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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
See Goodbyes are always sad. Goodbyes are usually hard. Completing this series is no exception.
I put off starting it as long as I could, but I needed to fall in love with Mack & Davey and let Art go at least for a little while. I will always revisit Killborough throughout my many re-reads so this is truly only a see you later.
Mack & Davey’s story begins when Mack puts an end to their marriage accidentally. If you’ve been reading the DMC for long enough you shouldn’t be surprised by this. Mack does a lot of things without truly thinking through what will actually happen and this is no exception.
Davey is miserable at home because it is no longer a refuge, and he finds himself hiding away more & more which only adds to their problems. When Mack shocks him with the divorce Davey agrees.
This is the story of how they learn who they truly are, what truly matters, and what they are willing to give up in order to be together. Is their relationship worth delving deep into what truly broke it?
Watching Mack & Davey learn to love the new versions of themselves and each other was the perfect way to close out the story of a group of men who were lost. They were brought together by the least likely person, and he is truly and will forever be the heart of this series. Art de Almeida is everything, you never know what is going to come out of his mouth, but it is usually about Joey.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I think Davey and Mack would have never made it before their divorce and eventual second chance, I did enjoy the romance of this book.
Forgotten Romance is the sixth and final book in the Divorced Men's Club series. Like the other books, this one also tells a second-chance-at-love story after a divorce, just a tad differently. Why? Because Davey and Mack had divorced each other and are now trying to reconnect instead of moving on from a previous partner.
The story is quite unique as I have never read one like it. Davey and Mack got divorced after Davey's job, which required him to be away a lot, got between them. However, neither of them really wanted to separate because they are each other's one true love. Also, they have two little ones, so the separation was on paper only, and Davey still lives with them when he is at home. And now, he has 3 months off to spend with his family, which Mack tries to use to get him back.
First of all, prepare for MAJOR miscommunication and the lack of communication altogether. It actually bothered me a lot how much they kept from each other. Big things, like life-changing things. So that put a damper on my mood for most of the time.
However, they were really sweet for each other. And if you put aside that they spent like 10+ years married (so the basics of communication, life planning, and such, should have been there already), it's actually a very entertaining romance.
Mack is a bit of a disaster, but he loves Davey a lot, and he's not ready to give up just yet. I like his self-discovery throughout the book when he digs deeper to realize Davey's job was not the only thing pushing them apart. His clumsiness and enthusiasm are loveable.
Davey is the serious one with great pressure on his shoulders to provide for his family. That sense of responsibility is the main thing that leads him to choose not to quit his job when Mack asks for a divorce. He slowly realizes what he is missing, focusing on being the breadwinner of the family. He's a sweetheart with a heart full of love for Mack and their kids, Van and Kiera. His small gestures of caring make it glaringly obvious that he's not ready to move on.
Their journey to rekindling their relationship is full of sweet moments and romance. And, of course, a healthy those of passion.
As I said before, my biggest issue is that in no universe would they have survived for so long together when they don't talk about household expanses, finances, and future planning. How on earth do you stay married to someone when you don't know anything about their job or dreams or the pressure they are under. While the book do explore some of these things as part of the resolution, I just don't get how they got here.
This book is also a swan song to the DMC series, so all characters from the previous books pop up to help Mack and Davey get together again. It brings up memories of the previous books and also provides a soft goodbye to all of them.
Anyways, this book is very low angst and fun, so have at it, if that's your jam.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
Forgotten Romance is the sixth and final book in the Divorced Men's Club series. Like the other books, this one also tells a second-chance-at-love story after a divorce, just a tad differently. Why? Because Davey and Mack had divorced each other and are now trying to reconnect instead of moving on from a previous partner.
The story is quite unique as I have never read one like it. Davey and Mack got divorced after Davey's job, which required him to be away a lot, got between them. However, neither of them really wanted to separate because they are each other's one true love. Also, they have two little ones, so the separation was on paper only, and Davey still lives with them when he is at home. And now, he has 3 months off to spend with his family, which Mack tries to use to get him back.
First of all, prepare for MAJOR miscommunication and the lack of communication altogether. It actually bothered me a lot how much they kept from each other. Big things, like life-changing things. So that put a damper on my mood for most of the time.
However, they were really sweet for each other. And if you put aside that they spent like 10+ years married (so the basics of communication, life planning, and such, should have been there already), it's actually a very entertaining romance.
Mack is a bit of a disaster, but he loves Davey a lot, and he's not ready to give up just yet. I like his self-discovery throughout the book when he digs deeper to realize Davey's job was not the only thing pushing them apart. His clumsiness and enthusiasm are loveable.
Davey is the serious one with great pressure on his shoulders to provide for his family. That sense of responsibility is the main thing that leads him to choose not to quit his job when Mack asks for a divorce. He slowly realizes what he is missing, focusing on being the breadwinner of the family. He's a sweetheart with a heart full of love for Mack and their kids, Van and Kiera. His small gestures of caring make it glaringly obvious that he's not ready to move on.
Their journey to rekindling their relationship is full of sweet moments and romance. And, of course, a healthy those of passion.
As I said before, my biggest issue is that in no universe would they have survived for so long together when they don't talk about household expanses, finances, and future planning. How on earth do you stay married to someone when you don't know anything about their job or dreams or the pressure they are under. While the book do explore some of these things as part of the resolution, I just don't get how they got here.
This book is also a swan song to the DMC series, so all characters from the previous books pop up to help Mack and Davey get together again. It brings up memories of the previous books and also provides a soft goodbye to all of them.
Anyways, this book is very low angst and fun, so have at it, if that's your jam.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
Aww the end of the Divorced Men’s Club series is here and I’m so glad we finally get Mack and Davey’s story! After hearing about these two for most of the series, I was so curious to see what pulled them apart and how they ended up making it work to get back together.
Mack and Davey were in love, happily married and had built their perfect little family, but Davey’s work responsibilities constantly pulled them apart and put a strain on their relationship, leading to a divorce. But they were still very much in love with each other, so when Davey negotiates an extended time at home, they both set out to make the other fall in love with them all over again.
This book was really cute and a quick read - Mack’s lack of planning and earnestness were really endearing and Davey’s conviction in taking care of his family and being around to be a part of everything was so sweet. They wasted years being apart, but they spent the weeks they had together here falling back in love, not being afraid of their feelings for each other. Their little family was adorable and seeing them work toward something they both wanted so badly was a little infuriating at times when they didn’t communicate, but was mostly really sweet.
The DMC’s involvement in making things work between Davey and Mack was really fun and the perfect way to wrap things up for this crew - even when they were skeptical, they were fully invested in making sure their friends were happy. I’m sad to see this group go, but hoping we’ll get glimpses of them in future Saxon stories to come!
Mack and Davey were in love, happily married and had built their perfect little family, but Davey’s work responsibilities constantly pulled them apart and put a strain on their relationship, leading to a divorce. But they were still very much in love with each other, so when Davey negotiates an extended time at home, they both set out to make the other fall in love with them all over again.
This book was really cute and a quick read - Mack’s lack of planning and earnestness were really endearing and Davey’s conviction in taking care of his family and being around to be a part of everything was so sweet. They wasted years being apart, but they spent the weeks they had together here falling back in love, not being afraid of their feelings for each other. Their little family was adorable and seeing them work toward something they both wanted so badly was a little infuriating at times when they didn’t communicate, but was mostly really sweet.
The DMC’s involvement in making things work between Davey and Mack was really fun and the perfect way to wrap things up for this crew - even when they were skeptical, they were fully invested in making sure their friends were happy. I’m sad to see this group go, but hoping we’ll get glimpses of them in future Saxon stories to come!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Warning, this book gave me a lot of feels, so the review is long!
I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint! I read this as a standalone, having somehow missed out on hearing about this series. I didn't feel lost at all, but I definitely want to go back and read the previous books after reading Davy and Mack's story.
I love second chance romances, but second chance at saving a marriage or long-term relationship is new for me and I have to say, I am here for it.
The love between Davy and Mack was visceral. I could feel it as I read, it was so strong. Their chemistry was off the charts. From the first page, my heart broke for them. But love can't fix everything and Mack is tired of feeling like a single parent. He gives Davy an ultimatum: our marriage or your job. Davy chooses his job. However, Davy doesn't feel like he is choosing work over family. He strongly believes that this job is the only way for him to support his family and provide for them. He also hates seeing Mack miserable, so he doesn't contest the divorce. Despite being divorced, nothing about their relationship changes except for where Davy sleeps and that he and Mack are no longer intimate. Davy's entire MO is 100% make my family happy and secure.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is that Davy and Mack were faithful to each other and their marriage, even during their separation. They really didn't seem like they were divorced, so much as separated. They co-parented amazingly well. The only part of their relationship that was an issue was Davy's work and Mack's feeling that everything was "dumped" on him whenever Davy wasn't home and his loneliness. Davy is definitely the steady anchor of the family, while Mack is the emotional heart.
