Something Blue (Baxter Springs #4) by Avery Ford

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Something Blue: A Baxter Springs & Silver Lake Crossover

Blurb

Danny Evans doesn’t need a boyfriend. He doesn’t have time for love, and even if he did, his prospects in Silver Lake, Ohio, are… limited. As groomsman in his best friend’s upcoming out-of-town wedding, Danny is at least looking forward to the thought of having a little fun, except the “city” is in the middle of nowhere. At the prospect of being single person in a group full of couples, Danny has resigned himself to the fact that he’s just meant to be single. He certainly isn’t going to find Mr. Right on this trip.

Finding a boyfriend and settling down isn’t even on Micah Daniels’ radar. After getting kicked out of his parents’ house, he’s just thankful he’s found a job and a place to live. Opportunities are few and far between in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Micah has somehow managed to make a stable life for himself against all the odds. The last thing he’s going to do is rock the boat. Losing this job would mean he’s out on the streets - again.

When Danny sees Micah for the first time, he can instantly tell there’s something special about the strong, quiet farm hand. But with Danny only in town for a week and Micah’s need for discretion, there’s no hope for their instant attraction to turn into something more.

But wedding fever is a funny thing, and love always seems to find a way. When the week is over, will Danny and Micah take a real chance on each other and…love?

This is a Baxter Springs and Silver Lake Crossover! Enjoy.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Avery Ford's Something Blue is fantastic! Not only is it book four in the Baxter Springs series, but it's also a Baxter Springs and Silver Lake crossover! 

Danny's off to Baxter Springs for his friend's wedding. When he meets Micah, they both are instantly interested in one another. As Danny's only in town for one week, they need to decide soon if they're going to act on their crushes.

Both men feel that there could be something special between them if they lived close. Thus their story contains a lot of hesitancy, a lot of sadness, and a whole lot of wonderful moments. At the heart of their romance is a beautiful friendship that develops.

As I expect from a Baxter Springs story, this one contains all the small town charm and characters we love. But, I am honestly giddy at how fantastic it is that we get Silver Lake characters too!

I can't recommend Something Blue enough. I adore Avery Ford and this one is everything I have come to adore about Avery's books.

Tease (Silver Lake #3) by Avery Ford

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BLURB

Trenton Lewis is not gay. He's not friends with Scottie Chambers. He's definitely not falling in love.

Trenton Lewis never set out to be the most popular guy around. He’s not afraid to take a stand, even if it sometimes feels like the whole town of Silver Lake is against him. It’s never bothered him to be an outsider, though. He’s managed to take care of the family business and the family home that’s been handed down to him, and he’s done it all on his own terms. The only thing missing is a family to share it with. 

Scottie Chambers knows what he wants in life. And for the most part, he has those things—great friends, a thriving business, and a new puppy who makes his heart melt. Sure, he eventually wants to settle down and get married, just like all of his friends seem to be doing, but he’s patient and he knows his time will come. What he doesn’t know is that it’s going to come in a way he never expected. 

Trenton and Scottie aren’t exactly friends. With competing businesses right across the street from each other, they were never really going to be on great terms. But when a tragic event brings them together unexpectedly, they realize they might just have more in common than not.

When it comes time to make some tough choices, will they be able to set aside their differences, or will they sabotage the first real chance at love that either of them has ever had?

Tease is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is set in the same world as Triumph and Trust and can be read as a standalone, though you may want to read then first to acquaint yourself with the world!

REVIEW 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Avery Ford's Tease is the third book in the Silver Lake series. 

Trenton and Scottie are business rivals who are situated across the street from each other. And they certainly aren't friends. But, Scottie's new dog ends up bringing them together in ways they never expected. 

As they start spending time together, Trenton finds himself relaxed and wanting to get to know Scottie. It's beautiful to see the trust he has in the man, as he wants to open himself up for once.

Their past is one of making assumptions instead of getting to know someone. Now, as they get to know each other, they realize that they were wrong, and the other man is nothing like they expected. 

One of my favorite things about this romance is that Trenton has never been with a guy before. I adore his new found feelings, and his experiences as he explores this new side of himself. 

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing for these men, as they have some major disagreements and Trenton does not get along with Scottie's friends. It adds the perfect amount of angst, and leads towards some good personal growth.

Tease is a fun and sweet enemies to lovers story that includes some realistic and fun firsts. I definitely recommend this small town romance by Avery Ford.

Trust (Silver Lake #2) by Avery Ford

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BLURB

Newton Allen needs a new start. On the run from his past and uncertain about his future, he’s broken and scared, but he’s determined to make it on his own. Opening a small photography studio in the small town of Silver Lake seems like the perfect way to start over and follow his dream. All he wants is to live his life on his own terms, quiet and alone, with no reminders of the life he’s been trying so desperately to forget.

Gage Michaels was born and raised in the small town of Silver Lake. He’s tall, good looking, and owns the only gym in town. He has everything he needs—his health, great friends, and a thriving business. The only thing he doesn’t have is the one thing he wants more than anything… love.

From the moment they meet, Gage knows there’s something special about the shy photographer. Newton can’t believe the hot guy from the gym might actually be interested. However, when Newton’s past finally catches up to him, all Gage cares about is keeping Newton safe.

Newton will have to choose between learning to stay and trust or running away…especially as both their hearts and lives could depend on the decision he makes.

Trust is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is set in the same world as Triumph and can be read as a standalone, though you may want to read Triumph first to acquaint yourself with the world!


REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Trust, the second book in Avery Ford's Silver Lake series, is a charming and romantic tale of Gage. I was so excited to get Gage's story and it ended up being so perfect. 

Gage meets Newton upon Newton's arrival in town. The interest is immediate but Newton is weary. As the friendship develops, and then becomes more, the trust that Newton has for Gage is amazing. I love how much this trust can change Newton's life. 

There are many special things in this story, but to me, the most captivating is when Gage and Newton go rope climbing. This scene is so beautifully written, as it's inspiring, emotional and accomplished. I  would read the book again just for this scene.

As Newton has kept his past from Gage, it's a surprise for Gage when he finds out. But, Gage will do everything he can to keep the other half of his heart safe. 

I really enjoyed Trust, loving how perfect these two men were for each other. I'm excited to see who Avery Ford writes about in the next installment in the Silver Lake series. 

You can read my review of Book 1, Triump here.

Triump (Silver Lake #1) by Avery Ford

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BLURB

Calvin Berry has been out and proud since high school. In the ten years since he’s graduated, he’s opened a bookstore and made it his mission to bring diversity and inclusion to Silver Lake while working hard to maintain the small town charm that he loves so much. The only thing missing is someone to share his dreams - his once best friend, who left Calvin behind with a broken heart.

Jack Roberts has the life he’s always wanted. He left Silver Lake ten years ago for college in Boston and hasn’t looked back since. If it wasn’t for the occasional holiday trip to visit his parents, he’d happily forget all about that town and all the memories it holds, especially Calvin Berry, who despite trying, Jack’s never forgotten.

When Calvin and the other business owners in Silver Lake are on the verge of getting pushed out in favor of nameless corporations, Calvin knows he has to do something. He wants to turn Silver Lake around, and he needs as much help as he can get—even if that means asking for it from the man he used to call his best friend.

Can Calvin and Jack get over the hurt from their past and take a second chance on each other? Will they be able to move forward and discover that despite the distance between them, their feelings for each other only grew stronger?



REVIEW
My Rating - 4 Stars!

As I would expect, Triump has all the usual charm of an Avery Ford romance. 

Jack and Calvin were best friends, until Calvin once tried to kiss him. Now, ten years later, Jack is back and they're forced to face their past. Their story is well written, with some fantastic small time charm, and some fun side characters.

Triump contains a good friends to lovers romance, coming out, and some great chemistry. I enjoyed the ending a lot and am excited to see all that Avery Ford can do with this series.

Coming Together (Baxter Springs 3) by Avery Ford

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Blurb

“I don’t need any more distraction.”

Preston Taylor is in trouble. In the ten years he's been a star on Broadway, he's dealt with his share of crazy. When a deranged fan starts sending death threats, Preston is forced to hire security.
What he doesn't expect is that in order to protect himself, Preston has to pretend he's dating his hot new bodyguard. But when make believe starts to blur with reality, the hardest part will be to remember that none of it is supposed to last.

 “We’re going to pretend we’re dating. You just have to trust me.”

Jake Carpenter has spent his entire life taking care of people. Whether in the military or as a hired bodyguard, he keeps people safe. It's his purpose in life, and he takes it seriously.
From the first time he lays eyes on Preston, he is drawn to the man's beauty and surprised by his feelings. Jake has never felt this way for another man before. After all, he's straight and always has been... right?

“Sometimes opposites really do attract.”

Jake isn’t looking for a friend. Preston doesn’t have time for a lover. Forced to make the best of a bad situation, the last thing they expect is to bring out the best in each other. When it comes time to make a hard decision, will they play it safe or take a chance on love?
 

This is Book 3 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home and Coming Out to meet the rest of the crew! 

REVIEW

My Rating  - 5 Stars!

Coming Together is another winner in the Baxter Springs series by Avery Ford!

It is a perfect actor/bodyguard romance, featuring Preston, a Broadway star and Jake, who is hired to be his bodyguard.

When the threats to Preston get bad, Jake steps in to protect him, whisking him to a secret location. Despite his reservations, Preston goes to Kansas to stay with Jake at his brother's ranch. Thus, we get the added bonus of hanging with the Baxter Springs gang again!

While at the ranch, they pretend to be boyfriends, in order to try to keep Preston safe. As Jake is straight, he is surprised to find himself attracted to the actor.

What follows is a memorable romance, amidst death threats, suspense, and more.  You'll laugh, you be scared, and you will fall in love with Preston and Jake! They may make some stupid decisions, but they are wonderful together.

Set aside some time to read Coming Out if you're a fan of Avery Ford, or romance in general. 

Coming Out by Avery Ford

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Blurb:

“I have to believe in love. It’s all I’ve got. It keeps me going.”

Ryan Turner is looking for a better life. His abusive, alcoholic father has been getting worse ever since his mom passed away twelve years ago. Struggling with his sexuality, Ryan works hard, takes night classes, keeps his head down and does his best to look after his dad, but he’s not sure how much longer he can keep it up. If he just had a little time, a little space to work out his feelings, a little money, maybe he could make things better—for himself and for his dad.
 
“That kind of love doesn’t happen to guys like me. It doesn’t exist in my world.”

Eric Harper doesn’t believe in love. Not when it comes to finding it for himself, anyway. Not the kind of love his brother found with Chase. Or the kind of love his parents had. Maybe it’s because he lives in the small town of Baxter Springs. Maybe it’s because he hasn't really put himself out there to find the right person. Maybe it’s him.
 
“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”

When Eric hires Ryan to work at the ranch, it’s supposed to be a temporary position. Just two or three weeks. That was the plan. The part that wasn’t planned? The sizzling chemistry between them, and worst of all…. falling in love.

This is Book 2 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home first to meet the rest of the crew! 




REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I am an avid fan of Avery Ford, so I am thrilled to get to read Coming Out. 

This book focuses on Eric and Ryan. Eric has had to watch his brother fall in love and get married. He is happy for them, but he doesn't ever plan on finding that kind of love.

Ryan is a new, temporary employee of Eric's on the ranch. Neither expects the chemistry between them. They just click immediately, as if they have always known each other. Neither expects anything to come from this chemistry though. 

Ryan's father is an alcoholic and makes life miserable for Ryan. Ryan has clearly seen and witnessed too much in his life. Eric knows he shouldn't get involved, but he wi too tempted and decides to take a chance. He has never been attracted to a guy before, but he really wants to see what could happen.

I absolutely love Ryan. His attitude is amazing. He has it so damn rough, living with his dad and putting up with way more than he should have to. But, he never allows himself to feel too down about it. He knows his life isn't great. But he also knows that everyone else also seems to have problems. Thus, he isn't convinced that anyone else has a better life that he has. What a refreshing way to look at things. He would rather be happy than not, so he chooses to be happy. 

One of my favorite quotes from it is '“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”'

When they decide to get involved with each other, Eric is willing to take a risk. But Ryan is hesitant. He is afraid that Eric had never been with a guy before and might not be able to come out to people. On the other hand, when he is with Eric, he feels safe. Ryan knows that he can count on the gentle, caring, and strong man.

And Eric. Oh, sweet, sweet Eric. He is so determined and dependable. Once he decides to be with Ryan, he doesn't look back. He doesn't care about labeling his sexuality.  He doesn't care what people will think. He just knows that he wants Ryan in his life and he isn't going to let himself live in fear or secrecy.  

I love the way the author deals with Ryan's alcoholic father. Everything is so real, so raw, and yet, the fact that he isn't actually an awful person is refreshing. 

Overall, Coming Out is another fantastic book by Avery Ford! I highly recommend it.

Coming Home by Avery Ford

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I really enjoyed this new book by Avery Ford.

Chase returns to his small hometown.  He plans on staying there for 2 weeks before moving to NYC.  Chase has never found anything great is his hometown, but he is happy to catch up with his former best friend, Ben, while he is there.

For Ben, his whole life has always centered around this town and his family's ranch.  He and his brother run the ranch together since their parents have died.

While they are re-connecting, they decide to talk about an old kiss and they agree to have some friends with benefits fun while Chase is home.   Of course, as all good romances go, they find themselves wanting more.  They have decisions to make if they are going to be together, since Chase is moving to NY and Ben needs to be at the ranch.  And Chase isn't sure that he could ever come out to his parents.

This book just hits all my buttons.  Likeable characters, a second chance love, having to figure out how to be together.  The characters just complement each other so well. As usual, Avery did a wonderful job.  I enjoyed every second.