Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
Gage is happy, happier than he thought possible. He has Wolff Mannheim, the man he has always loved, even when he hated him, back by his side and in his bed. He is confident that their relationship can only grow stronger as they continue to rediscover each other.
When a letter appears after twelve years of silence from the family that disowned him and cast him out, he has Wolff to lean on. The contents of the letter have left Gage reeling but also have him reuniting with his estranged sister. When the shocks keep coming, it forces Gage back to his family home—a place he never thought he would return to. At least, this time, he has Wolff by his side as well as his sister.
As Gage faces the man who threw him carelessly away, he proves himself to be the better man, a stronger man, than the one forced away so many years earlier. With all his demons put to rest, can Gage live his life with his one true love?
This is book two in the Redemption Series and follows on immediately from Wolff, book #1. While it can be read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed reading in order. Contains some very steamy man-on-man loving and is advised for 18+ only.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to find in the follow up story after reading Wolff, but I found that I actually connected far better to Gage (Redemption #2) by J.J. Harper than I did the initial novel. As I stated in my review for Wolff, it felt like that story, told by both main characters in alternating povs, was as much about Gage as it was Wolff, so why the title?
Here is Gage it’s clear that the main subject matter is indeed Gage,his past, and any affect it will have on his future with Wolff. The story picks up almost immediately after the envents of Wolff and their new commitment to each other.
While this is no instant love (can’t be with their background), it does read as a zero to sixty sort of “erasing of years of hatred, emotional turmoil, severe nightmarish memories”. Gage tried to commit suicide over the event that Wolff caused. Now they are humping like adorable bunnies in love. Yes, that much sex. They barely make to the office. Which is where I have another issue with this being an unrealistic story. Or at least one with flags.
Gage has been newly promoted to partner. Wolff is a new hire in Gage’s old position. Gage is now his boss. So new positions for both men, unequal power distribution for starters, Gage has a admin who not only knows both men but is privy to knowledge that caused all the hurt and devastation to begin with. And throughout the story, both men seem incapable of keeping their personal relationship separate from their business one. Gage ignoring work, snapping at his admin, giving work to Wolff that should have gone to someone else. It’s unprofessionsal and the author doesn’t address any of this, which makes both their jobs seem like they are “tv lawyers” with all the authenticity that carries.
My favorite section of the story deal’s with Gage’s past, which returns in a huge way. I loved the element with his sister and his mother, thought that was well done.
Also as interesting was the continuing threads with the best friends on both sides, Bannon and Theo. Theo’s is left hanging with lots of speculation and I expect it will be addressed in the next or future stories to come. The story with Jasper and Bannon and the abusive ex boyfriend was laid down neatly at the end and i look forward to that one in the next book to come.
I think my issues with both Wolff and Gage is that I expect a little more authenticity within the worldbuilding, that includes contemporary stories. Make me believe that they are lawyers, have them act professionally. Same with emotional issues. I thought the way Gage’s feelings towards his mother was handled beautifully. Far more realistically than the manner in which he suddenly overcame his “deep seated hatred” of Wolff in the first story.
Other readers won’t have this problem and will love this continuation of this relationship. With both books out, it’s easy to read one right after the other as they flow nicely together. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. If you enjoy contemporary romance, check these out.
Cover art works for Gage. I like the tones and composition. Great job.
Sales Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N6CCJ6R
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N6CCJ6R
Universal link : mybook.to/Gagebk2
Book Details:
ebook, 1st edition, 171 pages
Published February 7th 2019 by Self Publisher
ISBN 139781794164840
Edition Language English
Series Redemption #2
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