Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
James- “Until I met you, I never knew how lonely I really was.”

James Eldridge has lived his entire life taking care of others, like his free spirit of a brother and later his teenage nephews. For James, his needs have always come last for the good and safety of his family. When forty comes knocking and he meets a bright, glittering ray of sunshine named Ethan, he finally realizes just how alone he’s been. But old habits die hard, and James places himself firmly in the role of protector once again. Love just wasn’t his to have. Never again would he put someone he cared for at risk for his own desires, no matter how much he truly wanted to hold on and never let go.

Ethan- ”Until I met you, I never knew what I needed to finally feel whole again”

From an early age, life taught Ethan O’Leary some hard lessons. Parents weren’t permanent. Death could come suddenly and without warning. And love wasn’t ever going to work out for him. At sixteen, his best friend’s family took him in after his beloved Gran passed suddenly. But as much as he loved them, it was never home. Now, at twenty-seven, Ethan lives his life out loud, bright as a peacock and just as showy. He’s made peace with the hole in his heart. Then, straight-laced, over-cautious James walks into his life and a different future beckons him. But James fights the idea of a happily-ever-after between them, so Ethan must decide between fighting for their happiness or just letting go.

Fortunately, Ethan’s not alone in his battle to win James’s heart. With the help of a dating app, the Eldridge boys, the McDaniel Clan and a few surprises, it might just be possible for these two polar opposites to finally meet in the middle. If only James would just quit being an idiot.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2019

36 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Abigail Kade

23 books178 followers
Abigail Kade lives on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with her husband, two children, two cats and one dog. She absolutely believes in true love because she married her high school sweetheart. She saw him at a party, picked him up and they were married five years later. They're still married, and he supports her writing about all things men and love, even if he doesn't understand half of the terms she uses, bless his heart.
She was a full time mom and home CEO until she finally decided recently to become what she always wanted to be when she grew up...a writer. She believes everyone deserves their happily ever after, but sometimes it's a difficult path to get there. Now she spends her spare time dreaming and writing about these wonderful characters she has in her head, and telling anyone who will listen that instalove is a very real thing.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (40%)
4 stars
61 (35%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
2 stars
11 (6%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,877 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2019
This book is as gorgeous as the cover!!
I don’t know exactly why but this whole story made me so emotional.
It had a delightful lightness, but more a lot of sadness and, that hit me!

Ethan, after losing so many things in life, is afraid he will be alone forever.
Working his ass off at a bar, wearing skirts, makeup, and glitter, not everyone is content with it.

James ever putting himself behind, to help others, is slowly losing grip. He will never find the one, and if he would, his protectiveness will get in the way.
So it seems when he finally meets Ethan outside his work. Ethan needs protection and James welcomes him in his home and family members, hard trying to keep him safe. Especially from himself.

Ohh boy I loved this story, it was kind, sexy and sometimes hard.
There is a serious threat in this story that made this read even better, if possible :)
This story was perfectly streamlined. The angst, the comfort, the humor, the dedication, the love, the longing, the yearning, it all was well put together.
I loved the sparkling Ethan and the introvert James. I loved all the secondary characters who helped them find happiness. The whole story was well developed and smoothly written. Great plot, well worked out environments. Yep, I loved this one!!
Is it too much to ask for more story? There are very interesting personalities who needs a story!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
July 27, 2019
First of all, let's all just take a moment to appreciate the cover for Abigail Kade's Until I Met You. Cause, seriously, just swoon. And, luckily for all of us readers, the story is just as swoon-worthy.

I feel for Ethan immediately. He's just so damn loveable and his story is fantastic. A beautiful femme man who wears skirts, fishnets, heels, and makeup? Oh hell yes! And his personality is just as grand.

And James, damn, he's such an amazing, supportive, and caring man. James is that character who's sacrificed all his personal happiness for others. He's spent the past four years raising his nephews, and not living for himself.

There's a whole lot of angst and heavy undertones to this story. Ethan's on the run from trouble, with James there to help him. A natural caregiver, James is the perfect man to step up and protect Ethan. As for James, the backstory of him and his nephews is raw and heart-breaking. I love the way it's developed and executed.

As for Ethan and James, let's just say they make for a great couple. I love the differences in them, not just with their looks, but also their ages and personalities. And my personal favorite is their fun banter.

At it's heart, this is a beautiful story of love and acceptance. In James, Ethan's found someone who he can be himself with, with no worries or apologies. James loves Ethan as he is. And James has found a man who is worth taking a chance on.

Both men have issues to work through, and it's a worthwhile journey for the readers. One of the most touching aspects of the story however, is James' scars. As a man who struggles with his scars, James has found a gift in Ethan, who treats his scars so tenderly, accepting the man as he is.

That said, Until I Met You is a beautiful story of two men who are unique on the outside finding love and acceptance in one another. It's sweet, tender, and inspiring that they both find someone who appreciates them as they are.

I love Abigail Kade's Just The Way You Are series and look forward to the next book. And don't miss out on the first book, Until The Stars Fall, which is also spectacular.

Profile Image for Calila.
1,178 reviews102 followers
August 5, 2019
*A copy was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review*

So....this isn't bad. It's just a bit all over the place. I'm not sure it knows what kind of plot it wants. There's a evil rapist murderous cop, there's mistaken stabbing, there's orphaned kids, there's crossdressing, there's A LOT. All over the place. Just....pick one! Commit to a plot and see it through. There's ZERO resolution of anything outside of the romance. There's a million characters introduced as set up for other books and just....*sigh*. Some focus was needed. But again, it's not a bad. The romance is cute, the little attention it gets. The characters are mostly nice. Though the harassment James gets in the name of "looking out for him" is extreme and I hate it. Nothing made me rage though. So it's an okay read.
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
August 7, 2019
•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´Upgraded to four stars

I had been waiting for book two of Just the Way You Are series ever since reading the first book Until the Stars Fall.

"Until I met you, I never knew how lonely I really was." ~James

Whereas the readers were introduced to the brothers who came to live with their uncle years prior, this story reveals James. The oral surgeon had dedicated his life to raising his nephews, giving up the life he once knew. Until his nephews decided to play match maker to the man James rescued.

"Until I met you, I never knew what I needed to finally feel whole." ~Ethan

Ethan was used to loss, but he tried not to let it hamper him. He's free to do what he wants and what he likes is his makeup and girly clothing. Uninhibited, he was living life until he got caught in a bad situation. Being rescued by the quiet James was not in his stars, but Ethan was glad when the going got tough. Now he was on the run and only one man was his freedom.

Join the gang as they welcome the newcomer into the fold and teach each other that family IS sometimes all you have. Recommended that you read book one just to get a better idea what this family is all about.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,099 reviews39 followers
March 21, 2021
Excellent follow up to Until the Stars Fall. This starts during that first book but in James and Ethan's point of view. I loved James in the first book, and I was glad we finally got to meet Ethan and see James find happiness. There was a lot holding James back, and I loved seeing him finally work through some of the trauma from the past. There was a lot of sweetness (James was adorable), sexiness (Ethan's underwear was awesome), heat (they were GREAT together), bad guys (ugh-stupid bullies), and excellent secondary characters (yes, I want a story for ALL of them!). Great story. I loved it.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
August 8, 2019
Poor James, so much has happened to him in his life, and he's ended up taking care of everyone except for himself. He is really a natural caretaker, which isn't a bad thing. But when he doesn't remember he needs to take care of himself, it's not so good.

Ethan is really wonderful. He is so very much himself, with a style that he likes, and no problem with his style. I really admire him for being that person, and being such a caring person and taking care of the people he loves.

I think that Ethan and James are really good together. They both have something the other needs, something that fills an empty space. I want them to live happily forever and ever and ever.
August 21, 2019
I have to go with 2.75 stars because it really felt like the story was all over the place. It needed to be tightened up and the dialogue and the internal monologues were either kind of cheesy or over the top and weird. I really wanted to like this but there were too many side characters being introduced randomly and I get it's probably to be set up for future books but it just wasn't very organic.

I liked that Ethan wasn't a doormat but it took too long for James/Jamie/My Jay to get his head out of his ass. I honestly don't know if I am going to continue on with this series or not. I would like to know more about Remy but not if the writing and story lines aren't tightened up.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,146 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2020
Lots of laughs

Ethan spends his time working in a bar to save money the go t college one day. He loves to wear makeup, skirts and just be beautiful. One night he is witness to something he shouldn’t and as a result asks James for help. James spends his life looking after others and not living for himself. Ethan will fight for what he wants and of course having Remy and Rhett and their aunts on his side and help makes for a good story.
Profile Image for Kaarla Amaya.
1,128 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2022
Lo terminé que es lo importante.
La verdad si me desesperaba un montón el tío que no quería aceptar ser feliz. El Jamie tiene un serio problema y el otro chico no debería de haberle insistido tanto. Entiendo que le guste, pero tantita dignidad porfa.
Profile Image for Danielle.
738 reviews
May 17, 2020
James and Ethan

A wonderful love story that started for the characters before we met them. It was a seamless pairing that worked so well. They were so right for each other.
Profile Image for Paul.
433 reviews46 followers
February 3, 2021
Wonderful follow up to book 1, can’t wait for book 3
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,542 reviews47 followers
August 3, 2019
A wonderful, much awaited second book in this series from Abigail Kade. A lot of emotion with some drama mixed in as two very different men come together and attempt to build a friendship whilst dealing with a hot attraction to each other.
Ethan is proud of who he is, how he dresses and his look. Anyone who doesn't like it knows where to go. He's doing well with his job and his best friend until a run in with a local notoriously bad guy means he needs to get away. James is his savior in offering a safe place to recover and possibly have a future.
Both characters have a lot to go through in this story, individually as well as together and it's a great read to see it develop with a lot of bumps and emotional turmoil on both sides. Abigail gives a lot of chances for. We have a perfect bad guy striking fear into several characters and best friends that pop in with sage advice and witty quips.
We get to meet up with all of the family from book one and a lot more interaction with them. I love the amount of friendship and support they offer to Ethan. Family is clearly important to James' family with how often they are around and the special events that they have together.
Definitely recommend this story and the series. Abigail is a wonderful contemporary romance writer and pulls you into the story right from the start.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
253 reviews
August 7, 2019
4* Until I Met You is the second book in the Just the Way You Are series by Abigail Kade. I personally read this book about a year after the first came out and did not feel like I was missing anything or that they needed to be read in order, though there will be some slight spoilers to the first book if read out of order. This book is a slow burn romance with hurt/comfort themes and an age gap.

James and Ethan run in to each other following an altercation outside the bar Ethan works at. But James is a doctor from out of town, and Ethan just ended up on the radar of a very bad man who will do anything to get to him.

Both of the MCs have a lot of baggage they need to work through and living in different cities gives them that time to talk and get to know one another. I loved how the family immediately makes Ethan feel at home! And I really hope there will be more to the series as there were beautiful set ups for other characters in the book, specifically Remy.

I really enjoyed this book but felt that it was a bit disjointed in some placed. Overall, would recommend.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,210 reviews17 followers
July 26, 2019
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

3.5 stars

Ethan took pride in himself with his fem dressing and I loved how he got creative around James. His dominant behaviour in the bedroom was a good surprise and I enjoyed watching him exploring that side with James.

James’s hot & cold behaviour went on longer than it should have. As a result, the few interactions they did have felt rushed. The emotional connection they were developing didn’t fully reach the depths it should have by the end.

I’m going to be honest, I haven’t read the first book and at times I did feel a little lost as to who everyone was and how they were connected to James. However, a quick recap did clear up a lot of my confusion.

The whole Marcus issue didn’t really feel resolved even by the end of the book. Markus was a nasty piece of work so I was surprised by how things
ended towards the end.
178 reviews
July 26, 2019
Just the way I love it!

I have been eagerly anticipating this book and I enjoyed it as much as I thought I would!

I really liked getting to know the extended family and friends group a bit more and hear more about them-present and past. Seemed like there were some hints about future possibilities-just enough to make me wonder and look forward to what’s next, but not enough that I can guess what-or even who!

I loved James and Ethan so much. Ethan sounds beautiful and strong and I really enjoy characters like that who express themselves uniquely and are true to who they are. He is a perfect fit with James especially once James came to some realizations. I very much enjoyed their interactions-in and out of sexy times...which were very appealing and with some perfect extra hot, naughty moments.

Overall I loved this book and look forward to hopefully more additions to the series in the future. Nicely done!
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
451 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2019
James a doctor and always protector putting himself behind others and Ethan a sassy bar worker who wears skirts, glitter and make-up who's afraid he'll be alone forever meet after an altercation in a back alley.
They start exchanging messages which get flirty with a date is finally set until Ethan needs rescuing after being assaulted. James welcomes Ethan into his home but goes into protector mode. They share a moment until James panics. He can't and won't let himself find happiness as the last time he let someone in there was terrible consequences.
Can Ethan break down James's barrier and get him to realise he can be loved and find true happiness?!
OMG Abigail Kade I've been waiting for uncle James's book and you sure didn't disappoint. First off this cover is amazing! Full of humour, dedication, sexy times, low angst and of course Love! Loved catching up with previous characters and I NEED next book please! Another easy five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
July 26, 2019
Until I Met You by Abigail Kade is the second book in the Just The Way You Are series. This is a fantastic book - an interesting story that captures your attention, entertaining and fun characters you need to know more about, and just enough angst/drama to add spice to the sweet romance. I really like the characters in this, James and Ethan were great characters who I wanted to see work it all out. They had a connection and were sexy together, and I even liked reading about their journey. I was in a blah mood before picking up this book but after reading it, I felt happier... this sweet book took me away 9n q journey and let me lose myself in the sweet love story, the funny moments and overall enjoy every moment of the experience.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Melanie Rawlinson.
141 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2019
Brilliant and unputdownable

A fantastic second book in this lovely series. Of course, I loved the first one so was super-excited for this story featuring James, Super-Uncle to Ladd (first book), Rhett and Remy, who has spent years looking after them and now needs to look after himself. He meets Ethan, whirlwind of sass and style, when Ethan needs help outside the bar he works in, and there’s clear chemistry from the start.
Honestly, I did a LOT of shouting at James to let himself be happy - but I wasn’t the only one and it was great to see his family and friends pushing him while Ethan remained determined. Add in some very real danger and what looks like an ongoing fight against the bad guys, and this is a book that will keep you up all night until you get to the end. Clear your diary before you start reading because you will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,271 reviews7 followers
August 6, 2019
OMG sooo good!

I love this series. Eli is one of those characters that will always stand out for me. Don't get me wrong, I love James and all the guys but Eli is just the perfect blend. I read a lot and have quite a few characters that capture my heart hard but not many that also impress, inspire, and intrigue me as well. A bit of that is because I see some of one of my son's traits in him but it's mainly because he is who he is and liked what he likes. That's what I've taught all my kids to be. Femme, masc, and anywhere in between with wherever you are on the spectrum is beautiful. I know we have more coming and I can't wait to see which of the guys we will get the story of next.personally I'd love a Remy, Dalton, Jens match. Jens could be just the bridge those two need.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,899 reviews
July 30, 2019
The 2nd book in the series, but this book can be read as a stand-alone.

Ethan sees something he shouldn’t, but throughout meets James, someone he really likes the look of. James can’t believe he got to talk to the cutest barman in NOLA. From this beginning develops a sweet friendship that they both need but yet they both wish was more. When Ethan is threatened James comes to the rescue.

This is a sweet love story between two lonely souls, who need each other as much as they want each other. Janes is a sweet, kind , solid character and I adore Ethan, he’s fierce,sassy and unapologetically himself.

A really enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2019
Engaging story with wonderful characters and a bit of angst. I really loved Ethan and found him to be a really interesting character. His brilliance is such a contrast to James who was so conflicted. The writing flowed and the story-line kept me reading.

James and Ethan have a twisty and turny journey but they wind up in such a perfect spot together. They have a lovely steamy connection that is worth waiting for.

This is the second book in the Just the Way You Are series and i will definitely be looking for the next in the series.

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Jane.
145 reviews19 followers
July 28, 2019
I was so excited for this book and of course it was amazing! I love the characters, especially learning more about James past with his nephews and seeing what Ethan thinks about James crazy family. I love James protective instincts and Ethan trying so hard to no allow someone to care for him. I am eager for more about Rhett and Remey along with Ethan's friend Jensen! I loved seeing Ladd and Connor in this story too! I think this is a wonderful book if you read the first one since the timelines slightly overlap with it!
2,321 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2019
A super sweet story with two characters who truly deserve their HEA, especially James. James has dedicated his life to protecting and taking care of others to the point where he's closed himself off to relationships and love. Luckily, Ethan can see right through James and knows he's worth fighting for. I loved watching Ethan and James' family slowly knock down James' walls because James and Ethan are perfect together. Can't wait to read more of this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
328 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2019
Ethan is an server in a local bar who likes to wear pretty things.

James is a physician and guardian to his nephews. When business takes him to Ethan’s neck of the woods, James admires Ethan from afar, until the one time Ethan needs him.

These great guys start a long distance relationship, until Ethan realizes he needs to remove himself from NOLA ASAP.

Great story, strong characters...I was rooting for James the entire book!
74 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2019
I just couldn’t.

I tried so hard to finish this book but I just couldn’t. There was so flipping much going on. There were so many side characters that were not needed and it jumped all over the place it wasn’t formatted right there were errors and it had a lot of meat but no side dishes no connectivity. It felt as tho detail after detail got added to make the book longer which just sucks. I really tried.
3,010 reviews46 followers
August 6, 2019
I love when two meet that don't feel they have anyone meet. James and Eli might seem like complete opposites but in fact are just what the other needs. I love Eli's sassy, fierce personality. His living out loud attitude. James is such a protector and nurturer.

I loved watching their relationship evolve into their HEA. There may be obstacles and speed bumps on their journey but they are in it for the long haul. I really enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Essie .
977 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2019
3.5 stars
I loved the two main characters (Ethan and his fabulous taste in clothes and not being a doormat) a lot but there were sooo many side characters, I lost track of who was who.
It started strong with suspense (assault) but that sizzled out unfortunately. I would have liked a bit more follow up on that.
The way James kept denying his attraction to Ethan got a bit old as well.
I was really happy they got their HEA.
Profile Image for Joelle Mendes.
1,489 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2019
As soon as I finished Until the Stars Fall, I knew I had to read Until I Met You. I wanted to see Uncle James find his HEA with Ethan. I loved James' reaction when Ethan mentioned his new eyeliner and lip gloss in a text. James was so protective of Ethan's feelings. I knew they'd be great together. And I was right. OMG, I can't get enough of these guys. I loved that Ms. Kade brought Connor and Ladd back along with the rest of the family. This book was the perfect way to spend my afternoon.
Profile Image for Leci Forde.
376 reviews
July 28, 2019
Very sweet

I knew I would love Ethan and he didn’t disappoint! He was such an interesting character, femme, dominant, full of sparkle and just what poor James needs. James was a bit of a martyr for most of the book but once he got out of his own way, he was great! Great series, great book! Well worth the wait!
Profile Image for Nicole.
209 reviews
July 31, 2019
A lovely addition

In this highly anticipated second book in the Just the Way You Are series we get James and Ethan. I found both characters to draw me deep into the story, engage me in a broad range of emotions, and ultimately fall for a charming story. Prepare for moments of frustration, and delve into moments that will melt you. This book is definitely one to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.