“You still want to have sex? Because if that’s all you can handle right now, I’m prepared to keep it light, no strings attached.”Michael Reynolds had it all. A successful real estate developer who could have any man he desired, but only on his terms. Recreational love was all Michael wanted; no feelings required, just a good time for the night. He only gave his heart away once, and twenty years … away once, and twenty years later, he is reunited with the love of his life. Determined to win Spencer back, he agreed to a simple fling, no strings attached. Could he play by the rules of recreational love, or would he lose his heart instead?
Spencer Talbot returned home to escape rumors and gossip after being abandoned at the altar by his philandering fiancé. Secretly relieved the wedding didn’t take place, all he wanted was a quiet place to lick his wounds and get on with his life. When his first love reappeared after decades apart, his world was turned upside down. The attraction between Spencer and Michael was overwhelming, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Giving in to his feelings would make him vulnerable, and he’d had enough rejection to last a lifetime. Could Spencer open himself to Michael and finally be with the only man he’d ever loved?
This is a second chance romance between reunited high school sweethearts. It features a wise aunt, an eccentric family, and a love that refuses to die. And of course, there’s a guaranteed happily ever after.
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He has it all but it is not enough. He was jilted at the altar by his bride which he is relieved of. He only loved one man before and he will never love again. He is kicking his wounds when they reappear. Can he open his heart up again? Can he keep it on a no feelings affair? Will they thaw him? Will they finally be together? See if they will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Recreational Love by Ian Lewis is a second chance romance. This is Michael and Spencer’s story.
Michael and Spencer fell in love when they were in high school but due to life obligations they went their separate ways. Their paths cross again after about twenty years and there are still feelings for each other but is it too late for a second chance at love?
I loved how I could feel the emotions of the characters. This was an enjoyable read.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a M/M gay romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I loved this book and both of the main characters. Looking over other reviews, I see that some people are hard on Spencer for his ambivalence toward Michael. I understand that, but I also know how a person can be hurt by rejection, resulting in self-esteem issues and a lack of trust in love. I thought Spencer was honest with Michael about what he was willing to commit to, and Michael seemed unwilling to accept that and pushed for more. So, Spencer was noncommittal, and Michael was pushy. I can forgive them both because they were such real, genuine characters. I wanted them both to come to an understanding where they agreed on what they wanted, and no one felt pressured. In the end, they did. Great writing and wonderful story. This was my first read by Ian O. Lewis, and I will definitely be looking for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spencer and Michael were a very cute couple as teenagers, and then again, when they got together again 20 years later. My one issue with this story was that Spencer was too fickle and I got mad at him, on Michael’s behalf, several times for seeming to be playing with Michael’s emotions.
I suppose that the biggest problem that I had was that I connected with Michael’s character, but something just didn’t click for me with Spencer. It was like I was reading his reactions, and while his character wasn’t actually stringing Michael along, they never quite felt right for the situation – either too emotional, or not enough. It made for me not liking his character for most of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Now this is how a second chance romance is done.
One thing I’ve run into with second chance romances is the reason it didn’t work the first time is either something dumb or poor communication. Not so here. The reason and the way Michael and Spencer handled it made complete sense. I love how the author chose dual POV because it made connecting to the guys easier and stronger. I’m all about the feels and this book delivered. I swear by the time I got to the epilogue I was ready for some big reveals. Just as excited as I used to get watching Clean House and waiting for Nicie to do reveal day. If you were a big fan like me you know what I mean. I wanted an HEA, find out what happened to the bad guy, and see the others happy. I got it all big time. I love reading Ian Lewis’s work because I am sure to enjoy the read and end with a happy smile on my face.