Hide and Seek

Appleton Falls #2

by Felice Stevens

I’m finally living the life I want as a deputy sheriff in the small town of Appleton Falls. I gave up my job as a cop in the NYPD to search for the truth about a father I barely know, except finding him brought me no peace.
But I’m happy. Really. I’d love to fall in love, but it just hasn’t happened. Yet.

Then he shows up to join our force.
My old high school nemesis, Dominic Starr. The gorgeous loner and the bane of my existence.
As well as my secret fantasy.
Why did he leave the NYPD? Was he running from his powerful father? Or hiding from him?

It’s not like he wants to forgive and forget and be friends. At every turn he’s in my face, taunting and teasing me with that stupid nickname he loves and knows I hate.
Starr should be careful, because he’s got secrets only I know.
And one of them is mine as well.
But when the past we both want to leave behind crashes into our present—with deadly consequences—neither of us can hide what we’ve been running from all our lives: The future we both seek is in each other’s arms.
If we make it out alive.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Police, Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2026

About the author

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide and Seek by Felice Stevens is book two in the Appleton Falls series. This book surprised me. I loved the connection between these two, the unshakable support and devotion they had for each other. But also, the suspense was pretty intense. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens next!



Emerson Kane is a deputy for the Appleton Falls Police Department. He considers himself straight. He’s been on countless dates but has never found a woman that stuck. Even though he really does want a lasting relationship, someone to come home to. Emerson left the NYPD for the small town of Appleton Falls both to get away from the dangerous city life, and to pursue the truth about what happened with his father. He loves his life in Appleton Falls, except that two years ago, his high school nemesis also made the move from New York. Why did he have to come here? Every time they see each other, Dominic makes sure to say something to annoy him.

Dominic Starr also left the NYPD for Appleton Falls. In New York, he worked under his father, who was a bully and loved to make his life miserable. Small town life sounded great. Dominic also considers himself straight but has no interest in being in a relationship.



Dominic and Emerson share a past, they went to high school together. A past they both have tried their best to leave behind. But when they are finally face to face, that past comes roaring back. Only this time, they are adults and ready to face it head on. Because maybe there is a reason neither of them has ever been able to find someone they want to be with. Maybe it was each other that they had been waiting for.

“He stared into my eyes, and something shifted between us, an almost audible click in the air that where we were once separate, now together, we were whole.”

Only, just as they are finding their way together, Dom’s secrets catch up with him. Things that put both he and anyone close to him in danger. But, there is only one way forward, and that is to finally take care of the past. And he is the only one that can do it.



I want to praise this author because once her men find each other and figure out they are where they are supposed to be, that is where they stick, with unwavering dedication. No matter what happened, Emmy and Dom stayed strong. These two really were meant for each other and I loved them together. Now, I can’t wait for the next book in this series, The Boyfriend Proposal, which is Theo and Jaxon’s book!

[Sara Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew this one wasnt for me but I tried it anyways. Both MCs were manwhores in book 1, in this one both MCs were with OP until 18%, and then they drop the " it has always been you" bullshit.

Starr and Emerson went to high school together and even worked at the same police precinct before moving to Appleton Falls. The rivals part was well written but the "guy talk" was OTT.

They both spent the last 3ish years hating each other, banging everything with legs but I'm supposed to believe they were doing it because they wanted each other too much?

I will give credit for not having a third act break up and Starr's undercover operation that brought his dad down.


STARR 7% :
She pouted and sat up. “How about tonight after work? I’ll make you dinner. I bet you could use a good, home-cooked meal, baby.”
She ran her pink tongue across her lips, and I almost relented. Jeanette could perform magic with that sweet mouth. But if I said yes, it might seem like we were heading toward dating, and that wasn’t my speed.
“Sorry. Can’t.” I leaned over to kiss her. “Good night. Lock up after I leave.”
She slipped on a sheer robe and stood at the door. “If you change your mind, give me a call."
I wouldn’t, but I didn’t want her to think I was a bastard. “I will. Sleep well.”



Cringe:
“I bet. But see, I don’t have that urge to reproduce.” Bradford smirked.
“Only the urge to merge, huh?”
Glad we were back on a more lighthearted track, I grinned. “You got that right.”



“Damn, Starr, you’re pretty fine.” Over his shoulder, he winked at me as he toweled off and put on a shirt.
“I know.” Gingerly, he sat on the bed.
“You’re pretty fucking hot yourself, Emmy. I still need to do a close-up inspection of those tats.”

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting out this one was fantastic, I was devouring it. It had great tension it had animosity. It was such a perfect blend. I didn’t wanna put it down and then I got to about 30% and it was like hitting a brick wall the story went from 0 to 60 in like three pages and it never turned back around for me. I struggled immensely with this book. It had so much potential, but it turned into an Insta love super quickly and things sped right up, the characters seemed to change away from who they were and not really like in a growth aspect . It just went into a direction I did not care for and I feel like if it would’ve been done differently, it could’ve been a knockout book. I had really high hopes based off of the tropes, but this definitely did not live up to those. It had so much potential it really did, I wish it would’ve expanded more on their backstory and how they got to the point that they were in this book it made it seem like a lot more happened between them than was described and we never got to see any of that. Now this is just my opinion we all have our preferences and likes and dislikes, and not every book is for us. It does not make it a bad book. This book just isn’t for me.

[Rachel Kreger · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was hard for me to get into. I was skimming from the start but things finally started happening in the story and I was drawn in. I’m excited for the next one.


𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Felice Stevens book, I always say it’s my favorite. I don’t know how Felice does it, but each book she writes just exceeds my expectations.

I loved Emerson and Dominic so much. They had a rocky relationship since they were in high school together. Some might say they hated each other but deep down, it was just attraction.

Emerson moved away from the bustle and hustle of the city to start over. He wanted a quieter life in a town with low crime and away from the man who hijacked his dreams. But as luck would have it, said man ended up in the same department as him.

Dominic had an unhealthy obsession with Emerson. He loved to rile him up. To everyone, including Emerson, Dominic couldn’t stand him but the reality was that he wanted Emerson since they were teens. He was one of the reasons why Dominic left the NYPD and joined the Appleton Sheriff’s Department.

Emerson was the only person who knew part of what Dominic’s life was like. He witnessed how brutal his father could be but had no idea the extent of his cruelty.

When Emerson responds to a call and finds Dominic hurt, he immediately goes on protective mode. He might hate his guts, but Emerson would never let him get hurt.

It is this particular incident that makes Dominic evaluate his feelings for Emerson. Knowing how close they came to being seriously injured or worse, Dominic feels compelled to seek him out. But like it always happens when they’re together, tempers flare and he ends up walking away.

Emerson can tell something is wrong with Dominic but knows that the stubborn man would never open up to him. Yet, when Emerson is dealing with betrayal, Dominic is the one who’s there for him.

After that, something shifts between them and all those repressed feelings come to the surface. They can’t no longer deny what’s been building between them since their school years. Dominic wants Emerson and is tired of holding back.

Seeing them finally get together healed something in me. They both went through so much, especially Dominic who had to endured his fellow officers thinking the worst of him.

To say Dominic’s father is the worst of the worst is an understatement. That man deserves to burn in hell for everything he put Dominic through. It definitely was satisfying to see Dominic being the one to bring him down😤

Emerson was the anchor for Dominic when his life started to unravel due to his father’s actions and he was volunteered to help bring him down. He was the one Dominic could really count on that would never let him down.

His feelings for Emerson were deeper than a simple teenage crush. They had always been each other’s person before they even realized it. It just wasn’t the right time.

“𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆.”
“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅.”
“𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒉. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.”

This book has taken the number one spot on my Felice Stevens list! I have loved each and every one of the ones I’ve read, but this one is my new number one🥰 Can’t wait for book three. I’m officially invested in this series.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emerson & Dominic

These two may start off the story in a rocky place, but they are really good together once they get their issues out of the way. I enjoyed reading along as they made their way to a happily ever after.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Nena Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this. Who knew I would love love a cop book, even tho half my family were cops lol But this book was full of love and finding it. It was a page turner for sure, I read it in one setting. Let me just say I hated his dad!!! He was a douch!!

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hide and Seek is my first from Felice Stevens and it won't be my last. I know this author has many, many books under her writing belt and that M/M is her forte. And I can see why so many adore her work since she takes good care of her characters and allows them to stumble but never fall, unless it's in the arms of the one man that makes everything better.

For Dominic Starr and Emerson Kane, theirs was not an easy pairing. In fact, for the past two years, these police deputies could barely stand the sight of the other, memories of high school tormenting both of them. But I guess you could say that in their situation, there truly is a very fine line between love and hate. With that line broken almost as easily as it was drawn, when walls come down and they each realize that there had to be a real reason why any relationship with a woman prior never really worked out. They really were waiting for the other and once that wait is over, all bets are off and the heat between them is nothing short of explosive.

I liked that Stevens gives us two straight men, who may have fantasized about the other as teens, but never thought they could be bi. That both Dom and Emmy fell for the other a long time ago, but could have ever imagined they'd actually be together. A very interesting discovery I hadn't truly read about until now. And Stevens is respectful to her guys in allowing them to fall for the other because they love each other's hearts and most importantly their souls. Sure, their looks help a whole lot but as they get to know each other now as adults, you could tell they really did like what they discovered beneath the pretty packaging.

Dom and Emmy have great chemistry and their first trysts were sweet as they navigate a whole new kind of lovemaking. But they don't take long to find a sensual rhythm and find they can't get enough. Stevens writes passion beautifully, showing that longing, that desperation to feel complete with one another and for Dom and Emmy, they fit together (no pun intended) like two pieces of a very complicated puzzle.

Both men have had difficult relationships with their respective fathers and as the story progresses and Dom has to go undercover to bring a powerful man down, I was afraid too much might happen to force these two apart. But Emmy is strong enough for both of them and I loved that no matter what, he had Dom's back, even when the rest of their small-town police department didn't.

Hide and Seek is a story of sexual awakening, with two men who finally find the right person to love. There are plenty of ups and downs, plenty of indecision and insecure thoughts but in the end, both Dom and Emmy find in the other exactly what they have always needed, the rest of the world be damned. Thankfully, they live in a town where they can live their lives as they want and I can't wait to hear how they are faring in the next book in the Appleton Falls series. I know I'll definitely be wanting to continue with both this author and her great characters.

4 solid stars!

[Tara Baja · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to describe Hide and Seek: Appleton Fall Book 2 by Felice Stevens, I would say that it's a straightforward MM/Bi-awakening, slow burn, enemies to lovers, ex-NYPD, current Deputies of a small-town, romance with a dramatic crime subplot for flair that ties everything together in the end. Long sentence right? But it says it all.

Emerson Kane and Dominic Starr went to highschool together in NYC, but they weren't friends. In fact, Dominic was the school star, while Emerson kept to himself. Emerson was bullied by Dom and his crew, but it didn't stop them from sharing a secret that they kept for over 10 years after they graduated. They both went off to become NYPD, yet eventually left for the small-town of Appleton Falls.

It wasn't by accident that they both ended up in the same town. They each had father issues that led them there. Becoming deputies in a slower pace community is something they both needed, yet they still weren't close enough to be called acquaintances. That is, until they responded to a crime in progress, ultimately sharing a bond. That's when their ten year secret became not so secret between the two, and they slowly fell for each other.

It may seem like an unrealistic instalove relationship at that point, but this is fiction. Sometimes sharing a secret stays with you and makes you question who you really are. Emerson and Dominic dated many women in town but they never settled with anyone. Call it fate, but maybe they were meant for each other, which is what I'd like to think.

The criminal subplot soon becomes the main focus, bringing their past into the present, learning things about their fathers that they both weren't surprised by, but still wasn't brought into the light of day. Dominic's father was revered, holding a high position in the NYPD, while Emerson's father was a former drug addict who ended up dying in jail. Nevertheless things aren't always what they seem.

While this advanced reading copy is the second book of the series, provided to me by the Gay Romance Review and the author herself in reciprocity for my honest review, I have yet to read the 1st book. I want to though because there are a lot of references to it in this one. Plus, I'm pretty sure it was a spinoff of one of Felice's other series.

At the end she acknowledges that she plans to write stories for the other characters we've met here. The epilogue even contained a small teaser about the following book. I know I plan on reading the rest of the series when they come out. I want to see everyone in Appleton Falls get their well deserved HEA.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Emerson Kane is a Deputy Sheriff in Appleton Falls. He moved to the small town from New York chasing something that did not quite end up how he hoped. He is a handsome, likable, and dependable guy who has worked hard to build his self-confidence and has found his place.

Dominic Starr is also a transplant from the NY police department, but he is running from his past while also seeking someone else. And that someone is the guy from high school that he never forgot despite a lot of denial....Emerson. He is more of a prickly loner who loves riling Emerson up and making him think he dislikes him.

But now, working in the same department, they snark, fuss, and are generally antagonistic. And they both are busy dating women and not finding what they really want. They both have a lot of unresolved thoughts and feelings about their past that they have just pushed down. And now that they are starting to spend more time together, they are also beginning to form more of a companionship and more exploration.

But the past does not always stay in the past. And even though they both tend to keep some things private and also try to protect the other, eventually they have to fully trust each other with some hard truths. And it all becomes a convoluted and dangerous situation that they will have to navigate together to have a chance of getting out of it and figuring out a future.

I was totally invested in these two and the tension and suspense of their story. I really liked both of the heroes. Though they were not friends in the past, they had this connection that had not been forgotten and just began to grow once they began to let down their walls and communicate.

This is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, double bi-awakening, small town, secret crush, secret lovers, second-chance romance with a hurt-comfort component and surrounded in intrigue and suspense. It brings back the characters from the first book, and sets a bit of a teaser for the next book.

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[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

This is way less small town vibes and far more suspense focused than I was expecting and, to be honest, it took over from the romance for me and made it feel too much like it was secondary to the police procedural parts.

However, that's not to say that it's a bad book, I think if I'd have been more aware this was going to take the last line of the Blurb as the driving plotline, I'd have been more into the narrative and not expecting more from the romance side of things.

With that aside, the enemies to lovers-ish element of the relationship between Emerson and Dominic from their school days works really well to set the scene of how fractious their interactions are.

When the reader finds out what went down between them as 17-year-olds, it also goes a long way to explaining two men who have struggled to find their place and who's relationships never get anywhere - they're both too hung up on the other without really acknowledging it.

While I did feel the plot with Dom's dad came a bit out of the blue, it does make sense for the overall feeling of having two men get out of the big city to try and escape their pasts and their disjointed relationship with their fathers.

I really would have loved more of the book to put the romance between them first though, I felt like things kind of jumped from their first discussion to a full blown we're in love and bypassed a half dozen steps on the way.

But, I will say, the undercover parts where Dom gets the cold shoulder from everyone after he decided to help the investigation into his dad's corruption, was exemplary.
Felice really delivered on the mental turmoil it caused both him and Emerson as they watched their fellow cops turn their backs and believe the rumours.

Other than my feeling that the Blurb's not as clear as it should be on the narrative's main focus, this is the usual great standard that Felice always delivers.

It continues the connection between this small town and her Brooklyn Kings series well and brings in familiar characters to help establish those settings.

I'm interested to see where things go next.

#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kaylene Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are welcomed back to Appleton Falls.

Here we meet Emerson Kane and Dominic Starr.
They have history. History from high school and history from when they were both members of the NYPD. Now both are working together as deputies in Appleton Falls.

It’s a classic enemies to lovers trope. You could cut the tension with a knife. Neither one likes each other. The only thing they have in common apart from their work is they both have a bad family history with their dads.

Then after answering a call from an armed robbery the two are brought together when one is seriously injured. They then have to face their history and admit some truths to themselves and each other. Then you see their relationship develop. It’s not Insta love but it’s not a slow burn either

Then add in the turn of events of a criminal case that affects them in ways you can’t imagine as it involves Dominick’s dad, who is a high up in NYPD. And it’s not a case that you’d expect either one of them wants to be involved in. The case brings back painful memories for them both and it interlocks both fathers and families together.

Fighting this fight tests the relationship of not only Dominic and Emerson but it tests his job and their life together.

This is not the first book of Felices I’ve read and it won’t be the last. She lays out her character development so well.

Reading this book you get lost in the world of the characters and can feel their highs and lows as they navigate this complicated situation. You get to see so well how they navigate their interpersonal relationships at work and in the community.

The bonds they build are so special and I want to read a book on everyone in the community. In fact in the epilogue we are given a hint of who the next books characters will be and I can’t wait!!!

[Vanessa V · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Emerson left the NYPD to become a deputy sheriff in the small town of Appleton Falls. Imagine his surprise when his high school “why am I looking at him like that?” crush… shows up in the exact same small town. 😂.

Dominic is trying to get away from the influence of his father, the Chief of Department at the NYPD and decides that working in Appleton Falls as a deputy is what he needs (with Emerson of course 😂🙈).

Emerson has always suspected Dominic’s father was abusive to both him and his mother, but he has no idea just how bad things really were.

These two have a lot of unresolved history. Back when they were seventeen, there were definitely some lingering looks in the high school showers, but neither of them ever did anything about it. Fast forward to now (12 years later) , and they’re both dating women with absolutely zero enthusiasm while everyone from their old department is convinced they hate each other’s guts.

Yeah… that opinion doesn’t last long. 😂 One night changes everything, and after that they just keep finding their way back to each other.

For me, this part moved a little too fast. They went from “ugh, it’s you” to “I need you, I want you, I love you” pretty quickly. But honestly? They were so ridiculously sweet together that I was willing to roll with it.

The second half focuses much more on the mystery and on Dominic taking down his father, even if it means risking his own life. I actually really liked that the mystery became the main focus.

Also, can we talk about Dominic calling Emerson Emmy? Every. Single. Time. My heart did a little happy dance. 😂

I loved being in Appleton Falls, and I’m definitely ready to return for the next book!

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIDE AND SEEK is the second book in the Appleton Falls series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.

What to expect:
🔥enemies to friends to lovers
🔥grumpy/sunshine
🔥hurt comfort
🔥secret crush
🔥voyeurism
🔥"I'd follow you to the end of the earth"
🔥opposites attract
🔥law enforcement
🔥double bi-awakening
🔥mm romance
🔥pining for years

Emerson Kane moved to Appleton Falls and is now working as a deputy sheriff. He's living the life he thinks he wants. He's friendly with everyone. Works hard at what he does but what he doesn't expect is Dominic Starr following him to Appleton Falls and working in the same sheriff office. Dominic and Emerson knew each other from a small town in New York. There is a lot of hate and animosity between them. They share a past in high school that neither has forgotten.

Dominic left the NYPD because of issues with his father who is high ranking in the city. When he chose Appleton Falls he knew he'd find Emerson there. When Dom's father comes gets Dom involved in some illegal things Emerson is the one person to stand by his side.

Emerson and Dom fell quick but they have a history. Yes they are adults now but it wasn't out of the realm of believability for a insta-love situation. They have a great chemistry. The connection with their fathers was an interesting side plot. This is my first Felice Stevens read and I was impressed. I was invested in the characters, the storyline and the outcome. I loved the touch of suspense, which I am a big fan of. I will definitely check out her other reads!

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for The Author Agency.

[RavenGodess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in return for my honest review.

Emerson and Dominic have known each other since high school. They even followed each other into the NYPD before eventually ending up together in Appleton Falls.

Emerson moved to Appleton Falls to put some distance between himself and his overbearing mother. He's well-liked in the community and goes on plenty of dates, but something always seems to go wrong. He's searching for something in life, even if he isn't quite sure what that is yet.

Dominic has always been drawn to Emerson Kane because, despite the tension and animosity between them, Emerson makes him feel safe. Dominic is also trying to escape his past—especially his father, whose influence reaches far across the NYPD.

Both Emerson (Emmy) and Dominic are searching for something, and both are keeping secrets. What begins as an enemies-to-lovers romance slowly turns into something much deeper as they discover they have exactly what the other needs.

But what happens when Dominic's past comes back to haunt them both? While Dominic would do anything to leave his past behind, Emerson's own history becomes tangled in the situation. As Dominic fights to clear Emerson's family name, the danger grows, putting everything—including their relationship—at risk.

If you enjoy slow-burn romance, bi-awakening, suspense, and a touch of mystery, Hide and Seek by Felice Stevens is definitely worth picking up.

What you get:
*"I'd follow you to the end of the earth"
*Enemies to Friends to Lovers
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*MM Romance
*Secret Crush
*Voyeurism
*Opposite Attracts
*Law Enforcement
*Double Bi-Awakening

[Everpj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Appleton Falls series finds Emerson Kane in his happy place as a police officer. He left New York for the quiet, easy pace of a small town. The only thing lacking is love. He’s very open to falling in love and figures that will come in time. Everything is perfect until Dominic Starr shows up.

Dominic and Emerson have known each other since high school, but this is not a happy reunion. Dominic is delighted to see Emerson and teases him at every turn. Dominic was a New York City police officer and joining Emerson as one of Appleton Falls finest is not happy news.

Everywhere Emerson goes, Dom seems to show up. He runs but can’t escape his building attraction to his nemesis. Things begin to change when both men are involved with stopping a robbery. They begin to question the real feelings that they have for one another.

Emerson and Dominic are also carrying secrets about their fathers. The truth they learn and how their fathers are connected leaves them shocked. Emerson goes under cover to help expose a drug operation and clear his father’s name. Dominic learns of his father’s involvement and works to expose his father for the dirty cop he’s always known he was.

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down because I wanted to see what happens next. I was afraid Emerson and Dominic would avoid one another when they learn the connection between their fathers, but that didn’t happen. Their HEA put a true smile on my face. I highly recommend Hide and Seek. Like me, you won’t be able to put it down.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY OPINION: This book is definitely a beautiful love story, but there is more to it. Amazon has it under action and adventure. Based on the choices that are available, this best applies; however, there is a lot here that gives the love story depth.

Dominic and Emerson both worked for the NYPD. Having grown up in the same city, it became obvious to them—for different reasons—that they needed to move someplace else. They didn’t know each other; they didn’t even like each other, so for them to both find themselves in Appleton was weird. Coincidence? Intentional? Emerson wasn’t impressed at all to have Dominic Starr, whom he didn’t like, find himself working with his nemesis.

There was a lot of noise about how they felt. And when push came to shove, their past was actually the beginning of something so much more. None of this changed the underlying story. Their pasts were more wrapped up in each other than they knew.

This book hurt my heart for a bit. When Dominic goes through the worst moments of his life (and there are several), I felt it. This shows the skill that the author has in pulling emotions. I hurt for him. Wanted to hug him. I was glad he had Emmy, but it was hard.

If you like some suspense, action, love, and a happily ever after, pick this up. There is some open-door spice, but it's not super explicit, and it gives you what you need to understand the connection. Not a traditional romance, but the love was there, and we got to follow two great guys where being together was the easy part.

[Laura Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hide and Seek is the 2nd book in Felice Stevens's Appleton Falls series. This one can truly be read as a stand-alone so don't be afraid of jumping into the series here. Hide and Seek continues following the folks that live in Appleton Falls and we do get cameos from others from previous books.

Dominic Starr is a cop who just moved to Appleton Falls. Emerson Kane is also a cop but has been in Appleton Falls for a bit longer. Both Dominic and Emerson are former NYPD. To further their connection, Dominic and Emerson knew each other in high school. Their animosity started there and never quite ended.

Dominic and Emerson continue to circle each other until one night the dam breaks between them. Once it has broken, they keep coming back together.

Dominic and Emerson both have so many secrets. They each are shoving things down and not addressing things. Things that relate to each other and other people.

Both Dominic and Emerson have a hard time opening up to others due to what they have gone through. I think Emerson was just waiting for the right person to open up to but Dominic is much more hesitant.

There are so many strings bringing them back to each other. The strings keep being tested but they are woven together and stronger.

Note - Please be aware that there is discussion of domestic abuse.


Steam: 3/5
Fun: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Thanks to GRR for providing an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful returning to Appleton Falls for another emotional, character-driven romance. Emerson and Dominic have years of history between them, from high school rivals to tense colleagues in the NYPD, and now they're unexpectedly thrown together again as deputy sheriffs. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start, even if neither of them is willing to admit it.

I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. The transition from rivals to something much deeper felt believable, with plenty of sharp banter, lingering attraction, and emotional vulnerability. Both men are carrying wounds from difficult relationships with their fathers, and I liked how the story explored those shared experiences while allowing them to become each other's source of strength.

The suspense element added another layer to the story, with the investigation bringing their pasts crashing into the present in ways neither of them expected. It raised the stakes without overshadowing the romance, and I found myself equally invested in both the mystery and their growing relationship.

Felice has a real talent for creating characters who feel authentic and easy to connect with, and the close-knit Appleton Falls community only adds to the charm. Between the heartfelt romance, the emotional healing, and the glimpse of who's coming next, this was another enjoyable instalment that left me looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Julie Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author

Hide and Seek by Felice Stevens
Book 2 in the Appleton Falls series

Tropes
MM Romance
Law enforcement Romance
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy X Sunshine
Hurt X Comfort
Secret crush that goes both ways
Pining for years
Voyeurism
Opposites attract
Double bi-awakenings

Emerson Kane worked for the NYPD and has moved to Appleton Falls to be a deputy there, where things are at a slower pace and to put distance between him and his mother. He has a good life in his eyes, a good job with a great partner, great friends and a new woman in his bed whenever he wants. The only downfall is that Dominic Starr moved from the NYPD to Appleton Falls also. They truly “hate” each other and snipe back and forth with each other every time they cross paths. Everyone at work is truly puzzled at the hateful words and looks that they exchange. What no one knows is they have history from high school and they hate how it makes them feel. Dominic Starr moved to get away from his father, who is a high ranking person in the NYPD. Dominic knew that Emerson had moved there and he knew he wanted to be where he was. When information comes to light about the NYPD Dominic decides to go undercover and try to shut down the operation. Emerson is the only person to stand beside him and support him.
This was a great read with suspense and a twist that you will love. Find out what happens between Emerson and Dominic.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book with some tough themes

I really enjoyed this second book in this new series and it’s got me interested in checking out the series for some of the secondary characters mentioned. This one has some tough themes and some rough scenes but fortunately the thing about romance is there’s always a HEA. It’s why I read the genre.

I met these two MCs in the first book in the series where they are antagonistic towards each other but you got the sense there was more going on. In this book we get the whole story. Emerson and Dominic went to high school together and while they were not friends they both noticed each other and in this book we find out how and why. There are more secrets between them as well and some of those chickens come home to roost, finding them in the Adirondacks all the way from NYC. When they finally get together, though staying firmly in the closet, there’s this air of foreboding that the author does a very good job of using to propel the storyline. The tough moments make for some angsty reading but also for engrossing storytelling. I loved the side story about the lonely old man who owns the hardware store and wish we’d had an update on him in the epilogue. Hopefully we see him again in the next book.

It’s pretty clear who the next featured couple will be and I’m interested in how that will play out. Not sure when it will be available but I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out.

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a book is so good, it makes me lose sleep. I was about half way through Hide and Seek when I went upstairs to read a bit more before bed. Next thing I knew it was almost dawn. The story was so good, I could not bring myself to put it down. I couldn't sleep without knowing how it ended.

Dom and Emmy claimed a piece of my heart. From their constant bickering to them acknowledging their shared past to their awakening feelings to the absolute love and unwavering support they showed each other, I grew to love them more and more with each page I turned.

Neither of these guys has had an easy journey. Their family situations were less than ideal (to say the least) and both men were driven to leave NYC, albeit for very different reasons. Each of them had found a place in the small town of Appleton Falls but hadn't yet found love, happiness or peace with the past.

Some may call Dom and Emmy's story enemies to lovers but I don't really see it that way. Maybe at first glance but I think they just didn't know how to act around each other because of their history and the teasing and bickering was more of a defense mechanism. They needed to get past that for their attraction and feelings to take center stage.

Of course, that's exactly when the past rears its ugly head and things get intense. They put everything on the line to fight for the truth and for each other.

Dom and Emmy's story is not to be missed and I promise you that it was worth every minute of lost sleep.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

I love Dom and Emerson together, and their enemies to lovers transition. It was a little insta-love once it got going but there was history there to help get them to that point. I think there was potential to develop on that even more, for a better understanding of their changing feelings, but I like them as a couple.

Stevens does add quite the suspense element to their love story and it packed a pretty big punch. We start with the shift from a strained association to something more and then BAM it gets hairy for Dominic, speeding us straight to the last chapter. I’d only read a couple of her hockey romances so this was a surprise for me. She packed in so much stress and fear and anguish to go with the love and steam and sweetness. And I ate up every page of it!

While I felt the evolution of their relationship could have used a little more something, the two were great together. The way they help each other create something that works for them and are there for each other when they need it. And I really got caught up in the suspense part of it. Not exactly what I was expecting (based on a very small sample size of two hockey books) but very much appreciated and I’ll definitely be looking for the next book in the series.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

This story has a very different feel from the first book in the series, Holiday Huddle. Both Dominic and Emerson moved to Appleton Falls from New York City (albeit at different times), and both work in the sheriff's office. Dominic and Emerson each have their secrets, but dealing with one of them will be dangerous.

I liked Emerson, and Dominic grew on me once we started seeing underneath the mask he wears. Since they were just short of confrontational at times, I found their protectiveness of each other fascinating. It was sort of fitting that I found their initial steps towards each other awkward due to their history. In the end, I was glad they had time to figure out what they were doing before outside forces intervened. I liked how well they understood and supported each other unconditionally once they got together and acknowledged their relationship.

Overall, I did feel at times that there was a little too much going on that was minimized. However, at the same time, I could see why. Dominic's past came to haunt him in a horrific fashion and could have easily taken over the story. I was glad that Emerson was there for him throughout, but I was beyond happy to see that plotline resolved.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*

[SecretT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as much as I loved the first one. Emerson & Dominic have history from their youth. In high school, they became very 'aware' of one another. After Emerson witnessed the results of Dominic's father's physical abuse, Dominic withdrew within himself. They two became distant and eventually developed an extreme dislike for one another. Fast forward many years, they are both in law enforcement at the same location. Emerson leaves to a small town and later, after attempting to expose his father's crimes and being blacklisted, Dominic follows. The two men continue to dislike one another until Emerson shows up on the scene of a crime where Dominic is injured. This is where the story really begins.

The story quickly picks up to the men beginning to talk, become physical and engage in a relationship with one another. Dominic is approached with an opportunity to help with finally getting his father charged with crimes, however, it is not without extreme danger to himself. During this time, Emerson becomes the stronger of the two and does all he can to support Domonic. There are many twists, turns and scary moments before the two are able to freely be together.

I have read a few books by the author and look forward to reading more. Ready for the third book which by the hints, will be well worth it.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this enemies to lovers story for the most part. Especially the first half of the book.
It's spicy when they start to get it on, and although there's too many spicy scenes for me, YMMV.

Emerson was an easy person to like but it took Dom to befriend the old man for me to warm to him.

However there were a few things that I struggled with:

* once they got together Dom and Emmy went from animosity to all in with barely a breath. Maybe there was more of a passage of time but it didn't feel like it. It felt like days and they were staying every night and acting lovey-dovey.
* the women. All the women were written as problems. Cheaters, clingy, controlling mothers, abandoning mothers.
* Dom reveals that he followed Emmy to Appleton Falls on purpose to explore the attraction between them when they were teenagers, then proceeds to screw around with every woman in town for the next two years and acting like a knob towards Emerson. This didn’t sit quite right with me.
* I’d question the coercion involved in dragging Dom into the undercover operation from the Internal Affairs guy.
* Certain events lacked the emotional impact I expected, possibly this was due to being in the wrong pov for the scene.

The last third of the book was quite heavily linked to the suspense of the undercover job and this pushed the romance on to the back burner.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

macadamia nuts, cracked windshield, 1200-count sheets, pariah, pneumonia, gold locket, 4 lemon bars & 2 cranberry muffins & 3 chocolate brownies, AK-47s & AR-15s, intubated/extubate, Narcan, hora

This checks all the right boxes to make it a great read. Then again, it's written by Felice Stevens, so I expected it. The story is along the same lines as her earlier Brooklyn book series, this is just in small town Appleton Falls. As usual, the characters have depth, and the story has some teeth. It'll grab onto you and won't let go until the end.

The MCs, Emerson Kane and Dominic Starr are deputies in Appleton Falls after leaving NYPD for one reason or another. They actually know of each other from their high school days. At first, it seems there is no love lost between them. The other deputies think they hate one another. Both men only want uncomplicated hookups with the fairer sex. Then their true feelings emerge.

It turns out their pasts are more connected than they first thought. It involves both of their fathers. It seems they aren't exactly what the MCs originally knew and believed about them. But, it's both of the MCs' mothers who suffered because of each woman's husband. Dominic almost unwillingly goes undercover to expose corruption in the NYPD and other figures of authority. Luckily, Emerson is there to have his back.

I tremendously enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommend it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (Appleton Falls-2) Hide and Seek by Felice Stevens


I love anything NYPD. It's just hot, the things they learned while being NYPD. I found Felice Stevens a few years ago, and points in their books are growing into fuller, better stories. This story is about Dominic & Emerson. In the beginning of them knowing each other, there was hate for each other. As most say there is a fine line between hate and love that a lot of people are on, these two are on that fine line. But there are some good reasons for that due to things that had happened while they were in high school. I love a good story with this trope. To see the two characters growing past that hate of one another into so much more. They started out thinking they were straight into two men that feel things for one another that you just can't ignore. I felt Felice Stevens wrote a great story of growth along with the sexual awakenings of these two men. It was sad what he went through trying to find information about the father he barely remembered. It was hard reading all he goes through to find his father and it turning out not to be such a good thing. I love this author and can't wait to read what comes next.

Nicole Harvey

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hide and Seek is a small town romantic suspense based in a small town. The first about third of the book really pulled me into the story. While I have not yet read book 1 in the series I was able to follow all of the characters and wasn't confused.

Dominic and Emerson know each other from High School and while they weren't in the same friend group they had some shared moments and never really talked about it or anything became of it. When they were both on NYPD they didn't really see each other much. So when Emerson is working in a small town in another part of the state he is surprised when Dominic is transferred there. The town of them end up not getting along. They where on different shifts but were just like oil and water.

They end up on a call together and really can not get each other out of their heads so they end up spending some time together and all of the old memories from the High School locker Room come back.

I would have liked some more of the memories or have them have some other interaction in High School to explain why they have such friction when they see each other again.

The Suspense in the book was good I like a little bit more mystery, but it was well done with a lot of action.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felice Stevens brings us back to Appleton Falls with the second book in the series Hide and Seek. While this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. There are characters from the first book in the series that make appearances but the central story is about police officers Emerson and Dominic.
Hide and Seek is a well-done novel that is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns creating a fantastic story. Emerson and Dominic are both deputy sheriffs in the small town of Appleton Falls. Long before they moved to town, they had a history, growing up in the same neighborhood and attending the same school. Their antagonistic relationship in Appleton Falls hides an attraction both men were always afraid to look too deeply at, until everything comes to the surface. As soon as Emerson and Dom start to build something together, ghosts from the past come to town and threaten to tear their happiness apart.
After reading many of Felice Stevens’ sports novels, I enjoyed the suspenseful edgier tone of Hide and Seek. While Dominic and Emerson were sweet and supportive of each other, they had to get through a lot to get to their HEA.
I received and ARC for my honest review.