Something Unforgettable

Split Rock Ranch #2

by Rory Maxwell

Finn likes working at his grandfather’s feed and general store. It’s familiar. Comfortable. People aren’t as intimidating when he’s behind the counter. Outside of work . . . well, “shy” would be putting it nicely. He’s a mess, and at this rate he’s going to be a single mess forever. Who’d want a guy who can barely get a word out? Definitely not the handsome older man who’s started showing an interest. No, Xavier is out of Finn’s league.

Xavier DeCain came to Split Rock to help out a friend—fixing problems is what he does, though usually there’s more Hollywood glamor involved. He didn’t plan to keep coming back to the sleepy town. And he definitely wasn’t planning on Finn, whose pretty blushes are irresistible. But Xavier has specific tastes—not to mention an intense desire to be in charge. He isn’t sure innocent young Finn will be able to handle it.

Their mutual attraction is too strong to ignore, but for a relationship to work, they’ll both need to fight their demons. Finn will have to trust Xavier to be careful with his wounded heart, and Xavier will have to reexamine the things he finds most important.

Something Unforgettable is a 75k MM romance novel. It includes a sweet boy who’s afraid to step out of his shell, a caretaking man who’s been burned before, plenty of heat, an age gap, hurt/comfort, first times, and found family. It’s the fourth book in the Split Rock Ranch series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, BDSM, Found Family, Mental Health, LGBT, Westerns

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Rory Maxwell discovered romance novels on her mom’s bookshelf when she was probably too young to be reading them—the reward for being a nosy kid with great reading comprehension. The magic of a dial-up internet connection led her to the wonderful world of MM fanfiction a few years later and she fell in love with the genre. In 2019 she woke up with a plot bunny, opened a word doc, and started trying to figure out how this writing stuff worked.

Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.

Get Updates: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/newsletter....

My website: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/

Facebook Sneak Peeks: www.facebook.com/rory.maxwell.writes

More places I’m social: https://linktr.ee/rorymaxwellwrites

Reviews

[Rin (indefinite hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep giving this author chances because they have potential. Unfortunately, despite the chances I keep giving, I’m hanging my hat on them now.

I’m not going to start with the glaring editing issues which I’ll touch on. But the writing wasn’t BAD. It was just a very XYZ/copy-paste of dozens of other books I’ve read with the same trope. There was just nothing unique here and the “Daddy” kink wasn’t Daddy kink. I can’t even call it Daddy light, really, which I know some of my friends prefer. And I’m not talking about no age play. You can have real Daddy kink without age play. But just throwing in a young meek younger guy and an older guy who kinda likes to be in charge doesn’t equal Daddy kink. Using the word “Daddy” doesn’t equal Daddy kink. I know this harkens back to “The Great MM Daddy Tsunami of 2021,” but if the overwhelming amount of Daddy books that came out that year taught me anything, it’s that 80% of authors don’t really get Daddy kink, so when it’s used passively, I just get annoyed.

Aaaanyway I actually stopped reading this book at 80%. I just didn’t care. I’ve read this before. And while I want to read Remy’s story, I know it’ll be another copy/paste trope of stuff I’ve already read. I’m just too disgruntled to read and enjoy the trope heavy MM anymore.

Now to the editing issues… the word “little” was written 141 times with “little one” said 38 times. The word “sweet” written 123 times with “sweetheart” said 55 times. Boy was written 135 times. 😖

THE NAMES FINN AND XAVIER WERE WRITTEN SO MANY TIMES MY KINDLE SAID 1000+… IT COULDN’T EVEN GIVE ME A NUMBER. OMFG. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

Editors are great ok? Sweet mother of god. There is NO excuse for BOTH names to be used over ONE THOUSAND TIMES in a 267 page book. I’ve never searched a word or name in ANY book that said “1000+”

I’m sad my first read of 2024 was so disappointing but I sort of knew going in it was probably going to be a wash. But it still sucks. Author is shelved.

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

“What happens if I forget? Will there be a… um, punishment?” He pulled his lower lip between his teeth, remembering the time Xavier had smacked his butt. “God, you’re adorable,” Xavier said with a chuckle.

Ait. Life happened and I kinda forgot to review this, so I’m sorry if it feels short and light on the details. Thankfully I kept my safety and content notes.

What I *do* remember, is that I loved this book. I really enjoyed it and finished it fast. I am such a sucker for shy and slightly broken boys being taken care of by an older man, so this one really hit the jackpot. It was very sweet, got me in the feels a few times, and was just a really solid daddy kink book. The fact that I had forgotten a good chunk of a book called ‘Something Unforgettable’ is 100% my fault and I blame most of that on the two exams I’ve had since reading it. Thankfully most of it has come back to me now that I have finished this review and reread my highlights, lol.

I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy shy boys and that wholesome caretaking/comfort vibe that I live for.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Daddy kink
Virgin MC
Shy MC
Wealthy MC
Social anxiety
Size difference
Age gap
Long distance
Care & comfort
Hurt/comfort
Small town

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
injured MC
Hospitalized side character
Explicit sexual content
Emotional neglect (past)
Physical altercation with loved one (medical situation)
Fear of abandonment
Anxiety

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MC age: 23 and 35
Pages: 267

“Go ahead, sweetheart.” Finn gulped, then started plucking them open, one by one. He fumbled a little at first, like he’d never seen a fucking button before […]”

“Finn, what do you think I mean when I say I’m a Daddy?” […] “It means I want to take care of my boy. I want to protect him. And it means I need a partner that will let me do that for them. Sweet boy, you don’t need to apologize for needing me. I need you just as much.”


You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Andi]

DNF @ 43%

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I’ve read almost all the books in this series but for some reason I can’t seem to read them in the right order 🤣. So I already knew this couple had gotten together and other characters from future books but still had a wonderful time reading their story.

Finn was such a cutie! I loved seeing him experience life with a Daddy and finally get the care and attention he needed! Xavier was so good for Finn and I loved that he owned up to his mistakes even if he did something that hurt Finn and didn’t realize it would. These two were so perfect for each other!

I loved their HEA so much and definitely recommend this book (and series really). I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Finn and Xavier! (This whole series is great.) I loved seeing Xavier becoming Finns Daddy. The care and attention he gave Finn was perfect for Finn. Poor sweet Finn haven't had an easy life and to see him become more secure in himself with Xaviers care is beautiful. These two are so perfect for each other.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

When I was reviewing my year end books, this series came on my radar again and I was interested in returning to Split Rock. The relationship between Finn and Xavier is new to this book and does stand alone, but Xavier is Nick’s ex-husband from a previous book and the stories do intertwine and overlap and I appreciated having read the books in order.

Their story has a mild daddy kink vibe, as Xavier likes being in charge, taking care of his partner, and being called Daddy. Finn is a natural fit for Xavier, as he realizes he likes calling Xavier Daddy and certainly likes being taken care of. Their worlds don’t align at first, as Finn misses home when he travels to California with Xavier, has unprocessed trauma from his childhood, and doesn’t want to leave his aging grandfather. But they realize that life is so much better when they are together.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘ Something Unforgettable’ was the perfect read for me to cosy up with before the log fire, with a cuppa and a box of biscuits, to relax after the Christmas hullabaloo and seeing in the New Year.

Finn is a quiet, 23 year old, living with his grandfather over their Feed and Grain store in a small North Carolina town. He’s lived there with him since he rescued him, at 13 of age, from his very thoughtless, neglectful, unsuitable parents, who put their jobs before their only child.

He is an Un closeted gay man, but still totally inexperienced. He only socialises occasionally with a few very close friends from schooldays, but he’s not comfortable in crowds of strangers.

He does make an effort for friends though and that is why he attends a gathering of them at Split Rock Ranch. It is here that he meets Xavier, an older man, who can’t take his eyes off Finn since he walked into the party.

There is undoubtedly, a mutual attraction, and they do chat during the evening, but when Xavier wants to meet up with Finn for dinner, FInn gets cold feet and lies to Xavier, telling him he has a boyfriend.

Xavier is a Hollywood PR Agent and is just here to help a friend, who lives at Split Rock Ranch, Nick, who also just happens to be Xavier’s ex husband. Nick is now living with Ryan who’s married to Micah and they live in a ménage a trois. Micah is Finn’s best friend.

Yep, this little North Carolina town doesn’t blink an eye at the unusual. 🥰

It didn’t go unnoticed by the friends that Xavier was interested in Finn and so it wasn’t long before he found out that Finn didn’t have a boyfriend.

Xavier decided to take it slow and pursue Finn but he needed to be careful because of his particular needs in relationships. Finn also has secret needs that he keeps close to his chest.

So will they spill them to each other?

*******************************

What a super guy Xavier is, the way he takes care of his friends and colleagues. The way he listens to Finn and makes sure he is OK, and his grandfather. Everything he does and says with Finn bring him out of his hard shell and lets him bloom. 🥰💥🔥

Here again, I chose to read a book which was out of sequence in the series. But I’ve added the others to my TBR because the earlier books were about couples and individuals that made appearances here in ‘ Something Unforgetable’ and I want to know their stories.

This one, while the attraction between the MC’s was instant, you will need to be patient, like Xavier, for the sparks to ignite and create steam. ⚡️ 🧨

[꧁•Zakiyya•꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, easy and practically no angst at all.

This book is perfect if you don't want a deep set Daddy-kink read. I enjoyed it because it was light on the Daddy/boy trope. 

I enjoyed the attraction between Xavier and Finn. The story also had tropes that I enjoy and found was done very well; size difference & age-gap, even though the age gap isn't all that big.

Overall a light and enjoyable read that flowed easily. 

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%. Really? Neither character is believable. Suspending disbelief became too hard to sustain my interest in reading this

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's release day for Rory Maxwell's Something Unforgettable 🧡🧡 the next installment in the Split Rock Ranch series.

If you're looking for a series with lots of different tropes, this one might be right up your street. I've only read book one, or the prequel?, where Micah and Ryan get together. But there's been a couple more since then, and I stepped right into book 4 without feeling lost at all.

Something Unforgettable is Finn and Xavier's story. This was the squishest story I've read in a while. Finn is an anxious sweetheart trying to help his grandpa run his feed store. Through a series of social events that Finn barely survives, he meets Xavier. Xavier is a PR guru rich dude who "fixes" Hollywood celebrity problems. Think hot daddy Olivia Pope.

There's some drama around whether their needs and kinks will line up, but this really is a lowish angst squishy lovefest.

I loved Mac/Pop.
I loved Xavi's intensity and caring attitude
I totally gelled with Finn's anxieties.
I loved Ev, the bratty bff.
I cried at the staircase.
I laughed about Remy and his shenanigans and instant connection with Finn.

This was a sweet romance with light Daddy kink, no little business. The caretaking and the possessiveness were well done, and we all know I was crying at the restaurant.

SOMETHING UNFORGETTABLE is available now and can absolutely be read as a standalone.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
MM | Daddy kink | age gap | small town

I loved going back to Split Rock - and I completely adored this story!

I've had a soft spot for Finn since he first appeared in this series and while I have to admit I was shipping him and the vet, Dr. Reid, at first, Xavier turned out to be a perfect match for Finn. I liked how Finn's anxiety was written and it made for some cute moments, he was very shy around Xavier at first and I loved it. He was just a total sweetheart!

It was clear that Finn had been struggling for a while, dealing with the feed store and his grandpa's health getting worse, so it was great to see Xavier go full Daddy over everything and make sure Finn was taken care of. I loved how caring Xavier was, and it was obvious that he'd wanted Finn for a while but had been respectful of Finn's boundaries and signals.

Their story was honestly just the sweetest, and I loved how things developed between them and how Xavier was careful with not pushing Finn. I would have liked to see a bit more of their dynamic though, Xavier was very caring and intense in his role as Daddy, and I would have loved to see a discussion about their dynamic and what they wanted / expected from it.

I really enjoyed reading Something Unforgettable, it was the kind of story that made my heart all happy and swoony - so much sweetness and Finn being a total sweetheart! I loved the found family and getting to see some familiar characters. Finn's best friend Ev was also such a fun character and I can't wait to see more of him!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eep

My heart is breaking for Finn and how much he went through and why it's so hard for him to trust what he's feeling for Xavi. Xavi has had his eyes on Finn from the start, and when the boy is in need of help, he can't help but go full on Daddy to protect his boy in need. These two are just so dang sweet for another you just can't help but swoon for them. Love the patience. Xavi shows Finn in becoming comfortable with accepting his new normal. Then, mix in meeting two new amazing side characters who deserve a story total perfection for me. Another beautiful addition to an amazing series.

[mich ⚘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly? This was just *fine*.

It’s very low angst. Seriously, it’s kind of sweet enough to give you a toothache which isn't necessarily a bad thing – I just prefer more yearning and feelings. Both MCs pretty much became obsessed with the other after one single look – although there is a bit of time before anything actually develops so there is that.

But, really, I think my biggest issue was how repetitive the book was. So so so many terms and names just keep constantly being said every two seconds ,,, so much so it became distracting to the overall plot of the story.

If you’re into age gap, daddy romance and a sugary sweet time – this one is for you.

2.5 stars

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I adored this one so much. For me, the best books give you emotions you feel and this one does do perfectly. I’m talking all the feels. Really kicks the series up into my read again category. Finn and Xavier have my heart.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Finn so much and Xavier was such the perfect match for him. This is a sweet and spicy read about two very different people who find something in each other they can't live without.

[TC]

I got bored :(

[Jess Grayson (bookspastbedtime) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

it is what it is lol

[Kelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was ok. There were some cute moments and some hot moments but I kept putting it down to read something else.

[Manic killer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited about this one, but I wasn't super thrilled about how Finn's abandonment issues were handled. Would have loved to see Xavier get Finn some professional counselling because some of his reactions to mundane things like Xavier being 20 minutes late to their dinner were really alarming. I understand that he has trauma from his childhood, but I would have liked seeing more mental health importance focus rather than all his problems being "solved" by a romance.

[notachance]

DNF 18% - Xavier’s a bit of a creep, complaining about his dates while only targeting people substantially younger than him - try someone your own age ffs. And what does he mean this isn’t his biggest age gap, was he picking up teenagers when he was 30~ or what??

[Kidd Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made Me Cry (But In Such A Good Way)

I’ve been wracking my brain trying to find a way to review this the way it deserves without spoiling anything, and I hope I’ve found it:

As a fellow ‘forgotten kid’, I wanted to thank Rory for writing Finn’s story. It hit home in ways I couldn’t even comprehend until I was very suddenly ugly crying in my room - feeling so seen it almost hurt. I loved reading Xavi’s perspective of Finn’s background, and wish with all my heart that all of us forgotten kids can find their Xavi one day.

We all deserve to be seen and valued for who we are, and this book reminded me of that. Granted you reminded me by throwing an emotional brick at my face, but consider me thoroughly reminded.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this even more than I had hoped. Finn is beyond cinnamon roll cute and Xavier is a smoking hot Daddy. Loved it!

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down!

Something Unforgettable is the story of Xavier and Finn. It has age gap, Daddy kink, first times, and tons of hurt/comfort. I read this book within a few hours so it’s definitely a quick read, and kept me engaged enough where I just couldn’t put it down.

Things I liked:
- The gentleness Xavier had for Finn! Both before they were in a relationship and during Xavier’s care for Finn was evident. Whether it was being endeared by Finn’s shyness and not laughing at his rambling or a hand on the small of Finn’s back it was sweet to read
- I liked how though Finn had a lot of anxiety it seemed like his core friend group was aware of it and always did what they could to make him feel welcome (Finn’s anxiety didn’t always let him believe it but it was still nice to see). Finn would hover in a doorway and one of his friends would walk over to greet him if it looked like he was about to run
- I liked the smut! The kink definitely seemed to be on the lighter side but I’m a sucker for experienced/inexperienced. I also liked how there was actual build up and each intimate moment had a little more than the previous (a bit of running the bases in order basically lol)

Things that didn’t quite work for me personally:
- …I know it’s part of the kink but I didn’t like the nickname “little one” :( if you know me you know my relationship with nicknames is a rough one lol. Loved all the sweethearts tho!
- I wished the initial conversation about the kink would have happened more naturally between Xavier and Finn. It felt too convenient for Ev to be the one to bring it up so bluntly and force the conversation to occur
- I thought the whole plot with Xavier’s work was unnecessary. I understand the point was to showcase how Finn needs Xavier and prompt Finn’s feelings of not wanting to be left behind but I feel like it distracted from the romance progression and the page time could have been better spent with Xavier and Finn exploring the kink and how it translates into their romantic relationship
- I also felt like the epilogue came out of nowhere? I don’t want to spoil so I may update this once the book is released

Overall, this was not a bad book by any means. I liked Finn a lot, and I liked how throughout the book he became more comfortable with himself and being around people. He went from not wanting to get out of the car to a party he was invited to (relatable tbh) to standing up for Xavier and Remy at a very public celebrity event. I wish Xavier had been a little developed more (I felt like his main characteristics were being Nick’s ex husband, being rich, and being a Daddy. I would have liked to learn a little bit more about him outside of those 3 areas) but I thought he was good to Finn and his steadiness/confidence ended up making him someone I could root for.

Next book is Gabriel/Ev which should be interesting!


*I received an arc and this is my honest opinion*

[Bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book! I love the way that Xavier is patient with Finn through everything and wants to do everything he can to support and show Finn how much he loves him! The things that Finn has been through breaks my heart no one should ever have to feel like they aren’t important, but I absolutely love how Xavier supports him and helps him to feel like the center of his whole world. The scene at the restaurant where Finn has a panic attack breaks my heart too but it is so important to the story because it helps Xavier truly understand how he needs to love Finn and it also makes them a stronger couple. I love that Xavier pulls back from his job without hesitation because he knows it’s what Finn needs and that Xavier is always putting Finns needs first and includes Finn’s grandfather in those plans. I love that Xavier wants to give everything to Finn in order to make him happy. But I think most of all I love that while finn accepts all of these things from Xavier, Finn loves him unconditionally and that even if Xavier couldn’t give him everything he wanted he would still love him and still feel safe with him because it’s not about the monetary possessions for Finn, it’s about the way he feels when Xavier is around! I also absolutely love the way that Finn connects and supports Remy when they go to LA and the interaction with him and Isabella! But ultimately I love the way that Finn handles and gets possessive over Xavier with Jackson! That scene was absolutely perfect! Overall, this was an amazing book and I’m so happy that we got to see more from the other characters that supper Finn and accept him as family! And I love that Xavier does the best he can to support the friend group too by buying a painting from Archer and having Eli make a ring for Finn! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and get to know Ev and Gabriel better as I think I’ve already fell in love with Ev.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, this read had just everything I love. An enthralling writing style, hurtful comfort, age gap, big size difference, a rich Daddy and the sweetest virgin boy. (For the newlingers, it’s all about consenting adults)
The supportive friends were a wonderful addition, and the health issues with pops were respectfully written.
This story overflows with feelings, it made me warm and happy and broke my heart at times.
The title is striking! Goosebumps.

Finn is a super shy guy, who lives with his grandfather, together they run a store, with pops condition Finn is also his caretaker.
Meeting the kind Xavier at a party makes Finn fly. Xavier is huge and seems to be interested in Finn, something he can’t handle.
Xavier is disappointed Finn is already taken (Yes Finn lied). It took some time to find out Finn wasn’t taken.
Xavier makes a move and Finn grabs the chance.
Xavier is a pure Daddy who loves to be in charge, he doesn’t want to scare innocent Finn away, but the boy screams to be taken care of.
It sounds way easier than it is! The circumstances and all that happens are the charm of this story!

The circle of friends is smartly entwined, I love how all are connected! And, Xavier brings some new characters into the story.
I started to read just before bedtime, oh boy wrong choice, I couldn’t stop reading, and when I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about them, so I picked the story up again and chose for a short night.

Such a wonderful story, Xavier was just dang!, everything you can ask for in a Daddy, perfectly imperfect!
Finn is the sweetest, he and his pops have a story to tell.
A moving story, I read it with a laugh and a tear. All beautifully written, the author did a great job!

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a comfortable read as I was just laying on the couch relaxing. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I liked it. Yes, it’s a daddy/boy story there is no age play. It was easy for me to picture what each person looked like from the descriptions given. Xavier comes off as a well put together older man, confident with his job but worries about finding a boy that doesn’t want him for his money.

Finn, the lovely young man that has a huge fear of being forgotten about because his parents did all the time. Now bring in grumpy grand-pa that went and rescued him when he was 13. Finn loves working in his grand-pa’s store helping where he can. You know you can’t have a good daddy book without meddling friends. Xavier and Finn meet at a party and sparks are there but Finn is so shy. Xavier gets called away on an emergency but mid air finds out that Finn has been injured. Xavier immediately returns and for the first time someone has put Finn first. Xavier if there for Finn and gran-pa as they recover along with Finn’s crazy BFF. Xavier takes Finn with him as he has to leave to California. What he did though was exactly what he said he would do. He got so wrapped up in things he started to forget about Finn. Once he realized what he had done he made some serious changes with his company so he could have more time with his boy.

So, from small town store, to injuries and hospitals, Hollywood, Hollywood stars and party, back to small town store keeps you reading for more. This was a joyful read with a nice HEA. I will be reading more from this author.

Monica (Lady M.)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 4 books of the Split Rock Ranch series and have thoroughly enjoyed every one. Even though it is a period of time between each one, the characters are like old friends and the found family of this group just keeps expanding. Finn and Xavier’s story is the most recent one.

Finn is a hometown boy, not very comfortable in crowds or with new people, but formidable and self-assured after a couple of drinks or when standing up for those he cares about. He and his grandfather run the hardware store in town. Xavier is a wealthy Hollywood PR guy who happens to be spending time off and on in Finn’s home town visiting his ex-husband/best friend Nick, who is also a good friend of Finn’s. They meet each other at an extended family barbecue, and the attraction is pretty instantaneous on both sides. Making much headway takes awhile, but there is a “sweet” ride on a mechanical bull that heats things up and gets things rolling. When Xavier has a client problem in LA, he needs to leave to handle it, but this triggers some abandonment issues with Finn, so he goes along. With the demands of his job, the major hurdle they must solve is how to run a long distance relationship for Daddy Xavier and his boy Finn.

Not a long read but a satisfying one told from a dual POV and with a HEA. The only thing that would make it better (for me) would be to reread the previous ones first, in order, to recall more of the stories from this found family group.

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn likes working at his grandfather’s feed and general store because people aren’t as intimidating when he’s behind the counter whereas outside Finn is uncomfortably shy. He is likely to stay a single mess forever. Older man Xavier started to show an interest but he was so far out of Finn's league. Xavier DeCain came to Split Rock to help out a friend and didn't plan to keep coming back let alone Finn, whose pretty blushes were irresistible. But Xavier has specific tastes - not to mention an intense desire to be in charge. He isn’t sure innocent young Finn will be able to handle it. Their mutual attraction is too strong to ignore, but for a relationship to work, they’ll both need to fight their demons. Finn will have to trust Xavier to be careful with his wounded heart, and Xavier will have to reexamine the things he finds most important.

I enjoyed this story of love and passion between shy Finn and confident Xavier. Xavier was a typical Daddy who wanted to care for Finn and take away all of his hurts. I loved how genuine Finn was in Hollywood and how he made a good friend out of an A-listed actor. The filling in of Finn's childhood was great for understanding him. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.

[Victoria Poulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of this new-ish author and I love the town of Split Rock she’s created in these books. There’s a combination of both blood and found family with the characters and I like how protective they all are of each other.
This time it’s Finn and Xavier’s story, both of who we met in the last book. Finn is quite young and innocent, living with his grandfather, whilst Xavier is much more a man of the world that knows exactly what he wants - which is Finn.
The book starts with a bit of a rushed description of a “courting” period between them and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of this year - Finn went from being so nervous he turned down a date and lied about having a boyfriend, to trusting Xavier quite quickly.
I liked both main characters, although felt we got to know Finn better than we did Xavier. I’m not a massive reader of k*nk in my books, but I guess I’d class myself as liking “k*nk lite” so this was about the right sort of level for me. I did like how caring and protective Xavier was of Finn.
I feel like with a few tweaks this series could become 5 star reads. For a relatively new author they show tons of potential and I’m looking forward to the next one as we’ve already met Gabriel and Ev.