one with the original Amber Allure version. In any case, Nobody's Home is a solid read that focuses on character development.
Nick came back to Lacland to deal with his father's affairs, after he committed suicide. Meanwhile Jonas was slowly getting back on his feet after he left his cheating boyfriend of eight years. Dogs brought them together (after a night of hot sex when they both were just strangers) when Nick brought his father's sick dog the the veterinarian office where Jonas worked as the new vet.
I thought Bentham balanced out the progress of both Nick and Jonas really well. I always love Bentham's writing -- she emphasis on characters and their story, rather than just sexual attraction between the men. Unfortunately, because of that, I wasn't very satisfied with how the romance progressed. I thought Nick and Jonas spent more time apart, as they tried to work things out with their own problems. I would love to see more scenes of Nick and Jonas together so I could believe in their romance.
PS: Last title read in 2016.
PSS: Thank you so much to Santa Baby from 2016 Goodreads Secret Santa Exchange who bestowed this ebook upon me.
January 29, 2016
I enjoyed about two thirds of the book. The main characters were sympathetic, their problems deep, and the dogs, the dogs were love. Then... it went down for me in a big way.
January 6, 2014
Wow that was intense!
In the beginning the atmosphere of grief and despair was really palpable, I even had to stop reading a couple of times, because I couldn't handle so much depression at once. But it was all so real and beautifully written I had to continue. So happy the guys found solace in each other, that part was realistic and beautiful. I won't even mention how adorable all the dogs were <3
Superbly written wonderful story, highly recommending it!
In the beginning the atmosphere of grief and despair was really palpable, I even had to stop reading a couple of times, because I couldn't handle so much depression at once. But it was all so real and beautifully written I had to continue. So happy the guys found solace in each other, that part was realistic and beautiful. I won't even mention how adorable all the dogs were <3
Superbly written wonderful story, highly recommending it!
September 28, 2019
Low-key romance
The characterization was good but the romance aspect was too insubstantial. Jonas and Nick have a couple of quick encounters right away, then Jonas backs off and some months go by. There was so little development of them as a couple until suddenly they’re in love and together. The dogs are sweet, Nick’s struggle to understand his father added pathos and overall it was a decent read.
The characterization was good but the romance aspect was too insubstantial. Jonas and Nick have a couple of quick encounters right away, then Jonas backs off and some months go by. There was so little development of them as a couple until suddenly they’re in love and together. The dogs are sweet, Nick’s struggle to understand his father added pathos and overall it was a decent read.
February 19, 2017
Als Teenager hat Nick gemeinsam mit seiner Mutter den Vater verlassen und kehrte der Heimat für immer den Rücken zu. Doch jetzt ist sein Vater tot und Nick soll die Hinterlassenschaft ordnen und das Begräbnis organisieren. Nie wieder wollte er zurück und doch stellt er sich diesen Herausforderungen. Seit Jahren lebt Nick in New York, arbeitet dort als Maler und hat sich irgendwie eingerichtet. Doch die Konfrontation mit dem wirren Leben seines geistig zerrütteten Vater und dem Chaos überfordern ihn.
Zur gleichen Zeit verschlägt es Jonas in die kleine Stadt in Wisconsin. Frisch getrennt von seinem betrügerischen Freund, mit dem er acht Jahre zusammen war. Verletzt und verloren und auch noch mit einem Hand aus einem Labor, flieht er von seinem Universitätsalltag und sucht nach einem Neuanfang.
Zwei Männer, die eben etwas verloren haben und sich auf einer emotionalen Achterbahnfahrt befinden.
Man sieht sich immer zwei Mal im Leben. Das müssen auch Jonas und Nick erfahren. Zum ersten Mal begegnen sie sich in einem Club, es folgt eine kurze, sexuelle Interaktion. Doch bei ihrem nächsten Zusammentreffen ist Jonas' Geschick als Tierarzt gefordert, denn der Hund von Nicks Vater ist in Schwierigkeiten und droht zu sterben.
Durch Lady treffen sie auch immer wieder aufeinander und außerdem ist Nickt mit der Frau von Jonas' neuem Chef befreundet. Bentham beschreibt wirklich gut, wie sich die Spannung zwischen den beiden Helden aufbaut. Jonas ist verletzlich und ist nicht bereit für Nick. Weder für ein Abenteuer, noch für mehr. Und Nick wird ja nicht bleiben. Sein Leben spielt sich in New York ab.
Aber tut es das wirklich? Nick will nur weg aus Wisconsin, fühlt sich aber dem Hund seines Vaters verpflichtet und je länger er in der Stadt seiner Kindheit bleibt, desto mehr erfährt er von dem tragischen Leben des Vaters. Und da ist auch noch Jonas, der ihn fasziniert und zu dem er sich hingezogen fühlt. Nick hat keine Erfahrungen mit Beziehungen, doch immer wieder zieht es ihn zu Jonas, mit dem ihn schon bald eine enge Freundschaft verbinden wird.
Ein Buch, das mich wirklich überrascht hat. Ich hatte es schon länger auf dem Schirm und dann bei einer 0.99 Cent-Aktion zugeschlagen. Aber ich denke, dass ich mehr von der Autorin lesen möchte. Der Plot ist sehr gut durchdacht und die Autorin gibt ihren Helden auch Zeit zu heilen, sich selbst zu finden und am Ende die Courage aufzubringen einen Neuanfang zu wagen.
Die sexuelle Spannung, das Interesse, die wachsenden Gefühle ziehen sich wie ein roter Faden durch die Geschichte und es war wirklich schön zu lesen, wie sie immer mehr zusammenwachsen. Sich ihren Ängsten und Bedürfnissen stellen und auch lernen Kompromisse einzugehen.
Zur gleichen Zeit verschlägt es Jonas in die kleine Stadt in Wisconsin. Frisch getrennt von seinem betrügerischen Freund, mit dem er acht Jahre zusammen war. Verletzt und verloren und auch noch mit einem Hand aus einem Labor, flieht er von seinem Universitätsalltag und sucht nach einem Neuanfang.
Zwei Männer, die eben etwas verloren haben und sich auf einer emotionalen Achterbahnfahrt befinden.
Man sieht sich immer zwei Mal im Leben. Das müssen auch Jonas und Nick erfahren. Zum ersten Mal begegnen sie sich in einem Club, es folgt eine kurze, sexuelle Interaktion. Doch bei ihrem nächsten Zusammentreffen ist Jonas' Geschick als Tierarzt gefordert, denn der Hund von Nicks Vater ist in Schwierigkeiten und droht zu sterben.
Durch Lady treffen sie auch immer wieder aufeinander und außerdem ist Nickt mit der Frau von Jonas' neuem Chef befreundet. Bentham beschreibt wirklich gut, wie sich die Spannung zwischen den beiden Helden aufbaut. Jonas ist verletzlich und ist nicht bereit für Nick. Weder für ein Abenteuer, noch für mehr. Und Nick wird ja nicht bleiben. Sein Leben spielt sich in New York ab.
Aber tut es das wirklich? Nick will nur weg aus Wisconsin, fühlt sich aber dem Hund seines Vaters verpflichtet und je länger er in der Stadt seiner Kindheit bleibt, desto mehr erfährt er von dem tragischen Leben des Vaters. Und da ist auch noch Jonas, der ihn fasziniert und zu dem er sich hingezogen fühlt. Nick hat keine Erfahrungen mit Beziehungen, doch immer wieder zieht es ihn zu Jonas, mit dem ihn schon bald eine enge Freundschaft verbinden wird.
Ein Buch, das mich wirklich überrascht hat. Ich hatte es schon länger auf dem Schirm und dann bei einer 0.99 Cent-Aktion zugeschlagen. Aber ich denke, dass ich mehr von der Autorin lesen möchte. Der Plot ist sehr gut durchdacht und die Autorin gibt ihren Helden auch Zeit zu heilen, sich selbst zu finden und am Ende die Courage aufzubringen einen Neuanfang zu wagen.
Die sexuelle Spannung, das Interesse, die wachsenden Gefühle ziehen sich wie ein roter Faden durch die Geschichte und es war wirklich schön zu lesen, wie sie immer mehr zusammenwachsen. Sich ihren Ängsten und Bedürfnissen stellen und auch lernen Kompromisse einzugehen.
February 27, 2017
Thanks for the one-day, free copy deal from the author, I really enjoyed Dev Bentham's Nobody's Home, a sweet M/M romance with a HEA filled with love and dogs and more love and more dogs. 3.5 out of 5.
February 21, 2017
This book was lovely!
January 24, 2014
3.5
There's a sense of sadness throughout this story that could have been overpowering IF it weren't for the fact that you grow to love these heroes and are rooting for their happily-ever-after. My only regret is that Fenton, Jonas' ex, didn't get his comeuppance. I wanted him bloodied, drawn and quartered - dammit, at least the dog should have pissed on him. I loathed him.
There's a sense of sadness throughout this story that could have been overpowering IF it weren't for the fact that you grow to love these heroes and are rooting for their happily-ever-after. My only regret is that Fenton, Jonas' ex, didn't get his comeuppance. I wanted him bloodied, drawn and quartered - dammit, at least the dog should have pissed on him. I loathed him.
February 20, 2017
Nick hasn't seen his hometown in 20 years and he never planned to make the trek back, but life has a way of making you do things you never wanted to do. He now has to face going home and somehow find closure with a dead man. With no allies left in the town, Nick has a hard task ahead of him.
Jonas has been living his life in the status quo until he is dealt a life-changing blow. Without a lot of options, he hits the road and finds himself in a small, picturesque town that is offering him a chance to do what he became a vet to do. Fresh from a breakup, he isn't ready or willing to leap into anything new, but a little chemistry can go a long way.
They (and the dogs!) may just what each other needed when they least expected to find it.
This is the definition of slow. I don't think the two guys meet until Chapter 7 or 8, but they are fairly quick moving chapters with lots of life changes so it doesn't feel like a long time. I wish there had been more time spent with the two of them together on the page. Toward the latter part of the book there are some time jumps and references to Jonas and Nick's friendship developing, but actually witnessing it and sharing the experience with them would have made this a 5-star book.
Though I enjoyed getting to know Nick and Jonas, and I would not say no to a glimpse into their life today, due to the quick ending and the off page development of their friendship, I will leave this as a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I do have 1 question...how did Nick get the washing machine issue resolved?
Jonas has been living his life in the status quo until he is dealt a life-changing blow. Without a lot of options, he hits the road and finds himself in a small, picturesque town that is offering him a chance to do what he became a vet to do. Fresh from a breakup, he isn't ready or willing to leap into anything new, but a little chemistry can go a long way.
They (and the dogs!) may just what each other needed when they least expected to find it.
This is the definition of slow. I don't think the two guys meet until Chapter 7 or 8, but they are fairly quick moving chapters with lots of life changes so it doesn't feel like a long time. I wish there had been more time spent with the two of them together on the page. Toward the latter part of the book there are some time jumps and references to Jonas and Nick's friendship developing, but actually witnessing it and sharing the experience with them would have made this a 5-star book.
Though I enjoyed getting to know Nick and Jonas, and I would not say no to a glimpse into their life today, due to the quick ending and the off page development of their friendship, I will leave this as a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I do have 1 question...how did Nick get the washing machine issue resolved?
January 5, 2018
Sweet!
This was kinda sweet, especially how the two of them got together, really got together, and not just hooking up. But it was kinda sad because of Nick’s dad but it was actually very interesting to unravel the father Nick never really knew. And I ended up feeling so sorry for the old man.
I love the parts about the dogs. I think they stole the show a few times!
I like that this story was relatively low drama. And even when there were flares, it was put out pretty quickly and maturely. I personally really, really like Nick’s character. For an artist, he wasn’t dramatic or emotional. More level headed and mature than Jonas!
All in all, a satisfying 4-star read for me! =]
This was kinda sweet, especially how the two of them got together, really got together, and not just hooking up. But it was kinda sad because of Nick’s dad but it was actually very interesting to unravel the father Nick never really knew. And I ended up feeling so sorry for the old man.
I love the parts about the dogs. I think they stole the show a few times!
I like that this story was relatively low drama. And even when there were flares, it was put out pretty quickly and maturely. I personally really, really like Nick’s character. For an artist, he wasn’t dramatic or emotional. More level headed and mature than Jonas!
All in all, a satisfying 4-star read for me! =]
March 31, 2017
4 1/2 stars. Great book. The writing is well done, and there is a realism to it that was refreshing. The characters were fleshed out well, and I loved the dogs. I did feel the ending was slightly rushed, but the HEA was satisfying. I definitely recommend this one.
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January 26, 20212.5 stars
January 30, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Nobody’s Home is a story of two men who are struggling to find themselves amidst a bad time in their lives, each of whom finds their way unexpectedly in this small town and with each other. Nick’s story is particularly heartbreaking, as he has been estranged from his father for years. He starts off resenting, or at least indifferent to, his dad, but over time comes to recognize not only his father’s severe illness but also how much his father truly cared about him. What he faces when he returns to his childhood home is truly horrible. The place is a mess beyond imagination and the idea of tackling clearing the junk and cleaning the decay is overwhelming. Betham really makes his pain palpable as a man who is forced to return home to face some of his demons. I enjoyed seeing how Nick heals as he goes through his father’s life, reconnects with old friends, and gets that spark back that inspires him to paint once again. He is a sympathetic character and I really enjoyed his emotional journey.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Nobody’s Home is a story of two men who are struggling to find themselves amidst a bad time in their lives, each of whom finds their way unexpectedly in this small town and with each other. Nick’s story is particularly heartbreaking, as he has been estranged from his father for years. He starts off resenting, or at least indifferent to, his dad, but over time comes to recognize not only his father’s severe illness but also how much his father truly cared about him. What he faces when he returns to his childhood home is truly horrible. The place is a mess beyond imagination and the idea of tackling clearing the junk and cleaning the decay is overwhelming. Betham really makes his pain palpable as a man who is forced to return home to face some of his demons. I enjoyed seeing how Nick heals as he goes through his father’s life, reconnects with old friends, and gets that spark back that inspires him to paint once again. He is a sympathetic character and I really enjoyed his emotional journey.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
October 21, 2014
A quiet, emotionally satisfying read, heavy on character development with a good balance of sad and sweet(puppies!).
Dev Bentham has a lovely writing style- there's an effortlessness to it and her characters feel real, are flawed and vulnerable and genuine. I loved watching Nick and Jonas do the slow burn dance.
Not quite as good as
but really enjoyable just the same.
Recommended!
Dev Bentham has a lovely writing style- there's an effortlessness to it and her characters feel real, are flawed and vulnerable and genuine. I loved watching Nick and Jonas do the slow burn dance.
Not quite as good as
but really enjoyable just the same. Recommended!
August 6, 2016
Overall, it was a very nice read. The thing that prevented me from rating it higher was that if you remove the dogs and the house, all that's left is a little of romance. Since I'm not much of a pet person and the romance left me wanting more, I didn't enjoy it as much as the author's previous works. All personal preferences aside, I still think that this is a great book and I definitely recommend taking a chance on it.
January 20, 2014
Slow, sweet and just about perfect. This is a quiet little romance gem. The meet-cute doesn't happen right off the bat so if you aren't a fan of that structure, this one might not work as well for you. For me though, I love it when an author takes a gamble on character development and it pays off so well for both Nick and Jonas. The countdown to when their worlds collide is well worth it! Hot. Sweet. And an auto-buy author for me. Bentham never disappoints.
March 7, 2017
3.9 Stars
I tend to read books that are some combination of fluffy, angsty, hot, weird, mysterious and action-packed. This? Is not really any of that. It's a peaceful & kind read with only the barest of dramatic circumstances. Unfortunately, given my recent history, that also made it kind of boring. I think I might read it again to see if different circumstances influence my rating.
I tend to read books that are some combination of fluffy, angsty, hot, weird, mysterious and action-packed. This? Is not really any of that. It's a peaceful & kind read with only the barest of dramatic circumstances. Unfortunately, given my recent history, that also made it kind of boring. I think I might read it again to see if different circumstances influence my rating.
December 10, 2013
Please see my complete review of this delightful book at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Favorite quote: “I guess you weren’t much of a father to me, but then I wasn’t much of a son, either. Let’s hope there’s reincarnation so we can try again.”
Favorite quote: “I guess you weren’t much of a father to me, but then I wasn’t much of a son, either. Let’s hope there’s reincarnation so we can try again.”
April 5, 2014
What a powerful story filled with grief, hope, and renewal. Nick and Jonas meet at the same moment when both of their lives are going through a transformation. Their relationship is slow building but very sweet and heartfelt. A wonderful down-to-earth romance. I really enjoyed this!
February 22, 2017
I loved the slow build of this relationship and the changes they each went through to get where they needed to be to be together.
August 1, 2014
I'm new to this author and I really liked this story, the writing, the characters. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 23, 2017
In Nobody’s Home Dev Betham joins two men who have been gutted when learning their lives weren’t as they appeared. This gentle, thorough character study depicts resilience at its best as readers watch them grow and grow up.
A successful artist, Nick has hit a creative dry streak. His dad’s suicide, one of many wrecks his father inflicted, forces a return to the town he ran from 20 years ago as a boy.
Jonas, who works as a veterinarian in his lover’s research lab, loses his work and home when he realizes his partner is unfaithful. Absconding with a research dog, he answers an ad to become a small-town Vet. There he finds Nick, nursing his dad’s pooch.
But, after a quick heated encounter, Jonas realizes Nick is leaving town quickly, and firmly sets limits. Can these two men nurture a friendship so they can concentrate on healing themselves?
Nobody’s Home has many admirable features. First, Ms. Bentham doesn’t pander to the “love and sex heals all” paradigm. Instead she creates equal interest in Nick and Jonas’s burgeoning careers and their relationships with their pets. When they develop a bond, it is that of two self-sufficient adults, finally learning what pleases them, before they attempt to please each other.
Secondly, Bentham shows growth through every day occurrences:
“’Morning little squirrel.’ It raised its head at the sound of Nick’s voice. With its tiny ears and squished face, it really did look like a tailless squirrel. Nick stroked a finger across the silky fur of the pup’s back. It was nice to have someone be happy to hear him. No wonder his father had taken to raising dogs.”
And finally, Bentham exquisitely portrays emotions through images, and images through words:
“Nick stared at a length of rope on the stairs. The bulk of it lay in a jumble on the third step while the rest trailed down to the foot of the stairs, the end coiling on top of a heap of handwritten papers. He looked up. A large shiny eye-bolt sat in the middle of the dark ceiling. How long had his father been planning his death?”
“They stayed still and the room filled with the feeling of Jonas’s heart cracking open, and the sound of Nick’s breath and the feel of Jonas’s defenses dissolving a little more each time Nick exhaled-in and out and in and out.”
To be able to capture the horror of a suicide’s aftermath, and love’s bloom - with equal realism - Dev Bentham is a gifted author. If you want a grown-up read, with mature characters, you’ll be pleased with Nobody's Home.
A successful artist, Nick has hit a creative dry streak. His dad’s suicide, one of many wrecks his father inflicted, forces a return to the town he ran from 20 years ago as a boy.
Jonas, who works as a veterinarian in his lover’s research lab, loses his work and home when he realizes his partner is unfaithful. Absconding with a research dog, he answers an ad to become a small-town Vet. There he finds Nick, nursing his dad’s pooch.
But, after a quick heated encounter, Jonas realizes Nick is leaving town quickly, and firmly sets limits. Can these two men nurture a friendship so they can concentrate on healing themselves?
Nobody’s Home has many admirable features. First, Ms. Bentham doesn’t pander to the “love and sex heals all” paradigm. Instead she creates equal interest in Nick and Jonas’s burgeoning careers and their relationships with their pets. When they develop a bond, it is that of two self-sufficient adults, finally learning what pleases them, before they attempt to please each other.
Secondly, Bentham shows growth through every day occurrences:
“’Morning little squirrel.’ It raised its head at the sound of Nick’s voice. With its tiny ears and squished face, it really did look like a tailless squirrel. Nick stroked a finger across the silky fur of the pup’s back. It was nice to have someone be happy to hear him. No wonder his father had taken to raising dogs.”
And finally, Bentham exquisitely portrays emotions through images, and images through words:
“Nick stared at a length of rope on the stairs. The bulk of it lay in a jumble on the third step while the rest trailed down to the foot of the stairs, the end coiling on top of a heap of handwritten papers. He looked up. A large shiny eye-bolt sat in the middle of the dark ceiling. How long had his father been planning his death?”
“They stayed still and the room filled with the feeling of Jonas’s heart cracking open, and the sound of Nick’s breath and the feel of Jonas’s defenses dissolving a little more each time Nick exhaled-in and out and in and out.”
To be able to capture the horror of a suicide’s aftermath, and love’s bloom - with equal realism - Dev Bentham is a gifted author. If you want a grown-up read, with mature characters, you’ll be pleased with Nobody's Home.
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