Would NOT recommend

The term of endearment "Baby Boy" is just flat out creepy and disturbing. Characters that feed stereotypes, pushing a social narrative, and severely underdeveloped story line. I can't believe this is the same author of the Crossroads series. Big, strong former Marine now turned cop falls in love with promiscuous waif. And of course they adopt a shelter dog (don't we hate it when people treat animals that way) that has NOTHING to do with the story but does get one reference in the epilogue. Kellan comes across as so feminine at times it seems the book was initially a male/female romance. I don't have a problem with a feminine character, but there were just so many mixed messages about Kellan I couldn't find the patience to care. Highly Disappointing. Would NOT recommend.

9 people found this helpful

A new series to love

I have an affinity for Riley Hart books. I know what I’m going to get, and I’m never disappointed. There’s something comforting with that. I was in a bit of hangover when Whiskey Creek ended, but I was revived when she began a new series – Havenwood. I also have an affinity for the brother’s best friend trope. Griff is Chase’s best friend. Has been a solid presence in his life. Brought him home one day and showed him what a real family was. Treated him more like another brother than just a friend. Griff’s family embraced the wounded Chase, each demonstrating their love. In the midst of those developing relationships, Griff’s younger brother Kellen hit puberty and discovered not only that he was gay but that he had a massive crush on his older brother’s best friend. He held that secret close to his chest until the night when he was eighteen when he acted on that attraction. The next week Chase joined the Marines, leaving Havenwood seemingly forever. Fast forward ten years and the Kaine brothers are doing well, thriving in their small town. They still miss their parents who were taken away in a violent mugging, but they’ve settled into a routine. Griff runs a bar while Kellen teaches art. The brothers still live in their childhood home and neither has had a serious relationship. They’re okay with that, though, because they have each other. Then Chase comes back to town and everything changes. He and Griff take back up as best friends, and as much as he tries to resist Kell, he takes back up with him as well. But they have to be on the DL because there’s no way Griff is going to accept the relationship. Chase is back as a patrol officer and it’s not long before he’s back to dealing with his father. Only this time he’s an adult in a position of authority. Kellen is certainly all grown up. He has friends and a good business. He’s managed to mature despite Griff’s constant coddling. Now, faced with Chase, he finds himself getting everything he’s ever wanted. But malevolent forces are still present, and soon the men face discovery. The question becomes will they be able to sustain their relationship in the light of day? I have to admit I fell in love with Kellen, Chase, and even Griff. Loyal and loving, each man believes in family. And in standing up for those they love. Although I knew Kell and Chase were going to get together, there were still some dark moments to get there. But it was a Riley Hart romance, so I got everything I wanted. Kale Williams is one of my favorite narrators. His Kellen had a bit of a Southern accent, easily distinguishing him from the other men. The delivery was solid and the performance was well done. I hope he’ll be narrating the next book. It’s already out and I’m hoping will be coming to audio soon.

2 people found this helpful

Female author

I hate that female authors writing gay romance, LITERALLY write it the exact same as straight romance and just change the names and sex scenes, literally it’s getting to the point where I’m gonna start refusing to read anything gay romance wise that’s not written by an actual male....i guess the target audience is women though they don’t write mm romance for gay guys they write them FOR straight women.....not that anyone ever reads these but we can tell ......every time you write this kinda junk, WE CAN TELL, that ur not trying in the least THANK GOD audible allows us to return books that blow.

It's direction meant well.

I think the story was there, but that the characters were a bit off . Like chase I believed, I got his story , his background. Kellum left me thinking is this what she thinks of gay men. I mean its ok to be fabulous but this felt forced . I mean it was a good start though . I plan on reading the other two . Kellums character was just written wrong . I think i only made it to chapter 8.

Great read.

I loved everything about this book. The connection between the two guys was awesome. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

Kellan and Chase

I loved this book so much. Riley really outdid herself with this one. This was my third time listening to Kale and I have to say he did an amazing job with it. The sexy times were hot as well and I so love this trope so of course I was going to listen to it. I can't wait to get into the rest of the series.

Good listen

I enjoyed the book and the narrator. I doubt it’ll go into my relisten folder, but I have no regrets about buying it. The story was cute and good enough to not be cookie cutter for the brother’s best friend troupe. I’d recommend this listen.

Loving Someone

The story was a journey for both Chase and Kellan ... and of course Griff as well... time was no barrier and love came naturally. The entire book represented overcoming the odds ... Chase being loved by a family other than his at an early age ... having a brother... a best friend... and the man who was and now is the love of his life. There were moments of sorrow, of confusion, of hurt, but in the end it was love. Love that transcended time from a place of uncertainty to a place where only dreams are made... a book worth reading and a story worth remembering. I won’t forget this story nor the journey ...

Giving Chase

I’m a Riley Hart fan and this book is a Hart book: characters that are easy to love and characters that love hard. I hadn’t read this book before and was happy to get it on Audible. Kale does a fantastic job with the narration, as always!