Unearthing Cole (Discovering Me #1) by A.M. Arthur

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina, but when his mother dies, he inherits her hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start. Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, volunteers his services in sorting the hoard. Their professional relationship soon evolves into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life or the possibility of a happy future.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Unearthing Cole is book one in AM Arthur's Discovering Me series. It was originally published in 2013, but is now being re-released with no new content. 

This book explores abuse and hoarding, so be warned if these are triggers for you. 

Jeremy and Cole meet while Cole is in town dealing with his mother's house. The connection and attraction between Cole and Jeremy is strong, yet Cole is only in town for a short time. 

This is a story with some fascinating characters and their many layers of issues. Cole has to deal with his parent's lifetime of hoarding. I find this aspect to be extremely well explored. Not only does he have to physically deal with all their junk, but also the mental effects of their hoarding upon himself. I truly love the manner is which the author demonstrates this issue, including the way he easily fell prey to an abuser.

As well, the effects of his being abused are well illustrated. Cole is a man who's running from his ex, as well as his past. He has to deal with a lifetime of shame and feeling unloved. It's a lot to deal with, but the author does a great weaving it all together.

Then there's Jeremy, a small town man who helps Cole get his mom's property ready to sell. They fall into a casual relationship quickly, and soon the attraction is front and center. Jeremy himself, is also a wounded soul, yet not as effected by his past as Cole. 

This is a story that heavily explores shame and it's long lasting effects. It's also a story of dealing with one's past and coming out better on the other side. 

On top of all the heavy issues, the story is a slow burn romance which is well done. There is plenty of attraction and chemistry to keep things a little lighter. The healing process is written with care and compassion, never feeling rushed. 

I do need to say I was disappointed by a couple of things, but I don't really want to give any spoilers here. Overall, I am thrilled to have discovered this book. 

Unearthing Cole is a wonderfully written slow burn romance. AM Arthur manages to tackle some extremely heavy issues, all without overwhelming the reader much in the end. I was left wanting more of these men, which is always a good thing. Luckily for me, there are two more books in the series coming soon. 

Second Hand (Tucker Springs #2) by Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A Tucker Springs Novel 

Paul Hannon flunked out of vet school. His fiancée left him. He can barely afford his rent, and he hates his house. About the only things he has left are a pantry full of his ex’s kitchen gadgets and a lot of emotional baggage. He could really use a win—and that’s when he meets El.

Pawnbroker El Rozal is a cynic. His own family’s dysfunction has taught him that love and relationships lead to misery. Despite that belief, he keeps making up excuses to see Paul again. Paul, who doesn’t seem to realize that he’s talented and kind and worthy. Paul, who’s not over his ex-fiancée and is probably straight anyway. Paul, who’s so blind to El’s growing attraction, even asking him out on dates doesn’t seem to tip him off.

El may not do relationships, but something has to give. If he wants to keep Paul, he’ll have to convince him he’s worthy of love—and he’ll have to admit that attachment might not be so bad after all.

Second Edition
First Edition published by Riptide Publishing, September 2012.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Second Hand is a heart-warming romance by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton. The second book in the Tucker Springs series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Paul always feels like he's coming in second. He's stuck floundering when his life plans are derailed. Suddenly he's the focus of El's interest, which is shocking to him. What follows is a sweet OFY tale, as Paul struggles with both trust in himself and giving into his feelings. 

Poor Paul's so down on himself, he struggles to imagine anyone would want him, would choose him first. The following quote sums up Paul's attitude perfectly. "The only thing wrong with you is that you're so sure there's something wrong with you." 

Their story is full of confusion, fears, and doubts. It's a story of a man struggling with labels; struggling to accept his sexuality. I love this story, despite Paul's cluelessness. His fears are well developed and illustrated throughout.

It's a wonderful exploration of the power of placing too much value on things. There's a heavy focus on hoarding, and holding onto things for the wrong reasons. It's well done, with care and compassion.

The writing is great, as is no surprise with this writing team, as both are well respected writers. They combine to impress and entertain in this super tender story. 

Second Hand is a wonderful story of a man struggling with accepting his homosexuality. This writing combo brings out all the feelings and emotions in this slow burn romance.