Con tutto il cuore

Hope Cove #2

by Cate Ashwood

Serie Hope Cove, Libro 2

L'agente Declan Grant risponde a una chiamata dal molo di Hope Cove. Qui trova Lucas Hale in fin di vita, dopo che e stato picchiato e scaricato dagli uomini del peschereccio su cui lavorava. Questo crimine violento sconvolge la tranquilla comunita dove tutti conoscono tutti e raramente gli abitanti chiudono a chiave la porta di casa. Nonostante Declan viva da poco a Hope Cove, vuole proteggere la citta e Lucas, e si offre subito di occuparsi di lui dopo che viene dimesso dall'ospedale.

Lucas vuole solo dimenticare l'accaduto e proseguire per la sua strada, ma piu conosce Declan, piu gli e difficile allontanarsi da lui e dalla sua integrita. Le indagini sull'attacco continuano e Declan si trova presto ad affrontare un dilemma morale, una scelta che potrebbe sconvolgere la sua vita tranquilla e obbligarlo a scegliere tra Lucas e la legge.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Abuse, LGBT, Gay

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2013

About the author

Cate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.

Reviews

[atmatos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gah, what happened here?

Over all it was meh-tastic!


Book one was SOOOOO much better than this, this I don't know what to call it.

The romance was horrible. The characters didn't mesh well. They just didn't fit. I found myself not caring what happened to them. The only parts I really enjoyed were the glimpses I got of Oliver and Mack's lives. What happened?

Now on to the local Mainer being a pissy bitch.

1. What is with this highway shit still? We call them Route One, or Route Three respectively. Yes, maybe on a map you might find out that they call it the "Coastal Highway" and that is just bullshit, cause nobody calls it that. Ever.

2. Say it with me MAINE Coast Memorial...note the MAINE, yeah we say that shit! You can also say Ellsworth Hospital, cause most people do!

3. I have never met a fisherman that goes out for months on end for lobster. I say this cause I live in a small coastal town, and I have never met anybody that has done this. Scallops yes, Tuna yes, Shrimping yes...and these are mostly week long trips not for three months.

Now for the extra credit bitching.

If you crank your oven to max and leave a cake in there for ten minutes past the cook time there will be no raw parts. It will be charcoal, ash, a brick of inedible solid waste. There will not be any cake batter fun times, no, only sad times cause there is no cake.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was love/hate alllll the way...favorite word is still fuck...and fuck me if I'm moving onto the third.
I have NO one to blame but myself...feel free to tell me to shut it if bitching occurs :P



*2.5 3.5 2 3 in-fecking-decisive stars*

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really awesome read!

I love this authors writing and I love her characters. I love that she brought Mack and Oliver, the couple from the first book, into this and showed us where they are now. I was so happy to catch up with them, especially when I learned what they were up to.

Now to the MC's in this book. Declan and Lucas. These two were really good together! I liked the way the author had Lucas start off as a bit of an ass, but then he let his defences down and started to show a nicer side. None of that was instant, though, and he was still the same character at the end, just a bit more pleasant. Lucas' attitude was understandable, however, and I was glad he had a bit of a bitchy attitude. It added to my enjoyment of the story.

As a couple, Declan and Lucas really did work. They had their issues, and things weren't always smooth sailing, but I never stopped feeling the connection between them or rooting for them. Both of them had their issues and their actions were understandable, even if I did want to scream at them to get it together.

I'm so glad I started reading this series and I cannot wait to read the next book!

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I start - the story itself I would have marked as 1 star -that this got to 3 Stars is because of the audio!



Let me say this: While I had a whole hell of a lot of problems with the story - John Orr's narration is 5 Stars! It was absolutely flawless.



Once again, Orr was an absolute pleasure to listen to...and if it weren't for his incredible narration I would have probably marked this DNF 50% through.



Some of my notes:
* Why is Lucas being such an ASSHOLE?! Declan saved your life, dickhead!
* Lucas, you're talking to a cop, just because you've kissed him doesn't mean he doesn't have an ethical and moral obligation to investigate your story - there's no "off the record" for cops idiot!
* How could Lucas believe Declan isn't going to say or do anything with this knowledge?
* Wow...saying "I love you" really fast here, guys...
* You're moving in together? You've known each other for less than three weeks!
* "You lied to me!" - Hey, Lucas, you're an idiot.
* Mack not telling Declan where Lucas went is a dick move.
* Wait - Mack is letting Declan take point on the investigation? Total conflict of interest!!
* Neither Mack nor Declan mention Declan's involvement with the witness to the prosecutor? Yeah, that's not going to end well.
* I'm suffering from emotional whiplash.



This was not realistic...like at all. Also, I did not understand how Lucas was up for sex three days out of the hospital sporting broken ribs, a stitched up stab wound, a broken arm, a wrenched shoulder and numerous contusions and bruises. Then there's the whole MISUNDERSTANDING / MISCOMMUNICATION deal. Ugh.



John Orr's fabulous narration is the best part of this story.

Recommended (audio only) with caution.

Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave

[Kazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book. It just adds to the whole feel of the series so far.

You briefly meet Deputy Declan Grant in Brokenhearted and he has his own book this time around. Declan finds a man on the docks after someone calls a 'sleeping' man into the station, but the man is barely clinging to life. Declan feels this pull to the unknown man on the dock. He wants nothing more than to protect him, even though he doesn't know him.

It is insta-attraction quickly turned to insta-love for Declan. It is his voice we hear so we know what he is thinking. I have to say that Lucas Hale was not easy to like initally. If I heard one more "whatever" I think I might have screamed but as you get to know him, bit by bit, Lucas is a nice guy who is understandably left unsure by the event that left him stabbed, bloody and broken on the dock. He wants to forget it.

It might sound like a dark story but it isn't, and Cate Ashwood has a way of turning anything into a charming read.

If you love romance, sweet characters and a town full of nice people, Wholehearted is a good book and I certainly recommend it. It is book number 2 in the Hope Cove series - and I suggest you read book #1 because Mack and Oliver have some nice news, but it can be read as a standalone. Another lovely Cate Ashwood read.
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholehearted, the second book in the Hope Cove series, is about Declan, Mack’s Deputy, who we got to know in the first book. He’s such a lovable character and deserves some happiness. Lucas on the other hand is broken and damaged, he needs exactly what Declan offers him. It’s nice to watch these two men trying to overcome their past abuses and learn to trust one another in the process.

Btw…I loved that Cat Ashwood kept us up to date with Mack and Oliver.

I really like this series. The characters and the writing are well done. Now on to the third book, it’s about Haydn, the man with the iron heart… :)

[Heller · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75

I wanted to like this but unfortunately both the characters and the storyline didn't work for me and things wrapped up far to easily in the end. Also, the twist with Mack and Oliver had my head spinning. I'll be sticking around for Haydn's story because I need to know what happens with him.

[Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto: 3.5 stelline di media.
Premesso che il primo libro di questa serie mi era piaciuto moltissimo, speravo di bissare il suo successo con questo. Purtroppo, non è stato pienamente così. È una lettura carina, sì. Ma non mi ha convinta del tutto e non è al livello del precedente, almeno secondo il mio parere.
L’inizio parte davvero bene, e mi ha coinvolta parecchio, ma successivamente alcuni comportamenti dei personaggi mi sono sembrati poco credibili, così come la parte medica (uno su tutti: ma dopo un trauma del genere, un consulto psicologico no, eh?).
Le azioni e i pensieri di Declan sono abbastanza coerenti e verosimili, quelli di Lucas non tanto, pur con le attenuanti dell’incidente, del trauma e di tutto il resto; la mancanza del suo punto di vista, poi, non aiuta a capire i suoi colpi di testa improvvisi.
La parte verso il finale si riprende miracolosamente, ma per merito di due personaggi secondari. Ho amato Mack e Oliver e nuovamente ci regalano qualche momento bellissimo con un’ottima sorpresa che abbellisce la storia.
Il finale, benché positivo, mi è parso frettoloso e un po’ piantato lì, la risoluzione processuale è parsa un filino semplicistica e meritava forse qualche riga in più.
La resa italiana è gradevole e curata, credo sia proprio la storia che forse andava gestita diversamente.
La conclusione a cui sono giunta è questa: carina, ma con qualche pecca. Merita di essere letta per continuità e per ritrovare Mack e Oliver. Ora sono curiosa di vedere cosa succederà nell’ultimo libro della saga.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being utterly entranced with book one in Cate Ashwood's 'Hope Cove' series, it was no wonder that I was excited to jump back into this little town in Maine. I really fell in love with Hope Cove, and its sense of unity and family. The people seem to care for one another, and I liked the small-town rhythms.

