Always Another Side

<b>I really enjoyed this story of two men getting a second chance at love. </b><br /><br />At 40, Jack has just broken up with his partner of 15 years after finding out Simon was a cheater and a liar. He's hesitant about jumping into another serious relationship, but he agrees to go on a blind date set up by his best friend Zena. <br /><br />Tyler is 36 and feels like a fool after his last relationship ended in epic failure, but he's attracted to Jack and excited when the blind date goes well. Tyler is an optimist; he rushes in and hopes for the best. Jack likes Tyler too, but he's been badly burned and keeps putting the brakes on the relationship. <br /><br /><b>The men are 100 percent upfront and honest with each other from the get-go.</b> Forget miscommunication. If anything, there is too much communication. Tyler and Jack analyze things to pieces. <br /><br />I had a hard time connecting with Jack initially. I felt like he kept pushing Tyler away. There's a revelation at the end that wasn't entirely unexpected when I thought about it, but it made me uncomfortable nonetheless. <br /><br />The MCs work it out though, and the epilogue gives us a glimpse of their solid HEA. <br /><br /><b><em>Always Another Side</em> is entirely relationship focused. There's no drama and no major conflict, but I wasn't bored for a second. The story is well paced and quietly romantic with enough steam to keep it interesting. </b><br /><br />I've said this before, but it bears repeating: I am so glad Annabelle Jacobs doesn't dumb down her language to American standards. I want books set in England to feel authentically British, and her books always do. <br />

<b>3.5 stars</b> <br><br>Get ready to fall in love with mature gentlemen who know exactly what they want!<br><br>Jack in a 40-year-old <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_architect" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">landscape architect</a> (I had to look it up) who is just coming out of a 15 year relationship. 8 months after the breakup he is still bitter and angry and lonely.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1464147802i/19202514.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Tyler is a 36-year-old who works in a design firm and thinks he is destined to be alone forever because he rushes head-first into any new relationship and usually gets his heart broken.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1464147802i/19202515.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Jack and Tyler's well-meaning friends set these two up on a blind date and the relationship starts there. Both men are refreshingly up front with one another and don't play any games about what they want out of a relationship. No lack of communication here!<br><br>I enjoyed this sweet tale of falling in love again after heartbreak and I have a serious weak spot for men in their late 30's and 40's and Jack has silver hair and that visual amped everything up for me quite a bit. They never minced words and at least <em>tried</em> to take things slowly. Points for trying!<br><br>I did have a bit of a problem with the twist that came towards the end of the story. No spoilers, but it felt too easy and I wish I had been more surprised, but I still enjoyed this mostly fluffy look into the lives of kind, warmhearted men falling in love.<br><br>Recommended.<br><br><i>This review is also posted at <a href="http://gaybook.reviews/2016/05/27/always-another-side/" rel="nofollow noopener">Gay Book Reviews</a></i><br><br><a href="http://gaybook.reviews/2016/05/27/always-another-side/" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1446675884i/16864288.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> <br><br><i>Advanced review copy supplied in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Loved this short sweet second chance at romance story. <br /><br />Jack and Tyler meet on a group blind date that their friends have set them up on. Both men are still getting over the ramifications of their last relationship. So both are a bit nervous and cautious about the whole concept of meeting someone new. But they get on well hitting it off. <br />Jack was in a very long term relationship that came to an end when he found out his partner had been cheating on him with numerous men. <br />Tyler is still reeling from failing at another relationship. He fell hard and fast even going as far as saying I love you, to just have the guy tell him he was already in a relationship and that Tyler was basically just his booty call. Pretty harsh. Tyler is more upset that he was the "other man" than losing the guy. <br />Neither men want something meaningless and start dating and try moving slow. Jack doesn't think he's ready for a relationship, but that's what Tyler is looking for. He thinks Jack is worth waiting for, but he starts falling fast again. Jack likes Tyler too but is gun shy to get serious. He was pretty messed up after his ex and is still dealing with some of the left over emotional damage from that relationship. But things eventually start moving to serious and of course there's a hiccup that leaves both men reeling once again from the realization of how their past experience with an ex is connected. <br />What I really enjoyed about these guys' relationship is how brutally honest they were with each other. They laid it all out for each other and were sympathetic and patient with the others feelings. <br /><br />The angst in the end was low. I think those who enjoy a sweet romance that is character driven will enjoy this one. <br /><br />Happy reading dolls! xx

<i>Always Another Side</i> was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I adore 'second chance at love' stories, and I love it when the MC's are mature enough to know what they want. This story delivered. <br /><br />Jack Bowman is fairly recently single, and is reluctant to actually face the prospect of being on the dating market again. After 16 years of being in a relationship - one that he thought was a forever thing - he's feeling a little bit old and out of his depth. For months he has just been in a holding pattern, not really living life, but just existing. Finally, his best friend Zena talks him into a blind date, of sorts, with a friend of a friend.<br /><br />Tyler Freeman has had his own share of relationship issues. He's a nice guy and tends to trust easily and fall even easier. And unfortunately for him, the guys he picks are not relationship material and they tend to use him, especially his douche of a last boyfriend. He's ready to settle down, though. Casual sex and hookups aren't his thing. He wants someone to share his life with. He's not terribly optimistic about this blind date his friends have talked him into, but he figures he doesn't have much to lose.<br /><br />I really liked both MC's, and loved that they were both mature and reasonable human beings. Does angst crop up? Yeah, some, but they work through it. There wasn't unnecessary drama, just two men figuring out life and learning how to navigate a new relationship - and for that, I was so thankful.<br /><br />So if you're looking for a perfectly lovely story about two British men finding love again - look no further. <i>Always Another Side</i> might be just what you need, too!<br /><br />--------<br /><i>ARC of <b>Always Another Side</b> generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.</i><br />

*** Amazing and cute, very British story of finding a true love after heartbreak ! <br>Jack's turned 40, he's adrift in life, no pep, no drive, and just depressed. <br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1470535844i/19938809.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>Eight months ago his 15 yr. relationship ended when his partner cheated. <br>Tyler, 37, is unlucky in love, and can't seem to get <br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1462554701i/19013640.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>anyone to stay with him. He was dumped 8 months ago. They are set up by friends for a blind date and each decides to give it a chance. Right up front they spill their relationship woes, and get that out in the open. Moving forward, they take the slow burn approach, which works. I loved their honesty, deep talks, and super sexiness as it grows into more. <br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1467483119i/19598356._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>Tyler is very insecure, but his history brought that on. There is a BIG twist that rocks them both. Loved that they were older, listened to each other, and wanted to make it work. <br>Well written and interesting, this tale captures our hearts. <br> Highly recommended ! ENJOY ! <br>===========================

Just like a coin, there are two sides to every story. I strive to live my life with this as one of my mantras. There are two aspects and two points of view as well as invisible burdens and pains. Our society has reached the point where many do not live with this frame of mind. Caught up in their own lens or living with blinders on. It’s actually kind of sad. But I digress, back to our second chance fellas. I should clarify, not with each other but with love in general. This story starts out with a sad man who has licked his wounds raw. Jack has valid reasons, he lost his long-term partner to deceit and betrayal. He’s jumped back in the saddle or was pushed to be more precise. Shockingly he has a good time on his blind date. Tyler makes him happy. Tyler has his own story, also ending in heartbreak but he’s not giving up. Which is one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much. Because once invisible pains are brought into the spotlight, pieces of the puzzle fall into place. And despite a few shocking pieces it turns out to be a beautiful puzzle.<br /><br />Jacob’s delivers a sexy silver fox and an endearing bachelor searching to change his status for the long run and I was instantly smitten. Kind of like Tyler, I fell quickly. I was cheering and rooting for them from the very beginning. They have great chemistry and neither can deny the spark but they have different opinions on it. Tyler is looking for a partner, his other half. Jack is still grappling with losing his alleged soul mate and definitely not looking for another relationship, especially a serious one. Their communication is loud and clear. They talk and talk and talk some more. I found it refreshing and ironic at the same time. As Jack dips his toes into the possibility of dating he can’t help but notice Tyler is already waist-deep, holding out his hand. Can he take it? Risk his heart again? Or has it been lost while he was so busy contemplating? Commitment can be scary and liberating all at once. Love truly is mighty and powerful. Throughout our lives, doors open and sometimes they close. Jack must decide if he’s going to stare at the sorrow-filled door in his past or trust in the magic of new beginnings. And believe me, it’s worth finding out!<br /><br /><b>Beware of:</b> Loyalty is shattered but one heartbreak doesn’t doom the heart to pieces forever. Silver is sexy and so are honest discussions. Forgiveness can be a game-changer and the key to their future…for guilt (even misplaced) is sure to sink them before they set sail.<br /><br /><b>This book is for:</b> I missed this when it was released a few years back but no matter, it kept just fine. Better than. If you’re on the hunt for a sweet ‘n sexy story about trust, compassion, and starting anew…you don’t want to miss flipping this coin over.<br /><br /><b> <a href="http://bookunfunk.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Book UNfunk</a> </b>

Annabelle Jacobs is a new-to-me author, and this always makes me a little wary. I needn't have been. I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely story. Always Another Side is the story of two men, both burned previously by love, and at a point in their lives where it seems daunting to start over. <br /><br />Jack is 40 and is recently out of a 16 year relationship with a scumbag, though he thought he'd be with the scumbag forever. <br /><br />Tyler is 36 and is recently out of a relationship where he got particularly burned by reading all of the signs.....wrong. He just wants to find love and settle down.<br /><br />The most refreshing thing about this story is that it is ALL about the relationship. There is no side plot, no external drama. It's rare that this happens, and I love it! <br /><br />Jack and Tyler are set up by mutual friends on a blind date that both are reluctant to go on. But they do and are grudgingly surprised that they get on well. And the story goes from there. It's lovely in its simplicity - it's the Jack and Tyler show. 100%. <br /><br />I'd recommend and I'd read this author again!

I loved this one. It's a very real, sweet story about moving on and finding happiness after unhappy relationships/breakups. Recommended for lovers of feelgood, character-focused contemp.<br />

Annabelle Jacobs is an author that I've been wanting to read for a while now. I've heard some good things about her writings. So when I got the opportunity to read her latest story about two men who are on my side of 30, not quite as far on my side as I am but still they had some maturity. I was excited and I made some serious grabby hands and yes please noises.<br /> <br />What I got in return for my grabby hands and yes pleases was a very refreshing story about two mature men, Jack and Tyler. There's only 4 years difference in their age, Jack is 40 and has spent the past 8 months trying to get over the fact that his partner of nearly 16 years was a lying, cheating, sack of...well, you get my point. Tyler is 36 and he's ready to find Mr. Right because he's had enough of Mr. RightNow. <br /> <br />Jack and Tyler meet when well meaning friends decide that it's time they got back out in the world and what better way for that to happen than a blind date. <br /> <br />I absolutely loved how things played out. Both men were reluctant to go on this blind date but once they met each decides that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. There's a definite attraction but even Tyler who really want's the stability of a long term relationship is determined that this time he's going to look before he leaps. While Jack, who is beyond relationship shy, decides by the end of the evening Tyler might be someone he wants to get to know better.<br /> <br />These men are incredibly honest with each other and it's not always easy but one thing Jack's figured out is that communication is key to any relationship so from the word go they talk. Not all of these conversations are easy. There are definitely some uncomfortable and awkward moments what there isn't, is over the top unnecessary drama. <br /> <br />There's also some very sweet, warm and tender moments as Tyler and Jack get to know each other and try to keep their passions in check. I loved that both of these men had loving and supportive families and were surrounded by good friends. I know that's not always the case in real life but sometimes it is, so once in a while it's nice to encounter it in a story as well.<br /> <br />The ending held a bit of a surprise that I thought was very well dealt with and when all was said and done these two sexy, mature men found the HEA that they'd both been looking for and deserved.<br /> <br />Always Another Side was a wonderful first time read of this author for me and I'm looking forward to reading more. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a sweet story about finding love again.

<b>*** 3.75 Stars ***</b><br /><br />This isn't a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, and yet I found it pretty darn satisfying that the characters had to work as hard as the rest of us humans do to get their HEA. <br />