Please note-this is a re-published version with a new cover and blurb. No major revisions have been made to the rest of the book.What if the last thing you want, might be the very thing you need?Stuffy and uptight accountant Michael’s life is exactly the way he likes it: ordered, routine and risk-free. He doesn’t need chaos and he doesn’t need anything shaking it up and causing him anxiety. The … him anxiety. The only blot on the horizon is the small matter of getting his ex-boyfriend Christian back. That’s exactly the type of man Michael goes for: cultured, suave and sophisticated.
Coffee shop employee, Sam, Is none of those things. He’s a ball of energy and happiness who thinks nothing of flaunting his half-naked muscular body and devastating smile in front of Michael when he’s trying to work. He knows what he wants—and that’s Michael. And no matter how much Michael tries to resist him, he’s not going to take no for an answer.
Sam eventually chips through Michael’s barriers and straight into his bed. But Michael’s already made some questionable decisions that might just come back to haunt him. He’s got some difficult choices to make if he’s ever going to find love. And he might just find that he’s too set in his ways to make the right ones quickly enough. If Michael’s not careful, the best thing that’s ever happened to him might just slip right through his fingers. Because even a patient man like Sam has his limits.
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This was a well-written story with really believable and real characters. In fact, I really struggled to like Michael for most of the book. I found him shallow, rude, insensitive and downright dismissive of Sam’s feelings (which was how he was meant to come across). If it wasn’t for Sam, I would not have been invested in these characters finding their HEA. Sam, though… what a gem he was! Sam was wonderful, kind and thoughtful, and because of his persistence in following his feelings for Michael, I was rooting for Michael to finally realise how he really felt.
I think the book was done really well in this way – although Michael was obviously very attracted and infatuated with Sam, the relationship felt rather one-sided for a long time. This came down to the fact that Michael was ingrained in his routine and things he thought he should enjoy. When we were given glimpses at how Michael’s ex treated him, his behaviour became more understandable, but certainly not forgivable. I was glad to see Michael having to put in more effort towards the end after there was the inevitable bout of miscommunication. It made for a really sweet ending that felt well-deserved (mostly because Sam got treated the way he should’ve and I was so happy for him!) As far as I am concerned, a book that can make me hope and cheer for such an ending despite feeling some animosity towards one or more characters, is a great story! It certainly helped that Sam’s antics and directness were hilarious and made for some great laugh-out-loud and awkward moments!
I really enjoyed reading Sam and Michael’s story. I like how the author had Sam being the persuasive and relentless one in the beginning and then flipped it around at the end. It was obvious that the two guys were great for each other.
There were times when Michael’s rudeness, and sometimes meanness, made me want to wring his neck. Sam deserved much better treatment. As I started to understand Michael a bit better, it made more sense but was a bit offputting. I’m so glad Sam was able to bring out the best in Michael, allowing him to lighten up a bit and enjoy life.
Without giving a spoiler, I love when books have a character like Christian that muddies things in the way that he did and for the reasons that he did. I especially love when an author sets that right in the way H.L Day did here.
The story was from Michael’s point of view, which was nice not to have to worry about constantly changing POVs, but I’m greedy and sometimes wanted to know what poor Sam was thinking. Having said that, I think the author did a good job of conveying Sam’s thoughts through Michael’s interpretations.
I find myself wanting more of these guys. Now that they have an established relationship I’d like to see how they grow… maybe pursuing Sam’s last comment. Be it that or something else, I’m looking forward to more from this author.