Such a good story; I loved it!

I was lucky to get a copy of both the ebook and audiobook of Ben’s Boss for review. I finished reading the ebook and promptly began listening to the audiobook performed by the fantastic John Solo. John has performed several of KC’s audiobooks and I love it when a favorite author and favorite narrator work together to bring a favorite book to life.

The blurb does a great job of describing the story so I won’t rehash it here. Instead, I’m going to tell you how much I loved Ben and what a great person he is for forgiving the horrible things that Wade did to him when they were in high school. You might be tempted to hate Wade – he certainly deserved to be hated for what he did to Ben – but he is genuinely remorseful and we do learn there was a reason for what he did, albeit that reason didn’t justify what he did.

I love a good story where a not-so-nice character is redeemed and KC Wells has written a winner in Ben’s Boss. Like Finn’s Fantasy, this story really got all of my emotions involved. John Solo’s voice was perfect for this book.

Ben’s Boss is the second book in the Maine Men series. You could read this as a standalone but I think you will enjoy it more, and understand Ben’s friends better, if you read Finn’s Fantasy first. I love the group of guys who have remained friends since high school and I’m looking forward to reading each of their stories.

A copy of this book and audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

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Wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance!

Wow, I was unprepared for how much this redemption story would tug at my heartstrings! Even though it’s been eight years, Ben still remembers how much Wade tormented him for being gay during high school, so he’s horrified when Wade turns out to be his new boss. This enemies-to-lovers romance explores the guilt and shame the bully and bullied can feel. The MCs are sympathetically drawn and although most of the narration sits with Ben, it’s Wade journey of redemption that really hits home. I hadn’t listened to the first audiobook in the series, so the opening chapters with so many of Ben’s friends were initially confusing, but the group interactions bookend the story in an important way - making a list of who’s who helped a lot. John Solo handles the audio narration deftly and sensitively, just right.

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1 person found this helpful

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 A Heartfelt Delight!

I am loving K.C. Wells’ “Maine Men” series, the Maine men Finn, Ben, Seb, Dylan, Noah, Aaron, Levi and Shaun are a tight knit circle of friends, the camaraderie amongst them is simply divine, they are each others support group and sounding boards. You can not help but fall in love with each and every one of them, I am hoping they all get their own book. The first book featured Finn, this one is Ben’s story, Ben had announced that he had a interview for a job at a gift store in town, it is owned by the Pearsons and has been for generations. He went to HS with a Wade Pearson, he hopes there is no relation there because Wade was his biggest bully and he made life miserable for Ben while in high school. The first time Ben was in the store he spoke to Mrs. Pearson, no sign of a Wade so he was happy about that. Except when he goes back for the interview guess who is the interviewer, yep, Wade. Ben held back what was on his mind and did well during the interview even though he knew he would not be getting the job. To his surprise he gets a call soon after to tell him the job was his if he wanted it. Of course he took it, with hopes that Wade would be busy with the other three stores and he would not have to see much of him. But Wade has other plans which include making amends. This is a great enemies to lovers story, it brings up some serious and real life situations, including bullying, the reason behind it and the aftermath. It also shows dealing with guilt, the opening of one’s heart and forgiveness. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and a great romance. K.C. Wells thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to what comes next in this awesome series and Seb’s Summer.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, John Solo continues to bring these characters and their stories to life. He is a talented narrator and versatile voice artist. His portrayal of these characters is spot on, I love how he takes each role and make it his own, sounding natural and believable in every role he performs. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work, as he captures all the characters emotions and projects them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen.

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A great series!

This book was so great! Equal parts sweet and angst. A very-well-written hurt/comfort romance where Wade, Ben’s former high-school bully embarks on a mission to make things right and repent his former actions, all the while secretly pining away for more. I loved how K.C. Wells wrote Ben and Wade’s past: it’s thoughtful and insightful, and delves into the reasons for Wade’s bullying, not only his actions, without excusing or minimising them.
There are also very sweet and funny moments, and I love the tight knit group of friends that is more like a band of brothers than other. Can’t wait for more in this series!

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Can a homophobic bully make amends?

Ben was bullied at school for being gay before he even realised that he was gay. He had a strange relationship with his bully in his head, he hated him for making his life so hard and miserable, but on the other hand, he secretly fancied him. That was years ago, but the feelings that Wade had made him feel stayed with him for life.

Ben applied for a new job within a trinket shop in town, and he thought the shop quaint and the older lady and man who ran it seemed nice. That was until the interview.

Can Ben work for the same man who bullied him for years? Will he even acknowledge those high school days.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster, Ben and Wade have been through a lot over their lives, but can either of them get past their high school selves.

We also meet up with Finn and the others from book one, although this can be read as a stand-alone.

A well-written book about men, love and second chances in life: Great narration from John Solo: I speeded up the narrator to 1.25. but this is normal for me, and I find most people read too slow for me.

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