Faraway (Escape #3) by Casey Cox

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Ever woken up after you’ve been struck by lightning only to discover you’ve got the skills to be a world-class pianist? *crickets* So ... just me then?

It might have been the most terrifying ordeal of my life, but at least it got me the heck outta Blessing, Texas, out of the clutches of my homophobic family, and away from a pack of high school bullies that tried to make every day a living nightmare.

Keyword: tried.

Even as a kid, I never let anyone succeed in beating me down. I knew that as soon as I could, I’d be outta that small town and leaving the crappy start I’d had in life behind forever… Or so I thought. Until I came face to face with one of my former bullies at the last place I ever expected to run into him—on vacation at a luxury, all-male resort.

The thing is my life’s going great. I am who I am: free, fierce, and fabulous. I’m an accomplished pianist and truly loving the person I am today. Him? That’s a whole other story. And one that, despite my better judgment, sucks me in. It’s a weird feeling, seeing a former tormenter failing at life. It’s even stranger to start developing feelings for him.

But after all these years of getting as far away from my former life as possible, what are the chances I fall for the one guy who takes me back to it all?

FARAWAY is a zero angst, high school enemies-to-lovers rom-com style MM romance. It features a flamboyant guy living his best life who reunites with a reformed bully trapped by his past.

You can expect plenty of gasps, giggles, and OMG moments including killer kaftans, a comedy act so bad it’s just...bad, rainy rooftop sex, self-forgiveness, and a happily ever after that will make you feel like you’ve just returned from the best vacation ever.
(Please consult with your medical professional before undertaking any travel.)

FARAWAY is part of the super sweet, light and fluffy ESCAPE series. There are no cliffhangers (ew) and no cheating, either (double ew).

You can read the books in whatever order your heart desires!

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Faraway is the third book in the Escape series by Casey Cox. 

From the start, I enjoyed this book a lot. It's a bully turned lover romance that had me fully intrigued. 

The author excels in illustrating that one can change their past. One can overcome their mistakes. One can turn their life around. 

These two are sweet together, as well as extremely connected during sex. 

Two things are definitely interesting in this one. Not only is it intriguing to see a bully regret his choices and try to spend his life making amends. But, this story follows Emry's life changes after getting struck by lightening. It's an interesting and life changing event for sure. 

I definitely enjoyed this story, although it left my mind drifting a couple of times. But, overall, it's a nice story of healing and second chances. 

Faraway is a perfect example that one can change their life around. This Casey Cox tale is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a bully to lover romance. 

Building Bridges (Sater's Creek #4) by Megs Pritchard

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Could Lachlan forgive Elias for all the hurt he'd caused him?


Lachlan Doyle loved his life. After ending a disastrous relationship where his ex ran up debt and left him to pay for it the last thing he wanted was a man in his life. Until he met, Elias, the school bully who had made Lachlan’s life hell.
When Elias apologizes and admits he’s gay, Lachlan responds with a punch to the face. No way was he letting the man who bullied him every day get away with a simple apology.
Elias was gay. Had always been gay but his parents hated gays with a passion. Forced to hide his true nature, he’d resorted to bullying the out and proud gay at high school, Lachlan, who he’d secretly wanted.
Now he was older and maybe wiser, he was done hiding who he was and who he loved. He wanted Lachlan and he was going to get him. Only one person stood in his way. Lachlan Doyle.
Could Elias right the wrongs of his past? Did he have a chance to prove to Lachlan that he meant what he said? And could Elias convince Lachlan that he wanted a life with him in it?

This is an enemies to lovers gay romance, with meddling family who will say anything, and some seriously hot loving!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

If you enjoy an enemies to lovers romance, you need to read Meg Pritchard's Building Bridges, the fourth book in the Sater's Creek series.  

Elias and Lachlan are just not enemies; Elias was Lachlan's bully in high school. Elias is back in his hometown after leaving the Navy. He's always been closeted as a result of his father's homophobia. Lachlan, who's has been screwed over by his ex, is now face to face with his main enemy. 

What follows is an emotional journey for these men, as explanations are made, but fear rules Lachan's life. Their story is complicated, full of past wrongs and backstabbing. Their story includes frustration, apologies, and forgiveness. And, yes, it includes some hot sex. 

Ultimately, it's a story of moving on and accepting that people change. Watching Elias find himself, as well as his truth and strength in the Navy is inspirational, yet also bittersweet. 

The small town feel is well established, but it's the amazing group of friends and family which makes it fabulous. I love getting more of Keegan, as he's the cutest kid. And, omg, Brad and Reece's parents and their love of sex toys is hysterical. They alone are a good reason to read this book. 

Building Bridges is a wonderful continuation of the Sater's Creek series. It's easily read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading those too, as they are all fantastic. In this one, Megs Pritchard excels in her illustration of internalized homophobia and the effects it has on everyone. This book is definitely a great read.


The Sater's Creek Series -

Book One -  Broken Promises
Book Two -  Open Hearts
Book Three -  Healing Wounds