Maybe This Time by A.M. Arthur
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: As a regular at gay hotspot Pot O Gold, Ezra Kelley avoids his
tangled emotions with the simplicity of one-night stands and
attachment-free hookups. Until the night bartender Donner Davis picks
him up off the floor after a misunderstanding and too much tequila. Ezra
can’t remember the last time someone was…nice. It’s more than he
deserves.
Witnessing his lover’s death two years ago has Donner
trapped in a holding pattern—living in his sister’s basement, working at
the Pot and flirting with the customers. He’s not above spending a
night with the gorgeous Ezra, but love is not in the cards. That’s more
than he’s ready for.
A passionate night leads to a connection
neither man expects, and they take the first steps to something that
looks like a real relationship. But Ezra’s been running from himself so
long he doesn’t know how to live any other way. And Donner can’t risk
his heart just to lose everything again. They’ll both need the strength
to let go of the past if they want to get it right this time.
Review: I read and reviewed No Such Thing by A. M. Arthur, so when I noticed the companion novel on Netgalley, I was curious to check it out. For those that have read No Such Thing, the main guys in that book (Jamie and Alessandro) do appear in this one, which was nice to see. I’m finding that I enjoy companion novels more than straight up sequels these days.
As for Maybe This Time, I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as No Such Thing. Both Ezra and Donner have their respective problems to deal with and I liked seeing them open up to each other and begin to trust someone else in their lives. They definitely needed that. I could say that the romance between them went fast though. I’m not saying it couldn’t happen, but based on what they had been through, it seemed a bit odd that they would so quickly trust in each other. Regardless, I still enjoyed their relationship and I liked that the secondary characters had their own little stories as well. It made their world seem more real and understandable.
For those that are wary about adult romances, there are more sexual situations in this one than No Such Thing. Overall, it fit the characters, so I didn’t really mind. There were some moments where I felt it was too much though, and I would have rather read about other aspects of their relationship.
In all, I liked Maybe This Time, but I didn’t love it. I thought the characters were well done and I truly felt bad for some of the things they had to deal with, such as Ezra’s parents not truly accepting that he is gay. I think people should start with No Such Thing, though, because the story comes first and I did enjoy it much more.
I'm not a fan of romances myself – especially not adult romances; so I'll be skipping this one. But the premise does sound interesting. Great review girl!!
xx
Sorry you didn't like this one as much as the first. Great review!
Oh I don't think I've read a gay story yet but I should try. I'm sorry that this one wasn't what you expected…
Sorry to hear you didn't love this as you hoped, Lauren. I guess when it's hard to believe two people could trust each other as fast as this couple it would dampen the enjoyment. Great review! 🙂
I really like the premise, so I'm a little bummed you didn't like it as much. But hey, it's a thin line between like and love, I suppose.
Thanks for spotlighting this, though 🙂
I'm not sure this is necessarily my cup of tea but I'm glad to hear of it, at any rate, and hear your perspective of this one. Wonderful review! 🙂
I am not a huge romance fan and this one with all its sex scenes doesn't appeal to me. I appreciate your honest review.
Eh, sounds like something I'll want to skip.
This sounds like an emotional story, and I'm definitely interested in checking it out, but I think I'll take your advice and read No Such Thing first. Lovely review!
No Such Thing sounds familiar to me…did you review it? I'm sorry this one didn't live up to NST, but it does sound good. Thanks for the review, Lauren!
Aw it's a shame that this one wasn't as good as the actual first book, Lauren 😐
Brilliant review, girl! <33
I haven't heard of these two books but they sound really interesting. I think that No Such Thing would be better fit for me as I don't enjoy adult romances that much. Great review, Lauren 🙂
I've also noticed a trend in companion novels rather than straightforward sequels. It does give the author/reader more opportunities to explore other characters than a chronological account sometimes. Interesting post.
It sounds interesting, but I haven't been in the mood for any angst in awhile. I'm going to TBR it though for when I am. Great review!
I am with you, if the sex scenes make sense I don't mind them. glad you enjoyed this, even if it didn't wow you like the first one.