What do you think?
The Anchor #1
Turning Tides
Shane Taggart knows how lucky he is.
After a lifetime of scrimping, saving, and barely getting by, he struck it rich with a winning lottery ticket. Now he owns a successful bar called The Anchor, helps his mom with her women’s shelter, sent his youngest brother on a trip around the world, and works closely with his middle brother to help out in the local community without bankrupting himself. The only thing missing in his life is a bit of romance. But it’s hard to find guys into doing things the way he likes best.
Archer Kinsman had it all.
He opened the tattoo shop of his dreams with his best friend, Clayton. Things were going great, and they were finally making real money. Then came the morning Archer woke up to empty bank accounts and a missing best friend. Forced to close up shop, Archer moves in with his brother, Cyrus, and his husband. It’s cramped, but it’s just until he gets back on his feet. It can’t take too long, right?
The tides turn when Shane and Archer meet.
Archer is everything Shane is looking for. He’s easy to be around, and he’s more than willing to top, despite their size difference. Even if their chemistry wasn’t off the charts, Shane would still want to help him get his life back on track.
Soon, Archer is living above The Anchor, and getting his business up and running again. But there’s still one big problem–Archer’s brother, Cyrus, is protective of him, especially after what he went through with Clayton.
Cyrus is also Shane’s best friend.
Shane is willing to risk it all for Archer. His friendship, his business, even his heart. Will he lose everything or will luck smile on him twice in a lifetime?
The Anchor is a low angst, sweet and spicy romance series that’s a spin-off from Breakfast at Bennett’s. Though they’re in the same universe, you don’t need to read Breakfast at Bennett’s to enjoy this series.
After a lifetime of scrimping, saving, and barely getting by, he struck it rich with a winning lottery ticket. Now he owns a successful bar called The Anchor, helps his mom with her women’s shelter, sent his youngest brother on a trip around the world, and works closely with his middle brother to help out in the local community without bankrupting himself. The only thing missing in his life is a bit of romance. But it’s hard to find guys into doing things the way he likes best.
Archer Kinsman had it all.
He opened the tattoo shop of his dreams with his best friend, Clayton. Things were going great, and they were finally making real money. Then came the morning Archer woke up to empty bank accounts and a missing best friend. Forced to close up shop, Archer moves in with his brother, Cyrus, and his husband. It’s cramped, but it’s just until he gets back on his feet. It can’t take too long, right?
The tides turn when Shane and Archer meet.
Archer is everything Shane is looking for. He’s easy to be around, and he’s more than willing to top, despite their size difference. Even if their chemistry wasn’t off the charts, Shane would still want to help him get his life back on track.
Soon, Archer is living above The Anchor, and getting his business up and running again. But there’s still one big problem–Archer’s brother, Cyrus, is protective of him, especially after what he went through with Clayton.
Cyrus is also Shane’s best friend.
Shane is willing to risk it all for Archer. His friendship, his business, even his heart. Will he lose everything or will luck smile on him twice in a lifetime?
The Anchor is a low angst, sweet and spicy romance series that’s a spin-off from Breakfast at Bennett’s. Though they’re in the same universe, you don’t need to read Breakfast at Bennett’s to enjoy this series.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2025
About the author
E.M. Denning
101 books571 followersEM Denning has more than twenty romance novels under her belt and has become an author you can rely on to bring you emotionally endearing, soft and fuzzy, stories. She is well known among her friends for her love of naps and sarcasm. She spends her free time reading as many romance novels as she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 1, 2026
Sadly, this ended up being too dull for me. Even the drama where one MC's brother went crazy over the fact that they were together wasn't enough to save this.
Objectively, this could be taken as a fluffy, low angst romance. There's no actual conflict between the main MCs. The drama is all external. They communicate in healthy ways.
Boring.
And I don't really want to read about Clayton's redemption so I'll not be continuing this series.
Objectively, this could be taken as a fluffy, low angst romance. There's no actual conflict between the main MCs. The drama is all external. They communicate in healthy ways.
Boring.
And I don't really want to read about Clayton's redemption so I'll not be continuing this series.
January 11, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up!
E.M. Denning is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. After loving her Walking Disasters duet, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and, surprise!, I loved this as well. What a wonderful story!
Shane and Archer are such amazing characters. Shane is a very kind, generous person - sometimes too generous - but he's also a bit lonely. Archer is a feisty, spiky hedgehog of a guy - and a tattoo artist - who's a bit lost when he meets Shane. The two of them are exactly what the other needs. They are perfect for each other in every way. The only thing that holds both of them back is Archer's brother Cyrus. Cyrus is also Shane's friend and works as the cook in Shane's bar. And he's very protective over his brother, maybe a bit too much. While I understood why he was like that, I also found him a mix of an overbearing parent and a petulant child. Despite that, though, this was a low angst story. And Cyrus' behavior never became annoying because we also find out why he is the way he is.
But that's the thing I love about E.M. Denning's stories. The romance is very uncomplicated in some ways. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, but they're always realistic. There's no angst just for the sake of it. It's just a beautiful story about two people finding their person, a story that feels real. Like I can just hop on a plane and travel to Shane's bar if I wanted to.
Also a highlight I have to mention: the spice. Good lord, it was something else in this book. I really love the smaller top/bigger bottom trope and it was done excellently. Add to that the fact that the smaller top (Archer) is feisty and take charge and has an absolute filthy mouth on him and Shane is desperate for everything and anything Archer is willing to give and you get absolutely explosive chemistry. Normally I don't really like books with a lot of spicy scenes, but it actually made sense in this one because neither of them had really gotten what they needed in that regard in so long, maybe ever. But, needless to say it was hot. Very hot.
Overall, this was another wonderful book and I am so eager for Shane's brothers' stories! I'm also going to pick up E.M.'s Breakfast at Bennett's series now, since this is a spin-off and it made me curious about some of the characters that popped up in this one. Safe to say, I highly recommend this one.
E.M. Denning is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. After loving her Walking Disasters duet, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and, surprise!, I loved this as well. What a wonderful story!
Shane and Archer are such amazing characters. Shane is a very kind, generous person - sometimes too generous - but he's also a bit lonely. Archer is a feisty, spiky hedgehog of a guy - and a tattoo artist - who's a bit lost when he meets Shane. The two of them are exactly what the other needs. They are perfect for each other in every way. The only thing that holds both of them back is Archer's brother Cyrus. Cyrus is also Shane's friend and works as the cook in Shane's bar. And he's very protective over his brother, maybe a bit too much. While I understood why he was like that, I also found him a mix of an overbearing parent and a petulant child. Despite that, though, this was a low angst story. And Cyrus' behavior never became annoying because we also find out why he is the way he is.
I took the word mine, wrapped it around myself, and let it caress all the little parts of me that never thought they’d hear something as sweet as that said to me.
But that's the thing I love about E.M. Denning's stories. The romance is very uncomplicated in some ways. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, but they're always realistic. There's no angst just for the sake of it. It's just a beautiful story about two people finding their person, a story that feels real. Like I can just hop on a plane and travel to Shane's bar if I wanted to.
I’d never been a butterflies-in-the-stomach kind of person, but when Shane kissed me, my entire body felt like tiny wings were fluttering inside me, under my skin, trying to break out or maybe trying to show me what it was like to fly.
Also a highlight I have to mention: the spice. Good lord, it was something else in this book. I really love the smaller top/bigger bottom trope and it was done excellently. Add to that the fact that the smaller top (Archer) is feisty and take charge and has an absolute filthy mouth on him and Shane is desperate for everything and anything Archer is willing to give and you get absolutely explosive chemistry. Normally I don't really like books with a lot of spicy scenes, but it actually made sense in this one because neither of them had really gotten what they needed in that regard in so long, maybe ever. But, needless to say it was hot. Very hot.
Shane kissed me back like we’d been parted for centuries and not minutes. Like we were long-lost soulmates finally reunited.
Overall, this was another wonderful book and I am so eager for Shane's brothers' stories! I'm also going to pick up E.M.'s Breakfast at Bennett's series now, since this is a spin-off and it made me curious about some of the characters that popped up in this one. Safe to say, I highly recommend this one.
Read
January 16, 2025I really like where this spin-off from Breakfast at Bennett's is going and I love that Mickey and Ethan play such a big role in setting the scene at the Anchor, but on to this next low angst romance...
Despite the imbalance between Shane and Archer financially, we see very little of that translate into their relationship and I think that's due in part to how laidback Shane's character is... I love how expressive and artistic Archer is and how the two of them sync, despite their situation. I also love that they don't have stereotypical roles in the bedroom and that they truly make each other happy...
Almost all of the angst is external to the couple and it makes the story flow well and you still get a few spikes of adrenaline without the relationship becoming rocky.
I look forward to seeing what other relationships come out of The Anchor!
Despite the imbalance between Shane and Archer financially, we see very little of that translate into their relationship and I think that's due in part to how laidback Shane's character is... I love how expressive and artistic Archer is and how the two of them sync, despite their situation. I also love that they don't have stereotypical roles in the bedroom and that they truly make each other happy...
Almost all of the angst is external to the couple and it makes the story flow well and you still get a few spikes of adrenaline without the relationship becoming rocky.
I look forward to seeing what other relationships come out of The Anchor!
January 21, 2025
4.5
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Archer, Shane.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual.
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢:Brother's best friend, Grumpy Sunshine,.
SHANE 🥰
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Archer, Shane.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual.
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢:Brother's best friend, Grumpy Sunshine,.
SHANE 🥰
January 19, 2025
1st person, past tense, dual PoV
Shane Taggart (30's), owner of The Anchor
Archer Kinsman (31), tattoo artist
While this is listed as being book one of a series, it quite clearly features characters from the author's other works. It didn't impact my enjoyment too much, but I can't help but wonder if some of the relationship dynamics would have read better with the additional context.
While I adored Archer and his story arc, Shane is kind of a bland character that doesn't really grow much over the course of the book. This story is pretty sweet and the chemistry between the MCs is great, I do love a beefy bottom, especially when paired with a smaller top and I'm a sucker for characters unexpectedly finding their match when they least expect it, this was filled with delicious steam. They work well together and I loved how Shane supported Archer and gave him room to come into his own again after his life kind of fell apart. He had a real heart of gold and was such a genuinely lovely person. I enjoyed the byplay with all the secondary characters as well, they really enriched the narrative.
The book does suffer from a slight pacing problem and mostly coasts along until the 75% mark when it feels like that author remembered that she had a plot to pull together and everything happens at once.
The ending is quite abrupt and involves a bit of a jump to the epilogue in the middle of a plot point. I wasn't a fan of the resolution of and I'm sure that means there will be spillover into the next book of the series, but this approach of dangling carrots just isn't my favourite. Everything else was adorable though. I'll probably pick up the next books in the series, but they aren't rocketing to the top of my TBR.
Shane Taggart (30's), owner of The Anchor
Archer Kinsman (31), tattoo artist
While this is listed as being book one of a series, it quite clearly features characters from the author's other works. It didn't impact my enjoyment too much, but I can't help but wonder if some of the relationship dynamics would have read better with the additional context.
While I adored Archer and his story arc, Shane is kind of a bland character that doesn't really grow much over the course of the book. This story is pretty sweet and the chemistry between the MCs is great, I do love a beefy bottom, especially when paired with a smaller top and I'm a sucker for characters unexpectedly finding their match when they least expect it, this was filled with delicious steam. They work well together and I loved how Shane supported Archer and gave him room to come into his own again after his life kind of fell apart. He had a real heart of gold and was such a genuinely lovely person. I enjoyed the byplay with all the secondary characters as well, they really enriched the narrative.
The book does suffer from a slight pacing problem and mostly coasts along until the 75% mark when it feels like that author remembered that she had a plot to pull together and everything happens at once.
The ending is quite abrupt and involves a bit of a jump to the epilogue in the middle of a plot point. I wasn't a fan of the resolution of and I'm sure that means there will be spillover into the next book of the series, but this approach of dangling carrots just isn't my favourite. Everything else was adorable though. I'll probably pick up the next books in the series, but they aren't rocketing to the top of my TBR.
April 15, 2025
Degrading dirty talk is so not my thing. DNF @21%.
Did Not Finish
December 28, 2025dnf around 28%. I just don't feel it. Repetitive phrasing, an mc I have trouble liking and cringey sex at 15%.
July 17, 2026
I think I need to take a break from listening/reading romance novels.
I entered into an M/M Romance binge as I was frankly done with the TSTL FMCs that pass for "badass" or independent in F/M books.
I'm also beyond FATIGUED with extremely generic pocket-sized, five foot nothing MCs, be they male or female... I find it tedious, as IRL, you maybe see/meet around 1 or 2 people who are that short & petite, but the romance genre is OVERsaturated with them!
But I've gotta be honest, the erasure of women & straight people in MM Romances is just as insidious TBPH!
I've only just started listening & less than 5mns into it, every character that the MC references is also gay, his brother, his friends, his staff, the neighbour, the teacher, the (I'm assuming) other MC as he fits the description in the synopsis.
It seems that ALL the staff at the bar are also gay... is this some form of reverse discrimination going on?!? No straights allowed?!? Forgive me, but MM Romance writers go overboard with creating 99% gay worlds, where in reality it's around 10% of the world's total population... overkill & feels inauthentic to me!
Although, I've got to give the author props for some originality where the MC 's mother is concerned.
I've come to realise (after what feels like THOUSANDS of MM books) that women have to always be portrayed as negative stereotypes, mothers more so than anyone else...
If the mother is dead, she was an angel.
If the mother is still alive & married to the father, then she's always a somewhat obnoxious character who the MC claims to love, however he does everything in his power to avoid her like the plague. The dad is an angel.
If the mother is alive, but no longer married or together with the father then she's ALWAYS abusive &/or (usually a mix of both) abandoned the MC when he was younger.. the dad is ALWAYS the angel, who is both supportive & an ally... the mom is almost always homophobic to boot!
In this, it seems like the MC at least has a good relationship with his mum & the dad was the abusive one... that does make a change 👍
I did try a few more minutes, but again every single person was both male & gay, neither MC seemed that interesting TBPH.
The tattoo artist MC was mopey, living with his brother, constantly saying that he didn't want to be a burden, but also wasn't trying to fix his situation in any way. Instead of looking for ANY kind of job to tie him over until he got back on his feet, he spent the day drawing & avoiding his brother's offer ro help... 🙄
The other MC came across as predatory & creepy AF, TBPH. He's rich & that was about the extent of his character. The author did try to make him sound altruistic, but honestly it felt like it was more lip service than a genuinely charitable spirit.
He's "thinking" about helping some people, but he needs his (financial adviser) brother's opinion before he decides who to assist or even if he will at all...
The tattoo MC's brother literally whinges about not having sex for weeks because his destitute brother is living at his house (this is before it's established that the brother is just a layabout), only for him to whinge to his little brother that he barely sees him & his BF says the say same to the tattoo MC...
So... which is it?!? Is your brother cock-blocking you at every turn for weeks or is he constantly making himself scarce so his brother & his BF get some alone time?!
Help me out here... 😒
Oh Lordy... I just realised that it's a series & I just glanced at the synopsis for the other books... for the love of all that is merciful... WHAT are the chances that ALL the siblings are gay... FML! 🤷♀️
DNF!
I entered into an M/M Romance binge as I was frankly done with the TSTL FMCs that pass for "badass" or independent in F/M books.
I'm also beyond FATIGUED with extremely generic pocket-sized, five foot nothing MCs, be they male or female... I find it tedious, as IRL, you maybe see/meet around 1 or 2 people who are that short & petite, but the romance genre is OVERsaturated with them!
But I've gotta be honest, the erasure of women & straight people in MM Romances is just as insidious TBPH!
I've only just started listening & less than 5mns into it, every character that the MC references is also gay, his brother, his friends, his staff, the neighbour, the teacher, the (I'm assuming) other MC as he fits the description in the synopsis.
It seems that ALL the staff at the bar are also gay... is this some form of reverse discrimination going on?!? No straights allowed?!? Forgive me, but MM Romance writers go overboard with creating 99% gay worlds, where in reality it's around 10% of the world's total population... overkill & feels inauthentic to me!
Although, I've got to give the author props for some originality where the MC 's mother is concerned.
I've come to realise (after what feels like THOUSANDS of MM books) that women have to always be portrayed as negative stereotypes, mothers more so than anyone else...
If the mother is dead, she was an angel.
If the mother is still alive & married to the father, then she's always a somewhat obnoxious character who the MC claims to love, however he does everything in his power to avoid her like the plague. The dad is an angel.
If the mother is alive, but no longer married or together with the father then she's ALWAYS abusive &/or (usually a mix of both) abandoned the MC when he was younger.. the dad is ALWAYS the angel, who is both supportive & an ally... the mom is almost always homophobic to boot!
In this, it seems like the MC at least has a good relationship with his mum & the dad was the abusive one... that does make a change 👍
I did try a few more minutes, but again every single person was both male & gay, neither MC seemed that interesting TBPH.
The tattoo artist MC was mopey, living with his brother, constantly saying that he didn't want to be a burden, but also wasn't trying to fix his situation in any way. Instead of looking for ANY kind of job to tie him over until he got back on his feet, he spent the day drawing & avoiding his brother's offer ro help... 🙄
The other MC came across as predatory & creepy AF, TBPH. He's rich & that was about the extent of his character. The author did try to make him sound altruistic, but honestly it felt like it was more lip service than a genuinely charitable spirit.
He's "thinking" about helping some people, but he needs his (financial adviser) brother's opinion before he decides who to assist or even if he will at all...
The tattoo MC's brother literally whinges about not having sex for weeks because his destitute brother is living at his house (this is before it's established that the brother is just a layabout), only for him to whinge to his little brother that he barely sees him & his BF says the say same to the tattoo MC...
So... which is it?!? Is your brother cock-blocking you at every turn for weeks or is he constantly making himself scarce so his brother & his BF get some alone time?!
Help me out here... 😒
Oh Lordy... I just realised that it's a series & I just glanced at the synopsis for the other books... for the love of all that is merciful... WHAT are the chances that ALL the siblings are gay... FML! 🤷♀️
DNF!
January 9, 2025
Archer and Shane's story was great! There was some things that made them weary about seeing each other at first, but they both decided they didn't want to let potential issues ruin their happiness.
I really liked how we got to see Archer in his element, we got his POV if sketching and designing tattoos, and we also got Shane's POV describing how he saw Archer's designs. Which I thought was really cool and helped with giving dimension to the story itself. We also got to see Shane in his element as well, helping people is what he loves to do. All he wants to to help make people happy, and if someone needs a hand he tries to figure out a way to lend one. I absolutely adore Shane, he is the epitome of a teddy bear.
I liked that there was a focus on size difference and I really appreciated how Archer and Shane wasn't stereotyped as such. Sometimes in romance books, (and real life) when someone is described as the bigger of the two, it's often assumed that they would be the 'top', whereas the smaller of the too would be the 'bottom'... In this book things did not work like that which I LOVED!!! I always enjoy a book a thousand times more when authors break out of moulds that are often written within and showcases other types of sexualities, relationships, bedroom interests, etc. and E.M. Denning definitely did that here with Shane and Archer.
My only critique is that I wish there were more scenes and moments of Archer and Shane being together without it ending, or starting with a steamy scenes. I understand that a vast majority of readers love high-steam romance books, and that's great. I just tend to like a lot more romance with less steam. I was able to skim through the steamy moments and not miss anything crucial to the story, so I still enjoyed this story quite a bit.
I think this author did a wonderful job and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here. Oh!! And! I loved all the references to E.M. Denning's other series, Breakfast at Bennett's, it was so cool reading about all the little nods to that series. Along with seeing characters from that series make appearances in this story, which was just awesome!!
This moment made me smile; ""“I was just thinking that when you’re mad—”
“I’m not mad. I’m annoyed,” Archer clarified.
“Okay then, when you’re annoyed, you remind me of a hedgehog. All cute and spikey.”""
I really liked how we got to see Archer in his element, we got his POV if sketching and designing tattoos, and we also got Shane's POV describing how he saw Archer's designs. Which I thought was really cool and helped with giving dimension to the story itself. We also got to see Shane in his element as well, helping people is what he loves to do. All he wants to to help make people happy, and if someone needs a hand he tries to figure out a way to lend one. I absolutely adore Shane, he is the epitome of a teddy bear.
I liked that there was a focus on size difference and I really appreciated how Archer and Shane wasn't stereotyped as such. Sometimes in romance books, (and real life) when someone is described as the bigger of the two, it's often assumed that they would be the 'top', whereas the smaller of the too would be the 'bottom'... In this book things did not work like that which I LOVED!!! I always enjoy a book a thousand times more when authors break out of moulds that are often written within and showcases other types of sexualities, relationships, bedroom interests, etc. and E.M. Denning definitely did that here with Shane and Archer.
My only critique is that I wish there were more scenes and moments of Archer and Shane being together without it ending, or starting with a steamy scenes. I understand that a vast majority of readers love high-steam romance books, and that's great. I just tend to like a lot more romance with less steam. I was able to skim through the steamy moments and not miss anything crucial to the story, so I still enjoyed this story quite a bit.
I think this author did a wonderful job and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here. Oh!! And! I loved all the references to E.M. Denning's other series, Breakfast at Bennett's, it was so cool reading about all the little nods to that series. Along with seeing characters from that series make appearances in this story, which was just awesome!!
This moment made me smile; ""“I was just thinking that when you’re mad—”
“I’m not mad. I’m annoyed,” Archer clarified.
“Okay then, when you’re annoyed, you remind me of a hedgehog. All cute and spikey.”""
January 13, 2025
This may be my new favorite E.M. Denning book. The chemistry, story, and love truly shined through in this. It held me captive from the very first page and is already a frequent reread.
While this is a spin-off from the Breakfast at Bennet’s series, it stands alone. However, as a fan of that series, it was a pleasure to see the sneak peeks at some of my favorite characters. The world building was rich and consistent.
Individually, I adore Shane and Archer. They are both stubborn and yet so giving. Shane may have it all now, but he’s never forgotten what it’s like not to have anything. Archer, on the other hand, is learning how to cope when dreams come crashing down. Put those two together and it’s perfection.
Their passion leaps off the page. One aspect I love from this author is her ability to write kink. I have never seen any author weave together humiliation and praise as she did with this. Combining it with light bondage, and the steam almost melted my kindle! Humiliation can be difficult for me to read, and I highly respect the way E.M. Denning wrote it. Consent is a major part of the kink community, but often these conversations come off stilted or forced. Instead, the author was able to include it flawlessly, making it a natural part of their interaction.
I also love that, as always, the author challenges stereotypes. In this case, it’s size and who would normally be the top or bottom. It’s a wonderful twist to see and something that is desperately needed.
The plot itself kept me thoroughly engaged. E.M. Denning’s characters have heart, and that translates onto the page. Whether deftly handling the big brother relationship aspect or a difficult situation from the past, every moment felt natural. There was nothing that screamed manufactured, and instead gave me the ability to soak up a story that perfectly balanced everything I could want—feelings, an enticing storyline, and all the steam possible.
While I normally don’t highlight quotes in a book, every now and then I’ll come across one that hits home. I highlighted this snippet: “You are not your mistakes. Making a mistake doesn’t mean you are one.” To the amazing author, this line has lodged itself into a willing heart as I needed to hear it. Thank you.
5+ Stars for an engaging, beautiful, and passionate story! I look forward to the next!
While this is a spin-off from the Breakfast at Bennet’s series, it stands alone. However, as a fan of that series, it was a pleasure to see the sneak peeks at some of my favorite characters. The world building was rich and consistent.
Individually, I adore Shane and Archer. They are both stubborn and yet so giving. Shane may have it all now, but he’s never forgotten what it’s like not to have anything. Archer, on the other hand, is learning how to cope when dreams come crashing down. Put those two together and it’s perfection.
Their passion leaps off the page. One aspect I love from this author is her ability to write kink. I have never seen any author weave together humiliation and praise as she did with this. Combining it with light bondage, and the steam almost melted my kindle! Humiliation can be difficult for me to read, and I highly respect the way E.M. Denning wrote it. Consent is a major part of the kink community, but often these conversations come off stilted or forced. Instead, the author was able to include it flawlessly, making it a natural part of their interaction.
I also love that, as always, the author challenges stereotypes. In this case, it’s size and who would normally be the top or bottom. It’s a wonderful twist to see and something that is desperately needed.
The plot itself kept me thoroughly engaged. E.M. Denning’s characters have heart, and that translates onto the page. Whether deftly handling the big brother relationship aspect or a difficult situation from the past, every moment felt natural. There was nothing that screamed manufactured, and instead gave me the ability to soak up a story that perfectly balanced everything I could want—feelings, an enticing storyline, and all the steam possible.
While I normally don’t highlight quotes in a book, every now and then I’ll come across one that hits home. I highlighted this snippet: “You are not your mistakes. Making a mistake doesn’t mean you are one.” To the amazing author, this line has lodged itself into a willing heart as I needed to hear it. Thank you.
5+ Stars for an engaging, beautiful, and passionate story! I look forward to the next!
January 19, 2025
4.5 - This is a spinoff from the Breakfast at Bennett's series. I love that we see a bit of Mickey and Ethan, the MCs from The Outcast, pop up at The Anchor! While it is nice to have some of the background of Bennett's, this works perfectly as a standalone. Shane, the owner of The Anchor, is a very kind, generous, and empathetic person. Thanks to a windfall, he is able to help out a lot of people in the community when they need it. So, when his cook & BFF Cyrus tells Shane about how his brother Archer is staying at his and his husband's super tiny house, Shane immediately wants to figure out a way to help Cyrus. Poor Archer was massively screwed over by his so-called best friend - Archer lost his tattoo parlor, all his money, and his home. Over the course of Shane trying to help Archer get back on his feet, they spend a lot of time together and they get to know one another. Let me tell - their chemistry from the very beginning is off the charts! This is a fairly fast burn, but it feels like a natural progression because from the beginning, they seem just perfect for one another. Both of them are used to people making assumptions about them, but together, they click! They are fire! They are so sweet together and they both have big hearts. Aside from the chemistry, it is pretty clear that one thing they both share is a strong sense of empathy. I love this. They are also just really in tune with one another - pretty amazing to see - so it is no wonder they quickly develop feelings. I truly enjoyed every moment of reading this book - it was fairly low angst and had great spice - totally my kind of book. I can't wait to read more in this series! I'm now pondering whether we will see a certain gambler and a particular money manager get together.....
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Did Not Finish
January 1, 2025I won’t rate this book because I couldn’t pass 55%.
The writing is nice and the side characters seem to come from a different serie that I might check later. The main plot was intriguing and I really wanted to go deeper into it. Especially when there is size difference with a beefy bottom and a twink top.
Shane seems like a very good person with a big heart who needs someone to fill it and Archer like a fun guy with a heart big enough to fill and support Shane’s.
Being a regular to tattoo parlor and having tattoo artists friends for years, the job of Archer just did not seem accurate, that bothered me a lot. Why did he not have any customers if the business was good? Most tattoo artists have regulars. Why did he not have an online portfolio ? What was his style? Most tattoo artist have specific style and subjects they want to tattoo. What about hygiene regulation ? I don’t where the story is but depending on where because of hygiene regulation you can’t have a tattoo shop in an apartment, maybe that’s too specific but that ticked me 😂.
The second thing that bothered me was the sex at every.single.chapter….
I thought the goal was too open his tattoo shop again, not banging the landlord every chance he could 😭
The dirty talk I could have passed through it but I really did not want to read about them having sex all the time, I wanted to see Archer opening his tattoo shop, seeing Shane brother coming home and wanted to know more about Shane’s mom, maybe even having a little revenge on Archer’s ex business partner.
That book just did not resonate with me, maybe it would with you :) for me it is more an erotica book than a romance one.
This won’t be the last book I read from this author, that book is just a miss for me.
The writing is nice and the side characters seem to come from a different serie that I might check later. The main plot was intriguing and I really wanted to go deeper into it. Especially when there is size difference with a beefy bottom and a twink top.
Shane seems like a very good person with a big heart who needs someone to fill it and Archer like a fun guy with a heart big enough to fill and support Shane’s.
Being a regular to tattoo parlor and having tattoo artists friends for years, the job of Archer just did not seem accurate, that bothered me a lot. Why did he not have any customers if the business was good? Most tattoo artists have regulars. Why did he not have an online portfolio ? What was his style? Most tattoo artist have specific style and subjects they want to tattoo. What about hygiene regulation ? I don’t where the story is but depending on where because of hygiene regulation you can’t have a tattoo shop in an apartment, maybe that’s too specific but that ticked me 😂.
The second thing that bothered me was the sex at every.single.chapter….
I thought the goal was too open his tattoo shop again, not banging the landlord every chance he could 😭
The dirty talk I could have passed through it but I really did not want to read about them having sex all the time, I wanted to see Archer opening his tattoo shop, seeing Shane brother coming home and wanted to know more about Shane’s mom, maybe even having a little revenge on Archer’s ex business partner.
That book just did not resonate with me, maybe it would with you :) for me it is more an erotica book than a romance one.
This won’t be the last book I read from this author, that book is just a miss for me.
July 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️½☆☆ (2.5/5)
This book could have been so much better if it weren't for the endless intimate scenes that quickly became repetitive and, honestly, just... weird.
Don't get me wrong—I have absolutely nothing against spice or explicit language. I read a wide range of romances, from sweet and closed-door to very spicy, so that's not the issue. The problem is that the intimate scenes here felt unnatural.
During the very first intimate encounter, a character who had been portrayed as shy and insecure suddenly transformed into someone incredibly dominant with an extremely crude vocabulary. It felt completely out of character. I thought maybe this was part of his development and that it would make more sense as the story progressed, but it never did.
Instead, the intimate scenes gradually became the main focus of the book. They were so frequent that they overshadowed everything else, and the repetitive dirty talk stopped adding anything to either the romance or the characters.
The characterization also felt inconsistent. At times, it seemed as though the characters changed personalities depending on what the scene required rather than growing naturally throughout the story.
In the end, I struggled to find the heart of the book. There wasn't a strong emotional core or a plot that truly held everything together. It felt like a collection of scenes rather than a cohesive story.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me.
This book could have been so much better if it weren't for the endless intimate scenes that quickly became repetitive and, honestly, just... weird.
Don't get me wrong—I have absolutely nothing against spice or explicit language. I read a wide range of romances, from sweet and closed-door to very spicy, so that's not the issue. The problem is that the intimate scenes here felt unnatural.
During the very first intimate encounter, a character who had been portrayed as shy and insecure suddenly transformed into someone incredibly dominant with an extremely crude vocabulary. It felt completely out of character. I thought maybe this was part of his development and that it would make more sense as the story progressed, but it never did.
Instead, the intimate scenes gradually became the main focus of the book. They were so frequent that they overshadowed everything else, and the repetitive dirty talk stopped adding anything to either the romance or the characters.
The characterization also felt inconsistent. At times, it seemed as though the characters changed personalities depending on what the scene required rather than growing naturally throughout the story.
In the end, I struggled to find the heart of the book. There wasn't a strong emotional core or a plot that truly held everything together. It felt like a collection of scenes rather than a cohesive story.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me.
January 14, 2025
4.5 ☆
This was a fun, lighthearted read that I thoroughly enjoyed! Shane and Archer were sweet and also got together, and their chemistry was great.
Archer's best friend and business partner disappears with all their money, so Archer is forced to move in with his brother, and this is how he meets Shane. Shane is Cyrus'(Archer's brother) boss at a bar called The Anchor, but they are also best friends. Shane was barely making ends meet 6 years ago, but he won the lottery and now owns the bar and tries to help people where he can. When Shane and Archer meet he ends up offering the space above the bar to Archer as a tattoo studio and living quarters at a lowered price.
I really enjoyed how they just got each other instinctively. I could feel the pull between them and I loved that they felt safe with each other mostly from the start. I really enjoyed their dynamic and that even though they thought things were casual, they were everything but. It was nice to see them communicate openly, and be honest about their feelings.
The pacing was great, and I felt like the book was easy to read. It was the perfect book to read after a book with heavier themes. This felt like a nice warm hug to me. I loved all of the characters and enjoyed their interactions. I also really enjoyed the vibes and lightheartedness of the book. Definitely a great little palate cleanser.
This was a fun, lighthearted read that I thoroughly enjoyed! Shane and Archer were sweet and also got together, and their chemistry was great.
Archer's best friend and business partner disappears with all their money, so Archer is forced to move in with his brother, and this is how he meets Shane. Shane is Cyrus'(Archer's brother) boss at a bar called The Anchor, but they are also best friends. Shane was barely making ends meet 6 years ago, but he won the lottery and now owns the bar and tries to help people where he can. When Shane and Archer meet he ends up offering the space above the bar to Archer as a tattoo studio and living quarters at a lowered price.
I really enjoyed how they just got each other instinctively. I could feel the pull between them and I loved that they felt safe with each other mostly from the start. I really enjoyed their dynamic and that even though they thought things were casual, they were everything but. It was nice to see them communicate openly, and be honest about their feelings.
The pacing was great, and I felt like the book was easy to read. It was the perfect book to read after a book with heavier themes. This felt like a nice warm hug to me. I loved all of the characters and enjoyed their interactions. I also really enjoyed the vibes and lightheartedness of the book. Definitely a great little palate cleanser.
June 18, 2026
A surprise lottery ticket has turned Shane Taggart’s life around. Shane is the proud owner of a successful bar called The Anchor and he uses the money to enhance the lives of those around him. Tattoo artist Archer Kinsman, brother to Shane’s best friend, also had a successful business until his business partner absconded with all the money in their bank account. After a spectacular one-night stand, Archer and Shane are irresistibly drawn to each other, but their growing relationship is complicated by the money Shane is loaning Archer to get his new tattoo shop up and running. It’s also complicated by having to keep things secret from Archer’s protective older brother.
I’m enjoying this start of the series which features one of the three Taggart brothers in each book. Big and beefy, Shane Taggart is a very decent guy and quite amazing in his financial restraint and generosity. Archer is younger and more slight but calls the sexual shots. This is big heart / small town / high steam and, despite being very familiar territory, it all works well and I’m looking forward to more warm comfort reading as the series progresses. 🎧 Voice actors Lance West (as Shane) and Devon Ryder (as Archer) both give great audio performances!
I’m enjoying this start of the series which features one of the three Taggart brothers in each book. Big and beefy, Shane Taggart is a very decent guy and quite amazing in his financial restraint and generosity. Archer is younger and more slight but calls the sexual shots. This is big heart / small town / high steam and, despite being very familiar territory, it all works well and I’m looking forward to more warm comfort reading as the series progresses. 🎧 Voice actors Lance West (as Shane) and Devon Ryder (as Archer) both give great audio performances!
January 16, 2025
Turning Tides ARC Review:
Archer and Shane 🩵
These two meet after Archer begins staying at his brother's house after his best friend and business partner ran off with their joint funds, essentially ruining Archer's life, leaving him stranded and broke. Shane owns the bar that Cyrus, Archer's brother, runs the kitchen in, and is also best friends with Cyrus. Shane has his own fortune, thanks to a lucky lottery ticket years prior, and loves to help whenever he can. He is kept in check only by his own brother, who helps him reign in his want to help so that he doesn't go broke.
What starts as a casual encounter begins a passionate love story that is equally swoony and sexy! Archer and Shane both have never felt that another person fits them more, and they can't stay away from each other.
I adored these two so incredibly much! The way they fit and grow together was beautiful and so sweet! Their hardships are still there, but with each other, they have the support to stand up for themselves when needed.
This book was dreamy and made me swoon so much with how wonderful Shane and Archer are to each other! I'm stoked for more from this series!
4.75/5🌟
Archer and Shane 🩵
These two meet after Archer begins staying at his brother's house after his best friend and business partner ran off with their joint funds, essentially ruining Archer's life, leaving him stranded and broke. Shane owns the bar that Cyrus, Archer's brother, runs the kitchen in, and is also best friends with Cyrus. Shane has his own fortune, thanks to a lucky lottery ticket years prior, and loves to help whenever he can. He is kept in check only by his own brother, who helps him reign in his want to help so that he doesn't go broke.
What starts as a casual encounter begins a passionate love story that is equally swoony and sexy! Archer and Shane both have never felt that another person fits them more, and they can't stay away from each other.
I adored these two so incredibly much! The way they fit and grow together was beautiful and so sweet! Their hardships are still there, but with each other, they have the support to stand up for themselves when needed.
This book was dreamy and made me swoon so much with how wonderful Shane and Archer are to each other! I'm stoked for more from this series!
4.75/5🌟
March 2, 2026
Shane Taggert was living on the absolute bare minimum when he lucked into a winning lottery ticket and his life turned around.
His best friend’s brother, Archer, has fallen on hard times recently. Archer’s best friend and business partner ran off with all their money. Archer is now stuck crashing with his brother and his brother’s husband until he can get back on his feet, and also desperately needs space for a new tattoo shop.
The apartment above Shane’s bar is empty and Shane offers it to him as both a place to live and a space to open his new tattoo studio.
I personally really enjoy romance books without a third act break up or a lot of angst between the couple and this is definitely that.
The main characters were really lovable, and I really enjoyed how quickly they fell for each other.
My only big complaint is that the ending felt incomplete. I understand the second book in the series will probably cover it, but I felt like there should have been at least a little bit more resolution at the end and then it could be expanded on in the second book.
His best friend’s brother, Archer, has fallen on hard times recently. Archer’s best friend and business partner ran off with all their money. Archer is now stuck crashing with his brother and his brother’s husband until he can get back on his feet, and also desperately needs space for a new tattoo shop.
The apartment above Shane’s bar is empty and Shane offers it to him as both a place to live and a space to open his new tattoo studio.
I personally really enjoy romance books without a third act break up or a lot of angst between the couple and this is definitely that.
The main characters were really lovable, and I really enjoyed how quickly they fell for each other.
My only big complaint is that the ending felt incomplete. I understand the second book in the series will probably cover it, but I felt like there should have been at least a little bit more resolution at the end and then it could be expanded on in the second book.
January 12, 2025
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This new series is sure to be as wonderful as Breakfast at Bennett’s. Partly because we still get to see some of our favourites!
Kicking it off is Shane, owner of the Anchor a big boy who falls for his best friend's brother. He’s a magnanimous guy who’s caring and thoughtful. And he falls hook line and sinker for the tattoo artist trying to start his life over after his best friend and business partner steals from him.
Archer is a bit of a dick, cranky, and self-absorbed in his woes. He and his brother have a tumultuous relationship that have them both acting out. But Shane grounds him and lets him shine.
There’s a lot of healing and growth in their story. And a lot of heat!
This new series is sure to be as wonderful as Breakfast at Bennett’s. Partly because we still get to see some of our favourites!
Kicking it off is Shane, owner of the Anchor a big boy who falls for his best friend's brother. He’s a magnanimous guy who’s caring and thoughtful. And he falls hook line and sinker for the tattoo artist trying to start his life over after his best friend and business partner steals from him.
Archer is a bit of a dick, cranky, and self-absorbed in his woes. He and his brother have a tumultuous relationship that have them both acting out. But Shane grounds him and lets him shine.
There’s a lot of healing and growth in their story. And a lot of heat!
April 6, 2025
Bar owner and displaced tattoo artist.
Shane knows what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck but when he is on the receiving end of a winning lottery ticket, he decides to put it to good use. Helping his mother with her shelter, taking care of his brothers, and buying a bar with livable space above.
Archer's down on his luck. His best friend and shop partner just wiped him out of everything they had. With no shop or home to live in, he finds himself living on his brother's couch.
Cyrus is the cook at the Anchor, Shane's bar.
A quick meet between Shane and Archer is all it takes for them to feel the magnetic pull toward one another but with Cyrus being Shane's employee and good friend as well as Archer's brother, "It's Complicated" is the mild interpretation of their relationship.
It was nice to read a story where the size difference did not automatically assign the smaller character as the twink or bottom.
Shane knows what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck but when he is on the receiving end of a winning lottery ticket, he decides to put it to good use. Helping his mother with her shelter, taking care of his brothers, and buying a bar with livable space above.
Archer's down on his luck. His best friend and shop partner just wiped him out of everything they had. With no shop or home to live in, he finds himself living on his brother's couch.
Cyrus is the cook at the Anchor, Shane's bar.
A quick meet between Shane and Archer is all it takes for them to feel the magnetic pull toward one another but with Cyrus being Shane's employee and good friend as well as Archer's brother, "It's Complicated" is the mild interpretation of their relationship.
It was nice to read a story where the size difference did not automatically assign the smaller character as the twink or bottom.
December 7, 2025
This is a best friend’s brother / secret relationship romance, featuring Shane Taggart and Archer Kinsman, and is book one in the Anchor series.
Shane finally has everything he ever wanted, except someone to share his life and his very specific desires with, until he meets Archer, a down-on-his-luck tattoo artist who sparks instant chemistry.
This is a low-angst romance. Shane and Archer are unbelievably sweet together, two good men who just fit, instantly and effortlessly and you get to enjoy the gentle chemistry, the steady support, and the warm slow-build of building something real together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Best friend’s brother
Size difference
Over protective brother
Lottery winner
Bar owner x Tattooist
Insta chemistry
Secret relationship
Spicy times & dirty talk
Mild degradation / praise
Suspenders kink
Restraints
Mild spanking
Calls him good boy
Getting caught
HEA
Shane finally has everything he ever wanted, except someone to share his life and his very specific desires with, until he meets Archer, a down-on-his-luck tattoo artist who sparks instant chemistry.
This is a low-angst romance. Shane and Archer are unbelievably sweet together, two good men who just fit, instantly and effortlessly and you get to enjoy the gentle chemistry, the steady support, and the warm slow-build of building something real together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Best friend’s brother
Size difference
Over protective brother
Lottery winner
Bar owner x Tattooist
Insta chemistry
Secret relationship
Spicy times & dirty talk
Mild degradation / praise
Suspenders kink
Restraints
Mild spanking
Calls him good boy
Getting caught
HEA
January 16, 2025
Archer’s little sl**
✨ Shane had already given me so much, yet I still wanted more. Not money or things. The only space I wanted was one inside his heart. The way he looked at me made my chest ache. ✨
💛🎨💛🎨💛
I absolutely ADORED this story! It was everything I needed and loved! It has best friend’s little brother, size difference, praise kink, and just the right amount of schmoop that EM is known for.
I was totally smitten with how Archer dominated Shane and how Shane gave Archer the confidence and courage and the space to just be and to pick up his life again. The instant chemistry between these two was intense and the way their relationship blossomed, it hit all the right notes for me.
I love when I’m so into a book that I don’t even realize how fast I’m reading it and it’s over before I know it. It’s good and bad…lol! Shane and Archer are lucky men.
✨ Shane had already given me so much, yet I still wanted more. Not money or things. The only space I wanted was one inside his heart. The way he looked at me made my chest ache. ✨
💛🎨💛🎨💛
I absolutely ADORED this story! It was everything I needed and loved! It has best friend’s little brother, size difference, praise kink, and just the right amount of schmoop that EM is known for.
I was totally smitten with how Archer dominated Shane and how Shane gave Archer the confidence and courage and the space to just be and to pick up his life again. The instant chemistry between these two was intense and the way their relationship blossomed, it hit all the right notes for me.
I love when I’m so into a book that I don’t even realize how fast I’m reading it and it’s over before I know it. It’s good and bad…lol! Shane and Archer are lucky men.
June 21, 2025
I read the third book in this series first which was a mistake. I had briefly met Shane the oldest brother and Kieran, the second. I enjoyed the third book so much I determined to read the earlier books in the series.
Shane in this book comes across as just plain outspoken and sutubborn and even though he has financed the whole family seems ready to use that as a means of control. In this book, Shane falls for his best friend's brother and if Shane has control problems, Cyrus who is the cook at the Anchor (Shane's Bar) and Shane's best friend is even more controlling blaming Asher for Asher having been defrauded by his business partner.
The writing is good and there is no doubt I was captured to continue to read but as I found the characters less developed and less likeable, I just could not give the book the same rating as the third book in the series.
Shane in this book comes across as just plain outspoken and sutubborn and even though he has financed the whole family seems ready to use that as a means of control. In this book, Shane falls for his best friend's brother and if Shane has control problems, Cyrus who is the cook at the Anchor (Shane's Bar) and Shane's best friend is even more controlling blaming Asher for Asher having been defrauded by his business partner.
The writing is good and there is no doubt I was captured to continue to read but as I found the characters less developed and less likeable, I just could not give the book the same rating as the third book in the series.
December 31, 2025
It wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad. I'm sure a lot of people really like it. I don't even know why I didn't enjoy it. It felt very long to me.
My main issue was probably Archer. I just didn't like him. He became more likable throughout the book but at that point, I was already over it.
It was a lot of sex or I guess it felt like a lot of sex. There was not really a get to know phase, everytime they got together they had sex. No real conversations or anything.
The last third of the book definitely was the best. They finally felt like a couple and I believed their infatuation.
I really do like degradation in books, but I didn't vibe with it here. I guess my issue was that Archer was such a nasty bitch, that it didn't feel loving. I don't know how to describe it. I want to feel tenderness between couples, especially if they include degradation into their sex.
My main issue was probably Archer. I just didn't like him. He became more likable throughout the book but at that point, I was already over it.
It was a lot of sex or I guess it felt like a lot of sex. There was not really a get to know phase, everytime they got together they had sex. No real conversations or anything.
The last third of the book definitely was the best. They finally felt like a couple and I believed their infatuation.
I really do like degradation in books, but I didn't vibe with it here. I guess my issue was that Archer was such a nasty bitch, that it didn't feel loving. I don't know how to describe it. I want to feel tenderness between couples, especially if they include degradation into their sex.
January 5, 2025
This was such a great read! I loved Archer and Shane! We know Shane, Cyrus, and a few other characters from another series and it was great seeing them again! Archer is Cyrus’s little brother who has fallen on hard times due to his ex- best friend and co-partner. Shane is a bar owner where Cyrus works and doesn’t have to worry about money and has a heart of gold who loves to help people. He and Archer have instant chemistry and boy do sparks fly with these two! They are absolutely perfect for one another and I loved watching their relationship grow. They have a few things they need to take care of but everything works out perfectly. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend. I hope we get more Taggerts! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
January 2, 2025
A tattoo artist and a bar owner. A bear and a twink. A struggling guy and a wealthy-by-chance one. An instant attraction that soon becomes more. Add in the mix brother's best friend and bigger bottom/smaller top with a fascination for suspender, and the story sells itself. Archer and Shane are perfectly imperfect. I felt real both of them. Archer with his pride and desire to find his footing all by himself, and Shane with his huge heart that led him to help however he could. I loved that we had a glimpse of Ethan and his boyfriend, but you don't need to read their story to appreciate this one. Now I'm curious about Clayton, but I have my suspicions already 😊
January 26, 2025
The Breakfast at Bennett's series was great, and I was excited to learn that The Anchor series would be a spinoff of that. This first book focuses on owner of the Anchor, Shane Taggert and disillusioned tattoo artist Archer Kinsman. Shane is patient and kind, just what Archer needs after being betrayed by his former best friend. Shane is also submissive, which the smaller but dominant Archer is happy to discover. These two have great chemistry and are easy to care about. Their romance is full of heat and heart, and this is a great introduction to the new series. I can't wait for more in this world!
December 28, 2024
This book has a bit of everything - size difference, friends to lovers and a whole lotta spice! Shane owns a bar and Archer moves into the room above it to get back on his feet. He is a tattoo artist. Soon, they can't deny the instant attraction.
There are a lot of secondary characters from a former series. I'm sure it would be best to read them first, but I haven't yet, and I didn't have any trouble understanding what was going on. The found family element is very sweet and endearing. Great book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
There are a lot of secondary characters from a former series. I'm sure it would be best to read them first, but I haven't yet, and I didn't have any trouble understanding what was going on. The found family element is very sweet and endearing. Great book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
January 16, 2025
Archer and Shane are a perfectly balanced couple that just click so completely. It didn’t take long at all to feel their chemistry, and together they are wonderfully sweet and spicy. There is a bit of drama with Archer’s protective brother, Cyrus, but all-in-all this is a low angst romance. And whilst I usually prefer a book with mild spice level, in this case it felt realistic because of how neither Shane nor Archer had found what they needed in that sense from previous experiences. An enjoyable read for sure!
January 17, 2025
Suspenders!!!
Shane and Archer are so.great together. I love books with a bar atmosphere and found family. I'm a big fan of people watching so I feel like reading about the bar and people going in and out satisfies that need. This story isn't without some drama but it happens and everyone learns from it. I liked how this world and the Bennett's Diner came together. The chemistry between the two men was fire!!! Brother's best friend is one of my fave tropes and E.M. Denning writes them spectacularly!
Shane and Archer are so.great together. I love books with a bar atmosphere and found family. I'm a big fan of people watching so I feel like reading about the bar and people going in and out satisfies that need. This story isn't without some drama but it happens and everyone learns from it. I liked how this world and the Bennett's Diner came together. The chemistry between the two men was fire!!! Brother's best friend is one of my fave tropes and E.M. Denning writes them spectacularly!
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