I've wanted Levi ever since my friend Cole introduced us. When Levi moved to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, I thought I finally had a chance to land the sexy, misunderstood man. After months of trying, though, it's clear he doesn't want me the way I want him. Putting some space between us is the only way to reclaim some of my dignity. I'll suffer through as many bad dates as it takes to get over the oblivious man. It's time to face the facts: He's never going to notice me when he's too busy looking at someone else.
Levi Hansen
The life I have in Coral Pointe Inlet is one I never dreamed possible, but watching one of my best friends fall in love has me questioning everything I thought I wanted. When my friends try to convince me that Sage—the sexy owner of Bluefin—has feelings for me, they have to be out of their minds, right? So, how the hell do I end up volunteering to help the man—and manage to make a complete fool of myself in the process? The answer is staring me right in the face, but is it too late to admit I've been completely Saged?
***This book picks up after the last chapter of Convincing Cole, before the epilogue. It may be read as a standalone, but it’s suggested the books be read in order as shenanigans between these five best friends begins from the start of the series.
My Rating - 4.5 Stars!
Landing Levi is a delightful friends to lovers romance by Jaclyn Quinn. The second book in the Shore Thing series, it's best read in order.
Gah! I adore these men. Poor Levi just can't see himself in a good light. He's low on self esteem, but Sage definitely is the one to help him with that. Levi was so clueless about Sage's feelings for him. You can't help but to root for these two. And you can't help but to root for Levi to believe in himself.
This is a story of two parts. First is the pining. And then comes the two trying to navigate their path from friends to lovers. Both parts are full of emotion and wonderfully done. Seriously, the emotions jump off the pages for sure.
Their story has some great humor and plenty of laughs. And damn, it's smoking hot.
I love stories with groups of friends, and this one has just that. But it was a little tough for me at times since I can't remember all the details of the previous book. There's a large group of friends and families who add greatly to the story. But it helps to have the backgrounds fresh in your mind.
Oh god, I can't wait for Ford's story. The set up is intriguing. Can't wait.
Landing Levi is a fabulous addition to this series. Be sure to check out this Jaclyn Quinn tale the next time you're in the mood for a sweet friends to lovers romance.
Life's been pretty amazing. Moving back to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet and opening Shore Thing Management with my four best friends is the best decision I've ever made. Falling back into old habits with an ex? Not so much. When Aiden, the sexy, straight owner of SandBar comes to my rescue pretends to be my boyfriend—handing me the flashlight I need to make my way out of the darkness—lines begin to blur. Suddenly, I'm falling again, but is it stupid of me to want Aiden to land by my side?
Aiden Rafferty
I've made a name for myself in this town. Granted, sometimes it's passed around in a morsel of gossip over morning coffee. I've poured my heart and soul into SandBar, and despite some townspeople thinking I turned my back on the family business, it's become a tourist hotspot. I see and hear a lot as a bartender, but I never get involved—until Cole. There's something about him, something that makes me want to protect him. Problem is, he's been hurt before. This fake relationship was my idea, so how do I go about convincing Cole there's nothing fake about it?
My Rating - 4.5 Stars!
Convincing Cole is a riveting friends to lovers romance. The first book in the Shore Thing series, I am loving this Jaclyn Quinn created small town setting.
Everything about this book is just sweet. It starts with an entertaining hotel/inn guest and just gets better from there.
Aiden's divorced from Sasha, back in his small town. Cole, meanwhile, catches his boyfriend cheating on him. And wow, said boyfriend makes me so angry, as he not only cheated, but also cut him down over and over.
I enjoy that's Aiden starts the fake boyfriend rouse, despite having always been straight. I like the way everything develops between these two, with a fake relationship deepening their friendship. And, oh, one just has to love when fake feelings turn real. I can never resist that.
I appreciate the way Cole's self esteem is helped out with Aiden's help. I always enjoy when that happens, as sometimes support and encouragement is just what one needs.
Damn, I enjoy these two together. I like their friendship, I enjoy their connection, and I freaking love the sex scenes.
The perfect mix of friends to lovers, small town, and fake relationship. The sexual awakening theme is there, but isn't a huge deal. And if you enjoy big groups of friends, you will love this series that revolves around five best friends.
I love this quote. "You can't change someone to fit your expectations." I am working on this with my child everyday. So poignant.
Convincing Cole is a great read. This Jaclyn Quinn read is sweet from start to finish, with plenty of heart and heat in between. I can't wait to see what comes next for this group of friends.
Alex is magnetic. His vibrant personality and easy smiles draw people toward him. No one would guess he’s secretly hurting.
Shiloh is quiet. His social awkwardness and anxious mind make it hard for him to make connections. He’s always felt different. A little broken.
When these two meet, they recognize something in each other. One hides his pain, while the other wears scars from his. They’re opposites in every way, but like magnets, it’s what brings them together. What starts as a tentative friendship soon blossoms into so much more, bringing about a summer of self-discovery, healing, soft kisses under the stars, and two imperfect people who learn just how perfectly they fit together.
Perfectly Us is a heartwarming and emotional opposites attract, demisexual awakening New Adult LGBT romance with a guaranteed HEA. Trigger warnings: anxiety, depression, mention of self-harm and suicide.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Perfectly Us is a wonderful young adult/new adult romance by Jaclyn Quinn. This is one of those books that I can't stop thinking about.
This isn't a light read, so be forewarned. Anxiety and depression is a major part of this story, and it's not always an easy read.
Alex and Shiloh are complete opposites, making for an interesting developing relationship. One has to adore Alex. He's out, proud, and confident. But he has some major family issues. Shiloh's quiet, unassuming, and a loner. And he has some major mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and an attempted suicide.
I find the movie theater scenes fascinating, as I've never been in the employees' only section.
The friendship they develop is adorable, and the romance that follows is heartwarming.
Everything is written with care and compassion, as the depression, anxiety, and self harm are all authentic feeling. The author excels in the character development for these men. I love the way the layers are revealed, with both young men helping the other to heal. And the character growth is wonderful.
Perfectly Us is a must read when you're in the mood for heartfelt mix of serious, sweet, and hurt/comfort. Everything about this Jaclyn Osbourne read had me mesmerized and quickly turning the pages. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that you won't forget.
Parker Wilson has the life he’s always wanted: an apartment in Brighton Pier, amazing family and friends, and a job he loves. With the invitation to his childhood best friend’s engagement party, the safe haven he’s created around himself is soon flooded with memories of the past. The roadblock he’s taken years detouring soon becomes a reality he can no longer avoid. After six years, Parker will have to see Sarah’s brother again—the only man he’s ever truly loved.
After running away from the truth and moving to Boston, Jason Maxwell must finally face Parker again—and the guilt he’s felt for leaving Parker all those years ago. Confronting the man who changed everything Jason thought he knew about himself, Jason realizes the miles he’s put between them hasn’t diminished what Parker means to him. Now, with the undeniable way he feels about Parker, Jason is determined to finally make things right.
Can a second chance finally land Jason and Parker on the path to happiness they’ve waited years for, or will they discover the final destination is actually the end of the
Road To You, the fifth book in the Beyond the Cove series, is another riveting tale by Jaclyn Quinn. It's a great second chance romance combined with a GFY element.
Parker and Jason get a second chance after many years of not talking. Their story is a best friend's brother romance, which is my all time favorite trope, so woo hoo!
This story starts with regret and guilt for the complicated events that happened in the past. Jason spends much of the story trying to prove his sorrow and seeking forgiveness. It's a whole lot of reflection and time spent trying to accept the past and move forward.
Their story has a little angst, a whole lot of pain, and a wonderful element of found family. There's frustration, rage, and anger, as well as honesty, forgiveness, and acceptance. Ultimately it's a swoon worthy kind of love story that gave me all the feels. And they are certainly sizzling together.
Told in alternating 3rd person pov, the characters fully come to life. I love how the author establishes their past with some delightful shared memories. The banter is great, as are the many secondary characters. The author combines GFY, 1st times, and plenty of heat to get these two where they belong.
Road To You is a long ass journey towards a hard earned love. This Jaclyn Quinn book is emotional and full of chemistry and tension. It's one of forgiveness and love between two former best friend. And it's definitely a recommended read.
Parker glanced down at Jason’s hand grasping his forearm then lifted brutal, cold eyes back up, pinning Jason where he stood. Abruptly, Jason let go but stepped in between Parker and the door. “Please, can we talk? Just for a minute?” Had he ever felt so terrified and desperate in his entire life?
“You’re about six years too late to talk,” Parker deadpanned.
“I know. I’m so sorry, Parker. I never should have done that.”
“You made that pretty obvious in that letter—if a few pathetic sentences could even count as a letter. So, if that’s all you have to say, don’t worry. I got that extremely loud and painfully clear.”
Jason sidestepped again to block Parker from leaving, his bigger frame making Parker look up. Jason’s body thrummed being this close to him, catching him off guard. Everything about this day wasn’t what he’d expected. “No, I mean I never should’ve left you there.” Holy shit, this was spiraling out of control. He’d wanted to apologize but, instead, desperation clawed as he tried to keep Parker right here with him. “I...I got—”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve moved on. I’m not the same person you left in North Carolina. I had an incredibly long and eye-opening bus ride back to Jersey, and I left all that other shit behind.” He waved his hand in front of Jason with disgust. “So, this whole apology is a waste of time. We’ll smile our smiles for Sarah and then go our separate ways again. Don’t worry about me. Don’t think about me. I stopped thinking about you a long time ago—the second you cut me out of your life without a backward glance.” The harsh glare Parker pinned him with made Jason swallow the lump forming in his throat.
As Parker pushed past him to go back into the restaurant, Jason’s heart thundered: for the words just said, for the words left unsaid, and most of all because he still knew Parker Wilson better than Parker wanted him to.
I have been an artist from a very young age. From drawing cartoon characters and evolving into portraits, making jewelry, photography, and now writing. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends and couldn’t be more grateful.
I live in central New Jersey, love summers at the Jersey Shore, rock music, wine, sexy men, and laughing a lot with my amazing friends and family. Sunday dinners at my parents’ house are crazy, hysterical and you can count on a movie quote…or ten…being thrown out. Insults between siblings is how we show our love for each other!
When I’m not creating, you can find me reading books from my favorite authors. I’m a hopeless romantic, starving for passionate characters and always craving that happy ending, whether in reading or in writing my own books.
One man is haunted by a past he can’t outrun.
One man is branded by a legacy he can’t hide.
One man is burdened by a guilt he can’t deny.
The usually peaceful town of Riverside Falls has had its very core shaken by traumatic events. Three men find themselves at the center of it all, thrown together by circumstances beyond their control.
Sawyer Levy came to Riverside Falls four years ago to escape from…well…life, but when he finds himself in need of care, he’s forced to trust not one but two men for the first time in years.
Grant Belford is riddled with shame in the tragic aftermath of incidents he didn’t see coming, blaming himself for the terror that rocked his town over the last few months.
Captain Mason Lockley is struggling with the recent events that have shaken up the quiet town of Riverside Falls, tormented by one thought, over and over again: Did he miss the signs because of jealousy?
Having no choice but to lean on each other, the three men suffering with their own demons aren’t expecting to have such an undeniable connection—or to fall so hard. It’s a love they don’t understand, but will they realize it’s worth fighting for?
***Fight for You picks up where Thirst for You left off. Therefore, if you would like to avoid spoilers from Thirst for You, it is suggested you read that book first in order to truly understand what the characters in this book are going through.
***There is a retelling of a violent event from an MC's past. Though it is not told as it’s happening, it may be triggering to some readers.
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Fight For You is the fourth book in the Beyond The Cove series. This Jaclyn Quinn read is an exquisite menage romance that picks up where Thirst For You leaves off.
From the start, when the story starts with Sawyer in the hospital, and both Grant and Mason staying by his side, the emotions come out in full force. Grant's ex girlfriend nearly killed Sawyer, setting the scene for a new dynamic between three men. And, ohhhh...it's delicious! Mason and Grant are two men who have loved each other for years, but something was always missing. With Sawyer, that missing piece is found. Their story is one of three men who have a lot of issues between them. Anger, resentment, frustration, and guilt. Hurt, regret, attraction, and love. These are three men getting to know one another, scars and all. Sawyer's panic attacks are well illustrated, bringing them fully to light, pain and all. His background is well developed over time. He's a loveable man when his walls come down. He's been locked in the closet by fear, but he feels the two handsome men knocking on his door. Meanwhile, Grant has spent his life pushing people away, especially Mason. This is about the importance of wanting to get better. It's impossible to accept the love of others when one doesn't love themselves. "...You're never going to live your own fucking life if you choose to ignore half of it, or if you continue to punish yourself for other people's mistakes." It's about the impact of denying one is gay. "You may not be broken, but you're sure as hell not whole...you've taken a huge part of your life and you've tossed it aside." The author also includes some fantastic secondary characters. I adore Sawyer's parents. Completely adore them. And then there's Liam, who adds immensely to the story. I love poor Liam. Fight For You is a long journey towards self love and finding one's self worth. Jaclyn Quinn expertly combines comfort/hurt, small town, and second chances in this beautiful story.
Will the demons of the past ruin any hope for the future?
If there’s anyone who knows how to have a good time—be it with a man or a woman—it’s Ryder Pearce. Master of the nail-it-and-bail-it theory, he lives his life for one person and one person only: himself. When a man enters Ryder’s life who challenges him on every flirtation, every sexual innuendo he can come up with, Ryder’s thrown off his game in a big way. Because there’s one thing the man has made perfectly clear—they’ve played this game before, and Ryder doesn’t remember the outcome. Avery Hamilton has seen all of Ryder’s moves and has witnessed his sex appeal. He knows all too well about his cocky sense of humor and his penchant for one-night stands. There was a time in his life when he’d taken the bait, but this time around, he wants more. He’s seen Ryder’s act; what he hasn’t seen is Ryder—the real Ryder he hides from the world. When both men come together to help a young boy, Ryder’s forced to face things from his past he’s blocked out. Things he never wanted anyone to know. Now, Ryder has one fear… Will revealing that side of himself be real enough for Avery? Or will it be the reason Avery walks away?
***Warning: This book contains off-page references to sexual/physical abuse of a minor. ***This book is the third book in a series. Reading the books out of order may result in spoilers.
Review
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Jaclyn Quinn's Appeal to You, the third book in the Beyond the Cover series, is a splendid story of healing and family. Avery and Ryder are complete opposites, who truly prove that opposites can attract. From the start, these complex characters banter and butt heads, starting of some great sparks. Their story involves a tragic past that delves into foster care and the long lasting affects of what happens in a bad foster home. Ryder's own experiences in his youth lead him to want to take care of Chris, a neighbor who's about to be placed in foster care. Avery and Ryder have a sorted history, but working together to help Chris brings them closer together. Unfortunately, it also brings up the past for Ryder, which is messy and ugly, leaving him broken and feeling unlovable. Ohhh, and Ryder has a Prince Albert piercing. Avery's exploration of it is a lot of fun. And the humor is fantastic. "Prince Eddy is ready for heady." Omg! stitches! I always love some good banter, and this one has it in spades. The strong sense of friends and family is wonderful, adding immensely to the story. The strength of family is well explored, illustrated with heart and compassion. And it's a story of falling in love with a teenager who needs a family, and doing everything you can to help him. At it's heart, it's a story of learning one's self worth, and a story of creating a family when you're own isn't worthy. It's a story of finding one's forever family.
Their story is one of guilt and fear. It's also one of survival and strength. It's a story of putting one's past behind you, or realizing you're more than your past.
Appeal To You is a beautiful story of a man who always felt invisible finding someone who sees him. Jaclyn Quinn excels in the telling of this tender tale of facing one's past and healing. I highly recommend this heart-warming tale.
What happens when thirst becomes an obsession that can’t be quenched?
Forty-year-old Zachariah Taylor prides himself on being the overprotective older brother of seven. He owns a successful bar, Zach’s Bar and Grill, in the quiet town of Riverside Falls and loves the life he’s built for himself. But as his siblings move on and find their forever partners in life, he’s starting to feel less and less needed—not to mention old. Suddenly, he’s finding it even harder to ignore the younger man who has pursued him for years, but the twelve years separating them is something Zach can’t seem to overlook.
Twenty-eight-year-old Drew Belford has been in love with the stubborn Zach Taylor for seven years. Sure, he was a kid when they’d first met, but what Zach is determined to ignore is the man Drew has become. Drew, however, is just as strong-minded and refuses to let Zach use their age difference as an excuse to disregard the attraction burning between them. He doesn’t need an overprotective older brother—he needs Zach.
When Drew begins to get unsettling messages from an unknown person, Zach feels helpless in a way he’s never felt before. How can he protect Drew from someone he can’t find? The thought of anyone hurting Drew unleashes years’ worth of pent-up desire Zach has had for the younger man. Is his thirst for Drew enough to protect him from the danger lurking in the shadows, or will the threat of the unknown be enough to dowse the spark of love between them—and silence Drew forever?
Review
My Rating - 4 Stars!
Thirst For You is a great best friend's brother romance by Jaclyn Quinn. Drew's been in love with Zach for years. It's an enjoyable journey as they try to navigate their feelings for one another. Drew's love is unwavering, and it's fun as Zach slowly agrees to something with him. I love the characters, the pace, the conflict, and the suspense. The boss/employee and bar aspect is entertaining and a whole lot of fun. The writing is great, as I can feel the danger. I can feel someone watching me. It's creepy, as it's intended to be. I'm definitely impressed with the writing style. Overall, Thirst For You is a romantic thriller that delights. I absolutely love how the age gap is explored, as well as the best friend's brother aspect. It's a great addition to the series, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
What happens when a bet between best friends takes an unexpected turn?
Ty and Spencer have been best friends for six years. A constant in their relationship are the frequent, and sometimes extreme, bets they make with each other. No matter what, they both know they’ll hold up their end of the bargain.
After Ty witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see, he starts to look at Spencer in a different way. When another outrageous bet is made between them, Ty begins to wonder if this will be his opportunity to get something he never knew he wanted.
Will upping the ante on their friendship be the payout they never dreamed possible? Or will laying all their cards on the table cost them everything?
Review
My Rating - 5 Stars!
Bet On It, by Jaclyn Quinn, is a great gay for you/friends to lovers romance.
Ty and Spencer have been best friends for years. But the fun starts when a bet turns into so much more than either expected. Ends up the straight Ty suddenly has interest in more from Spencer. The tension is high, the sex is hot, and the emotions are strong. It's impossible for me to pick a favorite scene or favorite moment, as I just enjoyed every moment. Well, the ending sure is awesome, but so is the rest of the story. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Add in roommates, GFY, and some bondage and D/s and wow, just wow! There is so much to love about this story. The writing is fantastic, with a great pace, and keeping me invested the entire time. It's fun and will just make you happy. There's a whole lot of humor, mixed in with some fantastic firsts for Ty.
