Reviewed by Rhonda
TITLE: Once Shattered, Twice Shy
AUTHOR: Benjamin Dahlbeck
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 102 pages
BLURB:
Wade Meadows’s life is in a downward spiral. After company downsizing leaves him unemployed, his mother’s ill health forces him to move back to Georgia. Fortunately, Wade finds a home health care firm to help his mother when he can’t be there. Then a terrible accident leaves him the one in need. Joe Gillis, home health care worker, is there to lend a hand. However, as an independent and capable person, Wade finds it hard to accept help. Weeks pass and Joe’s consistent strength and presence cause Wade to feel he could let his defenses down and be vulnerable—in more ways than one. Joe wants what’s best for Wade, but crossing the line with a patient could cost Joe his career and business.
REVIEW:
I hadn’t had the pleasure of reading one of Benjamin Dahlbeck’s books before and I am very happy that I didn’t miss out on this one. He actually entertains without pouring on the lust to allow the characters time to develop a relationship. Very refreshing. So let’s meet the guys…..
Poor Wade Meadows makes his appearance with a thump and a snap, yes the poor dear falls off a stump and breaks his arm on a root. As if he didn’t already have enough problems, having just moved home after being down sized out of his job and forced to move home with dear old mom. That probably wouldn’t have been so tragic if it wasn’t for the fact that mom needs medical assistance herself as she has a very severe case of vertigo that doesn’t allow her to even go upstairs in her own house, much less drive the car. So having damaged his arm rather severely, he finds he must now contact the transportation service he had set up to drive his mother around for himself as well. Which if you ask me was the only good thing that comes out of breaking an arm and an elbow because it allows him to meet the soon to be love of his life Joe Gillis, the owner of the company. As Wade and Joe get to know each other during their drives back and forth to various doctor’s offices they get to know each other and learn more about each other in a platonic way at first, but that quickly builds up steam the longer they spend time with each other. Luckily for Lorraine, Wade’s mom, Joe is also able to tell that she has been given the wrong medications and helps her find a measure of freedom from her debilitating problem. All might have gone without a hitch if Joe wasn’t concerned that Wade was interested in him because of something called “transference”, a condition patients feel towards their caregivers because of pain and loneliness. What happens when an interfering sister makes an appearance? Will these two guys ever find out their true feelings for each other?
A very nice read. I recommend it, and personally will be looking for more of Benjamin Dahlbeck’s books.
RATING: 
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