The Rebuilding Year

By: Kaje Harper

Narrated by: Gomez Pugh

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

It took losing nearly everything to discover what they can't live without.

A few excruciating minutes pinned under a burning beam cost Ryan Ward his job as a firefighter, the easy camaraderie of his coworkers, his current girlfriend, and damn near cost him his left leg. Giving up, though, wasn't an option. He fought and won the battle back to health, over a painful year. Now, choosing a new profession, going back to school, and renting a room from the college groundskeeper should be simple.

Until he realizes he's falling in love with his housemate and things take a turn for the complicated.

John Barrett knows about loss. After moving twice to stay in touch with his kids, he could only watch as his ex-wife whisked them away to California. Offering Ryan a room seems better than rattling around his empty house alone. But as casual friendship moves to something more, and emotions heat up, the big old house feels like tight quarters.

It's nothing they can't learn to navigate, until life adds in unhappy teen kids, difficult family members, and mysterious deaths on campus. Rebuilding will be far from easy, even for two guys willing to open their minds, and hearts.

©2012 Kaje Harper (P)2017 Kaje Harper

The Rebuilding Year

The Rebuilding Year is the first book in Kaje Harper's series. I've owned this book for a while but never found the time to read it, so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audio and I do not regret that decision! Well, except that I would have liked to listen to all three books in the series at once, but instead I ended up buying the next two books so I could finish Ryan and John's story with no long delay!

I loved that this story was about two men older than their 20's. I'm not going to call them "mature" men, because it makes them sound ancient. But, this isn't a story about two 20 year olds. This is about two men who have lived life, life threw them curveballs and they're living a new life. John is a divorced man with two children. He loved and married his childhood sweetheart. Now he fights to get to see his children. He works for a local college and really lives a quiet life. He's very unassuming. Ryan was a firefighter injured on the job, so he's moved on to the next part of his life and has gone back to college to pursue a career in medicine. Ryan is a ladies' man, but since his injury, he has been more reluctant to let someone seem him sans clothes. Ryan liked the adrenaline rush of being a firefighter, and will enjoy it as a doctor. On a day when he's struggling, he meets John who helps him out. And so begins a very, very slow going friendship. These two men are nothing more than acquaintances that see each other on campus. Then they become roommates when Ryan is looking for a place. Then they become friends and way, way, way into this story they become something else.

Something that I liked about this story was that these men were not perfect. John frustrated me regarding his inaction with his kids. He didn't want to make waves so he let his ex-wife dictate everything, even not allowing visitation with lame excuses. And, I know a man exactly like this in real life. It drives me nuts regardless of where it happens. These are your children and while it's important to remain a decent person, they're your children. Maybe John was just beaten down from life, but I kept saying, they're your kids, do something! And though neither man fell into a relationship easily, Ryan's need to keep everything secretive annoyed me. But, that's also what I liked about this story. This was two every day guys that didn't have all the answers and didn't always make the right decisions the first time around. They were real.

The narrator is Gomez Pugh. He did a terrific job bringing this story off the page. His narration had good diction, a good pace, no weird pausing or word uses. The narrator gave each character individual voices and really just brought this story to life for me. The focus of this narration was on the story and characters, as it should be. Though this is the first time I've listened to this narrator, I look forward to hearing more from him!

Even though I have very, very strong feelings regarding stories that leave "cliffhanger" type endings, I didn't hold this ending against the author. It has a HFN type ending. You know the men are together but nothing else is settled in their lives. Plus, I was able to just go ahead and read the next two books without a long wait, so that helps tame my hatred. :) I highly recommend reading this series, and having all books on the ready once you start reading! And do listen to this audio, it's fantastic and one I will relisten to again in the future!

Overall: 5 stars!
Performance: 5 stars!
Story: 5 stars!!

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

Ryan and John are a complete swoon worthy couple. This is a little bit friends to lovers, a little bit Gay for you and a lot of a sweet love story with some action and excitement to boot. Both men are straight when they meet but getting to know each other changes that fairly quickly. I loved how the author made this romance into a little bit of a thriller and added an awesome family dynamic too. I loved both Ryan and John equally. Ryan is an ex-firefighter turned med student and John is a father of two who works at the college. I really liked that the couple didn't spend a bunch of time convincing themselves that the relationship was "wrong", they felt it and jumped in with both feet. The ending is a bit of a cliffy but not really, more of a lead into the next book. I already bought books 2 & 3 cause I need to see where their story goes.

This was my first Gomaz Pugh and will not be my last! He really did a great job with these characters and will the kids.

The Coming Together of two gentle men

How important are first impressions?

Ryan Ward knows he hasn’t made a good one on his first day of medical school. Instead of using his cane, vanity caused him to leave it at home, and when his knee gave out, he fell down a flight of stone stairs and hit his head.

He doesn’t lose consciousness but finds himself looking into kind compassionate eyes.

John Barrett is the groundskeeper of the campus and holder of its many secrets. He knows many of the students by sight and keeps a paternal eye on them. Since his wife took their two children (Tori aged twelve and Mark, almost fifteen) from Wisconsin to L.A., this is as close as he comes to being a father.

Doctoring the soon-to-be doctor gives his day some purpose. When the men run into each other a few days later at a pub, they strike up a friendship. When Ryan hits the limit of patience with his partying roommate, John offers to rent him a room in his too-big empty house.

These are both older men, John a bit more so. He might even have a grey hair. But he shares how much he misses his children. Ryan is the second-youngest in a family of 4 boys, doesn’t know much about kids but he does remember the nice things his older brother used to do for him. Ryan shares this advice with John.

Then there’s the night that changes everything.

Men aren’t known for opening up and sharing their feelings, but there is a moment when Ryan and John do exactly that. Both men have survived incidents of profound sorrow. John assures Ryan that it’s not a contest to see whose pain is deeper – because they both have reasons for profound grief. The empathy between the two men is palpable.

So is the kiss an expression of that empathy, a logical extension of their friendship, or something much more profound?

GFY (gay-for-you) is a common trope, but Kaje handles it with the humour and emotion that befits the situation. Neither man planned this – both being straight – and they are coming to this relationship from very different experiences. But there is something undefinably right about them. As always, life gets in the way of a smooth-sailing relationship.

John’s children play an endearing and important role in the book. His ex-wife Cynthia is a bit shrill, but maybe that explains why she left him. The relationship between John and Ryan, of course, becomes an issue with custody. The men’s love for the children was wonderful.

There is one thing that niggled me. There is a subplot that almost felt out-of-place. Just too much. Maybe it’s because I felt the emotions between John and Ryan were so real, the kids so important, that no other crises were needed. It did, however, lead to a very dramatic scene that did move the relationship forward, so I understood why it was included. It also enabled characters to face their fears which is heartening.

I loved these two men, the gentle exploration of what it means to be a man, and why friendship can be the perfect basis for a great romantic relationship.

The book has a happily-ever-after, but I did notice there is a sequel and there will be a Christmas novella soon. My only disappointment is that they aren’t out on audio, but that is a small quibble because I loved the book. A friend introduced me to Kaje’s writing and I’ve been hooked ever since. If you enjoy this book, you will love "Into Deep Waters" and vice versa.

I cannot say enough good things about Gomez Pugh. He is the perfect narrator. Ryan and John’s voices helped me create a picture in my mind and he did great work with the kids and secondary characters. You need to listen to these books.

Wonder Audio Version of a Fantastic Story

Fall has finally graced us with its presence where I live, so that means I need to dig out my long-sleeved shirts, figure out where I put all my socks, and try (and fail) to resist all the lovely chocolate being horded in the house. There is also one other important ritual to help me celebrate the death of the horrible all-consuming sun, and the incoming cool weather and rainy days…

My annual rereading of The Rebuilding Year, by Kaje Harper.

There are many Christmas and holiday books out there, but to me, the book that best encapsulates all things Fall, is The Rebuilding Year. Though the book takes place over many months, from fall into winter and spring, there is something about it that always draws me in at the end of each September. It’s probably the pumpkin-guts fight, to be honest. Always wanted to have one of those. The reason why doesn’t matter so much to me, though. It is just the way it draws me in, like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day, that keeps me coming back year after year. I quite adore the story of Ryan Ward and John Barrett, and I can only hope that you do as well.

This year, however, Kaje Harper has offered up an audio book version for long-time fans to savor and new-comers to discover. Narrated by the wonderful Gomez Pugh, this audio book is everything you loved about the original story but brought to life in such a way that you easily lose yourself in the story like it was the first time all over again.

I’ve been reading m/m for almost a decade now, and I have to say that this romance between John and Ryan is still probably one of my favorites. The book certainly has its flaws–the mystery, while having grown on me after all these years, has never stopped being a bit out of place–but when you are running out of fingers to count the times you have reread a book, I think it is time to admit that maybe what you considered flaws are not so much broken parts of the story, simply the bits that make the story unique enough to remember.

And remember it I do. There are so many parts of this story that stick with me. Especially that first kiss between John and Ryan. Probably my all-time favorite kiss in m/m ever. It was like a thousand times more epic in this audio version as well. Pugh was able to bring to life all that sweet longing and surprise and need in a way that eclipsed whatever had gone on in my head before. And the sex scenes in this book…I think I might have actually blushed while listening to them. I most certainly had to scramble to find my headphones on several occasions since there was no way I could listen to them out loud without dying of embarrassment at the chance my family might hear what I was listening to.

But my favorite parts were the ones where it was quiet and slow; where they simply existed with each other in day to day life. There is just so much love in those moments. Where it is not spoken, but it is felt so deeply even the reader could feel it. This is just one of those books where I am reminded why I fell in love with the genre to begin with.

I honestly can not recommend this book, especially this audio version, enough. And not just because if enough people buy the audio book there is better chance at Kaje Harper agreeing to continue the series in this format. Gomez Pugh brings these characters to life in a way that is truly enthralling, and it was a true pleasure to listen to every second of this book. If you are like me audio books are a rare investment, but I think this one should be at the top of list.

Great story, enthralling listen, amazing romance. Can I have some more, please?

it was good

i can't wait for the second book i hope they can make it as and audiobook soon

One of my all time Favorite mm stories!

Ryan is a med student, former fireman who was injured in the line of duty, looking for a cheap place to stay while studying. He meets John on campus where John does the maintenance for the university. John is recently divorced father of two who is looking for a friend and someone to share expenses.

John and Ryan quickly become great friends and find themselves inexplicably attracted to one another as more than friends. Neither has identified as gay before but are suddenly seeing the other as very attractive.

There are a lot of hurdles. Neither is willing to jump into this without being sure of their feelings. Ryan has scars on his body that makes him leery of opening himself up to anyone. John’s wife and family aren’t going to see this as something to embrace. And – there’s a dead body found on campus and John is a suspect!

With a lot of careful movements forward and some deep discussion the couple explore their new feelings and in the end find a deep and abiding love.

**

This was one of the first mm books I ever read and I have re-read it dozens of times! I absolutely loved it. It’s a double GFY, both male “virgins” and they are so very sweet with each other! Kaje Harper is an amazing writer, she carefully crafts their relationship so that it is believable and romantic and yet full of realistic challenges and day to day hurdles.

I can’t recommend this book enough and I am ever so excited to read the sequel (finally!)!

6 of 5 stars

Audio

It’s so funny how different (sometimes) a book can “hit” you when you listen to it rather than read it. This was one of my all time favorite books because it does such a nice job of really exploring “gay for you” and now that I know more about sexuality, I think John is probably more “demisexual” than bi or gay. I think Ryan is probably bisexual – not that any of this matters, but I was noticing how frustrated I got when both men jumped on to the “I’m gay now” bandwagon, when really… they probably aren’t.

In any case, I also noticed how much John annoyed me with his letting Cynthia get away with murder… and how wishy washy he was at times – well – they both were at times…

But… Gomez Pugh is one of those delightful narrators who could read me (probably) any book and I’d at least be entertained if not love it! He’s a great voice actor and really knows how to handle emotions and timing.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and couldn’t stop once I started.

Highly Recommended!


6 of 5 stars

Cliff hanger

This is truly a five star story. It has it all. Excitement, love, super hot, sizzling sexy times and some suspenseful nail biting scenes.
I've gotten to a point though that I really don't like cliff hanger endings. Since I didn't see anything mentioning that, I thought I would.
I will get the next book in the series when it becomes available because it's just that good, but I'll be quietly fuming about the cliff hanger.
I really like Gomez Pugh as a narrator. I only rated down one star because the voice he used for John was kinda creepy to me. Don't let that put you off though. It's definitely worth a credit.

More formula than Life Lessons, but still enjoyable

Having discovered Life Lessons on a search for JF Harding narrations, I was immediately drawn to Harper’s style for cleaner writing - devoid of many standard fillers and tropes. The story had a few peculiarities, characters that were not used to their fullest, or plot points that were fully unknown until explained well after the fact. I attributed that as a stylistic choice. Now, having read the first two in the rebuilding series, I think it’s less a style choice than it is a bad habit. This series is all over the place - at least the first two books. Book one has a crime thread that propels that story along, book two takes a different approach. But first, Gomez.

Gomez Pugh’s narration is definitely above average. His voice is very pleasant, and he shifts between the main characters quite well. You always know who’s speaking. He also does well with the children’s voices, and for the most part he’s good with the the women too. Where I get a bit lost is why there are hints of a drawl, and virtually nothing that sounds Wisconsin. The cop was the most obvious choice, echoes of Fargo “want some eggs, Norm?” came immediately to mind. But no. Where we do get the flat midwestern vowels I know so well is from Cynthia, the ex wife. The main character and his ex wife had lived in Chicago, Springfield and then York, Wisconsin. She doesn’t sound like anyone native to northern Illinois, and as they were high school sweethearts, it would seem they would both have similar accents. Also, Cynthia left John for a wealthy, upwardly mobile lawyer from Southern California. That nasal, flat voice is hardly the sound of a trophy wife. It gets even more comical in book two.

The story starts strong pretty. Bless Harper for another pair of main characters who are 30+. They have workable back stories, John a struggling divorced dad and Ryan, a guy starting over after a debilitating accident. Not unique, but she handles it well. College town is easy for midwestern gays, Gregory Ashe and others have used college towns to great effect when setting their stories in middle of the country.

We are introduced to the mystery early on in the form of a student who appears to be on hallucinogenics. Alice is wandering with a candle into brush and John sees her and manages to steer her back to her dorm. We encounter Alice again a bit later and that plot point kicks off. However it is one of several irons in the fire, pun intended. The story is generally sweet and follows what I call the Journey method - no great setbacks, just a windy path. These guys think a lot. A lot. For me there is almost too much sex after awhile, and no one should ever use the word scrotum sexually. Which Harper tries to do.

Another point off was the Better Homes and Gardens style descriptions. I find that the most pointless filler. The first time Ryan sees John’s house, Harper rambles on describing in the most bland terms and never really sets a clear visual. In Life Lessons, I could see Max’s crappy apartment clearly, or when she later has Mac reflecting on the thrift store sheets. She deftly created that imagery as it fit in the story. In this book, it’s pale yellow paint and blah blah blah. When describing the kitchen we learn the cabinets are a beautiful stained wood with glass panels over a faded countertop. And…who cares? John is a woodworker and artist. Did he make those cabinets? She never says. Did the cabinets make the rest of the room feel dingy? Why even bring them up? Paint the picture if it matters.

The story rolls along as the guys begin coming to terms with their relationship, trying to identify their sexuality, people finding out - it is all pleasant to listen to but not terribly original. The difference is how thoughtful Harper writes the dialogue between John and Ryan and how they approach the spinning world around them together. It’s sweet and generally believable.

Where it goes off track is the crime element. This might be a touch spoilerish, be warned. Once the crimes start, the detective is very critical of John and tries to keep him on edge as if he is involved or possibly negligent. When all is said and done we are “treated” to rambling story of greed and intrigue that didn’t take place in front of us. We’re just given a story. We don’t really know the people involved and haven’t been to the places where it happened. Imagine you got a flat tire running over some debris in the road. Then having to listen to everything that led up to the debris being in the road. It’s incredibly removed from the story we’re reading.

While I did enjoy the story overall, I was left disappointed knowing that Harper can create a tighter, and better crafted tale. Still would recommend this title.

narration could be better

The voice chosen to portray John was lackluster and could have been better. The narrator's choice of voice just made him sound dumb and slow.

Story, Characters and Narration

I thought the author told a very good story, did an excellent job of building characters we could like and believe are real. I've lived a life similar in some ways to this story. Neither my husband or I had ever been with another man and both of us had been married, but neither had children. And the children in this story add an important and interesting element. The narration was "spot on", so much so that I forgot there was a narrator. I found it compelling and entertaining.