Declan hasn't lived in Hope Cove for very long, but he's fallen in love with it. He moved there from Austin, and he still hasn't gotten over what happened to him in the police force there. It's why the only two people who know he's gay are Mack and Oliver. When Declan answers a call and finds Lucas practically dead on the end of the pier, with the word FAG scrawled in his blood next to him, it trips all of Declan's protective and caring instincts. Not to mention, Lucas is beautiful. Too bad he's a bit of a brat with a major chip on his shoulder when he wakes up.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series Brokenhearted( Hope Cove#1 which was about Mack and Oliver) and was anxious to see how Deputy Declan's story would play out. Even if this is the second book it can easily be read as a standalone.

When Declan finds a bleeding and broken Lucas something inside him feels immediately drawn to him. He feels a kind of kinship in their situation and can't seem to leave Lucas alone in the hospital. Part of it of course, is the need to see the perpetrators punished but there is more to it. Declan wants Lucas in his life. I'm not quite sure why, even if this story is from Declan's POV I was never quite certain exactly what it was about Lucas that captivates him. It certainly wasn't his charming personality. Lucas is anything but forthcoming or even polite to start with, but Declan is not giving up.
“It had only been a few days, but they had fallen into a routine of sorts. Declan would show up at the hospital, Lucas would scowl and act surly, Declan would sidle up beside him in the garishly bright vinyl chair, Lucas would pretend to ignore him, and they would sit together for a while before conversation slowly began to unfold between them."
He puts up with it and finally wins a concession from the injured man to come home with him until he can care for himself.
This is definitely instant lust/love on Declan's side, I was almost a little worried about him being so over the moon about a guy he knows nothing about and has just met.
But then I just decided what the heck, it can happen.
They fall hard and fast.
“It was exactly what Declan had wanted all along, to be able to support the smaller man, to be his literal shoulder to lean on if he needed it. Being able to help made him happier than he wanted to admit.”
I enjoyed this sweet romance, there is no real angst or drama and the conflict resolution was done with ease. I did wonder it about the police procedure, I admit I am no expert but the way the investigation was handled and then settled seemed a little pat, but in this case I let it go and just sat back and enjoyed watching Declan get his man and I am looking forward to book #3, I want to know who will manage to capture Haydn's heart.

[Yeochingyu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

I really, seriously, wholeheartedly liked the first book. but this one not as much.
Maybe because I had high hopes. Declan's story feels like an insta-love from a shifter-finds-his-mate-book which is awesome if this was a fantasy book. I personally got that feeling it bugged me just a little but I ignored it's okay I like insta-love.

but then Lucas was wary of Declan which is perfectly normal when you wakeup to an obssessed/worried cop at your bedside (a tad creepy) but I liked it when Declan backedup just a little.
Yeah, I'm sure once Declan found Lucas in that state it just fucked with his mind with his past too. he was just out of control. (Creepiness justified)
Home Sweet home. kisses and confessions and trust and cuddles.
Lucas' story was just horrifying I mean hate crimes are but the way it happened people he trusted failed him,hanging from the ceiling, beaten up (those sociopaths were beating him, sleeping, beating him...) being tied up for days, the humiliation...

after the confessions the love shone brighter and brighter...

Then those sick Fs were going to pay for their crime (and I was the happiest person in that moment yeah it felt personal) but Lucas was pissed and then I was pissed and Declan was just out of control AGAIN and there was the problem.
I think the way Declan reacted to the things that happened is so ... immature?! (he sure is a green cop) he was so emotionally instable but Mack kept on telling him I know you can do it without mixing work with feelings.

And little Maggie came just at the right time to make life easier for everybody :p
it was so cute to see Mack and Oliver again with a new addition to the family.

When Declan carried the little angel I just forgave him for everything.

Can't wait to read the third book!
Oh Hayden...

[M/M e dintorni, l'altro lato del romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STELLINE E MEZZA!
Qui la mia recensione:
http://bit.ly/2non7Yf

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you believe in love at first sight? How about Obsession at first site?

Hope Cove Maine patrolman Declan Grant responds to a call at the docks to find Lucas Hale barely alive after being beaten and tossed off his fishing boat. But somehow Lucas is not just another victim... at least to Declan. Once he spots Lucas unconscious on the pier, Declan is enthralled. He can't even let Lucas ride alone with EMTs to the emergency room. Or leave his hospital room for long, or NOT invite the otherwise total stranger to move in with him while he recuperates.

While there are some sweet moments here, I had trouble with the recurring thought that Declan's behavior was stalkerish and unnatural. If one can dismiss that, the honeymoon aspects of this courtship are sweet and some of the scenes including one particular one in the bathroom are very HOT.

One early problem in this book for me was the overuse of the victim's name (Lucas.) Perhaps it was because I'd just finished a book where the eponymous character was simply referred to as "the boy" for the entire first chapter, but the frequent use of Lucas's name here (before we even meet the conscious character) seemed kind of strange and overly familiar.

This is the second book in a series and I've not read the first installment. There are other very positive reviews of this book and I'm wondering if Declan's behavior is somehow easier to understand if you've read book one.

It also seemed to me that the author included a number of details that I might have omitted in favor of spending time on other things. One example was the inclusion of a scene in which Declan recalls responding to his first incident involving a dead child. Those details seemed unnecessary to me. By the same token, Lucas's reasons for NOT wanting to prosecute his attackers were never explored or explained. Given the impact that that decision had on the overall plot I felt that it deserved more explanation.

Still, on the whole, if you're looking for a book about the honeymoon period in a relationship between a small town New England cop and a victim he saves you might have just found the ideal book for you.

Rather than reading this, I listened to the audio-book version as narrated by John Orr, the same fellow who did book one. He has a young masculine voice that seems ideally suited for portraying Declan and Lucas. His portrayal of women's voices was a bit annoying but there are so few women in the book, this is a minor quibble. He also has a prozac like, dead-pan delivery that is an asset in spots and a detriment in spots. Like prozac it seemed to remove the worst of the lows (of poor prose) but also seemed to limit some of the better passages. You'll have to judge for yourself, I'm still undecided as to whether the net effect was a plus or a minus.


*** Note: I was given a copy of this audio-book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

[Dig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd heard this was bad, but...

I just have a huge problem with, 'I just met you and this is crazy...' two weeks later, 'I love you, move in with me.'

There were a few editing issues I had with the story - mainly revolving around Lucas's cast... first, he needed a bath b/c he couldn't get it wet, and not even a week later, it's mentioned that they showered together and had sex in the shower? and then Declan took Lucas to the Doctor's b/c he still had his cast, and then he needed to keep the cast on for another two weeks, at least, and then they had this big giant fight (which was totally unnecessary...more on this later), and they don't see each other for a month, then they get back together, because it is HEA, and there's no mention of his cast b/c they're all happy and having sex...

I just don't like inconsistencies... I literally spoke out loud with "how can they have sex in the shower if he's got a cast," and then thought that maybe it was me. NO, IT WASN'T ME, b/c he had his cast in the next scene when he cooked and burned all the food and then they had uninspiring chocolate cake sex.

OK, now to the fight to why Lucas left. That was all fine, broke my trust, blah blah blah, but then MACK... of all the fucking people, "Lucas needs someone he can trust right now."

SAY WHAT? - Mack was totally out of character by getting angry at Declan since Mack was the one who'd discovered the secret, and really, broke them apart. And what the read is just supposed to accept it because he and Oliver are having "issues" with something else that is "stressful?"

so -.5 star for rushing through love
-.5 star for MACK being an asshole for no reason
-1.0 star for plot holes and basically rushing through story and still making it so unnecessarily long.

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Orr did an amazing job narrating this! I would forget I was supposed to be doing something while listening to this and I would sit down and listen for a while, and I got caught up in the story again.

I love this authors writing and I love her characters. I love that she brought Mack and Oliver, the couple from the first book, into this and showed us where they are now. I was so happy to catch up with them, especially when I learned what they were up to.

Now to the MC's in this book. Declan and Lucas. These two were really good together! I liked the way the author had Lucas start off as a bit of an ass, but then he let his defences down and started to show a nicer side. None of that was instant, though, and he was still the same character at the end, just a bit more pleasant. Lucas' attitude was understandable, however, and I was glad he had a bit of a bitchy attitude. It added to my enjoyment of the story.

As a couple, Declan and Lucas really did work. They had their issues, and things weren't always smooth sailing, but I never stopped feeling the connection between them or rooting for them. Both of them had their issues and their actions were understandable, even if I did want to scream at them to get it together.

[Kade Boehme · Rating 5 out of 5]

These just keep getting better. Can't wait for Ironhearted

[Keris Shay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly this book was good till the conflict. I saw some reviews talking about Lucas hot/cold behavior towards Declan and I get it. BUT at the same time , we do not have his POV so we really don't know why that character was thinking. (This is why I am anHUGE fan of authors who give us that) Also that man had just been beaten to an inch of his life. Show me someone whose emotions wouldn't be all over the place!

Then the conflict hit and well I lost all interest in the story. (See my reading activity to watch me vent) I loved Mac in the first book , but here, nope. He went through Declan's desk and then filed paperwork with out asking, calling, texting whatever, to Declan. Then he threw the trust issue into Declan's face when it was MACS FAULT TO BEGIN WITH. Second, Lucas over reacted in a huge way. I'm sorry but Declan explained to him that he did it so he could put a face to a name and was holding for when/if Lucas ever wanted to press charges. HE LOVES HIM FOR GOD SAKE! And Lucas not once put himself in Declan's shoes. Which btw pissed me off even more bc he told Declan that him being a good officer and doing the right thing was WHY HE LOVED HIM! So then you get pissed and walk out. Ugh

Mac and Lucas were horrible to Declan, blaming him for everything.

Then when they finally see each other, Lucas is pissed he put his job before him. IM SORRY AGAIN MAC IS THE ONE WHO OUT THIS IN MOTION!! Not Declan. And Declan just rolled over and took all the blame.

I am not sure how this author thought this part of the story made sense. Lucas should have been pissed at Mac.

The one thing I LOVED was the narration! I love his voice! Well done.

Not sure if I am going to go onto book 3. This has left a bad taste in my mouth ...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der Cop Declan hat nach seiner Flucht aus Texas in Hope Cove endlich Frieden und einen guten Platz zu leben und arbeiten gefunden. Mit seiner Sexualität hadert er noch immer, da ihm seine Neigungen in der Vergangenheit große Probleme bereitet haben. Doch da sein Chef Mack mit seinem Partner Oliver offen schwul lebt, öffnet Declan sich langsam. Bei einem Einsatz findet er den schwer verletzten Lucas. Declan ist fasziniert von dem jüngeren Mann und entwickelt sofort einen Beschützerinstinkt.

Doch Lucas ist eine sehr spröde Pflanze und reagiert erst sehr unwirsch auf den Polizisten, der ständig in seinem Krankenhauszimmer herumlungert. Luc hat keine Lust zu erzählen wie er schwer verletzt auf dem Pier von Hope Coves gelandet ist und Declan fällt ihm auf die Nerven. Doch Dec ist ziemlich hartnäckig und lässt sich einfach nach abschütteln. Und langsam lässt Luc sich auf den freundlichen Kerl ein, auch wenn er weiter keine Anzeige erstatten will. Doch jedes Geheimnis kommt irgendwann mal ans Licht und Declan steht schließlich vor der schwierigsten Entscheidung seines Lebens.

Teil zwei der Hope Cove Reihe war für mich weniger emotional zu lesen, als die Geschichte von Mack und Oliver. Diese zwei Persönlichkeiten haben mir viele Tränen und einen intensiven Lesegenuss beschert. Mit ganzem Herzen ist hingegen weniger schwermütig und weniger ergreifend. Während Declan sehr offenherzig und spontan – manchmal auch unüberlegt – agiert, ist Lucas eine sehr verschlossene Auster. Von Anfang an ist er sehr unwirsch, zickig und abweisend. Aber das hat auch seinen Grund.

Cate Ashwood beschreibt die Geschichte von Luc und Declan durchaus interessant und zieht die Geschichte auch nicht unnötig in die Länge. Schnell merkt Luc, dass Declan echt nett ist und ihm wirklich helfen will. Vermutlich reagiert Luc auch so biestig, weil er seine eigene Unsicherheit damit kaschieren möchte. Und sein Misstrauen kann man ihm auch nach den Ereignissen auf dem Meer nicht verübeln. Allerdings hat er sich dann für meinen Geschmack doch ein wenig schnell Declan anvertraut und war etwas zu vertrauensselig.

Declan ist ein guter Kerl und er will alles richtig machen. Doch gut gemeint ist oft nicht gut gemacht. Den Cop-Modus kann er nur schwer abstellen und gerät damit zwischen die Stühle – wem soll nun seine Loyalität gelten? Mit ganzem Herzen ist eine durchaus gelungene Fortsetzung, die den Leser durchaus zufrieden zurücklässt. Kleine Mängel im Plot gleicht die Autorin mit interessanten Helden und einer angenehmen Erzählweise aus.

[Caroline Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

Story 4.5
Narration 4.5

We are back in Hope Cove and this time it is Officer Declan Grant that is in the spot light. Still carrying secrets from his pasts he keeps his small group of friends close to his heart and is wary of strangers.
When he is called to the docks late one night is discovers a very bloody, very beaten and barely alive Lucas Hale. Not really knowing the reason he feels a pull towards the man and makes it his mission to help with his recovery and find out who left the man so damaged. Memories from his own past drive him on.

This story is built on secrets which neither man is keen to spill initially, and there is a slow dance around each other while Lucas recovers. Declan takes Lucas home to finish his recovery and although there is obvious lust and attraction between the pair there is also pain and distrust. Declan in mother bear mode will make you smile!

Lucas wants to forget all about the attack and more importantly the reasons for it. He will talk about it to Declan as a friend but not on the record as a Police Officer. This puts Declan in an awkward position and when his written thoughts are read by someone else the situation gets out of control. Any trust Declan had built with Lucas may have just collapsed altogether.

This story has a little angst, a lot of lust and some hot sex when the boys finally get together. It’s not an easy ride but one that proves worth it in the end. Cate Ashwood has written a great second book in the Hope Cove Series and I look forward to reading Ironhearted next.

Narration

As in book 1 John Orr was perfect for the job and is still one of my favourite narrators. He brings the story to life with every word he speaks.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* (rounded up, again, for the recipe in the back—so, so fun—happy baking times ahead!)

This is definitely not a 3 star book when I compare it to others I have given that rating to, but nor is it a 2. I really like Cate Ashwood's writing and style of prose, it flows well and is very easy to read, and there were many moments in this book that pulled me in and held me tight and were just lovely. But I did struggle with the plot—there were too many "shake head" moments that had me losing interest and momentum in the story. I had preordered this before I read Bk 1, and honestly, if I hadn't, I probably would have given it a miss. Whether I'll bother with Bk 3 I can't say right now, although, I will say Haydn intrigues me more than any of the other characters, so we'll see.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a low three stars for me. The character pretty much didn't mesh for me. Why Declan is so infatuated with Lucas from the beginning and why Lucas is so mistrustful in the beginning doesn't make a lot of sense. Then Lucas goes cold to hot with a snap of the fingers. Why Mack was rooting around in the bottom of Declan's drawer and magically finds a hidden folder is also way to convenient. To me too much is taken for granted and instantly falls into place for this to be a really great book like the first one was.

[Feliz · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was okay--I guess if I'd read this earlier in my "reading career" I'd have liked it a lot better. I just found it a bit bland, and there were many mundane things, domestic bliss and superfluous sex scenes in it. Also I didn't quite connect to the characters. A great start, but it went downhill into the flat and somewhat dull fairly quickly.

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, but there were a few things that bothered me. Lucas' hot/cold attitude didn't seem solid. He had no honest explanation for the rude behavior in the hospital, then he pretty quickly was all friendly and lovey-dovey. It just didn't gel for me. And I felt the resolution and make-up was rushed at the end, like the author was in a hurry to end the story.

[Will Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I might be a bit in love with Declan. Just a tad.

Scylla and Charybdis has nothing on this man. When he finds out what happened to the man he finds himself falling in love with, he does his best to keep a promise, but these things can't be buried forever, and when they come up, will the new love survive?

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

Full review coming soon on the above site.

4 stars for the story
.5 extra for the narration by John Orr
4.5 stars overall

[Sophia Gracin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more of this authors books. Her stories really work for me and I can't get enough of them. This series is also really, really good. The characters are all memorable and likable (which is important!).

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book two in the Hope Cove series and you do not have to read in order, though we did meet Declan in book one and Oliver and Mack and a few others make an appearance in this book, so reading the first you would know the other characters and a bit more history of the town itself.
I did not enjoy this book near as much as the first. I was disappointed because I really wanted Declan's story that was hinted at in book one and I kinda liked Declan from that book too. I felt this story fell a little short. The blurb really got my attention and the first few chapters as well as I rooted for Lucas to come to and find out his story. I didn't mind the instant attraction and insta-love in this story but I sure was hoping for more story to make it worth it. There is a lot of sex and I mean a lot. Don't get me wrong I like hot sex but really, this guy just got out of the hospital from near death. I would have liked a little less sex and more story in this book. I just felt the sex overshadowed what could have been a good story if there had been some conflict or danger involved. And the end disappointed me as well, it just sorta stopped. I would have liked a bit more story and closure plus I wasn't happy with the closure on Lucas either (cannot say more because I don't want to leave spoilers)
Having said this. the story is okay and a good romance. If you like a lot of hot sex, insta-love, men in uniform, lots of emotion and a decent romance then you may like this. Don't get me wrong, I did like the story, I just expected more since the first was so good.

[Sophie ARGINTARU · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ce deuxième opus possède le même défaut que le précédent… nous offrir une petite ville rêvée avec trop peu de personnages pour donner une vraie âme à cette histoire. Néanmoins, Cate Ashwood a un vrai talent pour approfondir une relation tout aussi émouvante que pour le premier couple. De même, ce qui va à un moment séparer Declan et Lucas est très crédible, très compréhensif. S’ils sont très vite très attirés l’un par l’autre, ces deux hommes vont mettre du temps à se comprendre, du temps pour nouer une franche et solide relation.

Si la méfiance bougonne, barrière érigée par notre pauvre blessé, pour mieux rejeter les mains tendues, est tout à fait bien vue, on ne peut être que sous le charme de Declan, jeune officier victime d’un coup de foudre qui le laisse presque démunis devant la violence à peine rentrée de Lucas. De cette relation difficile naissent malentendus, disputes, et scènes sensuelles passionnées. Il faut bien nos anciens héros pour venir clarifier une situation pleine d’obstacles teintée d’amertume. De nouveau, ce roman est trop court pour créer une histoire avec un vrai fond, un vrai « monde », un contexte passionnant… Dommage, cette série est un peu trop anodine pour rester longtemps dans les mémoires !

[Jes Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read anything by this author prior to this book, and I have to say, I'm a fan. This book was about a down on his luck guy looking to make ends meet once he was kicked out of his house after graduating high school. He auditions for an adult film and meets an actor-turned-director who looks out for him, and eventually they fall in love. I'm not sure how accurate the insight to the adult film industry the information is, but it's a nice spin of happily-ever-after. It's on the REREAD list, for sure.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

great except for abrupt ending.

I have read several of Cate Ashwood’s books, and I understand this is her earlier work. The issues with this series are that they end very abruptly and there is not as much resolution as I would like. There’s still unresolved things and questions unanswered. At least I will get a little more from the characters in the next book, but it still feels unfinished. Would have given it 5 stars if it had a more thorough ending.