South Main and Gentry (Willow Springs #1) by A.D. Ellis & Declan Rhodes

 

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Mitch Aiken serves up authentic small-town comfort food in Willow Springs’ South Main diner. Willow Springs is the kind of town where you hunt mushrooms in May while trying to avoid poison ivy. Mitch dominates the local food scene until young upstart Tanner Gentry arrives from Chicago to prove small-town foodies are aching for a contemporary approach to coffee and sandwiches.

The battle for the hearts and stomachs of Willow Springs residents is on with one major complication - the sexual chemistry between Mitch and Tanner is off the charts and everyone recognizes it except Mitch and Tanner themselves.

South Main and Gentry is a 53,000-word gay romance with enemies to lovers, age gap, and opposites attract themes. It is the first book in the Willow Springs series. All books can be read as standalone stories, but characters from each book will reappear across the series. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

South Main and Gentry is a sweet, small town romance. AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes perfectly combine an age gap with opposites attract and enemies to lovers aspects. 

Overall, this is the story of two competitors trying to figure their way through their attraction. We see them slowly develop a friendship and then deal with their increasing feelings for each other. 

The business part is well done, with ups and downs between the men. They compete, they help, they hurt. I appreciate how well both places were brought to life, with their unique and special charms.

Mitch is so damn hurt from his past; unable to move past his pain. His diner means the world to him, not just as his livelihood, but as a way of holding onto his grandfather. With Tanner's new bakery offering so much to the town, it causes a lot of issues between the men. 

I love the slow burn between Mitch and Tanner. So much of this book is spent with them slowly going from rivals to friends. It takes a long time for a kiss to happen. Yay slow burn!

I definitely enjoy the men together, and my heart hurts for both of them. Mitch's anguish is well illustrated, as well as his pride. And Tanner's confusion, as he's finds himself enjoying small town life, takes a lot out of him. He came to town to start his business, planning to return to the city. Instead, he finds a new home in Willow Springs, which has a special small town feel, new friends, and the love of his life. Swoon.

The age gap is another large aspect of this tale. Mitch struggles with thinking a man so much younger would want to be with him. I love how all of this plays out.

The writing flows great and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The storyline is sweet and the men are likeable.  The small town is fully brought to life and is definitely charming. Small things add up to make the town special. Even the mushroom hunting had me happy. 

South Main and Gentry is a fabulous small town romance. And the authors definitely end this one on a sweet note. I am excited for AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes to continue their collaboration. I hope to revisit this town often. 

Power Struggle by A.D. Ellis

 

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Jamison is good at everything he does and he’s never met a challenge he could resist.
Paul keeps his life in order with a tight grip on power and control.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, Jamison and Paul find themselves forced together and their jobs on the line. Will Paul’s insistence on holding onto all the power be what keeps them apart? Or will their long history and undeniable attraction be enough to shake the grasp Paul has on his control?

**Power Struggle is a steamy M/M, age-gap, forced proximity romance set in a small town. A twenty-year history, rival schools and jobs, and a hotel with only one bed make for a hot and heavy, sweet and sexy, HEA-guaranteed love story.** 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Power Struggle is an enjoyable age gap romance by AD Ellis. 

This is a co-worker/rival romance between two men with a long history between them. I love the way the forced proximity comes into play, as they're working together and have to attend a week long conference together. 

My favorite thing by far though is the way the migraines come into play, leading to some wonderfully tender moments. 

Their tale is one of a business trip, migraines, massages, and a shared bed. Their tale involves butterflies, selfies, and a whole lot of trying to resist their feelings. Some parts were seriously cavity inducing. 

Power Struggle is a super sweet romance with low angst and plenty of emotions. AD Ellis will definitely keep you happy throughout. 

Take Me Home by A.D. Ellis

 

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Can a city boy survive exile to a small town? Will falling for a hot, older country boy make the situation better or worse?

Marc Kingsley is the best in his big-city family business. When a medical issue gets Marc temporarily banished to a tiny country town, he’s certain the experience will be a nightmare.

Jordan Moore is living the dream on his farm. When his best friend’s grandson begrudgingly comes to town, Jordan’s simple life gets turned upside down.

Can Marc and Jordan find a brief, shared happiness even when they’ve accepted they’ll eventually have to walk away? Or will both men end up nursing broken hearts?

Take Me Home is a male/male age-gap, opposites-attract romance with plenty of steam and a scene that will make you appreciate camouflage and work boots. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, just wow! AD Ellis' Take Me Home is an amazing, heartfelt, feel good read! This is one of those special books that I will be reading over and over again. Yes, it's totally a comfort read for me and I cannot praise it enough.