I loved Davy and I really felt for him and his heartbreak over missing out on the little and big moments with his young kids while working himself to the bone to be a good provider. Having been in Mack's position myself, I could empathize, though I did find Mack frustrating. He seemed to take for granted that Davy's job was the reason he had the flexibility to be home with the kids and have all the nice things they did. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted Davy's income, but also for him to be home all the time. It wasn't like Davy didn't contribute to taking care of the kids and home when he wasn't away at work, he tried very hard to lighten the load on Mack whenever he could. I also felt bad for him having to watch Mack and Luke together. How heartwrenching. Davy didn't need to see what he was missing, he already knew. So there was no "kick in the pants" moment of realization.
Eventually, Mack realizes that he was as much the problem as Davy's job and vows to change his ways while also, and this is so, so important, finding himself again. It was incredible to see that Mack realized his entire identity was wrapped up in his family and he needed to rediscover who he is as his own person. Davy supported him in everything, which was beautiful.
Honestly, despite the many professions of love on both sides, I really felt like Davy's love and devotion to Mack, despite his inability to quit his job, was stronger than Mack's love for him. Note that I say inability because Davy did try to find other employment. That was the one thing that bugged me about their story. They communicated well in everything except their budget and Davy's work. Mack was completely resentful and unwilling to believe Davy that they couldn't afford for Davy to take a huge pay cut and Davy had earnestly tried to find another job. He wasn't stuck on that particular job, he was willing to give it up. But he felt an overwhelming need to make sure that his family was financially solid. I found myself wondering, if Davy works in NY, why couldn't the family just move to NY? Why did he have to travel to the office? It's mentioned that he also travels to meet with clients, but he never actually did that in the story. He was in an office in NY. If the family lived there, he could have been with them on those nights. I was confused by that part. In the end, it worked out and both Mack and Davy were able to get what they wanted. I will note though, Davy made all the concessions and compromises again so Mack could have everything he wanted (though Davy wanted it too). It did feel a little unbalanced, but both men were happy and together and that's what mattered.
I will say that I think the lack of therapy was a major oversight in this book. Davy's fixation on saving for his kids' future and being a strong provider seemed excessive and intense. Mack's resentment doesn't just go away. At one point, despite deciding to be together and work things out, Mack throws it in Davy's face that they aren't husbands anymore, so he doesn't have to tell him everything. That seemed cruel and like a sign that there are some deep-seated issues. As a couple and as individuals, they definitely needed therapy, not just talking to their friends, who got caught in the middle a lot.
I was also a little frustrated that it felt like everyone sided with Mack. Yes, the friends were honest and held Mack to account (sort of) for his role in the failure of the marriage, but they all seemed to want to see Mack move on with someone else, even though they were also friends with Davy. It didn't really feel like anyone understood Davy or gave him the unconditional support that Mack had. It felt a little like everyone was happy to see Davy as the villain. That made sense as Mack shared openly his resentment of Davy's job and his unhappiness in their marriage, while Davy wasn't there to defend himself, not that he would have. Davy never tried to defend himself, even to his own mother, and was happy to take the blame for everything and hold Mack on a pedestal. I think if Mack had had to live on his own and contribute more to supporting the family, he would have better understood Davy's situation and feelings. As it is, he only got a small taste of what Davy was going through.
The plot aspect of Davy's job did start to get old and it felt like they were doomed to fail again because they weren't resolving their core issues and nothing about their circumstances was actually changing. I would have really liked to see Davy stand up for himself a bit more. But the romance was spot on and so sweet. The things that Mack and Davy did to show each other their love for one another were beautiful. Both men were emotive and loved each other and their children so, so much. This will definitely be a re-read for me and one of my favorite books this year.
I was gifted an ARC of this book by ForwardPR and am leaving a voluntary review.
I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint! I read this as a standalone, having somehow missed out on hearing about this series. I didn't feel lost at all, but I definitely want to go back and read the previous books after reading Davy and Mack's story.
I love second chance romances, but second chance at saving a marriage or long-term relationship is new for me and I have to say, I am here for it.
The love between Davy and Mack was visceral. I could feel it as I read, it was so strong. Their chemistry was off the charts. From the first page, my heart broke for them. But love can't fix everything and Mack is tired of feeling like a single parent. He gives Davy an ultimatum: our marriage or your job. Davy chooses his job. However, Davy doesn't feel like he is choosing work over family. He strongly believes that this job is the only way for him to support his family and provide for them. He also hates seeing Mack miserable, so he doesn't contest the divorce. Despite being divorced, nothing about their relationship changes except for where Davy sleeps and that he and Mack are no longer intimate. Davy's entire MO is 100% make my family happy and secure.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is that Davy and Mack were faithful to each other and their marriage, even during their separation. They really didn't seem like they were divorced, so much as separated. They co-parented amazingly well. The only part of their relationship that was an issue was Davy's work and Mack's feeling that everything was "dumped" on him whenever Davy wasn't home and his loneliness. Davy is definitely the steady anchor of the family, while Mack is the emotional heart.
I loved Davy and I really felt for him and his heartbreak over missing out on the little and big moments with his young kids while working himself to the bone to be a good provider. Having been in Mack's position myself, I could empathize, though I did find Mack frustrating. He seemed to take for granted that Davy's job was the reason he had the flexibility to be home with the kids and have all the nice things they did. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted Davy's income, but also for him to be home all the time. It wasn't like Davy didn't contribute to taking care of the kids and home when he wasn't away at work, he tried very hard to lighten the load on Mack whenever he could. I also felt bad for him having to watch Mack and Luke together. How heartwrenching. Davy didn't need to see what he was missing, he already knew. So there was no "kick in the pants" moment of realization.
Eventually, Mack realizes that he was as much the problem as Davy's job and vows to change his ways while also, and this is so, so important, finding himself again. It was incredible to see that Mack realized his entire identity was wrapped up in his family and he needed to rediscover who he is as his own person. Davy supported him in everything, which was beautiful.
Honestly, despite the many professions of love on both sides, I really felt like Davy's love and devotion to Mack, despite his inability to quit his job, was stronger than Mack's love for him. Note that I say inability because Davy did try to find other employment. That was the one thing that bugged me about their story. They communicated well in everything except their budget and Davy's work. Mack was completely resentful and unwilling to believe Davy that they couldn't afford for Davy to take a huge pay cut and Davy had earnestly tried to find another job. He wasn't stuck on that particular job, he was willing to give it up. But he felt an overwhelming need to make sure that his family was financially solid. I found myself wondering, if Davy works in NY, why couldn't the family just move to NY? Why did he have to travel to the office? It's mentioned that he also travels to meet with clients, but he never actually did that in the story. He was in an office in NY. If the family lived there, he could have been with them on those nights. I was confused by that part. In the end, it worked out and both Mack and Davy were able to get what they wanted. I will note though, Davy made all the concessions and compromises again so Mack could have everything he wanted (though Davy wanted it too). It did feel a little unbalanced, but both men were happy and together and that's what mattered.
I will say that I think the lack of therapy was a major oversight in this book. Davy's fixation on saving for his kids' future and being a strong provider seemed excessive and intense. Mack's resentment doesn't just go away. At one point, despite deciding to be together and work things out, Mack throws it in Davy's face that they aren't husbands anymore, so he doesn't have to tell him everything. That seemed cruel and like a sign that there are some deep-seated issues. As a couple and as individuals, they definitely needed therapy, not just talking to their friends, who got caught in the middle a lot.
I was also a little frustrated that it felt like everyone sided with Mack. Yes, the friends were honest and held Mack to account (sort of) for his role in the failure of the marriage, but they all seemed to want to see Mack move on with someone else, even though they were also friends with Davy. It didn't really feel like anyone understood Davy or gave him the unconditional support that Mack had. It felt a little like everyone was happy to see Davy as the villain. That made sense as Mack shared openly his resentment of Davy's job and his unhappiness in their marriage, while Davy wasn't there to defend himself, not that he would have. Davy never tried to defend himself, even to his own mother, and was happy to take the blame for everything and hold Mack on a pedestal. I think if Mack had had to live on his own and contribute more to supporting the family, he would have better understood Davy's situation and feelings. As it is, he only got a small taste of what Davy was going through.
The plot aspect of Davy's job did start to get old and it felt like they were doomed to fail again because they weren't resolving their core issues and nothing about their circumstances was actually changing. I would have really liked to see Davy stand up for himself a bit more. But the romance was spot on and so sweet. The things that Mack and Davy did to show each other their love for one another were beautiful. Both men were emotive and loved each other and their children so, so much. This will definitely be a re-read for me and one of my favorite books this year.
I was gifted an ARC of this book by ForwardPR and am leaving a voluntary review.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love this series, and this was a great last book! I loved the emotions throughout the story, both the good and the bad ones. It was great to see Mack and Davey find their way back, and a way forward. And I loved that the rest of the friend group popped in here and there as well!
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book
I am so sad the Divorced Men’s Club series is over. This series has had some of my favorite romances ever. The last book was so good and I enjoyed it so much. Mack and Davey were so cute and I even loved their children. So much care and attention has been given to this series and I loved it all.
Mack and Davey’s second chance romance was beautiful, angsty but not for the sake of angst and just such an enjoyable read.
*Thank you Foreword PR for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes