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Welcome to Alvarado #2
Unwelcome Home
Two broken lives meet in Alvarado, seeking a welcoming home and a second chance.
Five years ago, Clint Shepfield broke the town of Alvarado apart when he used his fists to break Samuel Garrett's body. In prison, Clint's had plenty of time to deal with the guilt, and accept the real reasons behind his actions. He's now accepted his homosexuality, Sam has forgiven him, and he's being encouraged to return to the town he thought would never welcome him home.
In the blink of an eye, and the stomping boots of drunk bullies, Rick Santos lost everything. Once a track star in the making, Ricky's been left confined to a wheelchair, his hopes for the future gone. His happy zeal for life is taken over by a pessimistic, bitter attitude, leaving Sam and Cody at their wits' end. The first time Ricky snaps at Clint, everyone is surprised when Clint bites back.
Clint makes it his mission to get Ricky out of his funk and out of that chair. Maybe if he can help Ricky stand up straight again, Clint will be able to do the same. But, not everyone in Alvarado is ready to welcome them into the community, leaving Clint and Ricky dealing with the possibility of being unwelcome home.
Five years ago, Clint Shepfield broke the town of Alvarado apart when he used his fists to break Samuel Garrett's body. In prison, Clint's had plenty of time to deal with the guilt, and accept the real reasons behind his actions. He's now accepted his homosexuality, Sam has forgiven him, and he's being encouraged to return to the town he thought would never welcome him home.
In the blink of an eye, and the stomping boots of drunk bullies, Rick Santos lost everything. Once a track star in the making, Ricky's been left confined to a wheelchair, his hopes for the future gone. His happy zeal for life is taken over by a pessimistic, bitter attitude, leaving Sam and Cody at their wits' end. The first time Ricky snaps at Clint, everyone is surprised when Clint bites back.
Clint makes it his mission to get Ricky out of his funk and out of that chair. Maybe if he can help Ricky stand up straight again, Clint will be able to do the same. But, not everyone in Alvarado is ready to welcome them into the community, leaving Clint and Ricky dealing with the possibility of being unwelcome home.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
62 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Kilgore
51 books187 followersC.E. Kilgore (1981 - ) is an author without genre, who likes to dabble in several genres from romance to science fiction. She also enjoys pushing the boundaries of those genres, trying new things, venturing outside formulas and turning tropes on their heads. Admittedly a control freak, she is currently a self-published author under the name Tracing The Stars, and hasn't quite found the publisher who fits all her quirks. Be sure to check out her website, cekilgore.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 17, 2020
If you ever want a sweet romance, then this series is definitely a must read.
I was expecting something really dark. After all, Clint just left 5 years of prison after beating up a gay kid.
Clint is gay himself, though, and the boy he beat up is now giving him a second chance in life, offering him a roof over his head and meals on the table.
Slowly finding his way back to his own two feet he meets another outcast in the house he's sharing with Sam and his boyfriend Cody (the couple from book 1): Ricky. After a gay bashing, the athletic runner is confined to a wheelchair and is bitter and stubborn, especially when he's supposed to deal with a guy who just got out of prison for beating a gay kid who also happened to be his best friend.
Needless to say, Clint and Ricky make a perfect couple with THAT background to overcome.
While the story could have had a little more darkness with such heavy themes, the romance was very sweet and satisfying, the obstacles easy to work through and a part of the book even dealt with homophobia and gay allies in the small Texas town of Alvarado.
I really really liked Clint. Ricky was a bit difficult, but understandably so. It was nice to see a couple who finds love despite some physical limitations in the bedroom. That makes a romance that much more realistic in my mind.
And just when I thought the story ended, Mr MC from book 3 walks in and I already know which lonely gay sweetheart will get hitched next.
Seems like I'll be spending a little more time in Alvarado :-)
4.5 stars!
I was expecting something really dark. After all, Clint just left 5 years of prison after beating up a gay kid.
