REVIEW: 'Here Without You' by JJ Harper
Title: Here Without You
Series: Cooper’s Ridge #2
Author: JJ Harper
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: JC Clarke/The Graphics Shed
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance; Suspense
Length: 348 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; M/M/M; Ménage; Bartender; Lawyer; Angst: Low; Comfort/Hurt; Second Chance; HEA; Standalone
About Here Without You
Archer Hawkins and Mallory Halston literally run into each other and a true love story is born. Archer pursues Mallory with absolute determination making him fall hook, line, and sinker.
“I really would like to get to know you, Mallory.” His voice husky in my ear. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, I’m sorry.” I’m already kicking myself for turning him down. “That’s okay, I’ll ask again tomorrow, and the day after, I’ll get you to say yes in the end.”
But just when they’re about to get everything they ever hoped tragedy strikes leaving Mal alone and adrift. Putting his past behind him Mal stumbles upon Cooper’s Ridge. Changing his name to Carter, he takes a chance, becoming a bartender at The Last Drop Inn, and embarking on a new life.
Local attorney, Dan Mortimer, has finally found and captured the heart of Cooper’s Ridge’s newest resident, Carter.
“I was coming in to see you, and maybe get you to agree to dinner with me. C’mon Carter it’s only dinner, I’m a nice guy I promise.”
But when Dan’s college friend comes to town to recuperate after a horrible car accident, it seems the most important men in his life may have something to answer for. And just how far will an evil, conniving, homophobic mother with a vendetta go to bring them all down?
Here Without You is a gay ménage story with plenty of hot sex and strong language and is therefore suitable for readers aged 18 and over.
4 HEART READ
REVIEW:
If you’re looking for a book that gives you a fantastic twist, warring emotions, all the hot sex JJ Harper is known for, and a HEA that brings it all together, then her Here Without You will fulfill you.
Archer Hawkins and Mallory Halston’s love story, told over the first quarter of this book, is fast paced, full of detail and quite instant love, but important in its portrayal of the absolute adoration Mal and Archer hold for one another. Archer is nothing if not persistent and determined in his pursuit of Mal. In fact he comes off a little stalkerish at first, telling Mallory, “'Oh, Mallory, I’m not letting you go that easily. I want you. I’ve made that perfectly obvious.'” But hey, when you know someone is right, you know. And that’s never more apparent than when Mal feels the connection too and tries to distance himself, thinking “Last night, with Archer, was something so real, so life altering. Is that why I bolted?”
Escaping his grief Mal stumbles upon Cooper’s Ridge taking a job as a bartender and changing his name to Carter. Here is where his story truly begins.
But Mal’s future with Archer is more than he could have ever imagined given the sorrow of his past. Even faced with the challenges of Archer’s hateful, homophobic, and spiteful mother, where they are about to end up is truly beautiful. Until tragedy strikes and Mal is left adrift.
Escaping his grief Mal stumbles upon Cooper’s Ridge taking a job as a bartender and changing his name to Carter. Here is where his story truly begins.
Even though those of who’ve read Denver’s Calling, book one in the Cooper’s Ridge series, might recall Carter showing up towards the end, you can definitely read Here Without You having no past history and enjoy every single moment. After spending six months in his new life Carter is finally ready to start a new chapter. But just as he begins to reciprocate the flirtations of resident attorney, Dan Mortimer, he couldn’t have foreseen coming face to face with a ghost from his past. As Dan’s good buddy comes to town trying to piece his life together it seems he and Carter may have something to answer for.
Can two men recapture what they had or are they changed enough to realize they need more…. Can they believe they deserve more?
I can’t imagine the utter bewilderment of letting your heart open to something you never foresaw. And the bright spot for Carter is having three men with experience to help with his confusion. What transpires is a build-up of feelings that are intense and you immediately know that Harper is going to put your heart through the ringer before secrets are revealed. Can two men recapture what they had or are they changed enough to realize they need more…. Can they believe they deserve more?
There’s angst, jealousy, fear…even suspense as one of the men is targeted and the fallout is not what you expect, but discloses just how far a homophobic mother will go. And ultimately brings Carter full circle.
One of the things I enjoy most in Here Without You is that just when you think these men aren’t going to address their building internal confusion, the struggle that they aren’t enough for each other or the right one, their fear that things might be progressing too fast or that they may have made the wrong decision, they do. Individually and together. And for those who like an ending with it all…you’re gonna love how tidy JJ wraps this one up. With every heart gushing, awwwww moment possible!
Meet the Author
JJ Harper likes nothing more than to lose herself in books, either reading or writing them. She spends her days dreaming about hot men and love stories, letting her imagination run away with her.
Living quietly in the South Lincolnshire countryside with her very patient husband and her uber-lazy dog she hides behind a sweet smile but really is a coffee-addicted, wine drinking, potty-mouthed girl with no intention of ever growing up or growing old gracefully.
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