Setting the Hook

Love's Charter #1

by Andrew Grey

It could be the catch of a lifetime.

William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen's fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn't the only view William enjoys, but he's never made his move. A vacation romance just isn't on his horizon.

Mike started his Apalachicola charter fishing service as a way to care for his daughter and mother, putting their safety and security ahead of the needs of his own heart. Denying his attraction becomes harder with each of William's visits.

William and Mike's latest fishing excursion starts with a beautiful day, but a hurricane's erratic course changes everything, stranding William. As the wind and rain rage outside, the passion the two men have been trying to resist for years crashes over them. In the storm's wake, it leaves both men yearning to prolong what they have found. But real life pulls William back to his obligations. Can they find a way to reduce the distance between them and discover a place where their souls can meet? The journey will require rough sailing, but the bright future at the end might be worth the choppy seas.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Childrens, LGBT, M M Contemporary

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2017

Reviews

[Sushi (寿司) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dodicesimo libro finito nel 2019. Sto andando alla grande.
Ho adorato il libro dall'inizio alla fine. (Scena di sesso sulla barca è stata fantastica).💕

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded down to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.

Well this one caught my attention...hook, line & sinker...

'Setting the Hook' is the first book in Andrew Grey's latest series 'Love's Charter' and I do have to admit it's been a while since I've enjoyed one of this author's books as much as this one.

William Westmoreland has a high pressure life in Rhode Island. Helping his father run the family business and trying to live up to the expectations of his parents. Who I have to admit in spit of everything else were at least accepting of William's sexuality. William's only bit of self indulgence is his twice a year trips to Florida to charter on Mike Jansen's fishing boat where he can relax, catch some fish and enjoy the scenery...all of the scenery. But he's never done more than look.

Mike runs his charter fishing service so he can provide for his mother and daughter and he keeps everything else firmly locked in the closet to ensure that they stay safe. Following his heart isn't an option in Mike's eyes.

Neither of these men are looking for a relationship. For different reasons each man's life is ruled by fear making love a complication that they just don't have room for. William doesn't have time and lives in fear of letting his father down...Mike lives in fear of what he could lose if he follows his heart.

When Mother Nature steps in and forces these two men together they begin to realize that they can no more fight their feelings than they can the storm raging outside and keeping William in Florida.

The relationship between these two wasn't a direct line to happily ever after for either of them. There was the real world to deal with, choices and decisions to be made and none of it was easy for them. William returned to Rhode Island to the life that he felt he couldn't escape and this was when he realized that it was a life he couldn't and didn't want to continue to live. At the same time Mike began to realize that while he loved his mother and daughter and wouldn't change anything that had happened in the past he needed to find a way to redefine his future and still provide for them and keep them safe.

These men and their story worked for me. Things weren't easily resolved for them and at times the floundered but I loved that they were both willing to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and keep trying, keep working to find a way to be together and create a life together.

As well as letting their fears rule their lives, both William and Mike treasure their family in their own way. Mike's mom is loving, strong and supportive and does her best to help him raise his daughter. At the same time she sees so much more of her son and who he is than he realizes and truly wants the best for them.

William's parents were a bit more complicated and at the beginning I can honestly say I was not a fan and while I never fully warmed up to them as the story progressed I came to appreciate the potential that was beginning to grow as his parents began to change and see that the life there son was leading was neither the life he wanted or needed. Throughout the story there was conflict between William and his parents as he struggled to change his life so he could be with Mike. I liked that we got to see things between William and his parents start to improve. It was nice to read a story where a child and his parents were able to work through their conflicts come out on the other side with a stronger relationship rather than being alienated from each other.

Greg Tremblay was the narrator for this story and as always he did not disappoint. The voices worked for me, they were expressive and conveyed emotion giving depth and life to the story. Mr. Tremblay is definitely one of my favorite narrators, his audio books without fail

'Setting the Hook' has given a solid start to this series and I'm definitely looking forward to continuing with 'Love's Charter' and seeing whose story will come next.

********************
An audio book of 'Setting the Hook' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Hearts

Standard Grey fare, which is not a bad thing at all. Some authors you know what to expect, and I expect this from Grey and was not disappointed.

Mike’s life is basically all work and no play. It’s not all doom and gloom though. He has a wonderful mom who helps him take care of his lovely daughter, and he works hard at making a good living charting fishing expeditions for vacationers who come to his small Florida town. Is he a bit lonely?? Sure. However, he’s literally not gonna rock the boat and risk his livelihood by proclaiming his sexuality, especially since there isn’t anyone special in his life. Mike simply contents himself with the little thrill he gets when rich and charismatic William books his boat twice a year for a day out on the water.

William is also stuck in his life. Basically groomed to run the family business from a young age, he’s inundated with unrelenting obligations and finds very little joy in what he does. His only escape is when he’s out on the water, feeling the sun, fishing for great catches, and secretly admiring his favorite captain while enjoying his company. William knows he’s probably barking up the wrong tree, but he can daydream, right?

Fate intervenes and moors William in the small fishing town, forcing him to stay with Mike for a few days. This, of course, allows truths to be revealed and for these two to collide in all the ways. Their brief time together is like a dream, but one has to wake up unfortunately.

How do these two men go on without the other, stuck in life’s circumstance but unable to forget the passion they shared? Can they reconcile their feelings and their lives to be together?

There's a lot of inner contemplation here on both Mike and William’s parts. They both have to make some tough decisions, each afraid to take that first step towards possible happiness, aware of what’s at stake.

Overall, this was a realistic romance - realistic in the progression and the challenges and obstacles both these men face. It was very nice to watch them realize what they wanted and to go after it despite their fears and reservations. Having Tremblay narrate this only enhanced the experience, which absolutely comes as no surprise. Again, this was classic Grey, and I look forward to the sequel featuring an interesting character that charters Mike’s boat skills on the regular!



Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is a Happy For Now actually a Happy Ever After? Actually, probably all the time, but in a book, especially when it’s written by a great writer like Andrew Grey. After all, who can predict the future, as in “ever after?”
Mike is a former Navy man who has captained destroyers but is now the captain of a Florida Gulf Coast fishing boat named Decisions. Mike makes his living taking people who want to catch fish out into the gulf. For Mike, it’s work, but it’s also fun. At home, away from the water, Mike lives with his mother and his 10 year old daughter, whom he loves dearly. For the past few years a particular fisherman, William, has booked a day’s fishing twice a year. Mike notices William as a man, but also as a fun customer and always looks forward to his visits.
William is an executive with his father’s firm, where they produce boat engines, among other things. He is following in his father’s and his grandfather’s footsteps, but is isn’t what he would really like to be doing. With his socialite mother and his demanding father, he doesn’t feel like he has any choices in his life. They’ve dictated what he studied, where he lives (with them) and where he works. The only thing William seems to have for himself are those fishing trips.
So, those are the two main characters, but there is another MC in this story and his name is Marshall. Marshall is a capricious hurricane that arrives during one of William’s fishing days. After hurrying back to shore and buttoning up the boat as much as they can with little notice, William finds he is stuck when his rental car won’t start. Mike takes William home, and as the saying goes, one thing leads to another.
They part ways for several months but then a chance to be together again falls into William’s lap as he is asked to find a captain to test drive a multi-million dollar yacht with his company’s newest engines on board. Go ahead. Guess who William asks to perform this duty. This is my favorite part of the story, as William and his guest/captain and the captain’s daughter are treated to the finest luxury while they cruise the Caribbean. Then someone drops in on their fabulous vacation and things change. Or do they? And what about when the cruise is over? Do they have to go back to their normal lives without each other? Can Mike come out in his small southern town without losing his business? Will William become just another executive who plods his lonely way unhappily to retirement?
This is a romance that is sweet, with a little bit of angst and family interference, but it is one you will enjoy tremendously. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Enjoy!

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

William Westmoreland soll eines Tages ganz die Motorenfirma übernehmen, die sein Vater aufgebaut hat, und in der er auch jetzt schon viel Verantwortung trägt. Der Wohlstand und der sichere Job können für William aber nicht ausgleichen, dass er ständig am Schreibtisch und in langweiligen Besprechungen sitzen muss. Nur zweimal im Jahr kann er ans Meer flüchten und in Florida ein paar Tage beim Angeln ausspannen. Und zunehmend ist ihm auch wichtig, beim Charterkapitän Mike Jansen seine Angeltour zu buchen. Denn mehr und mehr ist nicht nur das Angeln sondern auch Mike der Grund, wieso William nach Florida reist.

So fand ich's:

William hat sich in die Rolle des Juniorchefs gefügt und tut genau das, was seine Familie will, auch wenn er keinen allzu großen Spaß an seinem langweiligen Bürojob hat. So etwas wie ein Privatleben hat er im Grunde nicht. Mike hat sich mit den Angeltouren selbständig gemacht und zieht seine Tochter Carrie mit Hilfe seiner Mutter groß. Während seiner Armyzeit hat er seine Homosexualität ausgelebt, aber nun, da sein Lebensunterhalt auch von konservativen Angelkunden abhängig ist und er in einer Kleinstadt lebt, behält er das lieber für sich.

Beide Männer suchen nicht nach einer Partnerschaft und leben weit voneinander entfernt ein Leben, in dem sie Verantwortung für andere tragen. Doch als ihre wenigen Stunden Angelausflug auf ein paar Tage ausgedehnt werden, weil ein Tropensturm sie ans Haus fesselt, können sie ihre gegenseitige Anziehung nicht mehr verleugnen.

William und Mike sind zwei bodenständige, verantwortungsbewusste Männer, denen die Familie über alles geht und die von Anfang an eine gute Männerfreundschaft verbindet. Man gönnt ihnen mehr, doch zuerst sieht es überhaupt nicht so aus, als gäbe es eine Lösung für sie. Die Zeit, die die beiden miteinander verbringen, auch wenn Mikes Tochter Carrie mit dabei ist, zeigt deutlich, wie gut sie zusammenpassen und mir haben diese Passagen sehr gefallen. Angelausflüge, Schnorcheltrips und heimliche Zärtlichkeiten bestimmen die Handlung, die natürlich auch ein Happy End bereithält. Dass große Teile der Handlung auf dem Meer stattfinden und eine entspannte Urlaubsatmosphäre hier und da mal durchlugte, hat mir besonders gefallen.

Die Geschichte an sich hatte zwar nichts Ungewöhnliches oder Einzigartiges an sich, war aber routiniert erzählt und hat mich mit ihren liebenswerten Figuren gut unterhalten. Deshalb gibt es von mir eine warmherzige Leseempfehlung für diesen ersten Teile einer (bisher) zweibändigen Reihe.

[Sophisticated Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

William arbeitet im Familienunternehmen, ist aber überhaupt nicht glücklich damit. Viel lieber würde er seinem Leben eine ganz andere Richtung geben. Deshalb flieht er zumindest zweimal im Jahr zum Golf von Mexiko und mietet sich auf Mikes Fischerboot ein, um einfach mal die Seele baumeln zu lassen. Dass Mike sympathisch ist und ihm mehr als gut gefällt, ist da natürlich ein kleiner, aber feiner Bonus.

Mike hat einen Charterservice gegründet, um sich um seine Tochter und seine Mutter zu kümmern bzw. für sie zu sorgen. Er genießt es, wenn William eine Tour bei ihm mietet, will sich aber nicht so wirklich eingestehen, dass er sich immer mehr zu ihm hingezogen fühlt. Gerade in der kleinen Stadt, Apalachicola, sind nicht alle so weltlich und er hat Angst, dass er sein Unternehmen zusperren muss, wenn man herausfindet, dass er schwul ist. Doch dass dann ausgerechnet ein Hurrikan ihm einen Strich durch die Rechnung macht, hätte er sich wohl nicht gedacht.

Ich habe wohl eine Schwäche für Fischergeschichten, denn ich war hin und weg von Mike und William, obwohl die Geschichte an sich nichts besonderes ist. Es gibt keine gewaltigen Höhen oder Tiefen, kein unnötiges Drama … es ist eher eine Gute Laune Geschichte, die man an einem Sonntagnachmittag liest um die Seele baumeln zu lassen.

William ist ein wirklich toller Charakter, der sich gleich zu Beginn in mein Herz katapultiert hat. Er bringt nämlich, zuvorkommend wie er ist, Mikes Tochter ein Geburtstagsgeschenk mit, obwohl er sie noch nie gesehen hat. Er ist auch allgemein einfach ein höflicher Mensch, der sich auf so liebevolle Art um andere kümmert, dass man ihn einfach nur mögen muss. Umso schlimmer sind seine Eltern, die wollen, dass er in die Fußstapfen seines Vaters tritt und überhaupt nach ihren Nasen tanzen soll. Nur will William das nicht, vor allem als sich zwischen Mike und ihm etwas beginnt zu entwickeln. Er hat gesehen, was er haben könnte, und ist bereit darum zu kämpfen.

Mike ist ebenso ein wirklich toller Charakter, dem das Wohl seiner Tochter und seiner Mutter über alles geht. Er würde wohl sein letztes Hemd für sie hergeben. Doch die aufkeimenden Gefühle für William könnten Probleme auslösen – und so hat Mike Angst, dass er vielleicht sein gesamten Unternehmen verliert – das für seine Familie so wichtig ist – nur weil er schwul ist. Gerade in so einer kleinen Stadt, wo weltliches Denken nicht bei allen eingekehrt ist. Dennoch ist es wirklich schön zu lesen, wie Mike versucht über seinen Schatten zu springen und einfach einen Lernprozess durchmacht.

Auch Mikes Tochter und seine Mutter sind einfach toll. Unterstützend und sie lieben William – besser könnte es also eigentlich nicht laufen. Bei Williams Eltern sieht es, wie bereits erwähnt, anders aus. Vor allem seine Mutter ging mir einfach tierisch auf die Nerven. Und ab einem gewissen Punkt in der Geschichte machen seine Eltern aber eine 180 Grad Drehung, die ich so nicht wirklich verstanden habe und nachvollziehen konnte. Mir blieb das alles zu wage und ging mir einfach zu schnell.

Alles in allem aber eine sehr unterhaltsame Geschichte, die ich gerne weiterempfehle, auch wenn sie Schwächen aufweist.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet character-driven romance between a workaholic businessman, groomed by his parents to take over the family engineering firm, and the owner of the boat he charters a couple of times a year to go fishing.

A bad storm following William's latest fishing trip leaves him stranded in Florida for a few days; Mike invites him to stay with him (he lives with his mother and ten-year-old daughter) and the nacent attraction they've both been feeling for years now becomes impossible to ignore or resist.

They're from very different worlds, but no matter how strong the emotions growing between them, Mike's life is in Florida and William's is in Rhode Island. Yet the months apart after William's last visit only prove to both of them that there's something between them worth exploring, and both men have to decide how much they're prepared to sacrifice in order to be together.

It's nto going to win any prizes for originality, but Setting the Hook is an enjoyable story featuring likeable characters, and of course, Greg Tremblay's narration was flawless.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- Slow burner with a bit of a different setting

Setting the Hook was a good, heart-warming romance between two busy men who made it a habit of putting everyone else first. I really enjoyed this book’s premise of a fishing charter captain in a small community paired with a businessman from the Northeast. The scenery, boating, and fishing descriptions were done well with just enough detail to set the story apart and capture my interest.

The heroes were both likable and though they were a bit resistant to moving forward, the author fully explained their motivations for keeping their feelings under wraps. I liked the idea that both men had unrequited feelings for each other that developed over time and the circumstances that finally got them to act on those feelings was believable. The chemistry and longing came through for the reader as well, including the uncertainty regarding the viability of a long-term relationship. Really, Setting the Hook had all the makings of a good slow-burn romance and I was eager to see how William and Mike made things work between them. For the most part, I was happy with how things progressed. Nothing in their relationship was rushed, which made sense given their careers, families, and lifestyles. However, I wish there were more details of the final resolution or of their lives once they committed to being together. Especially after drawn out love stories, I want to experience the pay out and their happy ending, so I’m always disappointed if those details are glazed over in an epilogue. That said, I liked the resolutions with their families and careers, even if it was a bit of a convenient and quick wrap.

This was a good romance featuring older heroes and with minimal angst and drama. I always like when there are different settings or circumstances in books, so the fishing and boating aspects of Setting the Hook were a win for me.

Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club

[BR11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmm... ok? It dragged a little at times and there was too much Carrie (Mike’s daughter) for my taste.
Both guys were likable but something was missing and I cannot put my finger on what it was.
There were a few sexy times but they lacked steam.
A little above a mehhh for me.

[Mathilda Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein typischer Andrew Grey Roman, um mal diese Formulierung zu benutzen, und dieses Mal ist es wieder eine Story der Sorte, die mir zugesagt hat.

Sympathische Charaktere und dazu eine ruhige Geschichte, die sich sowohl um Mike und William als Paar dreht, aber auch viel Zeit für das Drumherum bietet, denn beide Männer haben ein in meinen Augen recht eingefahrenes Leben, und bis sie aus diesem Alltag ausbrechen können, um das zu tun, was sie wirklich wollen und was sie glücklich macht, das dauert seine Weile.

Da ich von Booten und Fischfang nicht das Geringste verstehe, verlasse ich mich jetzt einfach mal darauf, dass das soweit stimmt, was in dem Buch steht, denn es nimmt einen größeren Teil ein und ist auch teils recht amüsant erzählt, ich sag nur: seekranke Kerle. ;-)

Eine schöne Geschichte, perfekt für einen gemütlichen Lesenachmittag geeignet. Ich vergebe zufriedene 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.

Dazu schicke ich ein liebes Dankeschön an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two men are very different, like educated businessman William and practical charter fishing service co-owner Mike, one of two things can happen when they meet. Either they can’t find anything to talk about and don’t get along, or the sparks fly. ‘Setting the Hook’ takes its time revealing what the case will be with William and Mike, and because they are both multilayered characters who each have their own history, issues, and passions, I found it fascinating to watch their journey from a sort-of-vacation friendship to a hurricane-induced maybe-romance. As is typical for an Andrew Grey novel, there are multiple obstacles, deep emotions, and several secondary characters who bring the main story line to life and made me want to meet all of them in real life.

William is a family man: he has towed the parental line, studied what his father told him was needed to keep the family business going, and is bored out of his mind doing a job he doesn’t enjoy. He may be well educated and professionally successful, but he is neither fulfilled nor happy. His bi-annual fishing trips to Florida are his one escape, and if it isn’t just the landscape and activity that attract him but Mike who is his focus, who will be the wiser?

Mike is an ex-soldier and also a family man – but his is in a very different place than William’s. First of all, it is not traditional – his loved ones consist of his mother, who has a remarkable talent for “knowing things”, and his ten-year-old daughter, Carrie, whose mother was never interested in raising her. Mike will do anything to keep them safe and happy, and earning a living by running a charter fishing service is his best option. Finding a man to love him and a personal relationship just isn't in the cards for Mike – or so he believes.

Hurricanes are known to cause chaos, and this is definitely the case for the one that strands William and causes Mike to take him home to wait out the storm’s effects. When they open up to each other and discover the attraction each thought was one-sided is actually mutual, things quickly get physical. But their minds need time to deal with what they have done and take a lot longer to catch up. Not to mention what everyone else thinks they have a right to say – especially William’s family. I was severely tempted to wring their necks more than once! As for William? Yeah, he takes his time figuring out what’s important, but a relationship with a man and being open about it is all new to him, so I could see why it took him a while.

If you like romances with enough obstacles to make your head spin, if you enjoy watching adults growing and changing once they meet the partner they are meant to be with, and if you’re looking for a read that is engaging, shows how difficult – and yet rewarding - it can be to compromise, and has a deeply passionate love story at its core, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s got a great setting as well as a whole set of wonderful characters, but it is William and Mike’s struggle that made it all into a spellbinding whole for me.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[James Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book. I liked how two lonely men found love on a wild sea. Kind of poetic and definitely hot.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review available at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...

I really enjoyed Setting the Hook by Andrew Grey. I thought it had a well-developed plot and enjoyable characters. The story was also nicely edited.

Mike Jansen owns the Apalachicola charter fishing service and runs it with his friend Gordon, aka Bubba. He lives with his daughter Carrie and his mother in the small town of Apalachicola, Florida, where being gay isn’t accepted, and so Mike lives in the closet and hasn’t had a relationship since his days in the Navy. For four years he’s had a repeat customer (William) who comes down twice a year and hires him for a day of fishing. Mike isn’t afraid to admit that he has a crush on William and that it gets harder to control his attraction each time they see each other.

William Westmoreland has let his father run his life for too long. His father paid for his schooling and told him what to study so that William could take over the family business (which is located in Rhode Island) when his father retired. However, being stuck in an office and going to meetings all day isn’t what William wants to do with his life. Twice a year he goes on vacation and unwinds by chartering a boat and going fishing. He first hired Mike from a recommendation and continued to hire him over the next four years because he had a crush on him. Over the four years, they become friends.

Both men are masculine and easily pass for straight, and that’s part of the problem. They both think the other is straight and so they haven’t done anything about their attraction. Not that they know their attraction is mutual.

A hurricane that doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to and a broken down rental car are the catalyst they both need to give into the attraction that has been brewing between them. But will they be able to bridge their differences? Will William move so that they can be together? Will Mike come out of the closet? Will William stand up to his parents? To find out, you will have to read the book. You won’t be disappointed that you did. I know that I wasn’t.

I loved how the story ended, and I can’t wait to read my next Andrew Grey book.

***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Andrew Grey’s books. If you look on my kindle, it would take multiple hands to count the number of books I own by this author. This one is no exception; I loved this story. Oh, and the cover is spot on. I TOTALLY appreciate a cover that accurately depicts the book, and this one does. This book is a mature romance between two men who have established lives and livelihoods. They live miles and states apart, and yet they meet, fall in love, and shed familial and societal barriers to come together. I am a huge fan of mature romances, and this one will go down as a favorite.

William and Mike generally meet up twice a year. Mike runs a charter boat service and whenever Williams family and his job obligations get too overwhelming, he’ll call up Mike and they will go fishing. William comes from an old business magnate family, and he’s been groomed from a young age to take over the helm whenever his father decides to retire. He has a contentious relationship with his parents who, at times, are distant and only concerned that he follows through on his obligations. He was raised in boarding schools, with nannies and a cook at home. Twice a year, he lets a ray of sunshine, a little warmth, into his life—Mike and his boat. If William picked the first excursion for the boat, the succeeding charters were all because of Mike.

Mike Jansen loves his job. He better. With a daughter and his mother to support, he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. His business lives or dies by the locals in his sleepy little town on the Gulf Coast, and the word of mouth customers they bring in. Coming out has never been an issue with him because the answer was an unequivocal “No”. That is, until William. He has wanted the man for years, and when a hurricane and the subsequent fallout strand William at his house, Mike is helpless to resist.

Grey is an excellent writer and puts his characters in plausible situations. These characterizations draw you in, and the men in his books become real people Grey just happens to be telling a story about. I appreciated the secondary characters here; each do their job moving the plot forward and providing interest and humor to round out the storyline between two very intense men. I appreciated the maturity given Mike’s ten-year-old daughter, and the addition of Lloyd with Mike’s mom. While Mike and William may fall hard and fast once they move to a more physical relationship, it is the foundation of years of friendship that buoys them and solidifies their HEA.

“I’m not like you,” Mike retorted. “I’m not pretty and toned.”

“No. You work for a living and it shows. Your skin is colored by the sun and your face etched by the water. You’ve lived, and it’s all written in the color of your skin and the lines around your eyes.” William leaned closer. “You’ve lived an honest life of hard work. Not one that’s plucked, sculpted, shaved, and wears a mask so big that no one can see behind it.” William admired that. Mike was a real man with no pretension, just what was in front of him, eyes glassy and breathing ragged as William held him on the edge. Nothing was better…..

This is truly a male romance. There are no hearts and flowers, but the depth of feeling Grey portrays between these two is solid, and the way they each have to compromise, change and put the other first, is plainly portrayed. I will say that I didn’t get the transformation of William’s mother or his willingness to just forget years of neglect in the space of a boat ride—that was a little hard to swallow—but that’s my only criticism. I highly recommend this one!

Once he had the lines secured and they were away from the dock, William stood behind Mike, looking out the front window at the sea ahead of them. Their future was bright and expansive as the stretch of open water. Mike put his hand in William’s, and together they headed for whatever lay ahead.

Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.75 stars

I really enjoyed how these guys behaved so very realistically. William and Mike have responsibilities that do not align with this clandestine courtship. William’s job and family are in Providence, Rhode Island, where he can be out and proud with any man he fancies. Mike, however, is sure that being out in Apalachicola will bring financial ruin to his word-of-mouth fishing charter business. And then, how would he care for Carrie and his mom? Not to mention the 1500-mile separation of their domiciles.

They part and it’s bittersweet. The second act brings a reunion that is as tender and open as any could wish for, but will it bring long-term happiness? William is willing to make big changes in his life to include Mike, but Mike has reservations that stem from his fear of being ostracized if he’s out. This all felt very real, and was a fear based in reality, so William had to respect it, even if he wished it didn’t exist. I liked how William mended fences with his family, and set boundaries that he’d never enforced before. I so wanted these guys to have a happy ending, and it seems bleak for a bit, but Mike and William reach an accord that allows for the connection they cannot deny. It was gratifying for Mike to see that his fears weren’t fully realized, and that he had the support of some key people in his small town.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Risa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Grey zählt schon länger zu meinen bevorzugten Autoren, auch bei dieser Story wurde ich nicht enttäuscht.

Zur Handlung. Mike Jansen bietet nach seinem Ausscheiden aus der Navy Angelausflüge an. Damit bestreitet er seinen Unterhalt und den von Tochter und Mutter. Mike ist schwul und ungeoutet. Er hatte eine Zeitlang einen Freund während seiner Dienstzeit, doch die Beziehung hat nicht gehalten. Er ist nun Single und da er in einem homophoben Umfeld lebt, hat er die Hoffnung aufgegeben, dass sich das jemals ändern wird.
William Westmoreland bucht in regelmäßigen Abständen eine Fischfangtour bei Mike. Der attraktive Fischer hat es ihm angetan, doch William hält Mike für heterosexuell, schließlich hat er eine Tochter. Auch William ist ungeoutet. Er arbeitet im familieneigenen Betrieb, der Schiffsmotoren herstellt und hat quasi kein Privatleben. Er ist mit dieser Situation ziemlich unglücklich, nur seine gelegentlichen Angeltouren mit Mike sind sein persönlicher Lichtblick. Während eines Hurrikans kommen die beiden Männer sich näher.

William und Mike haben mir als Paar gefallen. Beide sind pflichtbewusst und stellen die eigenen Interessen immer wieder für die Familie zurück. Die Nebencharaktere waren sympathisch und besonders Williams Mutter sorgte für so manche Überraschung. Insgesamt war der erste Teil der Serie eine eher ruhige Geschichte ohne großes Drama.

Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.

Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wild, windy ride that I absolutely fell in love with, both the plot and the characters! I love how organic and real this all feels. Setting The Hook is a must read!

FULL REVIEW: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Voto
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La traduzione certo non aiuta la scorrevolezza nella lettura, con qualche ripetizione e refuso. Basti pensare che la cittadina in cui abita Mike non si chiama Apalachiola, come troviamo in tutto il libro con perfino un riferimento alla California, ma Apalachicola in Florida. A parte questo dettaglio, di cui probabilmente solo una curiosa di Google Maps può rendersi conto, in generale lo stile del romanzo è piuttosto piatto, maschile, poco emotivo. Tende a raccontare i fatti come una lista della spesa, inserendo dettagli anche inutili o gesti di cui non sentiamo l’esigenza (ho imparato come si preparano le esche per pescare, quali pesci si debbono rigettare in acqua in Florida, quali piatti preparano le nonne in Florida…), togliendo incisività ai fatti importanti della storia.
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"Pur sapendo che non avrebbe dovuto, Mike si voltò. William lo fissò dritto negli occhi, senza imbarazzo. Mike sentì quello sguardo frugare in lui e immediatamente avvampò. “William, io…”
“Tu cosa?” chiese William avvicinandosi. “Ho visto come mi guardavi e so cosa significa.”
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Questioni stilistiche a parte, la vicenda amorosa tra Mike e William è davvero molto contrastata e con un livello di tensione molto alto. Il loro rapporto sembra impossibile: nessuno dei due può trasferirsi, entrambi legati a un lavoro che deve essere svolto a migliaia di chilometri di distanza l’uno dall’altro. Per di più, l’ambiente della Florida occidentale sembra talmente arretrato e bigotto da rendere impossibile il coming out di Mike.
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"Mike non osava baciarlo, dato che qualcuno del posto avrebbe potuto vederli, ma gli prese la mano. Era il gesto più intimo che poteva fare, e cercò di memorizzare la delicatezza delle sue dita in modo da poterne poi immaginare il tocco sul suo corpo."
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Gli sviluppi che dipanano la vicenda sembrano credibili e, a parte le caratterizzazioni dei personaggi secondari, che si rivelano opportunamente differenti dalle premesse iniziali, non sarà mai scontato l’esito del loro legame.

Le caratterizzazioni dei personaggi principali sono, al contrario, credibili e di spessore, così come l’ambientazione, che riesce a permeare le righe e le vicende.
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“Mi piace quello che vedo, Mike.”
“Non sono come te,” ribatté Mike. “Non sono bello e tonico.”
“No. Lavori per vivere, e si vede. Hai la pelle abbronzata e il viso segnato dall’acqua dell’oceano. Hai vissuto, ed è tutto scritto nel colore della tua pelle e nelle rughe intorno ai tuoi occhi.”
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Le scene di intimità sono raccontate in modo delicato e romantico, senza eccessi, e nel complesso trovo che i pregi del romanzo riescano a equilibrare i difetti.
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"Quando William uscì da lui e lo fece girare, per guardarlo dritto negli occhi, tutto si incastrò e una luce gli si accese nella testa. Non aveva modo di rifletterci in quel momento, ma Mike capì cosa stava provando e cosa significava."
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Nayeli - per RFS

[Lorenzo Adduci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto 4,5
Andrew Grey è un autore molto noto e apprezzato nel panorama del romance male to male. “Preso all’amo” è il primo romanzo di questo scrittore che ho avuto modo di leggere, un romanzo che mi ha colpito positivamente per la dolcezza e la poeticità della sua narrazione, riuscendo nell’intento di farmi amare entrambi i protagonisti.
William Westmoreland e Mike Jensen sono infatti due personaggi molto interessanti e ben delineati in tutte le sfumature del loro carattere, tra desideri, incertezze e conflitti interiori.
William lavora presso l’azienda di famiglia specializzata in motori per imbarcazioni, si occupa di gestirne gli affari, ma il suo futuro sembra essere stato deciso a tavolino da suo padre, che lo ha spinto a studiare economia per poter poi un giorno prendere in mano le redini dell’azienda. Tuttavia, William non ama quel lavoro e considera insoddisfacente la sua vita a Providence nel Rhode Island, priva dell’affetto di qualcuno a cui tenga davvero. Ha una grande passione per il mare e la pesca e da ormai quattro anni si reca in Florida due volte l’anno per noleggiare la barca di Mike Jensen e andare a pescare nel Golfo del Messico. Tuttavia, la pesca non è l’unica cosa a suscitare il suo interesse, considerata la forte attrazione che prova per Mike, ma il ragazzo esita a farsi avanti.
Mike conduce la sua quotidiana esistenza in una piccola cittadina della Florida, tra il suo lavoro, che consiste nel noleggiare la sua barca e portare i turisti a pescare nel Golfo del Messico, e la sua famiglia, ovvero sua madre Dolores e sua figlia di dieci anni Carrie. Non ha tempo per le relazioni e, in ogni caso, teme fortemente di rivelare la propria omosessualità in una cittadina bigotta e conservatrice come la sua, nella convinzione che la sua attività lavorativa, basata soprattutto sul passaparola, possa risentirne negativamente. Tuttavia, resistere all’affascinante William risulta sempre più difficile.
Con una scrittura fluida e ricca di suggestioni poetiche, l’autore ci mostra l’evolversi del rapporto tra Mike e William all’interno del meraviglioso scenario del Golfo del Messico. Un’improvvisa tempesta, l’automobile che avrebbe dovuto riportare William a casa bloccata per un guasto, tutti gli alberghi locali occupati dai turisti che non sono riusciti a partire per le pessime condizioni atmosferiche: di fronte a questa situazione, Mike non esita a ospitare William a casa sua. I due uomini, finalmente insieme da soli, iniziano a confidarsi, a svelarsi e a esplorarsi, cedendo finalmente a quel desiderio che hanno tenuto nascosto per molto tempo. Più ore trascorrono insieme, più comprendono che il loro legame sta diventando molto più profondo di quanto si aspettassero. Ma ci sono molti elementi che sembrano impedire loro di iniziare una vera relazione, per cui dovranno imparare a capire come superare questi ostacoli.
La narrazione si sviluppa in modo abbastanza lineare, non essendoci grandi stravolgimenti o colpi di scena, ma l’autore riesce comunque a coinvolgere l’attenzione del lettore grazie a un’importante componente introspettiva, mostrandoci l’evoluzione interiore dei due protagonisti, che gradualmente acquisiscono una piena consapevolezza dell’intensità dei sentimenti reciproci e comprendono quale impatto tutto questo potrebbe avere sulle loro vite.
Ho amato le incertezze di Mike, il suo tentativo di capire che direzione dare alla propria vita, essendosi sempre fatto condizionare dalla paura che qualcuno potesse scoprire la sua omosessualità e privandosi di qualsiasi relazione, a parte l’affetto di sua madre e sua figlia. Grazie a William, cerca di comprendere che la sua esistenza ha bisogno di altro e non può consistere solo di responsabilità verso la sua famiglia e dedizione nei confronti del suo lavoro. A sua volta, mi ha colpito il modo con cui William realizza quanto il suo destino sia sempre stato gestito dalla sua famiglia, che continua a soffocarlo con il senso di responsabilità verso l’azienda. Soprattutto dopo aver conosciuto Mike, capisce che non può limitarsi a seguire la corrente, ma deve decidere da solo ciò che realmente vuole fare nella vita, soprattutto se questo implica poter stare vicino all’uomo che ama.
“Preso all’amo” è, dunque, una storia d’amore romantica e ricca di passione, un romanzo che insegna quanto importante sia prendere in mano la propria vita senza farsi condizionare dalla paura o dalla volontà altrui.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, a little angst, a little suspense. I liked it for the most part but I really really struggled with the way Will speaks to his parents throughout the book.

I understand how he would feel it’s justified (they certainly have their issues). But, I’m also a firm believer in “you can’t control the reactions of others, but you can control yours.” Failing to do so, IMO, says more about you and your maturity level than the other person’s. I also know how quickly someone can be lost. So, when I separate from someone, I always try to be sure my last statement to them is something I’d be ok with if I was never able to talk to them again. So every time Will speaks to his parents harshly, I cringe and want to pull him aside and explain his parents are human too and being mean is NOT properly communicating. It also tends to cause the other person to not take your complaint seriously.

Sry for the ramble. That part just really bugged me. But I do realise it is extremely realistic as well. And I LOVED that the issue was discussed.

Right now I’m on an author kick and systematically reading/listening to everything written by Grey. (Love overdrive/library). I’m learning that nearly every book he does also tries to teach the reader something about life. Whether it’s about healing from a loss, realising a “disability” doesn’t make you less whole of a person, that you are worth fighting for.... there’s always a lesson and the characters almost always show serious growth in the story. (Most romances don’t do that beyond “selfish to oh I love you, come be with me”. With Grey, it’s like he focuses on the story and building the characters, turning them into better humans and the “intimate” parts and the relationship are tools he uses to help the process and make them strong and teach them about themselves.

In most books (regardless of gender/sexuality) I skim or skip the smexy bits. But I do that very limitedly with Grey’s books bc they almost always serve a purpose to the story. Either a hurdle will be jumped, an emotion discovered, reality recognised, or a fear explored... the scenes are there to help tell the story rather than just to sex things up. If you skip/skim them, you are missing character development.

Again, I ramble, but his habit of doing things that way is very strong in this particular book. Yes the heart of the story is the relationship between the MCs but it’s also about the background characters. There are a LOT of truth bombs and reality checks along the way. I think that added to the value of the story and Will’s growth as a human.

Also, this story deals with how terrifying it can be to come out and just how much that can cost you. And how just bc you are able to live with the cost doesn’t mean that the other person is and that that doesn’t make the other person bad or weak. It makes them human with their own battle to fight. They have to choose what role they are ready to give you in the battle (whether beside them openly/privately, with them at all in any way, from a distance, not at all, etc.). And you have to choose if you’re willing to accept and respect that position on their battlefield. In this story, Will learns that part of loving someone, is giving them the freedom to choose where they’ll let you stand in their battle. That’s truly what I felt this book was really about.

I’m assuming no one is actually going to read this review, but if you have and you’ve read all the way to this point, I hope you enjoy the book :) .

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Mike lives in a very conservative town in Florida with his daughter and mother and runs his own charter boat. Mike is a hard worker whose goal is to make a better life for his daughter. Once he came home from the military, he accepted that he would have to remain in the closet to protect his daughter and business. That doesn't stop Mike from crushing on his client William, who charters his boat twice a year. Mike always enjoys the day spent with William, but this time Mother Nature has cut their fishing trip short and William needs Mike's help. Mike offers to let William stay at his home during the hurricane, and the time together has allowed the men's attraction to come out of hiding. But they lead two different lives, in two different parts of the world and they have to accept that the few days they had together was all they could have.

William is Mike's opposite. He comes from a wealthy family, and works for his family's business that he'll one day run. He lives in the family home and lives the life his parents have created for him. William allows himself two fishing trips a year to see Mike and to escape his dull office life. William dreams of being able to escape the offices of his family business and to work outside in the sun. After his time with Mike during the hurricane, William is struggling with the chains that bind him and has reached his tipping point for his life.

I really enjoyed both of these characters! Even though Mike was firmly in the closet at home, it was completely understandable. Living in conservative America can make it frightening and difficult to be yourself if it's outside what's considered "normal". Mike was a nice guy trying to make a living and willing to help others. Though William came from a wealthy family, he was kind and considerate and willing to help others out. Both MC's were just nice guys, doing what was best for their families.

The narrator is Greg Tremblay and he does a fantastic job bring the characters and story to life! He has a voice that's easy to listen to, gave each of the characters their own voice, had a good pace and no weird or awkward pauses. The narrator's voice allows the focus to be on the story and the characters, not his voice. The narrator did an excellent job of conveying the emotions of this story.

Every time I read an Andrew Grey book, I feel like my heart gives a little sigh when I come to the end of his stories. He creates men and families that you know have found their happily ever afters. I love that many of his books have children involved. You get to see completely different sides of the men when they have to interact with children. Please do yourself, and your heart, a favor and check out this beautiful story.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars

Rating: 5 stars!

[T.M. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hook, line and sinker. "
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Most definitely. The story and the narration coalesce perfectly giving the characters dimension that you just don't get simply reading a book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Setting the Hook?
When William goes off on his mom, "Cry out in rapture at 4 in the morning" Oh my god, it was funny when I read it but hearing Greg Tremblay as William say it, oh wow, I laughed so hard I cried!

What does Greg Tremblay bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
See above ^ he breathes life into the characters and ensures that each and every character have their own distinct voice. Some may be similar but there a little tone inflections and nuances that differentiate one from another.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Hook, line and sinker!

Any additional comments?
E-book Review from May 2017...

William and Mike are very much like two ships passing in the night, never long at the port. Over several years the two become friends when William vacations twice a year in Florida and charters Mike's boat to fish. He's far from happy with his day to day life. Between running his family's company and dealing with his meddling mother, William craves the time away. Getting to spend time with Mike, well, that's a bonus. Mike is lonely as well, focusing on his business and raising his daughter leave no time for dating. The fact that he lives in a small, conservative town doesn't bode well for him heading out on date night and holding hands with another man.

It would seem fate is giving these two men, that are so obviously attracted to one another, a gentle shove when a hurricane strands William in Florida. But neither sees a way to work a relationship into their already chaotic lives. At least.... not quite yet.

Thank you book goddess for delivering me a hard fought happy ever after story with little to no friggin' angst! I loved everything about this book. Grey takes these two seemingly completely different men... they lead different lives, have different priorities and responsibilities... but the one thing that brings them together is their slow burning love for another. I loved that Grey wrote every aspect of their journey into the story. Each man torn up over the fact that they want something more, but realize it's unlikely to be possible. They'll have to make sacrifices and learn to bend if they stand a chance at a life together.

If you're a hopeless romantic, want a story with two slightly older and more mature characters or thoroughly enjoy a story where they have to work for that happy ever after, because the best things in life... you have to work for them. This is definitely the book for you. But hey, that's just my two cents.

[Marina Esposto · Rating 5 out of 5]

È la mia prima volta con questo autore: scrittura fluida e narrazione coinvolgente. Già dalla sinossi i personaggi sono ben delineati caratterialmente e fisicamente. Si viene catapultati in un mondo suggestivo, dove le acque cristalline del golfo del Messico fanno da cornice a un amore che sta nascendo tra uomini agli antipodi tra loro. Miky vive in una cittadina dove il sostegno economico è dato dal mare: possiede una barca, e con il fidato amico Gordon, porta i clienti a fare battute di pesca in alto mare. William invece è un uomo a cui la vita ha dato tutto, ma ha chiesto lo scotto di farsi carico degli affari di famiglia, costringendolo a rimanere a vivere a Providence. Cosa può mai legare questi due uomini che sembrano avere solo la passione per il mare e la pesca in comune? Si vedono in due sole occasioni all’anno da ben cinque anni, sopprimendo ciò che le loro anime e cuori sentono, ma il destino decide che è giunta l’ora di mettere a nudo le loro anime dichiarando ciò che realmente provano entrambi: sarà l’uragano che sta per incombere su quella costa o sarà amore? Sarà la fine per il sentimento che li lega o un nuovo inizio? Miky vive nell’oscurità di ciò che è, saprà affrontare ciò che il destino gli sta donando? Chi sarà l’ambita preda o il pesciolino da ributtare in acqua? Sono risposte che troverete leggendo “Preso all’amo”.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family is very important for both William and Mike.
So when they're finally can pass their doubts about each other, and falling in love, would family become something torn them apart?
At first, yes. But they worked it out with the help of their family members, especially Mike's little daughter to encourage them to reach their own happiness.
I liked it how William didn't just jump into the relationship with Mike, but he had to make everything worked out for his parents.
Not to ignore Mike, but working it out.
I'm glad that there's no big drama, but enough to make sure that this is what they wanted.
I liked William, I think he's doing so much for Mike and their relationship. I can understand why Mike was hesitant at first, but, there's nothing you can't solve with a good communication, right?


*ARC provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so..... it was an OK story, but things just fell into place too easily and too well. I like it when something interesting or challenging happens in a story. This one was just kind of smooth sailing to a happy ending. Nothing about the story or characters really grabbed me. I'm rather surprised that it has a 4.5 rating.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I really, really liked this story! I loved Mike and William and their slow burn relationship was perfect. This was a true feel good story, one that I wish wasn't over but like they say, all good things must come to an end and this one ended beautifully.

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di NoOne per Feel the Book

Voto 3,5

Mike e William sono due uomini che vivono vite completamente differenti, ma per loro da anni c’è qualcosa, c’è un punto di incontro: l’amore per il mare e il periodo di vacanza che si prende William dal lavoro.

Per staccare da tutto e da tutti William ama trascorrere quei giorni in Florida, a pescare e a godersi la pace delle uscite in mare, noleggiando la barca di Mike.

Tra i due si è instaurato nel tempo un rapporto amichevole, si sono un po’ studiati da lontano, senza tentare di approfondire di più la loro conoscenza.

Per Mike il lavoro è fondamentale, la sua barca è l’unica risorsa che ha per mantenere la figlia e la madre che dipendono da lui. Non è una vita facile e tante variabili non dipendono solo dalle sue capacità in mare. Una di queste variabili è il “passaparola” delle persone che gli stanno vicino, in una comunità in cui la mentalità è abbastanza chiusa.

Proprio per questo ai suoi occhi William è ancora più “intoccabile”: primo perché è un cliente, secondo perché non vuole rivelare agli altri la sua omosessualità, temendo i pregiudizi della gente.

Una tempesta però riesce a sconvolgere la loro routine, creando per entrambi l’opportunità di chiudere il mondo reale fuori dalle porte, permettendo così a Mike e William di lasciarsi andare, liberi di esplorare l’attrazione che provano.

Mike è un libro aperto per William, quando solo soli, non nasconde quello che prova per lui, ma non nasconde nemmeno le sue preoccupazioni e le difficoltà che affronta giorno per giorno guadagnarsi da vivere.

Per loro non sembra esserci veramente la possibilità di essere qualcosa di più nella vita di uno dell’altro, una volta che William avrà fatto ritorno a casa.

Una cosa che mi è piaciuta moltissimo di Mike è stata quella di vederlo affrontare situazioni complesse con la figlia Carrie. Nonostante l’imbarazzo che prova nei suoi confronti, cerca le parole giuste per parlarle dell’amore tra persone dello stesso sesso, spiegandole le cose, anziché nasconderle la verità.

William invece non mi ha conquistato completamente. Nei confronti di Mike il suo comportamento è perfetto, ma per altri aspetti il suo personaggio mi ha lasciato perplessa. Dice di sentirsi in gabbia, in trappola, ma è una gabbia che si è costruito da solo, accettando di portare avanti l’azienda di famiglia per comodità. Il suo rapporto con i genitori è conflittuale, anche troppo e mi ha un po’ infastidito con i suoi atteggiamenti. Poi a un certo punto tutto sembra appianarsi in modo repentino ed è stata una situazione poco credibile ai miei occhi.

Andrew Grey rimane uno degli autori che preferisco, perché le sue storie sono sempre romantiche, coinvolgenti e piene di passione e anche questa volta non mi ha deluso.

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

Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.

I always enjoy Andrew Grey’s stories and this is no exception. In fact, I liked this a bit more than the last few I read. Maybe because this one featured two strong MCs, or maybe it was simply the way the story unfolded.

William is a businessman from Providence, Rhode Island, in the Florida Panhandle area for his annual fishing vacation. He’s going out with Mike on his charter boat again this year as this excursion always proves to be fun and he really likes Mike. But this year, when they return after skirting a hurricane storm front, his rental car won’t start and Mike, always a kind and thoughtful man, offers to put William up overnight until the storm passes and the rental company can bring another car to him.

But the storm doesn’t pass quickly and the rental company doesn’t have another car available for a few days so William hangs around, even helping Mike with a charter a few days after the storm. William realizes he loves this life—the great outdoors with sea and sun—and dreads going back north to the cold, dreary weather and his management job with his father’s company. That’s drudgery and he doesn’t know why he let his parents talk him into this career path. He’s also feeling down because on this year’s trip, he and Mike really hit it off well and one thing led to another… Now he’s wondering how he can bear to part with this sweet man, his 12-year-old daughter and Mike’s mother—a wholesome, warm-hearted family whom he’s grown very fond of during this vacation.

Though it’s tough, he departs, and this time his discontent is huge, so much so, that his parents notice and William finally verbalizes how he feels. The story goes on to a reunion with Mike, an opportunity to spend a few weeks with him and his daughter in the Caribbean, an unexpected visit from his own parents, and finally, a restructuring of his life and his career. But can Mike go along with William’s plans? After all, his area is not known for its gay-friendly citizens and Mike’s career might be on the line if he comes out publicly.

Typical of Andrew Grey, he finds a way for the characters to come together for their HEA and provides food for thought and multiple life lessons along the way. Longer than some of his more recent work, this one is great for those who love a simple MM romance between a man with child(ren) and a man with a major life choice to make to be able to find his happiness when he chooses his heart over family expectations.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my AUDIO copy of this book.

William hires Mike's fishing boat twice a year to just get away from it all., from the job he has begun to hate. Running the family business was never what he wanted to do. His time on Mike's boat is precious, because it's MIKE he comes for, not really the fishing. Mike looks forward to William's visits, because he has had feelings for William since that first time. But he could never act on those feelings. Living and working in a small town has major draw backs and he has his daughter and his mother to look out for. It takes a hurricane for these men to act on their feelings and there is a lot of water to cross before they can be truly happy.

Andrew Grey has a way of writing that no other has, and I LOVED this first book in a new series.

William has feelings for Mike and vice versa. One bolt of lightening, one heated look and its only a matter of time before they finally give in to their feelings. I understood Mike's hesitancy to out himself, he has his daughter and his mother to look after but it had been so very very long since Mike allowed himself to feel, to have a connection to a man, and he really couldn't fight any more. And its beautiful, their coming together, really it is!!

I love William's mum and dad turning up on his "vacation" and Mike's reaction to William telling his parents of their relationship was a priceless moment! I also love the unexpected turn of events for his parents, and how that made William see them in a different light.

Couple questions I am left with though. It never fully explains about Mike's friend in the Navy, and what happened to him. While I can piece it mostly together, I would like to have had the full details. And the coin Mike's daughter found? What happened with that.

Bonus points for not shortening William to Will, not once!

AUDIO review.

Greg Tremblay narrates.

And, really, need I say more? I mean, the man could narrate the bloody phone book, and I'd love it!

I love the way Tremblay has with voices. William and his parents are very proper and upper class, and Mike, his daughter and mom are much softer, smoother voices. It makes for easy listening, because I don't have to concentrate too hard on making out who is speaking and I can just lose myself in the narration.

Tremblay's reading voice is clear and even, and you can feel the emotions coming off each man. A true joy to listen to.

5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall.

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Grey always writes books that I enjoy. Each time I see a new book is coming out I make sure to grab it because I know that it is going to be a good read. This one was no different. I enjoyed this read. It has a small amount of drama and angst so on a day that someone is looking for a good romance, this is the book for you.


William and Mike have known each other for four years now. Mike owns a charter boat and has been taking William out on it twice a year for four years. This time something is different because this is the first time that William has been in town during one of the many storms that comes through Florida. Mike is a pro at them because this is where he is from and his mom is great at predicting what will happen with storms and how bad they will be. So when William finds himself stranded because his rental car would not start, Mike did not think twice about inviting him to stay with him, his daughter, and mother to ride out the storm. Poor William, having never been in this type of storm is scared beyond imaginable.

This is the night that both men give on too the attraction they have both felt for each other but never acted upon. Can two men from different walks of life take what could potentially be something special and make a life together? Or are they both from two different worlds with issues between them such as family and instead leave it as a one night stand?

I really enjoyed reading this book because it was not drama filled even though there was minor issues. I enjoyed it because these two men was able to communicate with one another and figure out what was best for both of them and their families without causing undue hurt or harm to the other. It was what I would consider a light hearted romance and I enjoyed it.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review