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The Anchor #2
Drifting Hearts
Kieran Taggart’s days are spent looking after his family. He keeps tabs on his baby brother, who is still travelling abroad. He helps his mom out with her shelter, and he keeps his older brother Shane from being too stupid with his money. Kieran usually loves how generous his brother is, but not when he ends up tangled in someone else’s mess because of it.
Clayton Cross knows he messed up his life. One minute he was working with his best friend, and the next, he’d cleaned out the business accounts and left that friend high and dry. Taking the money was only supposed to be a temporary means to an end. The odds should have been in his favor, but once again things didn’t go his way.
Clayton hits rock bottom when he’s assaulted, and with nowhere to go, he’s forced to turn to the best friend he betrayed for help. Archer wants nothing to do with him, but can’t bear to let Clayton suffer.
Given refuge at Patricia Taggart’s shelter, Clayton can attend therapy and heal his broken bones. With his life in shambles and the future a complete mystery, all he knows for certain is that everyone hates him. Shane and Archer keep their distance, leaving Kieran to step in when Clayton needs help.
Kieran should have no use for a man like Clayton. A man who stole from his best friend and dug himself into a hole that Kieran’s brother had to pull him out of. Even so, the more time they spend together, the more Kieran feels his heart drifting toward Clayton. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Maybe he just needed someone to care for him.
But how could he entertain the idea of a relationship with a man his brother despises? Falling for Clayton Cross is a terrible idea. So why can’t Kieran seem to help himself?
Clayton Cross knows he messed up his life. One minute he was working with his best friend, and the next, he’d cleaned out the business accounts and left that friend high and dry. Taking the money was only supposed to be a temporary means to an end. The odds should have been in his favor, but once again things didn’t go his way.
Clayton hits rock bottom when he’s assaulted, and with nowhere to go, he’s forced to turn to the best friend he betrayed for help. Archer wants nothing to do with him, but can’t bear to let Clayton suffer.
Given refuge at Patricia Taggart’s shelter, Clayton can attend therapy and heal his broken bones. With his life in shambles and the future a complete mystery, all he knows for certain is that everyone hates him. Shane and Archer keep their distance, leaving Kieran to step in when Clayton needs help.
Kieran should have no use for a man like Clayton. A man who stole from his best friend and dug himself into a hole that Kieran’s brother had to pull him out of. Even so, the more time they spend together, the more Kieran feels his heart drifting toward Clayton. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Maybe he just needed someone to care for him.
But how could he entertain the idea of a relationship with a man his brother despises? Falling for Clayton Cross is a terrible idea. So why can’t Kieran seem to help himself?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
About the author
E.M. Denning
98 books560 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 5, 2025
This book is sweet, and a great sequel, but not what I hoped for. I wanted to know more about what drove Clayton to his gambling, and maybe also a bit more interaction with Archer. He didn’t need to forgive him, but it would have been nice if there was some more interaction, so Archer would have been more dimensional.
I liked the love story and build up between Kieran and Clay but it felt very sudden. Keiran went from hate to dislike and non-trust to kissing him and loving him. It totally took me by surprise, even though I obviously knew they had to get together at some point 🙃😁
Anyway it’s a nice book. Not great but still enjoyable.
I liked the love story and build up between Kieran and Clay but it felt very sudden. Keiran went from hate to dislike and non-trust to kissing him and loving him. It totally took me by surprise, even though I obviously knew they had to get together at some point 🙃😁
Anyway it’s a nice book. Not great but still enjoyable.
August 16, 2025
I was SO happy when I got an ARC for this one, because E.M. Denning's books have become equivalent to all the happy feels for me. And this one was no different. Another amazing book from one of my favorite authors.
I'll admit, I was a smidge worried going into this because of Clayton and what he did to Archer (from book 1), but honestly I shouldn't have been. This is a redemption arc done perfectly and realistically. I also just wanted to give Clayton a hug for most of the book because this poor guy deserved all the love, truly.
Meanwhile, Kieran is exactly the kind of grouchy, prickly asshole with the hidden soft heart that I adore. The romance of these two was so beautiful. Hesitant and reluctant at first, for obvious reasons. But when they really gave in? It soared and man did it give me all the feels.
Highly recommend this one, though reading book 1 is a must in my opinion. Because it's fantastic, but also because it gives more context to Clayton's past with Archer. But also just because it's equally amazing.
And because I couldn't just pick one quote, here's several.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit, I was a smidge worried going into this because of Clayton and what he did to Archer (from book 1), but honestly I shouldn't have been. This is a redemption arc done perfectly and realistically. I also just wanted to give Clayton a hug for most of the book because this poor guy deserved all the love, truly.
Meanwhile, Kieran is exactly the kind of grouchy, prickly asshole with the hidden soft heart that I adore. The romance of these two was so beautiful. Hesitant and reluctant at first, for obvious reasons. But when they really gave in? It soared and man did it give me all the feels.
Highly recommend this one, though reading book 1 is a must in my opinion. Because it's fantastic, but also because it gives more context to Clayton's past with Archer. But also just because it's equally amazing.
And because I couldn't just pick one quote, here's several.
His eyes were a stunning shade of blue, like the color of the Mediterranean, but they were flat. There was no spark or sparkle, no life in them. Just pain and sadness so deep I wondered how he hadn't drowned yet.
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The funny feeling in my chest kept appearing. It wasn't a heart attack. That would have been almost easier than admitting I found Clayton attractive.
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Want was the feral thing inside me that threatened to break free and pin Clay down underneath me. It had teeth that wanted to tear his clothes off his body so I could finally see the thing I'd dreamed of.
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I wanted to wrap myself up in Kieran and never let go. More than anything, I wanted to deserve it. Deserve him.
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No one would make my heart race the way he did. Would look at me the way he did. Would love me the way he did. And I'd never love anyone the way I loved him. It wasn't possible. My affection was endless. Boundless.
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We were a song I wanted to listen to forever.
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He growled at me, and it was kind of adorable. Like an angry kitten.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
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March 14, 2025We all need a little redemption in our lives... and Clayton needs a lot. I truly appreciate the slow building of trust between Clayton and Kieran, the open loveliness of Kieran's mother and the way that the characters from Turning Tides and the Breakfast at Bennett's series integrate into this book.
These characters were true to themselves and eventually built each other up stronger - which is a great bonus of building to their HEA. I can't wait to see what happens in Brodie's story!
These characters were true to themselves and eventually built each other up stronger - which is a great bonus of building to their HEA. I can't wait to see what happens in Brodie's story!
June 27, 2025
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like Clayton getting a redeeming story and I’m still not quite sure it is a redeeming story. He really doesn’t do a whole lot thru out the whole book other than heal from being beaten. He doesn’t do anything that is really redeeming at all. I wasn’t even sure why Kieran fell in love with him…to me it didn’t make much sense. Kieran fell in lust with him because he was there and sad and good looking. I didn’t get the chemistry from them at all. I didn’t like this story and EM is usually a favorite of mine so this makes me really sad.
March 16, 2025
Lessons Learned
This is a great story. I'm so happy that Clayton was able to get help and move on. I love the feeling of tension and animosity between Clay and Keiran. The build up and push and pull was fantastic. I'm sad about Archer and Clay's friendship. I hope things get better in the next one. The chemistry is hot. This is a definite read.
This is a great story. I'm so happy that Clayton was able to get help and move on. I love the feeling of tension and animosity between Clay and Keiran. The build up and push and pull was fantastic. I'm sad about Archer and Clay's friendship. I hope things get better in the next one. The chemistry is hot. This is a definite read.
March 13, 2025
When I read Turning Tides, (the first book in this series) and read about what Clayton did to Archer, I thought there would be no way he could be redeemed. Cause obviously if he could do something so heartless to his best friend then he's not a good person, right? I was really wrong.
E.M. Denning somehow made Clayton's character one that I sympathized and felt compassion and empathy for. He's had a rough life, he's never felt like he was good enough for those around him, and never felt as though he had anything substantial and if worth. Definitely doesn't excuse what he did, however, it helped explain his thought process behind what led him to doing what he did.
Despite Kieran being a massive grump for most of the book, I adore him so much. He's guarded and skeptical of most people but especially Clayton, rightfully so. However, overtime he realizes that Clayton is a good man, who has a good heart, who just made bad decisions. He made mistakes that cost him almost everything, but he's putting in the work to change, to heal, and to do better.
I enjoyed seeing these two men dance around their attraction, there was a nice buildup, a "will they, won't they" type of scenario. Especially because both of them felt as though they shouldn't be together because of everything that happened in Clayton's past. I thought the writing was engaging, the dialogue was entertaining and very emotional at times. I liked being able to witness Clayton grow and evolve, he admitted what he did was wrong, and put in the work and effort to change, To become a better version of himself, and that was really amazing to see happen.
Once Kieran got over his grumpy-ness, his open support of Clayton was so sweet, he did what he could to show the other man he was loved and cared for. And I just loved how they interacted with one another.
Oh! I have to add that I LOVED the mention of Bennett's Diner, and the characters from that series, it was really awesome to see those characters have mini cameos in this story.
I'm really looking forward to Brodie's story and seeing what's in store for this wonderful family.
E.M. Denning somehow made Clayton's character one that I sympathized and felt compassion and empathy for. He's had a rough life, he's never felt like he was good enough for those around him, and never felt as though he had anything substantial and if worth. Definitely doesn't excuse what he did, however, it helped explain his thought process behind what led him to doing what he did.
Despite Kieran being a massive grump for most of the book, I adore him so much. He's guarded and skeptical of most people but especially Clayton, rightfully so. However, overtime he realizes that Clayton is a good man, who has a good heart, who just made bad decisions. He made mistakes that cost him almost everything, but he's putting in the work to change, to heal, and to do better.
I enjoyed seeing these two men dance around their attraction, there was a nice buildup, a "will they, won't they" type of scenario. Especially because both of them felt as though they shouldn't be together because of everything that happened in Clayton's past. I thought the writing was engaging, the dialogue was entertaining and very emotional at times. I liked being able to witness Clayton grow and evolve, he admitted what he did was wrong, and put in the work and effort to change, To become a better version of himself, and that was really amazing to see happen.
Once Kieran got over his grumpy-ness, his open support of Clayton was so sweet, he did what he could to show the other man he was loved and cared for. And I just loved how they interacted with one another.
Oh! I have to add that I LOVED the mention of Bennett's Diner, and the characters from that series, it was really awesome to see those characters have mini cameos in this story.
I'm really looking forward to Brodie's story and seeing what's in store for this wonderful family.
April 9, 2025
What can I say...I'm a sucker for a good redemption story. Always have been always will be.
This was a pretty straightforward read; I do want to disclaim I did not read book one. But I will say this book sets you up with all the information you need to know. I didn't feel like I was missing much at all. And what is advertised in the synopsis is what you get.
Clayton and Kieran do not start off on the right foot (rightfully so), Clayton has done things that would make anyone wary. But being able to see them both open their hearts to one another and to witness Clayton burrow himself into Kieran's heart over the span of this book was just a wonderful experience from start to finish.
I also liked how Archer didn't just forgive Clayton for everything he did. Yeah, it hurt to watch them lose that friendship - but it was also very realistic and added a layer of complexity to the story that really elevated the book as a whole. Clay didn't just get off easy, he lost a lot (including his best friend) - but facing the music and working on himself and his healing enabled him to gain so much more.
The only downside to this book in my opinion is that the pacing of Clayton and Kieran's relationship was relatively quick, in the sense that things went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. I think if Denning had extended the book another 50 or so pages and really let us see and experience them falling in love - this truly would have been a 5-star read. However overall, definitely give this a read. It is so worth it!
Final Rating: 4/5
Notable Tropes
- Addiction (Gambling)
- Redemption
- Healing and Growth
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- One-Sided Dislike to Love
- Mental Health Rep
⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
CWs/TWs: References to Off-Page Assault
This was a pretty straightforward read; I do want to disclaim I did not read book one. But I will say this book sets you up with all the information you need to know. I didn't feel like I was missing much at all. And what is advertised in the synopsis is what you get.
Clayton and Kieran do not start off on the right foot (rightfully so), Clayton has done things that would make anyone wary. But being able to see them both open their hearts to one another and to witness Clayton burrow himself into Kieran's heart over the span of this book was just a wonderful experience from start to finish.
I also liked how Archer didn't just forgive Clayton for everything he did. Yeah, it hurt to watch them lose that friendship - but it was also very realistic and added a layer of complexity to the story that really elevated the book as a whole. Clay didn't just get off easy, he lost a lot (including his best friend) - but facing the music and working on himself and his healing enabled him to gain so much more.
The only downside to this book in my opinion is that the pacing of Clayton and Kieran's relationship was relatively quick, in the sense that things went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. I think if Denning had extended the book another 50 or so pages and really let us see and experience them falling in love - this truly would have been a 5-star read. However overall, definitely give this a read. It is so worth it!
Final Rating: 4/5
Notable Tropes
- Addiction (Gambling)
- Redemption
- Healing and Growth
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- One-Sided Dislike to Love
- Mental Health Rep
⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
CWs/TWs: References to Off-Page Assault
March 11, 2025
EM Denning stole my heart with Drifting Hearts. The raw emotions packaged in such beautiful realism on a heavy topic is awe-inspiring. I normally avoid books with addiction, and yet, this one nailed it. There was no easy fix, and I greatly admire the research and dedication the author put into this story.
Clayton and Kieran may now be my favorite couple by EM Denning. I never should have doubted the author’s ability to make me fall in love with Clayton. There was such complexity to the characters and relationships that I disappeared right into the pages with these two and hate that they only exist as words.
The chemistry between them is scorching, especially the way it’s layered. There’s such a push/pull right from the beginning. Seeing them come together? Breathtaking. I love how the author made sure that all characters receive complete attention—none of these characters are anything less than complex, perfectly imperfect people. And that goes for the entire series.
I was held captive from the very first word until the end—and even afterwards. It has stayed with me because of EM Denning’s ability to truly dig into a story and make it real. I can’t wait until the next one because I am hooked!
5+ stars for one of my favorite reads, passionate, realistic, and brilliant!
Clayton and Kieran may now be my favorite couple by EM Denning. I never should have doubted the author’s ability to make me fall in love with Clayton. There was such complexity to the characters and relationships that I disappeared right into the pages with these two and hate that they only exist as words.
The chemistry between them is scorching, especially the way it’s layered. There’s such a push/pull right from the beginning. Seeing them come together? Breathtaking. I love how the author made sure that all characters receive complete attention—none of these characters are anything less than complex, perfectly imperfect people. And that goes for the entire series.
I was held captive from the very first word until the end—and even afterwards. It has stayed with me because of EM Denning’s ability to truly dig into a story and make it real. I can’t wait until the next one because I am hooked!
5+ stars for one of my favorite reads, passionate, realistic, and brilliant!
March 18, 2025
4.25 Stars
I was a little worried about how I would feel about Clayton after reading the first book, but the author did an amazing job of portraying Clayton and giving him a realistic redemption. That being said, I think readers would be best off if they read Turning Tides to get the not only the backstory that is important to this one, but to get a good feel for the various characters. Keiran clearly didn't want to have anything to do with Clayton, but felt the need to protect his family and keep an eye on Clayton. I loved that Keiran's mother was so good a person and was able to see the good in Clayton. The trust between Clayton and Keiran built very slowly and in a way that felt organic. I liked that Clayton was doing his best to change his habits and trajectory as well as his determination to pay Shane back for everything. As protective as Keiran is of his family, he has a good heart that he tries to hide. Clayton and Shane try to avoid the growing attraction and feelings between them for obvious reasons, but I'm glad that they found their way together.
I was a little worried about how I would feel about Clayton after reading the first book, but the author did an amazing job of portraying Clayton and giving him a realistic redemption. That being said, I think readers would be best off if they read Turning Tides to get the not only the backstory that is important to this one, but to get a good feel for the various characters. Keiran clearly didn't want to have anything to do with Clayton, but felt the need to protect his family and keep an eye on Clayton. I loved that Keiran's mother was so good a person and was able to see the good in Clayton. The trust between Clayton and Keiran built very slowly and in a way that felt organic. I liked that Clayton was doing his best to change his habits and trajectory as well as his determination to pay Shane back for everything. As protective as Keiran is of his family, he has a good heart that he tries to hide. Clayton and Shane try to avoid the growing attraction and feelings between them for obvious reasons, but I'm glad that they found their way together.
March 14, 2025
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I love a redemption arc! And I’m so glad Clayton got his. What he did was horrible and a complete betrayal of his best friend, but addiction is a selfish beast.
The journey between them was amazing, and so realistic of the emotions the person and loved ones can take dealing with such a thing.
Self loathing, hatred, anger, sadness, mistrust. It had it all.
And grumpy Keiran, always feeling the need to protect his family, never getting the chance to really live his life for himself. I love him opening up and smiling more. He melted my heart.
A great pairing, with so much love and acceptance.
I love a redemption arc! And I’m so glad Clayton got his. What he did was horrible and a complete betrayal of his best friend, but addiction is a selfish beast.
The journey between them was amazing, and so realistic of the emotions the person and loved ones can take dealing with such a thing.
Self loathing, hatred, anger, sadness, mistrust. It had it all.
And grumpy Keiran, always feeling the need to protect his family, never getting the chance to really live his life for himself. I love him opening up and smiling more. He melted my heart.
A great pairing, with so much love and acceptance.
March 7, 2025
A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Clayton after what he did to Archer but he was definitely a sweetheart. He just made some really bad decisions but is trying his best. Kieran was such a grump but so lovable! He definitely did not like Clayton at first with good reason though. It was nice to see their relationship develop. They definitely had some major chemistry! I hope we get to see more of them in the next book and see how Clayton is coming along with everything! I loved how the Bennett’s were mentioned in here! This was a very enjoyable read that brought out some feels! I highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
December 7, 2025
This is a forced proximity romance, featuring Kieran Taggart and Clayton Cross, and is book two in the Anchor series.
Kieran helps care for his family, but things get complicated when he’s asked to look after Clayton, a man who’s hit rock bottom after betraying his best friend. As Kieran gets to know him, he starts falling for Clayton, even though he knows it’s a very bad idea.
This is a gentle, emotional story about two men who find each other when life is at its hardest. Kieran helps Clayton get back on his feet, and their slow-growing bond turns into a sweet romance.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Brother’s enemy
Hurt / Comfort
Gambling addict
Caretaker
Only one bed
Spicy times
Redemption arc
Found family
HEA
Kieran helps care for his family, but things get complicated when he’s asked to look after Clayton, a man who’s hit rock bottom after betraying his best friend. As Kieran gets to know him, he starts falling for Clayton, even though he knows it’s a very bad idea.
This is a gentle, emotional story about two men who find each other when life is at its hardest. Kieran helps Clayton get back on his feet, and their slow-growing bond turns into a sweet romance.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Brother’s enemy
Hurt / Comfort
Gambling addict
Caretaker
Only one bed
Spicy times
Redemption arc
Found family
HEA
March 15, 2025
It’s interesting to have two characters affected by gambling in different ways. Shane won the lottery and used the money for good whereas Clay always lost and it drove him to addiction and stealing from his best friend. Clay is definitely the villain in Archer’s book and so reading his redemption story was so lovely. He is putting in the work to do better (with on page therapy) and be better even if he never gets his friendship back with Archer. But the loving relationship Clay is able to build with Kieran (and his mom!) is so wonderful. And they really enjoy kissing. No third act breakup!
March 13, 2025
Drifting Hearts is the second book in the Anchor series, it can be read as a standalone but I think is so much better in order. This is a hurt/comfort read about Clayton and Kieran. I loved the storyline, the growth of the characters and seeing just what made Clayton do what he did was told so well, and the faith that Kieran's mom had in Clayton was so wonderful to see. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
May 7, 2025
Book two in The Anchor series picks up where book one left off. Reading this series in chronological order is advised.
Clayton is beaten and broken after he cannot repay his debts.
Kieren is tasked with overseeing his transfer from the hospital to his mom's safehouse upon release.
Kieren considers Clayton the enemy. After all, what kind of person would destroy their best friend and business partner's life?
Clayton is beaten and broken after he cannot repay his debts.
Kieren is tasked with overseeing his transfer from the hospital to his mom's safehouse upon release.
Kieren considers Clayton the enemy. After all, what kind of person would destroy their best friend and business partner's life?
July 10, 2025
This was a wonderful story of healing and falling in love. Clay needed a chance to start over, and Kieran - after a while - wanted him to have that chance. Clay broke my heart, and I was thrilled when Kieran embraced his growing feelings for him. I loved seeing these two grow closer, and I also loved the consistent gentle support from Kieran's mother. This romance was a pleasure to read.
March 1, 2025
In this story we get to see Kieran and Clayton's journey. I really appreciated their respective personal growth, how they struggle but then face the difficulties this situation brings to each of them.
And that last line? Oh. My. God!
And that last line? Oh. My. God!
March 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. I haven’t read book 1 - but I will go back and read it. Looking forward to Brodie’s story.
March 17, 2025
Great book. Even though Archer was once called Asher😉
March 18, 2025
4.5 stars
March 20, 2025
4☆
ѕριϲє:🌶
ℓαυgнѕ:🤣🤣
τєαяѕ:😭😭
мϲѕ: Clayton, Kieran.
ρον: 1st dual
τяορєѕ: Redemption, Hurt Confort, Brother's Enemy,
ѕριϲє:🌶
ℓαυgнѕ:🤣🤣
τєαяѕ:😭😭
мϲѕ: Clayton, Kieran.
ρον: 1st dual
τяορєѕ: Redemption, Hurt Confort, Brother's Enemy,
March 8, 2026
4
Sweet
Easy
Needed a little more
Sweet
Easy
Needed a little more
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews