What do you think?
Rate this book
Barista Boys #3
Connor & Ash
For Connor and Ash, love comes with a price tag
Selling his body in hotel bedrooms, crippling debt has brought Ash to his knees. But he’s on-track to wipe the slate clean— until the loanshark demands more than cash.
From a corner of a bar, Connor’s heart bleeds as he watches Ash’s pathetic attempts to ply his trade. It’s plain to see the boy’s no hardened professional so when Ash propositions him, Connor’s got a very different proposal of his own.
One night together’s the deal, before they’re out of the other’s lives, for good. But neither man’s able to stop himself thinking about the other.
A chance encounter in a busy café thrusts Connor and Ash back into each other’s lives, but the road towards love is strewn with lies, secrets, and shame.
Can they escape the shadows of their pasts to make a bright new future — not alone, but with each other?
Selling his body in hotel bedrooms, crippling debt has brought Ash to his knees. But he’s on-track to wipe the slate clean— until the loanshark demands more than cash.
From a corner of a bar, Connor’s heart bleeds as he watches Ash’s pathetic attempts to ply his trade. It’s plain to see the boy’s no hardened professional so when Ash propositions him, Connor’s got a very different proposal of his own.
One night together’s the deal, before they’re out of the other’s lives, for good. But neither man’s able to stop himself thinking about the other.
A chance encounter in a busy café thrusts Connor and Ash back into each other’s lives, but the road towards love is strewn with lies, secrets, and shame.
Can they escape the shadows of their pasts to make a bright new future — not alone, but with each other?
227 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2017
17 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Ryecart
22 books112 followersA born and bred Londoner, she may have moved to someplace more leafy but the city is still very much part of her DNA, which is why her books are set in and around present-day London, providing a thrilling, metropolitan backdrop to the main action.
https://www.facebook.com/AE-Ryecart-1...
https://www.facebook.com/AE-Ryecart-1...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 15, 2017
This broke my heart and put it back together again.
Connor & Ash is book three in the Barista Boys series but you don't need to have read the others to enjoy this one (they are really great, though, so give them a try, too).
I wish I had the right words to describe how this story made me feel. I knew within the first few paragraphs that it was gonna make my eyes leak. Ash is in an unimaginable position and I was heartbroken for him and what he felt he had to do. When he meets Connor he just can't trust that the only thing Connor wants is a dinner companion.
Connor has his own demons that he doesn't want to share with Ash because he's afraid it will scare him away. We are given both characters backstory in bits and pieces throughout the book. While at times I just wanted to know all of it (right now!) not knowing everything all at once was perfect and kept me glued to my e-reader.
There were a couple of times I wanted to knock some sense into these guys and make them just talk to each other. But, it's been my experience in real life that people don't really talk things out when they should so why should it be any different in fiction?
Connor & Ash is a wonderful story with a fair amount of suspense that brings two characters together in a way that I won't forget for a while. For those who want to know the sexy time is pretty hot, too.
Ms. Ryecart seems to have a knack for writing stories that really rip me apart at times and yet I can't say that I think they are filled with too much angst at all. What her characters go through never seems contrived or designed to hurt them just for the sake of doing so.
For readers of the other books in this series who might be fans of Bernie, owner of Barista Boys café, he gets quite a bit of time in this story and I loved that. I can't wait to read his book and see him get his HEA.
This review will be posted to Xtreme-Delusions dot com on 6/16/17.
Connor & Ash is book three in the Barista Boys series but you don't need to have read the others to enjoy this one (they are really great, though, so give them a try, too).
I wish I had the right words to describe how this story made me feel. I knew within the first few paragraphs that it was gonna make my eyes leak. Ash is in an unimaginable position and I was heartbroken for him and what he felt he had to do. When he meets Connor he just can't trust that the only thing Connor wants is a dinner companion.
Connor has his own demons that he doesn't want to share with Ash because he's afraid it will scare him away. We are given both characters backstory in bits and pieces throughout the book. While at times I just wanted to know all of it (right now!) not knowing everything all at once was perfect and kept me glued to my e-reader.
There were a couple of times I wanted to knock some sense into these guys and make them just talk to each other. But, it's been my experience in real life that people don't really talk things out when they should so why should it be any different in fiction?
Connor & Ash is a wonderful story with a fair amount of suspense that brings two characters together in a way that I won't forget for a while. For those who want to know the sexy time is pretty hot, too.
Ms. Ryecart seems to have a knack for writing stories that really rip me apart at times and yet I can't say that I think they are filled with too much angst at all. What her characters go through never seems contrived or designed to hurt them just for the sake of doing so.
For readers of the other books in this series who might be fans of Bernie, owner of Barista Boys café, he gets quite a bit of time in this story and I loved that. I can't wait to read his book and see him get his HEA.
This review will be posted to Xtreme-Delusions dot com on 6/16/17.
March 16, 2021
Really enjoyed!
This had my favourite troupes age gap, rent boy and great friendships between all of the mcs. There’s a lot going on in this book and so much is revealed as the book goes on. I couldn’t have imagined all of the twists and things Ash and Connor had been through before we meet them. There’s a bit of angst towards the end but laughter and good times throughout. It’s great catching up with previous Barista Boys and as it’s set in London I loved it even more!
This had my favourite troupes age gap, rent boy and great friendships between all of the mcs. There’s a lot going on in this book and so much is revealed as the book goes on. I couldn’t have imagined all of the twists and things Ash and Connor had been through before we meet them. There’s a bit of angst towards the end but laughter and good times throughout. It’s great catching up with previous Barista Boys and as it’s set in London I loved it even more!
May 3, 2022
3,75
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce couple, leur alchimie et les moments qu'ils passent ensemble, c'est le plus abouti de la série selon moi.
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce couple, leur alchimie et les moments qu'ils passent ensemble, c'est le plus abouti de la série selon moi.
June 17, 2017
Un roman qui m'a fait passer un très bon moment de lecture. Sans être exceptionnel, j'ai malgré tout beaucoup aimé et je n'ai pu faire autrement que de le lire d'une traite.
Après la mort de son père, Ash a hérité de l'énorme dette que ce dernier avait contacté auprès d'un mafieux local pour soigner sa mère. Orphelin, il a donc été obligé d'arrêter ses études d'art et de trouver des petits boulots. Mais malgré son mode de vie plus que frugal, ces derniers ne suffisent pas à lui permettre de rembourser l'énorme montant qu'il doit payer chaque mois et qui ne cesse d'augmenter. C'est donc la mort dans l'âme qu'il s'est contraint à chaque fois que l'argent est venu à manquer à se vendre dans des allées sombres ou des bars d'hôtels. Et c'est pour espérer un meilleur traitement qu'il se rend au bar d'un hôtel de plus haut standing. C'est là que Connor le repère. Il comprend tout de suite pourquoi le jeune homme est là mais il ne peut s'empêcher malgré tout d'être attiré. Et lui qui n'a jamais fait ce genre de choses, se surprend à l'inviter à le rejoindre dans sa suite. Peu habitué à autant de luxe et de gentillesse, Ash finit cependant par paniquer et avant même d'avoir fait quoi que ce soit, il s'enfuit de l'hôtel en emportant avec lui l'argent promis au début de la transaction.
Peu de temps après, grâce à son coloc et meilleur ami, Ash trouve un boulot de serveur dans un café, un boulot plutôt bien payé qui lui permet d'éviter de devoir se prostituer à nouveau. Il espère bien en avoir fini avec milieu là même si sa dette lui pèse encore, jusqu'à ce qu'il voit Connor rentrer dans le café...
Il s'agit donc d'une romance plutôt sombre et émouvante qui nous prend aux tripes dès les premières pages. On a mal pour Ash qui est obligé de vendre son corps et on souffre de le voir si malade à chaque fois. On a mal aussi pour Connor, rongé par la solitude et donc le passé, qui ne se révèle à nous que par bribes, laisse présager le pire. Entre eux, c'est comme une évidence, et malgré les circonstances très particulières de leur première rencontre, ils parviennent à nouer très vite une relation intense et très belle.
On pénètre du même coup dans le monde des Barista Boys, et même sans avoir lu les tomes précédents je n'ai eu aucun mal à suivre l'histoire. Bien au contraire, cela m'a donné envie de découvrir les premiers tomes, et surtout envie d'avoir très vite entre les mains le suivant, sur Bernie.
Un seul bémol pour moi : les dramas qui m'ont semblé parfois un peu too much, pas toujours très réalistes, ce qui m'a empêché d'être à 100% dans l'histoire. Il n'empêche que j'ai lu le tout avec beaucoup de plaisir...
Après la mort de son père, Ash a hérité de l'énorme dette que ce dernier avait contacté auprès d'un mafieux local pour soigner sa mère. Orphelin, il a donc été obligé d'arrêter ses études d'art et de trouver des petits boulots. Mais malgré son mode de vie plus que frugal, ces derniers ne suffisent pas à lui permettre de rembourser l'énorme montant qu'il doit payer chaque mois et qui ne cesse d'augmenter. C'est donc la mort dans l'âme qu'il s'est contraint à chaque fois que l'argent est venu à manquer à se vendre dans des allées sombres ou des bars d'hôtels. Et c'est pour espérer un meilleur traitement qu'il se rend au bar d'un hôtel de plus haut standing. C'est là que Connor le repère. Il comprend tout de suite pourquoi le jeune homme est là mais il ne peut s'empêcher malgré tout d'être attiré. Et lui qui n'a jamais fait ce genre de choses, se surprend à l'inviter à le rejoindre dans sa suite. Peu habitué à autant de luxe et de gentillesse, Ash finit cependant par paniquer et avant même d'avoir fait quoi que ce soit, il s'enfuit de l'hôtel en emportant avec lui l'argent promis au début de la transaction.
Peu de temps après, grâce à son coloc et meilleur ami, Ash trouve un boulot de serveur dans un café, un boulot plutôt bien payé qui lui permet d'éviter de devoir se prostituer à nouveau. Il espère bien en avoir fini avec milieu là même si sa dette lui pèse encore, jusqu'à ce qu'il voit Connor rentrer dans le café...
Il s'agit donc d'une romance plutôt sombre et émouvante qui nous prend aux tripes dès les premières pages. On a mal pour Ash qui est obligé de vendre son corps et on souffre de le voir si malade à chaque fois. On a mal aussi pour Connor, rongé par la solitude et donc le passé, qui ne se révèle à nous que par bribes, laisse présager le pire. Entre eux, c'est comme une évidence, et malgré les circonstances très particulières de leur première rencontre, ils parviennent à nouer très vite une relation intense et très belle.
On pénètre du même coup dans le monde des Barista Boys, et même sans avoir lu les tomes précédents je n'ai eu aucun mal à suivre l'histoire. Bien au contraire, cela m'a donné envie de découvrir les premiers tomes, et surtout envie d'avoir très vite entre les mains le suivant, sur Bernie.
Un seul bémol pour moi : les dramas qui m'ont semblé parfois un peu too much, pas toujours très réalistes, ce qui m'a empêché d'être à 100% dans l'histoire. Il n'empêche que j'ai lu le tout avec beaucoup de plaisir...
October 5, 2017
This is my first Barista Boys, and I was able to enjoy the story as a standalone, so that’s good news for those who are in my same situation.
Now, on the story: we have Connor and Ash, two very different guys except in one point: they are both deeply damaged. The heavy baggage they bring from their pasts is the main obstacle between them, because they are both too closed off, too afraid to trust. And yet… the connection between these two characters is so evident. And they have their friends to help them to see what they have in each other.
The characters are excellent, all of them (I’m planning on pamper myself with the previous books in this series), and the writer manages to make you fall in love with them.
The writing is amazing, compelling, and talks right to your heart, making the book a joy to read (yes, even through the heart-breaking parts). This story is, simply put, beautiful.
Now, on the story: we have Connor and Ash, two very different guys except in one point: they are both deeply damaged. The heavy baggage they bring from their pasts is the main obstacle between them, because they are both too closed off, too afraid to trust. And yet… the connection between these two characters is so evident. And they have their friends to help them to see what they have in each other.
The characters are excellent, all of them (I’m planning on pamper myself with the previous books in this series), and the writer manages to make you fall in love with them.
The writing is amazing, compelling, and talks right to your heart, making the book a joy to read (yes, even through the heart-breaking parts). This story is, simply put, beautiful.
October 7, 2020
*** Review Coming Soon ***
January 22, 2023
Un soir, au bar d'un hôtel de luxe.
Un jeune homme qui vend son corps et un autre qui est d'accord sur le tarif proposé pour la nuit. Sauf qu'arrivé dans la chambre, le second souhaite seulement de la compagnie pour dîner... le premier prend peur, pique l'argent de la transaction dans le portefeuille bien garni du client et s'enfuit...
Fin du premier round.
Quand Connor vient rendre visite à son vieil ami Bernie, avec des investisseurs, il ne s'attendait pas à tomber nez à nez avec le nouvel employé du Barista Boys, le mec qui l'a planté seul dans sa chambre alors qu'il lui proposait un dîner... et pris d'une impulsion, il l'oblige à honorer la transaction, après tout, un contrat est un contrat, Ash lui doit un repas.
Peu à peu, les deux hommes se rapprochent, s'apprivoisent, mais leurs passés respectifs les empêchent de se faire véritablement confiance... ce qui risque de les mener à la catastrophe.
Mais encore une fois, Bernie veille au grain... et avec l'aide du mystérieux Mikey, va intervenir pour donner aux deux hommes la chance d'avoir une fin heureuse.
Avec Connor et Ash, l'auteur aborde des thèmes encore une fois dramatiques, la maltraitance, le deuil, la prostitution, les dettes tenues par un usurier, tout ça fait beaucoup pour ces deux hommes au demeurant plutôt charmants. Dès le départ, on sait que ça va vriller, on attend juste de savoir à quel moment ça va le faire et ça le fait, évidemment. Les deux hommes sont définitivement faits l'un pour l'autre, dès le départ on sent une alchimie entre eux, mais la confiance et la communication, plus que les conditions de leur rencontre sont des notions complexes.
Nous retrouvons les autres Barista Boys avec plaisir, Jude et Danny préparent leur mariage, Stevie et Mack sont sur leur petit nuage et le café marche du tonnerre. Et Bernie, encore une fois providentiel en veillant sur ses garçons, dévoile des relations assez mystérieuses venues semble-t'il de son passé, encore plus mystérieux...
Un jeune homme qui vend son corps et un autre qui est d'accord sur le tarif proposé pour la nuit. Sauf qu'arrivé dans la chambre, le second souhaite seulement de la compagnie pour dîner... le premier prend peur, pique l'argent de la transaction dans le portefeuille bien garni du client et s'enfuit...
Fin du premier round.
Quand Connor vient rendre visite à son vieil ami Bernie, avec des investisseurs, il ne s'attendait pas à tomber nez à nez avec le nouvel employé du Barista Boys, le mec qui l'a planté seul dans sa chambre alors qu'il lui proposait un dîner... et pris d'une impulsion, il l'oblige à honorer la transaction, après tout, un contrat est un contrat, Ash lui doit un repas.
Peu à peu, les deux hommes se rapprochent, s'apprivoisent, mais leurs passés respectifs les empêchent de se faire véritablement confiance... ce qui risque de les mener à la catastrophe.
Mais encore une fois, Bernie veille au grain... et avec l'aide du mystérieux Mikey, va intervenir pour donner aux deux hommes la chance d'avoir une fin heureuse.
Avec Connor et Ash, l'auteur aborde des thèmes encore une fois dramatiques, la maltraitance, le deuil, la prostitution, les dettes tenues par un usurier, tout ça fait beaucoup pour ces deux hommes au demeurant plutôt charmants. Dès le départ, on sait que ça va vriller, on attend juste de savoir à quel moment ça va le faire et ça le fait, évidemment. Les deux hommes sont définitivement faits l'un pour l'autre, dès le départ on sent une alchimie entre eux, mais la confiance et la communication, plus que les conditions de leur rencontre sont des notions complexes.
Nous retrouvons les autres Barista Boys avec plaisir, Jude et Danny préparent leur mariage, Stevie et Mack sont sur leur petit nuage et le café marche du tonnerre. Et Bernie, encore une fois providentiel en veillant sur ses garçons, dévoile des relations assez mystérieuses venues semble-t'il de son passé, encore plus mystérieux...
June 15, 2017
I loved this book. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. It was a thrilling story with some surprising twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. At times I was holding my breath waiting to see what happened next. Funny, sexy, heartbreaking. I found it all in this captivating story.
I fell in love with Connor and Ash. They seem to have nothing in common but they can’t stay away from each other. A.E. Ryecart has written genuine and loveable characters and shows that opposites really do attract. I really felt the connection between the two men. Sizzling hot and tender at the same time. Both have a lot of baggage from their past that still reflects on their actions in the present. So much so that their relationship is in real danger of collapsing. My heart went out to them. I was laughing with them and crying for them. They had suffered a lot at the hands of others and are vulnerable because of that. They learn to trust the other with their heart and that no secrets or stupid decisions should stand in the way of their happiness.
Ash has a very good friend in Louis, his roommate and long-time best friend. And Bernie? He is the best friend in the truest sense of the word. Not only for Connor and Ash but for all the Barista Boys. And he so deserves his own happily ever after.
This is book #3 in the Barista Boys series but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the other books as well, though. You will appreciate this book even better as there are several recurring characters. And not in the least because they are equally as good.
I fell in love with Connor and Ash. They seem to have nothing in common but they can’t stay away from each other. A.E. Ryecart has written genuine and loveable characters and shows that opposites really do attract. I really felt the connection between the two men. Sizzling hot and tender at the same time. Both have a lot of baggage from their past that still reflects on their actions in the present. So much so that their relationship is in real danger of collapsing. My heart went out to them. I was laughing with them and crying for them. They had suffered a lot at the hands of others and are vulnerable because of that. They learn to trust the other with their heart and that no secrets or stupid decisions should stand in the way of their happiness.
Ash has a very good friend in Louis, his roommate and long-time best friend. And Bernie? He is the best friend in the truest sense of the word. Not only for Connor and Ash but for all the Barista Boys. And he so deserves his own happily ever after.
This is book #3 in the Barista Boys series but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the other books as well, though. You will appreciate this book even better as there are several recurring characters. And not in the least because they are equally as good.
December 31, 2017
4.5 stars
When you’re going through hell – often, you feel completely alone in your despair. Ash is a part-time rent boy, terrified of missing a payment on a loan he inherited. He’s doing everything he can, but he sinks further in every month. He has friends, but he is too ashamed to ask for help. Connor, outwardly a successful businessman, is doing his level best to pull himself out of the pit he’s lived in too long. On the surface, the men don’t appear to have much in common, but a chance meeting, a misunderstanding, and another surprise encounter give them the chance to start getting to know each other. The real question is, how much can you know someone, how deeply can you fall for someone, when neither of you can bring yourself to share your secrets? The misunderstandings and missteps they go through as a result of filtering each other’s reactions through their own shame and tragedy, are really hard to read about. Before they sort things out and win their HEA, their relationship is tested in some tough and scary ways. Bernie, the fantastic proprietor of Barista Boys, is more of a character in this story than in the previous ones. We’ve learned a bit of his back story (if you haven’t already read books 1 and 2, you should!), and there’s tragedy there that explains his fierce protectiveness toward his lads. I’m really hoping he gets his own book soon! Clearly, he needs his own true love. I received an ARC for my honest and fair review.
When you’re going through hell – often, you feel completely alone in your despair. Ash is a part-time rent boy, terrified of missing a payment on a loan he inherited. He’s doing everything he can, but he sinks further in every month. He has friends, but he is too ashamed to ask for help. Connor, outwardly a successful businessman, is doing his level best to pull himself out of the pit he’s lived in too long. On the surface, the men don’t appear to have much in common, but a chance meeting, a misunderstanding, and another surprise encounter give them the chance to start getting to know each other. The real question is, how much can you know someone, how deeply can you fall for someone, when neither of you can bring yourself to share your secrets? The misunderstandings and missteps they go through as a result of filtering each other’s reactions through their own shame and tragedy, are really hard to read about. Before they sort things out and win their HEA, their relationship is tested in some tough and scary ways. Bernie, the fantastic proprietor of Barista Boys, is more of a character in this story than in the previous ones. We’ve learned a bit of his back story (if you haven’t already read books 1 and 2, you should!), and there’s tragedy there that explains his fierce protectiveness toward his lads. I’m really hoping he gets his own book soon! Clearly, he needs his own true love. I received an ARC for my honest and fair review.
December 29, 2018
This is by far my favourite book in the series, my heart ached and broke as I read Ash's story, the stuggles he'd lived with and survived, even if they hung heavy around his neck still.
Bring in an outsider, a whole new character we know nothing about and you have a winner for me. Connor has his own secrets and demons lurking, yet somehow these two damaged souls manage to shine some light into the darkness that has consumed the others lives.
The secrets they harbour threaten to constantly spill into their fledgling relationship and tear it apart, and when Connor's secret is revealed, Ash doesn't know how to react other than to lash out, but when Ash's debts need to be repaid he has no one to turn to and it looks like all is lost. In steps Bernie, the stern but caring owner of the Barista Boy's cafe. History is one I am currently reading as I adore this man. Somehow the connections the cafe owner has are dark and linked to a mysterious world, but yet they manage to save Ash from the grip of a monster.
I am loving this series so much, and will be sad when I finsih the final book. Hopefully, there will be more soon.
Bring in an outsider, a whole new character we know nothing about and you have a winner for me. Connor has his own secrets and demons lurking, yet somehow these two damaged souls manage to shine some light into the darkness that has consumed the others lives.
The secrets they harbour threaten to constantly spill into their fledgling relationship and tear it apart, and when Connor's secret is revealed, Ash doesn't know how to react other than to lash out, but when Ash's debts need to be repaid he has no one to turn to and it looks like all is lost. In steps Bernie, the stern but caring owner of the Barista Boy's cafe. History is one I am currently reading as I adore this man. Somehow the connections the cafe owner has are dark and linked to a mysterious world, but yet they manage to save Ash from the grip of a monster.
I am loving this series so much, and will be sad when I finsih the final book. Hopefully, there will be more soon.
March 21, 2023
Ash is forced to sell his body thanks to crippling debt which has brought him to his knees but he is on track to pay it all off until the loanshark demands more cash. Connor heart bleeds when he sees pathetic attempts to ply his trade and so he gives him a one-night deal with a completely different proposal but neither can get the other out of their head afterwards. They meet by chance in a busy cafe and that puts them both back into their lives but they need to travel a road of lies, secrets and shame to get past that to find love.
I enjoyed this story which had both men living tortured life for completely different reasons. I loved the alternative that Connor gave to Ash as an option. It was great that they were able to finally tell their own stories but it was a great shame that it couldn't happen until such a set of ultimatums were handled first. I loved that yet again Bernie was central to the drama in the story as he used his contacts to fix all of the problems. I really think that Connor and Ash will have a bright future together now. Easy to read, feel and understand you will need a few tissues nearer the end. Contains MM mature content with some references to sex work.
I enjoyed this story which had both men living tortured life for completely different reasons. I loved the alternative that Connor gave to Ash as an option. It was great that they were able to finally tell their own stories but it was a great shame that it couldn't happen until such a set of ultimatums were handled first. I loved that yet again Bernie was central to the drama in the story as he used his contacts to fix all of the problems. I really think that Connor and Ash will have a bright future together now. Easy to read, feel and understand you will need a few tissues nearer the end. Contains MM mature content with some references to sex work.
July 23, 2017
4.5 stars - This was a sweet and delightful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite not having read the first two in this series (it is absolutely a standalone novel, yet I know I'll read the others now, since I'm so intrigued to learn more of the other couples!).
Despite the main conflict of Ash having a loan to pay back to an aggressive and cruel loanshark, I found this to be a relatively fluffy romance. The drama wasn't too over the top, which was nice, and the growing romance was really lovely. The resolution at the end seemed a tad unbelievable to me but there was a HEA so in fairness that's all I needed haha!
I like an bit of an age gap in my romance, which was a plus here. I was hoping for something with lots of emotion and love, and Connor & Ash definitely fit the bill.
Lovely quick read and would absolutely recommend, now to download the others in the series! ;) I also will be checking out more titles from this author!
***I was provided with an ARC of Connor & Ash from Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the main conflict of Ash having a loan to pay back to an aggressive and cruel loanshark, I found this to be a relatively fluffy romance. The drama wasn't too over the top, which was nice, and the growing romance was really lovely. The resolution at the end seemed a tad unbelievable to me but there was a HEA so in fairness that's all I needed haha!
I like an bit of an age gap in my romance, which was a plus here. I was hoping for something with lots of emotion and love, and Connor & Ash definitely fit the bill.
Lovely quick read and would absolutely recommend, now to download the others in the series! ;) I also will be checking out more titles from this author!
***I was provided with an ARC of Connor & Ash from Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2017
I loved it! Connor & Ash is the 3rd book in the Barista Boys series but it can be read as a stand-alone. This is the first book of A.E. Ryecart's that I have read and I will be reading many more of her books. I love a book that wrings every emotion from me as I read it. I laughed and cried and wanted to bash some heads as well. The twists and turns and miscommunication between Connor and Ash kept me riveted and I could not put it down until I finished it at 4:00am! Their backgrounds and upbringings could not have been more different but they were drawn to each other despite the odds against them. They both have secrets that they are unwilling to share with each other which cause heartache and misunderstandings. It takes Ash being in grave danger for Connor to get help from his friend Bernie and take care of the problem. I love a HEA and this book delivers it. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and highly recommend this book.
June 20, 2017
This was a well-written book, although at times I wanted to shake these guys heads and ask them WTH, man!?! LOL
I don't want to go through the description of the story, that's what the blurb is for.
Ash, I wish I could hug him and shake him at the same time. He has such a hurt soul it makes you feel what he feels. All the sadness and pain of losing his parents and the debt his father left him with and he still loves him to bits. I would've been quite resentful, especially after knowing there's a loan shark after me, who keeps increasing the debt.
I really enjoyed the setting and the way the story flowed. It felt smooth all the way to the end with some twists and angst along the way. These are two characters one can't help but like. Now I wonder if the previous books are as enjoyable as this one was.
Well done, Ms Ryecart!
I received a ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and here it is.
I don't want to go through the description of the story, that's what the blurb is for.
Ash, I wish I could hug him and shake him at the same time. He has such a hurt soul it makes you feel what he feels. All the sadness and pain of losing his parents and the debt his father left him with and he still loves him to bits. I would've been quite resentful, especially after knowing there's a loan shark after me, who keeps increasing the debt.
I really enjoyed the setting and the way the story flowed. It felt smooth all the way to the end with some twists and angst along the way. These are two characters one can't help but like. Now I wonder if the previous books are as enjoyable as this one was.
Well done, Ms Ryecart!
I received a ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and here it is.
June 7, 2017
I received an ARC from the author. Thank you so much! It was wonderful.
A young man is ensnared into paying for his deceased fathers debt to a loan shark. He's lost his art school position and works two jobs but still cannot afford the ever increasing payments. When he attempts to earn the money through less then scrupulous ways, he's clearly out of his element. Luckily he approaches a man who is willing to look past the surface and strive for something deeper.
When the loan shark becomes more greedy, some friends with unknown resources, come to his assistance. I really wish I knew more about the coffee shop owner's background!
The love that grows is wonderful. The solution is perfect. There is definitely more than coffee brewing in the book and the barista proves he's worth saving.
A young man is ensnared into paying for his deceased fathers debt to a loan shark. He's lost his art school position and works two jobs but still cannot afford the ever increasing payments. When he attempts to earn the money through less then scrupulous ways, he's clearly out of his element. Luckily he approaches a man who is willing to look past the surface and strive for something deeper.
When the loan shark becomes more greedy, some friends with unknown resources, come to his assistance. I really wish I knew more about the coffee shop owner's background!
The love that grows is wonderful. The solution is perfect. There is definitely more than coffee brewing in the book and the barista proves he's worth saving.
June 15, 2017
I received an ARC which I voluntarily reviewed. Another great novel in the Barista Boys series!! This is a story of two totally different men. Connor is a rich man who owns hotels. He's had an abusive past with another man for 15 years. One night he brings home a young man he meets in the bar at his own hotel. Offering to pay the man just for his company, but Ash knows there is something strange so he takes the money and leaves. Ash has been scraping by because a loan shark that his dead father owed is holding him to the debt or else. This is their story as they struggle with their pasts and their secrets!! A love that is meant to be that will melt your heart. Highly recommend this story and the series❤️❤️
December 10, 2017
I really liked this book. Ashton was a beautiful man just waiting for someone to save him. The right time and right place brought Connor to his side. Connor has his own baggage to move on from and fate steps in. The two are perfect. The help of Bernie steps in to help when Connor needs it at the ending. A beautiful love story but dramas not fair away. Waiting for their happy bubble to pop was too good to be true.
Ash was 23 yr and pipping himself out to guys he had no choice he needed money. Finding a posh bar he meets Connor but things dont go well and Ash steals from him.
Thought a freind Ash is interviewed by Bernie for a baristias job in a cafe.
Haha coincidence they meet again at the cafe. Connor's 36 and a freind of Bernies.
Ash was 23 yr and pipping himself out to guys he had no choice he needed money. Finding a posh bar he meets Connor but things dont go well and Ash steals from him.
Thought a freind Ash is interviewed by Bernie for a baristias job in a cafe.
Haha coincidence they meet again at the cafe. Connor's 36 and a freind of Bernies.
June 15, 2017
A. E. Ryecart has the amazing ability to get you not only hooked in on the story but also deeply attached to the characters. I went through every emotion. Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and relief. Ash and Conner both have been through so much. I love those Barista Boys and can't wait for Louis and Bernie to find their happiness. I was given the privilege and opportunity to receive an advanced reader copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a must read series for those who like an emotional read with characters that have great depth. Now it's just being patient while we wait for the next one.
June 4, 2017
Another great read...I love the Barista boys. Connor & Ash's story was full of angst like the other boys but a little slower moving. I would like to have seen one or the others past coming to the forefront earlier so that they could have dealt with one past before the other shoe (or past) hit them. The end of the book and the past coming to light at the same time seemed rushed after the slowness of the rest of the story.
Still recommend it highly and will definitely read again.
Still recommend it highly and will definitely read again.
June 21, 2017
Book 3 of the series does not disappoint. Ash Hemsby is laden down with debt and sees his only way out is by selling himself. Connor O'Brian is the mark he has spotted but he doesn't realise that Connor knows what he is doing and plans to save him. They slowly open themselves up to each other to mend what each has broken inside.
This is an excellent read. Ali has a way with words which will have you melting inside for her characters.
This is an excellent read. Ali has a way with words which will have you melting inside for her characters.
July 27, 2025
another great read in the series
This is another great addition to this amazing series and found family of the the Barista Boys. Connor is a friend of Bernie who meets Ash in a hotel bar. Both broken by their pasts their worlds collide but have to combat the demons of their past to find happiness and love. Beautiful storyline, another cute couple with romance steam and a little angst
This is another great addition to this amazing series and found family of the the Barista Boys. Connor is a friend of Bernie who meets Ash in a hotel bar. Both broken by their pasts their worlds collide but have to combat the demons of their past to find happiness and love. Beautiful storyline, another cute couple with romance steam and a little angst
June 20, 2017
From beginning to end I loved this book! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. This is book 3 of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Both Connor and Ash have a lot of baggage from their past that affect their present. I loved reading about their journey to their HEA.
Another must read by A.E. Ryecart!
Both Connor and Ash have a lot of baggage from their past that affect their present. I loved reading about their journey to their HEA.
Another must read by A.E. Ryecart!
January 12, 2018
Two men meet under awkward circumstances, then run into each other again at the café. Both are hiding things from their pasts, but before they are able to confide in each other, the truths are revealed. Some scenes are genuinely disturbing before the inevitable HEA.
Typo: "...Connor opened up his own mobile and taped into the internet" (tapped).
Typo: "...Connor opened up his own mobile and taped into the internet" (tapped).
June 23, 2017
Beautiful series
I am happy that I stumbled across this series. Wonderful stories of broken and battered men who find their way to each other.
I am happy that I stumbled across this series. Wonderful stories of broken and battered men who find their way to each other.
August 7, 2017
The first half is a bit dry but good. The second half is better and draws you in more. This has more angst than hot and heavy, which I like. I like a storyline more than gratuitous sex.
00-mm-horrible-disaster-fail-dnf
July 4, 2017This has been on my Kindle Unlimited queue for quite a while now, and so I decided it is finally time to crack it open. Here we go ...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews