Adding it Up

By the Numbers #2

by Chris Owen, Tory Temple

2nd Edition

Sequel to By the Numbers

Dogs, a young daughter, and shift work make for an unpredictable and never boring life for new couple Deuce and Trey. Trey is keeping his ex-wife out of their hair, but Deuce is determined to forge a truce between them all. Trey is vehemently opposed to a friendship between Deuce and Holly—she’s the last person Trey wants more interaction with. Deuce persists, however, and tensions between them could spell the end of their relationship.

They’ll have to find a way to make it all add up again—or lose everything.

First Edition of Adding it Up--By the Numbers II published by Torquere Press, 2013.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Firefighters, Amazon, Gay, Short Stories

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

I live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Jan. 2017 - Loved!



This was such a pleasant surprise sequel to the 2011 book By the Numbers, one of my favorite M/M romance books. I gobbled it right up when I saw it on Amazon.com. I loved revisiting these sweet boys!

The sequel is set 6 months after the end of the first book and we find our boys working on coordinating their schedules to maximize their time together and the time they spend with MC Trey's seven year old daughter Lacey. We watch as they hit some roadblocks and deal with Trey's ex-wife, Holly, while trying to put each other first in their lives. It doesn't always work out that way, so we do get some lover's quarrels. But, as far as I'm concerned, it was all good, low level angst, and just turned up the heat in this relationship. I love these boys and really appreciated the authors writing another chapter in their story. I hope we get more! I'd love to see Lacey as a bridesmaid. *giggle*

Highly recommended after reading By the Numbers, which I absolutely recommend for any and all M/M romance fans.

Advanced review copy of Adding it Up provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

[Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a HOTT yet cute little follow up to By The Numbers.

We get to see how the guys are getting on, Lacey is definitely still around and Q, Pi & Six are as rowdy as ever! lol.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adding it Up is the sequel to By The Numbers by Chris Owens and Tory Temple. I thought the first go around was a nice, simple, sweet, quite love story and I think this is a really sweet, successful round up of the story. Trey & Deuce continue to work out life's ins and outs, dos and don'ts around Trey's daughter and ex-wife and Deuce's father...and the pups. I really have no complaint. The book gave me what I wanted and needed. My only quibble was the epilogue. I’ve always felt Chris Owens has a hard time ending books and it was evident here. Also the cover of book one and book two have different breeds of dog. That's kind of annoying since the dogs play a major part in the story. That kind of thing makes me crazy.

[Chutchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a pleasant surprise! I had no idea there was going to be another one. The story got sewn up pretty well, really loved all the characters! Even, ahem, Holly.

[Stella ╰☆╮╰☆╮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Review coming soon

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting to know firefighter Trey and Deuce, the man with a pregnant dog whom Trey rescues, in ‘Adding it Up’, I really wanted to know how their beginning relationship would develop. There were a few potential stumbling blocks for them – mainly Trey’s ex-wife, Holly – and I was pretty sure there’d be some fireworks as they get to know each other better. And, as ‘By the Numbers’ shows, I was right!

Deuce and Trey continue to be great characters in this second book, and getting to know them better as they deepen their relationship was wonderful. The added dimension of Trey's ex-wife Holly and her effect on Trey and Deuce was fascinating, because her attitude changes over time and causes a whole new range of issues for both men. Lacey and her seven-year-old worries and expectations also challenge Deuce and Trey, but on a less fundamental level.

Deuce is a quiet guy, a computer nerd who takes life's "disasters" as they come. Whether those are puppy-caused (I loved those scenes!) or due to Trey's somewhat weird issues when Deuce tries to become friends with Holly - for Lacey's sake - Deuce seems to have an inexhaustible reservoir of patience. So when he loses it and leaves, the moment is very powerful.

Trey has some odd reactions to Holly and Deuce getting on well - until it becomes clear he is reacting out of fear. Holly has chased away two men he was interested in before, and Trey is terrified it will happen again. He has to learn to trust Deuce on a whole new level, and he also has to deal with some open wounds left by the divorce.

All of the above makes for some very real conflict and challenges both Trey and Deuce to grow in new direction. This second "relationship adventure” is full of conflict and dram on all levels, and makes for excellent reading. The development of their relationship is realistically difficult at times. Deuce has to deal with the unpredictability of Trey's shifts, both men face a lack of "alone time", and Trey has to face the fact that Holly may have changed - he just cannot believe it. His way of ultimately dealing with it shows a lot of growth on his part.

If you like romances where established couples have to learn to deal with day-to-day life, if you enjoy watching a newly formed family come together, and if you’re looking for a read that is realistic, yet entertaining and very sweet, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

[Katharina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice add-on to By The Numbers. Nothing particularly exciting and all in all rather substance-less, to be honest. But still... it's good to see how Trey and Deuce are doing and how things with Holly play out. It isn't an easy situation with Lacey and hurt feelings between Trey and Holly in the mix, and seeing them struggle through it might just have made their HEA a little bit more of a fixture in my mind.
So while this story wasn't exactly needed, it wasn't a waste of time either.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome sequel! Deuce and Trey run into obstacles as Deuce becomes a bigger part of the family unit. Holly is subtle but packs a punch and Trey is terrified she will convince Deuce to somehow leave Trey. But Trey needn't worry...Deuce is so much better than that. Lover's quarrels, makeup sex, makeup BJs, makeup handjobs in the kitchen. Bbqs with coworkers, Lacey & glitter paints, Nate sr. This book was a great sequel to By the numbers. And let's face it, hot firefighter, Deuce and his geek talk, and those dogs! Omg!

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked By the Numbers, you’ll enjoy Adding it Up.

What made this an enjoyable read: the characters were more fully developed and I loved those touches of reality that occur after the HEA of By the Numbers.

You can read Kim's full review at The Novel Approach

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet follow up to the first book! I liked that Holly was more likable in this one, and I really liked all three of them getting along for Lacey's sake. Sweet story, definitely could read more about these guys and their adorable dogs!

[Alina]

I disliked Holly so much in the first book, I sure don't want more of her or one of the guys trying to be friends with her. Still I loved the first book, so I'm going to give this one a try.

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked both books, this was a very nice, fitting epilogue. Although the conflict felt a bit far-fetched, like not really substantial.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

re-read for tower teams IV @NBRC

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Adding it Up
Author: Chris Owen and Tory Temple
Series: By the Numbers
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: May 3, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 110 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

2nd Edition

Sequel to By the Numbers

Dogs, a young daughter, and shift work make for an unpredictable and never boring life for new couple Deuce and Trey. Trey is keeping his ex-wife out of their hair, but Deuce is determined to forge a truce between them all. Trey is vehemently opposed to a friendship between Deuce and Holly—she’s the last person Trey wants more interaction with. Deuce persists, however, and tensions between them could spell the end of their relationship.

They’ll have to find a way to make it all add up again—or lose everything.

First Edition of Adding it Up--By the Numbers II published by Torquere Press, 2013.

Review:
This is the second book in the By The Numbers series. I really enjoyed the first book, By the Numbers and if you plan on reading this book, I would suggest that you read the first book. That being said, this book continues with the hectic life of Deuce and Trey. The couple seems to be hitting a few bumps in the road. Most of it stems from Trey’s insecurities and his relationship with his ex-wife, Holly. Deuce is trying to make things better and easier for Trey and Holly to co-parent their adorable, scene-stealing daughter. Trey may prove to be more of the problem than his ex-wife. There is nothing wrong with the chemistry between Trey and Deuce. As in the first book these two could probably start a fire between the sheets. This is a pretty short book with just a little too much doubt for one of my favorite couples. The ending was worth getting there. I really enjoyed these two in the first book. The combination of a geeky programmer, hot firefighter, puppies and an adorable little girl is a pretty good setting. Somehow this second book seemed a little forced.

PLOT: 3 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3 Stars



Review Copy of Adding it Up provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first one. We got a peek at the mundane details of life in the household, which was nice. But, I felt like there were things that were missing or not fully explored.

For one thing, at the end of the previous book, they hadn't told Trey's daughter that they were officially dating yet. I would've loved to have heard about her reaction or non-reaction.

For another, I actually really felt sympathy for Holly in the first book and even more in this one. I ended up wanting to hear more about her and see her get some kind of happy ending or at least gain a new friend. Instead, I was left still feeling sorry for her; her loneliness was palpable. In the first book we learned that her family blamed her for the breakup of her marriage. In this book, we learned that she didn't know about Trey's sexuality until after she had already had a child with him. And the one peek we get into her perspective makes it clear that she struggles with being a single mom most of the time. At the end of the book, it didn't seem like Deuce was going to end up being friends with her, so she was left still very much alone and sad that she doesn't have a partner like Trey does. I really felt bad for her, despite mistakes she may have made. And I do not buy Trey's assertion that she "made" two boyfriends break up with him. You can't "make" someone do that! She may have said things that were not cool, but I didn't like how Trey blamed the breakups entirely on her. Anyway, I felt like there was a lot more to that story and I was bummed we didn't get to see it. It would make a great third book or stand-alone!

