A fairly predictable story with no real twists. Insta-love and VERY quick grief processes. It was an enjoyable enough light read, though.

I guess my way of warning people of trigger warnings in a book is tagging it with “tough issues” and Big Love was loaded with them. Coming out, grief that involves both a partner and children, attempted suicide, bullying are all included, so if want to stay clear of any or all of these topics, this book is definitely not for you. Although I haven’t been reading books by this author for very long, I’ve now read enough to realize that shouldn’t consider anything that he writes to be an “easy” read so I brace myself going in.

Another important point about Big Love is that although there is a bit of romance, it’s more of a book about relationships than a true romance. It’s also about characters finding themselves and being comfortable with who they are. The story centers around Dane and his prior relationship with his wife and his current relationship with his kids, his his relationship with his students (especially Truman) and Seth. There is a lot that all of these characters have to come to terms with in Big Love and none of it is easy. Readers spend time getting to know not just Seth and Dane, but are given Truman’s POV as well. This is one of those books that wasn’t easy to read, but it was well worth the emotional time spent with each of them.

The next book in the Big Love series centers on Truman. He was in a good place at the end of Big Love and I’m hoping he’s still there by the time readers catch up with him in Bigger Love.

The first book in a new series, Big Love is an emotionally engaging read. I really enjoyed this story from its heartfelt well delivered moments to the characters interaction. I will definitely be reading more and hope you will give it a go as well

This is my second novel by the author, and I admit this is my favorite of the two. The novel centers on two men who are brought together when a bullied high school student takes drastic measures at the school that they teach. This develops an interesting dynamic between all who become involved. The dynamic between the two central characters, Seth and Dane, have obstacles built in to create a sense of tension between them that makes the plot interesting as it progresses. If you like drama and romance, this is a good way to spend an afternoon.

Dane Bernard has kept the secret of his true orientation his whole life, he married his high school sweetheart and loved her and the two children they had. Nothing would have changed except for the tragic traffic accident that took her from them and opened the possibility for more. New teacher Seth Wolcott is smitten the first time he notices Dane in the playground but thinks its hopeless as Dane is married with kids. Things change when they try to help totally gay and bullied pupil Truman cope with his life. Emotional journey of people coming to terms with their lives. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am giving this book a 3/5. The book was enjoyable but predictable. Good character build but not enough plot twist/angst.

Sweet romance: a widower bursts out of the closet, a student stands in his truth👍

👥This MM romance struck me as lower heat than the books I've previously read by Rick R. Reed but no less relevant and enjoyable. Reed has woven together two stories of different generations, connecting them through their small-town high school setting. Although there's bullying involved, and a moment of suicidal despair, to me the general tone of the book was hopeful. All the lead characters are sympathetic and relatable. I felt a real connection to beleaguered Truman, his mother and, of the adult couple, particularly Dale.

Bullied Truman goes through the fire of hassling and humiliation and finds strength from his mother's unconditional love and his two teacher mentors, but mostly significantly from within himself.

Dale loses his wife tragically, He's a respected teacher and father of two who's maintained his attraction to men as a well-kept secret, Suddenly involved in efforts to save a young life, Dale breaks his silence with unexpected results. He embraces his good fortune in finding a new colleague with a mutual attraction and an equally generous heart.

Some of the most moving scenes for me involved Truman pouring his heart out to his mother and later to his ex-lover, and Dale's heart to heart with his teenage daughter.

Thanks to publisher NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Dane with two grown up kids tries to come out of the closet clean... And he struggles with its consequences...
Seth who's new to the school, decides to stay low after his recent breakup starts falling for Dane...
Truman who's openly out and proud, gets bullied terribly and goes to the verge of breakdown...
While Dane and Seth try to save Truman, it's Truman who teaches them life instead...
The book was not sad or heart breaking... It was sad to see Truman go through a lot but otherwise the book was easy going... And that's why I didn't feel much for any of the characters...