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Love and Libations #2
Vodka and Virtue
When a virtuous buttoned-up bar manager is seduced by a tough-as-nails bouncer almost twice his age, can they find a way to overcome their differences?
Rory MacGregor
During the years I spent overseas, my best friend’s nephew grew up. Now that I’m home, my priorities have shifted, moving Carlisle Carrick to the top of my ’to-do’ list. He is exactly the type of man I dreamed of settling down with, but every time I get close to him, he runs away.
How can I convince him we’d make a perfect match?
Carlisle Carrick
Rory is seventeen years older than me, wears leather, and rides a motorcycle for kicks. I don't see how we have anything in common. The hunger and determination in his eyes when he stares at me is . . . unnerving! Avoiding him is hopeless - those eyes are everywhere - and I want to give in, I really do, but choosing him as the first man I've ever dated would be a disaster.
So why do I still burn up every time I catch him watching me?
Vodka And Virtue is the second book in the Love And Libations series. It features a seventeen year age gap, opposites attract, uncles’s best friend, steamy bisexual/gay romance with a male auction, beach dates, motorcycles, and a sweet HEA.
Rory MacGregor
During the years I spent overseas, my best friend’s nephew grew up. Now that I’m home, my priorities have shifted, moving Carlisle Carrick to the top of my ’to-do’ list. He is exactly the type of man I dreamed of settling down with, but every time I get close to him, he runs away.
How can I convince him we’d make a perfect match?
Carlisle Carrick
Rory is seventeen years older than me, wears leather, and rides a motorcycle for kicks. I don't see how we have anything in common. The hunger and determination in his eyes when he stares at me is . . . unnerving! Avoiding him is hopeless - those eyes are everywhere - and I want to give in, I really do, but choosing him as the first man I've ever dated would be a disaster.
So why do I still burn up every time I catch him watching me?
Vodka And Virtue is the second book in the Love And Libations series. It features a seventeen year age gap, opposites attract, uncles’s best friend, steamy bisexual/gay romance with a male auction, beach dates, motorcycles, and a sweet HEA.
- GenresM M RomanceEbooks
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2023
28 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 12, 2026
This book features a seventeen-year age gap, opposites attract, uncle’s best friend, steamy bi/gay romance, a male auction, beach dates, motorcycles, and a sweet HEA — so on paper, it definitely ticks a lot of fun boxes.
I read book one back in 2024 and it didn’t really leave much of an impression, but Raquel Riley has somehow been on my radar again lately, so I decided to give the series another shot.
Overall, it was… fine. Very basic, very familiar. This is the kind of story I’ve read countless times before, and here it felt a bit outdated, even for a 2023 release. There are a lot of well-worn clichés — the terrible exes (both women and men), hints of toxic masculinity, and an easy, predictable plot that never really surprises.
It’s not bad, just unremarkable. That said, I still find myself a little curious about the next books in the series, so I wouldn’t rule out continuing.
I read book one back in 2024 and it didn’t really leave much of an impression, but Raquel Riley has somehow been on my radar again lately, so I decided to give the series another shot.
Overall, it was… fine. Very basic, very familiar. This is the kind of story I’ve read countless times before, and here it felt a bit outdated, even for a 2023 release. There are a lot of well-worn clichés — the terrible exes (both women and men), hints of toxic masculinity, and an easy, predictable plot that never really surprises.
It’s not bad, just unremarkable. That said, I still find myself a little curious about the next books in the series, so I wouldn’t rule out continuing.
April 15, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better! I loved Carly and Rory's story, it gave me all the feels, had me swooning, and left me wanting more. The setup for the next book was awesome, very much looking forward to Bourbon and Burlesque. Big fan of this series and definitely recommend!
April 14, 2023
Loved this book, I want a Rory!! (Stamps feet!)
He was so lovely!! So caring and patient, but he knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to get it!!!
Rory is a long time family friend, he watched the boys grow into men as he’s older, he’s done a lot of security work over the years, he’s experienced in life and he has a sharp eye on all things. The thing he wants happened’s to be his best friend’s nephew! Rory is smart and he’s patient and he knows he will wait forever if he has to because he’s not playing around no more, he wants someone to share his life with, someone to care for, someone to come home to at night, that person is his Carly.
Carlisle is a twin, he’s an owner in limericks bar, it’s his baby, he runs a tight ship keeping the business booming with all his great ideas. But he’s over not being able to keep a relationship, he feels like something is missing or maybe he’s broken. His twin suggests changing things up, he’s always dated women but he likes men too, he’s nervous as he has no experience with them but he need not worry, his sexy security man will look after him.
Rory was patient with Carly, took his time getting to know him, knew when to push just a little but also when to back off. Carly was new to all things men and it was great to watch him flourish under the right tutoring. I loved that Rory was old school and wanted to court and get to know Carly and not just rush into insta feels. This was a slow burn but so worth the build up.
I’m going to go back and read book 1 and book 3 is coming soon which I also can’t wait for!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🤍Steamy
🤍Age Gap
🤍Hurt/Comfort
🤍Forced Proximity
🤍Opposites Attract
🤍Uncles Best Friend
🤍Slow Burn
He was so lovely!! So caring and patient, but he knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to get it!!!
Rory is a long time family friend, he watched the boys grow into men as he’s older, he’s done a lot of security work over the years, he’s experienced in life and he has a sharp eye on all things. The thing he wants happened’s to be his best friend’s nephew! Rory is smart and he’s patient and he knows he will wait forever if he has to because he’s not playing around no more, he wants someone to share his life with, someone to care for, someone to come home to at night, that person is his Carly.
Carlisle is a twin, he’s an owner in limericks bar, it’s his baby, he runs a tight ship keeping the business booming with all his great ideas. But he’s over not being able to keep a relationship, he feels like something is missing or maybe he’s broken. His twin suggests changing things up, he’s always dated women but he likes men too, he’s nervous as he has no experience with them but he need not worry, his sexy security man will look after him.
Rory was patient with Carly, took his time getting to know him, knew when to push just a little but also when to back off. Carly was new to all things men and it was great to watch him flourish under the right tutoring. I loved that Rory was old school and wanted to court and get to know Carly and not just rush into insta feels. This was a slow burn but so worth the build up.
I’m going to go back and read book 1 and book 3 is coming soon which I also can’t wait for!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🤍Steamy
🤍Age Gap
🤍Hurt/Comfort
🤍Forced Proximity
🤍Opposites Attract
🤍Uncles Best Friend
🤍Slow Burn
April 1, 2023
Love is a Friendship that has Caught Fire
‘Carlisle wasn’t a virgin, after all. And he seemed plenty eager to learn new things. He was just…virtuous. He was morally and ethically rich. Proud and self-sacrificing. Loyal and brave. Carlisle was a mix of everything that was good and pure. And somehow, some way, God had seen fit to give me a chance with him.’
Oh My Gosh!!! Raquel Riley grows her Love and Libations series with book 2, Vodka and Virtue, which has our hearts melting over Carly and Rory’s romance.
I smiled so very much reading Raquel’s sweet and steamy words, while Carlisle took a journey of the heart, finally finding his attraction to Gregory, an older, motorcycle driving, muscled and tattooed friend of his uncle’s. Watching these two get closer was refreshing and wholesome, as they gave each other time and space to learn, think, and feel all of the emotions needed for a Happy Ever After!
Plus we met some beautiful new souls that I believe may be a part of the Lovers and Libations series in the future!
‘Carlisle wasn’t a virgin, after all. And he seemed plenty eager to learn new things. He was just…virtuous. He was morally and ethically rich. Proud and self-sacrificing. Loyal and brave. Carlisle was a mix of everything that was good and pure. And somehow, some way, God had seen fit to give me a chance with him.’
Oh My Gosh!!! Raquel Riley grows her Love and Libations series with book 2, Vodka and Virtue, which has our hearts melting over Carly and Rory’s romance.
I smiled so very much reading Raquel’s sweet and steamy words, while Carlisle took a journey of the heart, finally finding his attraction to Gregory, an older, motorcycle driving, muscled and tattooed friend of his uncle’s. Watching these two get closer was refreshing and wholesome, as they gave each other time and space to learn, think, and feel all of the emotions needed for a Happy Ever After!
Plus we met some beautiful new souls that I believe may be a part of the Lovers and Libations series in the future!
April 1, 2023
This was another fun book by Raquel Riley. In this book we have Rory who knows exactly what he wants and that’s Carlisle. Rory has set his sights on Carly and there is no changing his mind. I found it a little intense at times but I can absolutely appreciate that he finally found what he wanted and didn’t want to waste anymore time!
