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Clearwater
In the small coastal town of Clearwater, Aston Carter is looking for a fresh start. After moving here with his mother, he’s struggling to find his place, haunted by the loss of his father and unsure of where he fits in the world. Everything changes when he meets Eli Taylor—an introverted young man who is wrestling with his own inner battles, torn between crushing family expectations and the pull of his heart.
Aston and Eli’s connection is undeniable, but it’s complicated by secrets, fears, and the pressures that threaten to tear them apart at every turn. As they navigate friendship, love, and the weight of their identities, the two boys find themselves on the brink of something truly life-changing.
But not all storms can be seen on the horizon. When an unexpected turn of events alters their course, Aston finds himself grappling with the meaning of life and love.
Clearwater is a heartfelt coming-of-age exploration of love, identity, and the struggles that shape who we are. It’s a story of finding hope in the most unexpected places and realizing that love can transform even the darkest moments.
Aston and Eli’s connection is undeniable, but it’s complicated by secrets, fears, and the pressures that threaten to tear them apart at every turn. As they navigate friendship, love, and the weight of their identities, the two boys find themselves on the brink of something truly life-changing.
But not all storms can be seen on the horizon. When an unexpected turn of events alters their course, Aston finds himself grappling with the meaning of life and love.
Clearwater is a heartfelt coming-of-age exploration of love, identity, and the struggles that shape who we are. It’s a story of finding hope in the most unexpected places and realizing that love can transform even the darkest moments.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
128 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 30, 2025
This is the first romance book I’ve read. I figured since it was Pride month I’d celebrate by reading something out of my wheelhouse.
I now know that romance genre is not for me, but this had some good moments that kept me interested enough to finish.
The first half was the hardest to get through as it’s a will-they-won’t-they love story that imo was very slow and repetitive. I get annoyed by people’s thoughts being wishy washy and hesitant. (Just kiss the guy already!) But this is probably a common trope in the genre that I don’t enjoy.
The story takes a turn when some serious conflict is introduced that had my attention for the rest of the book. Once the conflict happened there was suspense and tragedy and a bunch of things that by the end made it an enjoyable read.
I now know that romance genre is not for me, but this had some good moments that kept me interested enough to finish.
The first half was the hardest to get through as it’s a will-they-won’t-they love story that imo was very slow and repetitive. I get annoyed by people’s thoughts being wishy washy and hesitant. (Just kiss the guy already!) But this is probably a common trope in the genre that I don’t enjoy.
The story takes a turn when some serious conflict is introduced that had my attention for the rest of the book. Once the conflict happened there was suspense and tragedy and a bunch of things that by the end made it an enjoyable read.
August 26, 2025
It was ok, but - at least in my Kindle version - there were WAY too many typos, dropped words, incorrect words, so much so that it was distracting. This book needs another copy edit.
August 25, 2025
I think there's a good core story here, but the writing style tanked it. I wondered if it was AI written. The characters talk in circles, saying the same things repeatedly across the same chapter and even across multiple chapters. There are inconsistencies in the age of the characters and the timeline of the book. It was hard to read and I did skim a lot in the second half.
April 29, 2025
This is not a HEA; It is a story of love, loss, rejection, acceptance, and grief
Egan Sheridan has developed a narrative set in a town focused on its waterways and closed houses, where numerous secrets are concealed. The protagonist, Aston Carter, resides there with his mother following their relocation from the town where his father succumbed to cancer, and he and his mother live in heavy grief aggravated by causal reminders there.
Struggling with profound grief stemming from his father's death, Aston wrestles with his emotions, while his mother endures the pain of losing her spouse. Aston, who identifies as gay, decides to accept employment at the marina after several months, where Eli Taylor is anticipated to assume his parents' business upon marriage. However, Eli unexpectedly falls in love with Aston in a poignant manner, masterfully depicted by Egan Sheridan. Both Eli and his family grapple with the tragic drowning of his sister, Joy. This loss has led Eli’s mother to adopt a more conservative and controlling approach, pressuring Eli to pursue a relationship with an agreeable young woman.
This situation generates conflict for Eli, who is aware that such a relationship does not align with his desires, yet he struggles to disclose his affection for Aston to his parents. Aston encourages Eli to embrace his true identity, but Eli is mindful of the emotional burden his parents bear from their daughter's death, causing him to hesitate, which frustrates Aston.
Ultimately, Eli and Aston find themselves blackmailed regarding their relationship, leading the narrative into darker and more harrowing territory, resulting in considerable emotional turmoil for the reader. The tale is profoundly sorrowful, and while there exists a glimmer of hope for future happiness, it ultimately resides in friendship and shared experiences that facilitate a resolution to persevere.
This represents my second encounter with the works of Egan Sheridan, and I appreciate his writing style, particularly his third-person narrative perspective throughout much of the text. The prologue is the stuff of great novels, discussing love in near-poetic prose. The opening chapter establishes a bleak atmosphere before the development of the burgeoning romance. The conclusion provides a semblance of hope, suggesting that we can endure through the memories we share.
Egan Sheridan has developed a narrative set in a town focused on its waterways and closed houses, where numerous secrets are concealed. The protagonist, Aston Carter, resides there with his mother following their relocation from the town where his father succumbed to cancer, and he and his mother live in heavy grief aggravated by causal reminders there.
Struggling with profound grief stemming from his father's death, Aston wrestles with his emotions, while his mother endures the pain of losing her spouse. Aston, who identifies as gay, decides to accept employment at the marina after several months, where Eli Taylor is anticipated to assume his parents' business upon marriage. However, Eli unexpectedly falls in love with Aston in a poignant manner, masterfully depicted by Egan Sheridan. Both Eli and his family grapple with the tragic drowning of his sister, Joy. This loss has led Eli’s mother to adopt a more conservative and controlling approach, pressuring Eli to pursue a relationship with an agreeable young woman.
This situation generates conflict for Eli, who is aware that such a relationship does not align with his desires, yet he struggles to disclose his affection for Aston to his parents. Aston encourages Eli to embrace his true identity, but Eli is mindful of the emotional burden his parents bear from their daughter's death, causing him to hesitate, which frustrates Aston.
Ultimately, Eli and Aston find themselves blackmailed regarding their relationship, leading the narrative into darker and more harrowing territory, resulting in considerable emotional turmoil for the reader. The tale is profoundly sorrowful, and while there exists a glimmer of hope for future happiness, it ultimately resides in friendship and shared experiences that facilitate a resolution to persevere.
This represents my second encounter with the works of Egan Sheridan, and I appreciate his writing style, particularly his third-person narrative perspective throughout much of the text. The prologue is the stuff of great novels, discussing love in near-poetic prose. The opening chapter establishes a bleak atmosphere before the development of the burgeoning romance. The conclusion provides a semblance of hope, suggesting that we can endure through the memories we share.
August 30, 2025
Awesome
This is one of them books that you think about for several days after you have read it. If you are looking for hot sexual situations this book isn’t for you. If you want to read about friendship, love, happiness and understanding then this is a must read. There is really no happy ending to this book but really there is. My hope is that Jordan and Aston eventually find love and move to a town that is accepting of their lifestyle. Clearwater is not a place to be gay. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. The author did an amazing job writing it and telling a story.
This is one of them books that you think about for several days after you have read it. If you are looking for hot sexual situations this book isn’t for you. If you want to read about friendship, love, happiness and understanding then this is a must read. There is really no happy ending to this book but really there is. My hope is that Jordan and Aston eventually find love and move to a town that is accepting of their lifestyle. Clearwater is not a place to be gay. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. The author did an amazing job writing it and telling a story.
December 19, 2024
This is one of the most compelling stories I have read. I have read it multiple times and each time I feel as though I get more meaning out of it. The prologue caught my attention and kept it. The fears, insecurities, love, and acceptance make this story one you don’t want to miss out on. This author writes in a way that touches your heart and his stories linger in your mind. I eagerly await his next book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
September 6, 2025
2.5 stars
My biggest issue was how old are the main characters?!?!!?! I believe they are at least 21, as they bought beer at a festival, but they were written as 16- or 17-year-olds. They way they acted, interacted with each other, and are treated by the other characters makes it seem like a young adult book. It was very confusing.
Also, yes, the kindle edition needed an editor! Badly!
My biggest issue was how old are the main characters?!?!!?! I believe they are at least 21, as they bought beer at a festival, but they were written as 16- or 17-year-olds. They way they acted, interacted with each other, and are treated by the other characters makes it seem like a young adult book. It was very confusing.
Also, yes, the kindle edition needed an editor! Badly!
September 28, 2025
Incredible!
This is the first Egan Sheridan book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last! I lived getting to know the characters so deeply, and the story took turns that kept me up WAY later than I planned. But the lack of sleep was well worth the time reading such a heartfelt story. I loved this book!
This is the first Egan Sheridan book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last! I lived getting to know the characters so deeply, and the story took turns that kept me up WAY later than I planned. But the lack of sleep was well worth the time reading such a heartfelt story. I loved this book!
August 3, 2025
Great story about man love and life down in Clearwater, Fl, where we used to live. One small problem was that Clearwater is on the Gulf Coast not the East Coast which would make the story being on the Atlantic Ocean.
September 20, 2025
intensely emotional
This story about two young men really hit me. They both struggle with family changes, coming out, acceptance, love and profound loss. There is hope in rebuilding and recovery, of course. But in life and in fiction, struggles can be very difficult.
This story about two young men really hit me. They both struggle with family changes, coming out, acceptance, love and profound loss. There is hope in rebuilding and recovery, of course. But in life and in fiction, struggles can be very difficult.
October 1, 2025
OMG! This was amazing!
Didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. It turned out to be wonderful and emotional. I cried from sadness and happiness. Highly recommend!
Didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. It turned out to be wonderful and emotional. I cried from sadness and happiness. Highly recommend!
August 29, 2025
ending threw me for a loop but it was worth the read.
September 14, 2025
Great writing!
Best MM Literature, I have ever read! Well developed characters, that you really care about! Hard to put down! And well worth the time
Best MM Literature, I have ever read! Well developed characters, that you really care about! Hard to put down! And well worth the time
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews