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The Riley Brothers #4
Crunch
“Is it too late to listen?”
Floyd Turner has come through hell to own a tattoo shop downtown. But, as big and tough as he is, the idea of showing up single at his high school reunion makes him nervous. And then his former patrol partner walks in.
Fitness instructor Greyson Peters moved back home, but he’s still carrying his scars. He’s decided on a tattoo to cover up the physical ones, at least. That’ll help him stay confident—and on his own path. And who better than Floyd to help with that?
Both men are struggling to find closure, and it turns out Floyd isn’t the only one nervous about the reunion. They could always be fake dates… but how fake is it when these feelings are so terrifyingly real?
Crunch is the fourth book in The Riley Brothers, a low-angst series filled with brotherly banter and small-town smiles. This steamy, standalone gay romance novel can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after ending.
Floyd Turner has come through hell to own a tattoo shop downtown. But, as big and tough as he is, the idea of showing up single at his high school reunion makes him nervous. And then his former patrol partner walks in.
Fitness instructor Greyson Peters moved back home, but he’s still carrying his scars. He’s decided on a tattoo to cover up the physical ones, at least. That’ll help him stay confident—and on his own path. And who better than Floyd to help with that?
Both men are struggling to find closure, and it turns out Floyd isn’t the only one nervous about the reunion. They could always be fake dates… but how fake is it when these feelings are so terrifyingly real?
Crunch is the fourth book in The Riley Brothers, a low-angst series filled with brotherly banter and small-town smiles. This steamy, standalone gay romance novel can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after ending.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
59 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books726 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 27, 2022
*** These two hot men, approx. 30 yrs. old, have a history.
*** They were partners on a police force, and now back in each others new lives in a new town. Floyd has a Tattoo Shop and doing okay.
We met him previously, and his homophobic family remains rude.
Greyson, a cop, now fitness expert, has overcome
his "cutting" and wants to get his arms sleeved in tattoos. Boom, the air is knocked out of each man when their eyes meet. We get lots of inner musings, struggles, filled with "what ifs", and cautions that are revealed to us. There is not a lot of detail from the men's pasts.
These two are definitely sexy and sizzling together.
This is a low key, story, with a smooth flowing plot. I like this series because we get to see the previous guys and how they are doing. The characters are different, as are the dynamics, the issues dealt with, and the men are sexy and divinely portrayed. Each book in the series hold your attention.
ENJOY !
===================
In this series each book can stand alone.
*** They were partners on a police force, and now back in each others new lives in a new town. Floyd has a Tattoo Shop and doing okay.
We met him previously, and his homophobic family remains rude.
Greyson, a cop, now fitness expert, has overcome
his "cutting" and wants to get his arms sleeved in tattoos. Boom, the air is knocked out of each man when their eyes meet. We get lots of inner musings, struggles, filled with "what ifs", and cautions that are revealed to us. There is not a lot of detail from the men's pasts.
These two are definitely sexy and sizzling together.
This is a low key, story, with a smooth flowing plot. I like this series because we get to see the previous guys and how they are doing. The characters are different, as are the dynamics, the issues dealt with, and the men are sexy and divinely portrayed. Each book in the series hold your attention.
ENJOY !
===================
In this series each book can stand alone.
July 26, 2023
I'm still enjoying this small town romance series, though I'm thinking it might have plateaued in book 2. All the brothers have had their romances, and we're moving on to their friends now. This is a second chance romance between two ex-cops who used to be partners (not in the romantic sense). They left the force at different times for different reasons, and now they're back in their home town as a tattoo artist and a fitness instructor. Floyd is dealing with harassment from his ex and a toxic mother; Greyson has issues with self harm. They trade services, becoming reacquainted, and hook-ups quickly turn into something more. Like all the other books, it moves pretty quickly, but because of their mutual past, the romance at least had some legs to stand on. The chemistry is definitely there, and I loved how the tension built up in the tattoo sessions, how they're flirt while working out. There's some drama in their past, and it could just be me, but I found the way that information was communicated to the reader to be really jumbled/awkward? Like, sometimes it would be discussed as if the reader was already aware, and I'm pretty sure we weren't yet in possession of many of the facts? IDK. There was just something a little awkward about the writing. And it was just sorta surface level. I wasn't looking for searing social commentary on the cop stuff, but I got a whole lot of nothing. And the side characters were all one-note.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean, which was great as always, though the character voices weren't as distinct as they always are. And sometimes I felt like his Floyd voice and his Greyson voice got switched. Still very enjoyable. They were really cute, and this was steamy as always. The next book will be a sports romance (I think?) so that'll make a nice change of pace.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean, which was great as always, though the character voices weren't as distinct as they always are. And sometimes I felt like his Floyd voice and his Greyson voice got switched. Still very enjoyable. They were really cute, and this was steamy as always. The next book will be a sports romance (I think?) so that'll make a nice change of pace.
August 12, 2016
Really liked Floyd and Greyson, probably because they weren't instant GFY/FTL without any background development. They were ex police partners, had a history together, both had issues and as a pairing worked well for me.
September 19, 2020
Wow I must say I am truly a fan of this series. Greyson and Floyd are great together. I love the way that two old partners/friends could overcome the past only to come together and build something beautiful wouldn't it truly be a wonderful thing if life truly played out that way. This is truly a wonderful series and I can't wait for more. As a ARC member I have received a free copy of this book for a honest review but as a fan and someone who has also purchased all but one book in this series I must say this series is worth it at least for me anyway. I hope you take the time to read the series and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did till the next book enjoy.....
February 20, 2021
I'm sorry, I felt confused through most of this story. Where did these two guys come from? Maybe it's been too long since I listened to numbers 1-3.
Once I gave up and just enjoyed it as an E. Davies romance it worked better for me. And nicely narrated by Michael Dean, what's not to like.
Once I gave up and just enjoyed it as an E. Davies romance it worked better for me. And nicely narrated by Michael Dean, what's not to like.
February 27, 2021
I just love these books. I went back to check if I’d read anything by E. Davies I didn’t like. Nope, I’ve loved them all.
April 10, 2016
I started off liking this book, but by the time it ended, I was rather unsatisfied cuz it felt like there were so many unanswered questions. Floyd and Greyson have a past, and it is a strong factor throughout the book, but it is never resolved until the end. It kind of left me hanging, and I just felt like,... what happened just now?? Where am i? How? what?
The starting was great, and Floyd and Grey have chemistry... but I still love book 2 better.
The starting was great, and Floyd and Grey have chemistry... but I still love book 2 better.
March 11, 2020
I actually listened to 'Crunch' by E. Davies (The Riley Brothers - Book 3) in the Audible audiobook 'Riley Brothers Collection' containing books 1 through 6.
The oldest of the Riley brothers, metal sculptor Jackson Riley is partnered with tattoo artist, Chase MacLeod.
Chase’s boss, senior tattoo artist Floyd Turner, had been a rookie cop when a particularly bad experience caused him to loose faith in justice. Floyd’s former patrol partner, Greyson Peters, also left the force, becoming a fitness instructor and moving back home.
Chase needs a date for his upcoming high school reunion that he truly dreads attending. When Greyson walks into Floyd’s shop, the two now openly gay men, are drawn to each other, and agree they should be ‘fake’ dates for the reunion. It takes awhile to get there, but the result is predictable.
A maddening, manipulative, meddling mother only adds to the plot.
The oldest of the Riley brothers, metal sculptor Jackson Riley is partnered with tattoo artist, Chase MacLeod.
Chase’s boss, senior tattoo artist Floyd Turner, had been a rookie cop when a particularly bad experience caused him to loose faith in justice. Floyd’s former patrol partner, Greyson Peters, also left the force, becoming a fitness instructor and moving back home.
Chase needs a date for his upcoming high school reunion that he truly dreads attending. When Greyson walks into Floyd’s shop, the two now openly gay men, are drawn to each other, and agree they should be ‘fake’ dates for the reunion. It takes awhile to get there, but the result is predictable.
A maddening, manipulative, meddling mother only adds to the plot.
January 4, 2020
* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *
Floyd and Chase’s story was good but my heart bleed for how Floyd is treated by his own parents.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Sweet love developing between the two characters and the connection is clear from the beginning.
The storyline is good and progresses nicely to a happy ending.
Meeting the characters from the previous books in this series was sweet.
Narrator:
Clear pronunciation and read with feelings
Floyd and Chase’s story was good but my heart bleed for how Floyd is treated by his own parents.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Sweet love developing between the two characters and the connection is clear from the beginning.
The storyline is good and progresses nicely to a happy ending.
Meeting the characters from the previous books in this series was sweet.
Narrator:
Clear pronunciation and read with feelings
March 3, 2021
3.5 stars
March 31, 2016
It was a pretty good read. It wasn't too heavy, the characters are sweet, and the sex was hot.
I concur with the other reviews on it being too short, not fully dealing with self harm and alcoholism, with their families, and with Brett given the amount of foreshadowing.
As a gay man, I'm annoyed at the following things:
- 2 chapters in and I'm treated to Greyson using the phrase "straight-acting," and much later "pansy"; he still has to work on his own homophobia. On that note, I had no idea Canada is so homophobic? I think there should be more time spent on dealing with this.
- Cam jokingly using "princess," thank you for reminding us that gay men can be casually misogynistic as well
- Twitching dicks? Is it a thing? Cuz mine never twitched. At least when it's soft. Other men please confirm.
- Kissing in the rain is not stereotypical, at least not for same sex couples
I concur with the other reviews on it being too short, not fully dealing with self harm and alcoholism, with their families, and with Brett given the amount of foreshadowing.
As a gay man, I'm annoyed at the following things:
- 2 chapters in and I'm treated to Greyson using the phrase "straight-acting," and much later "pansy"; he still has to work on his own homophobia. On that note, I had no idea Canada is so homophobic? I think there should be more time spent on dealing with this.
- Cam jokingly using "princess," thank you for reminding us that gay men can be casually misogynistic as well
- Twitching dicks? Is it a thing? Cuz mine never twitched. At least when it's soft. Other men please confirm.
- Kissing in the rain is not stereotypical, at least not for same sex couples
February 23, 2016
More of the same...
As with the three previous stories this too is a stroll from friends to lovers. Floyd and Greyson each have histories both together and separately. Again, I felt like these guys would have been better served if their pasts were revealed. Self-mutilation and alcoholism are serious disorders and I'm very disappointed that they were introduced but not addressed. This story also touched on domestic violence and the suggestion of police brutality. I am not as enamored of this one, but only because there are too many loose ends. And the final confrontation with Brett, one of the driving forces behind this story, ridiculously anti-climatic.
As with the three previous stories this too is a stroll from friends to lovers. Floyd and Greyson each have histories both together and separately. Again, I felt like these guys would have been better served if their pasts were revealed. Self-mutilation and alcoholism are serious disorders and I'm very disappointed that they were introduced but not addressed. This story also touched on domestic violence and the suggestion of police brutality. I am not as enamored of this one, but only because there are too many loose ends. And the final confrontation with Brett, one of the driving forces behind this story, ridiculously anti-climatic.
August 22, 2016
3-3.5 stars
December 20, 2025
The series isn’t getting better
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 4/10
Normally I write Pros and Cons in my reviews, but I consistently find the same pros in the stories in this series: the supportive community being expanded with each additional couple is sweet.
CONS:
- I keep wanting to see some character development before the guys jump into bed together. One of the guys here has engaged in self harm, which has the potential to be an intriguing story. What’s the trauma? How did he get over it? Does he still have the same triggers? But we get very little detail that could make the character and his backstory interesting.
- I also really don’t want to read detailed sex scenes between the main characters and anyone else. And it doesn’t make it better if he’s thinking about his love interest while a stranger is making him come.
- Something major happened in Floyd’s past with an unhealthy relationship, but we don’t get to hear much about what actually happened. What makes this even more frustrating is that Greyson was somehow involved—he stepped in and beat up Floyd’s partner, which caused long-lasting ramifications in both men’s lives. But we never get many details about what actually went down. This is just one example of how this entire series needs to be fleshed out more.
Overall comments: I would have given up on the series after probably volume 2 if I hadn’t purchased the complete set as a single audiobook. I’m finishing them because I’m a completionist, and they’re not the worst m/m stories I’ve ever read. But I think you can skip them all unless you’re already a big fan of this author.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 4/10
Normally I write Pros and Cons in my reviews, but I consistently find the same pros in the stories in this series: the supportive community being expanded with each additional couple is sweet.
CONS:
- I keep wanting to see some character development before the guys jump into bed together. One of the guys here has engaged in self harm, which has the potential to be an intriguing story. What’s the trauma? How did he get over it? Does he still have the same triggers? But we get very little detail that could make the character and his backstory interesting.
- I also really don’t want to read detailed sex scenes between the main characters and anyone else. And it doesn’t make it better if he’s thinking about his love interest while a stranger is making him come.
- Something major happened in Floyd’s past with an unhealthy relationship, but we don’t get to hear much about what actually happened. What makes this even more frustrating is that Greyson was somehow involved—he stepped in and beat up Floyd’s partner, which caused long-lasting ramifications in both men’s lives. But we never get many details about what actually went down. This is just one example of how this entire series needs to be fleshed out more.
Overall comments: I would have given up on the series after probably volume 2 if I hadn’t purchased the complete set as a single audiobook. I’m finishing them because I’m a completionist, and they’re not the worst m/m stories I’ve ever read. But I think you can skip them all unless you’re already a big fan of this author.
November 21, 2020
Overall: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
"Crunch" is the first book in this series that doesn't center on one of the Riley brothers, and it's almost like hitting a refresh button but with enough connectors to meaningfully link it all together. The focus here is on tattoo artist and ex-cop Floyd and his former police partner turned fitness instructor Greyson, who moves back to town and unknowingly visits Floyd's shop seeking tattoos to cover visible scars. There's instant (and fairly steamy) chemistry between the two, more so than any of the Riley couples in the previous books, and it develops into a rather sweet and loving relationship. Their HEA is a bit understated but it's fitting.
The biggest drawback to the story is for all the focus on Greyson's self-harm issues and Floyd's stalker-ish ex-boyfriend Brett, neither are truly addressed to any satisfaction, particularly given the seriousness of both (the "confrontation" of Brett at the reunion especially was a letdown). Mild plot frustrations aside, this remains my favorite of the Riley Brothers books and I recommend giving it a listen because it is a sweet, steamy, and enjoyable story overall.
And being the talented narrator he is, Michael Dean delivers another easy-on-the-ears performance here as well. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
"Crunch" is the first book in this series that doesn't center on one of the Riley brothers, and it's almost like hitting a refresh button but with enough connectors to meaningfully link it all together. The focus here is on tattoo artist and ex-cop Floyd and his former police partner turned fitness instructor Greyson, who moves back to town and unknowingly visits Floyd's shop seeking tattoos to cover visible scars. There's instant (and fairly steamy) chemistry between the two, more so than any of the Riley couples in the previous books, and it develops into a rather sweet and loving relationship. Their HEA is a bit understated but it's fitting.
The biggest drawback to the story is for all the focus on Greyson's self-harm issues and Floyd's stalker-ish ex-boyfriend Brett, neither are truly addressed to any satisfaction, particularly given the seriousness of both (the "confrontation" of Brett at the reunion especially was a letdown). Mild plot frustrations aside, this remains my favorite of the Riley Brothers books and I recommend giving it a listen because it is a sweet, steamy, and enjoyable story overall.
And being the talented narrator he is, Michael Dean delivers another easy-on-the-ears performance here as well. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
December 2, 2020
As much as I loved Floyd in the other books in this series, his romance wasn't my favorite. Don't get me wrong--I still very much enjoyed listening to him and Greyson fall in love, but I wasn't as satisfied with the overall storyline. For me, this story ended before I got all my questions answered. Yes, Floyd was able to stand up to his parents, but something about it left me feeling like I didn't get closure. Yes, Greyson finished getting his tattoos and opened up about his past, but their conversation was oddly short and unemotional. Even the pseudo-confrontation with Brett didn't go how I expected it to, and it left me feeling off-balance. Maybe my dissatisfaction came from how great the other three books in this series were in comparison, or it could be that Greyson and Floyd's cop history was never fully described. Whatever the case, I didn't feel as connected to these men as I did to the other couples.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 27, 2018
This was an excellent addition to the Riley Brother's series. I was so happy that we got Floyd and Greyson's stories. These two had some past hurdles to overcome and they do it beautifully. There are some sensitive issues from both of the MC's pasts that were handled well by the other characters and by the author. These two men build a strong foundation for their relationship and find ways to be there for each other. Floyd and Greyson may not actually be Riley brothers but they are so much a part of the Riley family that they may as well be. I love reading stories where people have a safe place to land, friends to support them, and build a loving relationship. E. Davies is top notch at giving us those stories with very little angst, if any and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. As always Michael Pauley did an excellent job on the narration for this one!
June 5, 2020
Floyd was a Fredericton Police Officer but left the force, went through some tough times with alcohol but owns his own tattoo shop now and doing ok except for his parental relationship. Greyson was also a Fredericton Police Office, Floyd's partner, but left the force to work as a Police Officer in Alberta and after some never explained event left the force and returned home to Fredericton. He is working in a gym but has scarred arms from cutting himself when under stress. He decides to cover the scars with sleeve tattoos and meets Floyd once again. Floyd was always out but Greyson was not and things move forward when Floyd discovers his former partner's sexuality. An ok read but too much alluding to events of the past without details.
July 31, 2023
This series gets better with each book. The narration by Michael Dean is good although I couldn't always tell which MC was speaking. It was nice that these two MCs have an interesting backstory and it's less insta-lovey than the previous books in the series.
I guess we've made our way through all the Riley brothers at this point so we're venturing off into friends on the periphery which is fine with me. We still get some interactions with the brothers and their significant others. The connection to one of the MCs (Floyd) is that Chase, a tattoo artist who is Jackson Riley's partner, works for Floyd Turner in Floyd's tattoo shop. 3.5 stars
I guess we've made our way through all the Riley brothers at this point so we're venturing off into friends on the periphery which is fine with me. We still get some interactions with the brothers and their significant others. The connection to one of the MCs (Floyd) is that Chase, a tattoo artist who is Jackson Riley's partner, works for Floyd Turner in Floyd's tattoo shop. 3.5 stars
December 2, 2020
audio review
Crunch is book 4 in The Riley Brothers series. This is an emotional friends to lovers second chance story as Greyson moves back to his home town and wants to cover up some of the scars he's left on his body. Floyd is the tattoo artist Greyson ends up going to. Greyson and Floyd have an awkward reunion but it soon turns to something more as Greyson spends time in Floyd's tattoo chair and they get to know each other again and fall in love. Narrator Michael Dean does a fabulous job.
Crunch is book 4 in The Riley Brothers series. This is an emotional friends to lovers second chance story as Greyson moves back to his home town and wants to cover up some of the scars he's left on his body. Floyd is the tattoo artist Greyson ends up going to. Greyson and Floyd have an awkward reunion but it soon turns to something more as Greyson spends time in Floyd's tattoo chair and they get to know each other again and fall in love. Narrator Michael Dean does a fabulous job.
August 17, 2017
After reading the third one in the series. I was a little worried that this one wouldn't all that good either - but it was better than I expected.
I have to say that I found some parts of the story a little confusing and I don't know if it was just me that should go back and read it again - but I still felt that I'd missed something by the end. I shall read it again just to be sure. It hasn't put me off though and I will definitely be reading the next one. I love the characters. They're all good guys.
I have to say that I found some parts of the story a little confusing and I don't know if it was just me that should go back and read it again - but I still felt that I'd missed something by the end. I shall read it again just to be sure. It hasn't put me off though and I will definitely be reading the next one. I love the characters. They're all good guys.
October 15, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Davies books are always solidly good. This romance between Floyd and his ex police partner explores a range of topics from guilt, to policing, to self harm, to what we own our families.
The romance is hot and tender.
I am so happy for Floyd to get a happily ever after and to rejoin this circle of friends in this lovely series.
Davies books are always solidly good. This romance between Floyd and his ex police partner explores a range of topics from guilt, to policing, to self harm, to what we own our families.
The romance is hot and tender.
I am so happy for Floyd to get a happily ever after and to rejoin this circle of friends in this lovely series.
October 28, 2017
I liked this one better than the previous three however I felt like many other readers that there was a lot left unresolved. There were serious subject matters like alcoholism and self-harm that were touched on but never really developed which I feel could have taken this from just an ok read to a really great read. I also felt like the bit with Brett was left unresolved.
March 17, 2018
I don't CARE how many grammatical errors there were... I just love this author! *grin*
Was it just me or did "this" Floyd come off as a completely different "Floyd" than we are used to seeing? Either way, I liked the "feels" of this story and the ones that came before it... can't wait to jump right into the next one! :D
Was it just me or did "this" Floyd come off as a completely different "Floyd" than we are used to seeing? Either way, I liked the "feels" of this story and the ones that came before it... can't wait to jump right into the next one! :D
March 8, 2019
I absolutely love this story and this whole series. The story of Floyd and Greyson is touching, sweet, and very hot as they overcome their pasts together and build their relationship. The narrator is spectacular, he is definitely my favorite. He has a way of portraying the characters and the story that he pulls you into the story and leaves you hooked from beginning to end.
May 27, 2020
When two ex-cop partners with a history find each other again - they rekindle a lot more than their previous friendship. I did enjoy how Grayson's intense mental struggle was handled in this book and how he was readily accepted by Floyd - however, I felt that there were giant holes in their backstories and that missing piece prevented me from truly connecting with these characters.
June 8, 2017
Emotional scars
Take far longer to heal than physical ones. It always amazes me when others feel empowered to make those around them feel like crap.
I am so in love with this series that it's ridiculous.
Well, I'm off to read book 5!
Take far longer to heal than physical ones. It always amazes me when others feel empowered to make those around them feel like crap.
I am so in love with this series that it's ridiculous.
Well, I'm off to read book 5!
December 9, 2017
Crunch
This forth book is based on a close friend/college of the Riley brothers who owns the tattoo shop, the series is still going strong with friends getting their own happy ever after
This forth book is based on a close friend/college of the Riley brothers who owns the tattoo shop, the series is still going strong with friends getting their own happy ever after
January 2, 2018
Great story
Take two former cops, partners an abusive ex and you got the perfect story. I already liked Floyd’s character add Greyson in the mix and you’ve got yourself a beautiful love story
Take two former cops, partners an abusive ex and you got the perfect story. I already liked Floyd’s character add Greyson in the mix and you’ve got yourself a beautiful love story
February 25, 2019
I love how this series moves from brothers to friends. The issue Greyson deals with is so common for many in todays society its good to see how a character deals with it. Floyds mom reminds me of a friends mom. You just want to tell her whete to go lol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews