The Summer House

English Hearts #1

by R.J. Scott

A standalone, English Hearts story

A rich playboy who lives for the now, and a Veterinarian who is ruled by his past, both seek a future that allows for love.

Ashby Sterling-Haynes, the youngest son of a titled family, has had a lot of hook ups, but has never found someone worth keeping. When he meets introverted Veterinarian, Connor Lawson, he realizes this could be the man he's been waiting for.

Connor has a painful past and no room for an entitled rich guy in his future. Ashby is everything that Connor dislikes in a man and is way too sexy to be anything but a disruption to Connor’s peaceful life.

Both men refuse to believe in love for different reasons. Until they meet each other and a future together becomes real...

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Animals, Contemporary Romance, Medical

192 pages, ebook

First published May 27, 2015

About the author

RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

Reviews

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I'm a huge RJ Scott fan. I've read so many of her books and I always love them. There's just something about her characters and stories that appeals to me. I always look forward to new series from her!

The Summer House is the first book in the English Hearts series and it's a great start to the series.

Connor can be a bit hard to warm up to at first. He's closed off and a rude to Ash when they first meet. But when you find out his story you realize why he is the way he is. I felt so bad for him. And I liked him even more than I did in the beginning.

Ash was fun and I liked him straight off. He was rich and confident and funny. I loved how much he wanted Connor and how hard he was willing to work to win him over.

The two of them together was very nice. The connection felt real. And I loved watching them come together as a couple. There was some hesitation on Connors part because of his ex. And I got that. Ash reminded him a little bit of the ex, so it was to be expected. I was so glad when Connor finally opened up to Ash about everything and then their relationship just grew from there.

The ending was perfect. I was smiling like an idiot when I was finished. And I'm really looking forward to the next book. It's a different couple, but I'm hoping we'll see a little bit of these two because it would be nice to see how they're doing.

[multitaskingmomma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original Blog Post: Pre-Release eARC Review & #Giveaway: The Summer House (English Hearts #1) by R.J. Scott

Review by: multitaskingmomma

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars



Connor is a vet working with pets, wildlife and such in a small town filled with people who knew each others' business like it was their own. The personal touch is a must, the extension of a helping hand is expected and taken for granted. Connor ran away to this small village from a past he did not want to talk about. He is secretive. He is collected. He is fearful of the unexpected. He stands aside as life passes him by, unwilling to take a risk in love and relationships. Excepting his best friend.

Ashby is of noble blood. With a family tree that could rival the branches of a prehistoric oak, he comes from money and blue blood. Respected by the people living in his family's vast estate and loved by them because he was who he was: a Sterling-Haynes. Looking for a summer romance was not in his plans, babysitting a temperamental cat was. When the cat gets into a cat fight, he runs to the vet and meets the one man who did not look at him in respect. Connor. The man who not only ignored him, but also seems to hate his very presence.

Ashby knows a challenge when he sees one and determines to win Connor onto his side, his friendship and hopefully his bed. But Connor is not proving to be an easy prey so Ashby needs to set the perfect trap. Easily thought of and planned than done, especially when his secrets could take a turn and bite him where the sun don't shine.

This was just an awesome read. I mean, sweet romance always is but with characters that come to life, that makes it simply wonderful.

The Summer House is a story not just about Ashby and Connor, it is also the story of the people living under the shadow of nobility and whose lives depended on the good graces of a family. Sounds archaic, but it is truth. There are still estates around and no matter how people gripe or think it is ridiculous, these families make hard work to make their lives work. However, the pros of this setting also has their cons and we get to read a bit of them swirling around a summer romance that could just mean forever.

Sweet!

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars from me. A slow burning romance set amongst beautiful Cotswold villages and countryside. I liked the MC's, uptight Connor and flirty Ash, and the fact that they were both harbouring secrets, no scrub that, I liked ALL the characters even Bessie the poor old dog and Donald...yes, that's DONALD (hehe) the boss of the local duck pond. Can't say I cared much for the homicidal ginger tom cat, but there you go, NOT a cat person I'm afraid.

I was very surprised at the non-resolution to Connor's PTSD problem as he appeared to be having a dreadful time getting over it - or should I say past it - and I could perfectly well understand Ash's thirst for revenge, BUT maybe Connor eventually came to the conclusion that he'd wasted enough of his life in fear of what had happened and how much had been taken from him, and had decided to go with the flow and see where this thing with Ash would take them. The only downside for me...I would have loved a little more heat in the story, but the ending was good RJ, and I will be following this series...I'm expecting the next story to be about Mark and ???, yes, I know who I think it will be, name begins with a letter G possibly??

[Runell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This marks my sixth book (or fifth book, one short story?), and I've finally just come to the conclusion that R.J. Scott is not the author for me.

I don't know exactly what it is about Scott's writing, but whatever it is, I find that her stories are incredibly annoying. The characters come off very cliche and stupid and I usually just want to punch them in the face. So, it's safe to say that I didn't like Ash, I didn't like Connor, and a part of me felt as though I was reading the first book to the Texas series all over again (which, I must admit, I did like that one because it's absolutely crazy and reminds me of Dallas).

I didn't absolutely hate it, but I didn't like it either, so it's just okay for me. I can see why people really like Scott's stories though. They're quick, they're simple, and they're crazy.

They're just not meant for me.

[Ay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dreary slow book. Didn't really warm to either character.

One MC embezzled 2 million pounds of his brothers' money for an investment. And it's all okay. (Even though he had no discernable reason for not seeking permission from his brothers to use the money.) (I still can't believe that happened).

Some readers cannot abide cheating in their romances. I've just realised I cannot abide unecessary financial impropriety. Or maybe my problem with it was the sheer stupidity, incompetence and lack of ethics. In an account manager of a large financial empire. In other words the writer failed to persuade me, the reader that this was sympathetic-character-behaviour.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I proof-read this book, and believe me, you don't want to miss it!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmm... I'm having a hard time writing a review about this book. I liked it, although it wasn't wonderful I enjoyed it but I was left thinking that Connor's story wasn't given the importance it deserved.
Ash was my favourite here. He was honest and hard working, he had a big heart and even though the author tried to sell him as a one-night-stand kind of guy, I never felt he was like that.
I spent the whole book wondering about Connor's past. What was so horrible for him to be reserved, to hate Ash on sight and just refuse to open his heart again. When the book got to that point and he explained it... Well, it was brutal and even though Connor was broken (and with reasons to be), I felt like the author treated the issue too lightly.
So yes, it was an ok book to read, but not extraordinary.

[Nerea]

DNF 60%



I tried! I have some RJ scott's books in favs , but this one is a no-no.
The main characters are SO clique and predecible... I´m not interested in the story at all because is pretty obvious what are going to do!!! ALso, the secondary characters are VERY present. I think they have too much protagonist :/

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series Opener

When RJ Scott decides to create a new set of characters and weave them into a series, watch out! You will be screaming at her and her publisher as the end of the first book to get on with it, already--give us more!

What a bunch of English city mouse/country mouse characters this one tosses at us. The sweet natured, but distinctly uptight, tall, blond, broad shouldered gay but not rainbow waving village veterinarian, Connor Lawson; and the cheeky, athletic, openly gay, rakish, promiscuous, and not-to-be-denied Ashby Sterling-Haynes. Both are perfectly portrayed on the cover.

This one sneaks around and lets you into Connor's head, but not all the way there to explain why he is so antagonistic to rich gay boys. However, it does not pussyfoot around when it comes to describing the Sterling-Haynes family, which turns out to be somewhat more level headed than one would expect from such a titled and apparently very loaded clan.

Along the way we come to know Connor's best friend, Rachel, who sets the tone for the book right in the first chapter, and one or two other village characters, including two who will become the subjects of the next one in the series.

You will laugh, you will wipe away a tear or two, you will want to strangle Connor and Ash every once in a while, but you will sail right through this one like you will most of Scott's books--and come away with an appetite for more, which she is promising us. Damn good idea.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer House is an example that love has healing properties. With patience, gentleness and niceness (Connor's word), Ash breaks down the barriers Connor has erected around his heart after a traumatic event in his past. Connor has a form of PTSD and the way the relationship develops between him and Ash is handled slowly and realistically. Trust starts slowly and love grows over time. R.J. Scott's work is filled with love and warmth and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers who enjoy watching opposites attract will be drawn to the complex relationship between veterinarian Connor and rich boy Ash in this sweet and sensual read. Over the course of one summer these two men will find themselves at crossroads that will not only push them together but pull them apart as they discover who they really are and what they really want. The quietness of village life is the backdrop to this relationship that is antagonistic at first but slowly becomes more profound as they deal with their pasts, prejudices, and expectations and readers will find themselves quickly caught up in the drama.

As a youngster Connor's sweetest memories were of summers spent at a cottage in Upper Fordham and it's where he came to heal after a very painful relationship left him bruised and battered inside and out. This painful past also left him fearful, doubtful of his feelings, and prejudice against those with money. His existence now revolves around his vet work and the very small group he allows into his heart...the sweet Rachel and the wise old man who owns the cottage that has always represented happiness, safety, and love. At first this all seemed fulfilling enough but meeting rich boy Ash has his heart racing and his hormones awakening. His fear and anger weigh heavily on him though and it takes a lot for Ash to finally break through his emotional walls but the journey is one that shows Ash in an unexpected way and has Connor growing stronger within himself and healing from the past. I enjoyed seeing Connor come out of his shell as he's a truly kindhearted person who deserved some goodness after being betrayed. His emotions were believable and had me aching for him early on but smiling as he and Ash grew closer.

Ashby comes from a well-established and wealthy family and with that comes many expectations that are slowly smothering him. He's always been the fun-loving brother flitting from one short-lived relationship to the next but meeting Connor has him wanting something more. At first he just enjoys the challenge but as they spend more time together he discovers a more meaningful bond forming between them. Getting rid of Connor's preconceived notions has Ash discovering things about himself he didn't want to admit before, but wanting Connor has him embracing the more mundane things in life that are more fulfilling to him. Throughout his own journey of self-discovery he and Connor grow closer in a relationship that starts out sweet and slow but quickly combusts in sexy and playful encounters. From start to finish I found Ash an enjoyable, larger-than-life character who was utterly charming. He wasn't afraid to go after Connor and that carried over into his embracing of a new stage in his life that was far more rewarding for him.

Though this story was very slow at the start it allowed the romance to progress in a believable way as Connor and Ash morphed from enemies to friends to lovers. The narrative sometimes got caught up in the history of the town too which left me clamoring for them to finally get together. When they finally gave in though it was a richly rewarding moment that was sweet, steamy, and playful. With two strong lead characters there was an equally memorable cast of secondary characters that were charming and supportive. The depictions of the quaintness of the town and its denizens created a safe and idyllic environment from which these characters could find themselves without judgement. The brotherly interactions between Ash, Ben, and Landon were also heartwarming and showed a different side to Ash that gave us our first glimpse of the substance behind his style. Ultimately Connor and Ash had a lot of intense personal baggage to work through and I found myself captivated by their journey and recommend this to fans of the m/m genre and all lovers of romance.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

The last thing veterinarian Connor Lawson needs in his life is a sexy, rich playboy like Ashby Sterling-Haynes. Connor once had a relationship with a wealthy playboy, and once was enough. In fact, not even his best friend knows the dark secret and emotional pain Connor carries from that encounter, but it is still affecting his life, and if he has any hope for a future with a man, he has to find a way to deal with it.

Ashby Sterling-Haynes is the youngest son in a wealthy, titled family. Currently the chief of the accounting department at the corporation’s headquarters in London, he’s staying at the country estate while his brother Ben, who manages the estate, is on his honeymoon. A mild flirtation with the vet leads to so much more, and a summer in which Ash thought he’d be bored, turns into a journey of self-discovery when he apprentices with a local carpenter to indulge his creative side and his itch to work with wood. Once only a dream, he discovers that his “hobby” may indeed turn out to be his career, at the same time he discovers that his flirtation with Connor is leading to a rich and fulfilling friendship and a deep and abiding love.

There are both struggles and poignant moments as Connor and Ash interact in the community. And there’s both humor and heartache as Connor works through his past fears, and Ash discovers what love is all about and realizes that he’s not only willing to fight for Connor, he’s eagerly looking forward to it.

I loved this couple. I haven’t loved another couple so much since I first met Jack Campbell and Riley Hayes in The Heart of Texas. Their chemistry was spot-on, and both their individual personalities and their behavior as a couple were genuine and exciting. The secondary characters, especially Landon and Rachel and Mick were all vital to the story and complemented the whole.

I highly recommend this one to those who love their M/M romance with a nice mixture of humor, angst, hurt/comfort, and sexy times all rolled into one very enjoyable package.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars I was drawn to this story for many reasons. The wonderful author, the Cotswold setting, a veterinarian main character, and yes - the gorgeous cover featuring an impishly intriguing dark haired man... This was a lovely, but by no means, fluffy read. The MCs both had some serious issues to work through. A heartwarming - and at times heartwrenching - story of two men who were willing and able to look beneath the surface, to discover and hold each other's hearts.

Connor and Ash seemed like opposites at first, but were more alike in their vulnerabilities than either might have expected. I liked them both right away. Their story grabbed me by the heart and wouldn't let me go. The journey that brought them together took time. Took a summer. Secrets and dreams were shared, preconceptions were worn away, trust was built. New life was breathed into them as new life was breathed into a crumbling cottage from Connor's boyhood. Some of the revelations were tough. Both men dealt with the other with patience and understanding - and the support of family and friends. I really appreciated that neither Connor or Ash felt cliched - Connor, the self made veterinarian, was hurting from his past yet was still able to be attracted to and want another man. He was able to decide to put down roots and not run away. Ash, the seemingly posh, wealthy heir, was one to have hook ups rather than relationships, yet he was no heartless player... far from it. I loved getting to know these men and seeing them fall in love. The charming historic village setting was beautifully brought to life as a key thread running throught the hearts and souls of all the characters.

Looking forward to more books in this series.

[Diverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a love story with so much conflict. Ash is misunderstood by Connor. Connor's past is leaving him in a pool of doubt and quite judgmental. Of course when Ash and Connor finally do connect they quickly realize they aren't much different. I liked this story and the imagery RJ Scott gave to it. I felt like I was there, living and breathing with them. My heart ached for Ash so very much. He's surrounded by love and understanding yet he is hard on himself. This is a descriptive story. From landscape to location RJ Scott makes sure you know where you are and what you're seeing. You can get consumed in the moment in the best way.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

You breathe the English countryside in this beautifully written slow burning romance. It took me a while to warm up to Connor, who came up as rigid and neurotic, until I realized he was angry and judgemental because he had been hurt and needed to protect himself - enjoyed Ash slowly taking down his defensive walls with his charm and persistence. A really pleasurable read in which you get to love the main characters as well as a fully fleshed set of secondary characters that highly enrich the story.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love in this book develops beautifully over a summer in the English countryside. Connor and Ash both so likeable for different reasons. The secondary characters are also so important to the enjoyment of this book. The chapter towards the end with Mick really resonated with me and now (the next day) I'm still weepy. I hope we keep in contact with these characters in future books, but I'm sure with RJ Scott writing them we'll have a wonderful time reading them.

[Claire Potterton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real romance! A touch of angst from the past, some really good steamy scenes, lots of kissing, (does it for me), strong friendships, great sibling relationships and a happy ending. A really enjoyable love story.

[Barbara Lampron · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved it!!!!!!!!

It had just the right amount of angst and a whole lot of heart. And it made me cry when the dog has to be put to sleep. And Rj, I just can't wait for the next book! I will have my Kleenex handy.

[Elci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't expecting to cry, so thanks for that Connor, Ash and assorted community members. Bess, say hi to Quinn and Tasha when you meet up.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story, to enjoy because of the characters, the environment,the writing.
All simply so right. I loved it.

[Vinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Love Ash and Connor.

[Bogusia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
This was a great first book in a series!
Excited for the next one :)

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Loved it!

[Christy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Burn With Feels

I got this back in 2020 and since this is last month of summer I said this be great time to finally read it. I gave a four star because at first Connor annoyed me and I'm not huge on slow burns. That's my draw back. People should for sure give a read but trigger warnings for mention of past rape also of death inside here and of mention of cancer.

Connor is thinking that Ash is like his ex who was rich as well but her learns slowly as they build things up after Ash finally convinces Connor to give him a chance that he's nothing like Tristan except he does have money. I broke over this three different times as things were revealed as to why Connor is so closed off and the two that don't make it.

The sex was hot, but I did love them getting to know each other after Ash broke down Connor's walls. The lunch dates and the time spent together was sweet. Really loved Ash's brothers Ben and Landon. They all get happiness that they deserve. The cat Tux had my heart and that deer as well. Bessie omg my sweet girl how I loved you and Mick.

I was happy that Connor got the summer home his parents and him use to go to when he was a kid. Rachel who's Connor's friend was great and got her happy as well. She is nurse for animals where Connor is a vet. So glad I finally read even if had me in good and sad tears from laughing and then crying. RJ you know how to deliver.

[Pontiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor has a lot of walls up due to a past relationship. Ash, usually a player, wants to get through the barriers because he can’t stop thinking of him.

This is both a sweet story of love and a tragic story of pain. I love the main characters, and their family and friends. It’s nice to have Connor’s friend Rachel fall for Ash’s brother, goofy Landon, who’s so cute. Old man Mick is great too.

It’s interesting to see both mens’ lives develop, with Connor becoming a partner at the vet clinic, and Ash figuring out he wants to do carpentry. The summer house has its own lovely story.

Best book by this author so far.

KU

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conner has been badly burned and at first it seems like meeting Ash just dragging up the bad memories and he doesn't seem how this could be any better. A funny thing happens somewhere between being afraid and decided for a summer fling. Real feelings develop and getting to know a person helps you be less judgmental. Love has a way of sneaking up on a person. Ash is a great guy and his own journey of self-discovery helps him be just the man Conner needs.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

The story was emotional from start to finish. I read it from cover to cover, metaphorically speaking. I very seldom cry at the written word, but boy did I with this one. To me this is the ultimate compliment, for a story to take one through all the emotional ups and downs. Well written and definitely recommend!

[lori forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely awesome book

OMG I love this book there is so much love all around and laughs too!! Ahhh and tears I cried big fat tears over Bessie & Mick I'm glad it was short but seriously this book is very well written and there needs to be a follow-up maybe the wedding & honeymoon???

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual for this author but I found this story a bit slow and slightly boring, hate to say that. There was enough there to make me keep going, if only to see how everything ended, sadly not one of my favorites from this author.

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the right amount of angst.

Ash is a playboy or so everyone thinks but deep down, he wants to settle down. Connor not only has physical scares but emotional scares as that are deep rooted. Cookie is overly cautious when it comes to Ash. Will time tell?