What do you think?
Rate this book
The Family Jules #2
Checked Out
Librarian Charlie Jules really needs to stop falling for straight guys. Every man he’s been attracted to over the past year has turned out to be straight—including Scott, a cute new library patron who comes complete with an adorable puppy.
Charlie was almost ready to give up on ever finding love in Hope Springs, but when Scott kisses him…
... twice…
… he starts to realise that the gorgeous man of his dreams might not be as straight as he thinks he is. Is there hope for the two of them?
After uprooting his life and moving to Hope Springs to finally pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian, Scott still feels lost in his new hometown. He doesn’t really fit in at work and his classmates are all younger than him, so all he has for company is his small pack of foster dogs. That is, until he meets Charlie.
Charlie isn’t like anyone Scott’s ever met.
He’s never wanted to kiss another man before.
What the hell is he supposed to do now?
Checked Out is the second gay romance in The Family Jules series, but it can be read alone.
It does not contain a cliffhanger, but it does contain a puppy called Chewie, a kiss that Charlie totally didn’t start, a kiss that Scott totally didn’t start, a sweater with a hole in the sleeve, explicit sex scenes, the entire Jules family in one room, and a happily-ever-after ending.
Charlie was almost ready to give up on ever finding love in Hope Springs, but when Scott kisses him…
... twice…
… he starts to realise that the gorgeous man of his dreams might not be as straight as he thinks he is. Is there hope for the two of them?
After uprooting his life and moving to Hope Springs to finally pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian, Scott still feels lost in his new hometown. He doesn’t really fit in at work and his classmates are all younger than him, so all he has for company is his small pack of foster dogs. That is, until he meets Charlie.
Charlie isn’t like anyone Scott’s ever met.
He’s never wanted to kiss another man before.
What the hell is he supposed to do now?
Checked Out is the second gay romance in The Family Jules series, but it can be read alone.
It does not contain a cliffhanger, but it does contain a puppy called Chewie, a kiss that Charlie totally didn’t start, a kiss that Scott totally didn’t start, a sweater with a hole in the sleeve, explicit sex scenes, the entire Jules family in one room, and a happily-ever-after ending.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
184 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Sean Ashcroft
44 books460 followersSean Ashcroft likes rainy days, white hot chocolates (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and boys kissing in books. He currently resides in Australia, all the way down at the bottom of the mainland in a sleepy little seaside town.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 17, 2017
Not even puppies could save this one.
The MCs, as well as the secondary characters, have no personality; everyone is just so nice and understanding, very cookie-cutter. You know how everyone in Dora the Explorer, even the villainous Swiper the Fox, is super, super cheerful ALL THE TIME? Yeah, like that.
This author seriously writes the most awkward dialogue EVER:
(Mind you, this is two grown men talking.)
Who talks like that?
There is no angst here, no conflict, no plot, just family dinners and pizza in the library and dogs. And I like all of those things; I really, really do. But they don't a novel make.
The writing is formulaic and rife with typos. This is my third, and final, attempt at a Sean Ashcroft book.
The MCs, as well as the secondary characters, have no personality; everyone is just so nice and understanding, very cookie-cutter. You know how everyone in Dora the Explorer, even the villainous Swiper the Fox, is super, super cheerful ALL THE TIME? Yeah, like that.
This author seriously writes the most awkward dialogue EVER:
(Mind you, this is two grown men talking.)
"I'm honored that you're comfortable around me." Charlie shrugged ... "I want to be your friend."
"I wanna be your friend, too," Scott responded. "You seem really cool."
Charlie laughed softly, his heart soaring. Scott thought he was cool ... "For the record, you seem cool, too."
Who talks like that?
There is no angst here, no conflict, no plot, just family dinners and pizza in the library and dogs. And I like all of those things; I really, really do. But they don't a novel make.
The writing is formulaic and rife with typos. This is my third, and final, attempt at a Sean Ashcroft book.
September 7, 2017
4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5. I love both Charlie and Scott! Loved them together.
May 16, 2022
3.5 stars
This was ok, but nothing spectacular. A little too fluffy, it could have used more depth.
Scott was in school but also a contractor? This was confusing...as he never seemed to be working or attending school. At the beginning, he's at the library working on an assignment and that's how he meets Charlie. But once they start going out, it's like all his responsibilities disappear. It's never even mentioned if he eventually becomes a vet or not?
This was ok, but nothing spectacular. A little too fluffy, it could have used more depth.
Scott was in school but also a contractor? This was confusing...as he never seemed to be working or attending school. At the beginning, he's at the library working on an assignment and that's how he meets Charlie. But once they start going out, it's like all his responsibilities disappear. It's never even mentioned if he eventually becomes a vet or not?
September 16, 2017
I love me a nerdy librarian hero, so I am all in. Charlie is a great character. Scott is less well done. He is kind and loves dogs and lonely but as usually with Ashcroft a great deal of his emotionial and sexual landscape is sketched in.
The crush trope is well done and I love that Charlie, while nerdy, is not sexually shy.
This a light sweet romance with some unneeded conflict that would have been better replaced with character development.
However, it was a nice escape read. I can't wait for the last brother's story.
The crush trope is well done and I love that Charlie, while nerdy, is not sexually shy.
This a light sweet romance with some unneeded conflict that would have been better replaced with character development.
However, it was a nice escape read. I can't wait for the last brother's story.
April 18, 2022
Loved the beginning, got a little bored in the middle and loved the ending.
August 28, 2017
Review to come
March 9, 2018
Rent Don't Buy
I had lots of problems with the whole setting and living arrangements of the characters. For one, who's ever heard of a construction worker without transportation like a car or pickup truck?
What is with these guys studying for supposedly graduate level college/professional careers at a 2year community college?? Not even close to realistic.
And Charlie growing up out in the sticks of Colorado unable to drive a car? Not believable either. Or that he supposedly never left home to go away to college to get his 4 year B.A. degree in Library Science? What, the 2 year community college magically awards Charlie a 4 year degree?? And we are supposed to think Scott is going to get 8 years of college and a D.V.M. out of this 2 year community college, too??
Somebody really needed a competent editor for this mess. Like An editor or writer who actually went to a college with a graduate school in the career areas mentioned for the MC's!
Grammar and spelling had few errors. And the prose was good when the author wasn't being ridiculously unrealistic.
I had lots of problems with the whole setting and living arrangements of the characters. For one, who's ever heard of a construction worker without transportation like a car or pickup truck?
What is with these guys studying for supposedly graduate level college/professional careers at a 2year community college?? Not even close to realistic.
And Charlie growing up out in the sticks of Colorado unable to drive a car? Not believable either. Or that he supposedly never left home to go away to college to get his 4 year B.A. degree in Library Science? What, the 2 year community college magically awards Charlie a 4 year degree?? And we are supposed to think Scott is going to get 8 years of college and a D.V.M. out of this 2 year community college, too??
Somebody really needed a competent editor for this mess. Like An editor or writer who actually went to a college with a graduate school in the career areas mentioned for the MC's!
Grammar and spelling had few errors. And the prose was good when the author wasn't being ridiculously unrealistic.
September 3, 2017
Another great story by Sean Ashcroft! A sweet, sexy story that will make you want to read the whole thing at once if you can. This is turning out to be a pretty good series and I'm looking forward to the next book. I've voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and this is my honest opinion/review of Checked Out.
September 21, 2020
Smalltown friends-to-lovers, first-time gay story with an added bonus of some foster dogs!
An enjoyable story with a few hints of non-US English terminology and obvious love of the word "wryly".
Looking forward to reading the quirky Riley's story. LOL!
An enjoyable story with a few hints of non-US English terminology and obvious love of the word "wryly".
Looking forward to reading the quirky Riley's story. LOL!
August 31, 2017
Charlie is looking for a job in the city where he will have much more of an opportunity to find a boyfriend, a partner who isn't related to him. Pickings are slim in his small town, Hope Springs. He is frustrated at his recurring attraction to men who turned out to be straight. Enough!
Scott, on the other hand, moved from the city, Denver, to pursue his dream to become a veterinarian. It will take time as he is only a part time student while working construction to pay for his studies and living expenses. Scott is also fostering dogs from a local rescue so although it will be a long time before he is a vet, he is surrounded by his lovelies, puppies, all the time. Scott was surprised at the attitude of the local librarian when he discovered that Scott brought a puppy into the library.
Scott is straight but certainly enjoys the company of his new friend, the small town librarian, Charlie. Even when assuring Charlie that he isn't gay, Scott finds himself increasingly attracted to the super nice young guy with glasses.
This is a lovely, enjoyable story with both young men coming to learn about the things and people important to happiness and satisfaction.
I always enjoy stories by this author. Characters are well developed and lovable. The story line is believable and always a satisfying conclusion.
Scott, on the other hand, moved from the city, Denver, to pursue his dream to become a veterinarian. It will take time as he is only a part time student while working construction to pay for his studies and living expenses. Scott is also fostering dogs from a local rescue so although it will be a long time before he is a vet, he is surrounded by his lovelies, puppies, all the time. Scott was surprised at the attitude of the local librarian when he discovered that Scott brought a puppy into the library.
Scott is straight but certainly enjoys the company of his new friend, the small town librarian, Charlie. Even when assuring Charlie that he isn't gay, Scott finds himself increasingly attracted to the super nice young guy with glasses.
This is a lovely, enjoyable story with both young men coming to learn about the things and people important to happiness and satisfaction.
I always enjoy stories by this author. Characters are well developed and lovable. The story line is believable and always a satisfying conclusion.
September 16, 2017
A sweet romance, as usual from this author. Though a little predictable with the storyline, it was still fulfilling and I really loved both Charlie and Scott and the dogs.
September 7, 2017
2.75☆
Sweet friends to lovers story.
Sweet friends to lovers story.
July 14, 2021
3.5 stars This was probably my favorite of this series, not just because of the library setting. It had a more convincing bisexual awakening than the first book, in my opinion, and it was a bit of a relief that they weren't childhood friends, like the rest. Plus, cute puppies!
August 31, 2017
¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤4.5 Hope Springs Eternal stars.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I have completely lost it. I am now reading out of turn and not giving one iota about it. Though Drawn In had been on my TRB list, Checked Out was thrown into my lap with a tight reading frame. And I am so glad I got let into this town and into the Jules's family.
A gay friendly town where half the populace was related, Charlie craved what his brother Owen had found. Love. He was seconds away from packing it in and leaving it all behind to find love.
Then Scott happened.
Straight, unaware, gentle. A Veternarian student needing a change, Scott had come to town to find something. He never knew an encounter with the town's Librarian would change even his way of thinking. There was something between them, something magical... It was possible to look at someone and know they were The One.
There is so much one can say about GFY stories. The respect one has to give the person whose perception is shifting, learning to accept and to understand. Both Charlie and Scott had these intense feelings for each other, but it took belief and want to make it all a reality. To all the I-hate-instalove naysayers, this was a beautiful love story. Definite recommendation. Totally enjoyable. I have moved book one up further on my list, LOL.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤4.5 Hope Springs Eternal stars.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★
I have completely lost it. I am now reading out of turn and not giving one iota about it. Though Drawn In had been on my TRB list, Checked Out was thrown into my lap with a tight reading frame. And I am so glad I got let into this town and into the Jules's family.
A gay friendly town where half the populace was related, Charlie craved what his brother Owen had found. Love. He was seconds away from packing it in and leaving it all behind to find love.
Then Scott happened.
Straight, unaware, gentle. A Veternarian student needing a change, Scott had come to town to find something. He never knew an encounter with the town's Librarian would change even his way of thinking. There was something between them, something magical... It was possible to look at someone and know they were The One.
There is so much one can say about GFY stories. The respect one has to give the person whose perception is shifting, learning to accept and to understand. Both Charlie and Scott had these intense feelings for each other, but it took belief and want to make it all a reality. To all the I-hate-instalove naysayers, this was a beautiful love story. Definite recommendation. Totally enjoyable. I have moved book one up further on my list, LOL.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
April 14, 2018
Taking advantage of the sexy librarian
This was such a warm, fuzzy, happily enjoyable romance, with surprisingly little angst, and lots of love to go around.
From the last book we are this time following Charlie Jules, the youngest Jules, but the most settled in some ways. He had a job he enjoys and friends he loves in the town he grew up in. Charlie is looking for love though, and the small town he loves isn't exactly full of new people. When he meets student veterinarian Scott, Charlie is immediately charmed, and knows he wants the man for at least a friend if not more. Scott is also looking for a friend, but never having thought of himself as bisexual he is confused by his feelings for his new friend, and even more confused by their two kisses.
I loved how the decisions made involved actually talking between the two. Sure, there were freak out moments of running away, and big uncertainties where they backed off at first before saying what they wanted. For the most part though, Scott and Charlie both really wanted to stay in each others lives, so when a problem came up they would talk about it. It was often sweet, honest, and very heart warming. There wasn't any guilt or shame with Scott exploring his sexuality and when the two were together they could get very hot.
A great light read with plenty of wonderful characters!
This was such a warm, fuzzy, happily enjoyable romance, with surprisingly little angst, and lots of love to go around.
From the last book we are this time following Charlie Jules, the youngest Jules, but the most settled in some ways. He had a job he enjoys and friends he loves in the town he grew up in. Charlie is looking for love though, and the small town he loves isn't exactly full of new people. When he meets student veterinarian Scott, Charlie is immediately charmed, and knows he wants the man for at least a friend if not more. Scott is also looking for a friend, but never having thought of himself as bisexual he is confused by his feelings for his new friend, and even more confused by their two kisses.
I loved how the decisions made involved actually talking between the two. Sure, there were freak out moments of running away, and big uncertainties where they backed off at first before saying what they wanted. For the most part though, Scott and Charlie both really wanted to stay in each others lives, so when a problem came up they would talk about it. It was often sweet, honest, and very heart warming. There wasn't any guilt or shame with Scott exploring his sexuality and when the two were together they could get very hot.
A great light read with plenty of wonderful characters!
August 30, 2017
Sean Ashcroft has once again done what this author does best: writing a fun and sexy story. This story features Charlie, Owen’s brother from Drawn In, and Scott. Charlie is the local librarian, happy in his job and with his family but he dreams of something more, someone more. Then one day, Scott enters the library with a little puppy and Charlie is hooked, hooked on the puppy and on Scott. Scott is a construction worker while studying part time for his vet’s degree.
Scott and Charlie are great characters who I could easily relate to. Apart from some confusing moments takes his changing view on his sexuality in stride. It doesn’t matter that Charlie is a man, he is attracted to him and he goes for it. I loved the presence of the dogs. Charlie’s family draws Scott into their midst without hesitation and that is all Scott ever wanted. A family of his own.
It is a slow-burn love story, well written with a steady pace. There is no major drama, just a fun, sexy and sweet story with enough depth to keep me turning the pages.
This is the second book in the Family Jules series and can be read as a standalone. However, as there are recurring characters in the book I recommend to read the first book as well.
Scott and Charlie are great characters who I could easily relate to. Apart from some confusing moments takes his changing view on his sexuality in stride. It doesn’t matter that Charlie is a man, he is attracted to him and he goes for it. I loved the presence of the dogs. Charlie’s family draws Scott into their midst without hesitation and that is all Scott ever wanted. A family of his own.
It is a slow-burn love story, well written with a steady pace. There is no major drama, just a fun, sexy and sweet story with enough depth to keep me turning the pages.
This is the second book in the Family Jules series and can be read as a standalone. However, as there are recurring characters in the book I recommend to read the first book as well.
March 14, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. Most of the characters were interesting. I just didn't like Scott. I think he was well written but there was something missing. It's really strange that I saw Charlie's connection with Scott but I didn't see Scott's connection with Charlie. I guess I didn't buy the relationship from Scott's POV.
I'm not a big fan of straight guys losing their minds after kissing or having sex with another man. I glad that we didn't get that. Scott seemed to accept everything okay and that was definitely a plus.
I wanted more about Scott. We know that he worked construction. He wants to be a vet. His parents were distant and he wants a family like Charlie's. What else do we know about him? Not much.
I'm hoping the other two books in the series are better.
I'm not a big fan of straight guys losing their minds after kissing or having sex with another man. I glad that we didn't get that. Scott seemed to accept everything okay and that was definitely a plus.
I wanted more about Scott. We know that he worked construction. He wants to be a vet. His parents were distant and he wants a family like Charlie's. What else do we know about him? Not much.
I'm hoping the other two books in the series are better.
September 2, 2017
Another great read!
Checked Out was everything I wanted it to be and more! I was so happy that Charlie found Scott, his HEA!
I adore everything about this series so far. It was great to see Owen and Jude with baby Kayla. There's something special about the small town of Hope Springs that no one wants to leave, including myself.
I absolutely love Sean Ashcroft's writing style. His attention to detail, the most lovable characters I've ever met, and a storyline so well-written with all the feels helped make this a five star read for me. I can't wait for big brother, Riley's story!
Checked Out was everything I wanted it to be and more! I was so happy that Charlie found Scott, his HEA!
I adore everything about this series so far. It was great to see Owen and Jude with baby Kayla. There's something special about the small town of Hope Springs that no one wants to leave, including myself.
I absolutely love Sean Ashcroft's writing style. His attention to detail, the most lovable characters I've ever met, and a storyline so well-written with all the feels helped make this a five star read for me. I can't wait for big brother, Riley's story!
October 18, 2017
The characters are super sweet, but the telling of the story left a lot to be desired. Despite being a bit repetitive and simplistic at first, I was doing OK with the story, but as the book continued and nothing much happened, even the startling revelations of a main characters' sexuality going down without any major fireworks or freak-outs... I began to get bored and frustrated. The author seems to like using lots of short and repetitive sentences, which ends up coming across more as a fan-fiction aiming to be a full novel, than a novel telling a simple story, which is too bad.
Started strong but fizzed and rambled. 2/5.
Started strong but fizzed and rambled. 2/5.
September 2, 2017
I really liked Checked Out. It was low angst with a sweet love story. I thought Charlie and Scott were so likable. It was easy to read, fast-paced and I liked the secondary characters as well.
I always like visiting with other characters so it was nice to see more of Owen and Jude and get a better glance at the other Jules brother. I have my guesses as to the next book and can’t wait to read.
If I had any issues, I think it needed another proofread just to catch minor spelling mistakes etc.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I always like visiting with other characters so it was nice to see more of Owen and Jude and get a better glance at the other Jules brother. I have my guesses as to the next book and can’t wait to read.
If I had any issues, I think it needed another proofread just to catch minor spelling mistakes etc.
I would definitely recommend this book.
April 30, 2018
sweet nearly insta-love GFY. The only think I don't get is the introduction of the Dylan character - was he just there so Scott could state his 'straightness' ... or to affirm that Scott was only interested in Charlie? It was just odd for him to be a named character that only shows up once but is as close of a friend as Scott has other than Charlie. ... May-be he will be more pertinent to the next book?
August 20, 2018
The puppy!
Running the Library, lets you meet all types of people. Living in Hope Springs where your family has lived for generations is fantastic. He loved being the Librarian. Then he meets Scott, a guy who has adopted dogs while studying to be a Vet. They hit it off as friends. Then they Kiss! Is Scott Bi?
Sean has nailed the storyline again. Love these books. Can't wait for the next one.
Running the Library, lets you meet all types of people. Living in Hope Springs where your family has lived for generations is fantastic. He loved being the Librarian. Then he meets Scott, a guy who has adopted dogs while studying to be a Vet. They hit it off as friends. Then they Kiss! Is Scott Bi?
Sean has nailed the storyline again. Love these books. Can't wait for the next one.
April 15, 2019
Charlie is the local librarian, Scott a new mature student. Both guys are lonely. Charlie keeps liking straight guys, Scott is new in town and doesn’t have any friends.
They become fast friends, and Scott kisses Charlie, though he says he’s straight. So begins a redefining of Scott, but it’s pretty evident that Scott and Charlie are meant to be.
This is a fun book, with Scott’s numerous dogs and Charlie’s family, especially Riley, who’s new on the scene.
Good read.
KU
They become fast friends, and Scott kisses Charlie, though he says he’s straight. So begins a redefining of Scott, but it’s pretty evident that Scott and Charlie are meant to be.
This is a fun book, with Scott’s numerous dogs and Charlie’s family, especially Riley, who’s new on the scene.
Good read.
KU
August 28, 2017
Loved it! I love the way Sean Ashcroft brought the characters together. Charlie's a librarian tired of feeling alone & now longing for a relationship.Along comes Scott, student in new college, new town unsure of himself and his new surroundings. As they get to know each other Scott begins realizing he may be into Charlie as a little more than a friend. Story was equal parts romance & hot sex.
September 4, 2017
This is the second in the Family Jules book series, and like the first, Drawn In, I was completely enamored by this story! It seems Mr. Ashcroft keeps getting better and better with each book he writes.
Charlie is the town librarian and the youngest of the Jules brothers. He also seems to be the one Jules boy that has it all together. The only thing he is lacking is a love life. He's gotten to the point where he is considering leaving Hope Springs for a bigger city in hopes of finding someone. Then Scott walks into the library, smuggling a puppy named Chewie, and Charlie finds himself smitten. One problem, Scott is straight. Or so Scott thinks. Until he kisses Charlie. Twice. Maybe he's not as straight as he thought?
Charlie is the town librarian and the youngest of the Jules brothers. He also seems to be the one Jules boy that has it all together. The only thing he is lacking is a love life. He's gotten to the point where he is considering leaving Hope Springs for a bigger city in hopes of finding someone. Then Scott walks into the library, smuggling a puppy named Chewie, and Charlie finds himself smitten. One problem, Scott is straight. Or so Scott thinks. Until he kisses Charlie. Twice. Maybe he's not as straight as he thought?
September 3, 2017
Sequel to "Drawn In" with most of the same characters and the same situation. Middle brother Charlie has a crush on straight vet student Scott, and Scott is sending mixed signals. Only a minor required conflict near the end, then the book cruises on auto-pilot to the HEA.
Typo: word order in one sentence (see notes).
Typo: word order in one sentence (see notes).
December 10, 2017
Such a cute story
I just adored Charlie and Scott and how their relationship evolved. Nerdy librarian meets future veterinarian I think is my new favorite kink. Also the first real sex scene is the best one I’ve ever read among all the books I’ve read. Maybe it’s just me, but that one moved me.
I just adored Charlie and Scott and how their relationship evolved. Nerdy librarian meets future veterinarian I think is my new favorite kink. Also the first real sex scene is the best one I’ve ever read among all the books I’ve read. Maybe it’s just me, but that one moved me.
September 26, 2018
Está bastante bien, pero como al 80% del libro ya está todo resuelto. El autor pone una pequeña tensión para alargar un poco el libro, pero en mi opinión no tiene mucho sentido, teniendo en cuenta que en realidad está solucionado antes de que suceda. La "tensión" dura como un 5% del libro y el resto me resultó un poco pesado.
September 6, 2017
Awwww such a cute book!
This was a cute story! Guy never being with another guy then falling hard for one. Nothing sexier than a librarian I guess lol. I enjoyed characters from the previous book in this one and seeing what they had been up to as well. Great ending.
This was a cute story! Guy never being with another guy then falling hard for one. Nothing sexier than a librarian I guess lol. I enjoyed characters from the previous book in this one and seeing what they had been up to as well. Great ending.
October 1, 2017
Sweet
Book Two is sweetly written and full of fun, humor, and a bit of angst. Oh, and hot scenes to boot. A librarian and puppies, what's not to like? Looking forward to reading Book Three.
Book Two is sweetly written and full of fun, humor, and a bit of angst. Oh, and hot scenes to boot. A librarian and puppies, what's not to like? Looking forward to reading Book Three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews