Ben and Donnie are happier than they’ve ever been. Zac’s adoption went off without a hitch, their new home is tranquil and the perfect place to build their future.But Donnie can never catch a break. An old affliction flares up again and as a result his physical condition is more precarious than ever. Helen is nervous about the environment to which Ben subjects their daughter, and Ben struggles to … struggles to keep everything ticking over.
Then he meets Paul, an enigmatic, handsome journalist who is more than a little interested in Ben. In equal measures flattered and disturbed by the attention, Ben finds himself on the brink of a decision that might shatter the happiness he’s worked so hard to achieve.
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Okay. I agreed to read this book before there was a blurb, but I knew from the title alone that I was not going to be happy with this one. Boy, was I right about that! This is the third book of the Loving Again series, and definitely should not be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed as with the first two books, and the writing style is easy to follow and flows nicely.
Unlike the previous book, the author focuses more on Ben and how he is handling everything going on in his life. He is still the overprotective husband to Donnie, but he is trying not to be as pushy as he has been in the past. This book picks up when Zac is a toddler, and our MCs are preparing to move from their condo into a house.
Unfortunately, life never makes things easy for Donnie, and his health is once again in danger. But this time around, a new (to Donnie) disease has taken root, and is not being cooperative when trying to be controlled. This, of course, puts more fear and helplessness in Ben’s heart. He does all he can to take care of his little family.
As time passes, Ben’s ex-wife adds more stress to their lives, and a student from Arthur’s past comes back to visit. At the same time, Sam, Donnie’s first real fling, comes to the center to apologize and rekindle their lost friendship. As the pressure builds, and Ben feels more helpless and alone, temptation rears its ugly head and strikes fast and hard.
When Donnie’s health begins to stabilize, and Helen does a one-eighty, Ben realizes what he has to lose. But inaction is not enough to rid himself of his demon; because his demon isn’t ready to be dismissed. Ben realizes he must risk losing it all if his family is going to find a way through the mess he has made.
Overall, we do get a HEA/HFN ending. I don’t know if there will be more to this series or not. I cannot say I was terribly surprised by the way the story ended, but I was still sad and a little…disappointed?…with the way Donnie reconciled the issues in his mind. And, I really don’t enjoy this particular theme in romance stories, so it would take a lot to satisfy my mind with a suitable conclusion. But, the story was well written and was a decent addition to the series.
* I received an ARC of this book. *
While I really enjoyed this series this was my least favorite but I still enjoyed it.
Donnie hasn’t had it easy at all and things just go from bad to worse when things finally seem like they are getting back on track he is hit with more bad news regarding his health issues.
I just found Ben buried his head in the sand and let things get too far out of hand it takes him almost loosing everything for him to realise what he has. With easy temptations thrown in his way he just gives in too easily.
I would not recommend reading this unless you have read the first two as you really need to read about these guys from the very beginning to understand their complex relationship.
A Broken Promise is the third and final book in the Loving Again series by Mel Gough. It finished off the journey of Ben and Donnie and the family they have created. And it wrecked me.
From the title, we know we are in for an emotional ride. And Mel Gough delivers a story with as much punch to the feels as it gives tender caresses. As much as I wanted to scream because of betrayal, I still yearned for out guys to find their way through… together and stronger.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
4 stars
Heat Level: 3
People make mistakes but love can aid forgiveness.
I was nervous to read this story based on the blurb and title but I liked Mel’s approach. It’s real and reflects human nature and thankfully revealed the strength of Donnie and Ben’s bond.
Poor Donnie is dealt yet another hard (health) blow, he never seems to catch a break but the connection between Donnie and Ben is being tested and strained with yet more complications and life challenges. With Donnie navigating sickness, a new disease, moving house, a past ‘friend’ returning and his usual HIV struggles, there’s a lot on his plate that his relationship fells to the wayside.
I knew from the moment we meet Paul he was trouble, sleaze and had questionable morals. I think Mel balanced the appearance of Paul and his ‘seduction’ of Ben really well. I was disappointed in Ben and his actions but he wasn’t vindictive, he was sad, lonely and looking for a way to cope with his current struggles without falling off the wagon. That being said, I really dislike Paul and the whole situation. I like that Mel explored the idea of an open relationship and that the greatest betray for Donnie was the lies rather than the act itself. I felt showed Donnie’s maturity, real-world understanding, and growth from his challenging past.
I enjoyed the ending and the strength Donnie and Ben were able to forge even through all these life challenges and the broken trust. It showed that love can aid forgiveness.
Donnie and Ben are so real and I have enjoyed their stories which are like no others I’ve read. Be prepared for a real read with all the hardships life can throw at you, but love prevails in the end!
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