Billy's Bones

A failed suicide attempt is all it takes to change a man’s life. After being hospitalized, upon conditional release he sees a therapist that only wants to help him but knows he’ll never see the man that intrigues him beyond that one visit. When the therapist moves to a small town and buys a house with a hot tub that doesn’t work, he’s advised to call a local handyman that can fix anything. When the handyman shows up, it’s none other than the intriguing man from three years ago who he never thought he’d see again.

Tom wanted a quiet life away from the city. He bought a house that needed some repairs, but because of its charm and the alluring hot tub on the porch, he was sold. Soon after moving in, the hot tub decided it needed some repairs or Tom needed to just buy a new one. A local handyman was referred. When it ends up being the man that he’s thought of often over the past three years, the last thing he thought would happen was a budding friendship. As the two got closer, Tom had to reign in the urge to analyze the other man. He wanted to help him, but he also wanted his friendship. Tom didn’t expect to start having deep feelings for the man, and when he learns the feelings are reciprocated, all he wants to do is help the other man by sending him to his colleague to face his past…but at what cost?

Kevin uses his quick wit and quiet demeanor to keep people at a distance. He has no idea why he attempted suicide. He just did. There’s a lot about his childhood he’s kept hidden so well that even he doesn’t know what happened. He’s open sexually, at least he’ll talk about it, but the act of doing it does nothing for him. His aversion to any kind of intimacy has left him alone after his wife left him. When he becomes friends with Tom, he knows he likes the man, probably more so than anyone else. But he doesn’t know what it means. When Kevin and Tom become more than friends, Kevin wants to do anything that will make Tom happy including seeing his friend and therapist colleague. When a therapy session brings Kevin’s memories to the surface, Kevin has no choice but face the demons that have haunted him for most of his life.

This book killed me. It is not a fairytale and definitely not for the faint of heart. Jamie Fessenden has a unique writing style that was fascinating. He pulled me into this story, and it was days before I could pick up another book. I was emotionally wrecked by the end. Every single thing about this book was so thought out and written so eloquently that I was spellbound. I can’t say enough good things about it.

This book is one I will read again and again for many years to come.

I know this is an \"older\" book, coming out in 2013, but I got it last night and read right through, this author captivated me so much with the storyline, and the way the characters just came to life I had to finish it no matter how late it was :P!
Tom is a therapist, and sees Kevin one time after a suicide attempt, Tom knew Kevin needed help, but after the required session Tom knew Kevin wouldn't be back.
Imagine his surprise when three years later he is given Kevin's card as someone to call to get the hot tub at his new house working. The chemistry is all kinds of evident, even though Kevin is 'straight', there is a pull. Kevin has secrets, and the more Tom learns about him, the more worried about him, and at the same time drawn to him Tom becomes.
Kevin is living with a secret, a secret he doesn't even realize he has, it is locked away in his mind and though it must be brought to the surface, can Kevin's fragile mind handle the result?
Oh my goodness this is a must read! You will hurt for Kevin, and root for him and Tom, as well as be riveted by this amazing storyline! Thanks Jamie, for making me fall in love with a story that is both haunting and beautiful in the telling!

Wow, something totally different from anything that I've read before from Jamie Fessenden. This was excellent, just excellent but also very dark and difficult to read, even tortuous at times. Readers, proceed with caution.
This book reminded me a little of Finding Zach in the level of angst, if that rings any bells for anyone. Similarly, it was fabulously, flawlessly written.
From the cover, I had expected a paranormal or historical/paranormal for some reason. I think the green hues and the dog on the cover made me think \"urban fantasy\". However, this is a contemporary romance through and through, albeit an interesting one. Kevin is a damaged man, even from the first page where he is introduced, but a fascinating character. He is full of dichotomies yet is incredibly endearing, and he appealed to me from the start. Tom was also a wonderful character. The journey that these two guys took together, both psychologically and in their romantic relationship, is not one I'll soon forget.
I think what was best about the romance aspect of the book for me was the slow burn. You don't get much slower than in this book, I think. I am a huge sucker for a slow burn romance and I certainly got it here. I found it incredibly realistic but also a touch disappointing that we don't have much (view spoiler) in this book, but I think it has to be that way to fit with the plot.
My only issue for me with this book is that it got difficult to read at times towards the end. It is brutally in your face, even when it hurts. I wanted to skim sections but I forced myself to read. It is not for those with difficulty reading books where the MC has a very dark past.
I think this book really showcased the author's versatility and ability to write a very weighty book with a lot of skill. Excellent work, Jamie Fessenden.

What an excellent book! A darker mood than I'm used to, but it was nicely balanced out by lighter moments of the type of innocent romance that develops between Tom and Kevin in spite of themselves. I loved Tom. He is so real and easy to relate to even with (or maybe because of) his flaws and shortcomings. He's truly an amazing character, a guy who can't help but fall for someone seemingly completely unobtainable and who is actually commited to patiently seeing it through to the end. Of course, Kevin is absolutely worth it. He is probably the strangest and definitely one of the most interesting characters I've ever had the pleasure to get to know. There was something like shock value to some of these scenes, but every one of Kevin's quirks is quite endearing. And as we find out, there are reasons for all of them. The finale was pretty shocking and maybe not for everyone. Still, considering the work as a whole, it was truly well written with a lot of research put into it and I felt like I'd gained a lot by reading it. It's a tragedy, to be sure, but one with a hopeful ending.