Ben's Boss

Maine Men, Book Two

By: K.C. Wells

Narrated by: John Solo

"Pearson’s a common name.”

“It can’t be him.”

“God wouldn’t be that cruel.”

A painful history

Walking into the job interview confirms Ben White’s worst fears. It’s been eight years since high school, yet he can still recall Wade Pearson’s taunts.

There’s always a chance Wade isn’t the same homophobic asshole Ben knew. Yeah, right.

Except the boy Ben remembers has grown into one seriously hot, brooding man. In another life, Ben would have climbed him like a tree. Wade’s gaze still makes Ben shiver - although now for entirely different reasons.

A secret longing

As soon as Wade read Ben’s application, he knew he had to see him. Ben’s still as gorgeous as Wade remembers. It’s obvious he doesn’t expect to get the job, given their history.

But Wade has an agenda. He has to make it up to Ben for treating him so badly - not that Ben will ever know why he acted like he did. Seeing him every day only heightens Wade’s regret. If he’d had more courage back then, maybe he and Ben could have been something.

The least he can do is show Ben he’s changed.

There’s no way Wade can get what he really wants - Ben’s heart.

©2021 K.C. Wells (P)2021 K.C. Wells

Amazing listen!

I absolutely love listening to this second chance at love story. Ben and Wade's story is so beautiful. This a slow burn which is prefect since these two had a lot to move past. I absolutely love how KC Wells does this redemption story. Then John Solo does an amazing job with this narration. I just couldn't stop listening. brings so much life to this story. Such a beautiful listen!

Ben's Boss

When Ben decides to try for a change of pace and a new job, he never expected to see someone from his past, someone he always dreamed about but should not have. How do you react when you see your high school bully when you go in for your job interview? Ben is more than surprised but he is not going to show any fear and let Wade win. Little does he know that Wade has changed and had reasons for what he did. Wade is determined to try to make up for his past actions and neither man has any idea on what will happen next.

Ben and Wade’s story is a sweet and emotional one. Wade has hidden in the closet for years. When Ben returns into his life he cannot hide anymore. I really enjoyed the way the two men develop a tentative friendship that soon blossoms into so much more. Wade may have had reasons for doing what he did in the past, but it does not make it right but seeing Ben’s reaction and emotions on the whole experience- past and present makes for a beautiful story. Narrator John Solo does a good job of bringing out the emotions in this story and pulled me in to the story right from the start.

New Start

You can't undo the past but you can make a new start as the people you are now. This is part of the theme and message of this book. We also get glimpses of other that are having changes in their lives or are looking at new ways to see themselves. This book show a lot of growth in both of the main characters. Sometimes fear of what might happen can be the worst part. I was glad to see these two finally open up and communicate with each other.

I listened to the audio version which was well done and very enjoyable.

Excellent

Really enjoyed this new one from KC Wells! I adore second chance novels and this was a great example of that trope! I loved the main characters in this one and their story was excellent. John Solo does a nice job narrating, as usual!

Good enemies to lovers tale.

John Solo always gives a solid performance and this was no exception. He is good at emoting and does a decent job in varying his tone to give distinct voices to the main characters.

I enjoyed the first story of this series with it's age gap romance. At the end of book one there was a teaser for Ben's story. Ben was applying for a job at a store whose owners had the same last name as a high school bully that was awful to Ben. Ben was hoping that there was no relation, but at the same time there was a part of him who remembered how attracted he had been to that same bully.

A short time later, Ben interviews for the job with that bully. Wade remembers Ben when he sees him and he looks back with shame. Though Ben is qualified and the best candidate to interview, Wade partially hires him to make up for bad behavior. Though his solution to ignore Ben instead of apologizing leaves a lot to be desired.

Of course, close proximity and Wade's wonderfully sweet and somewhat interfering family change up the dynamics between Ben and Wade. I really loved Wade's family and Ben's friend group that it seems this series will be based on. I thought it was well told and Wade was able to finally acknowledge his mistakes and prove to be a fitting partner for Ben, so I was happy with the ending.