Turning Tides

The Anchor #1

by E.M. Denning

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, LGBT, Gay, Queer

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

EM 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.

Reviews

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I 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!

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Archer, Shane.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual.
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢:Brother's best friend, Grumpy Sunshine,.


SHANE 🥰

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 "Clayton had been dealt with..." 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.

[Jax · Rating 2 out of 5]

Degrading dirty talk is so not my thing. DNF @21%.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.”""

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elodie Melody]

I 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.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Daryn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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🌟

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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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!

[Tina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[DJ McCready · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Susi June · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Mary Vitrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 😊

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[bridgetann · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I enjoyed while reading, but it wasn't anything special or memorable. It was low angst with plenty of heat and dirty talk. I did really like Archer, but Shane seemed a bit flat to me. There was an actual plot to the book, which I always appreciate, but it did seem to revolve mostly around Archer. This series is spin-off of Breakfast at Bennett's, but it easily be read as a stand alone with no issues

Overall, an ok book but definitely isn't going on my favorites list.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time summoning up some likeable feelings for Archer in the first part of this, what a bad tempered young man! And to the people that wanted to help him! Fortunately the storyline was amazing otherwise I think I would've given up on it. Also fortunately he does get better, quite a bit better. But, to give him a little credit, life did throw him a big wobbler in losing his workplace, his (so called) friend, and his money. Then there's Shane, gorgeous, kind-hearted Shane, he truly makes this a lovely read. A great story, good characters, all making a perfect tale.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! Turning Tides was best friend’s brother romance, and it was so sweet!

Despite a lifetime of struggling, one winning lottery ticket changed everything for Shane and his family. As a result, he’s spent his time since helping others down on their luck whenever possible. He otherwise spends his time working at his bar, helping his mom, or spending time with his best friend Cyrus.

Archer, the younger brother to Cyrus, has just lost everything. His home, his business, his best friend. All stolen right from beneath him, from someone he thought he could trust. He is angry, bitter, and living on the couch at Cyrus’ place.

When Shane and Archer meet, and realize their chemistry is off the charts, and that they are exactly what the other is looking for, will they be able to keep things casual? As brother and brother’s best friend, and with a chance to get everything they have both wanted, their story kept me on my toes.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning Tides is the first book in the new Anchor series by E.M. Denning and it is great so far, this is a spinoff from Breakfast at Bennett's and while not necessary to read it first I highly recommend that series also. This is a sweet and steamy, low angst read about bar owner Shane and tattoo artist Archer. I loved this wonderful story and all the great characters and can't wait for the next book.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the interactions between Archer and Shane. I’m a sucker for Twink Top/Beefy Bottom. However, when they both started to think “love” and then professed it, I was surprised. There were only a couple deeper conversations and so it felt like their depth of the relationship hadn’t been established. Overall I did really enjoy it though, and will likely check out the related books.

[Michael Burlager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally enjoyable

I liked this story from E.M. Denning. Enjoyed most everything about the two main characters except for the need for 'slut' name calling, repeatedly, during sex. What was written to come off as a sexy kink or something, was nothing but a turn off for me. If it doesn't bother you, I say go ahead and enjoy the book.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane and Archer work even though they probably shouldn't- this is a ooh best friends brother..angst and friendship and drama


Ser in the same world as Breakfast at Bennets where we first met Shane but can definitely be read as a standalone