If you liked the previous book and this one, I suggest The Cop and the Geek, another story about an emergency services professional who has a kid and falls for a "geek."

[Avid Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adding it Up (By the Numbers #2) by Chris Owen
3 stars
M/M Family *one character does identify as confused*
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is the first book that I've read in the series. I never felt that I was missing anything though, so I don't think it's necessary to read book 1.

Trey and Deuce have been in a relationship for a while. They seem happy, but there is this underlying tension throughout the story. While they don't have amazing chemistry - they seem almost like roommates throughout this story.

Trey has a past and with that past comes along a daughter, Lacey. She's sweet and funny, loves Deuce and her parents.

Then you have Holly. She was hard for me to like throughout this story. She was immature, petty and unable to get past her past with Trey. If anything, it would be him who would be upset that she was being such an unruly person. It's not like Trey married her for her money.

Overall, this story seemed to be more about those dang dogs. We see the main characters have some communication issues, but overall, this was just a ho-hum story about learning to communicate.

[Buda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the way not to do a sequel. Perhaps the concept was supposed to be a realistic look at the complexities of having to deal with an ex-spouse when sharing custody of a child, but the execution turned it into nothing but a whinefest. Thank goodness for the dogs.

In addition to the contrived plot, the book was riddled with malformed sentences, such as one that ended this way: "[the doorbell] signaled the arrival at the door of a human." Really? That it made it past the first draft is cringe-worthy, that no editor fixed it is pathetic.

Holly, the daughter's mother, is once again portrayed as a shrew. After Trey calls the (poorly written) Big Meeting to fix the Big Misunderstanding, she is vilified by these two men, even though she has agreed to Trey's "demand."

Finally, what was the point in having one scene from Holly's POV? Was it necessary? No. Did it set up an expectation for her POV to return? Yes.

If you liked "By the Numbers," let me suggest you keep your fond memories of Deuce and Trey. Skip this book.

[Shelby P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not as good as the first book in the series. It's nice to see guys settling into their relationship but I got bored again. And then all the emphasis on Holly being an evil person and Trey not liking Deuce getting friendly with Holly just got old.

This time the dogs actually got on my nerves with their bad behavior. Get them into puppy training classes ASAP. The sex was lacking. We didn't really get a good penetration scene until the epilogue and by then I didn't care.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[G · Rating 2 out of 5]

No fue tan bueno como el anterior, ni siquiera sé si cuenta como una secuela.

[Marinieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent follow up.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet - just a lovely read. This is the sequel and you really do need to read "By the Numbers" first.
I really enjoyed these 2 MC's, the secondary characters and their dogs!

[jules0623 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute. The dogs stole the show. :)

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to this series. I really enjoyed book one and taking the journey with Deuce and Trey from how they met until how they ended up a couple.

Book two is more of these two men plus little Lacey. These two seem to have a pretty amazing relationship and have been able to balance their new love for one another and adding Trey's daughter Lacey into the mix happened without much difficulty.

The only problem is Holly. At first she was just flat out hateful to Deuce but since that did not work at splitting he two up, it seems that Holly is all about taking a different approach in this book.

Trey fears that Holly now being nice to Deuce is an agenda that she is trying to carry out by befriending Deuce and turning him agaianst Trey. He is convinced that she has another motive behind being friendly to Deuce. He also feels that Deuce is falling into her trap. It would lot be the first time this has happened with someone in his life and from the looks of it, it may not be the last.

In Deuces eyes he is doing nothing wrong by being nice to Holly but it causes major issues between him and Trey. Deuce believes all he is doing is pacing the way for all the adults to get along but it is not sitting well with Trey.

Can Deuce and Trey get over the issues that Holly seems to be causing or will she come between them? Is Holly really trying to cause trouble between Deuce and Trey or is it all in Trey's imagination?

This was a great add on too Deuce and Trey's life. It is nice to read a book that shows real life issues and not just fairytale endings. I think that is one of the things that makes this series so special. I know I really enjoyed it, drama and all. I really hope hat there will b more in the future for these two men because their life together has been so interesting so far and I would love to be able to read more about them in the future.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review