by CJMcCormick
This reads like a feel-good movie storyline. I got lost in Austin’s head and heart, and Jenna’s too when it switched perspective. I found myself rooting for them as people and as a couple. Naturally, I was telling Austin to stop being an idiot and communicate with her. While the plot was predictable, it didn’t feel insulting. It seemed like the ability to tell what would happen was part of a carefully crafted plan. Romantic comedies are usually predictable, and as a fan of the genre, I don’t really mind, as long as I can enjoy the people and get lost in the story. In fact, what makes this particular romance work so well for me is that I was emotionally involved with the characters, and forgot the storyteller, which is always a good sign for me. The ability to foresee made me feel part of the action, as a subjective insider, rather than watching objectively as a critic and uninvolved observer. Well done. You obviously have natural writing ability, but you’ve also clearly developed your craft. Sorry for the lengthy comment and thanks for an enjoyable escape.
Very nice, with a great build up. Thanks for giving us the whole story at once.
This was a wonderfully romantic story! Early in the story I almost moved onto another story TWICE because I did not like the “repayment “ part of the story. When you can see that the story is well written and it is nine pages long you get a sense of confidence that it will balance out in the end. Thank you for sharing such a great story!
Just what I needed tonight to lift my mood...a good story with a happy ending for everyone.
Thank You!
I haven’t even read it yet, but I wanted to rush to comment on posting your story in its entirety instead of dribbling it out so it loses its flow. I really appreciate reading a story the way it was meant to be read. Thank you. Now back to the beginning . . .
Congratulations. Your best story yet. 8 stars. A worthy winner of awards. You should be proud.
A very good story. I gave it 5 stars. I liked the premise of the story and the characters. I think you did a good job of showing them and their flaws. I liked the flow of the story and the was you brought them together. I would think this new type of story for you should be considered a success. Thanks for your time and imagination.
Well written and interesting. What I didn’t like was the total improbability of her giving a near total stranger a BJ just for clearing the snow. Took the enjoyment of the story right away. Way too long.
A totally enjoyable story...great characters...easy to follow...liked the ending!
Thanks for writing this great story about good people sacrificing for others for no other reason than to just be helpful. Finding each other in the process is just icing on the cake. I liked the length of this story and the pacing was excellent as well. I hope you create more of the same. Now I’ll check out your other stories.
A bit longer that what I normally like to read but once started, I could not not put down my iPad. Well done.
MORE! I started this story about three times before I committed to reading it. I am not sure why except that I seemed to start it late in the evening. Then I went back to it today and couldn't put it down. That's the kind of story we all want.
Re: Anon from yesterday, I doubt McKinsey really would have considered putting herself through the AIH process at that point in their relationship. It appeared that she was already looking for a way out.
Sometimes good deeds get good results, that's one of the reasons we give stories like this 5 stars.
detroitdave
I really loved the story. Please write more, soon.
I liked the story, but, like a previous commentator, I kept thinking why the couple did not try artificial insemination. That nagged me throughout the story.
I also would have liked to know whether the couple had more than Ben -- the story was unclear, although that may have been an intended mystery.
Omg. I'm still reeling from the last one I read earlier from your work. Very heartwarming story indeed. Kudos. You pulled at my heartstrings again. Keep it up!
Loved it
That is A cracking good story. This old fool has tears in his eyes.
I guess there's nothing new under the sun because by the time I made it down to the bottom of page 1 the whole plot was laid out and it just took 8 more pages to wrap it up. I do agree with the comment that artificial insemination would have been the next step or even IVF although that can get expensive. The people were all good souls and functioned well in their roles. I am particularly pleased that our hero didn't blurt out: "Are you sure it's mine?" when Jenna shows him the pregnancy test strips.Well worthy of a 4*.
This is the perfect love story! It is extremely well written and it flows smoothly from the beginning to the end. In case you cannot figure it out, I LOVED it, so much that it has become my personal favorite. Just a personal note: my Wife and I have been married for over 50 years.
This is a really wonderful love story. From the begining till the end the story flows like river. It got its sadness, happiness hatefulness and ebds with a lovevablefamily. Definitely a more tgan 5 star.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a beautiful and romantic and lovely story. The story line is simple yet full of drama, love and romance. This is my fifth time reading it. Hopefully you can give us more. Definitely a 5 star ✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟. Thank you for such a wonderful story.
Very good, very good indeed. Thanks so much for such a good read. Just what I needed to overcome a bit of the Winter doldrums. At my age Winter is getting to be a bit of a PITA for me to get around so with my activity level a bit down I have more time to read and work on hobbies. Reading your lovely romantic story today gave me one of those "lifts" we seniors appreciate so much. Thanks again and with a big KUDOS to you and your wonderful active mind and writings.
great story. the second one of your stories I have read and it will not be the last
Decent story,but how come they didn't buy each other Xmas presents the first year.
She came over and gave a near total stranger a BJ for clearing the driveway? So far beyond the realm of possibility to be comical.
Pretty good story. There were a couple of places that stretched credibility quite a ways, but for the most part I thought it was very believable. And enjoyable. Thanks to the author for it.
For the folks that questioned the "repayment' aspect. I don't think the blow job was ever just "repayment" for snow shoveling and leaf raking. I thought the author gave us lots of hints about that aspect. Plenty of women like giving blow jobs. (Hard to imagine since the ones that hate them really broadcast that opinion, though sometimes only after they have their guy trapped.) He got along great with her father and took time to sit and talk with him. She had no time for a regular dating relationship. She probably thought he was attractive from the start. She would be sexually frustrated with no boyfriend and really no prospects. She got to know him a little, liked what she saw and saw no barriers. And she knew him enough after the cookies and booze that she knew he wasn't going to make a move - when he said he was quiet, she replied "I know". And President Bill said it really isn't sex anyway. So she had her icebreaker, doing something nice for him in return for him being great to her family. And it worked out quite well for her. However, to be on the safe side, just in case snow shoveling turns her on, he probably shouldn't let any other guys shovel snow for her.
I enjoyed most of it. But the pregnancy announcement and reconciliation felt rushed and overly dramatic. They didn't talk like people who've gotten close they talked like people from bridgerton, with over passionate airs.
This was a really nice story and I loved every minute of it. Keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work in the near future.
Another amazing love story from a amazing author. Every time I read one of your stories it provides such great reading entertainment. This story was well written with great characters. Well done 5++stars
very nice story I really enjoyed it the only thing that could have made it batter is if the ex wife had a series of very bad relationships the cold blooded woman deserved nothing better . sorry solid five
What a great story. Second story I've read from this excellent Author! 5 BIG FAT BLAZING STARS!
Promise me that you’ll keep writing just like this. You have the knack, the story is erotic, heart warming, great story line, good choice of character types and good ending.Promise me you’ll keep writing
I didn’t read all the comments but side with the the criticism that the “payment” for help could have been handled in a more positive way. He could have said I would love to accept your offer but only if I can reciprocate. I really enjoy your writing and will continue reading your stories.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Since I believe in Karma:
It would be a kick in the head that McKinsey finds that she can't carry a child to Term (secondary infertility)😔. She then reads that Austin & Jenna announce having a bouncing baby boy👶 about 8 months after their their wedding announcement (she can do the math)😧.
Amazing story! Well written and full of emotion. It's too bad Austin was a dumbass, even though all's well that ends well. It seems like there's too many stories where men are stupid and/or oblivious. It seems commonly accepted to view guys as stupid but people need to realize sexism works both ways (possibly more than two ways nowadays, we need to be more inclusive). Enough rant, this is easily a 5 star story.
I'm grateful Austin had no hatred for his ex and didn't seek revenge. It just didn't work out. 'Before starting on a path of revenge, first dig two graves.'
Thank you for a lovely story. And special thanks for letting Robert have a long life after his bone and lung cancer!
This was lovely, but I think it would've been nicer if they overcame his infertility together rather than it just magically going away. And what was up with Robert talking about grandkids if he knew Austin was infertile and wanted them together?
I offer that as constructive criticism. It was a lovely story and I thank you for it. Beautifully written.
I think many commenters, like the Austin, are confusing low fertility with infertile. Austin wasn't infertile, it didn't magically go away, he just had low fertility.
Good story. Thank you
Loved it. I know all to well the depression of finding out you can't be a dad,my first wife was just like Austen's, except she started cheating on me. I have since remarried and we adopted a set of twins....
To me blowjobs and licking pussy is sex. Sex is not just intercourse. When did these views happen? I'm an old fart and will be 65 in April.
I haven’t finished the story, but I was really enjoying it up until Austin’s “I think you know why” the first time Jenna is in his room. He went from a great guy to a high school level horn dog — it seemed very out of character for him and really cheapens him and calls into question what you’ve been trying to build for him. ( Jenna’s decision to give him sexual favors is kinda weird, imo, but the case can be made.)
I’ll read at least a bit more, but the story is now working from a deficit. :/
OK, now that I’ve read the whole story, Austin has been redeemed, even if he was a bit of an idiot (x2) along the way.
Admirable. Selfless love, without expecting any gratuities in return. Where is it written, "cast a bread upon the waters and it will return tenfold"?
Wonderful Story, well told. Kudo's CJ Mac
5* and put in my Romantic tales folder to reread again and again.
Thanks for the hours of entertainment.
Austin City Limits? (Pregnant Pause?) Best comment ever..... Great story telling and just loved the ending to death.
Good story,
Had trouble believing he would just go no contact instead of telling her why he had to let her go. Didn't fit with the character you had created.
Was expecting Austin to look up as (Ben was finishing the drive) to see Mrs Hess(who Knew how Austin and Jen met)holding a plate of cookies. Austin signals 10 minutes and Mrs Hess gives a nod. Walking back home Austin suggests hot chocolate planning to leave the teens to cookies chocolate and a little privacy.
Took way too long -- pretty much almost to the end -- before I started giving a shit about the main characters. Just finished it to see how you wrapped it up, really, and I'm glad I did. You did wrap it up nicely and well... but at the risk of losing readers like me with meh characters for a "romance." Sure, both Austin and Jenna had superb character in taking on responsibilities and doing their duty, but I was presold a romance here, and a totally weak character (no fight in him, not even a goddamn spark) for most of the story matched up with a woman who seemed to just trade sexual favors in a FWB arrangement with zero useful clues or hints in the narrative as to her motivations... not exactly a palatable pair for a tingly love story. Too realistic maybe? lol (I do have ideas on how that could be fixed with a few additions early on without really doing rewrites, but hey, the fun for authors is figuring all this out yourself, eh? So I'm not bugging you with any of them.)
Would've liked to see how that bitch MacKenzie turned out (in a neg way), but that's just me being vindictive. Totally not needed for the way you packaged the tale.