Everything about this book is soothing and sweet. Like Forever Better Together, this book is a perfect read for me and is one of my favorites of the year. 

It's an easy and mesmerizing country boy meets city boy read. Jordan's a closeted farmer, as he's the only gay in his small town. Until Marc shows up. They have an undeniable, intense connection. Everything starts with an anonymous hookup followed by forced proximity. And every moment is beautiful. 

They perfectly mesh and their connection is never in doubt. Unfortunately,  Marc's stay is temporary, which sets the scene for the obvious conflict. They can't resist though, and start a three month sexual relationship with a known end date. Oh, how delightful it is when the feelings develop and leave them wanting more. Adding to the fun, their sexual relationship is hot and intense. 

The writing had me hooked immediately, and kept me riveted throughout. The men are simply marvelous and their storyline is beautiful. The writing style is just wonderful, with a calming and comforting tone. Even their initial hookup is written in a completely sweet manner, which is rare. But, seriously, it has all the feels. Add in some fantastic side characters and you simply can't go wrong with this tale. Good god, I adore Marc's grandmother. 

As for the atmosphere and scenery, the author excels in bringing everything to life. One can easily feel that they are there in person, which adds immensely to the beauty of this book. 

Take Me Home is easily a new favorite comfort read for me. AD Ellis continues to impress me with her riveting and all consuming books. Definitely pick this one up the next time you in the mood for a sugary sweet romance. You won't regret it.

Let Love Win by A.D. Ellis

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Skyler Byrd lost three years with his family and got an abusive relationship as his consolation prize. When Skyler finally reaches his breaking point, he finds himself homeless and in desperate need of his brother’s help.

Donovan Badger is living his dream with his best friend, Charlie, by his side. When Charlie’s younger brother shows up after three years, Van is immediately drawn to Skyler in a way that goes well beyond their past friendship, and is definitely against Charlie’s wishes.

Will Skyler and Van allow themselves to be kept apart? Or will they embrace what they’ve found with each other and let love win?

*Let Love Win is a steamy, friends-to-lovers, M/M romance featuring best friend’s brother, a penchant for silk, and a threesome fantasy longing to be brought to life.*

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Let Love Win is a delightful brother's best friend romance by AD Ellis. 

Abused by his ex, Skylar's now run back home, looking for safety and a new start. And that's where he finds himself in the orbit of his brother's best friend, Van again. 

Skyler is a lovable character who fully comes to his own with the help of Van. Skyler's past includes an abusive and controlling ex, and some misunderstandings about relationships. Van's ability to take him under his wing, to help give Sky confidence, and to grow his wings, is wonderful.

Sky's interactions with kids is charming and delightful. I truly love this part of the story.

And then there's the attraction between the two. Their story includes the conflict of dating your best friend's brother, some major self esteem issues, and a whole lot of hot sex. There's kink including a steamy threesome and some silk. 

Let Love Win is a great hurt/comfort read. This AD Ellis book is a perfect choice when you're in the mood for a man overcoming his abusive past. It's truly heart warming and leaves you perfectly satisfied. 

Let Love In by A.D. Ellis

 

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Keegan Greer is in desperate need of a safe place to stay so he can finish school. Living with his father’s best friend will allow Keegan to keep himself and his secrets safe.

Jake Oakley is happy to provide his best friend’s son a secure and comfortable home for the time being. But having Keegan in his house awakens a long-buried secret in Jake that he’s not sure he’s ready to face.

Will the unexpected spark between them be snuffed out before it gets the chance to burn? Or will Keegan and Jake find a way to stoke the fire and let love in?

*Let Love In is a steamy, M/M romance featuring age-gap, forced proximity, dad’s best friend, and bisexual-awakening. Be on the lookout for silk and lace and a kinky fantasy just begging to become a reality.*

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Let Love In is one hell of a steamy age gap romance by AD Ellis.

This is a tale of a man falling for his best friend's son, with lots of sweetness involved. With an 18 year age gap, it's falls just short of being a May to December read, but it never falls short of intense heat.

  

As roommates, the two get off to an eye opening start, twice. Oops. But soon they naturally gravitate towards one another. The attraction may be instant, but the relationship is a sweet slow burn one. 

Their story is one of first times, a GFY sexual awakening, sexual exploration and plenty of kink. There's exhibitionism and voyeurism via a webcam show, sexy frottage, and a steamy cumdump scene. They are certainly hot together, but everything is about the emotions for these two. 

I enjoyed this story a lot. Both men are complicated, with different aspects to their personalities. Both are socially awkward and tend to isolate. Their social anxiety is well written. It's beautiful the way they relate to one another and are able to understand the other's needs. I like the way the author approaches and illustrates this. 

I love Keegan's layers. The poor young man is painful shy to the world, but on the inside he's a bright, bubbly personality. His personality jumps off the pages, with him fully coming to life. His feminine side is well illustrated, with a love of lace and  makeup. I absolutely love how accepting Jake is of Keegan, not caring at all that he's openly feminine. Of course, it's super steamy that Keegan's lace is a turn on for Jake. Squee. 

This is a story that made me laugh, made me smile, and made me swoon. There was some short term, low angst that added to the tale, and overall it's super sweet. 

As for the kink, wow, I can't get enough of the emotion behind their cum dump scene. It makes for a wonderful, emotional scene. If you're expecting just a hot scene, think again. The whole scene is about the love between Jake and Keegan.

Let Love In is an interesting read. As always, I enjoy AD Ellis's writing style. Everything always flows well and the characters continue to charm me. But it's the storylines that are sweet and keep me coming back for more. This book is definitely different than her usual stories, as there's kink, kink, and more kink. But, the emotions are still what help guide the tale. 

Hearts Afire (Forged in the City #2) by A.D. Ellis

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Ty Golden and Vic Black are done with dating, determined to take control of their own lives, and completely unprepared when love finds them.

With an independent, makeup-wearing, younger twink and a mature, protective, cardigan-wearing man, Hearts Afire is a steamy, slow-burn, age-gap, gay romance.

*This is the second book in the Forged in the City series.*

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Hearts Afire is another great read in AD Ellis' Forged in the City series. The second book, it is easily read as a standalone.  

This is a beautiful story of two men who find love when they aren't looking for it. They run in the same circles and can't stop thinking about each other. 

Both men have plenty of baggage and a whole lot to overcome. Ty's trying to stay focused, not wanting any distractions. He's a young hair stylist who also works as an escort. His independence streak is large and may be his downfall. And then there's Vic, who's almost twenty years older. He's has been burnt by his ex, crushed by the betrayal, leaving him unable to risk his heart and body again. 

The way these men come together, and the journeys they take, as individuals and as a couple, are riveting. 

I love the author's writing style. Written in alternating first person pov, I was easily drawn into the minds of both men. The emotions are front and center; pain, hurt, fear.

Of course, the amazingly wonderful group of friends and family makes this whole series what it is, heartfelt and special. I can't help but to enjoy every moment spent with these men. 

Hearts Afire is a great addition to this series. AD Ellis will delight with this low angst, sweet read. 

Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City #1) by A.D. Ellis

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Chase Steele and Xander Copperfield are down on their luck, as similar as they are different, and ready for a love they didn’t even realize they’d been waiting on their whole lives.

With two gorgeous “tough guys” discovering and exploring their true selves, Hearts Ablaze is a steamy, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, bisexual awakening romance.

*This is the first book in the Forged in the City series.*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Oh, I love Hearts Ablaze! The first book in AD Ellis' Forged in the City series, it is set upon the back of her Silver in the City series. 


When we meet Chase, he's reunited with his long lost aunt, discovers he has a young sister, and is set upon a new life plan. One that involves Xan. 

These are two men who are hardened to life's unwanted struggles early on. Chase's mother was neglectful, Xan's years were full of running with the wrong group of guys. 

Xan's an ex foster care kid who ended up in a thug life that included being pimped out. One thing that endeared me to Xan early on is his lack of regrets for his old life. He knows what he did is wrong, but he admits he didn't hate it, or being forced into it, at the time. I appreciate this, as I find it very realistic. 

When it comes to relationships and sex, Xan is bisexual, but hasn't explored this side of himself. Chase never planned on being with a guy, but he can't deny his attraction to Xan. 

These are two men who find a best friend, when they desperately need one, and struggle with their feelings of attraction and want. It's a story of insta attraction turned best friends turned lovers. And it's wonderful!

My favorite quote is "Be open to the unexpected; sometimes our expectations and plans keep us from something amazing. Don't lose out on something amazing."

As the men from Silver in the City are part of this series, there is a fantastic group of friends and family in this story. After loving everyone when I first met them, I am loving reuniting with them. They are all lovable men and I can't get enough of them. Chase and Xan naturally fit into their world and add so much to this group of men.  

Hearts Ablaze is sweet and tender. I find it completely soothing; the perfect book to curl up on the couch with a blanket and read in one sitting. It's a fantastic book. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. 

BOOK TOUR - Silver in the City Series by AD Ellis

Silver & Sage

Silver in the City Book 1

by A.D. Ellis

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance 

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Silver doesn’t have time for feelings or a relationship. Then Sage shows up Sage is Silver’s exact opposite, his renter, and his new employee. The kid is much too young and much too innocent.

There are a million reasons why Silver and Sage should never get together. And Silver plans to keep it that way. Until all of those reasons go up in flames with one kiss.

Silver & Sage is a steamy, slow burn M/M age gap, opposites-attract romance between a shy, inexperienced nerd and an outgoing grump of a bar owner.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Omg. I love Silver and Sage. The first book in AD Ellis' Silver in the City series, it's fantastic!

I love Bode and Sage. Separately and together. They are mesmerizing from the start. Complete opposites, full of awkwardness, with the tension and small moments warming my heart. One man is socially awkward, the other is a people person. 

Enter the Silver Boys. Two twins and their cousin. They are spectacular together, compelling and likeable. I enjoy their closeness as well as the way they banter. 

Sage is an adorably sweet, endearing character. He's never has had a group who he belonged with, or anyone who really cared about him. His relationship with the Silver boys is enchanting. I love it all!

Bode is attracted to Sage immediately, but he's hung up on their 10 year age gap. Watching him suffer is certainly enjoyable. Of course, as great as the family element is for Bode, his relationship with his father sucks, adding a lot to the story.

Seriously, the writing is fabulous. A great story, intriguing characters, and some hot sex. The author excels at developing seamless dialogue, as well as creating characters who fully come alive. You can't go wrong with this one. And it ends with the perfect lead in to book two, Silver and Gold. 

I am downright giddy about Silver and Sage and the whole Silver in the City series. If the others are even close to as good as this one, they will be amazing.

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Silver & Gold

Silver in the City Book 2 

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Just as Silver begins to wonder if his casual relationship with Gold might turn into more, the two men are thrown into a position that has the lovers quickly turning into enemies. With

no way to escape each other, Silver and Gold begrudgingly agree to make the best of an impossible situation.  Will Gold’s search for perfection drive them apart or can Silver show Gold that imperfection can be beautiful?

Silver & Gold is a steamy, slow burn M/M enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance between two slightly self-absorbed artists.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

AD Ellis' Silver and Gold is a perfect continuation of her Silver in the City series. It can be read as a standalone, but it's much more fun to have read Silver and Sage first. 

The way the story of Benji and Rhys starts, with a mistake that leads to a change to their business plans, is entertaining. It's a great idea that comes together is a fantastic manner.

Their story is one of two men who have to learn to take a chance on each other. Their hearts are already invested, they just need to convince their mind it's worth the risk. 

They are certainly hot together, with some intense chemistry. I adore the way things come together for them once they drop the stubbornness. 

Rhys definitely tries to avoid family drama, and of course Benji has it in spades.

Imperfection scares Rhys, causing him a lot of doubts. 

I love this quote. So true. "No relationship is perfect." "...no family is perfect. Ever. ... Even if they appear perfect, they aren't."

Silver and Gold is another wonderful feel-good story by AD Ellis. I love every second of it and couldn't put it down. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the third book, Silver and Spice, as I have fallen in love with the Silver Brothers.

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Silver & Spice

Silver in the City Book 3 

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When Spice asks Silver to fake a relationship with him, Silver agrees. He knows pretending to be involved with the older man will likely come back to bite him in the ass, but if the farce will help Spice and his young son, Silver is totally on board. All too soon, the consequences of the fake relationship weigh on both Silver and Spice. Will a meddling grandmother, an adorable little

boy, and a team of friends be enough to convince Silver and Spice to give a real relationship a shot?

Silver & Spice is a steamy, slow-burn M/M age gap, fake relationship, forced proximity romance with a silver fox, single daddy and a younger man ready for a family.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Oh, how I adore Ad Ellis' Silver in the City series. The third book, Silver and Spice, is wonderful, finally gifting us with Bay and Kyson's story. 

This story involves a quirky old grandmother who bribes Bay into getting married to Kyson. Thus, from the start I was intrigued. What starts as a fake relationship turns real for these men and it's fantastic. They are so good together. All they needed was a kick in the ass to realize their feelings. If you've been reading along with the series, we knew something good was coming for these two. 

Bay's raising his nephew Arlo who's a huge part of the story. And he's a completely enjoyable kid who's adorable.

I love the writing style and the well developed characters. Told in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is quickly drawn into the character's emotions. Their story is quick and fluid, with plenty of steam. It's also full of fun banter and dirty talk that just adds to the fun. 

Silver and Spice is a wonderful combination of friends to lovers, fake relationship, and romance. It's a story of fighting what's right in front of you; a story of ignoring your own needs for those of your child. And it's a lot of fun.

A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing school-aged children, and wondering how she and her husband of nearly two decades  haven't driven each other insane yet. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.

She loves chocolate, wine, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don't leave much time for housework, much to the chagrin of her husband. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in
sarcasm.

A.D. uses she/her pronouns.

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