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Path Not Taken
On the train from Lancaster to Philadelphia, Trent runs into Brit, his first love and the first man to break his heart. They’ve both been through a lot in the years since they parted ways, and as they talk, the old connection tenuously strengthens. Trent finally works up the nerve to call Brit, and their rekindled friendship slowly grows into the possibility for more. But both men are shadowed by their pasts as they explore the path they didn’t take the first time. If they can move beyond loss and painful memories, they might find their road leads to a second chance at happiness.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Daily Dose package "Never Too Late."
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Daily Dose package "Never Too Late."
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
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148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 29, 2015
I just love that the novellas in this collection from Dreamspinner all feature older, mature characters. And Andrew Grey just always delivers, no matter how long or short the book.
This was a great story about two men who missed their chance in their teenage years, with major heartbreak, and find each other again by chance when they're both at a point in their lives to try again.
Trent is alone after his long-time boyfriend John died about two years ago. When he runs into Brit on his weekly trip to Philly, it's like time has stood still - all those teenage feelings are still there.
Brit is also alone after breaking up with his boyfriend a while back.
Cautiously, Trent wonders if the flames can be rekindled, especially since Brit is now willing to explore them as well.
I liked that the author didn't let them fall head over heels, that there was caution and fear, and that Trent's dead lover wasn't quickly forgotten. The two men felt real, their struggles to find their path back to each other felt organic and realistic.
I loved Trent's mother - lots of great advice from her, and it was very clear that she loved her son unconditionally and wanted him to be happy. The scenes with Peter, Brit's ex-boyfriend, were amusing, to be sure, but I also saw a side of Trent that I didn't quite expect. Kudos to the author for keeping me guessing.
I really, really liked that these were fully fleshed out characters, with interests and experiences.
Well done!
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
This was a great story about two men who missed their chance in their teenage years, with major heartbreak, and find each other again by chance when they're both at a point in their lives to try again.
Trent is alone after his long-time boyfriend John died about two years ago. When he runs into Brit on his weekly trip to Philly, it's like time has stood still - all those teenage feelings are still there.
Brit is also alone after breaking up with his boyfriend a while back.
Cautiously, Trent wonders if the flames can be rekindled, especially since Brit is now willing to explore them as well.
I liked that the author didn't let them fall head over heels, that there was caution and fear, and that Trent's dead lover wasn't quickly forgotten. The two men felt real, their struggles to find their path back to each other felt organic and realistic.
I loved Trent's mother - lots of great advice from her, and it was very clear that she loved her son unconditionally and wanted him to be happy. The scenes with Peter, Brit's ex-boyfriend, were amusing, to be sure, but I also saw a side of Trent that I didn't quite expect. Kudos to the author for keeping me guessing.
I really, really liked that these were fully fleshed out characters, with interests and experiences.
Well done!
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
June 6, 2015
It was a nice, rounded story, the ending was a bit rushed and the epilogue somehow didn't really fit.
June 28, 2015
just because it's too short
June 19, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Author Andrew Grey creates such wonderfully sensitive characters that tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves. His stories take the time to explore real communication between men and allow them to be able to laugh at themselves when their bolt and hide tendencies run the risk of ending a relationship before it begins. There is such an easy way about the dialogue, making it feel genuine and easy to digest. Trenton and Brit both realize that they have to let go of the past before they can move toward their future—particularly if that means forging a new path together.
Fans of this author will recognize his gentle touch in both plot and character. Never too sweet, but certainly caring and compassionate, an Andrew Grey story is always a chance to escape into m/m romance at it’s finest.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Author Andrew Grey creates such wonderfully sensitive characters that tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves. His stories take the time to explore real communication between men and allow them to be able to laugh at themselves when their bolt and hide tendencies run the risk of ending a relationship before it begins. There is such an easy way about the dialogue, making it feel genuine and easy to digest. Trenton and Brit both realize that they have to let go of the past before they can move toward their future—particularly if that means forging a new path together.
Fans of this author will recognize his gentle touch in both plot and character. Never too sweet, but certainly caring and compassionate, an Andrew Grey story is always a chance to escape into m/m romance at it’s finest.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
June 26, 2015
Trenton and Brit grow up best friends. By the time their high-school graduation arrives, Trenton realizes he loves Brit and believes Brit loves him. But when Trenton dares to give Brit a kiss, Brit terminates their relationship.
Trenton eventually falls in love with John. They live together for twelve years—until John dies of a condition he inherited. Trenton becomes a recluse. He does have one friend, though, who speaks freely with him about his intimate life—his mother.
Trenton spots Brit on a commuter train. Brit is surprisingly friendly to Trenton. Brit’s romantic life has led to two major failures, the first with a woman, the second with a man.
I greatly enjoyed reading the story of Trenton and Brit. I suspect a large number of gay people have fallen in love with their best friends in their youth, only to gain rejection for guessing too well the other wanted the same thing but wasn’t ready to admit it.
Thank you, Andrew Grey, for Path Not Taken.
Trenton eventually falls in love with John. They live together for twelve years—until John dies of a condition he inherited. Trenton becomes a recluse. He does have one friend, though, who speaks freely with him about his intimate life—his mother.
Trenton spots Brit on a commuter train. Brit is surprisingly friendly to Trenton. Brit’s romantic life has led to two major failures, the first with a woman, the second with a man.
I greatly enjoyed reading the story of Trenton and Brit. I suspect a large number of gay people have fallen in love with their best friends in their youth, only to gain rejection for guessing too well the other wanted the same thing but wasn’t ready to admit it.
Thank you, Andrew Grey, for Path Not Taken.
June 3, 2015
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts
Over twenty years since these two men were one best friends and short-term lovers. They have each moved on with their lives, had long term relationships with others, but they have never forgotten each other. When they meet on the same train one day they slowly start to get to know each other again.
In my experience Andrew Grey always gives a well written book, and this was no different. The characters are easy to relate to. Trenton and Brit have lived a life time apart and need to find a way to fit into each other’s lives together. They have both lost people they loved and have some leftover emotions that caused a bit of angst.
This was a good, light, enjoyable read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Over twenty years since these two men were one best friends and short-term lovers. They have each moved on with their lives, had long term relationships with others, but they have never forgotten each other. When they meet on the same train one day they slowly start to get to know each other again.
In my experience Andrew Grey always gives a well written book, and this was no different. The characters are easy to relate to. Trenton and Brit have lived a life time apart and need to find a way to fit into each other’s lives together. They have both lost people they loved and have some leftover emotions that caused a bit of angst.
This was a good, light, enjoyable read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
April 15, 2019
Path Not Taken is super sweet second chance romance by Andrew Grey.
The title says it all, as Brit previously took a path led by fear. Now, given a second chance with Trent, he wants to explore the other path.
I love this story. There's so much to love about it. First and foremost is the tender reunion of Trent and Brent. One man's struggling to live his truth, while the other's struggling with grief. I appreciate the hesitancy and the slow paced reunion. It helps to make this tale realistic and heart-felt.
I also love that this is a love story between two middle aged men. It's beautiful to see books telling such inspirational stories, as we all know many people can relate to what has happened to these men. I always get excited to see a happily ever after for people who didn't expect to find love again.
Trent's mother is amazing, and adds tremendously to the story. I wish every man had a mother like her.
Path Not Taken is a beautiful story. It's short and perfect for when you want a feel-good, quick romance. Andrew Grey really excelled with the execution of this gem.
The title says it all, as Brit previously took a path led by fear. Now, given a second chance with Trent, he wants to explore the other path.
I love this story. There's so much to love about it. First and foremost is the tender reunion of Trent and Brent. One man's struggling to live his truth, while the other's struggling with grief. I appreciate the hesitancy and the slow paced reunion. It helps to make this tale realistic and heart-felt.
I also love that this is a love story between two middle aged men. It's beautiful to see books telling such inspirational stories, as we all know many people can relate to what has happened to these men. I always get excited to see a happily ever after for people who didn't expect to find love again.
Trent's mother is amazing, and adds tremendously to the story. I wish every man had a mother like her.
Path Not Taken is a beautiful story. It's short and perfect for when you want a feel-good, quick romance. Andrew Grey really excelled with the execution of this gem.
June 30, 2015
4 Heart Review by Vicki
Awww…. just a sweet simple story.
This story is about two older men, separated by years and lives, finding each other on a train. Trenton takes the train from Lancaster to Philly once a week, one morning noticing a man he recognizes from years ago. Brit, the man that broke his heart when they were kids, is on the same train. The two talk, catch up a bit, and go on their separate ways. But Trenton wishes he’d gotten a number for Brit, maybe they could be friends?
Of course they do run in to each other again, and decide to get together. Both have had some issues over the years, Trenton has lost his husband two years ago to a heart defect, since then he’s just been getting by. Brit tried to be straight, got married, had a kid, got divorced, had a boyfriend, realized he was an asshole, and now he’s alone. There is some history between the two of them that needs to be dealt with, plus some trust issues on Brit’s part and some mourning on Trenton’s part. But this is a romance, so you know how it goes!
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It was small, only covering a short amount of time at the beginning of a relationship, but that was ok. I liked the concept of choosing a path, having a moment in life to make a decision, and following one path. Maybe it goes in the right direction, maybe it doesn’t. Both of these men chose a different path, away from one another, but their paths crossed again years later, at a time when they both were open and ready. If they had reconnected a year before it would have been too soon, or a year later, maybe it would have been too late. This was just the right time, and a great story was created.
This story had just a bit of drama, some humor, some sweetness, and some sex. It was a quick read and I liked it just fine! I will say I don’t think the epilogue worked though, I’m not sure what it was supposed to show, maybe that time had passed and they were still together, but it was just too short and too unspecific. But other than that I thought this was a good story!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Awww…. just a sweet simple story.
This story is about two older men, separated by years and lives, finding each other on a train. Trenton takes the train from Lancaster to Philly once a week, one morning noticing a man he recognizes from years ago. Brit, the man that broke his heart when they were kids, is on the same train. The two talk, catch up a bit, and go on their separate ways. But Trenton wishes he’d gotten a number for Brit, maybe they could be friends?
Of course they do run in to each other again, and decide to get together. Both have had some issues over the years, Trenton has lost his husband two years ago to a heart defect, since then he’s just been getting by. Brit tried to be straight, got married, had a kid, got divorced, had a boyfriend, realized he was an asshole, and now he’s alone. There is some history between the two of them that needs to be dealt with, plus some trust issues on Brit’s part and some mourning on Trenton’s part. But this is a romance, so you know how it goes!
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It was small, only covering a short amount of time at the beginning of a relationship, but that was ok. I liked the concept of choosing a path, having a moment in life to make a decision, and following one path. Maybe it goes in the right direction, maybe it doesn’t. Both of these men chose a different path, away from one another, but their paths crossed again years later, at a time when they both were open and ready. If they had reconnected a year before it would have been too soon, or a year later, maybe it would have been too late. This was just the right time, and a great story was created.
This story had just a bit of drama, some humor, some sweetness, and some sex. It was a quick read and I liked it just fine! I will say I don’t think the epilogue worked though, I’m not sure what it was supposed to show, maybe that time had passed and they were still together, but it was just too short and too unspecific. But other than that I thought this was a good story!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 23, 2015
The 'Path Not Taken', or the choice not made is a phenomenon that haunts many of us. Questioning a decision we made happens all the time, and when it concerns big and important choices that affect the rest of our lives, the consequences can be huge.
Trenton and Brit, who used to be friends when they were kids, are facing such a situation. Brit wasn't ready to admit his own feelings when he was young and ran. Trenton got on with his life, had a partner for twelve years, but now that he is dead, Trenton keeps coming back to his memory of Brit. And when he meets him one day on a train, his thoughts intensify. "What if" they were meant for each other? Can they rekindle emotions so long denied?
If you like stories with mature lovers who get a second chance, if you enjoy finding out more about men in their forties handling a romance, and if you're looking for a read full of emotions, regrets, and ultimately new chances and hope for the future, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Trenton and Brit, who used to be friends when they were kids, are facing such a situation. Brit wasn't ready to admit his own feelings when he was young and ran. Trenton got on with his life, had a partner for twelve years, but now that he is dead, Trenton keeps coming back to his memory of Brit. And when he meets him one day on a train, his thoughts intensify. "What if" they were meant for each other? Can they rekindle emotions so long denied?
If you like stories with mature lovers who get a second chance, if you enjoy finding out more about men in their forties handling a romance, and if you're looking for a read full of emotions, regrets, and ultimately new chances and hope for the future, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
June 5, 2015
I love a good story about mature lovers or would-be lovers and Andrew Grey’s Path Not Taken is exceptional. Trent and Brit had a chance at a relationship 20 years ago but they parted badly and went their separate ways. Trent married John and they had a good life together until John’s death. Brit lived with Peter but their relationship wasn’t one on which a lifetime could be built because Peter is as shallow as they come.
When the two men meet again by chance on a train they have a hesitant conversation but when they part again Trent wishes he had gotten Brit’s contact information. By stalking the train for a few weeks, Trent finds Brit again but Trent makes a mistake and causes Brit to flee. His mistake is carefully explained to Trent by his mother, who is wise and understanding. She is my favorite character in the book.
This is a sweet story with characters who have a fully developed backstory and don’t really need each other but are ready to explore what the future might hold. Path Not Taken is a quick read that will leave any romance reader satisfied at the end.
When the two men meet again by chance on a train they have a hesitant conversation but when they part again Trent wishes he had gotten Brit’s contact information. By stalking the train for a few weeks, Trent finds Brit again but Trent makes a mistake and causes Brit to flee. His mistake is carefully explained to Trent by his mother, who is wise and understanding. She is my favorite character in the book.
This is a sweet story with characters who have a fully developed backstory and don’t really need each other but are ready to explore what the future might hold. Path Not Taken is a quick read that will leave any romance reader satisfied at the end.
June 1, 2015
I love 2nd chance stories, but often am disappointed in the flow, if not the story. Andrew Grey, though, has delivered a sweet, loving story in Path Not Taken where he introduces Trent and Brit to one another after a good twenty year split. The story is sweet, but some of the memories and life experiences for the men were hard, both in the past and in their present. But how they dealt with those issues was both ‘real’ and powerful.
Path Not Taken is a shorter story from Mr. Grey, one that is part of the Daily Dose package with Dreamspinner Press. I don’t often read shorts or shorter novellas, as many of you know, but this is one that I wholeheartedly recommend and will reread again. You may not can go home again, but sometimes, the path not taken is still waiting for you. For Trent and Brit, nothing could be more true.
Path Not Taken is a shorter story from Mr. Grey, one that is part of the Daily Dose package with Dreamspinner Press. I don’t often read shorts or shorter novellas, as many of you know, but this is one that I wholeheartedly recommend and will reread again. You may not can go home again, but sometimes, the path not taken is still waiting for you. For Trent and Brit, nothing could be more true.
June 14, 2015
Okay, I completely expected to enjoy the story before I even began. After all, this is Andrew Grey we’re talking about. And he more than met my expectations. Both Trent and Brit are in their early forties. Trent’s life partner has been dead for a few years and Brit had one failed het marriage and a majorly failed gay relationship. More than a little gunshy, they push forward in getting to know one another again.
One of the things I really like about Grey’s books is they are completely relatable to anyone. While I wish I was Trent, I’m probably more the Brit side of things and watching as the two of them inched forward, broke apart and then inched forward again was amazing.
Once again, Andrew Grey has hit it out of the ballpark. 5 stars all the way.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
One of the things I really like about Grey’s books is they are completely relatable to anyone. While I wish I was Trent, I’m probably more the Brit side of things and watching as the two of them inched forward, broke apart and then inched forward again was amazing.
Once again, Andrew Grey has hit it out of the ballpark. 5 stars all the way.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
June 19, 2015
This was a heartfelt, endearing, short story that brings two lives back together in an amazing way. Trenton and Brit hadn't seen each other for 20 years after being best friends and lovers as teens, and a devastating breakup due to Brit not being ready. The two see each other on the train going into Philadelphia. Not really knowing what to do after talking they walk away from each other. When they finally see each other once again they exchange information and set a date to get together. Things start out good, but their past relationships seem to get in the way. That doesn't mean their isn't something there. This is a very sweet story of two men who once loved each other from the start and now have a second chance. Great Story...
June 5, 2015
Please Mr. Grey, We Want More!
Quietly played out on the (I think) Paoli Line of Amtrak, a bit of angst here and there, this one is a short, lovely, intrusion into the lives of two early 40s former classmates and lovers, Trent and Brit (how white-bread Main Line can you get?).
It will grab your heart with its anticipation and rhythm and leave you with only one question: Please Mr. Grey, can you expand this into a nice little series of capers, little snippets of lives coming together and being fulfilled.
Quietly played out on the (I think) Paoli Line of Amtrak, a bit of angst here and there, this one is a short, lovely, intrusion into the lives of two early 40s former classmates and lovers, Trent and Brit (how white-bread Main Line can you get?).
It will grab your heart with its anticipation and rhythm and leave you with only one question: Please Mr. Grey, can you expand this into a nice little series of capers, little snippets of lives coming together and being fulfilled.
July 21, 2017
Short and Sweet
Sweet and nice Trenton and Brit coming together after twenty years of being apart and seeing where they went wrong and Brit coming to terms about who he is and allowing themselves to love again after Trenton loss John just found this book sweet
Sweet and nice Trenton and Brit coming together after twenty years of being apart and seeing where they went wrong and Brit coming to terms about who he is and allowing themselves to love again after Trenton loss John just found this book sweet
June 13, 2015
3.5 stars
June 7, 2015
Trenton and Brit reconnect on the train. They are old friends with a past hurt. But over time they are able to develop a new love.
March 17, 2022
3,5
Sadly the epiloge didn't really fit. It seems as if some time went by without the reader knowing anything that happened in it.
Sadly the epiloge didn't really fit. It seems as if some time went by without the reader knowing anything that happened in it.
October 10, 2015
This was okay. I didn't hate it, or anything, but it just felt kind of flat.
July 26, 2015
Great characterization, as always, from Grey. Adorable and emotional.
March 25, 2016
like an after dinner mint, just a small treat and perfectly satisfying. Bravo, Mr. Grey.
June 3, 2015
Well written short story.
June 6, 2015
Wish it was longer
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews