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Men of Fairlake #5
Once Broken, Twice Loved
When the man who left you broken-hearted reappears with a child in tow, do you slam the door or let the past come flooding back?
He left me broken. He walked out of my life ten years ago with no explanation, and I fell apart.
Ian, the only man I’ve ever loved just walked back into my life…with his sassy, eleven-year-old daughter, Ayla, who’s deaf. Yes, I can do the math.
He’s a cop, and I’m a paramedic, so our paths have to cross.
I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on. I was wrong. Who am I trying to fool?
I finally have answers, but I’m still angry. He says he feels guilty, but at least now I understand.
Maybe we can be friends? Maybe not.
I still love him. Does he still love me? Can we rebuild what we once had? Will we get a second chance?
So many questions…
There’s no time to find all the answers before life decides to kick us in the teeth again, and it’s Ian about to break.
But this time, we’re not alone. We have the whole town of Fairlake behind us.
Will Kyle and Ian get a second chance at love? Can they overcome their unresolved anger and guilt? If their explosive chemistry and emotions are any indication, it should be plain sailing, but life’s not that simple.
He left me broken. He walked out of my life ten years ago with no explanation, and I fell apart.
Ian, the only man I’ve ever loved just walked back into my life…with his sassy, eleven-year-old daughter, Ayla, who’s deaf. Yes, I can do the math.
He’s a cop, and I’m a paramedic, so our paths have to cross.
I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on. I was wrong. Who am I trying to fool?
I finally have answers, but I’m still angry. He says he feels guilty, but at least now I understand.
Maybe we can be friends? Maybe not.
I still love him. Does he still love me? Can we rebuild what we once had? Will we get a second chance?
So many questions…
There’s no time to find all the answers before life decides to kick us in the teeth again, and it’s Ian about to break.
But this time, we’re not alone. We have the whole town of Fairlake behind us.
Will Kyle and Ian get a second chance at love? Can they overcome their unresolved anger and guilt? If their explosive chemistry and emotions are any indication, it should be plain sailing, but life’s not that simple.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2023
242 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Alexander
93 books625 followersRomeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 26, 2024
From the book: "When the man who left you broken-hearted reappears with a child in tow, do you slam the door or let the past come flooding back? He left me broken. He walked out of my life ten years ago with no explanation, and I fell apart. Ian, the only man I’ve ever loved just walked back into my life…with his sassy, eleven-year-old daughter, Ayla, who’s deaf. Yes, I can do the math. He’s a cop, and I’m a paramedic, so our paths have to cross. I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on. I was wrong. Who am I trying to fool? I finally have answers, but I’m still angry. He says he feels guilty, but at least now I understand. Maybe we can be friends? or...maybe not."
Those are all good questions and everything that Kyle will have to find an answer to very soon. This is the man he had loved in college...the one that he thought he would make a life and a future with that has come waltzing back into his life...with his almost 12-year-old daughter. Ten years ago, Ian broke off their relationship, left college and reunited with his former girlfriend without telling Kyle the reason why. I hated her.... we are supposed to for the sake of the story and the author gave us plenty of reasons:) She never cared anything about Ian, and she cared even less about being a mother. Ian had enough, finally, and took his daughter and went home.
Home was where Kyle was, now an EMT. Ian said he would never go back to Fairlake, but his mother's health brought him and his daughter home. His mother is a "horse of a different color" also. She's another character for the reader to hate. Kyle is a Fairlake police officer, so he and Ian find themselves often working together. Ian learns a lot of the "whys" of Kyle's hasty departure.
Will life give these two another chance? There is a part of the story that is based on something that happened in a previous book, but the book it appeared in doesn't need to be read in order to understand it. The author did this beautifully. The story is filled with angst, family drama, and most importantly... learning to forgive.
Those are all good questions and everything that Kyle will have to find an answer to very soon. This is the man he had loved in college...the one that he thought he would make a life and a future with that has come waltzing back into his life...with his almost 12-year-old daughter. Ten years ago, Ian broke off their relationship, left college and reunited with his former girlfriend without telling Kyle the reason why. I hated her.... we are supposed to for the sake of the story and the author gave us plenty of reasons:) She never cared anything about Ian, and she cared even less about being a mother. Ian had enough, finally, and took his daughter and went home.
Home was where Kyle was, now an EMT. Ian said he would never go back to Fairlake, but his mother's health brought him and his daughter home. His mother is a "horse of a different color" also. She's another character for the reader to hate. Kyle is a Fairlake police officer, so he and Ian find themselves often working together. Ian learns a lot of the "whys" of Kyle's hasty departure.
Will life give these two another chance? There is a part of the story that is based on something that happened in a previous book, but the book it appeared in doesn't need to be read in order to understand it. The author did this beautifully. The story is filled with angst, family drama, and most importantly... learning to forgive.
August 28, 2023
Dreadful continuity errors spoiled what was a great story
I'm surprised no-one else has mentioned that the villainous Chief of Police from the previous book suddenly became the Mayor in all references in this book and that Ethan's investigative journalist role was miraculously changed to a Private Investigator!
I mean, typos and grammatical errors are one thing, but screwing up the continuity in your on-going series is a bit of a serious mistake.
It's a real shame because this was on course to be another great read and second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes.
Having noted the mess-up, I found myself very much warming to these two pretty damaged but optimistic men and I loved Ian's daughter Ayla.
It always makes me happy to see disability representation in books and, while I've no personal experience with a deaf child other than in passing, things didn't seem out of place to me with how she acted.
I liked the mention of ASL and that Ayla both signed and was verbal in conversation as that matched up with what I know of friends who work with deaf adults.
She also felt age appropriate in her behaviour, ranging from being more young and vulnerable but also growing into the sarcy teen phase even though she was only eleven.
Kyle and Ian, as a pair, work well, they compliment each other, and I was pleased they actually communicated and discussed their original break-up and the fallout from it.
Overall, mistakes aside, this was another solid story in this small town series.
I'm surprised no-one else has mentioned that the villainous Chief of Police from the previous book suddenly became the Mayor in all references in this book and that Ethan's investigative journalist role was miraculously changed to a Private Investigator!
I mean, typos and grammatical errors are one thing, but screwing up the continuity in your on-going series is a bit of a serious mistake.
It's a real shame because this was on course to be another great read and second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes.
Having noted the mess-up, I found myself very much warming to these two pretty damaged but optimistic men and I loved Ian's daughter Ayla.
It always makes me happy to see disability representation in books and, while I've no personal experience with a deaf child other than in passing, things didn't seem out of place to me with how she acted.
I liked the mention of ASL and that Ayla both signed and was verbal in conversation as that matched up with what I know of friends who work with deaf adults.
She also felt age appropriate in her behaviour, ranging from being more young and vulnerable but also growing into the sarcy teen phase even though she was only eleven.
Kyle and Ian, as a pair, work well, they compliment each other, and I was pleased they actually communicated and discussed their original break-up and the fallout from it.
Overall, mistakes aside, this was another solid story in this small town series.
July 11, 2023
4+
Każdy ma swój gust, a Romeo Alexander świetnie trafia w mój - zatem nie ma się co dziwić, że znowu wysoka ocena ode mnie 😁
Każdy ma swój gust, a Romeo Alexander świetnie trafia w mój - zatem nie ma się co dziwić, że znowu wysoka ocena ode mnie 😁
July 2, 2023
Fun
This book had a good storyline that moved well and kept my attention. All the characters were wonderfully crafted and fun.
This book had a good storyline that moved well and kept my attention. All the characters were wonderfully crafted and fun.
August 31, 2025
M/M
Cop/Paramedic
2nd chance romance (12 years later)
Single father (12 year old girl)
Deaf and sign language rep (also has cochlear)
Audio review
Story = 3 stars
Narration = 5 stars
Cop/Paramedic
2nd chance romance (12 years later)
Single father (12 year old girl)
Deaf and sign language rep (also has cochlear)
Audio review
Story = 3 stars
Narration = 5 stars
June 11, 2024
old post reposted
Not sure what I want to read right now (reading slump mixed with mild seasonal depression). However, Romeo Alexander's "Men of Fairlake" has been on my TBR list for a while now, so I figured I'd start there. The fifth novel is "Once Broken, Twice Loved."
["When the man who left you broken-hearted reappears with a child in tow, do you slam the door or let the past come flooding back?
He left me broken. He walked out of my life ten years ago with no explanation, and I fell apart.
Ian, the only man I’ve ever loved just walked back into my life…with his sassy, eleven-year-old daughter, Ayla, who’s deaf. Yes, I can do the math.
He’s a cop, and I’m a paramedic, so our paths have to cross.
I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on. I was wrong. Who am I trying to fool?
I finally have answers, but I’m still angry. He says he feels guilty, but at least now I understand.
Maybe we can be friends? Maybe not.
I still love him. Does he still love me? Can we rebuild what we once had? Will we get a second chance?
So many questions…
There’s no time to find all the answers before life decides to kick us in the teeth again, and it’s Ian about to break.
But this time, we’re not alone. We have the whole town of Fairlake behind us."]
This one took me forever to get through. Not because it wasn't good; it was fucking great. But I was tired and then peopling and then avoiding some of the will-they-won't-they angst.
And the angst?! It was glorious. They were both so... Their first re-meeting was amazing. Their first talk as "just friends" was amazing (until it led to shouting and explosive hate sex--which was also amazing).
They didn't have it easy, from opposite-but-equally-as-not-great parents to resurfacing Feelings to feelings of uncertainty and anger and the lurking toxic ex in the so-as-far-as-anyone-would-hope background.
But this book was fabulous. As as the other books in the series did, this one really foreshadowed some awesome things for the next book (more angst and Feelings and shared histories).
Trigger Warnings: violence, off-page abuse, addiction, kidnapping, and more.
#mybestfriendssecret #fallingembers #seekingsanctuary #cuffsandcommitment #oncebrokentwiceloved #cakeandcomfort #mychaoshiscalm #menoffairlake #menoffairlakeseries #romeoalexander #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Not sure what I want to read right now (reading slump mixed with mild seasonal depression). However, Romeo Alexander's "Men of Fairlake" has been on my TBR list for a while now, so I figured I'd start there. The fifth novel is "Once Broken, Twice Loved."
["When the man who left you broken-hearted reappears with a child in tow, do you slam the door or let the past come flooding back?
He left me broken. He walked out of my life ten years ago with no explanation, and I fell apart.
Ian, the only man I’ve ever loved just walked back into my life…with his sassy, eleven-year-old daughter, Ayla, who’s deaf. Yes, I can do the math.
He’s a cop, and I’m a paramedic, so our paths have to cross.
I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on. I was wrong. Who am I trying to fool?
I finally have answers, but I’m still angry. He says he feels guilty, but at least now I understand.
Maybe we can be friends? Maybe not.
I still love him. Does he still love me? Can we rebuild what we once had? Will we get a second chance?
So many questions…
There’s no time to find all the answers before life decides to kick us in the teeth again, and it’s Ian about to break.
But this time, we’re not alone. We have the whole town of Fairlake behind us."]
This one took me forever to get through. Not because it wasn't good; it was fucking great. But I was tired and then peopling and then avoiding some of the will-they-won't-they angst.
And the angst?! It was glorious. They were both so... Their first re-meeting was amazing. Their first talk as "just friends" was amazing (until it led to shouting and explosive hate sex--which was also amazing).
They didn't have it easy, from opposite-but-equally-as-not-great parents to resurfacing Feelings to feelings of uncertainty and anger and the lurking toxic ex in the so-as-far-as-anyone-would-hope background.
But this book was fabulous. As as the other books in the series did, this one really foreshadowed some awesome things for the next book (more angst and Feelings and shared histories).
Trigger Warnings: violence, off-page abuse, addiction, kidnapping, and more.
#mybestfriendssecret #fallingembers #seekingsanctuary #cuffsandcommitment #oncebrokentwiceloved #cakeandcomfort #mychaoshiscalm #menoffairlake #menoffairlakeseries #romeoalexander #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
June 22, 2023
Kyle and Ian were together for two years in college before Ian ended it without giving Kyle a reason. Ten years later, they are reunited and it is a shock for Kyle to realize he isn't as over Ian as he thought. Despite the years apart, their chemistry still sizzles, but there is so much baggage to resolve and feelings to deal with that they need to take their time. Not to mention Ian's daughter Ayla - a spirited and intelligent delight - is a huge factor in both their past and present situation.
As they are working on figuring out where they stand by seeing if they can be friends again, they both realize the love they shared never really went away, but again, there are emotional landmines to be dealt with.
When a devastating event happens, Ian once again pushes Kyle away, trying to deal with it on his own. When Kyle finally has enough, he gets his brain working on a plan and brings friends from town in on it.
I liked that Kyle took time to figure out his emotions, even though he was not so good at expressing his feelings. Ian was a bit harder to like, he had his reasons for what he did, but seems he didn't change the I can do this myself attitude. Ayla seemed to be the most put together of the three, despite being only eleven.
This book moved at a nice pace and the second chance aspect of the relationship between Kyle and Ian started out good - until the incident, which was really intense at parts and interesting, but dragged a bit, and put a hold on any reconciliation. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but the emotional connection fell a little short for me. I loved how characters from previous books rallied together to help Kyle and Ian, and that it isn't necessary to have read those books to follow along - although they are really great books. For me, the epilogue was just okay. It started with promise but didn't really follow through on it.
Overall, this was an entertaining story with a vast array of intriguing characters, and two MC's who renewed love and found their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As they are working on figuring out where they stand by seeing if they can be friends again, they both realize the love they shared never really went away, but again, there are emotional landmines to be dealt with.
When a devastating event happens, Ian once again pushes Kyle away, trying to deal with it on his own. When Kyle finally has enough, he gets his brain working on a plan and brings friends from town in on it.
I liked that Kyle took time to figure out his emotions, even though he was not so good at expressing his feelings. Ian was a bit harder to like, he had his reasons for what he did, but seems he didn't change the I can do this myself attitude. Ayla seemed to be the most put together of the three, despite being only eleven.
