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With Me #2
Explore with Me
The Army is the only thing that First Sergeant Danny Glenn has known in his adult life. From the age of nineteen on, he’s worn a uniform every day. He’s seen so much in his twenty years but the last deployment did something to him. Danny’s begun to wonder if he can’t do more good helping people in the US instead of other countries but to do that he’d have to get out.
Doctor Liam MacNamara is finishing up the last of his residency in Emergency Medicine. Now’s the tough part, which offer to accept. He could stay in New Orleans where shifts are never dull or choose to uproot and experience somewhere different. College followed by medical school and then residency are the only things he’s known since he was eighteen. There’s got to be more out there, right?
Can a retired first sergeant and a brand-new doctor balance each other enough to explore their options together?
Doctor Liam MacNamara is finishing up the last of his residency in Emergency Medicine. Now’s the tough part, which offer to accept. He could stay in New Orleans where shifts are never dull or choose to uproot and experience somewhere different. College followed by medical school and then residency are the only things he’s known since he was eighteen. There’s got to be more out there, right?
Can a retired first sergeant and a brand-new doctor balance each other enough to explore their options together?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
20 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jacen
53 books147 followersKris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, James Buchanan, J.L. Langley, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, William Maltese and has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kimberly Gardner, Lex Valentine, S.J. Frost, Patric Michael and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 19, 2020
Liam and Danny. Book #2. We begin with a delightful, romantic, flowing story, but....
I love a wounded warrior and a group of older military men who stick together, support each other, and hold each other accountable. We get that here, with Dr. Liam
taking care of First Sergeant Danny injured and in the ER.
Danny was defending a young guy getting pushed around. Why weren't the bad guys pursued for assault? He was pushed over a balcony to the cement street in New Orleans. The assaulted knew them. My gosh!
Liam's brother, from the first book, runs Danny's unit on the base. So, we see the connections, the TLC that Liam gives Danny,
and also the slow moving romance between the two men. Their sexy time was pretty hot and exciting.
Liam is deciding what to do when his residency is up, where he will go, etc, and Danny uses his military decision making expertise tips to help Liam make up his mind.
Then our men seem to go off without each other, and we are told they text, talk and Skype, but we don't see the relationship building happen. They talk like strangers, even after they have unloaded their pasts on each other. They are professional, grown men, not teen girls, but I wanted more heartfelt romance. Yes, later, Danny shows up with flowers, but it was uncomfortable.
When these men are together, Danny does not share his decision making process with Liam. Liam had to find out from someone else that Danny is retiring, and neither even talked about planning and staying in a relationship. C o m m u n i c a t e. Awkward. Liam buys a house, they had never talked about being together until the last pages. Something in their relationship was empty. It felt clinical, not passionate in the second half. It began so so great and interesting... I'm not giving up on the series.
This is my opinion. I hate that I didn't love it, but I am being honest.
Many others liked this more than I did. It's a tale that you must read yourself.
======
I love a wounded warrior and a group of older military men who stick together, support each other, and hold each other accountable. We get that here, with Dr. Liam
taking care of First Sergeant Danny injured and in the ER.
Danny was defending a young guy getting pushed around. Why weren't the bad guys pursued for assault? He was pushed over a balcony to the cement street in New Orleans. The assaulted knew them. My gosh!
Liam's brother, from the first book, runs Danny's unit on the base. So, we see the connections, the TLC that Liam gives Danny,
and also the slow moving romance between the two men. Their sexy time was pretty hot and exciting.
Liam is deciding what to do when his residency is up, where he will go, etc, and Danny uses his military decision making expertise tips to help Liam make up his mind.
Then our men seem to go off without each other, and we are told they text, talk and Skype, but we don't see the relationship building happen. They talk like strangers, even after they have unloaded their pasts on each other. They are professional, grown men, not teen girls, but I wanted more heartfelt romance. Yes, later, Danny shows up with flowers, but it was uncomfortable.
