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Coastal Charm #3
Broken Time
“I don't want him breaking your heart again.”
Brody's secret was in danger.
Down on his luck and deep in the closet, tattoo artist Brody Allen is afraid of who he's become. He doesn't know how things got so bad so fast. Dating his best friend, Luke, was the worst decision he ever made. Brody couldn't bring himself to tell the truth about their relationship, and Luke walked out of his life. Since then, Brody's drowned his sorrows in drink and anger, and refused to open himself to love again.
Why was Luke letting himself get involved again?
Fitness instructor Luke Reid moved back home to help his parents out, and get away from the hustle of Philadelphia. Portland, Maine, seems like the perfect getaway. He's ready to relax and live the quiet life of lobster cakes and lighthouses. He doesn't expect the man who shattered his heart and forced him back into the closet to still be there after all these years.
There was a fragile connection.
When Brody and Luke cross paths, the passion between them is reignited. Can Brody find the courage to face his fears and stand out and proud at Luke's side? And can Luke forgive Brody for his wrongdoings? Will they be able to fall into each other's arms once more or will they have their dreams and hearts crushed all over again?
Broken Time is a gay romance novel. It's the third novel in the “Coastal Charm” series but can stand alone. It has a happily ever after ending with no cliffhanger.
Brody's secret was in danger.
Down on his luck and deep in the closet, tattoo artist Brody Allen is afraid of who he's become. He doesn't know how things got so bad so fast. Dating his best friend, Luke, was the worst decision he ever made. Brody couldn't bring himself to tell the truth about their relationship, and Luke walked out of his life. Since then, Brody's drowned his sorrows in drink and anger, and refused to open himself to love again.
Why was Luke letting himself get involved again?
Fitness instructor Luke Reid moved back home to help his parents out, and get away from the hustle of Philadelphia. Portland, Maine, seems like the perfect getaway. He's ready to relax and live the quiet life of lobster cakes and lighthouses. He doesn't expect the man who shattered his heart and forced him back into the closet to still be there after all these years.
There was a fragile connection.
When Brody and Luke cross paths, the passion between them is reignited. Can Brody find the courage to face his fears and stand out and proud at Luke's side? And can Luke forgive Brody for his wrongdoings? Will they be able to fall into each other's arms once more or will they have their dreams and hearts crushed all over again?
Broken Time is a gay romance novel. It's the third novel in the “Coastal Charm” series but can stand alone. It has a happily ever after ending with no cliffhanger.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2016
18 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Casey Ashwood
10 books38 followersCasey Ashwood is a gay romance author who was born and raised in Canada before moving to the UK to chase romantic rainy days. He has always had a passion for writing, although it took years before he made it his career. His romance stories center around dramatic tension, steamy encounters, and happy endings.
When he's not writing about tantalizing trysts, he's busy traveling Europe or cuddling his two cats. He is also passionate about art, aquariums, and gaming.
Email Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bMA8ir
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casey-Ashwood
When he's not writing about tantalizing trysts, he's busy traveling Europe or cuddling his two cats. He is also passionate about art, aquariums, and gaming.
Email Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bMA8ir
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casey-Ashwood
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 17, 2017
This could have been the best one, but there was no depth. I wanted more of Brody turmoil.
Everything happened so fast and without any fallout. I needed something to be "real".
Then there was the baddie and give me a break.
I guess every character has to say "like what you see?" or "big boy" during sex. It's quite comical.
Maybe I'll pick up book 4, when/if it's written, next time I'm hungover.
Everything happened so fast and without any fallout. I needed something to be "real".
Then there was the baddie and give me a break.
I guess every character has to say "like what you see?" or "big boy" during sex. It's quite comical.
Maybe I'll pick up book 4, when/if it's written, next time I'm hungover.
May 10, 2016
An enjoyable read about two friends then lovers who found each other after many years of distance between them. Brody was too deep in the closet and Luke just couldn't hold on to that. While they journeyed alone, time bought them back together. While it was a sweet romance it didn't have enough grit to really grab me ...
May 7, 2016
Though this book isn’t high on intensity, it’s a charming a sensual read. The two main characters, Brody and Luke, run into each other again after splitting up five years ago because Brody wouldn’t publicly acknowledge he was gay and involved with Luke. In the meantime, Luke moves out of state and Brody remains in Portland where he harbors a lot of anger and guilt and starts drinking far too much and resolving his anger issues through brawling. When Luke returns to town to help out his parents financially after his dad loses his job, he and Brody run into one another. The chemistry between the two still flames, but Luke isn’t too anxious to relive his grief and pain by becoming involved again with Brody, only to have him push him aside. Brody, meanwhile, realizes that he needs to become a better person (less drinking, no more fighting, treating his parents respectfully) if he has any hopes of becoming involved again with Luke.
This is a feel good, love wins out in the end sort of book. A lot of the dialogue appears overly optimistic and easy-going, but Ashwood does a good job of pointing out the internal disruptions facing the main character, Brody. He has a lot of admissions to make to himself, apologies to offer and demons to tackle, but he finds strength to fight his battles through his burgeoning relationship with Luke. And boy, does Brody have a lot of issues to handle: too much drinking and fighting, anger, low self-esteem, guilt. Luke is a sensitive and caring person who complements the strong-willed and able-bodied Brody. These two have a heartwarming friendship that serves as their foundation for building a long-term, second-chance romance. It’s easy for the reader to accept the level of love they have for one another. The storyline delves into several realistic situations, such as coming out of the closet to parents and colleagues and dealing with people’s subsequent reactions, and realizing that admitting wrongs and seeking help in order to be with the one you love takes courage. I enjoyed that any external angst (limited pretty much to Luke’s co-worker Adam’s homophobia) was kept to a minimum so instead Ashwood could dive straight in to attack Brody’s internal struggles. This was a pleasant and heartwarming read. One can visualize this couple staying together for the long haul because their friendship, and ultimately their relationship, is built on love and mutual respect.
This is a feel good, love wins out in the end sort of book. A lot of the dialogue appears overly optimistic and easy-going, but Ashwood does a good job of pointing out the internal disruptions facing the main character, Brody. He has a lot of admissions to make to himself, apologies to offer and demons to tackle, but he finds strength to fight his battles through his burgeoning relationship with Luke. And boy, does Brody have a lot of issues to handle: too much drinking and fighting, anger, low self-esteem, guilt. Luke is a sensitive and caring person who complements the strong-willed and able-bodied Brody. These two have a heartwarming friendship that serves as their foundation for building a long-term, second-chance romance. It’s easy for the reader to accept the level of love they have for one another. The storyline delves into several realistic situations, such as coming out of the closet to parents and colleagues and dealing with people’s subsequent reactions, and realizing that admitting wrongs and seeking help in order to be with the one you love takes courage. I enjoyed that any external angst (limited pretty much to Luke’s co-worker Adam’s homophobia) was kept to a minimum so instead Ashwood could dive straight in to attack Brody’s internal struggles. This was a pleasant and heartwarming read. One can visualize this couple staying together for the long haul because their friendship, and ultimately their relationship, is built on love and mutual respect.
March 31, 2016
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Brody was first introduced in Book 2 Keyed In as the drunk that Sebastian would always lookout for.
This story really revolves around the personal growth of Brody and him coming to terms with his sexuality. No change is easy but with the return of his best friend/ex-boyfriend (well first and only boyfriend), Luke, Brody is more determined than ever to change for the better.
Luke has been friends with Brody since they were kids. But their relationship fell apart when they were in college and the two haven't seen or spoken to each other in fifteen years. But Luke hasn't forgotten about Brody and when the two lay eyes on each other again the old spark reignites.
I really enjoyed this story a lot. I liked that there was a lot of focus on Brody fixing up his life and finding support in places he never expected. Brody had a lot of issues at the start. He was a huge drinker but not quite an alcoholic although it seemed his actions was leading there. He was deeply closeted to the point that he was ruining relationships and pushing everyone in his life away. He also had anger issues resulting in brawls. It was inspiring to see him realize how far he had fallen and struggle to rectify the bad situation he was in. His passion for his art was easy to pick up on and added another layer to his character.
Luke being so supporting and forgiving was a bit saintly. I don't know if I could have done it but I respected him for being mature enough to not hold anything against Brody. He was a sweetheart for returning home to help his parents.
Brody was first introduced in Book 2 Keyed In as the drunk that Sebastian would always lookout for.
This story really revolves around the personal growth of Brody and him coming to terms with his sexuality. No change is easy but with the return of his best friend/ex-boyfriend (well first and only boyfriend), Luke, Brody is more determined than ever to change for the better.
Luke has been friends with Brody since they were kids. But their relationship fell apart when they were in college and the two haven't seen or spoken to each other in fifteen years. But Luke hasn't forgotten about Brody and when the two lay eyes on each other again the old spark reignites.
I really enjoyed this story a lot. I liked that there was a lot of focus on Brody fixing up his life and finding support in places he never expected. Brody had a lot of issues at the start. He was a huge drinker but not quite an alcoholic although it seemed his actions was leading there. He was deeply closeted to the point that he was ruining relationships and pushing everyone in his life away. He also had anger issues resulting in brawls. It was inspiring to see him realize how far he had fallen and struggle to rectify the bad situation he was in. His passion for his art was easy to pick up on and added another layer to his character.
Luke being so supporting and forgiving was a bit saintly. I don't know if I could have done it but I respected him for being mature enough to not hold anything against Brody. He was a sweetheart for returning home to help his parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Brody hasn't seen Luke since college. They were best friends growing up and then eventually became boyfriends in college, but Brody struggled with being out and refused to be with Luke 100%. After breaking up, Brody spiraled into years of unhappiness. He drank too much, had a temper, and got into a lot of fights. He tried hard to deny who he was and hid from the world. He started to realize that the life he was living wasn't the one he wanted to keep moving forward with. He decided to cut back on the drinking and focus on ways to make himself feel happy again.
Everything crashed even more wide open for him when Luke moved back to town to help his parents. The attraction and feelings were still there, and Brody found himself wanting to be a better person for both himself and for Luke. Time didn't make things awkward; it actually made things stronger because if they decide to move forward now, it is with all of the information and expectations.
I really liked these two together. Brody had so much healing to do, and Luke was such a solid, warm, and sweet presence. Brody was reminded how good it felt to let someone in again, and reconnected with his family. This was a feel good story with lots of promise for these two. I enjoyed reading it a lot.
Brody hasn't seen Luke since college. They were best friends growing up and then eventually became boyfriends in college, but Brody struggled with being out and refused to be with Luke 100%. After breaking up, Brody spiraled into years of unhappiness. He drank too much, had a temper, and got into a lot of fights. He tried hard to deny who he was and hid from the world. He started to realize that the life he was living wasn't the one he wanted to keep moving forward with. He decided to cut back on the drinking and focus on ways to make himself feel happy again.
Everything crashed even more wide open for him when Luke moved back to town to help his parents. The attraction and feelings were still there, and Brody found himself wanting to be a better person for both himself and for Luke. Time didn't make things awkward; it actually made things stronger because if they decide to move forward now, it is with all of the information and expectations.
I really liked these two together. Brody had so much healing to do, and Luke was such a solid, warm, and sweet presence. Brody was reminded how good it felt to let someone in again, and reconnected with his family. This was a feel good story with lots of promise for these two. I enjoyed reading it a lot.
September 23, 2016
Brody, down in the dumps, mad at the world and making wrong decisions. Then here comes Luke, great guy head on his shoulders and back in town to help out his parents. Brody and Luke dated back in college but ended badly due to one out and one deeply in the closet. Read the book to see what happens...lol
May 2, 2016
Best one in this series so far
This one is the best of the series so far with a story that has some of the depth which had been missing in the first one and more of a sense that the love between this pair would return quickly.
This one is the best of the series so far with a story that has some of the depth which had been missing in the first one and more of a sense that the love between this pair would return quickly.
April 3, 2016
A really good continuation of the series. It can be read as a standalone but you did meet Brody in Sebastians book.
This book renters on Brody finally coming out and correcting some wrongs.
This book renters on Brody finally coming out and correcting some wrongs.
April 16, 2016
Wow
I really liked this book. Very sweet an romantic. With some surprises. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for next one.
I really liked this book. Very sweet an romantic. With some surprises. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for next one.
May 6, 2016
Did not even finish
This book was extremely uninteresting, the characters had no depth and the story telling felt flat, very disappointed to Say the least
This book was extremely uninteresting, the characters had no depth and the story telling felt flat, very disappointed to Say the least
May 26, 2016
I received this book for an honest review.
Long ago friends may turn out to become more than that after sharing time over a tattoo.
Long ago friends may turn out to become more than that after sharing time over a tattoo.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews