Second Helpings in Riptide Publishing

Jul 19, 2014 Pat rated it really liked it

A father and son move on with their lives after the deaths of their spouses when a former classmate of the father reappears with her grown son in this very British gay romance.

Stuart Collins is pleased but a little stunned when his father Roddy starts dating Isabel Franklin, a widow he'd known years ago in school. When Roddy suggests Stuart start dating again, Stuart isn't quite sure he's ready to move on after his partner Mark died in a car accident the year before.

But when Stuart meets Isabel ...more

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Jul 24, 2014 Jody rated it liked it

It's said that love hurts and in Second Helpings that's very true as the two main characters are both reeling from a past relationship. Stuart's love died in a car accident and he's still going through the motions of living. He misses the comfort of having someone close and is scared to move on as he sees it as a betrayal. Paul had a hard time growing up as his father never accepted his sexuality and flaunted his affairs which has tarnished each of Paul's relationships. His past loves have left It's said that love hurts and in Second Helpings that's very true as the two main characters are both reeling from a past relationship. Stuart's love died in a car accident and he's still going through the motions of living. He misses the comfort of having someone close and is scared to move on as he sees it as a betrayal. Paul had a hard time growing up as his father never accepted his sexuality and flaunted his affairs which has tarnished each of Paul's relationships. His past loves have left him feeling unimportant by telling him what he wants to hear and not the truth which had him doubting every aspect of their time together. When both of these men meet in a clever matchmaking moment they seem to be the answer to each other's prayers, but Paul's doubts about himself get in the way and leaves their connection in doubt.

This is a book heavy with dialogue but very little steam. A lot of the book is spent on the early stages of their relationship which felt realistic but dragged a bit as the story progressed. The relationship itself though moved at a believable pace as they had a lot in common and they could understand and sympathize with each other's pain. Their time together brought both of them out of their shell before Paul's past put a damper on their growth. I was frustrated by his continuing feelings for his ex Ben even when it's obvious they shouldn't be together. Paul was wishy-washy in his feelings which is clearly due to his father and I kept hoping he'd put that behind him too. Stuart was clearly the more grounded of the two and I liked him from the start. His relationship with Mark was beautifully reflected on and I could understand why he's having trouble moving on, but I loved seeing him rejoin the land of the living and was frustrated by Paul's treatment of him due to his commitment issues.

This was a good book by a new-to-me author. I enjoyed the parents in this story and the support they gave their sons. Their subtle matchmaking also made me smile. I enjoyed the book's realism and its heartbreaking premise but wish it had had a bit more action. I also felt that Paul was a bit immature in their relationship compared to the more grounded Stuart which has me concerned for their HFN conclusion. Overall though this was a quick comfort read with a likable main couple that has me hopeful for what Ms. Cochrane will create next. ...more

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Aug 24, 2014 Page Crusherz rated it really liked it

http://watch-and-word-society.blogspot.com/2014/08/book-review-second-helpings.html

This is a character building book that really examines what it takes for someone to move on and to find happiness again. We begin by seeing two older people, the parents of the MCs, gaining the courage to seize their second helping at happiness again, and we quickly meet the two men who need to do the same.

This is a not a book about action, it is really a book that examines what it takes for each person to feel th ...more

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Jun 14, 2014 Amber rated it liked it

Shelves: genre-m-m-contemporary

Fairly laid back story of two men starting a relationship. There are no bangs and whistles with this story. Stuart is slowly emerging from grief over the death of his partner yet he really is at a point to start again. Paul has some unfinished business with his old boyfriend but is really looking for the stability Stuart can offer him. They both are rather unsure and both a little volatile which adds a little excitement to the story.

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