Baking with A Ghost, R.M. Neill

I really wanted to round down from 2.5 stars, but 2 stars means I really didn't like it and this didn't quite meet that criteria.

There was just no connection between the characters, between me as a reader and the characters, and nothing compelling about the writing. I can't believe this is indicative of the author's other works because I've enjoyed others from them. It was just so...so...boring. I struggled so hard to finish this book, to get into it enough to want to finish it.

At so many moments I thought, "this has to get better. It just has to." Only...it didn't. It was just as dry and uninspiring at the end as it was in the middle as it was in the beginning. The conflict with the ex fell flat because it seemed like a huge escape from abuse in the beginning only to be watered down so much that it seemed that all the drama in the beginning was unfounded. The seance moment was awkward for sure too.

I think the most interesting thing was the medium themselves. I'm interested in them, but only in a mildly intrigued way. The weird and overacted references to his mystery and the what-if part from the news article was inelegant. And Simon's connection to him was awkwardly shocking and the unexplained emotionalness was unsatisfying.

So it's not like I majorly disliked the book, there were just so many little moments that I totally didn't care about. Moments that led to a whole story that I kind of wish I hadn't felt so committed to finishing. This is not like what the author can usually produce, it's a frustrating anomaly.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Press One for Fake Boyfriend: Dial A Man Book 1, Joe Satoria

This was a new-to-me author and I have to say I don't think their writing style completely worked for me.  Awkwardness abounded in the writing's flow, the MC's individually, the retreat, and most of the interactions between each and every character other than Vik.  And Chef Espy?  Yeah, I just really didn't get it.  He was a caricature and made me uncomfortable on a number of occasions to say nothing of his own sketchy interactions with the MC's.

There were a few moments that I thought I might enjoy myself, but those weren't as often as I would have liked.  I just didn't connect with the characters at all, probably because I didn't see or feel a deeper connection between Wyatt and Kane either.  Their chemistry felt scripted more than organic both platonically as well as when things finally became intimate.

Juvenile behavior was one thing, but it was the immaturity from Kane that really threw me.  I didn't believe most things in the story and while Kane's manner was okay in the beginning, his dramatic flight from the retreat showed that all the professionalism he spouted at every opportunity was just lip service in the end.  It was like watching teenagers instead of grown men.  Even with surprising feelings being thrown into the mix there had to be a better way to write their conflict.  Wyatt on the other hand started out truly annoying and uptight and even if he didn't actually have a lot of character growth himself, he ended up less annoying as the story went on because he became less of a robot.

I didn't really dislike the story, it just really didn't work for me and I struggled to finish.  The only bright spot was Vik and his ridiculousness; he was truly a character.  I think the story suffered mainly from trying too hard.  It wasn't a bad story, the synopsis was good and the premise really held promise, it just needed a whole lot of finesse and some objective editing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Opposites attract when Wyatt hires Kane to be his fake boyfriend.

Wyatt Scott is a highly strung pastry chef who owns a patisserie with dreams of expansion. He always gets what he wants, the exception being a boyfriend.

Kane Dixon is an easy-going creative soul who moonlights as an escort. He's saving to open a pottery studio and continue to make phallic ceramics.

Hired for a weekend retreat, Kane's three rules are going out of the window. No kissing, no drinking, and definitely no overnight stays. Can he pull it back even after going so far?

With a shared bed and close proximity, will they let lust take over? Or quit while they're ahead?

Hit the Brakes: Food Truck Warriors Book 2, Beth Bolden

I really love following along with a group of men who need, deserve, and want love as much as anyone.  The community and friendships and rivalries provide a really great backdrop for this series and I'm always happy to read.  This particular book though, worked a bit less for me than Drive Me Crazy.  I'm never a fan of the hesitations, back and forth, and woe-is-me attitude and this book had a whole lot of all of that. 

Chase was all that and more for me.  As much as I loved him, there was a severe lack of balance with Tate and his character.  Tate nearly ruined the story for me for quite a number of reasons.  He just...ugh...he just rubbed me the wrong way on many, many different occasions.  I didn't even really like them together for most of the story, unfortunately.

But it was the combination of Chase and a fantastic epilogue that really brought everything together in the end.  It redeemed my hopes for the men together and assured me that things were really working out in a believable and heartfelt way.  I'm definitely coming back for more from the series.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Can they fake it til Tate makes it?

Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.

Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school. It’s been ten long years of watching from a distance as Chase conquers football fields and fans’ hearts.

Tate never wanted Chase to know that he had the world’s stupidest crush on him, because he always believed Chase was straight.

But desperate times call for desperate measures . . .

When Chase offers a tempting plan that could fulfill all his dreams, Tate knows he can’t say no. All he has to do is pretend that his very real feelings are actually fake.

But faking it with Chase, while leading to wild success and even wilder nights, is everything that Tate feared it would be. All it’s done is leave him wanting the impossible: Chase’s heart.

ARC received from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews

The Silver Fox: Red's Tavern Book 3, Raleigh Ruebins

Clear right from the beginning, there was something palpable and filled with potential between Rock and Perry.  Watching their chemistry unfold along with Perry's family drama and Rock's self-discovery was enjoyable...for the most part.  The slightly emotionally turbulent moments in the middle were due to too much focus on family drama that really wasn't drama at all, one-dimensional characters, and a forced conflict that didn't really need to be there at all.

I did love how Rock was incredibly sweet and all in right from the first.  His excitement for everything Perry was adorable as was his inability to lie.  It was very clear that his affectionate manner was exactly what Perry and his family needed, his personality brought a lightness to the affair that could have drowned in Perry's insecurity and excessive self-sacrifice.

Perry's shyness was endearing at first, but then his constant pushing away and separating himself from Rock became annoying.  I totally understand that he's got a few hang ups that stem both from his romantic and his familial responsibilities, but constantly stressing labels and pushing Rock toward females was too much for me.  His consistent denials of Rock's words and actions despite knowing very well that Rock couldn't and wouldn't lie became disappointing.

But in the end, while they were really communicating and coming clean to family so many things fell into place along with their passion and intimacy.  So yes, the characters were simplistic, the story itself wasn't organic, and the resolution was quick and nice, but I wouldn't say it was a waste of time, it was merely a nice book.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I rescue people from danger every day. But my love life? That’s a dumpster fire I can’t put out.

I had a badass life, my dream job as a firefighter, and I could snag anyone I wanted in bed. But when an injury temporarily took me off duty, it all screeched to a halt. Now I’m healing, staying with my brother Red in Amberfield, this small town with jack-all to do.

Other than flirt with Perry. A hot-as-hell, shy but smoldering silver fox. And I think he wants me bad, even though I’m a straight, baby faced jock in a baseball cap.

Perry is a family man, through and through. He would do anything for his mom, brother, nieces and nephews. When family drama threatens to ruin his big family reunion, I know I can help. I offer to be Perry’s fake boyfriend for the reunion, so all eyes will be on us.

And then the plan works.

A little too well.

Turns out Silver Fox isn’t as bashful as he seemed. Now I’m becoming addicted to the feeling of his lips on mine. His skin pressed up against me in bed. Soon, I’m fantasizing about going all the way with him, and I’m not sure I can call myself “straight” anymore with a straight face.

At first I just craved the attention. But Perry isn’t just great in bed--his family is fun as hell, too. For once, I feel like I belong somewhere.

And once we're done faking it, I don’t know how the hell I’m going to leave.

Fix Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 2, Mia Monroe

Casper and Saint share some amazing chemistry, but there's something holding Saint back at the same time that something is propelling Casper forward.  Watching them find their shared wavelength is a difficult ride, but no less full of the feels I'd come to expect after reading Marry Me, book one in the series.  I adore both men for different reasons, though I have to admit that it's Casper that really captured and kept my attention throughout the story.

If basing my enjoyment only on the chemistry these two men shared I'd be an enthusiastic reviewer.  But it was adding in the subtleties, the struggle, the pain, and Casper's individual evolution that really sold the story for me.  Casper struggled with so much more than you'd ever expect and the way he gives his everything to Saint again and again was both wonderful and agonizing.  It was Saint's reactions and hesitations that made me ache the most, not for him, but for Casper.  I was glad for the dual POV, because otherwise I'd probably write Saint off despite my general love of a gruff Daddy opening his heart fully to his boy.

Saint was a tough character for me because while I respected his journey and his emotional hesitations, I felt his reaction to his past was a bit over the top.  A lot of blame that wasn't really warranted, even the irrational guilt kind.  It was enhanced and prolonged only to add angst to Casper's own journey and I didn't really appreciate that.  Casper's difficulties stemmed from bad choices, self-discovery, not knowing themselves, desperation to find acceptance, a nasty ex, and a set of parents who were pieces of work.  It was a lot to unpack.  Everything got it's resolution in the end and I adored Casper's maturity and realization of all the good he had both in himself and in the life he forged around himself.

I can't wait to see where we go next with these men.

*$4.99 on Amazon

My crush has Daddy written all over him

The minute I laid eyes on him he became my new hobby. I turned on the charm to win him over, only to get friendzoned. The more time we spend together, the more glimpses I get of the Daddy he’s hiding under his no dating allowed exterior. Unfortunately for Saint, a Daddy is exactly what this boy is looking for.

I have no intention of staying friends with him, but with every platonic interaction, I start feeling things I never have. And not just about the sexy Scottish object of my affection.

I wasn’t looking for someone to fix me, but if I let him in we might have something amazing here.

If we can just shake the ghosts from the past…

Tasty AF, LE Franks

Christian came out with guns blazing only to retreat into misery when his nasty ex became a vindictive jerk.  Their bit of "patching things up" at the end was a nice thought, but I don't know that it provided the closure Christian needed.  It would have been best to just leave it be and have him find happiness in just being happy with what he created on his own out of the shadow of his ex no matter how much work went into his past.

Andy's issue worked for the story...in theory.  The way it was written in was overly dramatic and made Andy, who started out endearing and straightforward in his interest, into someone self-righteous, selfish, and judgmental.  He turned out to be someone who had way more emotional investment into something that wasn't his fault and then he put all his damage onto Christian.

Their first date started out cute and everything that led up to that point had potential, but when Andy did what he did and then got maudlin and proceeded to bail on Christian after a bit of good conversation and a sweet kiss only to find a hand job hook up a couple days later at a club left me completely reeling.  WTF was uttered over and over.  And then the scene in Powell's...first with the journals, unnecessary and weird, then with the coffeeshop, out of place and too philosophical and depressing, all to culminate with him treating Christian badly, yet again, without real provocation, only perceived, and he didn't even let Christian explain.  But then that bit ended up with sexy flirting?  I was tossed all over the place wondering what in the eff was supposed to be going on.

Christian started off okay but gained presence, Andy started off great but quickly died a quick death in my mind.  I didn't really believe in their relationship because it seemed Christian was the only one trying to understand and include Andy in every facet.  When Andy made his grand gesture it was sweet, I'll give it that, but his presence was so very diminished by that point that it just wasn't enough to save him in the end for me.

This story had an interesting premise that I was absolutely all in for, but the finished product was severely lacking.  For a republished story it wouldn't have hurt the author to find a beta reader (there are dozens and dozens of us that do this for free) to give some objective advice before republishing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

The Chocolate Works, Geoffrey Knight

Poor Henry.  I felt for him throughout the entire story.  To have him be so overlooked, dismissed, and thought poorly of for nearly the entire story was frustrating for me.  Aside from sometimes being seen by Levi no one else ever truly tried to see him for who he was and was trying to be.  Yes, he came off as being unfeeling, but even Levi reacted poorly to Henry's obvious distress.  Nearly every person was guilty of judging him poorly and I felt most of it was unjustified.  Henry did have some bits to make up for because he was a prickly and lost man and reacted accordingly, but with no one trying to try to see beyond the first unfortunate impression I felt so resentful toward nearly everyone.

This story really would have benefitted from a dual POV because aside from Henry's journey of acceptance and self-realization there was another redemption story parallel to his.  Seeing it only through Henry's lens impaired the depth that could have been achieved.  I really wanted to see Henry through Levi's eyes, something to give me a sense that Levi knew what an unpolished gem Henry was.  There were moments that spoke to Levi seeing Henry as a balancing, grounding presence for him, but how much he was valued, appreciated, and loved was left off to nearly the end when almost everything was lost.

Aside from a few inconsistencies in behaviors, waxing a little too poetic when in the "chocolate mindset", as well as an overly dramatic big conflict, this was an incredibly sweet story (pun kind of intended) where there was a wonderful coming together of the townspeople, a valuable lesson in bringing out the best in everyone, and finding a home and family where you least expected.  I enjoyed the story overall and felt a few fantastic moments made up for what Henry had to endure to find his place and his tribe.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Henry Dawson lives a quiet life of perfect order and routine. His job as a cross-checker at a Chicago-based risk assessment firm means there’s no detail unmissed, no error unfixed and no room in his world for curve balls. That is until the day he loses his job, finds out his apartment building has been condemned, and receives an inheritance from an uncle he never even knew he had.

Now with no job, no home and no hope for the future, Henry suddenly finds himself in the tiny dead-end town of Los Encantados in the middle of the New Mexico desert, ready to sell the small roadside diner bequeathed to him by the uncle he never met. Given the circumstances, what choice does he have but to offload the diner—operated by waffle-loving Doris Day fan, Gracie Garcia—in an effort to try and fund his way back to his old life in Chicago?

But Henry was never planning on the arrival of wild, passionate and incredibly sexy Levi Jones. Nor was he ready for Levi’s crazy plan to turn Gracie’s Diner into the greatest Chocolate Works the world has ever known. For Levi claims to be the country’s finest chocolatier… or is he?

Before he knows it, Henry is pulled into Levi’s plan to create the most delicious, irresistible, mouth-watering, knee-buckling chocolates the world has ever imagined. At the same time Henry finds himself falling head over heels for the reckless, romantic allure of a man who is the complete opposite of everything Henry holds sacred.

Will Henry succumb to the charms of a handsome stranger despite every instinct warning him that Levi is nothing but a snake oil salesman? Will the secrets of Levi’s past destroy Henry’s hopes of ever finding true romance?

Or is Levi destined to melt Henry’s heart as he discovers that chocolate truly is the food of love?

Follow Geoffrey...

AMAZON

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM

NEWSLETTER

FB GROUP

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 48

  

• Love Vintage Blend: Home in Hollyridge Book 2, Elle Keaton
• Unicorn Unashamed: Rainbow Fever Book 1, Riley Rivers
• Dirty Chef, Cara Dee

We didn't get what I expected, though I have to say I was happy to be wrong.  With very little angst and a whole lot of cute interactions there was a lot to like about this story.  Add in a loveable pup and I was well pleased.  There was a bit of drama surrounding the ex and issues he caused both in the beginning and in the end, but both were quickly and easily resolved so nothing negative was left lingering.  Zach and Jeff were really good together, especially when they finally got on the same page in both their business and personal lives.  The self-deprecation on Jeff's part was understandable, but it was a bit too present and not truly worked through, it just miraculously went away.  And then there was the really cute reunion at the end that opened the door for the all-important question and gave us a wonderfully tender moment that wrapped up the story with warmth.  A satisfyingly sweet read with great characters in a town with lush descriptions.  3.5 stars.

Once the seemingly unrequited pining ended and they got a chance to burn up the sheets, they really showed a lot of passion.  They still held feelings back for a bit, but it wasn't unbearable and they made some really tender confessions.  The story was definitely short and sweet, but the steam was incredibly present and I really enjoyed the world that was created.  I'm for sure wanting to come back for more from the interesting side characters we met as well.  3.5 stars.

Ooh damn, this was HOT!  I love the Camassia Cove world and am always stoked to come back to it.  Alessia and Adam have been dancing around one another for a decade and finally, finally!, with one menu tasting, everything they thought they couldn't have explodes with some serious sexual napalm.  What's even better?  All the tenderness that hits you right in the feels.  Short, infinitely sweet, and incredibly sexy, this is definitely going on my re-read shelf.  4.5 stars.

Taste on My Tongue: Kitchen Gods Prequel, Beth Bolden

Landon and Quentin are a sweet couple in the making and I got to know them through the Kitchen Gods series before I read this story.  What I was expecting wasn't exactly what we got, but what was presented was mostly sweet with a bit of secrets that had the potential to complicate things.

Landon's POV is the only one we get and I can't say I was in love with that.  Even with a shorter story, as this one is, we really needed something to balance Landon's more high-strung personality.  He dominated every scene and not only because we're in his head all the time.  There were times that I wasn't convinced of his sincerity because despite the sweeter moments of connection, there were so many times we went straight back into his self-serving behaviors.  Rarely did we see Landon thinking about Quentin's needs, what he deserved from Landon, and I think it became a flaw that didn't really go away.  On the other hand, we can see that most of that is a cover for his insecurities and where we ended up went quite a way to soothing my frustrations.

I felt there was a bit of an imbalance between both characters, not in their relationship, but in the attention given to each of them, and didn't get a chance to connect with Quentin much at all.  He was the softer, more understanding, more grounded of the pair and I would have loved to hear from him.

The whole story would likely have benefitted from Quent's insight though I will say that this story was more about Landon's evolution and Quent was a part of it as well as a catalyst for Landon's new outlook.  It was less about the relationship itself, but how it helped Landon to find what he needed.  What he needed gave him the strength to let go of those things holding him down and ultimately gave him wings, a freedom and a peace he hadn't yet experienced.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Almost pop-star Landon Patton has just turned a corner on the worst two years of his life: dropped by his label and dumped by his ungrateful ex-boyfriend. However, his new agent's brilliant plan for Landon's superstardom doesn’t have anything to do with his music – it’s called Kitchen Wars, and it’s the hottest new reality show on TV.

Landon wishes he could have nothing to do with it.

Since the first morning he mixed flour and water, Quentin Maxwell knew he wanted to be a baker. After becoming the pastry chef at a popular LA bakery, anyone else might be satisfied. But Quen wants to call his own shots. Going on Kitchen Wars to win the money for his own bakery seems like a huge risk, but maybe it's worth it.

They’re an unlikely pair. Landon can’t even figure out how to turn an oven on, while Quentin makes his living with one. But with each passing week on Kitchen Wars, they discover what a great team they make – on set, off set, and between the sheets.

Winning should be everything, but what happens when the tastiest pairing is their own?

Snowfall and Romance: A Snow Globe Christmas Book 6, Wendy Rathbone

I was smitten with all the softness, the tenderness, the quiet honesty of what Matthew and Hayden experienced together.  An incredible snow storm brought together two men who needed exactly what the other wanted to offer and though it took them a couple moments of misunderstandings and slightly bruised feelings, they got around to their own version of an epic romance.

At first I thought it was slow, a little too gentle and tame, but as I kept reading I found myself sinking deeper into their connection and was convinced that it was just the right pace for them.  By the time they got to the more physically intimate moments it felt as if they'd been working up to that for days, if not weeks, and so the timing truly felt ideal for what they shared.  I absolutely believed in what they had created up to that point and was eager to see everything grow from there.

Once they got to that point though, it was as if things became a little stagnant.  Something had to be added to get them around to the point where they could completely commit to their unexpected saviors.  I wasn't a fan of the ex entering the picture and I think his issue could have been a bit more focused on one goal rather than two, kind of three-ish rolled into one manipulative package.  It worked its way around to providing a sense of freedom and purpose so I can't say it wasn't effective, I just think it could have been tweaked a little.

From there we got the big gestures that were a little big and dramatic, but weren't out of the realm of possibility in their situation.  And once they got over the hang-ups surrounding them, it was as if everything fell into place.  Neatly wrapped was their freedom, their love, and their future.  This was a delicately passionate story of two men who were both a little lost in their own ways and found exactly what they needed one dark and stormy night.

*$3.99 on Amazon

A blizzard. A Christmas rescue. A man with the heart of an angel.

Hayden

Hayden knows it was stupid to think he could walk home from the office and beat the blizzard. So what if he worked out all the time until he was big and strong. So what if he hated to ever ask for help. Loners who think they can do everything themselves are just as vulnerable as anyone. His only consolation is if he dies there will be very few people who will miss him.

Matthew

The half-frozen man falling through the door to Matthew’s coffee shop is more than alarming, but it’s a good thing he’d forgotten to lock that front entrance or the beautiful guy covered in snow might have died in the cold.

The man is gorgeous, soft-spoken, helpful, maybe even a bit old-fashioned in his manners. Just the type Matthew always wished for but never met. Sharing a fire and a snowed-in night with him will be no hardship.

When the storm lasts more than a day, attraction blooms. But when it is over, will Hayden and Matthew’s feelings fade? Or will holiday charm and a heart-warming miracle draw them together again?

Rescue, forced proximity, overwhelming attraction, blizzards, and a heart-warming Christmas miracle.

A Christmas Wedding: Rory & Jack Book 3, A E Ryecart

What began as a tender and tame story of finding the person meant to open the way from painful past experiences to contentment and love has now become a healing journey of finding a heart's true home and all the crazy complications that go along with that.  Carving out your own forever isn't all cupcakes and rainbows, especially when stronger personalities get in the mix.  Seeing Jack and Rory not only forge a stronger bond together, but also find their ideal balance was a perfect way to continue their story.

Rory and Jack have come a long way and all the steam we didn't get on their first Christmas is here in spades.  In that department they never have any issues.  I did find that the issues they did have mostly revolved around Rory's insecurities.  Yes, his struggle with the wedding plans were there, but that was a minor issue when compared to his near constant comparisons of his upbringing versus Jack's.

There was a surprise bit in there that really helped Rory to come to terms with everything and while I thought it was pretty appropriate for his part in the story, I kind of found it to be a bit ... sappy?  I don't know how to adequately describe how I felt about that meeting, but I suppose it ended fine because it gave both closure and opened a future connection that had been missing in Rory's life until now.  I just felt like it was used to "heal" him rather than him finding a way to give himself the eye-opening realization he needed to see the truth of his connection with Jack rather than the trappings that were an issue from the very start of their relationship.

Coming around full-circle to the holiday that brought them together, this was a very sweet story that shows how important love is, that without it it wouldn't matter how beautiful the season, how tacky the trimmings, or how sweet the frosting.  What mattered most to Rory and Jack were the simple things that gave their love uniqueness and longevity.  Communication was still a bit of an issue along with a few other bumps along their road, but their love and commitment smoothed them all out and gave them the fortitude to build a very sweet life together.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Christmas. A Wedding. Family. It’s the Perfect Storm…

For Rory Kincaid marrying Jack, the youngest son of the aristocratic De Lacy family, on Christmas Eve, is a dream come true. Handing over the wedding planning to Jack’s mother, the strong-willed Lady Diana, is turning out to be more of a nightmare.

As their big day approaches, the pressure’s on and the strain is beginning to show. Announcements in society magazines, a guest list that’s growing and growing, and fittings for the best bespoke tailoring in London, it’s all a far cry from Rory’s humble upbringing. Piece by piece, Rory and Jack’s dream of a simple winter wedding is fading fast.

Rory is Jack’s everything. Sweet, kind, and totally adorable, Rory is all Jack has ever wanted. And what Jack wants most of all is to give the man he loves the wedding day of his dreams — which means taking a stand against the indomitable Diana.

About A E Ryecart...

I love all kinds of MM romance and gay fiction, but I especially like contemporary stories. Born and raised in London, the city is part of my DNA so I like to set many of my stories in and around present-day London, providing the perfect, metropolitan backdrop to the main action. I write at home, in the gym, in cafés —in fact I write any place I can find a good coffee!

Follow A E Ryecart

BLOG/WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Newsletter Sign-up

Don't forget the GIVEAWAY!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of three ebook copies of A Christmas Wedding

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Lucky Break: Clean Slate Ranch Book 4, A.M. Arthur

Well.  I think it's important to mention that this wasn't a bad read at all.  It was enjoyable in many moments.  I just didn't love it.  And that's solely my own opinion and sensitivities declaring that, not because the quality of the book.  Well, not completely anyway.  There were some things about the writing, the characters, and the story itself that weren't as good as they could have been, but the way I feel is only a little influenced by that and mainly because I just didn't connect as I'd hoped I would.

The pacing was slow with far too many details for my taste.  In the last half of the story I found I didn't mind that so much, especially because we were finally getting answers to all the hints dropped constantly, but it took considerably longer to read this story than it would have taken me to read most any other book of the same length.  Romantically, however, I appreciated the slower build because they both had quite a lot of insecurities, fears, and/or reservations that they needed to be on their way to conquering before they could ever hope to have something secure and lasting between them.

With so many non-communications near the end I found my patience waning very quickly.  It's more frustrating with these men because they literally say before all this stuff goes down that they need to talk things out to avoid the issue.  While I get that reality means that there is sometimes a delay in notifying partners of plans, feelings, or problems, it just felt like the author was trying to manufacture even more conflict than was already present.  It was just too much for me.

And here's the big problem for me that is really just a me thing, I think.  I have a hard time with what's considered acceptable and/or expected of the "gay scene".  While I'm no prude and definitely don't judge consensual acts between adults, I'd never be okay with gratuitous flirting, grinding, wandering hands, and any other vaguely or overtly sexual displays between my partner and others, whether they be strangers or friends...and especially not an ex of any kind.  That's just not me.  So when Shawn was feeling what he was when watching Robin at the club and then Colt and Robin both downplay the display with justifying the "but I/he wouldn't go home with anyone but you" thing, I have issues.  Shawn not being used to that is not the same as Shawn not being okay with it.  I think it was more the latter in this instance, but his aversion to the scene is being attributed to his naivete and his anxiety.  I find that inexcusable and disappointing.

But what the story does have going for it is the tender sentiments they express, their understanding of one another, their sensitivity to one another's traumas, and the notions of family.  Those are all very powerful things and they're written well.  I am drawn to quite a few characters in this world and will likely look for opportunities to return here.  So while this isn't a glowing review, it is one that recognizes the positives as well as the personal grievances.  With two men that truly need one another and a whole lot of healing and love to go around, this is a family that I'd willingly revisit.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Shawn Matthews never imagined he’d be living out of his car, trying to make ends meet, but life doesn’t always go your way—he knows that better than most. When an accident leaves the Clean Slate Ranch shorthanded, Shawn is enlisted to help cook and finds himself bunked next to the sexiest cowboy he’s ever laid eyes on.

The first time Robin Butler spots the new chef, he thinks he’s seeing an actual ghost. Shawn is the spitting image of his late husband, and it spooks the hell out of him. The former rodeo-star-turned-ranch-hand does his best to avoid the soft-spoken cook—except it’s kind of tough when the man makes the best damn grub this side of the Mississippi and has a boy-next-door charm that’s impossible to resist.

Even though the tension between them practically sizzles, Shawn doesn’t do hookups and Robin isn’t ready for a new relationship. Besides, Robin can tell Shawn’s been hurt and deserves a partner who isn’t saddled with a tragic past. But chemistry doesn’t lie. Maybe finding each other—and a second chance at love—is the lucky break they both need.

Rise: Men of Hidden Creek Season 4 Book 5, J Hayden Bailey

Hidden Creek has a way of bringing unlikely pairs together and making it stick.  Todd and Charlie seem like complete opposites, but their love of baking and their insecurities are two things that unite them.  This was a sweet story that had some great moments and a public shaming that's well-deserved.  And with all the sweetness you can handle, Todd and Charlie are another nice addition to the Hidden Creek family.

Baking definitely rules this story.  It was all the detail and explaining so much of the process, flavor combinations, and dough lamination that dragged the story out far too long in many places.  It fit, but it was just too much.  Some of it was repetition and very little of those descriptions actually added to the story or the enjoyment of their competition.  It pulled focus from the couple that mattered.  Baking also played a huge role in the fairy godmother solution that solved every problem for their relationship, location difficulties, professional situation, and story wrap-up.  It was nice, but it was far too simple for just how many things it covered.

Todd and Charlie together were sometimes sweet, sometimes frustrating.  They both really had insecurities and with Todd they came out with his constant second-guessing and doubting and emotional lows in response to Charlie's actions and he came across as very juvenile.  Feelings and reactions that I would expect from a high school kid rather than a grown man with his life experiences were jarring to the more confident man we caught mere glimpses of.

For Charlie it was almost a Jekyll/Hyde situation where he was painfully insecure in some moments and then a fierce mama bear in others.  Both sides spoke to his upbringing but there was no real evolution there either, just a short phone conversation that was supposed to show his new backbone to the man who pretty much destroyed his self-confidence up to this point.  His new-found strength wasn't fully believable and seemed far too quickly achieved considering all the upheaval his life had gone through.

One thing that also bothered me was the insistence that they couldn't wait a week to pursue something.  And really, it wasn't even a full week either.  Where there could have been a gradual build of respect, admiration, appreciation, etc. it was a constant push/pull with a demand for immediate emotional answers to their attraction, relationship status, romantic secrecy, and competition rules.  The conflict between them could have had a better balance between the relationship and the competition.

But the sweet moments were so fantastically tender and adorable that it nearly makes up for the more frustrating parts.  I really enjoyed when they were open about their feelings and desires.  The moments when Charlie stood up for others were pretty powerful because he was able to say things that were so truthful, so righteous, and they were also all the things that should have been said in his defense.  If there had been a bit of internalization of his moments of strength where he saw that he could be his own champion I would have been so incredibly pleased.  Ending the story where it did was a little rushed in terms of timeline, but very perfect for the Todd and Charlie and fit with the happy feeling of the overall story.

*$3.99 on Amazon

“You’re the sweetest thing at the Fair.”

After leaving the military, Todd Hudson has avoided putting down roots, living with his best friends in Hidden Creek. Entering the Summer Fair baking contest sounds like a sweet time. The cute guy he takes home the night before the competition runs away, but he hasn’t seen the last of him.

Charlie Deacon never puts himself first—in bed, at work, or in life. His rescue dog, Geri, is his only company at home. Pressured to enter the baking contest, he doesn’t expect to find the hunk he regrets ditching. The competition forbids fraternizing, but their bubbling feelings are rising to the surface.

Charlie and Todd couldn’t be more opposite, and they fit together like chocolate and caramel… but they only have a week together. When Charlie’s bullying father and Todd’s career call, can they make it work when the Fair packs up for the year?