Jumpstart

Crossroads #3.5

by Riley Hart

Motocross star, Beckett Monroe, is in need of some serious R&R. Not only to adjust to his new out-of-the-closet status, but in hopes of reigniting his passion for motocross. To his surprise, support shows up in the way of Christian Foster, his childhood best friend and first love. Spending time with Christian is the jumpstart Beck’s heart needs. But even if Christian can forgive Beckett for hurting him years ago, do they stand a chance against all the obstacles in their path?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Second Chance, Gay

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2016

About the author

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.

Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.

Reviews

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

RATING 4.5 STARS

Jumpstart is book #3.5 in the Crossroads series by Riley Hart. Wow, I can’t believe it’s over. I am so in love with all of the men in this series and I admit that my eyes watered during the epilogue of this. This is Beckett and Christian’s story. It’s fairly short and you could read it as a stand alone but you wouldn’t have the connection to the other characters from the previous books.

Beckett Monroe is a motocross champion. He was mentioned previously as Landon’s friend. Beckett loves racing. He’s dedicated his life to it. But this last season has seemed off. He can’t quite muster the excitement he usually has. Beckett is bi-sexual but has kept that side of himself hidden. He’s tired of it and has come out in his own way. But now with publicity going crazy, he retreats to Virginia to see his friend Landon and let things calm down a bit.



Christian Foster lives in California. He and Beckett were best friends their entire childhoods. Best friends that were eventually more. Until they weren’t. Now, ten years later, he randomly hears from Beck. It’s obvious he needs someone and even after all these years, Christian doesn’t hesitate to help him.

These two haven’t seen or spoken to each other in ten long years. But it didn’t matter. When one of them needed the other, he was there. This is their second chance to be what they always dreamed they could be together. But their lives are completely different and they live on opposite coasts. How could a future together even be possible?



This was such a wonderful little story and it made my heart so happy to get to revisit all the characters I love so much from the other books. I want to add that I am especially intrigued by Christian’s close friend, Quinn. There is obviously a story there and now I need to know it! I loved this entire series so much and am sad it’s over. These men have made me smile, sigh, and swoon so much!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SIZZLE, BABY!

Christian just wants Beck to ride him like he rides a motorcross bike: fast and hard. Beckett walked away when they were both 18, but ten years later when Christian hears Beck's voice for the first time in forever, he packs his bags and heads to Virginia.

In less than a week, they reconnect, and Beck doesn't want to let Christian go. Five days isn't enough.

Neither man ever forgot about his first love, and the passion between them burns hot and bright. Riley Hart writes great sex. Christian is so down with the dirty talk.

I like the way this book played out. Even though this is a novella, the story felt complete. I'm a sucker for a good epilogue, and this one delivered. Of course, I would have liked more on-page time with the guys, but I'll take it.

We see the characters from the first three books here, but Jumpstart works as a standalone. I hope Christian's friend Quinn gets his HEA soon!

[Gigi]

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Amazing Stars!
This is a sexy little story that is full of romance and love. My only complaint- I want more! I pouted when the pages stopped turning! Other than that- perfection!

❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I've been looking forward to Beck's book - and it certainly didn't disappoint. Other than it was short. Too short.

Really loved everything about this one.

Chris and Beck were great MCs. First loves reunited. I liked their banter and chemistry.

This one was low angst. An easy read with some nice steam.

A great addition to the series for sure. And it certainly didn't hurt to visit the rest of the Crossroads gang.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Ashten for the awesome gift of this book!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this second chances story. Becket just came out as bisexual and when he reconnects with his first (and only) love, Christian, he finally remembers what it's like to just breathe. Though this story is fairly short, it felt real and believable. And so so very sexy. Loved.

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of such short stories, but I enjoyed this one.

I was able to enjoy this one because although it wasn't very long, (under a 100 pages) the characters were well developed and we got a background story. It also helped that the characters had good chemistry. I adore Riley Hart and this series. I hope there is more to come and this wasn't the end.

I actually forgot I had this book. It somehow got lost in the jungle that is my Kindle. I have so many books. I really need to organize it so bad. But I recently read about Quinn and Miles in and the mention of his BFF Christian made me realize I hadn't read his book. I knew I had though. lol

I'm glad I finally got it together and read his and Beck's story. It was a lovely short and sexy second chance at romance. It was also nice being able to drop in on the other men in this series and to see how things were going for them.

Happy reading dolls! xx

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"Jumpstart" is a friends to lovers, second chance romance between Beckett and Christian who have a fallout and loose track over each other for long time. After Beckett, takes the first step in getting in touch with Christian, they rekindle their friendship and love.

Since this was a short read everything happens quickly, they talk, forgave and move forward into their relationship. They were both great guys, you felt how much they cared for each regardless of the years that went by and the emotional depth I've come to expect from RH. Added bonus to see the guys from the previous books, together in their happy lives.

Another wonderful addition to the "crossroads series" with this sweet and wonderful book. ❤

[BWT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet novella in the Crossroads world where we meet a new couple, Christian and Beckett, who were childhood friends and sweethearts until Chris was outed and Beck turned his back so as not to potentially ruin his motocross career.

Ten years later Beck is on top of the motocross world, but has been outed as gay, even though he's really Bi, and has retreated for some needed downtime to Virginia to spend time with his old friend Landon.

When Beck calls Chris, he doesn't really expect anything, but Chris has never lost his love for Beck and comes out to Virginia to see Beck and renew their friendship.

I loved how Riley Hart portrays their reconnection. It's not all hey! and then they bang...it's about being there for a friend no matter how long it's been since you last saw them and about finding the things you loved about them still being there.

Chris pushed to his feet and walked over to him. “You and that big, fucking heart of yours.” And then he kissed him. It was a slow kiss, full of love, of life, of possibilities and their future.

Though, don't get me wrong...there's plenty of sexy to be had...

“I could get used to this— your thick, muscular legs spread wide for me.”

Sweet, low angst, reconnected friends to lovers sexy as hell romance that brings back the favorite characters from the series and fleshes out a couple more for readers to love.

And dare I say Chris's best friend, and game programmer, Quinn could provide another installment in the series?

Advanced Review Galley copy of Jumpstart provided by author in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy did I love this novella! Novellas are tricky and aren't always a hit for me. Often I find myself that we've not gotten enough back story or it feels rushed so sometimes I skip over them. BUT this IS Riley Hart + best friends to lovers + second chance romance= I'd be crazy not to read, it. And you'll be too if you don't read it! Beckett and Christian's friendship and their budding relationship ended when Beckett picked his motocross career over Christian. Fast forward years later- Beckett is outed, and despite old hurts, Christian is there for his friend.

What did I love about it? Everything:

-Christian and Beckett. Their connection, personalities, their love, and respect for each other.

-Relationship development. As I mentioned above, their connection was felt on every part of their story. She gave us enough back story to make their feelings come across as genuine and heartfelt.

-The pace of the story was perfect.

- Their chemistry was equal parts sweet and sexy.

-It was fun catching up with The Crossroads Gang!

-Dual POV

-And the end left a big smile on my face.

I just thought it was so well written and highly recommend this novella- the entire series, really. You can't go wrong with any of these books. 5 Stars.

P.S. Pleeeaase give Quinn a book!

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so here's my Crossroads series summary.

I liked the GFY plot-line/connection in book one but it was heavy on family drama that kind of lessened some of the sweetness.
I pretty much hated everything about book two so lets just stop there.
Book three was.. easy, at least when it came to the connection between the two leads. I ignored and/or skimmed the background noise.
And this one was probably the better written of the set, which is odd considering novellas are usually rushed, but with less of a word count there was also less stuff to distract. Plus the scenes with the whole group were kinda cute.

As for the author? This is my second series by Hart, both of which I read within a week, and it's official. I don't like her writing. If I never see the word 'wink/winked' again it'll be too soon (seriously, stop. fucking. winking). Most of the characters are interchangeable and the sex scenes, jokes, and banter literally seems to be copy and pasted from one book to another.

I think there's a standalone floating around on my kindle somewhere, much like this and the Blackcreek series were, so I'm sure I'll read it at some point because I'm a masochist and also it's a standalone so whatevs, but I do not recommend and I doubt I'll ever click on anything new that she releases. Not for me.

[books_and_brew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Hart is a humble and gracious goddess I swear...

Jumpstart was so adorably cute that I wished it would have been a full length novel. The Crossroads series holds a special place in my heart because Crossroads was actually my first MM read - and I loved it!

Jumpstart is a novella that introduced a few new characters but still had the original boys woven into the story. Beck and Chris made such a cute couple and I rooted for them from the beginning. I love reading about childhood friends-to-lovers and Jumpstart didn't disappoint. Second chances at love, forgiveness and steaming hot passion are just a few of the reasons you should read this novella.

Also, its Riley Hart....how much more convincing do you need? :)

On to the next!

[⊱ Poppy ⊰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always Riley Hart did not disappoint me. This was a short read but a enjoying one nonetheless, i won't want it in another way. It was SO good meeting all the Crossroad guys, especially Nick & Bryce. <3

RTC.

[Claude · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Riley Hart! One of my BEST to the BEST favorite author.
I love Crossroads series!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Bryce and Nick forever <3! Drew and Justin <3! And Rod and Landon <3! I love all of them!
But that book was just bizarre for me. I didn't feel connected with these two characters...I found Beckett a little selfish and Christian too kind. Given their past, everything went too fast between them. I didn't feel sparks that i felt between the other 3 couples.
I think they deserve much pages for me to like them. I needed to know much about Beckett to understand him...But this is a great story. Too quick for me but this is a Riley Hart, i love her :)

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked only some parts of Beck and Chris to give this more than three stars. I blame my mood, coz this wasn’t too bad or anything 🙂

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

BR with Paul.

*4.5 stars*

I just love Riley Hart!! She seldomly does wrong with me. Although it's a novella, the story between Beck and Christian totally worked for me. I would've loved a full-length story about them though, but that's just me being greedy.

Beckett is living his dream being the succesfull motocrosser he is. But something is still missing. His dream doesn't feel like it's enough. He wants real connection, wants to be fully happy. After he "accidenty" is being outed, Beck takes time off to see his friend Landon in Virginia.



More then ever, Beckett keeps thinking about his childhood friend Christian. The same Christian he left behind for 10 years....

Christian has never been able to forget about Beckett. He's been living in California for years but has always been following Beck's carreer. One day he receives a phonecall of Beck and he senses he could use his help. He packs his bags and heads off to Virginia.

I loved their reconnection.. I loved how they tried to be friends first again. To pick up where they left off 10 years ago. But being friends will never be enough.

Motocross was his dream, his career, his passion, one of his loves, but he hadn’t been fully living, not before he was honest about who he was, not before he had Christian back.

Loved to see all the guys of the Crossroad's series. Great seeing them being happy!!
I would love to see the next installment to be about Quinn, Christian's friend...

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

A great addition to this series. I only wish it was a full length novel.

Beckett finally breathes a sigh of relief as he reveals the truth about himself. He’s been hiding for over ten years and mainly has one regret - losing his best friend Christian, since he didn’t have the courage to confess his true feelings when confronted about his sexuality. On a whim, he calls Christian to reconnect and apologize, never thinking Christian would answer.

Christian understands why Beckett did what he did, and though he’s still hurt, he has never been able to forget him. Once they meet up, it’s like they were never apart, falling back into their easy friendship. Their attraction seems to only grow as they get to know each other again, and of course sparks fly.

This series is known for the sweet, smexy, and hot factor, and this latest entry does not drop the ball. Definitely, it left me with plenty of warm fuzzies, as Beckett and Christian find their way back to each other, and finally get their long awaited happy ending.

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

A beautiful story about second chance romance between childhood best friends. This was another great addition to the Crossroads series and it was great to see all the old gang back being as sweet and in love as ever. Hopefully we get Quinn's story next.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't particularly like the story, so 2.75⭐ from me, and I'll round it down, because I'm not satisfied, although the setting was there, the characters likeable and I wanted more for them, but this was too short and didn't even remotely tell their full story.

🟢 Childhood best friends - teenage crush - experimenting - no contact - lovers
🔵 Gay/bisexual
🟣 Motocross champion, Landon's friend, coming to Virginia for a getaway
🟠 Both 28 years old
🟡 Size difference
🟢 Like the cover, covers are really good in this series
🌶️ Some smut; good, but happened after a quick recap of the past, so I wasn't as invested; t/b, hinting at vers

This book goes back to what the second installment was - a lot of repetitive sentences, constant references to sex (just out of the blue, things you wouldn't say in everyday conversation), storytelling not that interesting and the story is too short for what went on between Beckett and Christian and their reconciliation was expressly done.

Beckett and Christian were childhood best friends until the end of high school where Christian was outed; to protect Beckett, with whom he fooled around occasionally, Christian took him out of the equation to protect his future career and Beckett then cut all contact with Christian for about a decade, when he called him out of the blue.

I definitely didn't like how Christian just flew over to Beckett like nothing happened when the guy called; Beckett ghosted him, his best friend, he didn't call for years and I don't think he deserved that courtesy.

They didn't really talk much about the past, they somehow just jumped into sex and it felt like so much of the story was missing. This was a perfect opportunity to really go in there and draw everything out, they had a complex history, a bit of angst and hurt/comfort needed to be added to the story, so much potential was lost with this short novella.

• Things I definitely didn't appreciate in this series were repetitive words and sentences, like

- "Christ" (so many times in the 2nd installment and again this one)
- "This might end before we get to the good stuff" (in almost every book)
- sex scenes are almost the same and repetitive (in most books)
- the side characters literally have the same dynamic over and over again, like nothing new could be added, same dialogues

So the only installment that is really worth reading -- probably worth reading more than any book in this series -- is Drew and Justin's book (third installment).
The rest are the same, pretty much. Crossroads is good, but not as good as Test Drive.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
It’s a little boring and Beck didn’t even grovel. Come on, when they were 18 their parents found a love letter to a guy written by Chris and they are mad, but this guy was Beck and they were best friends with benefits. So, Chris was dragged out of the closet and tell everyone he is gay but says the letter wasn’t for Beck and Beck didn’t deny it, didn’t tell the truth and not even supported Chris he just left him and then they lost contact because Beck didn’t even pick up the phone when Chris called.
Ten years go by without any contact between them until Beck comes out (he is bi) and calls Chris. Okay, till this point I was hoping for a big ass apology but what we get is Chris going to Virginia to help Beck because he knows he is not so fine and that’s it, just a “I am sorry” “I forgive you”, they fuck for five days and bla bla bla HEA.

[Heather the Queen of (Smut)Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one definitely isn't one of my favorites in the series. I've been waiting for Beckett's story since he was introduced in Landon and Rod's book. To be fair, I'm not a huge fan of novellas. They always come across as rushed and it's just not enough time to do credit to the characters or the relationships. Though Beck and Christian were once best friends and even after a 10 year separation still have feelings for each other.....I just never felt the chemistry. Even the sex scenes are a bit abrupt with really horrible porn dialogue.

Overall Beck and Christian were good together and it's well written. But I think it would've been much better if more attention and time were made to build up the relationship between the two. I likes my tension ;p

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this sweet read - enjoyed visiting the Crossroads gang again even though it was a fleeting visit ! Nice to see a reconnection between Beck & Christian that brings them back where they're supposed to be ❤️

[~Kristin~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ✨Stars✨
Oh, how I love this series!

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cortita, pero es bonito saber qué pasa con Beckett. Muy monos.

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the feeling I get when I start a book and I just know I'm going to love it. I'm not usually a fan of second chance stories, but I loved this one. I loved seeing all of the guys from the Crossroads series (Bryce & Nick will forever be one of my favorite couples!). 5 stars for this sweet little novella!

[Agla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok but it fell into the second chance trope pitfalls for me. The 2 MCs are 28 and haven't seen each other in 10 years but basically resume their relationship as if they haven't changed at all. I wanted more time of them reconnecting. The reason they reconnected at that point in time was good though. I didn't like that one MC thought the other was in a relationship (which was not the case) for longer that it needed to be the case. The whole book also felt rush. I only read book 1 in this series but the 3 couples were present and it made me want to read their book so there is that.

[Pianka *call me PIU* · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Crossroads” series has delivered a heartfelt and beautiful romance every single time. And it does not fail to do so in this short, beautifully written novella about “True Love”. Everything about this story is perfect: MCs, friends, family, emotions and romance. I was a little sad that the ended so soon. I wanted more. This story is a “best friends to lovers” trope and in my opinion an excellent addition to this lovely series.

Beckett Monroe or Beck is a star in the motorcross world. He is living a life he has always desired for, doing something he has always dreamed of doing. But something is missing. After getting outed, Beck takes a break to visit his friend, Landon for a few days and clear his head. Beck knows what is missing in his life and he gathers enough courage to contact his childhood best friend, Christian.

Beck and Christian were inseparable growing up. They had done everything together and eventually their friendship has developed into more. Beck was not ready then to let anyone know about them so when Chris gets outed to his family, Beck does nothing to back him up or come clean about them. Ten years has passed after that without them talking or having any kind of contact. But Beck still yearns for his best friend and first love.

Christian hops on a plane as soon as he gets the call from Beck. Chris was hurt deeply when Beck abandoned him all those years ago but he has never stopped loving the man. He knows Beck needs him and he jumps in feet first to help him. Old buried feelings of love and betrayal is difficult to shove away when the best friends meet again. Emotions surge along with the deep seated love both the men feel for each other. They have to work through their past issues and trust in each other before they could be together like they were always meant to be.

I loved the connection between Christian and Beck. Their reconnection after 10 years was handled with perfection. The passion and love between them was evident from the first time they meet at the airport but they had huge hurdles to overcome before their HEA. They don’t jump into bed without resolving anything and I really appreciated that the most.

“You’re mine now, Chris. Maybe we have to take things slow for a while, feel things out and figure out how we’re going to do this, but we are going to do this. You’re mine,” he said again and Christian didn’t argue.”

I loved how the author beautifully showcases Christian’s hurt as well as Beck’s regret. They talk through it all and I loved Christian for giving Beck a second chance and I absolutely loved Beck for holding up Chris’s trust by proclaiming his love for him in front of all. That ending was perfect!!!

“Chris…thank you for giving me a second chance. Thank you for loving me. For giving me the jumpstart I needed, without even realizing you were doing it.”

It was a bittersweet story with loads of feel good moments and passion. Christian and Beck’s story is any m/m romance lover’s idea of an awesome read. It’s no small feat to craft a story with a compelling plot, detailed character development and a satisfying conclusion in such short amount of pages and Ms. Hart has excelled in it with this novella. I love Riley Hart’s work and this time she has created a perfect novella with beautiful characters and a touching story which I can guarantee you can’t help but love.

*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*

[BR11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.
I love me some Riley Hart.
This one is a short novella about Beck's second chance with his childhood best friend and first love, Chris.
They get together after 10 years and the feelings cannot be contained any longer. Forgiveness about past mistakes and the rekindling of a flame that was still so bright after all those years lead these two to their HEA.
Medium steam and good story development for a novella. A little heavy on the MX race details, but it's to be expected since that's what Beckett does.
Nice addition to the series and the intro of Quinn, Chris' best friend in LA. I bet the next book will be about his story.
Fun times!

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to check in with the crew from this series again. Because this was a novella, it felt a tiny bit less developed than the others. By the time all of the history between Beckett and Christian was established and the cameos from the other people, there wasn't a lot of air time left for the men to explore their current relationship together. That said, it was still a good addition to the series even if it wasn't as fantabulous as some of the others.

3.5 stars.

Thank you, Secret Santa! Xoxo

[Dominika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet and to the point.