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Always Another Side

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Starting over at forty is hard work for landscape architect Jack Bowman. His long-term partner hurt him badly. With his self-esteem dented by the break up, trusting a new lover is going to take time.

Tyler Freeman is equally unlucky when it comes to love. Now that he’s over thirty-five, he’s tired of getting played. All he wants is someone special. How hard can it be to meet a man who’s honest, with no hidden surprises?

Being set up on a blind date might be a classic cliché, but it’s a stroke of good luck for Jack and Tyler. They have a lot in common, including previous relationships steeped in deceit, but it’s worth navigating their trust issues if it means laying those ghosts to rest.

Making it work finally seems possible—until an accidental discovery threatens their newfound happiness.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2016

8 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

Annabelle Jacobs

59 books399 followers
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.

An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,488 reviews1,050 followers
May 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this story of two men getting a second chance at love.

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.

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.

The men are 100 percent upfront and honest with each other from the get-go. Forget miscommunication. If anything, there is too much communication. Tyler and Jack analyze things to pieces.

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.

The MCs work it out though, and the epilogue gives us a glimpse of their solid HEA.

Always Another Side 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.

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.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,061 followers
May 27, 2016
3.5 stars

Get ready to fall in love with mature gentlemen who know exactly what they want!

Jack in a 40-year-old landscape architect (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.



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.



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!

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 tried to take things slowly. Points for trying!

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.

Recommended.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews



Advanced review copy supplied in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
March 29, 2017
Loved this short sweet second chance at romance story.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

The angst in the end was low. I think those who enjoy a sweet romance that is character driven will enjoy this one.

Happy reading dolls! xx
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,917 reviews274 followers
May 27, 2016
Always Another Side 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.

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.

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.

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.

So if you're looking for a perfectly lovely story about two British men finding love again - look no further. Always Another Side might be just what you need, too!

--------
ARC of Always Another Side generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,215 reviews266 followers
August 7, 2016
*** Amazing and cute, very British story of finding a true love after heartbreak !
Jack's turned 40, he's adrift in life, no pep, no drive, and just depressed.

Eight months ago his 15 yr. relationship ended when his partner cheated.
Tyler, 37, is unlucky in love, and can't seem to get

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.

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.
Well written and interesting, this tale captures our hearts.
Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
===========================
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews193 followers
January 18, 2021
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.

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!

Beware of: 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.

This book is for: 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.

Book UNfunk
Profile Image for Renée.
1,160 reviews402 followers
June 1, 2016
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.

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.

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.

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!

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%.

I'd recommend and I'd read this author again!
Profile Image for Jay Northcote.
Author 52 books1,651 followers
Read
May 9, 2016
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.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
August 15, 2020
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Profile Image for Catherine.
1,608 reviews267 followers
June 11, 2016
*** 3.75 Stars ***

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.
Profile Image for MaDoReader.
1,352 reviews168 followers
January 9, 2017
2'5
Tengo 38 años y no sé cuál es el problema de Jack, la vida no se acaba hoy, una ruptura a esta edad es una putada, pero joé que no estamos en un asilo, nos queda mucho por vivir, espero xD

Esta historia podría haber dado bastante más de sí, el giro que plantea me ha gustado, pero, no llega, no entiendo tanto miedo al insta por parte de los 2 para al final ser todo insta, que me lo expliquen...

Redondeo al alza porque me gusta el estilo de A. Jacobs.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,452 reviews136 followers
July 3, 2016
3.5 Stars

It was so refreshing to read a book about more mature MC’s who are anxious to communicate. Both Jack and Tyler have been hurt terribly by past relationships, so they already have something in common, just in very different ways. Jack was with his partner Simon for many years and the breakup and the wrong that Simon did to him still weighs heavily on him and he’s working himself slowly out of the funk he’s been in for 8 months. Tyler was heartbroken by a man he thought he loved and the way the asshole treated and tricked him shattered his self-confidence and left him gun shy to meet anyone else. Their well-meaning mutual friends set them up on a blind date under the guise of a group outing, less pressure, which they both begrudgingly agree to.

The dinner goes better than they both expected and the attraction is obvious if a little disconcerting to Jack in particular. He’s definitely not in a place to move on just yet and start a new relationship, but he can’t deny that Tyler actually makes him feel something for the first time in a long time. Tyler was the opposite, he dove into his feelings head first, heartache be damned. He’s determined to not be so ‘stupid’ this time around, but it’s hard for him to not be himself when what he wants is sitting across the table from him looking all chiseled and delicious.

The two move forward cautiously and honestly. Sometimes a little too honestly to me for a budding relationship/friendship. I loved that they put all their cards on the table, but for the first half of the book, that’s about all they did. They set realistic expectations with one another, but every get together ended up with apologies back and forth for crossing boundaries or lashing out because of the overwhelming feels. Technically they were each-others rebounds and it felt like it to me. Halfway through and I should have been able to feel more positively towards something for them but I mostly wanted to tell them to bottle up the noise and actually get to know each other beyond how they were defined by their past relationships.

The second half of the book moved forward in the direction I wanted to see. Jake let go of some of his stubborn resolutions and adopted a bit more of Tyler’s attitude without apology. This was the part where I could see a future for them, they weren’t exactly opposites, but they complemented and appreciated the others shortcomings well. Even when it came to the “shit just got real” moment, the changes that happened in the second half made it OK to wait it out while more feelings got processed.

The ending was a little too easy given the build-up. I liked it, preferred it actually after all the drama, it just didn’t balance with the pacing of the first half. I needed to be happy for them though after all they went through, especially Tyler, so I was good with it. I can see where it would be a little out of whack for some. Overall I was so happy to read about some mature characters for a change. There wasn’t angst just for the sake of it. I could believe the misgivings both characters had throughout my only niggle was with the pacing and balance. The characters were very likable and I couldn’t help but root for them through the whole story. I believed their HEA and it was well deserved for these guys.




**a copy of this story was provided to BMBR for an honest review**
Profile Image for Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥.
1,224 reviews146 followers
June 5, 2016
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


3.5 stars

About time we got a really good book with mature men that know how to communicate with each other. Annabelle Jacobs delivered on the second chance love story. Both guys have been burned by their lovers. Jack significantly more because they spent almost 2 decades together. I liked that Jack took time after the break-up to spend some times by himself. I'm never one to push or force a friend to move on because we all grieve differently. But in this instance I think Zena made the better choice. By setting up a blind date with with multiple couples it takes the pressure off of Jack. In walks the younger by 4 years Tyler. I really enjoyed Tyler. I get him so much. I loved that by society's standards him falling in love quickly makes him reckless, but I think he's the opposite. I love knowing that when he falls, he falls hard and he's all in. I don't think putting a limit on when you can be in love should matter. I don't think Tyler does as well.

Both guys start off well. It's put out there by Jack that he's not ready for a relationship, he's looking for a friendship. Sure Tyler seems a little discourage but I think he realizes this might be what he needs. It's slow burn from here. It's them learning how to date, or be interested in someone after nurturing a broken heart. The story focuses on rebuilding, trusting, and communicating again. They both realized that they've fell into a false sense of security that's not always guaranteed when you are in love or love someone. I like that Annabelle Jacobs, created a romance story with mature adults and was able to treat them within the same regard. Like I said above, it's a slow burn, but it's okay because the adults handled it well. Well done mate.

Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,093 reviews137 followers
June 3, 2016
4.5 Stars ~ If you’re looking for a novel devoid of the Big Misunderstanding, where the characters actually discuss their doubts and fears and hopes and are honest and upfront about where they are in life, how they got there, and what they want now and in the future, then look no further than Annabelle Jacobs’ Always Another Side. Hallelujah for the grownups in this book. Just sayin’.

I loved this story, loved Jack and Tyler and the internal conflict of the relationship they weren’t sure they wanted but couldn’t help but to want at the same time. The pasts they were each trying to heal from that led their mutual friends to set them up on a blind date is valid reason to be gun-shy; they’d both been burned by love, so putting themselves out there again, making themselves vulnerable again, isn’t easy. Especially for Jack. The realism of this storyline and what it’s like to start over again at forty, after a long term relationship goes south, was portrayed so well. And, for Tyler, the realism of getting to a point in life, at the age of thirty-six, where he’d never had a successful relationship, was so touching because he’s such an amazing guy. It’s almost impossible to understand how someone hadn’t snatched him up and held onto him before now.

The obstacles in the way of Jack and Tyler’s happy beginning weren’t brushed aside to avoid conflict in this story, not at all. There’s plenty of conflict in this book, and it made my heart ache more than a little in its telling. What Jacobs manages to do is to allow these men to hurt and to own how they feel about relationships and, eventually, about each other, but in doing so, she also allows them to express all of those thoughts and feelings to each other. There are so many great conversations in the telling of this story, where both Jack and Tyler are honest, sometimes bluntly so, and the author allows them both to process those feelings and take away from these talks what’s important to understand in order to move forward.

Always Another Side is such a romantic book. It’s a story about starting over for Jack, whose decade and a half long relationship had lulled him into believing it was forever—only to then have it all come crashing down around him. It’s a story of second chances for Tyler, who wears his heart on his sleeve and jumps into relationships with both feet—only to be let down time after time. With one giant hurdle to get past before they can move forward, or give it up as a lost cause, Jack and Tyler win all the points for seeing things through together.

Annabelle Jacobs gives readers a beautiful and emotionally engaging story to appreciate for these two men not backing down from the challenges of finding love with each other.

Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Profile Image for Emily Seelye.
726 reviews25 followers
July 11, 2017
Lovely story about two older men, who actually acted like the mature adults they are. I liked that this was completely relationship focused, and other than a slight predictable hiccup, was mostly drama free.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,800 reviews309 followers
June 2, 2016
3 Stars ~ Second Chances and Happy Endings
Two middle-age men both are still trying to get over broken hearts. Jack from finding out his long term partner was cheating on him - throwing away 16 years. The other from never being able to find someone who wanted a relationship, his last boyfriend laughed in his face when he declared his love - letting him know he had a relationship already, Tyler was the other man. As these two men meet on a blind date - they quickly work into an easy, honest relationship. Come to find, fate is a cruel wench and she is playing with these two men.

Can they overcome all the obstacles fate keeps tossing in their path? When you have been hurt...can you look at the situation from another perspective and move forward...or are some fated to be stuck in the past, alone - forever?
3 stars
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
description description
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
June 12, 2016
A sweet romance between 2 men who are back on the dating scene, one after the end of a long-term relationship and the other who keeps being involved in relationships that don’t last. They both met during a blind date and, burned by their past, give it a go with one set in mind : being open to each other, even if the truth can be hurtful and exhausting.

Sadly, it didn’t work better for me because I felt it was portrayed in a geriatric world (really, the obsession with age and being old at 40 was too intrusive) and the constant (I mean, constant) presence of the ex-partner/boyfriend.
Profile Image for Mercedes.
1,173 reviews97 followers
June 22, 2016
These guys' relationship was so tentative it exhausted me. Both guys are pussyfooting around a new relationship since both had their hearts broken before. That's OK. I have nothing against that but it drags for so fucking long. Seriously, we are at 95% thru the book and these guys still are doubtful, regretful and too tentative. I was just ready to be done.
Profile Image for Elena.
949 reviews115 followers
December 23, 2016
The plot of this book is pretty anchored in reality: two men, both still suffering the consequences of their last failed relationship, meet on a blind date with some of their friends.

It was refreshing to see how Jack and Tyler struggled to make their new potential relationship work, trying at every turn to overcome the awkwardness and their doubts through honest communication.
They actually talked to each other, instead of assuming things and made it worse, even if sometimes it seemed a little too good to be true. I can’t hold it against them, though, since the “dramatic turn” was navigated in a mature way because of their honesty policy.

So, nothing earthshattering, but still a good, unusual read.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,842 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2016

I enjoyed this little tale from Annabelle, featuring two older MC's both of whom have had their view of love and relationships soured by a former partner. Jack and Tyler deserved to have a happy ending.
Profile Image for Helena Stone.
Author 35 books129 followers
June 5, 2016
Rated 4.5 stars.

I’ve been trying to come up with a good word to describe this book and the term I keep on coming back to is: refreshing.

It was refreshing to read a book in which two grown up men mostly behave like grown up men. It was equally refreshing to read a book in which conflict doesn’t automatically mean drama and shouting matches followed by one or the other storming off. Mostly it was refreshing to read a book in which the characters for once did what I’m always willing characters in other books to do: talk to each other.

Now, before you think everything I said in the previous paragraph means ‘Always Another Side’ is a boring book, allow me to reassure you. This book was touching, the story gripping and both Jack and Tyler charmed their way into my reader’s heart. I loved their no-nonsense approach towards each other.

“I don’t have time or energy to pretend to be something I’m not for the sake of a quick shag. This is me, warts and all.” – Jack

Although their first meeting is a reluctantly agreed to blind date for both of them, it is instantly clear they click on several levels. Because they’re both dealing with unresolved hurts and issues they decide to take their time getting to know each other, but mutual attraction speeds to process up.

Of course there were bumps in the road for these two, but none of them lead to drawn out or massive fights. The biggest hurdle between them didn’t come as a huge shock to me (in fact, I would have been shocked if it hadn’t been the case) but then again, I don’t think it was supposed to surprise me.

I can’t tell you how rewarding it was for me to read about characters dealing with issues in a way I (would like to think I) would deal with them. Well written, smooth to read, wonderfully British, and with two realistic and interesting main characters, ‘Always Another Side’ comes very close to being an ultimate comfort read for me.
Profile Image for Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~.
1,861 reviews138 followers
February 21, 2021
2.5 stars

I was hopeful when this started and our two guys, both fresh out of relationships, one after 16 years and the other just a few weeks, decided to take things slow. And they actually talk! For about ten pages and then this becomes the standard old m/m romance with lots of sex and little substance. *yawn* I deleted it at one point, but I was curious if my theory about James was going to end up being correct, so I downloaded it again. (My theory was correct. It really wasn't that hard to figure out. It bit too convenient and unbelievable, but whatever).

There wasn't anything bad about the book, per se. It would've been nicer to have more of the actual relationship development (outside of the sex scenes) to be on page, because I just wasn't feeling any chemistry between these two guys or understanding what they saw in each other. It would've helped if there had been anything else going on in the book, but this is all romance. If the MCs aren't talking to each other or thinking about each other, or boinking, then they're talking to other people about each other. Hardly anything else happens. The only good thing is that the guys' honest all the time policy prevented a Big Misunderstanding.

If I hadn't read similar stories a thousand times already, I'd probably like it better. But as it stands, it's just meh.
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews272 followers
Read
June 7, 2016
DNF 23%

I don't know... there wasn't anything bad about it, but it didn't capture my interest. I may try again at a later date.

No rating.
Profile Image for Annie ~ Queer Books Unbound.
356 reviews54 followers
June 19, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.

*A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY SIGNAL BOOST PROMOTIONS IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW*

I really enjoyed Always Another Side.
Annabelle Jacobs took a storyline that had been done before and made it hers.

I loved how open both Jack and Tyler were with each other. There was no beating around the bush and no miscommunication. Both have been in not so good relationships before, so because of that they were both very honest with each other and talked about things you might not usually talk about that soon after meeting someone. But considering what they both have been through I found it refreshing and so enjoyable!

Why should they spent time with each other, basically wasting time, when in the end they don't fit? Better to figure this out early, before there's too many expectations and feelings on the line.
I liked how this way they were both aware of what they were getting into and who they were doing it with. Not saying I don't like slowburn too. But honestly like this can be refreshing. Totally depends on the mood you're in.

Minor thing I didn't like is that I saw the twist really early in the story. Maybe it was intentional, but I would have prefered that to not be so obvious until a bit later in the story.
I really liked though how the author (and the protagonists) handled that situation. It felt real and believable. I've (luckily) never been in that situation, but I honestly wouldn't know what to do.
But again Jack and Tyler were honest with each other. And I think that's probably why this worked so well for me. Otherwise I might have not enjoyed Always Another Side as much. But because there was no over the top drama, just real-life (because stuff like this happens), and because I trusted the author to not try to make it into something ridiculous I can honestly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Daphne .
715 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2016
Tyler and Jack were each run over by relationship buses so they approached their blind date with lots of nerves, baggage and life experience. Since Jack was 40 and Tyler 36, they talked (and talked and talked) their way through the various things that came up as they navigated their fledgling relationship. If you like books with no Big Misunderstanding (there was a foreseeable twist, but no BM), with settled men who communicate, this is the book for you.

For me, I am ambivalent. Maybe because I'm 39 (for another month, that's an important month), and I don't feel like a washed up old hag, the (over)emphasis on age here wore a little thin. These men (okay Jack) acted like they were 85 years old. The cracking joints, the "oh my knees", the tiredness and inability to go out on a work night... It just seemed a bit overdone. Maybe I'm just in denial about my hagdom.

Interestingly, the more they talked about their relationship, the less it felt like they had a good one (could my husband have been right all these years?!). Open communication is a good thing but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I felt for Tyler a lot in this story. I wanted him to be cherished and Jack was self absorbed under the guise of maturity.

The epilogue was sweet and there was a nice HEA. In a nutshell, if you like books that mirror real life relationships, warts and all, you may love this. It's well-written with moderate heat. If you like a bit of escapism in your romance, you read because you like to swoon - this might not be your favorite.
Profile Image for Elithanathile.
1,925 reviews
May 7, 2019
Liked this even less the 2nd time around, which definitely makes me the minority. I'm 100% okay with that though :-)!! This was agonizingly slow and these two were simply exhausting; more so Jack than Tyler. Oh jeezus!! No!


Initially forgot I already read this and borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited AGAIN o__O ... after a not so stellar start and a hazy recollection, I decided to double-check my GR profile. Lo and behold, I've read this and didn't like it the first time either :-/!! I've decided to push through and give it another try anyway, but the way things are progressing, a second time isn't going to do many favours for this book after all. We shall see ...
Original rating was 2 stars with a true rating of 1.5 stars. I've cleared the rating since I'm trying this again. So once more, we shall see ...

******

True rating: 1.5 stars - this was just very "meh" for me. I didn't dislike it but there were bits that annoyed me enough to make it less than just "okay". These men were just too exhausting for my tastes and I just couldn't click with them. The "yes, no, maybe so" mentality just put me off completely and in the end, I couldn't be bothered to appreciate either one of them. Oh well, ya win some, ya lose some.

On instinct, I KU-ed this. I'm glad I did.
Profile Image for Arch Bala.
Author 4 books41 followers
June 10, 2016
It started out well for me but somewhere in between, I found the dialogues almost repetitive. What I enjoyed most about it though is how mature the story was. There’s reality in it. Though repetitive, the romance between Jack and Tyler doesn’t feel forced.

I liked both MC but at times, they’re just so similar that even their voices doesn’t feel like changing. I honestly didn’t expect that very little twist at the latter part and was hoping something terrible will happen to THAT person. Oh, well – that’s me being spiteful. ^_^

This was an easy read – likable characters, very slow burn (like snail-like slow) and a pretty much solid ending.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Rachel.
941 reviews72 followers
June 4, 2016
Annabelle Jacobs does it again with this beautifully romantic tale of a second chance at love. Tyler and Jack's story warmed my heart and left me with a huge smile on my face, this one was all about the romance. The author manages to write characters you could know in real life, which makes their story seem more authentic. Highly recommended for when you want a low angst, sweet and romantic read with a HEA.
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