The Rebel (Red's Tavern #2) by Raleigh Ruebins

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Everyone wants to be with an adult film star.
They clearly don’t know Liam Hardy like I do.

Red:
At first Liam was just a regular at the bar, and I was the clueless cowboy bartender keeping his glass full… then keeping him full in my bed at night. I had no idea he was about to blossom into a famous adult film star.

But he ripped through me like a storm, losing himself in reckless partying until I had to walk away. I left and opened my bar, Red’s Tavern, here in the middle of nowhere, Kansas.

I never expected to see Liam--all stormy-eyed, tattooed, and smoking hot--show up at my bar now, ten years after we’d cut things off. And it gets worse: he’s asking me to film an adult video with him for his new company. Two words: Hell. No. No matter how hot it sounds to ride in that rodeo again. No matter how much I want to fix that loneliness I’m noticing in his eyes.

My bar is the only boyfriend I need, and I’m plenty happy with my dogs, my old-west house, and my friends.

But I couldn’t help but kiss him. And now I’m aching for him and letting him film videos of me, doing things I’d never dreamed.

And I remember how perfectly we used to fit together, body and soul. Liam’s always been the only one who could get to me...

Like we were made to light each other the hell up. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Rebel by Raleigh Ruebins is a tender second chance romance with a chance for redemption. The second book in the Red's Tavern series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Liam knows he was wrong in the past, but he's back to see Red again. 

Liam's struggling to find himself, after years of losing his identity in porn and alcohol. I love that he's learning to live without alcohol. His struggles are realistic and well explored. I also enjoy his love of flowers.

As for Red, he's the owner of Red's Tavern and he's given up on love and sex. His whole focus is on keeping his struggling bar afloat.

Both men are troubled and the connection they develop is one that can save them. Their reunion isn't easy and forgiveness is not instant. But the attraction remains and the chemistry is still strong. I love these guys, both individually and together. 

Their story includes family issues and finding a life one actually values. It includes and asshole of an ex, a bar that needs a re-do, and a supportive best friend. And most of all, a romantic second chance at love.

I love the writing except for the dialogue. There are far too many "he said"s. That drives me crazy. Other than that, I love the author's ability to tell an intriguing story. The characters are well developed, flaws and all, and their journey is wonderful. 

The Rebel is a great story. This Raleigh Ruebins book is full of heart and has some fantastic character growth. Liam and Red's journey is perfect for anyone looking to lose themselves in a beautiful second chance romance. 

The Best Friend (Red's Tavern #1) by Raleigh Ruebins

Amazon Link -Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

My best friend’s a former quarterback, and I’m a nerdy math teacher.
He has no idea how badly I want him.

Back in high school, Mitch protected me from bullies and was at my side through tragedy. It didn’t matter that he was a football star and I was a mathlete, or that I was gay and he was straight. We stuck together like glue--until he married a girl and ran away.

Now Mitch is back home, and he’s a divorced single dad. His son is in my math class, and I collide with Mitch everywhere in this small town. When he starts bartending at the only local gay bar, I’m screwed. Red’s Tavern is my haven, but how can I fake it for other guys when I’m in love with the big jock behind the bar?

Then Mitch invites me into his bed, saying it's just for fun. But I’m addicted to him the second his body is on mine.

I’ve done the math a million times. I know the odds are bad, but I know I want him.

And now that he’s given me a taste, I can’t stop begging for more.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Raleigh Ruebins' The Best Friend is an enjoyable second chance for two best friends. 

Mitch's always been straight, and when he knocked up his high school girlfriend, his life was set for him. Marriage, kid, Chicago. Basically, he fell into an instant family, yet never really loved his wife. Now divorced, he's back in town with his son.

Evan's always been in love with his straight best friend. Longing for a family all these years, he's never been able to find someone worth dating long time. He just can't stop thinking about Mitch and the one kiss they had years ago.

Now reunited, their story is full of newly developing feelings, some hot first times, and a whole lot of confusion. And holy heat! I love these two men together. It's great the way their new relationship naturally develops, never feeling forced.

Mitch's teenage son helps add a lot to the heart of the story. 

I love the writing. The author knows how to craft a great story, carrying it out wonderfully, except for the overuse of "he said." The dialogue is painful at times, but other than that, I love it all. If the dialogue was more natural and smoother, it would be an exceptional read. 

The author includes a small amount of conflict to keep things interesting, as well as helping with the character growth. And some light hearted humor keeps the reader snickering at times. 

I seriously love the storyline of The Best Friend. Raleigh Ruebins does a great job taking these two men from friends to lovers. It's sweet, tender, and romantic. 

Your Wish by Raleigh Ruebins

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Chances of a guy like him wanting a nerd like me? Zero point zero zero six percent. Approximately.

Charlie:
Computers have always made more sense than people do. But I fall asleep next to my laptop in bed every night, wishing I had someone warm to hold. When I was forced to attend a holiday work party, I was a nervous wreck, but determined to make a good impression.

Then Dean Aldridge showed up just in time to find me breaking the rules, complete with whiskey dripping down my chin. And he was one million times hotter in person than in the magazines. I was an awkward mess. Dean was cocky, flirty, and every bit the playboy I expected. I never thought he’d look twice at a guy like me, but now I know that Dean’s reputation for being hot as fire in bed is true.

When he finds out I’ll be alone for Christmas, he invites me to his family’s cabin. I can’t say no. I don’t have much experience, but I know his body is addictive. I can’t stop, even though I've never done this before. Small problem: I’m falling for him. Hard. And for once, this isn’t something I can hack my way out of.

Dean:
I don’t go for quiet, shy, awkward guys. I’m the life of the party, and I need someone on my level. Someone experienced like me.

So why do I want Charlie so badly?
Two words: Hot. Nerd.

It doesn’t take long before we collide in bed. On the floor, actually, because Charlie is way filthier than he seems. He’s more than just pure lust under all the awkward, though. He’s worked his way into my heart and head.

Once I’ve had a taste of him, I don’t want anyone else--even though I don’t do relationships. When I learn he'll be spending Christmas alone due to a broken family life, I can’t help but invite him to my family's cabin. He says he only needs me physically, but for the first time, I might be catching feelings.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

From the start, I was completely engrossed in Your Wish by Raleigh Ruebins. First of all, the opening scene is hysterical. That alone is worth picking up this book. 

Charlie and Dean are such opposites, yet they find each other not only attractive, but also charming. Charlie's so darn awkward and adorable that one can't help but to love him. Meanwhile, Dean's a rich playboy who's always in the news. In the past, he never cared about how his actions affected anyone,  but in Charlie he finds someone worth protecting.

I truly love, love, love this story! Along with navigating their feelings for each other, the reader is entertained with an ex and some blackmail. I love this story and I love these guys together. The emotions are high with this one, as you'll smile, laugh, get angry, and swoon. Don't miss out on this marvelous couple and their journey.


Your Wish is a spectacular story of finding a purpose in life. The author knows how to develop a wonderful story, but I continue to find some of the conversation scenes cringe worthy, with the repeated use of "he said." The strength of the story and the amazing characters make up for this negative though, but I still have to deduct half a star for this issue.

Fall Deep (Kinley Island) by Raleigh Ruebins

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Alex:
Nobody knows the real me. I didn’t choose to be famous or wealthy, and I’ve seen firsthand how the media ruins lives--including mine. So I keep everything secret, controlled, and undisclosed. Especially the fact that I’m attracted to men.

And then Landon Luna breaks right through my shell. He’s a whirling tornado of flirtation, blond hair, and irresistible lips. He’s a ray of sunshine in my lonely life, and I desperately need to keep him close. But he refuses to sign my contract. And now every time his lips touch mine, it's dangerous. So why can't I stop?

With a reporter following my every move, the pressure is on. I need to keep things locked down. Need to keep myself under control. But I also need Landon--body and soul.

And no matter the danger, no matter the risk, I get what I want.
Even if it costs me everything.

Landon:
I’ve spent my whole life falling in love too fast. It’s the same story every time: I meet hot guys, I fall so deep, I give them everything… and then they run away.

But then I meet Alex Aldridge. Alex is everything I’ve daydreamed about since boyhood--wicked hot, brooding, and secretly passionate as hell. He’s an heir to a technology empire, but behind all his money, he's got an ocean of secrets. Like the fact that he's into men. And the fact that he wants me.

There's just one catch: Alex forbids me from telling a single soul that I'm seeing him. And he offers me an exorbitant sum of money to ensure my silence. The offer stings--but the thought of losing him hurts even more. Because after falling into bed with him, I've started falling in love.

I’ve never been good at secrets.
Especially ones that hurt.
But I don’t think I can let him go.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Fall Deep, part of the Kinley Island series by Raleigh Ruebins, is a fantastic small town romance. 


Alex is a famous billionaire who's family lives in the spotlight. He's never able to be himself with people. But, when he meets caterer Landon, everything slowly changes. They have instant chemistry, but it's the fact that Landon isn't interested in the superficial side of Alex that really makes things spark. Landon wants to know the real Alex and this is where things start to get serious. 

The tough part for these two is that Alex hates the spotlight, and doesn't want to come out as bisexual. He doesn't want the press to care about him. He prefers to hide in the background. Landon doesn't want to be closeted, but they keep running into one another, and the chemistry and connection is undeniable.

Their story includes some stuffy events, a closeted relationship, and a whole lot of secrets. And damn, they are certainly hot together.


Fall Deep is full of good angst and some wonderfully steamy scenes. This Raleigh Ruebins tale definitely pulls at your heartstrings and has you rooting hard for these two to make things work.

Break Free (Kinley Island #2) by Raleigh Ruebins

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Caleb:
Nobody’s better at being alone than me. I’ve perfected the art of isolation: I go to work at Luna’s Diner, come home, and I definitely don’t go on dates anymore.

But then Beck walked into my diner looking like the textbook definition of a hot, single dad--tall, bearded, and the kindest eyes this side of the Rockies.
And I let my guard down for the first time in years.

He’s straight, but soon he wants to keep me close. In-bed-together close. I’d forgotten just how good it could feel. But I have no room in my life for a crush, let alone a relationship. My past broke me into pieces, and I’m only now starting to pick them back up.

I’m not going to let myself fall for him.
Even though he’s the first person I’ve been comfortable with in years.
Even though he wants me, too, on lonely nights.
Even though his touch makes me ache.

Beck:
Since moving to Kinley Island, I’ve been living like a shadow. I’m divorced and single for the first time in fifteen years, and my days have been as drab and routine as the rainy weather outside.

And then one late night at my regular diner, everything changed. The mysterious, tattooed man behind the counter opened up to me--flirted with me--and I flirted back. I’ve never been into men, but I can’t keep my eyes off Caleb--he’s beautiful, intense, and broken, and now I feel a desperate urge to fix him.

But I also just got a phone call I never expected: my sixteen-year-old daughter is coming to stay with me for the summer. After living like a bachelor all year, I have no clue how to be a single parent. Caleb offers to help me, and of course I say yes.

But now I’m starting to feel addicted to him.
His body. His lips. His touch.
Is it possible to like a friend too much? 

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Raleigh Ruebins' Break Free, the second book in the Kinley Island series, is an emotional gfy romance.

Beck and Caleb are two broken, yet extremely likable men. Each with their own troubled pasts, their story is one of healing, as both men desperately need one another. Beck's alone, having recently been divorced, missing his daughter, and hoping to reunite with his ex wife. Caleb meanwhile, has returned home, is sad, and is floundering from the pain and hurt of losing his wife. Their romance is a slow burn, as Beck thinks himself straight, and is unable to even consider loving Caleb.

Their tale also includes a troubled teen and some awkward moments with her,  and too many apologies. It contains confusion, denial and lies. It also includes one very steamy moment. 

I seriously wanted to smack Beck at times, as he just couldn't admit his feelings and see what was right in front of him. Not used to being in a loving and supportive relationship, he just didn't know what love really looks like. He seriously is too nice for his own good, always trying to please everyone else. 

In classic Raleigh Ruebins fashion, this book is full of some great side characters and the small town feel is well represented. Told in dual pov, we're gifted with good insight into both men from the start.

The author definitely added some repeated "he said" at times, which is always cringe worthy to me. But I love everything else about the writing. The storyline's fantastic, as usual, and the characters take the reader on a wonderful journey. 

Break Free is a compelling story of self discovery. Raleigh Ruebins delivers a heart-warming romance between two men each getting a second chance at love. I definitely recommend it.