When these men are together, Danny does not share his decision making process with Liam. Liam had to find out from someone else that Danny is retiring, and neither even talked about planning and staying in a relationship. C o m m u n i c a t e. Awkward. Liam buys a house, they had never talked about being together until the last pages. Something in their relationship was empty. It felt clinical, not passionate in the second half. It began so so great and interesting... I'm not giving up on the series.
This is my opinion. I hate that I didn't love it, but I am being honest.
Many others liked this more than I did. It's a tale that you must read yourself.
======
May 26, 2020
worse than book 1 - 2.5* rounded down
I started this series because I saw book 3 on my feed and I like to start at the beginning of a series. While book 1 had some serious flaws it had heart and the story was okay. I figured it was likely the author's first book and that maybe book 2 would show her improvement as a writer. And it did - sort of.
That one had way too much military jargon and details without actual explanation. This one had less details but more jargon and unbelievably even less explanation.
That one had a clear agenda pushing an idea of how civilians ought to feel about the US military. This one still had that but much much worse it espoused the idea that the US is off in foreign countries "doing good". These are not UN peace keeping missions they have been on! So if your world view aligns with America == saviour of the world you will not be bothered. I was. Thankfully it was only in one small part of the book so I chose to ignore it and finish the story.
That one had a nice, if saccharin, group of 7 brothers in arms. They all show up in this book but if you have not read book 1 you are likely to be missing out on who is who. Plus this time out they are basically asses towards Danny. The man is 40 - stop treating him like he is 20.
That one had a stiff writing style that was more telling than showing. In this one the writing is much less stiff and the "telling" is mostly absent. Unfortunately it was not replaced with "showing". And that is really the main downfall of the book. It is simply lacking in actual story. This left it flat and dull.
That one had main characters I liked. This one had characters I wanted to stab for their poor decisions.
We are also introduced to the characters for book 3. May seems interesting, Siah not at all. I just might give up on my plan to read it despite reading two books just so I could.
I started this series because I saw book 3 on my feed and I like to start at the beginning of a series. While book 1 had some serious flaws it had heart and the story was okay. I figured it was likely the author's first book and that maybe book 2 would show her improvement as a writer. And it did - sort of.
That one had way too much military jargon and details without actual explanation. This one had less details but more jargon and unbelievably even less explanation.
That one had a clear agenda pushing an idea of how civilians ought to feel about the US military. This one still had that but much much worse it espoused the idea that the US is off in foreign countries "doing good". These are not UN peace keeping missions they have been on! So if your world view aligns with America == saviour of the world you will not be bothered. I was. Thankfully it was only in one small part of the book so I chose to ignore it and finish the story.
That one had a nice, if saccharin, group of 7 brothers in arms. They all show up in this book but if you have not read book 1 you are likely to be missing out on who is who. Plus this time out they are basically asses towards Danny. The man is 40 - stop treating him like he is 20.
That one had a stiff writing style that was more telling than showing. In this one the writing is much less stiff and the "telling" is mostly absent. Unfortunately it was not replaced with "showing". And that is really the main downfall of the book. It is simply lacking in actual story. This left it flat and dull.
That one had main characters I liked. This one had characters I wanted to stab for their poor decisions.
We are also introduced to the characters for book 3. May seems interesting, Siah not at all. I just might give up on my plan to read it despite reading two books just so I could.
June 15, 2018
Anyone who knows Kris Jacen will recognize her voice and style in Explore with Me. Her characters reflect her own down-to-earth, sometimes snarky, mostly heartwarming personality. She also writes from what she knows as we join the heptad on a new romantic discovery, that of Liam Mackey and Danny Glenn. She also spears out from the known and does a bang-up job of portraying hospital life, in terms of what doctors go through.
Both Liam and Danny were well-developed characters. They had depth and personalities which were distinct and very well suited for each other. Liam is on the younger side, at the beginning of his career, and has to make a big decision about where to accept a job as attending doctor. Danny is on the other end of the spectrum. Not that he’s too much older than Liam, but that he’s been in his career for twenty years and is considering what his next move should be.
To bring levity to these very important storylines, the heptad comes in, razzing each other and doing their best to keep each other in line. The cast truly is awesome, and we get a great sense of a family of army people who have built amazing lives for themselves.
The two protagonists certainly took their time getting together, which I liked. I could really feel their attraction building and when they finally took the plunge, I shot my fists in the air. I also really liked both characters and found myself invested in them as real and believable people. Danny is a bit of an oaf when it comes to walking a mile in another person’s shoes. He’s a self-admitted control freak and is used to making decisions on his own. Liam is so immersed in his work that he hasn’t made time to build a social life or a feeling of home for himself.
As with any book which is on the shorter side, there were a few items which had me pausing as I read—when the two first get together and later, when they have their first fight. I wanted to know more about what was going on inside their heads and see how the story played out. The same could be said for the sex scenes, which were hot, but I wanted to have them a bit more out-of-their-minds crazy hot for each other.
That said, this book is a wonderful, relaxing read with a great plot and a satisfying development. I’d recommend it highly as a poolside read, perhaps on one of those hot days when you need to supervise the kids by the pool but really don’t want to have to sit there and actually watch the kids…know what I mean? Too few books are written where you can pick it up, immerse yourself, put it down, do something else, and then enjoy picking it back up again, picking back up right where you left off. This book definitely has that kind of feel to it.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Both Liam and Danny were well-developed characters. They had depth and personalities which were distinct and very well suited for each other. Liam is on the younger side, at the beginning of his career, and has to make a big decision about where to accept a job as attending doctor. Danny is on the other end of the spectrum. Not that he’s too much older than Liam, but that he’s been in his career for twenty years and is considering what his next move should be.
To bring levity to these very important storylines, the heptad comes in, razzing each other and doing their best to keep each other in line. The cast truly is awesome, and we get a great sense of a family of army people who have built amazing lives for themselves.
The two protagonists certainly took their time getting together, which I liked. I could really feel their attraction building and when they finally took the plunge, I shot my fists in the air. I also really liked both characters and found myself invested in them as real and believable people. Danny is a bit of an oaf when it comes to walking a mile in another person’s shoes. He’s a self-admitted control freak and is used to making decisions on his own. Liam is so immersed in his work that he hasn’t made time to build a social life or a feeling of home for himself.
As with any book which is on the shorter side, there were a few items which had me pausing as I read—when the two first get together and later, when they have their first fight. I wanted to know more about what was going on inside their heads and see how the story played out. The same could be said for the sex scenes, which were hot, but I wanted to have them a bit more out-of-their-minds crazy hot for each other.
That said, this book is a wonderful, relaxing read with a great plot and a satisfying development. I’d recommend it highly as a poolside read, perhaps on one of those hot days when you need to supervise the kids by the pool but really don’t want to have to sit there and actually watch the kids…know what I mean? Too few books are written where you can pick it up, immerse yourself, put it down, do something else, and then enjoy picking it back up again, picking back up right where you left off. This book definitely has that kind of feel to it.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
June 11, 2020
DNF
The first couple of chapters Danny is described as newly bi-curious...
In chapter 2:
“Danny had never thought he was gay or even bi but dancing with Liam at Mackey’s wedding had brought that thought to mind.”
Then later Danny is established as having relationships with both sexes.
In chapter 7:
“Danny has always been a bit fluid with who he got involved. It was more the person for him than the gender.”
And he *kisses* Liam to “shut him up”. (I don’t really like this within a relationship, but to a guy who you haven’t seen in 3 years?)
This is a BIG oversight/incongruity for a MC in a romance.
Additionally it was getting repetitive. The same things hashed in detail with multiple people & in internal dialogue. I made it to 50%, it’s only 3 days of story, and I still only know that Danny might want to retire and Liam can’t figure out what to do after residency. Danny uses MDMP (Military Decision Making Process) with Liam and then again with May and it’s just this boring info dump that overshadows any conversation.
As for book 3: Despite being intrigued by May, I am not in the least bit interested in a book full of Siah as the author has described him thus far.
The first couple of chapters Danny is described as newly bi-curious...
In chapter 2:
“Danny had never thought he was gay or even bi but dancing with Liam at Mackey’s wedding had brought that thought to mind.”
Then later Danny is established as having relationships with both sexes.
In chapter 7:
“Danny has always been a bit fluid with who he got involved. It was more the person for him than the gender.”
And he *kisses* Liam to “shut him up”. (I don’t really like this within a relationship, but to a guy who you haven’t seen in 3 years?)
This is a BIG oversight/incongruity for a MC in a romance.
Additionally it was getting repetitive. The same things hashed in detail with multiple people & in internal dialogue. I made it to 50%, it’s only 3 days of story, and I still only know that Danny might want to retire and Liam can’t figure out what to do after residency. Danny uses MDMP (Military Decision Making Process) with Liam and then again with May and it’s just this boring info dump that overshadows any conversation.
As for book 3: Despite being intrigued by May, I am not in the least bit interested in a book full of Siah as the author has described him thus far.
December 24, 2018
Explore with Me by Kris Jacen is a wonderful novel of new beginnings and love. This newest release in the With Me can be read as a standalone, but it is helpful to read Wait for Me due to the character crossover.
Near the end of his residency, Dr. Liam MacNamara is trying to decide which job offer to accept. Help arrives in an unusual way when his brother Jeff's long time friend First Sergeant Danny Glenn ends up in Liam's ER. Since Danny needs someone with him after his release, Liam takes him home with him. They two men hit it off and Danny provides useful information that helps Liam narrow down his selection. Liam and Danny also fall into an easy friendship that is underscored by a mutual attraction.
Danny is also in the midst of making a big decision about his future. A career soldier with over twenty years of service, Danny has grown weary of deployments and a lack of roots. Uncertain whether his rock solid friendship with his group of friends will survive retirement, Danny is conflicted about what he should do next.
The relationship between Danny and Liam is slow growing and simmers in the background as they make decisions about their respective futures. Their scenes together are delightful and their growing feelings for one another ring true. Due to the fact they live in difference places, a lack of communication sometimes becomes an issue.
Danny's group of military buddies and their spouses also make guest appearances. Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with them but new readers might feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters. As always, the group is incredibly supportive of each other and they do not mince words once Danny finally admits he is considering retiring. But how will Jeff and the rest of their friends deal with the news that Danny is dating Liam?
Explore with Me is a fast-paced and engaging gay romance. Liam and Danny are well-developed characters who are facing true to life issues that will resonate with readers. Despite the distance separating them, Liam and Danny work hard to build a lasting relationship. The conflict that arises late in the novel is realistic and quickly resolved. An enjoyable addition to Kris Jacen's With Me series that will delight old and new fans.
Near the end of his residency, Dr. Liam MacNamara is trying to decide which job offer to accept. Help arrives in an unusual way when his brother Jeff's long time friend First Sergeant Danny Glenn ends up in Liam's ER. Since Danny needs someone with him after his release, Liam takes him home with him. They two men hit it off and Danny provides useful information that helps Liam narrow down his selection. Liam and Danny also fall into an easy friendship that is underscored by a mutual attraction.
Danny is also in the midst of making a big decision about his future. A career soldier with over twenty years of service, Danny has grown weary of deployments and a lack of roots. Uncertain whether his rock solid friendship with his group of friends will survive retirement, Danny is conflicted about what he should do next.
The relationship between Danny and Liam is slow growing and simmers in the background as they make decisions about their respective futures. Their scenes together are delightful and their growing feelings for one another ring true. Due to the fact they live in difference places, a lack of communication sometimes becomes an issue.
Danny's group of military buddies and their spouses also make guest appearances. Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with them but new readers might feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters. As always, the group is incredibly supportive of each other and they do not mince words once Danny finally admits he is considering retiring. But how will Jeff and the rest of their friends deal with the news that Danny is dating Liam?
Explore with Me is a fast-paced and engaging gay romance. Liam and Danny are well-developed characters who are facing true to life issues that will resonate with readers. Despite the distance separating them, Liam and Danny work hard to build a lasting relationship. The conflict that arises late in the novel is realistic and quickly resolved. An enjoyable addition to Kris Jacen's With Me series that will delight old and new fans.
October 15, 2020
DNF at about 78%. This has to be one of the most forgetable books I've read in a while. Can't even tell you why this was so bad and to be honnest I really don't want to have to re-read just to work out why.
January 28, 2025
4.25 Stars ~ Danny doesn’t like labels and tends to be interested in the person versus the gender. He’s also not one for meaningless sex which considering he’s always been like this, must have gotten him some ribbing in the military in his younger days. He’s now in his forties and a First Sergeant in the Army so he doesn’t endure a lot of ribbing except from the rest of the heptad. Liam is definitely gay, definitely attracted to older men, and seriously trying to convince himself that Jeff’s buddy isn’t flirting with him. Liam is too busy for a relationship. Hell, he just got off of a thirty-six-hour shift in the ER! But neither man can deny they find the other intriguing and certainly attractive.
I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Liam and Danny. Much like with Jeff and Scott’s story, I felt that the author really stuck with reality when it came to these men falling in love and making decisions about their careers and futures. I liked revisiting areas of the country I have lived in and military bases I’ve visited. Once again, I loved seeing the heptad in all of their glory, and watching their friendships makes me smile. The couple of kid and dog moments were pretty freaking adorable, too.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Liam and Danny. Much like with Jeff and Scott’s story, I felt that the author really stuck with reality when it came to these men falling in love and making decisions about their careers and futures. I liked revisiting areas of the country I have lived in and military bases I’ve visited. Once again, I loved seeing the heptad in all of their glory, and watching their friendships makes me smile. The couple of kid and dog moments were pretty freaking adorable, too.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
April 26, 2020
Worthy Sequel
I truly loved the opener of the series ("Wait For Me) which featured First Sergeant Jeff MacNamara as he wrestled his way through possible retirement until he met up with a stunningly beautiful younger man named Scott. It was so beautifully written that I was a bit hesitant to get the first sequel in the series.
This one centers around First Sergeant Danny Glenn, the only bachelor among Jeff's "Heptad" group of Army buddies and Liam MacNamara, Jeff's brother who is completing his residency at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans. Since the first book ended with an extremely intriguing sentence about these two guys, I went with it.
Glad I did.
Like the first one, this is beautifully written, logically plotted, and heartfelt in every respect even when things get rough --and they do get very dicey--between the two MCs whose age gap basically reflects that which existed between Jeff and Scott early on.
This is a lovely read and completely believable in every respect. But I would strongly recommend you get the first in the series in order to appreciate how well author Kris Jacen comes through for us in this one.
On to the next one!
I truly loved the opener of the series ("Wait For Me) which featured First Sergeant Jeff MacNamara as he wrestled his way through possible retirement until he met up with a stunningly beautiful younger man named Scott. It was so beautifully written that I was a bit hesitant to get the first sequel in the series.
This one centers around First Sergeant Danny Glenn, the only bachelor among Jeff's "Heptad" group of Army buddies and Liam MacNamara, Jeff's brother who is completing his residency at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans. Since the first book ended with an extremely intriguing sentence about these two guys, I went with it.
Glad I did.
Like the first one, this is beautifully written, logically plotted, and heartfelt in every respect even when things get rough --and they do get very dicey--between the two MCs whose age gap basically reflects that which existed between Jeff and Scott early on.
This is a lovely read and completely believable in every respect. But I would strongly recommend you get the first in the series in order to appreciate how well author Kris Jacen comes through for us in this one.
On to the next one!
February 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book but I have to be honest book one was much better in my opinion. No less this was still a good read. I really enjoyed reading Danny and Liam’s story. There was some drama but honestly not much. It is more to the point book with them wanting to be together but each seem to drag out the what they want with the other.
Liam is just finishing up his residency at Tulane hospital. He is at the point in his career as a doctor to decide where it is he wants to work and lay his roots down. One night while on shift a trauma comes in and Liam is shocked at who it is on his table. Turns out that one of his brothers best friends and brother in arms is the person he will be working on that night. To say seeing Danny laying there unconscious is worrisome for Liam.
After checking him over and finding out how he ended up in his ER, Liam does what he knows he needs to do and calls his brother Mackey. Mackey is just as surprised about Danny being in New Orleans but promises Liam to try and get one of the heptab to get there to bring Liam home since he has an injured foot and a concussion. Only problem is everyone is busy and it may be a day or two before one of them can make it.
Liam makes the decision to take Danny home with him. Danny is not happy about it at first but willing goes with Liam. If he is honest it is not such a hardship since he has wondered if there could be anything between him and Liam since Mackey and Scott’s wedding and they shared a dance together.
Now that they have the opportunity to get to know one another better, then they may be able to see if the chemistry between them into more or if that is all that there was. How will things work out between these two? Will they have any issues out of Danny dating his best friends brother?
This was a good read. It is sweet read with little drama. I enjoyed this read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Liam is just finishing up his residency at Tulane hospital. He is at the point in his career as a doctor to decide where it is he wants to work and lay his roots down. One night while on shift a trauma comes in and Liam is shocked at who it is on his table. Turns out that one of his brothers best friends and brother in arms is the person he will be working on that night. To say seeing Danny laying there unconscious is worrisome for Liam.
After checking him over and finding out how he ended up in his ER, Liam does what he knows he needs to do and calls his brother Mackey. Mackey is just as surprised about Danny being in New Orleans but promises Liam to try and get one of the heptab to get there to bring Liam home since he has an injured foot and a concussion. Only problem is everyone is busy and it may be a day or two before one of them can make it.
Liam makes the decision to take Danny home with him. Danny is not happy about it at first but willing goes with Liam. If he is honest it is not such a hardship since he has wondered if there could be anything between him and Liam since Mackey and Scott’s wedding and they shared a dance together.
Now that they have the opportunity to get to know one another better, then they may be able to see if the chemistry between them into more or if that is all that there was. How will things work out between these two? Will they have any issues out of Danny dating his best friends brother?
This was a good read. It is sweet read with little drama. I enjoyed this read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 20, 2020
I enjoyed the main character development and the inclusion of previous characters from book #1, "Wait For Me". They are all likable fellows and their camaraderie is heartwarming. This story was also angst-free (other than some convoluted misunderstanding that shouldn't have been more than a simple discussion, as opposed to the blowout that the author invented). A story needs conflict so that the resolution is more rewarding. But everything in this story was expected and, therefore, ho-hum. An understanding of military terms would be helpful to fully comprehend the story. (Perhaps a glossary of terms could have been included at the beginning of the book?) My continuing complaint about this author is her writing style. Her dialogue, while sounding like "normal-people" speak, is sometimes difficult to attribute to who is actually speaking. In a normal story, when a character is speaking, the dialogue continues with quotes until they stop speaking. When the next person replies, quotes begin again in a separate paragraph. This author often separates the dialogue of the speaking character into separate short, quoted passages without attribution to the speaker thus making it seem like the other person is replying when they are not. The sentence structure is poor throughout the book and there are grammatical and spelling errors, as well. This book needed an editor and proofreader, and while the author does give credit to individuals who were supposed to serve those functions, they did not do their jobs. (Again, what is shocking to me is that the author used to be an editor, herself! Didn't she learn anything from her previous career?)
February 15, 2019
This is the second book in the With Me series and I would recommend reading the first book prior to this one as the characters and their relationships are mentioned but not explained.
Jeff's little brother Liam is doing his residency in New Orleans and is trying to figure out where he wants to go next. When he's called in for an emergency and finds Danny, one of the heptads, he steps in and takes him to his house for follow-up.
This book had a totally different feeling for me than the first. It had less of a military feel as it was more centered around Liam and medicine. Danny is also more than a decade older than Liam, so there was an age gap there but it was never really explored.
For me, the romance didn't really get me too excited. I was just waiting and waiting for something to happen and then it did, but then months went by before the MC's saw each other again. I love it when a new relationship is blooming and everything is so fun and exciting but this was all done long distance and over text. I just wasn't feeling this story as much as the first.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Jeff's little brother Liam is doing his residency in New Orleans and is trying to figure out where he wants to go next. When he's called in for an emergency and finds Danny, one of the heptads, he steps in and takes him to his house for follow-up.
This book had a totally different feeling for me than the first. It had less of a military feel as it was more centered around Liam and medicine. Danny is also more than a decade older than Liam, so there was an age gap there but it was never really explored.
For me, the romance didn't really get me too excited. I was just waiting and waiting for something to happen and then it did, but then months went by before the MC's saw each other again. I love it when a new relationship is blooming and everything is so fun and exciting but this was all done long distance and over text. I just wasn't feeling this story as much as the first.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
February 16, 2018
Kris Jacen is well known as a brilliant editor but now she’s showing her talents as a marvelous author. I loved Explore With Me so much.
Danny is making a decision that will affect the rest of his life: whether to reup in the Army after 20 years of service or “retire” to a civilian life continuing to help people in the US rather than in a war zone.
Liam is a dedicated emergency room doctor, but has his last year of residency nears its end, he must make a decision where to go to continue practice medicine as an attending physician. He’s been a student of one kind or another all his life but now it’s time to be the teacher as well as a student. After all, doctors continue to learn all their lives.
When Danny and Liam meet and fall in love, there are sparks, disappointments, and lots of delving into their minds and hearts to find out what makes them tick and what each of them really want. Can they answer these questions together or do they need to part ways in order to meet their goals. An excellent book. I’m looking forward to more by Kris Jacen.
Danny is making a decision that will affect the rest of his life: whether to reup in the Army after 20 years of service or “retire” to a civilian life continuing to help people in the US rather than in a war zone.
Liam is a dedicated emergency room doctor, but has his last year of residency nears its end, he must make a decision where to go to continue practice medicine as an attending physician. He’s been a student of one kind or another all his life but now it’s time to be the teacher as well as a student. After all, doctors continue to learn all their lives.
When Danny and Liam meet and fall in love, there are sparks, disappointments, and lots of delving into their minds and hearts to find out what makes them tick and what each of them really want. Can they answer these questions together or do they need to part ways in order to meet their goals. An excellent book. I’m looking forward to more by Kris Jacen.
January 23, 2022
The bones of this book are pretty good. The rhythm of the writing didn't quite work for me. I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters, but the author settled back into the rhythm that was prominent in the first book of the series. Something about the sentence structure and pacing kept nagging at me. I figured out what was bothering me about a third of the way through this book. The author has some writing skills, but they were most likely honed in a more technical field. The rhythm of this book reminded me of technical journals. Since the author obviously has a background in writing and knows a great deal about military family life, I am curious to see what their stories would be like with different subject matter.
This book has great characters and a decent story structure. The moderate angst romance is a nice break. I will certainly be keeping Kris Jacen on my list of authors to follow.
This book has great characters and a decent story structure. The moderate angst romance is a nice break. I will certainly be keeping Kris Jacen on my list of authors to follow.
October 23, 2020
This series is amazing.
Liam is finishing his residency. He has just been called for a guy that has fallen from a balcony. He can't believe his eyes when he sees who it is.
Danny is in New Orleans. When he sees a guy getting beat he jumps in to help. He is helped off the balcony and falls to the pavement. He wakes up in the ER and doesn't remember what happened. Then he sees Liam. The guy he danced with.
Liam and Danny are trying to figure out what is happening between them. They aren't ready to tell the heptad. Unfortunately, they find out. Danny isn't upset that they are together since Liam is his brother. They are upset that they didn't tell them.
While they are figuring things out, Liam is upset with Danny and they take a little break. Will they move forward?
Liam is finishing his residency. He has just been called for a guy that has fallen from a balcony. He can't believe his eyes when he sees who it is.
Danny is in New Orleans. When he sees a guy getting beat he jumps in to help. He is helped off the balcony and falls to the pavement. He wakes up in the ER and doesn't remember what happened. Then he sees Liam. The guy he danced with.
Liam and Danny are trying to figure out what is happening between them. They aren't ready to tell the heptad. Unfortunately, they find out. Danny isn't upset that they are together since Liam is his brother. They are upset that they didn't tell them.
While they are figuring things out, Liam is upset with Danny and they take a little break. Will they move forward?
March 12, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-d6K
From that review: " I so glad Kris Jacen went ahead and wrote another story in what became a series because it's wonderful. Explore with Me continues in the same universe and with the same characters and heptad as the marvelous Wait for Me. First Sergeant Danny Glenn is another member of the heptad that I fell in love with in the first story."
For all our reviews, author interviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-d6K
From that review: " I so glad Kris Jacen went ahead and wrote another story in what became a series because it's wonderful. Explore with Me continues in the same universe and with the same characters and heptad as the marvelous Wait for Me. First Sergeant Danny Glenn is another member of the heptad that I fell in love with in the first story."
For all our reviews, author interviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 8, 2019
This book was ok... I liked Danny and Liam just fine, and it started off with a bang, but kinda fizzled out from there. I didn't get the connection between the two until way late in the book, then it ended before the story really started. Lots of time is spent discussing where Liam will work, and if Danny will stay in the military, and lots of time is spent with the Heptad and various chidren, but less time is spent with Danny and Liam falling in love.
February 6, 2019
Good Military Romance
Jacen pens a good romantic MM story in Explore With Me. It's the second book in her "With Me" series. I liked the story and the two main characters, destined to fall in love, and find something new, with a new life. I think the pace of the story was great, and the characters were drawn to each other, not forced. Jacen writes well, and writes a great MM romance story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Jacen pens a good romantic MM story in Explore With Me. It's the second book in her "With Me" series. I liked the story and the two main characters, destined to fall in love, and find something new, with a new life. I think the pace of the story was great, and the characters were drawn to each other, not forced. Jacen writes well, and writes a great MM romance story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 4, 2020
Life Changes!
Explore with Me: Great story! Loved all the characters. Liam and Danny were the special couple that help each other in Many ways. Long distant relationships are always and a special when they are new. I really enjoyed it.
Explore with Me: Great story! Loved all the characters. Liam and Danny were the special couple that help each other in Many ways. Long distant relationships are always and a special when they are new. I really enjoyed it.
October 14, 2020
2.5 stars
Other reviewers have covered most of the issues i had with the book, I'll just add that the narration for the audio edition did this book no favors. It was terrible and made the already stilted dialogue even worse.
Other reviewers have covered most of the issues i had with the book, I'll just add that the narration for the audio edition did this book no favors. It was terrible and made the already stilted dialogue even worse.
Want to read
January 12, 2019
Explore with Me (With Me, #2) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review. I will voluntarily read this book and provided my honest opinion. Review to follow.
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