Clint is gay himself, though, and the boy he beat up is now giving him a second chance in life, offering him a roof over his head and meals on the table.
Slowly finding his way back to his own two feet he meets another outcast in the house he's sharing with Sam and his boyfriend Cody (the couple from book 1): Ricky. After a gay bashing, the athletic runner is confined to a wheelchair and is bitter and stubborn, especially when he's supposed to deal with a guy who just got out of prison for beating a gay kid who also happened to be his best friend.
Needless to say, Clint and Ricky make a perfect couple with THAT background to overcome.
While the story could have had a little more darkness with such heavy themes, the romance was very sweet and satisfying, the obstacles easy to work through and a part of the book even dealt with homophobia and gay allies in the small Texas town of Alvarado.
I really really liked Clint. Ricky was a bit difficult, but understandably so. It was nice to see a couple who finds love despite some physical limitations in the bedroom. That makes a romance that much more realistic in my mind.
And just when I thought the story ended, Mr MC from book 3 walks in and I already know which lonely gay sweetheart will get hitched next.
Seems like I'll be spending a little more time in Alvarado :-)
4.5 stars!
August 4, 2016
I found this in my Kindle, and thought okay I'll give it a go, even though I HATED the first one with a passion.
So Clint is released from prison, 5 years after attacking Sam from book 1.
Clint's family has decided he is 'unwelcome' until he finds Jesus (or some such nonsense), but Sam and Cody are there with their arms open, welcoming him in Alvarado.
And this is where my issues begin. Clint almost killed Sam, and Sam forgave Clint, before Clint even had a chance to apologize. It was just so unrealistic, and now they welcome Clint into their home with open arms, even though their friend Rick/Ricky/Ricardo is also staying there after a BRUTAL gay-bashing. 'Say what?'
Sam's holier-than-thou-I'm-such-a-good-person-attitude was creeping me out. And I felt really freaking bad for Ricky. I know Clint didn't attack him, but if I was Ricky I would be pretty freaked living with a gay gay-basher (on purpose with the repeat.)
But no; angels sing and we have a clear case of insta-lust/love between an attacker and a victim after a week or two.
I liked Ricky well enough, he had a wee bit of a snarky attitude, and he was going through some hardcore stuff. Losing the use of his hips and legs (temporarily with training, but he would never completely heal), when being an up-and-coming track star must be freaking devastating, especially since it was a deliberate attack, against who he was as a person.
In between the story of these two trying to figure out their lives and Sam being all goody-two-shoes, there is something else afoot in Alvarado.
Most of the town is welcoming the "GAY INVASION" with open arms. Times are changing, and most have the notion; Live and let live!
Of course there are a few old coots trying to get rid of the 'Rainbow-party'.
Here the plot diverts from the romance in some chapters and becomes about a golf-course for the rich in a town where most of the citizens are blue-collar. This part of the book felt like social commentary and a discussion of macrosociology. (Where are we going with society in large? Development in the 'country'. Who should we cater to; the blue-collar masses or the 1%?)
This was interesting enough but;
This was not as bad as the first book in the series, but with the above-mentioned issues I had, I'm pretty sure I will not read this again.
So Clint is released from prison, 5 years after attacking Sam from book 1.
Clint's family has decided he is 'unwelcome' until he finds Jesus (or some such nonsense), but Sam and Cody are there with their arms open, welcoming him in Alvarado.
And this is where my issues begin. Clint almost killed Sam, and Sam forgave Clint, before Clint even had a chance to apologize. It was just so unrealistic, and now they welcome Clint into their home with open arms, even though their friend Rick/Ricky/Ricardo is also staying there after a BRUTAL gay-bashing. 'Say what?'
Sam's holier-than-thou-I'm-such-a-good-person-attitude was creeping me out. And I felt really freaking bad for Ricky. I know Clint didn't attack him, but if I was Ricky I would be pretty freaked living with a gay gay-basher (on purpose with the repeat.)
But no; angels sing and we have a clear case of insta-lust/love between an attacker and a victim after a week or two.
I liked Ricky well enough, he had a wee bit of a snarky attitude, and he was going through some hardcore stuff. Losing the use of his hips and legs (temporarily with training, but he would never completely heal), when being an up-and-coming track star must be freaking devastating, especially since it was a deliberate attack, against who he was as a person.
In between the story of these two trying to figure out their lives and Sam being all goody-two-shoes, there is something else afoot in Alvarado.
Most of the town is welcoming the "GAY INVASION" with open arms. Times are changing, and most have the notion; Live and let live!
Of course there are a few old coots trying to get rid of the 'Rainbow-party'.
Here the plot diverts from the romance in some chapters and becomes about a golf-course for the rich in a town where most of the citizens are blue-collar. This part of the book felt like social commentary and a discussion of macrosociology. (Where are we going with society in large? Development in the 'country'. Who should we cater to; the blue-collar masses or the 1%?)
This was interesting enough but;
This was not as bad as the first book in the series, but with the above-mentioned issues I had, I'm pretty sure I will not read this again.
August 27, 2021
I couldn’t decide whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. I enjoyed it and loved both Ricky and Clint. However, I found it just too depressing. In fact, I’m going to put off reading the third book for a while. For the most part this story was a downer.
A guy gets out of prison and comes home only to face gossip and homophobia. Then when he finally gets with another guy they spend most of their time feeling awkward or mad and giving each other the silent treatment.
Of course there is the HEA you expect, but I wanted more happy times during the book. That’s why I gave it 3 stars.
A guy gets out of prison and comes home only to face gossip and homophobia. Then when he finally gets with another guy they spend most of their time feeling awkward or mad and giving each other the silent treatment.
Of course there is the HEA you expect, but I wanted more happy times during the book. That’s why I gave it 3 stars.
May 22, 2016
So beautiful- two lost and vulnerable men seeking forgiveness, redemption and a future. Looking past the inexperience and disability, Ricky & Clint learn to rely and trust each other ... Of course there is always a challenge but at least there's a silver lining ❤️
March 5, 2018
This book was a mixed bag for me. Overall I did like the story of Clint, who returns home after 5 years in prison and Rick, who is recovering from a hate crime that left him in a wheelchair.
Both guys were interesting and likable, with some friends and side characters that gave the story depth.
It was also a nice idea, that Clint came to live with his old friend Cody who is now partnered with Sam, the very guy, that Clint harmed because he was in complete denial of his own homosexuality.
This action brought him to prison 5 years ago and he still feels a lot of guilt because of it.
Still, I am not completely convinced with how the story evolved and I must admit that there were parts of the book that really grated on my nerves.
The question "when do I tell him that I love him" may be a big problem in a first relationship, but does it need to be considered for 20 pages in a story? Well probably I am exaggerating (a little bit) but there are parts of the book, that I found quite unbelievable or even unnecessary.
Like a few more pages had to be filled and a lot of cliches were used for that job...
Apart from that, there were some nice pieces that I absolutely enjoyed and overall I would rate it slightly above average, probably 3.5 stars.
Both guys were interesting and likable, with some friends and side characters that gave the story depth.
It was also a nice idea, that Clint came to live with his old friend Cody who is now partnered with Sam, the very guy, that Clint harmed because he was in complete denial of his own homosexuality.
This action brought him to prison 5 years ago and he still feels a lot of guilt because of it.
Still, I am not completely convinced with how the story evolved and I must admit that there were parts of the book that really grated on my nerves.
The question "when do I tell him that I love him" may be a big problem in a first relationship, but does it need to be considered for 20 pages in a story? Well probably I am exaggerating (a little bit) but there are parts of the book, that I found quite unbelievable or even unnecessary.
Like a few more pages had to be filled and a lot of cliches were used for that job...
Apart from that, there were some nice pieces that I absolutely enjoyed and overall I would rate it slightly above average, probably 3.5 stars.
March 5, 2018
This book is really good. The characters well written, real. They aren't perfect, they made mistakes, they try and do their best. The story is genuine. I love it. There is no unnecessary drama, nothing that happen is used as a plot device, it's just thing that happen in the characters lives. Beautiful love story.
Yes, the book could use a editor/betaread but the story is that good! Also is a ongoing series, there is a bigger arc that started in #1, I haven't read it and I managed to follow well enough.
Yes, the book could use a editor/betaread but the story is that good! Also is a ongoing series, there is a bigger arc that started in #1, I haven't read it and I managed to follow well enough.
Want to read
September 7, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/4/2019)! 🎁
February 17, 2016
This story is about Clint, who is just returning home from 5 years in prison, and Ricky, who lost everything he had dreamed for and is confined to a wheelchair. These are two characters that we met in Right Back Where which is the first in the series and I was excited to know more about Clint. This is an emotionally moving read and will pull at your heartstrings. I could not put this book down as I just had to find out what was going to happen. C.E. Kilgore just has a wonderful way with words and having you make a connection to the characters. I am looking forward to more in this series and from this author.
January 2, 2019
Great story
Once again, I found this writing to be very evocative. My emotions weren't quite as all over the place as with the first book, but I found both Ricardo and Clint to be such interesting characters. I loved seeing them learn to love and trust each other.
Once again, I found this writing to be very evocative. My emotions weren't quite as all over the place as with the first book, but I found both Ricardo and Clint to be such interesting characters. I loved seeing them learn to love and trust each other.
September 27, 2022
3.5*
Why are some people so hateful and narrow minded, it really baffles me sometimes...
But essence of the story: Clint/Tank is a lucky guy to have the support of his best friend Cody even when he almost killed his partner and bless Sam to forgive him. Maybe his parents "abandoned" him for being gay (apparently that is a worse sin than misdirecting you anger and confusion for some people 🙄 ) But give credit where credit is granted. Clint is not a malicious person and he has Ricky's best interest at heart... So I feel sorry for them that some people are trying to run them out of town.
And I am a little curious for the next book in this series. Dusty's appearance intrigued me...
Why are some people so hateful and narrow minded, it really baffles me sometimes...
But essence of the story: Clint/Tank is a lucky guy to have the support of his best friend Cody even when he almost killed his partner and bless Sam to forgive him. Maybe his parents "abandoned" him for being gay (apparently that is a worse sin than misdirecting you anger and confusion for some people 🙄 ) But give credit where credit is granted. Clint is not a malicious person and he has Ricky's best interest at heart... So I feel sorry for them that some people are trying to run them out of town.
And I am a little curious for the next book in this series. Dusty's appearance intrigued me...
September 5, 2024
Excellent story.
This whole story is about acceptance and forgiveness. You'll probably cry a little but you'll laugh as well. The emotions that are within this story resembles what our country is going through today. There is no room for hate. Love should win about all else.
This whole story is about acceptance and forgiveness. You'll probably cry a little but you'll laugh as well. The emotions that are within this story resembles what our country is going through today. There is no room for hate. Love should win about all else.
Read
September 9, 2025FREE today (September 5, 2025) on Amazon.
April 9, 2018
Second book in the Alvarado small town M/M series. The first book was bittersweet with childhood friends finding each other again but this time clearing away all the omissions and misunderstandings. This story is also about people that are trying to make a new life with a minimum of misunderstandings because they are both very damaged people. Clint Shepfield is fresh out of prison and returning to his hometown of Alvarado to finally start his adult life when he is taken into the home of Samuel Garrett and his best friend Cody. There are a lot of surprises for Clint because there is also a healing Rick Santos staying with Sam and Cody who is dealing with the aftermath of a brutal beating that has left him in a wheel chair. The Ricky and Clint romance is really sweet with each overly sensitive about each other's issues, while getting thrown together again and again by good and bad intentions of the townsfolk of Alvarado.
I really liked the first first book in the series, this one was too depressing for me.
190 pages and bought for kindle
2 stars
I really liked the first first book in the series, this one was too depressing for me.
190 pages and bought for kindle
2 stars
October 4, 2019
First off, Ricky's an a**hole. He's not just angry about his lot in life, he's downright bitter, and he takes it out on everyone, especially Clint, pretty much because he feels he can. Clint is pretty much a wuss who feels sorry for himself and is constantly ashamed of his past; he and Ricky together don't make much sense beyond being 2 broken people who might run off other people they attempted to date. And yes, they are in love and having sex without condoms in virtually no time at all. Which is off to me because not only has no relationship developed, I'm still not even sure that they completely like each other. Especially not Ricky. Heck, I'm not sure if I like them.
Other than that, the secondary characters were okay, but the editing was atrocious. How do you misspell the word "app"?
Other than that, the secondary characters were okay, but the editing was atrocious. How do you misspell the word "app"?
January 19, 2023
This book felt half finished, like the author was eager to get on to the characters in the 3rd book of this series so she just stopped this one. Spoilers ahead.
Ricky & Clint had moved in together, Ricky had just agreed to try out the crutches and they'd admitted they loved each other, but that was it.. what about the stuff going on with Zeke Weller? What about Ricky's studying, his joining Kyle's team, him and Clint actually being friends for longer than they've been awkward? It just felt half done, very disappointing after how much I adore the first one.
Ricky & Clint had moved in together, Ricky had just agreed to try out the crutches and they'd admitted they loved each other, but that was it.. what about the stuff going on with Zeke Weller? What about Ricky's studying, his joining Kyle's team, him and Clint actually being friends for longer than they've been awkward? It just felt half done, very disappointing after how much I adore the first one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2016
2.5 stars
April 13, 2019
Wonderful
June 14, 2019
Clint Shepfield severely beat up and injured a class mate because Clint didn't want to be gay. He spent 5 years in prison to pay for his mistake. He has long regretted his action and plead guilty and explained why he did it. The only people who had visited him when he was in prison was his mother and Cody his best friend, and a few time Sam the boy he beat up who forgave him eventually. Ricky Santos, a former track star at SMU, was beaten and left permanently injured with a fractured hip that will not move and a broken pelvis. This injury left him confined to a wheel chair. They are both living with Cody and Sam while they readjust to their circumstances. A homophobic citizen tries to force them out of Alvarado. first by forcing them to leave Sam and Cody's place that is only zoned for single family occupancy. they come up with a solution for that when the citizen move from opposing a change for a rural zoning for the area they now live, hoping to cause them to have to leave there also.
June 17, 2022
I really liked the book. Despite the subject matter it does not get dark or angsty and instead maintains a mostly positive outlook.
Clint is a very sweet guy and I enjoyed the banter he shares with Ricky. The relationship building really worked for me.
They do have some trouble communicating sometimes, but they always clear the air and try to do better. Most of the conflicts are external, with the few homophobes of the city making trouble for everyone.
That said, I think the book could have well done with another 100 pages added on. The end just felt premature and just out of nowhere. They are just together by that time and it felt like the author ran out of time. Maybe a few more things with the couple will happen in the next part of the series, but I'd rather it concluded properly in their actual book.
Clint is a very sweet guy and I enjoyed the banter he shares with Ricky. The relationship building really worked for me.
They do have some trouble communicating sometimes, but they always clear the air and try to do better. Most of the conflicts are external, with the few homophobes of the city making trouble for everyone.
That said, I think the book could have well done with another 100 pages added on. The end just felt premature and just out of nowhere. They are just together by that time and it felt like the author ran out of time. Maybe a few more things with the couple will happen in the next part of the series, but I'd rather it concluded properly in their actual book.
September 12, 2025
REMARKABLE BOOK!!
This is WELCOME TO ALVARADO Book 2. I have just discovered this Author buried in my To Be Read stack. C.E. KILGORE is a really REMARKABLE Storyteller. I Love when I make these discoveries. Clint made bad choices and learned his lessons while in prison for his crime. Ricky is in a wheelchair trying to gain back the use of his legs. These two have a lot of issues to work through. Falling in love in their circumstances is not easy. This is a heartfelt story. This to me was gripping. I loved these men and their struggle. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
This is WELCOME TO ALVARADO Book 2. I have just discovered this Author buried in my To Be Read stack. C.E. KILGORE is a really REMARKABLE Storyteller. I Love when I make these discoveries. Clint made bad choices and learned his lessons while in prison for his crime. Ricky is in a wheelchair trying to gain back the use of his legs. These two have a lot of issues to work through. Falling in love in their circumstances is not easy. This is a heartfelt story. This to me was gripping. I loved these men and their struggle. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
October 7, 2019
Great quick read
This was a wonderful book. I kinda grew up in a small town like the one in the book, so I could kinda relate to all that was happening. I love how Clint reformed and found himself while in prison, and also how his friend Cody stayed by his side and owned up to his part in what happened. Ricky, I hate what happened to him, but his anger and taking shots at Clint was so wrong. That made me like him a little less.
This was a wonderful book. I kinda grew up in a small town like the one in the book, so I could kinda relate to all that was happening. I love how Clint reformed and found himself while in prison, and also how his friend Cody stayed by his side and owned up to his part in what happened. Ricky, I hate what happened to him, but his anger and taking shots at Clint was so wrong. That made me like him a little less.
May 20, 2020
A nice revisit to the Texan township of Alverado - where the gays are having a resurgence! I enjoyed this homecoming tale for MC Clint who is capably supported in his redemptive journey by Cody and Sam (which was preluded in the first book of the series). I did find the pairing of Clint with disabled Ricky a little 'awkward' - their dance of attraction and subsequent physical encounters were a little contrived (especially in comparison to Cody and Sam's tale).
August 19, 2021
Two Broken Men Find Love
Clint returns home to Alvarado after five years in prison and stays with his old football friend Cody, and his lover Sam. Sam's friend Ricky, who is in a wheelchair after a violent gaybashing, is also staying there. Awkwardly, they start to get know each other and slowly become more than friends. There is still a lot of external tension in Alvarado that threatens both couples. Hard to stop reading and I'm going straight to book three.
Clint returns home to Alvarado after five years in prison and stays with his old football friend Cody, and his lover Sam. Sam's friend Ricky, who is in a wheelchair after a violent gaybashing, is also staying there. Awkwardly, they start to get know each other and slowly become more than friends. There is still a lot of external tension in Alvarado that threatens both couples. Hard to stop reading and I'm going straight to book three.
August 19, 2018
Clint and Ricardo's story was beautiful. I hadn't teared up in a while reading a book, but this one did it for me. These two characters have so much to overcome, especially as they come from two different walk in life that should completely oppose them. Really loved it, as we slowly grow with them.
June 27, 2021
I like this series and this book. It doesn't feel like a traditional romance with all the unnecessary drama.
I do wish the author did better proofreading. A lot of errors that should have been caught before publication.
I do wish the author did better proofreading. A lot of errors that should have been caught before publication.
March 24, 2017
I enjoyed this story. I loved the characters Clint, and Ricky. It was also well written.
September 19, 2018
Oh man this was good.
The couple's are getting sweeter and the town is getting more involved. There is going to be a showdown in Alvarado and the townsfolk are taking sides.
The couple's are getting sweeter and the town is getting more involved. There is going to be a showdown in Alvarado and the townsfolk are taking sides.
June 2, 2020
I love their story and everything they have been through to make then stronger, they were an amazing couple and people who deserve another chance in life
November 29, 2020
Brilliant
I really enjoyed reading book two of this series. Watching the heart of this story and forgiveness was truly amazing. Fantastic work.
I really enjoyed reading book two of this series. Watching the heart of this story and forgiveness was truly amazing. Fantastic work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews