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The Bench
Public defender James has been in self-imposed dating jail since his divorce, but Noah, the gorgeous dad he met at the playground, has him considering parole. Their kids are best friends, they have a lot in common, and they’re both single. It’s almost too perfect, except for one tiny detail: Noah is straight.
City planner Noah’s terrible year started when his wife left him for their twenty-year-old neighbor. Ever since he met James though, things have been looking up. James is smart and kind and now Noah—whose only romantic experience with men was a brain-scrambling spin-the-bottle kiss in high-school—is utterly confused because he can’t stop thinking about him.
During playdates, sleepovers, and steamy sexting sessions, these sensitive and loving dads will discover even broken, uncertain hearts can still find love. When a dark family secret threatens Noah’s daughter, they’ll learn two dads are better than one.
City planner Noah’s terrible year started when his wife left him for their twenty-year-old neighbor. Ever since he met James though, things have been looking up. James is smart and kind and now Noah—whose only romantic experience with men was a brain-scrambling spin-the-bottle kiss in high-school—is utterly confused because he can’t stop thinking about him.
During playdates, sleepovers, and steamy sexting sessions, these sensitive and loving dads will discover even broken, uncertain hearts can still find love. When a dark family secret threatens Noah’s daughter, they’ll learn two dads are better than one.
79 pages, ebook
Published July 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 30, 2021
4 family troubles stars
NICE READING
I liked this book a lot. I swooned at the couple and felt a real connection between them and the kids. It was lovely, yes, but also hot – you know what I mean!
Short novels very often leave me with a kind of unfinished-business sensation, but not this one! As it tackled multiple meaningful topics, I was afraid some of them would get botched. However, the author managed to explore them in an effective way, with deep and strong emotions.
The characters were well written. Their inner reflections and past experiences with love and family gave them some depth and crystallized their personalities. The chemistry between James and Noah was amazing and, even if we were in a bi-awakening story, it focused a lot on the children and how they got to interact with them despite the divorce’s limitations. The later part of the book was maybe the only element that fell a little short. We got enough for it to be relevant, but I wanted more.
In sum, it was a lovely family story with some very good twists that kept me entertained all throughout the book.
It’s an honest review written after receiving an ARC. All opinions are my own.
NICE READING
I liked this book a lot. I swooned at the couple and felt a real connection between them and the kids. It was lovely, yes, but also hot – you know what I mean!
Short novels very often leave me with a kind of unfinished-business sensation, but not this one! As it tackled multiple meaningful topics, I was afraid some of them would get botched. However, the author managed to explore them in an effective way, with deep and strong emotions.
The characters were well written. Their inner reflections and past experiences with love and family gave them some depth and crystallized their personalities. The chemistry between James and Noah was amazing and, even if we were in a bi-awakening story, it focused a lot on the children and how they got to interact with them despite the divorce’s limitations. The later part of the book was maybe the only element that fell a little short. We got enough for it to be relevant, but I wanted more.
In sum, it was a lovely family story with some very good twists that kept me entertained all throughout the book.
It’s an honest review written after receiving an ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2020
This is a novella from a new-to-me author. It certainly won't be the last book I read by this author. This was a fantastic book!
James is a public defender who is divorced from his husband. His ex has custody of their young son, Max. When James has visitation, he takes Max to the local park where they meet Noah and his young daughter, Sophie. Noah is also divorced from his wife who cheated on him. Over several months of meeting up at the park, Max and Sophie become best friends, and James and Noah become good friends. The problem is that James is beginning to fall for Noah, the straight guy. Or so James thinks Noah is. He doesn't know that Noah has developed feelings for him and has had a brief relationship with a guy in his past. Neither knows how to tell the other and both are worried about ruining their friendship. An innocent request from their kids changes everything. Their feelings are revealed and they begin a tentative relationship. Things are hard because they both have lots of baggage and Noah is afraid of being hurt again, but it all works out.
This book is very romantic with lots of feels. It's very well written and one I would gladly read over and over again. I'll be putting it on my favorites shelf and recommending it to friends. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
James is a public defender who is divorced from his husband. His ex has custody of their young son, Max. When James has visitation, he takes Max to the local park where they meet Noah and his young daughter, Sophie. Noah is also divorced from his wife who cheated on him. Over several months of meeting up at the park, Max and Sophie become best friends, and James and Noah become good friends. The problem is that James is beginning to fall for Noah, the straight guy. Or so James thinks Noah is. He doesn't know that Noah has developed feelings for him and has had a brief relationship with a guy in his past. Neither knows how to tell the other and both are worried about ruining their friendship. An innocent request from their kids changes everything. Their feelings are revealed and they begin a tentative relationship. Things are hard because they both have lots of baggage and Noah is afraid of being hurt again, but it all works out.
This book is very romantic with lots of feels. It's very well written and one I would gladly read over and over again. I'll be putting it on my favorites shelf and recommending it to friends. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough.
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2021
What an awesome short story!!!
I loved this book, devoured it in an hour, would definitely read it again it was so good! I'll definitely be checking out more books from this author again, I just wish there was more to read!! I need more Noah and James please!!
The author was able to put so much substance and passion and story into a short amount of pages and it just blew my mind with how much I enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book, devoured it in an hour, would definitely read it again it was so good! I'll definitely be checking out more books from this author again, I just wish there was more to read!! I need more Noah and James please!!
The author was able to put so much substance and passion and story into a short amount of pages and it just blew my mind with how much I enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2020
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I have to say, I was happy I gave this book a chance. I always look for MM books but they have to be written well and Jess K. Hardy did just that. The story is a wonderful and short read. And even though it's short, it's packed with emotions and the kids were a wonderful addition. I will be looking for more from this author. If you like MM stories, check this one out!
August 20, 2020
a fast read romance
Noah and James - two divorced fathers who meet on a park bench every other week when their ex spouses allow them to see their kids. The kids become instant best friends. The fathers take more time. The contrast between the kids and the fathers is well done. Children's exuberance vs. adult angst and complications. Enjoyable to watch James and Noah spiral toward each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Noah and James - two divorced fathers who meet on a park bench every other week when their ex spouses allow them to see their kids. The kids become instant best friends. The fathers take more time. The contrast between the kids and the fathers is well done. Children's exuberance vs. adult angst and complications. Enjoyable to watch James and Noah spiral toward each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2020
This was a fantastic story! I really liked the characters and the sex was awesome.
October 14, 2020
James and Noah have similarly-aged children which they share custody of with their respective ex’s. Their friendship formed over time at their local park bench while they each watched their kids play. James has a crush on Noah, but since Noah is the first friend James has made since he came out of his depression after his break-up with his husband he’s loathe to rock the boat, particularly since Noah is straight. Each man holds the friendship dear, but what happens as things slowly start to change between them?
I adored this modern and realistic short story. Both Noah and James were vibrant and layered characters who were more than just two single men with kids on the prowl. I loved how they complimented each other – Noah so calm while James could be so fearful and nervous about his child’s safety, or how James is so self-assured and knows himself inside out, but Noah is still trying to learn about himself and find his niche. The two men were far from polar opposites, they had plenty of similar characteristics, but they just seemed to mesh and work so well together as a team – to cover each other in so many respects.
I also really enjoyed how the pace of the story and romance was slow enough to be believable but fast enough to not drag. James and Noah had been meeting at the park for a number of months – so much of that “getting to know you” initial phase was completed and didn’t need to bog down the story. But each man was only really starting to come to grips with the depth and strength of their feelings for the other so I felt the story was really balance and just the right sort of pace for me.
This story was equal parts humorous, sexy and uplifting – I adored watching Noah try to grapple with his sexual identity, I loved watching James learn to trust and conquer his fear and grow strong in himself and best of all I was totally in love with the solid, romantic and sexual relationship Noah and James began to forge together through their friendship, support and shared experiences raising their children and trying to piece their lives together.
I found this to be a delightful story and one I will totally relish reading many times again in the future.
I adored this modern and realistic short story. Both Noah and James were vibrant and layered characters who were more than just two single men with kids on the prowl. I loved how they complimented each other – Noah so calm while James could be so fearful and nervous about his child’s safety, or how James is so self-assured and knows himself inside out, but Noah is still trying to learn about himself and find his niche. The two men were far from polar opposites, they had plenty of similar characteristics, but they just seemed to mesh and work so well together as a team – to cover each other in so many respects.
I also really enjoyed how the pace of the story and romance was slow enough to be believable but fast enough to not drag. James and Noah had been meeting at the park for a number of months – so much of that “getting to know you” initial phase was completed and didn’t need to bog down the story. But each man was only really starting to come to grips with the depth and strength of their feelings for the other so I felt the story was really balance and just the right sort of pace for me.
This story was equal parts humorous, sexy and uplifting – I adored watching Noah try to grapple with his sexual identity, I loved watching James learn to trust and conquer his fear and grow strong in himself and best of all I was totally in love with the solid, romantic and sexual relationship Noah and James began to forge together through their friendship, support and shared experiences raising their children and trying to piece their lives together.
I found this to be a delightful story and one I will totally relish reading many times again in the future.
March 4, 2022
James and Noah initially met by chance at a children’s playground several months earlier when they started taking their children there on Sunday mornings. Their children, Max and Sophie quickly became best friends, and there are enough hints for the reader to know that their fathers are not far behind them. Gradually the men open to each other as following their marriage breakdowns, they’ve both been starved for genuine friendship.
Noah broke up with his wife when she cheated on him with a neighbor. James’s marriage to another guy broke down, not because of any cheating but because their relationship had stalled after Max was born.
Now they have their Sundays in the park to look forward to. It’s little more than an innocent acquaintance with another guy until their kids turn their developing friendship on its head by asking for a sleepover. When the men discuss the children’s request, Noah surprises James by admitting he kissed a guy once. Soon he adds to the confusion by acknowledging that he could be bisexual. In short, Noah confesses to liking James. He becomes worried that he’s said the wrong thing. Laying his fears to rest, James tells him that he feels the feeling’s mutual.
The Bench is a pleasant male/male romance. I enjoyed it though I found too much of it predictable. That is, of course, my own opinion, and I suspect that quite a few readers of this genre will buy the book and prove me wrong.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read M/M romance with attractive men and a pair of cute kids, The Bench will deliver in spades, and you’ll likely enjoy it.
I’ve given it three stars on Amazon. Were it possible, I think the Bench likely deserves another half star.
This is to declare that Val Francis reviewed an ARC of ‘The Bench.’ No payment of any kind has been received for this review. 05/03/08
Noah broke up with his wife when she cheated on him with a neighbor. James’s marriage to another guy broke down, not because of any cheating but because their relationship had stalled after Max was born.
Now they have their Sundays in the park to look forward to. It’s little more than an innocent acquaintance with another guy until their kids turn their developing friendship on its head by asking for a sleepover. When the men discuss the children’s request, Noah surprises James by admitting he kissed a guy once. Soon he adds to the confusion by acknowledging that he could be bisexual. In short, Noah confesses to liking James. He becomes worried that he’s said the wrong thing. Laying his fears to rest, James tells him that he feels the feeling’s mutual.
The Bench is a pleasant male/male romance. I enjoyed it though I found too much of it predictable. That is, of course, my own opinion, and I suspect that quite a few readers of this genre will buy the book and prove me wrong.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read M/M romance with attractive men and a pair of cute kids, The Bench will deliver in spades, and you’ll likely enjoy it.
I’ve given it three stars on Amazon. Were it possible, I think the Bench likely deserves another half star.
This is to declare that Val Francis reviewed an ARC of ‘The Bench.’ No payment of any kind has been received for this review. 05/03/08
September 2, 2020
Thank you for my copy! I loved the book. Good friends that lead to love is always a great book. There was such deep love, chemistry , friendship, and trust in the relationship. It was simply beautiful. I also loved the children. They added comic relief to the sweet story. Overall, I would recommend this book.
I received this book free from booksirens in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book free from booksirens in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2020
their romance is completely unexpected from Noah who’s straight. That was an interesting twist. I liked their growing chemistry as the story played out.
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November 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, and I loved and cared for both characters, and I felt for the trouble they went through before they met and after.
The book is a sweet and steamy story between James, a public defender, father of a boy called Max, and Noah, a city planner newly divorced after his wife cheated on him, father of a bossy but sweet girl called Sophie. They meet on a bench in a park and struck up a friendship that develops in so much more while they both navigate their new life as single parents.
Things I loved:
I love the romantic atmosphere of this book, the support and the love that transpires not only between the characters but between them and their kids. The feel of them ready to do anything to keep the other safe. I would have read this book again and again. There is not judgement only the search for happiness.
I liked James. I liked his openness, his willingness to learn from his mistakes, and the way he could put his needs aside to make Noah feel safe and wanted. I liked how he waited for Ellis to trust him and never pushed him to share his story.
I liked Noah for his strength and his need to protect his daughter and for his courage to put himself out there and finally reach out for what he wants. I like his steadiness and how he is willing to lose everything to keep the people he loves safe.
Things I enjoyed less:
James surprised and confused me by going to Pierce is ex to discuss his new love and his blindness to see that Pierce still loves him.
I would have loved for the story to be longer.
The end feels rushed, compared to the beginning of the book where the story between the two characters develops.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is a sweet and steamy story between James, a public defender, father of a boy called Max, and Noah, a city planner newly divorced after his wife cheated on him, father of a bossy but sweet girl called Sophie. They meet on a bench in a park and struck up a friendship that develops in so much more while they both navigate their new life as single parents.
Things I loved:
I love the romantic atmosphere of this book, the support and the love that transpires not only between the characters but between them and their kids. The feel of them ready to do anything to keep the other safe. I would have read this book again and again. There is not judgement only the search for happiness.
I liked James. I liked his openness, his willingness to learn from his mistakes, and the way he could put his needs aside to make Noah feel safe and wanted. I liked how he waited for Ellis to trust him and never pushed him to share his story.
I liked Noah for his strength and his need to protect his daughter and for his courage to put himself out there and finally reach out for what he wants. I like his steadiness and how he is willing to lose everything to keep the people he loves safe.
Things I enjoyed less:
James surprised and confused me by going to Pierce is ex to discuss his new love and his blindness to see that Pierce still loves him.
I would have loved for the story to be longer.
The end feels rushed, compared to the beginning of the book where the story between the two characters develops.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2020
A STUNNING READ
Public defender James is a divorced father of a beautiful little boy called Max. His ex husband has main custody of Max So he enjoys his time with his son every other weekend. And he started taking him to the park where he met another single father who had a very bright and full of life daughter Sophie.
City planner Noah life had changed when he found out his wife was having an affair with a 20 year old boy. He had really hurt him losing contact with his daughter and he didnt trust the guy with his daughter how can he spend more time with Sophie than her own father can??? So he started taking her to the park where he met James. Sophie and Max hit it off straight away and became the best of friends. But so did James and Noah.
Well James liked Noah more than just meeting up with a friends for a play date. He liked everything bout him but he knows that Noah is still getting over losing his wife to a younger man.
Noah looks forward to the weekend he had with Sophie not only because he gets to see his daughter but also because he gets to see James and Max. What James doesn't know is that he is having feeling for him.
But its not until a simple question from their children starts something that they cant stop.
OMG I COULD READ THIS STORY AGAIN AND AGAIN. IT'S JUST A BEAUTIFUL STORY ABOUT FINDING YOUR PERFECT SOUL MATE. TO GO AS SLOW AS IS NEEDED TO BE UNDERSTANDING. THE PASSION AND CHEMISTRY IS SOOOOOOOOO HOT OMG SO GOOD.
THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK IVE READ BY JESS K HARDY AND I CAN PROMISE OT WONT BE THE LAST A BRILLIANT READ. I GOT SO EMOITIONAL ITS JUST FANTASTIC
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Public defender James is a divorced father of a beautiful little boy called Max. His ex husband has main custody of Max So he enjoys his time with his son every other weekend. And he started taking him to the park where he met another single father who had a very bright and full of life daughter Sophie.
City planner Noah life had changed when he found out his wife was having an affair with a 20 year old boy. He had really hurt him losing contact with his daughter and he didnt trust the guy with his daughter how can he spend more time with Sophie than her own father can??? So he started taking her to the park where he met James. Sophie and Max hit it off straight away and became the best of friends. But so did James and Noah.
Well James liked Noah more than just meeting up with a friends for a play date. He liked everything bout him but he knows that Noah is still getting over losing his wife to a younger man.
Noah looks forward to the weekend he had with Sophie not only because he gets to see his daughter but also because he gets to see James and Max. What James doesn't know is that he is having feeling for him.
But its not until a simple question from their children starts something that they cant stop.
OMG I COULD READ THIS STORY AGAIN AND AGAIN. IT'S JUST A BEAUTIFUL STORY ABOUT FINDING YOUR PERFECT SOUL MATE. TO GO AS SLOW AS IS NEEDED TO BE UNDERSTANDING. THE PASSION AND CHEMISTRY IS SOOOOOOOOO HOT OMG SO GOOD.
THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK IVE READ BY JESS K HARDY AND I CAN PROMISE OT WONT BE THE LAST A BRILLIANT READ. I GOT SO EMOITIONAL ITS JUST FANTASTIC
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2020
James is slowly getting over his divorce, is the fact his son’s new friends father is the reason?
Noah is still burning with anger and resentment, how dare his wife replace him with a twenty year old!
What a cute story.
Basically revolves around a playground park bench (hence the title)
One straight dad (well with a little curiosity thrown in) and a gay dad chatting and commiserating on a park bench.
The men have been chatting for about three months now, they cheer each other up, and offer a shoulder to cry on, and a sounding board when things need thinking through.
All comes to a head when Noah’s daughter asks if Max (James’s son) can come and have a sleepover at their house!
We then have Noah admitting to James he kisses a guy in college and liked it. But now wants a chance with James (at first you have to wonder if Noah is trying to get back at his ex)
Slowly they begin a tentative relationship, phone calls and naughty texts take it forward. James has told Noah he’s prepared to wait till he’s ready.
A sleepover with the children give the two men their opportunity to be together.....
Then a series of incidents, misunderstandings and awkward moments almost break this almost couple up!
James is also suffering from past hurts and heartaches, he also wonders if he’s good enough to be a parent to his little boy, and a new partner to a man who may or may not be gay! But he really likes Noah and hopes he won’t break his heart!
Noah wants James, he knows it’s not just a passing phase, but when his ex finds out he’s dating a man, she gets nasty and tells him she’s going for full custody.....
A lovely story, it hooked me in and I devoured it in one afternoon.
🦋
August 23, 2021
. ⠀REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Bench by Jess K Hardy is a touching and heartwarming story of two men given a second chance at love and happiness. Two men meet on a park bench while their children share a play date. What begins as a simple friendship soon blossoms into something much deeper. James, a public defender, is a gay divorced father sharing custody of young Max with his ex. Noah, a city planner, also divorced (not so amicably) shares custody of daughter, Sophie, but is straight. James is taken with Noah who is having feeling for James he hasn’t acknowledged since high school. As time goes on, neither man can deny the powerful attraction for the other. Can two people who have loved and lost come together and find true happiness? And can two broken families come together to make a whole? ⠀
⠀
This sweet MM romance novella is by no means lacking in sizzle. These two characters have combustible chemistry and undeniable passion. Like all good romance stories there is an ample share of conflict, but never anything that love cannot conquer. The sparkling well paced prose have the reader flying through this story packed with sentiment and emotion. I was genuinely captivated by this little book and it’s simple and efficient craftsmanship and plan to read more by this author in hopes of finding another gem. ⠀
⠀
This sweet MM romance novella is by no means lacking in sizzle. These two characters have combustible chemistry and undeniable passion. Like all good romance stories there is an ample share of conflict, but never anything that love cannot conquer. The sparkling well paced prose have the reader flying through this story packed with sentiment and emotion. I was genuinely captivated by this little book and it’s simple and efficient craftsmanship and plan to read more by this author in hopes of finding another gem. ⠀
August 23, 2021
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for steamy gay romance, and it delivered exactly what I want. Fluffy romance and erotica.
However, it didn't exceed my expectations. It was just...okay.
The plot was kinda rushed, but it was interesting. Parenthood was also discussed in this book, and I love the honest and raw experience of the fathers. It felt real and natural for me.
The characters, to me, were the main problem. This book is written in dual POV, but the characters felt so similar that I forgot who was narrating a lot while reading. Their thoughts and personalities are not distinctive so I was mostly confused while reading.
The steamy scenes were...eh. The action wasn't much. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were full of emotions and romantic, but I need more spice. Because I came here for the smut, but the smut didn't feel exciting enough.
I think the author should improve on writing the characters' personalities and up the spice level. The pacing could also be controlled so that it didn't feel too rushed.
All in all, this was a nice steamy romance book, but it wasn't a masterpiece.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, it didn't exceed my expectations. It was just...okay.
The plot was kinda rushed, but it was interesting. Parenthood was also discussed in this book, and I love the honest and raw experience of the fathers. It felt real and natural for me.
The characters, to me, were the main problem. This book is written in dual POV, but the characters felt so similar that I forgot who was narrating a lot while reading. Their thoughts and personalities are not distinctive so I was mostly confused while reading.
The steamy scenes were...eh. The action wasn't much. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were full of emotions and romantic, but I need more spice. Because I came here for the smut, but the smut didn't feel exciting enough.
I think the author should improve on writing the characters' personalities and up the spice level. The pacing could also be controlled so that it didn't feel too rushed.
All in all, this was a nice steamy romance book, but it wasn't a masterpiece.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2022
Better than I expected! I was expecting a cute short story and instead found an emotional and profound story with deep and wonderful characters.
The characters are perfectly written –even the secondary characters, but specially James and Noah– full of depth and passion and I love that they don't focus on their own feelings, but that they think of how what they do will affect their children. I love how this book shows such an adult POV on life and how the author shows different types of divorce, that not everyone hates each other after.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but the plot twist with Noah took me completely by surprise. And while some people might find it hard to believe that someone we know to be good and kind would do something like that, in that context it makes perfect sense.
I loved seeing two grown up men developing a relationship in such a healthy way, no drama, no hurting the other out of fear, just acceptance, love and trust. Also, Sophie and Max's friendship is extremely cute and heartwarming, seeing how they love each other like siblings since the moment they met.
100% recommend! Definitely will read it again!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are perfectly written –even the secondary characters, but specially James and Noah– full of depth and passion and I love that they don't focus on their own feelings, but that they think of how what they do will affect their children. I love how this book shows such an adult POV on life and how the author shows different types of divorce, that not everyone hates each other after.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but the plot twist with Noah took me completely by surprise. And while some people might find it hard to believe that someone we know to be good and kind would do something like that, in that context it makes perfect sense.
I loved seeing two grown up men developing a relationship in such a healthy way, no drama, no hurting the other out of fear, just acceptance, love and trust. Also, Sophie and Max's friendship is extremely cute and heartwarming, seeing how they love each other like siblings since the moment they met.
100% recommend! Definitely will read it again!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2020
Everybody has baggage! Noah and James meet every week at the park, while their kids, Sophia, Noah's daughter and Max, James's son play. Both men are divorced and share custody of the kids with their exes. Jennifer, Noah's ex was having an affair with the younger neighbor who lives in his Mom's basement. Max, was 11 weeks premature. James didn't handle it well, he panicked and detached. Pierce, his ex got custody. They stayed friends and James is doing better. Noah is secretly crushing on James who thinks he's straight. James is definitely crushing on Noah and he's out. Noah, stresses on showing his interest. Noah is a city planner. James is a public defender lawyer. They each carry heavy luggage into the relationshp. Maybe they'll set it down and stay awhile. What does Jennifer think of Noah and James? Is Pierce truly over James? Does the boy toy like kids? Good story. Noah and James may have heavy luggage, but they are both well fleshed out characters and absolutely likeable. I wish the story had been longer. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2021
The Bench by Jess K. Hardy is a short read but one which has a lot of punch. The story gets you in very quickly and the reader will pick up the back story very easily. We meet the main characters when their friendship is well established. James is a divorced lawyer and the father of Max. His relationship with Max's father had broken down but they remain friends. Noah is the father of Sophie and the dissolution of his marriage was not nearly as amicable. James and Noah take their children to a park where they quickly become best friends. While their children play the fathers share a bench and of course begin to talk. They, too, develop a true friendship and, eventually, the attraction comes to the fore.
My only complaint about the story was that it is written in the present tense but I quickly got involved with what I was reading and within a couple of chapters it was no longer an issue.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am more than willing to read any other books that she has written.
Definitely recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My only complaint about the story was that it is written in the present tense but I quickly got involved with what I was reading and within a couple of chapters it was no longer an issue.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am more than willing to read any other books that she has written.
Definitely recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2020
A touching read full of post divorce authenticity.
I was so caught up in the story of James and Noah that I was disappointed to see the end far too soon.One man heartbroken at his wife's betrayal and the other placing himself in a self imposed dating prison. What happens when their worlds collide?
James is a public defender and Noah is is a city planner. One common link between James and Noah are their kids. James's ex husband has primary custody of their little boy Max. Noah shares with his ex wife, a daughter named Sophia.
Mutual time spent with their kids begin to bridge these two dads together in more ways than one. Everything seems to surreal with the exception of one tiny and all too important detail, Noah is supposed to be straight (one high school incident tells a different tale).
If you need a short but fulfilling read, this is your book. Love can be found again in spite of past pain and choices.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
I was so caught up in the story of James and Noah that I was disappointed to see the end far too soon.One man heartbroken at his wife's betrayal and the other placing himself in a self imposed dating prison. What happens when their worlds collide?
James is a public defender and Noah is is a city planner. One common link between James and Noah are their kids. James's ex husband has primary custody of their little boy Max. Noah shares with his ex wife, a daughter named Sophia.
Mutual time spent with their kids begin to bridge these two dads together in more ways than one. Everything seems to surreal with the exception of one tiny and all too important detail, Noah is supposed to be straight (one high school incident tells a different tale).
If you need a short but fulfilling read, this is your book. Love can be found again in spite of past pain and choices.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
September 16, 2020
I really enjoyed The Bench and wavered between giving it a 4 star or 5 star review. I’ve only read a few M/M romances, but I’ve enjoyed all of them and this definitely competes with the best. Noah and James are both richly drawn characters and very likable. Their meet cute was plausible and the growth of their friends to lovers relationship was enjoyable, sweet, and definitely sexy. I liked how they were shy and hesitant with each other when they started feeling attraction, and Noah’s struggles with his sexual identity. Their kids Max and Sophie were so cute and added to the story. The story took an odd, unexpected detour in the middle before getting back on track. I think I would have enjoyed a different detour better than this plot line, and that’s why I took off a star. However, I loved the writer’s style and think she is very talented! I read a lot and feel I can recognize a really gifted writer with her turn of phrase. Her sexy scenes were very sensual. I will most definitely look for other books by Jess Hardy.
I received this book as an ARC but this is my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC but this is my honest review.
March 17, 2022
Single parents Noah and James meet every other weekend at the playground’s bench while their five-year-olds play together. James has been divorced from his husband for a year and hasn’t really started dating again. Noah split from his wife after finding out that she had cheated on him. They become good friends, but James holds back his feelings for his straight friend, while James realizes that he might be bi-sexual.
The characters are well developed as the POV alternates each chapter. The secondary characters were mainly the children, who helped push the plot forward with a simple request. I particularly liked James’s relationship with his ex-husband.
The plot’s pacing is right for a novel, and everything was covered with the right level of detail. The story was well written, and I would definitely read more by Jess K. Hardy.
This novella includes:
- MM Romance
- Second chance romance
- friends to lovers
- Bisexual awakening by one major character
- Steamy texting
- A couple of open-door sex scenes
- A tiny bit of angst that is quickly resolved
The characters are well developed as the POV alternates each chapter. The secondary characters were mainly the children, who helped push the plot forward with a simple request. I particularly liked James’s relationship with his ex-husband.
The plot’s pacing is right for a novel, and everything was covered with the right level of detail. The story was well written, and I would definitely read more by Jess K. Hardy.
This novella includes:
- MM Romance
- Second chance romance
- friends to lovers
- Bisexual awakening by one major character
- Steamy texting
- A couple of open-door sex scenes
- A tiny bit of angst that is quickly resolved
September 8, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of two single fathers who meet at a park when their children play together. James is a lawyer and the father to a son Max. James is gay and divorced, and hasn't dated much. Noah is the father to Sophia and recently divorced. Noah caught his wife with the 20 year old neighbour and it ended their marriage. James has a huge crush on Noah and wishes he was able to act on things, but he values their friendship. Noah has feelings for James, but doesn't know how to tell him he is interested in him. Noah also worries how their friendship will change. I really loved this story. It was so emotional. I loved how James and Noah fell in love and helped each other move on and be happy. I thought the kids were adorable and wanted their Dads to be together. This was the first book i read by Jess and i will be looking for more. I hated to see it end, it was great!
August 22, 2020
**First Time Reader** OMG...I really enjoyed reading this sweet tale of friends to lovers. James the gay single dad happens to meet Noah the single straight dad at their kids playground. They meet once a week at the "bench" and they begin to build up a wonderful friendship. Both are crushing on each other and it was so entertaining seeing them flirt and feel each other out and who would make the first move. It was great their kids got along so well because they were the catalyst to their budding relationship. This book gave me some laughs ...the text messages between the two were hilarious and this book had me sniffling...Noah and his emotional outbreak was special.These two seem to be at the right place and time to find each other and I was delighted that they had a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2021
The Bench
What a wonderful surprise! This is a new author for me, but I look forward to reading more from Jess K Hardy. James and Noah are beautifully drawn characters , both newly single fathers and both reeling from the breakup of their respective marriages. I loved the friendship they build and how they come to rely on and support each other. I really appreciated that the drama and angst was mostly from external forces and ultimately a vehicle to bring the two MCs closer. It also has really well done steamy moments, a good balance between heat and feelings. This is a pretty short book, but wow does the author make use of every page. Very much enjoyed it, sweet and hot, MCs that speak like adults and a very satisfying ending.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
What a wonderful surprise! This is a new author for me, but I look forward to reading more from Jess K Hardy. James and Noah are beautifully drawn characters , both newly single fathers and both reeling from the breakup of their respective marriages. I loved the friendship they build and how they come to rely on and support each other. I really appreciated that the drama and angst was mostly from external forces and ultimately a vehicle to bring the two MCs closer. It also has really well done steamy moments, a good balance between heat and feelings. This is a pretty short book, but wow does the author make use of every page. Very much enjoyed it, sweet and hot, MCs that speak like adults and a very satisfying ending.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
January 14, 2022
This is an awesome short story!