This book moved at a nice pace and the second chance aspect of the relationship between Kyle and Ian started out good - until the incident, which was really intense at parts and interesting, but dragged a bit, and put a hold on any reconciliation. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but the emotional connection fell a little short for me. I loved how characters from previous books rallied together to help Kyle and Ian, and that it isn't necessary to have read those books to follow along - although they are really great books. For me, the epilogue was just okay. It started with promise but didn't really follow through on it.
Overall, this was an entertaining story with a vast array of intriguing characters, and two MC's who renewed love and found their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2023
The latest in theMen of Fairlake Series is a gem of a story!
It checks so many boxes:
- second chance? Check
- single dad? Check
- the coolest teenage daughter? Check
- men in uniform? Check
- characters learning from their past mistakes? Check
- evil, evil ex? Check
- drama in the third act? CHECK!
- all your favourite characters from the previous four books, giving us glimpses of how their relationships evolved? Check and check!
Oh, and ducks!
I've loved all the books in this series and Ian and Kyle's story is no exception. Their passion burned bright in their youth, when an unexpected pregnancy from Ian's ex and her subsequent blackmailing of him ended their relationship abruptly and cruelly.
They meet, unexpectedly, 12 years later - older and wiser, but still carrying the hurt and betrayal of a great love lost with them. The passion is most definitely still there, as well as an intense love for one another, but to get there both men have to take responsibility for the way their relationship ended, and the story they told themselves in their head about the ending.
The redemption of their relationship was sensitively and realistically portrayed, and I really loved that the author took the time and chapters to show how both men moved past their actions in their past to create their new future.
I loved Ian's daughter Ayla's personality and the relationship they have with one another. And Ian's ducks? Oracle and Demeter were so cute and funny! I love when characters have pets and unique pets are the best!
I also loved that we got a return of all the characters from the previous four books, and quite a bit of them working together in the third act of the book.
Can't wait for Grant and Sila's story next!
It checks so many boxes:
- second chance? Check
- single dad? Check
- the coolest teenage daughter? Check
- men in uniform? Check
- characters learning from their past mistakes? Check
- evil, evil ex? Check
- drama in the third act? CHECK!
- all your favourite characters from the previous four books, giving us glimpses of how their relationships evolved? Check and check!
Oh, and ducks!
I've loved all the books in this series and Ian and Kyle's story is no exception. Their passion burned bright in their youth, when an unexpected pregnancy from Ian's ex and her subsequent blackmailing of him ended their relationship abruptly and cruelly.
They meet, unexpectedly, 12 years later - older and wiser, but still carrying the hurt and betrayal of a great love lost with them. The passion is most definitely still there, as well as an intense love for one another, but to get there both men have to take responsibility for the way their relationship ended, and the story they told themselves in their head about the ending.
The redemption of their relationship was sensitively and realistically portrayed, and I really loved that the author took the time and chapters to show how both men moved past their actions in their past to create their new future.
I loved Ian's daughter Ayla's personality and the relationship they have with one another. And Ian's ducks? Oracle and Demeter were so cute and funny! I love when characters have pets and unique pets are the best!
I also loved that we got a return of all the characters from the previous four books, and quite a bit of them working together in the third act of the book.
Can't wait for Grant and Sila's story next!
June 21, 2023
This is a second chance romance with a kind of “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to plot and character development— secret kid? Check. Toxic parental figures? Check. Seriously evil ex? Check. Original relationship scuttled by the best of intentions and the worst of communication skills? Check and check. Also, of course, a solid cast of supporting characters who will be familiar faces to readers of previous books in the series, although the plot of this one can stand alone. I think my favorite character in his one is actually Ayla, Ian’s daughter, who has a resilience and grace that the adults in her life don’t always match. Ian is…fine. He’s got a bit of a martyr complex, but he’s appropriately noble and angsty in all the right moments.Kyle is rougher around the edges, but also more honest with his feelings and genuine with his reactions— I liked him, but never really felt the chemistry that was supposedly so potent between him and Ian. The pacing of their redemption arc felt rushed in some places, elongated in others, before disappearing entirely into the third act drama, which provides plenty of adrenaline but also draws on some wellworn tropes I could have lived without. That said, I ultimately found this book hard to put down, and I definitely wanted to see how everything resolved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2023
I love this series so much
When I read My Best Friend's Secret, I thought there was plenty of potential for other wonderful characters to get their own books and Romeo hasn't disappointed. And as the series continues, we get to see more of all the couples and that's one of my favourite things about the series.
Kyle, I loved. He wore his heart on his sleeve, had a quick temper that simmered a lot but he managed to keep it under control for the most part, and all that endeared him to me.
Ian was a bit harder to like because of his choices. Yes, he had to put his daughter first but he was determined to make all the decisions alone and not explain himself, playing the martyr a bit. His family life wasn't easy, with a mother he could never please and his child's mother who was a psychotic junkie and batshit crazy.
I'm not always keen on kids in books but Ian's daughter, thankfully, is an absolute delight. Funny, highly intelligent, very observant, Ayla was an eye-rolling, sighing teenager even at eleven. She made me smile every time she appeared.
I loved seeing all the familiar faces throughout the book, This truly is a series of 'it takes a village...', especially in this story when they all come together to save the day.
I'm so glad Grant is finally getting his book because he's been there in the background all along, his bakery the place for all the treats our characters indulge in. He obviously has a story to tell and I want to hear it.
When I read My Best Friend's Secret, I thought there was plenty of potential for other wonderful characters to get their own books and Romeo hasn't disappointed. And as the series continues, we get to see more of all the couples and that's one of my favourite things about the series.
Kyle, I loved. He wore his heart on his sleeve, had a quick temper that simmered a lot but he managed to keep it under control for the most part, and all that endeared him to me.
Ian was a bit harder to like because of his choices. Yes, he had to put his daughter first but he was determined to make all the decisions alone and not explain himself, playing the martyr a bit. His family life wasn't easy, with a mother he could never please and his child's mother who was a psychotic junkie and batshit crazy.
I'm not always keen on kids in books but Ian's daughter, thankfully, is an absolute delight. Funny, highly intelligent, very observant, Ayla was an eye-rolling, sighing teenager even at eleven. She made me smile every time she appeared.
I loved seeing all the familiar faces throughout the book, This truly is a series of 'it takes a village...', especially in this story when they all come together to save the day.
I'm so glad Grant is finally getting his book because he's been there in the background all along, his bakery the place for all the treats our characters indulge in. He obviously has a story to tell and I want to hear it.
April 21, 2024
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I also found this book in the Men of Fairlake series very entertaining. It's about a second chance for Ian and Kyle. Ian left Kyle's life 10 years ago and now he comes back to Fairlake as a cop - with his 11-year-old daughter Ayla.
I recommend reading the books in order, as I was pleased to see familiar protagonists from the previous books in the series again.
Romeo Alexander has a wonderful writing style that made it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
The characters are deeply created, the story is emotionally written and I had to smile a few times when I read about Ayla's behavior. It reminded me of my own family. But I could also imagine Ian's mother very well.
Kyle was very hurt at the time. Can there be a second chance for the two of them?
Ian and Kyle are really sweet together and I liked how they developed. The ducks as pets were also very original. And Ayla's deafness was very well researched.
I liked the mix of family, drama, romance and suspense! I also love stories about second chances as well as stories with cops and paramedics. Here I got both.
Michael Dean did a great job as always. He read vividly and portrayed the emotions brilliantly. He gave the characters the perfect voices and it was a pleasure to listen to him.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I also found this book in the Men of Fairlake series very entertaining. It's about a second chance for Ian and Kyle. Ian left Kyle's life 10 years ago and now he comes back to Fairlake as a cop - with his 11-year-old daughter Ayla.
I recommend reading the books in order, as I was pleased to see familiar protagonists from the previous books in the series again.
Romeo Alexander has a wonderful writing style that made it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
The characters are deeply created, the story is emotionally written and I had to smile a few times when I read about Ayla's behavior. It reminded me of my own family. But I could also imagine Ian's mother very well.
Kyle was very hurt at the time. Can there be a second chance for the two of them?
Ian and Kyle are really sweet together and I liked how they developed. The ducks as pets were also very original. And Ayla's deafness was very well researched.
I liked the mix of family, drama, romance and suspense! I also love stories about second chances as well as stories with cops and paramedics. Here I got both.
Michael Dean did a great job as always. He read vividly and portrayed the emotions brilliantly. He gave the characters the perfect voices and it was a pleasure to listen to him.
June 26, 2023
Trying to Forgive and Reconnect . . .
Kyle and Ian were wonderful characters who each had their issues to work on. Kyle is a paramedic. Ian is a cop. Ten years ago, Ian walked out of Kyle’s life with no explanation. It took him a long time to heal. Ian tries to and things his own way in trying protect those he loves so they don’t get hurt. But pushing people away doesn’t always work.
Now Ian has come back with his 11-year-old daughter, Ayla (who is absolutely wonderful). Kyle thought he had healed and was over his painful past with Ian. But he sees immediately he is not. Now they need to determine if they just want to be friends or if they want to accept a second chance and try to fix their shattered relationship. Can they get over the past breakup? Before they can find out if their reconciliation is possible, it will be put on hold when Isabelle kidnaps Ayla and Ian needs additional support to keep his sanity. Will the entire town of Fairlake be there to step up and help?
This is a well-written story where the reader will experience many emotions. The pain and struggle of the characters that the author lets us feel is very real. Can Kyle and Ian work out their past trouble, heal, and move forward together? Will Ayla be rescued? Grab your copy and see where the author takes us.
Kyle and Ian were wonderful characters who each had their issues to work on. Kyle is a paramedic. Ian is a cop. Ten years ago, Ian walked out of Kyle’s life with no explanation. It took him a long time to heal. Ian tries to and things his own way in trying protect those he loves so they don’t get hurt. But pushing people away doesn’t always work.
Now Ian has come back with his 11-year-old daughter, Ayla (who is absolutely wonderful). Kyle thought he had healed and was over his painful past with Ian. But he sees immediately he is not. Now they need to determine if they just want to be friends or if they want to accept a second chance and try to fix their shattered relationship. Can they get over the past breakup? Before they can find out if their reconciliation is possible, it will be put on hold when Isabelle kidnaps Ayla and Ian needs additional support to keep his sanity. Will the entire town of Fairlake be there to step up and help?
This is a well-written story where the reader will experience many emotions. The pain and struggle of the characters that the author lets us feel is very real. Can Kyle and Ian work out their past trouble, heal, and move forward together? Will Ayla be rescued? Grab your copy and see where the author takes us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
Kyle and Ian were dating in college but then suddenly Ian broke up with him and left. Just after that Kyle’s mother died and he lost it his father eventually helped him find his way back, never got his nursing license but became an EMT in his hometown. Ian was an abused boyfriend but stayed with his baby momma to keep his deaf daughter safe. He had enough finally moved to Kyle’s hometown to take care of his sick mother they lived next door, mother was critical of everything in their life. Kyle and Ian saw each other at the festival and shook Kyle up never thought he would see him again, Ayla liked Kyle as he helped her with a problem. They finally met again and started yelling at each other but then agreed to take things one day at a time Ian was a cop. Ayla’s mother kept demanding money but then with her boyfriend kidnapped Ayla, Kyle finally asked everyone to do their thing to help find her after 2weeks they did. Good book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2023
Deaf but Far from Dumb
A broken heart from years ago is once again ripped apart by the truth. If only the truth had come out years ago. Secrets have a tragic way of revealing themselves. What first attracted me to this story was the combination of several tropes that I like to read about led to my selecting this book. These tropes included a law enforcement officer, A paramedic, a deaf precocious youngster, and ducks.
This is also a second chance novel of nearly four hundred pages. So the author Romeo Alexander was able to execute a very thoroughly written story that shifted from past to present enabling the reader to make their own decisions about each character. While this is the fifth book in the series I don't feel like I got dropped in the middle of a story / series.
This story is full of angst, family drama, and learning to forgive. Luckily the dramatics culminate in a HEA. I am looking forward to reading more by Romeo Alexander and in particular the Men of Fairlake series
A broken heart from years ago is once again ripped apart by the truth. If only the truth had come out years ago. Secrets have a tragic way of revealing themselves. What first attracted me to this story was the combination of several tropes that I like to read about led to my selecting this book. These tropes included a law enforcement officer, A paramedic, a deaf precocious youngster, and ducks.
This is also a second chance novel of nearly four hundred pages. So the author Romeo Alexander was able to execute a very thoroughly written story that shifted from past to present enabling the reader to make their own decisions about each character. While this is the fifth book in the series I don't feel like I got dropped in the middle of a story / series.
This story is full of angst, family drama, and learning to forgive. Luckily the dramatics culminate in a HEA. I am looking forward to reading more by Romeo Alexander and in particular the Men of Fairlake series
July 15, 2024
I can’t quite suspend my disbelief for this one
this book kinda confuses me…. Most of it I can get behind, but the end plot doesn’t really make like any sense…
*spoilers ahead*
Ian originally leaving to get with his ex makes sense, other than being mildly stalking she hadn’t done anything criminal. But why the cops wouldn’t be involved or custody would have already been revoked from Isabella made no sense. She was an accomplice to violently dragging her daughter away from her home and taking her away from the parent she was living with, and had her partner physically assault the person that was currently supervising her daughter, and this is something that the police can t get involved in… like what. Also the mother physically assaulted him, has years of drug use and years of hateful and harmful texts. Yes it is often difficult for a father to get custody, but like she’s a drug addict that hasn’t seen her daughter in a year and he’s a respected police officer. Like he would get custody, that would be kidnapping. The ending makes no sense.
this book kinda confuses me…. Most of it I can get behind, but the end plot doesn’t really make like any sense…
*spoilers ahead*
Ian originally leaving to get with his ex makes sense, other than being mildly stalking she hadn’t done anything criminal. But why the cops wouldn’t be involved or custody would have already been revoked from Isabella made no sense. She was an accomplice to violently dragging her daughter away from her home and taking her away from the parent she was living with, and had her partner physically assault the person that was currently supervising her daughter, and this is something that the police can t get involved in… like what. Also the mother physically assaulted him, has years of drug use and years of hateful and harmful texts. Yes it is often difficult for a father to get custody, but like she’s a drug addict that hasn’t seen her daughter in a year and he’s a respected police officer. Like he would get custody, that would be kidnapping. The ending makes no sense.
June 24, 2023
SECOND CHANCE LOVE!
I love the Men of Fairlake and now we get to know what all the tension between Ian the new transfer police officer from Denver and Kyle the paramedic was…
A college relationship that was torn asunder ten years ago by a life changing choice made…
Now their paths cross again in the same town but now Ian has an eleven year old daughter who is sassy and deaf…
Will Kyle ever forgive his first true love and give him a second chance or are they meant to just be friends…
I loved the intricate story that the author wove around these two characters to showcase their past and future with so much heart!
When the unthinkable happens it is amazing to see how all our main characters from the previous books stand together to assist where they are needed even Ethan and his Trevor….
This is their story…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the Men of Fairlake and now we get to know what all the tension between Ian the new transfer police officer from Denver and Kyle the paramedic was…
A college relationship that was torn asunder ten years ago by a life changing choice made…
Now their paths cross again in the same town but now Ian has an eleven year old daughter who is sassy and deaf…
Will Kyle ever forgive his first true love and give him a second chance or are they meant to just be friends…
I loved the intricate story that the author wove around these two characters to showcase their past and future with so much heart!
When the unthinkable happens it is amazing to see how all our main characters from the previous books stand together to assist where they are needed even Ethan and his Trevor….
This is their story…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2023
How many kinds of sex are there? Ian and Kyle, were in love in college and thought they had a future. Then Ian walked away with no explanation, no excuses and left Kyle broken. Ian's ex, Isabelle, Ayla's Mom is a bit of work and is a huge trunk of baggage for Ian. Ten years later, Ian returns and he has an amazing daughter Ayla. Kyle is a Paramedic and Ian is in LE. Ian, returned to help his Mother, who continuously constantly tries his patience. Ayla, is an absolute peach.Their journey to reconnecting and discovery is bumpy. Can Ian and Kyle reconcile their past with their present? Can they be friends? Does Ian's explanation open the door to forgiveness? A bit of excitement, friendships community and quick decisions add a bit of adventure. Great story. Well done! Excellent cover art. I received an ARC an am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
Learn from the past and live in the now
Ian had once hurt Kyle really by leaving him and now a chance for Ian to come clean and to explain what happened a decade ago. Ayla is 11 going on 12 years old is incredibly bright child but born deaf. Her father had raised her and her mother violent, nasty and on drugs. Ayla is happy that she is gone. She instantly loves Kyle and is happily pushing them to their happy ending. When Ayla is kidnapped be her mother, the whole town teams together with Kyle in the lead help Ian and Ayla find each other again. Everyone of our heroes did their part perfectly and loved it. Especially Ethan and Devin as they combed through the drug infested part of Denver to find her.
Ian had once hurt Kyle really by leaving him and now a chance for Ian to come clean and to explain what happened a decade ago. Ayla is 11 going on 12 years old is incredibly bright child but born deaf. Her father had raised her and her mother violent, nasty and on drugs. Ayla is happy that she is gone. She instantly loves Kyle and is happily pushing them to their happy ending. When Ayla is kidnapped be her mother, the whole town teams together with Kyle in the lead help Ian and Ayla find each other again. Everyone of our heroes did their part perfectly and loved it. Especially Ethan and Devin as they combed through the drug infested part of Denver to find her.
June 27, 2023
Kyle and Ian get a second chance to get together after a break up years before that left Kyle shook and at loose ends. He deals with a lot but with his father's help gets it together and now is an EMT. Ian returns to town to help a mother who needs his help but in her own way is emotionally abuse as the woman he left with his daughter in tow to return to town. Ian and Kyle need this chance to build something loving together with one another and Ayla, Ian's daughter, is value added. Another good and emotional story in this series that I am liking so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2023
Ian broke Kyle's heart when they were in college. He left him for his ex girlfriend when he found out that he had a little girl with her. They aren't together anymore because of her drug problems but he has daughter and she's the most important person in his life. It took Kyle a long time to get his life back together after Ian broke his heart in pieces. Ian moves to the town lives in and hopes he that they don't bump into each other but in a small town that's not possible. When it happens, they decide to try and be friends but realize that they want more. I really enjoyed this book. I love everything this author writes.
July 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Ian and Kyle. They were together a decade earlier before Ian broke up with him- and broke his heart. When fate unexpectedly brings them back into each others lives again, old hurts come back to the surface and answers are demanded. Both men can have a temper and argue- sometimes it turns into something so sizzling they can't remember how they got there afterwards. And I loved it! To say these two had chemistry is an understatement! I was completely hooked to this story and couldn't put it down. Another excellent read from the talented Romeo Alexander! I recommend picking this one up and can't wait until the next book in this series. 5 stars.
March 3, 2025
The men of Fairlake, what can you say? I have loved this series from the start. The characters the feeling of this town, I want to live there. I will always have a fondness for Adam and Bennett from the first book and Devin and Chase from the third.
Ian and Kyle are a different breed, both stubborn and hardheaded in their own ways. The way the build and care for one another, but too stubborn to just give in makes me laugh.
I am obsessed with Romeo Alexander’s writing and the characters he creates. I never want this series to end.
I gave this a 4.5 only because it doesn’t live up to the first book.
Ian and Kyle are a different breed, both stubborn and hardheaded in their own ways. The way the build and care for one another, but too stubborn to just give in makes me laugh.
I am obsessed with Romeo Alexander’s writing and the characters he creates. I never want this series to end.
I gave this a 4.5 only because it doesn’t live up to the first book.
June 20, 2023
Elevan years ago, Ian had broken Kyle's heart and now they are back in the same town trying to move on with their lives. After heated arguments and meeting Ian's 11 year old daughter, pieces of their lives and hearts start to fall back together. It is a really sweet story of the two with such different personalities to be perfect for one another. Obviously, local residents and characters from the series show up. Really enjoying the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2023
Kyle and Ian are a second chance romance. They were together in college, and I felt for Kyle the way Ian just ghosted him. Ian is back and Kyle is about to find out why Ian did what he did. It is obvious that these two guys still care for each other but they have to not only get beyond what happened in the past but there is also a lot of family drama for them to navigate. I was all in and quite invested for their happy ever after. All the other Men of Fairlake are around as well. I cannot wait for the audible!
June 24, 2023
This is a well written small town MM romance with strong characters in Ian and Kyle. The author does a great job developing their story and bringing out the emotions as she brings them back together. There's drama along with the romance and Ian's daughter is the typical teenager although she's only eleven. You get to see past characters who help them through it all. The scenes are painted perfectly and the story flows fluidly. It's another great book to the series. Loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 24, 2023
The fifth book in a very good series, including all the MCs in the previous books in action. Ian and Kyle had a difficult breakup when younger, although the explanation turned out to be really understandable. The various plots were interesting and so were the minor characters. Ayla is an intriguing child, and her deafness and how Ian worked with it was really touching. As always I love how this author is emphatically against bi erasure. Looking forward to the next episode in this town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
July 6, 2023
Kyle & Ian
Good story about second chances, forgiveness and found family. Kyle gets a blast from the past by Trevor’s latest hire to the police department, Ian. Ian moved to Fairlake to escape Denver and all its memories. Hopeful to start anew with his daughter, Ayla. Their history is full of pain but also a real love that took the hit when Ian made the decision to leave Kyle to be there for a daughter who needed a stable and loving parent. Kyle and Ian stumble through their feelings and make a new way for themselves and Ayla.
Good story about second chances, forgiveness and found family. Kyle gets a blast from the past by Trevor’s latest hire to the police department, Ian. Ian moved to Fairlake to escape Denver and all its memories. Hopeful to start anew with his daughter, Ayla. Their history is full of pain but also a real love that took the hit when Ian made the decision to leave Kyle to be there for a daughter who needed a stable and loving parent. Kyle and Ian stumble through their feelings and make a new way for themselves and Ayla.
September 23, 2024
Audio: 5 stars for Michael Dean
Book: 3.5 stars (but rounding up)
I get where there are some discrepancies with the stories, but I think since I didn't read these back to back, I didn't notice those errors as much.
I loved Ayla and how her interactions with Kyle and Ian were. I do wish there were less flashbacks, but overall this was a great addition to the "Men of Fairlake" series.
I would recommend not reading them back to back because there are some storyline/character errors that you will pick up more than if you read these randomly haha.
Book: 3.5 stars (but rounding up)
I get where there are some discrepancies with the stories, but I think since I didn't read these back to back, I didn't notice those errors as much.
I loved Ayla and how her interactions with Kyle and Ian were. I do wish there were less flashbacks, but overall this was a great addition to the "Men of Fairlake" series.
I would recommend not reading them back to back because there are some storyline/character errors that you will pick up more than if you read these randomly haha.
June 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really liked the connection and chemistry between Ian and Kyle. These two are getting a second chance after Kyle left Ian heartbroken 10 years ago. While I really liked Ian, Kyle annoyed me a little with his attitude but I did grow to really like him. I thought that this was a great book and a great addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked the connection and chemistry between Ian and Kyle. These two are getting a second chance after Kyle left Ian heartbroken 10 years ago. While I really liked Ian, Kyle annoyed me a little with his attitude but I did grow to really like him. I thought that this was a great book and a great addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2023
I gave it a 1.5 stars cause I finished the book. But I didn't get it there wasn't really any character development. Ian didn't really explain himself (he did what he had to do for his daughter, but that was like years ago, he didn't think to lawyer up sooner?) I would rather the ex be constantly in the picture or not in the picture at all. This lady showed up only to kidnap her daughter, which didn't make sense in the book. A lot of telling and not showing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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