Happily Ever After Isn't Easy — Jake C. Wallace

How do you start a new life when your old one won't let go? 

Freed from a marriage he entered because he feared coming out to his judgmental family, Gabe Reynolds feels his life is just starting -- at forty-three. But what was supposed to be exciting and wonderful has been nothing but disappointing. The man he's loved since they were teens broke his heart -- again. Gabe has no clue how to meet men who are looking for more than one night, much less date them. Add to that his job as a mental health counselor, helping to keep his mentally ill ex-wife stable, and caring for children that belong to another man, and he has little time to look for Mr. Right. 

Just as Gabe is giving up, Brandt Sawyer, with his hard body and gorgeous eyes, crashes into Gabe's life. Brandt pushes all Gabe's buttons -- though he could do without the younger man's know-it-all attitude. Gabe never thought he could be so torn between wanting to punch a man and wanting to kiss him. Yet, as he gets to know Brandt, Gabe sees past the military-programmed ex-soldier and catches a glimpse of what could be his happily ever after. 

But with a troubled ex and young children involved, Gabe can't just walk away from his past. Guilt is tearing him in every direction -- maybe even away from the man he's falling in love with.