This is a new-to-me author, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. This won't be the only book I read by this author.
James is a public defender, divorced from his husband, shares their young son Max every other weekend. They visit the local park where Max plays with his best friend, little Sophie who is there with her dad Noah. He is also divorced from his wife. During their visits to the park James and Noah become good friends, they develop feelings, but neither knows how to tell the other one. A request for a sleepover from their kids changes everything.
This is a very romantic read with lots of feelings, it's extremely very well written, worth more than one re-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and it’s my pleasure to leave this honest review.
This is a new-to-me author, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. This won't be the only book I read by this author.
James is a public defender, divorced from his husband, shares their young son Max every other weekend. They visit the local park where Max plays with his best friend, little Sophie who is there with her dad Noah. He is also divorced from his wife. During their visits to the park James and Noah become good friends, they develop feelings, but neither knows how to tell the other one. A request for a sleepover from their kids changes everything.
This is a very romantic read with lots of feelings, it's extremely very well written, worth more than one re-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and it’s my pleasure to leave this honest review.
March 19, 2022
I enjoyed this friends to lovers story. James and Noah both are so likable. Both seem insecure in so many ways. They have been getting together in the park to let their kids play together. As the kids become friends so do the dads. Situations change that cause them to take a different look at each other. Noah is supposed to be straight, but is he. James is gay and is attracted to Noah but doesn’t want to lose the friendship. As their first experience gets off to a great kid sleepover a certain event changes everything. Situations with Noah’s ex cause things to become questionable with Noah and James. For a short story I feel the characters are well developed. The author made the flow work. The events were described so I felt I could see things as they unfolded. I will look for more from this author.
August 26, 2020
This is the story of James and Noah, two single dads who meet at a park while watching over their kids. Of course, their kids are best friends. Of course, they fall in love.
This is a quick read that’s sweet and hot at the same time. It covers a lot of ground: there’s romance, there’s drama, there are mohawks and bee-stings and a fair amount of kid-related cuteness, and it all manages to feel balanced and not at all rushed. All of the characters are fully developed, real people with strengths and flaws. James is a bit on the saintly side, Noah is a tad of a hot mess, but they make it work, and it’s well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a quick read that’s sweet and hot at the same time. It covers a lot of ground: there’s romance, there’s drama, there are mohawks and bee-stings and a fair amount of kid-related cuteness, and it all manages to feel balanced and not at all rushed. All of the characters are fully developed, real people with strengths and flaws. James is a bit on the saintly side, Noah is a tad of a hot mess, but they make it work, and it’s well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
Noah and James are both at an interesting nexus in their lives. After not dating for awhile Noah has finally met someone he wants to try to be with but he things James is straight. James' wife left him for a younger man and he was not in touch with himself as the story starts as open to being with a man. They are both single dads and through the safety of their children spending time together their relationship develops and grows.Though not a long story, it is full of emotion and the wonder of people who are in the throws of getting to know themselves and growing towards an awakening. This was so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2022
The premise to the story was intriguing, two fathers that meet in the park and a friendship develops because of their children. One gay, one straight who develop a friendship, over time that turns into more. There were so many possibilities. The problem with this novella was there were too many potentially great aspects to the story, none of which were able to be explored beyond superficially. In my opinion the author could have easily taken this story and expanded it into a full novel. As it is, it was good, very quick read, but it left me feeling unfulfilled from a story telling aspect. This author definitely has potential and will look forward to reading a full-fledged novel in the future!
I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave this review.
I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave this review.
March 13, 2022
4,5*
The storyline of two divorced dads meeting at a playground bench, where their similar aged kids became play buddies is a good one. After a while both James and Noah discover they are interested in one another and that there is more between them. After a scare and a 'hick up' with Noah his ex. They do find their hea with two fierce and sweet children at their side.
This was my first read by the author and if she has other novellas or full length books in mm I am sure to check it out. Due to the fact that she let me as the reader feel a whole range of emotions ranging from joy to outrage, hoplessness and forgiveness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The storyline of two divorced dads meeting at a playground bench, where their similar aged kids became play buddies is a good one. After a while both James and Noah discover they are interested in one another and that there is more between them. After a scare and a 'hick up' with Noah his ex. They do find their hea with two fierce and sweet children at their side.
This was my first read by the author and if she has other novellas or full length books in mm I am sure to check it out. Due to the fact that she let me as the reader feel a whole range of emotions ranging from joy to outrage, hoplessness and forgiveness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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