Aftermath by L.A. Witt [Review]

Aftermath (Vino and Veritas) by L.A. Witt
Format: ebook
Source:  purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: June 9, 2023

Vino and Veritas
Roommate
Featherbed
Headstrong
Heartscape
Aftermath - Paperback | Kindle
Undercover
Booklover
Flipcup
Hideaway
Unguarded
Turnabout
Daybreak
Insatiable
Heartsong
Limelight
Undone
Showstopper
Unforgettable
Stronghold

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Busy Bean
1. Sweetheart

In Vino Veritas
1. Wildfire

Moo U
1. Boyfriend

Speakeasy
1. Touchstone

True North
1. Bittersweet

L.A. Witt
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Brent Weyland was the life of the party until an injury ended his hockey career. Now he’s retreated alone to a lakefront house, trying to make sense of a life and body that don’t feel like his anymore.

Jon Norquist was happily married right up until he wasn’t. Now a single father in his forties, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. In the meantime, he pours his heartache and regret into the lyrics he sings for the wine bar crowd a couple of nights a week.

When a friend coaxes Brent out for a night of wine and music, he puts Brent and Jon on a collision course. Their chemistry is instantaneous. Jon gives Brent’s battered body a much-needed remedial lesson in pleasure. And Brent gives Jon a reason to smile again.

Multiple reasons, actually. Neither man wants anything serious, but love has a habit of showing up whether it’s welcome or not. No matter how hard they try, the two can’t help having feelings for each other, even as life continues to throw them curveballs.

But they’ve both got baggage to unpack and hurt to move past, and if they can’t leave their pasts in the past, they might just miss out on an amazing future.

Thoughts on Aftermath: Oh man. A (former) pro hockey player dealing with a catastrophic, career ending injury (the injury wasn't caused by the sport, mind you, but other circumstances outside his control) and the divorced single dad trying to find himself again. Or trying to figure out how to be him again while also being a good dad to his kiddo.

So. Brent and Jon. They're both dealing with things and they're VERY rusty on the dating side of things. They also both think they're not a great catch for anyone. I mean, Brent is dealing with chronic pain and a complete change in his career. Jon has a son and an ex and he's nowhere near being in a place where he wants a relationship again. Or so he thinks.

While these two originally started as a hookup, Brent's pain issues and Jon's desire for some genuine companionship soon had them realigning their expectations. And soon...AND SOON they were bei9ng all couple-y without putting an actual name on it.

That said, it wasn't easy sailing. Beyond the injury he was recovering from, Brent had a few other issues he needed to deal with. It took his best friend's frank talk to make his realize he even had those issues. On Jon's end, he's dealing with abandonment issues of his own that he needs to work on. It takes time, more than a little communication, and some trust before these two get where they need to be.

And, MAN, it was worth it.