I absolutely loved the cameos of Carson and Ryan. They had some fun scenes starting in chapter 1 and a beautiful scene that I loved later in the book. If you fell in love with them in book 1 you’ll absolutely want to read this to see more of them!!
This is definitely a slow burn sexually speaking but quick in regards to the relationship. They are very quick to start dating and as Carlisle slowly gets more comfortable with being with a man, I loved the way Rory was very careful to go slow and make sure he was always comfortable. Rory was the sweetest man, always making sure Carly was taken care of.
If you’ve enjoyed any other books by this author I would absolutely recommend this one. On a side note, this is another author who has amazing text message formatting. Really wish all authors would adopt this formatting!
I absolutely loved the cameos of Carson and Ryan. They had some fun scenes starting in chapter 1 and a beautiful scene that I loved later in the book. If you fell in love with them in book 1 you’ll absolutely want to read this to see more of them!!
This is definitely a slow burn sexually speaking but quick in regards to the relationship. They are very quick to start dating and as Carlisle slowly gets more comfortable with being with a man, I loved the way Rory was very careful to go slow and make sure he was always comfortable. Rory was the sweetest man, always making sure Carly was taken care of.
If you’ve enjoyed any other books by this author I would absolutely recommend this one. On a side note, this is another author who has amazing text message formatting. Really wish all authors would adopt this formatting!
April 11, 2023
Aww, I loved reading this. This is an age gap sweet story. Rory has come back to town and has his heart set on the sweet and slightly awkward Carlisle. Carlisle haven't had the best luck with women and when his brother suggests trying it with a man instead. He does like Rory but they take it slowly. I enjoyed reading about how their relationship developed. As per Raquel's style there are a lot of banter, sweetness and chemistry. This was a great story that grabbed me from the start.
April 9, 2023
Simply amazing! Romantic, beautiful, sweet, sexy, and just all around perfection in a true romance!
Carly and Rory are just great together! They communicate well and even though it takes a little time to get together, it is so worth it!
Our family and friend characters are a hoot and just add the right amount of fun to the story that you really couldn’t ask for more!
Perfect!
Carly and Rory are just great together! They communicate well and even though it takes a little time to get together, it is so worth it!
Our family and friend characters are a hoot and just add the right amount of fun to the story that you really couldn’t ask for more!
Perfect!
April 12, 2023
3.5-4 stars
This is the second in the Love and Libations series, and it's Carlisle and Rory's turn. We met Carlisle in the first book, he is the twin of the protagonist from that book, but it could be read as a standalone.
I was happy to be back in this world, I enjoyed the first book so was looking forward to this. I liked Carlisle, although he seemed a little lost and perhaps naive at times. He's openly bisexual but has never dated a man before. Rory is back in the country after having worked all over the world and is looking to settle down. He's firmly set his sights on Carlisle and is determined to have him.
Rory is intense, he knows what he wants and goes about getting it. I did find him more than a little overbearing at times - I mean Carlisle spent one night at his house and he bought him clothes and stuff for the future. Sweet or presumptuous? It's how you see it, I guess. I found him a little overbearing and arrogant at times though. However he was very sweet and patient with Carlisle, and it was obvious he cared very much and just wanted to make him happy. There is a significant age gap between them, Rory is Carlisle's uncle's best friend and a few times it's mentioned twice his age, but it's actually only 17 years, but he's had a lot of life experience in that time.
I liked them together when they eventually did make it work though. It's kind of a slow burn which works for these two as Carlisle is hesitant at the start. It's a nice story with a nice HEA too and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second in the Love and Libations series, and it's Carlisle and Rory's turn. We met Carlisle in the first book, he is the twin of the protagonist from that book, but it could be read as a standalone.
I was happy to be back in this world, I enjoyed the first book so was looking forward to this. I liked Carlisle, although he seemed a little lost and perhaps naive at times. He's openly bisexual but has never dated a man before. Rory is back in the country after having worked all over the world and is looking to settle down. He's firmly set his sights on Carlisle and is determined to have him.
Rory is intense, he knows what he wants and goes about getting it. I did find him more than a little overbearing at times - I mean Carlisle spent one night at his house and he bought him clothes and stuff for the future. Sweet or presumptuous? It's how you see it, I guess. I found him a little overbearing and arrogant at times though. However he was very sweet and patient with Carlisle, and it was obvious he cared very much and just wanted to make him happy. There is a significant age gap between them, Rory is Carlisle's uncle's best friend and a few times it's mentioned twice his age, but it's actually only 17 years, but he's had a lot of life experience in that time.
I liked them together when they eventually did make it work though. It's kind of a slow burn which works for these two as Carlisle is hesitant at the start. It's a nice story with a nice HEA too and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 30, 2023
Funny how something that's almost always been in your life can become the most important years down the road. At the ripe old age of 28 all I wanted was a stable relationship but for some reason everyone I dated never seemed to work out. I liked girls well enough but those relationships never left me satisfied. Working as a bartender gave me the opportunity to meet allot of people but my reserved nature also made me keep people at bay. That is, until Rory, my uncles best friend and 17 years older. Motorcyle riding, really hot, in a bad boy kind of way. I considered myself bi but had never been with a man. After all the bad luck I'd had with women, my twin suggested maybe I'd do better with a man. Rory was relentless in his pursuit but i finally agreed and gave him a chance. He was loving, caring and showed me what being loved and cherished felt like. He wasn't in any hurry and was patient and caring as I navigated my feelings. Soon I realized he was what I had been missing. This book is a sweet story of awakening for Carlisle and a culmination of everything he'd ever dreamt of for Rory
April 12, 2023
**ARC Copy***
Vodka and Virtue is an age gap, definite opposites attract, gay/bisexual book with a slow burn...that has you rooting for Rory to get what he craved and longed for when he came home from working overseas security...and for Carly to find that someone he has never been able to find that will put his needs as a priority and didn't downplay the person he is...
With only have ever dated women and never being able to understand them or even have that kind of relationship where you have that I need to be around them or feel that fire intense chemistry...so when Rory started eyeing him, it disarms Carly and the more Rory looks it scares him shitless...and with Carson, in the background telling him to give dating a guy a chance and go for someone his complete opposite...he starts to think it over and sees Rory in a new light...
Rory is 15 years Carly's senior but throughout the whole book when they interact you don't see the age difference...they are equals in all ways...despite the differences in their personalities they compliment each other so well..the only time you really see the age difference come up is when side characters bring it up...
I love each and every one of Raquel's books and each of her characters...I have a few that are my absolute favorites and she knows who they are...😏😉...but the one I most identify with and I feel is so freaking relatable to a lot of us is Carly...those of us who are single focused and has that routine in life and when something out of the ordinary comes along that takes our breath it scares us and it rocks us and we question it to death until something happens that puts in gear to go after it and be happy...
Vodka and Virtue is an age gap, definite opposites attract, gay/bisexual book with a slow burn...that has you rooting for Rory to get what he craved and longed for when he came home from working overseas security...and for Carly to find that someone he has never been able to find that will put his needs as a priority and didn't downplay the person he is...
With only have ever dated women and never being able to understand them or even have that kind of relationship where you have that I need to be around them or feel that fire intense chemistry...so when Rory started eyeing him, it disarms Carly and the more Rory looks it scares him shitless...and with Carson, in the background telling him to give dating a guy a chance and go for someone his complete opposite...he starts to think it over and sees Rory in a new light...
Rory is 15 years Carly's senior but throughout the whole book when they interact you don't see the age difference...they are equals in all ways...despite the differences in their personalities they compliment each other so well..the only time you really see the age difference come up is when side characters bring it up...
I love each and every one of Raquel's books and each of her characters...I have a few that are my absolute favorites and she knows who they are...😏😉...but the one I most identify with and I feel is so freaking relatable to a lot of us is Carly...those of us who are single focused and has that routine in life and when something out of the ordinary comes along that takes our breath it scares us and it rocks us and we question it to death until something happens that puts in gear to go after it and be happy...
December 30, 2023
Rory and Carly vs Ryan and Cary
As the boys have fun while things get serious, family and friends have their own celebration of more matches to come. Only the attack on Kelly and Rory in the parking lot has made things more complicated until the perpetrator is caught.
As the boys have fun while things get serious, family and friends have their own celebration of more matches to come. Only the attack on Kelly and Rory in the parking lot has made things more complicated until the perpetrator is caught.
April 28, 2023
Vodka and Virtue is the second book in the Love and Libations serie by Raquel Riley. This book is about Carlisle and Rory. Their story was sweet, full of feels and very well written. I really liked it.
April 29, 2023
I’m a new fan of Raquel Riley’s writing. I started with the Love and Libations series prequel Mimosas and Mixers and I’m not going anywhere. Each couple has brought something new into her carefully built world and Carly and Rory are something special in my opinion.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for multiple reasons. I’m a HUGE fan of sweet happy endings and Raquel Riley gives me that each time in the love and Libation books. I also love love love the sibling and cousin relationships!! Gordy, Carson, and Carly all live and hang out together. When Carly started dating Rory, his cousins and brother not only looked out for him, they also encouraged him to be brave. Oh and Rory is so romantic! I think my favorite part was when Rory escorted that nasty Susannah out of Limerick’s. She was a nasty piece of work and really hurt Carly’s self-esteem. I’m also looking forward to Bourbon And Burlesque! We’ve already been introduced to Kelley, the wonderful burlesque dancer, and with Uncle Graham being his shelter in the storm a sweet happy ending will be coming their way soon.
🍸 Vodka And Virtue is the second book in the Love And Libations series. It features a seventeen year age gap, opposites attract, uncles’s best friend, steamy bisexual/gay romance with a male auction, beach dates, motorcycles, and a sweet HEA. 🍸
I have been looking forward to reading this book for multiple reasons. I’m a HUGE fan of sweet happy endings and Raquel Riley gives me that each time in the love and Libation books. I also love love love the sibling and cousin relationships!! Gordy, Carson, and Carly all live and hang out together. When Carly started dating Rory, his cousins and brother not only looked out for him, they also encouraged him to be brave. Oh and Rory is so romantic! I think my favorite part was when Rory escorted that nasty Susannah out of Limerick’s. She was a nasty piece of work and really hurt Carly’s self-esteem. I’m also looking forward to Bourbon And Burlesque! We’ve already been introduced to Kelley, the wonderful burlesque dancer, and with Uncle Graham being his shelter in the storm a sweet happy ending will be coming their way soon.
🍸 Vodka And Virtue is the second book in the Love And Libations series. It features a seventeen year age gap, opposites attract, uncles’s best friend, steamy bisexual/gay romance with a male auction, beach dates, motorcycles, and a sweet HEA. 🍸
April 25, 2023
Raquel Riley has knocked it out of the park again with her Love and Libations series book #2, Vodka and Virtue. This book had me grinning from ear to ear through most of it, watching as Rory and Carly fell in love with one another.
Rory is the bouncer at the bar where Carly works. He's also a good friend of Carly's uncle and about seventeen years older than him. He remembers when Carly was younger and kind of awkward. Carly is still kind of awkward, honestly, but he's all grown up. And he's had a series of unsuccessful relationships with women. He's bisexual, but he's never actually pursued a relationship or anything with a man.
Until Rory starts pursuing him. It takes awhile for Rory to wear him down, but when he does? The chemistry is very much there. Everything is very much there between them. They have a lot in common, which makes the relationship believable despite the age gap. Carly is mature for his age and Rory just wants something simple. Something like what only Carly seems to be able to offer him.
The relationship grows at a nice pace. The book is littered in cameos from other books. There's a moment later in the book that left me literally gasping and punching the next page button on my kindle in hopes that it'd go faster. (That scene also sets up the next book.)
I loved this book. I cannot wait for the next one.
Rory is the bouncer at the bar where Carly works. He's also a good friend of Carly's uncle and about seventeen years older than him. He remembers when Carly was younger and kind of awkward. Carly is still kind of awkward, honestly, but he's all grown up. And he's had a series of unsuccessful relationships with women. He's bisexual, but he's never actually pursued a relationship or anything with a man.
Until Rory starts pursuing him. It takes awhile for Rory to wear him down, but when he does? The chemistry is very much there. Everything is very much there between them. They have a lot in common, which makes the relationship believable despite the age gap. Carly is mature for his age and Rory just wants something simple. Something like what only Carly seems to be able to offer him.
The relationship grows at a nice pace. The book is littered in cameos from other books. There's a moment later in the book that left me literally gasping and punching the next page button on my kindle in hopes that it'd go faster. (That scene also sets up the next book.)
I loved this book. I cannot wait for the next one.
April 1, 2023
Raquel delivers yet another intense and memorable experience, with a few explosive cameos and an exciting proposal for the ages. Though a slow burn is not what you usually expect from Raquel, she nails it and cheers for Rory and Carlisle’s HEA, especially after learning about their history and past downfalls.
𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞—𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.
So, with this technically being Carlisle’s first experience with a man, along with the hesitancy and doubts, their attraction had to build over time, which can be appreciated rather than jumping right into the nitty gritty from their initial reunion. But, the sexual tension between them was flying high with fireworks exploding with each kiss, so just imagine the fervency of their encounter!
I just love how Raquel writes with so much emotion, grasping her reader’s attention and holding it captive. Her characters are different, yet memorable and will stay with you forever. Aunt Sadie will always be my comfort with her wise words of wisdom, thank you for your appearance, Aunt Sadie!
𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞—𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.
So, with this technically being Carlisle’s first experience with a man, along with the hesitancy and doubts, their attraction had to build over time, which can be appreciated rather than jumping right into the nitty gritty from their initial reunion. But, the sexual tension between them was flying high with fireworks exploding with each kiss, so just imagine the fervency of their encounter!
I just love how Raquel writes with so much emotion, grasping her reader’s attention and holding it captive. Her characters are different, yet memorable and will stay with you forever. Aunt Sadie will always be my comfort with her wise words of wisdom, thank you for your appearance, Aunt Sadie!
April 8, 2023
This is Carson's twin, Carlisle's book, the third in the series if you count the prequel. Carlisle (Carly) had always dated women but he is attracted to the bar's security man, Rory, an older friend of his uncle who's made it plain he wants Carly. I love the way he pursues Carly making it obvious of his interest. Rory is a gentle Bear of a sweetheart and takes care of Carly's insecurities while always showing his desire for him. I'll never look at my garden the same way again without thinking of this story. This is another hot, steamy book of Raquel's to savor and enjoy. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 2, 2023
Adorable…..just adorable. Rory is one patient guy…..but he does it right. Carlisle tries to hold out but then, as he asks himself, why?? So, following Carson’s suggestion (….I know, right?!?! ) he does that…in his way. As Rory said, Carlisle is no pushover. Loved reading the growing closeness between Rory and Carlisle …and I loved the banter with the rest of the family….rambunctious indeed. Lovely story, low angst, sweet and adorable….and loved the cameo by Murphy !!! What a crack-up !! And that ending…..perfection !
May 18, 2023
WONDERFUL❤️
I already loved Carly from reading Carson and Ryan’s story! He is so sweet and responsible! Rory though is super sweet! I love how he decided that Carly was his and just went for it! He has so much patience and he’s so thoughtful and don’t forget HOT! This was a Great story! I can’t wait to read Grahams but what I really want to know is what is going on with Shannon and Gordy????
I already loved Carly from reading Carson and Ryan’s story! He is so sweet and responsible! Rory though is super sweet! I love how he decided that Carly was his and just went for it! He has so much patience and he’s so thoughtful and don’t forget HOT! This was a Great story! I can’t wait to read Grahams but what I really want to know is what is going on with Shannon and Gordy????
April 13, 2023
I Love This Series
This series has been so much fun so far and Carlisle & Rory's story just adds to that. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I can't wait for Graham & Kelley's story now.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This series has been so much fun so far and Carlisle & Rory's story just adds to that. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I can't wait for Graham & Kelley's story now.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 16, 2023
This was lovely. I this that Rory deserves everything and more!
The only downside is that at the end, some stuff felt a bit rushed. I wish the guys would try dating before rushing into living together. And the L word came too late, because they already treated each other that way...
:D
The only downside is that at the end, some stuff felt a bit rushed. I wish the guys would try dating before rushing into living together. And the L word came too late, because they already treated each other that way...
:D
April 7, 2023
This is the second book in the series and can definitely be read as a stand-alone. We’ve got slow burn, age gap, and uncles best friend book.
Carlisle wants relationship. He also wants someone that appreciates and “takes care” of him. His past relationships he is always the caregiver. He notices the way Rory watches him but not sure if it’s creepy or something else.
Rory is Carlisle’s uncles best friend and 17 yrs older. Once he set his eyes on Carly there he was full steam ahead to get his attention. He liked what he saw and wanted that future with Carly and to take care of him as he saw Carly’s worth.
This is a sweet, no angst story of opening yourself up to a new relationship and letting your guard down to see what is there. Once Carlisle let his guard down after letting that trust in Rory fly their relationship is wonderful.
Carlisle wants relationship. He also wants someone that appreciates and “takes care” of him. His past relationships he is always the caregiver. He notices the way Rory watches him but not sure if it’s creepy or something else.
Rory is Carlisle’s uncles best friend and 17 yrs older. Once he set his eyes on Carly there he was full steam ahead to get his attention. He liked what he saw and wanted that future with Carly and to take care of him as he saw Carly’s worth.
This is a sweet, no angst story of opening yourself up to a new relationship and letting your guard down to see what is there. Once Carlisle let his guard down after letting that trust in Rory fly their relationship is wonderful.
April 18, 2023
Awww this was so sweet! Everyone needs a Rory. Someone who just gets you. He was gentle yet firm, caring and so considerate.
Carlisle was a little hesitant at first. Though he had been attracted to men in the past, he'd never been with a man before. He had certain wants that hadn't been met before and he hoped he'd find someone who understood him. And Rory was just that person.
Rory really did court him - with kind gestures and sweet words. Their love story was gorgeous. They met each others needs and fulfilled each others fantasies. (That bike scene!)
I enjoyed glimpses of the Carrick family. They all seem like so much fun!
Carlisle was a little hesitant at first. Though he had been attracted to men in the past, he'd never been with a man before. He had certain wants that hadn't been met before and he hoped he'd find someone who understood him. And Rory was just that person.
Rory really did court him - with kind gestures and sweet words. Their love story was gorgeous. They met each others needs and fulfilled each others fantasies. (That bike scene!)
I enjoyed glimpses of the Carrick family. They all seem like so much fun!
April 17, 2023
Great second book
This is the second book in this series and I really liked it! It can be read as a standalone BUT the first one is still my favorite so I totally recommend that one too. Plus we get to see more of Carson and Ryan in this one. I read this all in one day. It was a fun and easy read.
Carlisle and Rory were very sweet. Rory was persistent but so patient with Carlisle. Carlisle has not been with a man before but this is not a bi awakening story as he has always known he was also attracted to men. This was a great low angst story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is the second book in this series and I really liked it! It can be read as a standalone BUT the first one is still my favorite so I totally recommend that one too. Plus we get to see more of Carson and Ryan in this one. I read this all in one day. It was a fun and easy read.
Carlisle and Rory were very sweet. Rory was persistent but so patient with Carlisle. Carlisle has not been with a man before but this is not a bi awakening story as he has always known he was also attracted to men. This was a great low angst story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 25, 2023
Review to come.
April 6, 2023
Rory wants to be Carly’s first and only relationship with a man. 😍😍😍 To have that much dedicated attention and flirting is something completely new for Carly, as all of his previous girlfriends have found him lacking. Not enthusiastic enough, too reserved, too boring. Rory pulls no punches and is willing to spoil him like he deserves. Raquel did an amazing job with this story. It’s not as steamy as most of her other stories, but the way Rory builds Carly’s confidence with himself and the relationship is fantastic. I absolutely adore these two!
April 16, 2023
Wow!
I have loved reading this book! The sweet and sassy characters are over the top! Just the right combination of sexy times and fun! Highly recommend that you read this series!
I have loved reading this book! The sweet and sassy characters are over the top! Just the right combination of sexy times and fun! Highly recommend that you read this series!
June 16, 2023
Sweet slow burn ❤️ First time falling in love with a man❤️ Love the story and the characters❤️
🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️
August 21, 2023
OMG I love Carly and Rory
I’m so glad that I jumped into this series. Light angst, plenty of snark and bossy bottoms and great family members. It’s not very often that a line from a book stays with me , but I have to post it so EVERYONE can see how amazing it is!
“God, no. But you’re going to have to tie my hands behind my head. Otherwise, I won’t be able to stop myself from grabbing your head and f*cking your mouth.”
I’m so glad that I jumped into this series. Light angst, plenty of snark and bossy bottoms and great family members. It’s not very often that a line from a book stays with me , but I have to post it so EVERYONE can see how amazing it is!
“God, no. But you’re going to have to tie my hands behind my head. Otherwise, I won’t be able to stop myself from grabbing your head and f*cking your mouth.”
August 19, 2023
Very cute
Cute age gap romance. I enjoyed how Rory knew what he wanted and never reassured Carly, just moved at a pace he was comfortable with.
Cute age gap romance. I enjoyed how Rory knew what he wanted and never reassured Carly, just moved at a pace he was comfortable with.
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