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Stories from the Shore #2
In Over Our Heads
Anthony Vallen is the life of any party. Full of energy and fun, Anthony adores romance and enjoys playing matchmaker for his friends while dancing the night away with a series of Mr. Right Nows. But he’s given up on his own happy ending. A bad breakup years ago made him a secret cynic about love… until he runs into Walter Elkins—the boy who broke his teenaged heart—on a scuba-diving vacation in Key West. Suddenly, Anthony’s reasons for shunning romance no longer hold much water. Being with Walter again forces Anthony to get serious—about himself, his worth, and his heart’s desires.
Brilliant and self-contained, scientist Walter Elkins prefers deep thoughts to other people. He’s a good boss and a model citizen, but Walter doesn’t let anyone get close. After a tragedy drove him out of his science career, Walter landed in Key West and became owner of a dive shop and a bar. Things are fine until Anthony Vallen—the only person who ever penetrated his defenses—shows up, and Walter’s calm, controlled life capsizes. He and Anthony have a second chance for love, but Walter must confront the old fears that threaten to torpedo their happiness.
Brilliant and self-contained, scientist Walter Elkins prefers deep thoughts to other people. He’s a good boss and a model citizen, but Walter doesn’t let anyone get close. After a tragedy drove him out of his science career, Walter landed in Key West and became owner of a dive shop and a bar. Things are fine until Anthony Vallen—the only person who ever penetrated his defenses—shows up, and Walter’s calm, controlled life capsizes. He and Anthony have a second chance for love, but Walter must confront the old fears that threaten to torpedo their happiness.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2017
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
CJane Elliott
23 books41 followersAfter years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, CJANE ELLIOTT finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane enjoys writing sexy, passionate stories that also explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.
CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming-out stories. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.
CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards.
CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming-out stories. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.
CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 3, 2020
Re-read April 2020 at the author's request after a revision and re-release.
My review below still stands for the most part. The author's revisions to the book did make me like Walter a wee bit more, though his reasons for bailing on Anthony aren't any different than the last time I read this. Overall, this 2nd release is a bit easier to read. Anthony is still a gigantic flirt and chatterbox outwardly, hiding behind that facade to protect his heart.
I'm increasing my star rating to a 4 because I didn't dislike Walter as much this time around. If you've read this book before, you might want to try this revised version.
********
First time read:
This is a cute sequel to All The Way To Shore . We met Anthony Vallen in the first book, as Jonathan's quirky, sassy cousin, who didn't do romance or relationships.
He still doesn't in this book either, for reasons that are explained within. See, many years ago, when Anthony was a wee teenager, he met a boy, a super smart boy, whom he loved, but the boy left him abruptly after a near-drowning for which the boy blamed himself. Ever since then Anthony has given up on love - it's for others, not for him.
Even if he might be occasionally a bit jealous of what Jonathan found with Marco, but those moments don't last long, because there are just so many other men to have fun with. Who needs love, amirite?
And now Anthony is headed to Key West for a fun vacation with Jonathan and Marco, who've gotten married since the last book, and he's looking forward to sun and fun and possibly some scuba diving. Or maybe not, since putting his head under water is still something Anthony doesn't do all that willingly.
But who should be the owner of the bar and the scuba diving place but his old boyfriend, Walter Elkins. The boy who broke his heart is now all grown up, but no longer a scientist for reasons.
Getting a first row view of Anthony's deeper side was fascinating. His sassiness and easy flirting routine is a front, something he hides behind. If you don't open your heart to anyone, you can't get hurt, right? But behind that facade is a person who yearns for someone to call his own, for someone who understands him and takes him as he is, for someone who loves him.
While Anthony can be a little OTT some of the time (or most of the time, at least outwardly), he's actually a really nice and thoughtful person with a huge heart, even if most people don't get close enough to realize it. The things he did for his cousin Jonathan in the first book, standing by him, helping him, supporting him - all that is part of what really makes up Anthony Vallen. Sure, he's flamboyant and in your face, and he talks and talks and talks, but I liked him quite a bit.
Walter, on the other hand, pissed me off for most of the book. He suffers from severe Edward Cullen syndrome, and his reason for bailing not only on Anthony but also a lucrative career as a brilliant scientist was ridiculous and felt contrived. I mean, the guy needed some serious therapy. Seriously.
I'm all for "Opposites attract", and I usually love second-chance-at-love books, but I didn't love this one, primarily because of Walter. Yes, sure, Anthony is a super crazy queen, though that's his persona, his protection, and he never tried to crap all over Walter's hesitations, but Walter's constant waffling and one step forward, two steps back, hurting Anthony in the progress, just made me angry.
If I had been in Anthony's shoes, I would have made Walter grovel a LOT more than he did. Yes, Walter did eventually find the courage to work through his issues, but that was long after he'd broken Anthony's heart again. Though, and this must be said, I did love that Anthony had backbone and said, Look, I'm worth more than what you're begrudgingly giving me, so adios, I'm done trying.
I did believe that the two men loved each other, the first time, and the second time too. I think it is that love that carried them both to their happy ending, even if getting there was fraught with pain and hurt. Walter's brilliant mind is more of a hindrance than an advantage to their road to forever, but he eventually puts his smarts to the right use. In the end, they realize that they have to compromise, and the book ends in a really good spot for them both.
On the supporting cast, we have Jonathan and Marco, blissfully happy, and Miles, who works for Walter, who flirts with Anthony and who, it turns out, provides them with a catalyst to start getting their act together.
There are sexy times within, and it's clear that Walter and Tony have no issues whatsoever inside the bedroom at all - it's outside of it where they struggle.
I don't know if this concludes this series, though I'd like to see Miles find the person for him as well. Perhaps that's still to come.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
My review below still stands for the most part. The author's revisions to the book did make me like Walter a wee bit more, though his reasons for bailing on Anthony aren't any different than the last time I read this. Overall, this 2nd release is a bit easier to read. Anthony is still a gigantic flirt and chatterbox outwardly, hiding behind that facade to protect his heart.
I'm increasing my star rating to a 4 because I didn't dislike Walter as much this time around. If you've read this book before, you might want to try this revised version.
********
First time read:
This is a cute sequel to All The Way To Shore . We met Anthony Vallen in the first book, as Jonathan's quirky, sassy cousin, who didn't do romance or relationships.
He still doesn't in this book either, for reasons that are explained within. See, many years ago, when Anthony was a wee teenager, he met a boy, a super smart boy, whom he loved, but the boy left him abruptly after a near-drowning for which the boy blamed himself. Ever since then Anthony has given up on love - it's for others, not for him.
Even if he might be occasionally a bit jealous of what Jonathan found with Marco, but those moments don't last long, because there are just so many other men to have fun with. Who needs love, amirite?
And now Anthony is headed to Key West for a fun vacation with Jonathan and Marco, who've gotten married since the last book, and he's looking forward to sun and fun and possibly some scuba diving. Or maybe not, since putting his head under water is still something Anthony doesn't do all that willingly.
But who should be the owner of the bar and the scuba diving place but his old boyfriend, Walter Elkins. The boy who broke his heart is now all grown up, but no longer a scientist for reasons.
Getting a first row view of Anthony's deeper side was fascinating. His sassiness and easy flirting routine is a front, something he hides behind. If you don't open your heart to anyone, you can't get hurt, right? But behind that facade is a person who yearns for someone to call his own, for someone who understands him and takes him as he is, for someone who loves him.
While Anthony can be a little OTT some of the time (or most of the time, at least outwardly), he's actually a really nice and thoughtful person with a huge heart, even if most people don't get close enough to realize it. The things he did for his cousin Jonathan in the first book, standing by him, helping him, supporting him - all that is part of what really makes up Anthony Vallen. Sure, he's flamboyant and in your face, and he talks and talks and talks, but I liked him quite a bit.
Walter, on the other hand, pissed me off for most of the book. He suffers from severe Edward Cullen syndrome, and his reason for bailing not only on Anthony but also a lucrative career as a brilliant scientist was ridiculous and felt contrived. I mean, the guy needed some serious therapy. Seriously.
I'm all for "Opposites attract", and I usually love second-chance-at-love books, but I didn't love this one, primarily because of Walter. Yes, sure, Anthony is a super crazy queen, though that's his persona, his protection, and he never tried to crap all over Walter's hesitations, but Walter's constant waffling and one step forward, two steps back, hurting Anthony in the progress, just made me angry.
If I had been in Anthony's shoes, I would have made Walter grovel a LOT more than he did. Yes, Walter did eventually find the courage to work through his issues, but that was long after he'd broken Anthony's heart again. Though, and this must be said, I did love that Anthony had backbone and said, Look, I'm worth more than what you're begrudgingly giving me, so adios, I'm done trying.
I did believe that the two men loved each other, the first time, and the second time too. I think it is that love that carried them both to their happy ending, even if getting there was fraught with pain and hurt. Walter's brilliant mind is more of a hindrance than an advantage to their road to forever, but he eventually puts his smarts to the right use. In the end, they realize that they have to compromise, and the book ends in a really good spot for them both.
On the supporting cast, we have Jonathan and Marco, blissfully happy, and Miles, who works for Walter, who flirts with Anthony and who, it turns out, provides them with a catalyst to start getting their act together.
There are sexy times within, and it's clear that Walter and Tony have no issues whatsoever inside the bedroom at all - it's outside of it where they struggle.
I don't know if this concludes this series, though I'd like to see Miles find the person for him as well. Perhaps that's still to come.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 16, 2017
2.5 stars
In Over Our Heads is marked as the second story from Stories from the Shore series but can be read as stand-alone. I love second-chance romance trope, it's probably my favorite trope, which is one of the reason why I put a request for ARC in this one.
Unfortunately it doesn't work for me.
First of all, I have ENOUGH of characters who turn 30 years old and call themselves "old fart" or "too old".
I know that people have obsession about youth. But look, based on RWA Romance Reader Statistic, the U.S. romance book buyer is most likely to be aged between 30 and 54 years (with average age of 42 years old based on Nielsen).
Can romance authors be more, I don't know, relevant to the majority of readers by NOT making these 30 year old character look like they already have middle-age crisis?!? PUH-LEASE! Sorry, but it's aggravating for me.
Second of all, I'm sorry, but the reason of Walter's avoiding Anthony is a bit lame. Yeah, yeah, so he has tragedy when he's 10 years old. But the whole "I'm doing this to protect you" stance is bullsh*t. He's a scientist, shouldn't he based everything on facts and data rather than being rather superstitious about it?
And for second-chance romance, I think the first 50% of the book is mainly about Anthony trying not to care about Walter and has a little flirty-flirty with 22-year-old Miles.
Maybe I'm not in my best mood reading this one, but I can't really find anything I like about it. Oh maybe Miles... I like him okay. He's young and fun. I'm more interested in him compared to Anthony and Walter. Plus he dares to call Walter an idiot, so high five to Miles.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
In Over Our Heads is marked as the second story from Stories from the Shore series but can be read as stand-alone. I love second-chance romance trope, it's probably my favorite trope, which is one of the reason why I put a request for ARC in this one.
Unfortunately it doesn't work for me.
First of all, I have ENOUGH of characters who turn 30 years old and call themselves "old fart" or "too old".
I know that people have obsession about youth. But look, based on RWA Romance Reader Statistic, the U.S. romance book buyer is most likely to be aged between 30 and 54 years (with average age of 42 years old based on Nielsen).
Can romance authors be more, I don't know, relevant to the majority of readers by NOT making these 30 year old character look like they already have middle-age crisis?!? PUH-LEASE! Sorry, but it's aggravating for me.
Second of all, I'm sorry, but the reason of Walter's avoiding Anthony is a bit lame. Yeah, yeah, so he has tragedy when he's 10 years old. But the whole "I'm doing this to protect you" stance is bullsh*t. He's a scientist, shouldn't he based everything on facts and data rather than being rather superstitious about it?
And for second-chance romance, I think the first 50% of the book is mainly about Anthony trying not to care about Walter and has a little flirty-flirty with 22-year-old Miles.
Maybe I'm not in my best mood reading this one, but I can't really find anything I like about it. Oh maybe Miles... I like him okay. He's young and fun. I'm more interested in him compared to Anthony and Walter. Plus he dares to call Walter an idiot, so high five to Miles.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 17, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
As much as it pains me to say it, I didn’t enjoy In Over Our Heads very much at all. I wanted to. I’ve always liked a good second chance at love story. The blurb caught my attention, so when it was time for me to pick it up and start reading, I was excited. It went downhill from there.
I didn’t connect with either MC. Anthony was written so stereotypically femme, he may as well been on an 80s sitcom, snapping his fingers and saying, “FABULOUS!” I cringed at almost everything he said. Also, he called everybody “doll” or “dollface” or a few other terms of endearment…over, and over, and over, and over again. Instead of being cute and funny, it was taxing and overwhelming.
Walter brooded constantly. I don’t remember a single smile until he and Anthony had a brief (all too brief) period of happiness–before things went to hell again. He ran hot and cold (mostly cold). He doesn’t want Anthony, but he becomes uber protective when Anthony decides to try scuba diving. He even does a little dirty dancing with Anthony before Anthony got confused and ran off. It got to the point where I wanted to reach through the Kindle and slap him. Hard.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between Anthony and Walter. I didn’t feel that electric zing between them. I couldn’t connect with either of them. I can’t count all the times I rolled my eyes. Some moments actually physically pained me. I kept hoping it would get better, and it did, for a very short period of time, but then, it returned to the abyss. I wanted them both to pull themselves together and realize they were being…well…jerks. There was too much hot and cold. In fact, I dare say this book could have been 50 pages shorter. Perhaps, if that was the case, In Over Our Heads could have been a decent story. Truth is, when they (especially Walter) finally find their HEA, I had stopped caring and was ready to move on to another book.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
As much as it pains me to say it, I didn’t enjoy In Over Our Heads very much at all. I wanted to. I’ve always liked a good second chance at love story. The blurb caught my attention, so when it was time for me to pick it up and start reading, I was excited. It went downhill from there.
I didn’t connect with either MC. Anthony was written so stereotypically femme, he may as well been on an 80s sitcom, snapping his fingers and saying, “FABULOUS!” I cringed at almost everything he said. Also, he called everybody “doll” or “dollface” or a few other terms of endearment…over, and over, and over, and over again. Instead of being cute and funny, it was taxing and overwhelming.
Walter brooded constantly. I don’t remember a single smile until he and Anthony had a brief (all too brief) period of happiness–before things went to hell again. He ran hot and cold (mostly cold). He doesn’t want Anthony, but he becomes uber protective when Anthony decides to try scuba diving. He even does a little dirty dancing with Anthony before Anthony got confused and ran off. It got to the point where I wanted to reach through the Kindle and slap him. Hard.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between Anthony and Walter. I didn’t feel that electric zing between them. I couldn’t connect with either of them. I can’t count all the times I rolled my eyes. Some moments actually physically pained me. I kept hoping it would get better, and it did, for a very short period of time, but then, it returned to the abyss. I wanted them both to pull themselves together and realize they were being…well…jerks. There was too much hot and cold. In fact, I dare say this book could have been 50 pages shorter. Perhaps, if that was the case, In Over Our Heads could have been a decent story. Truth is, when they (especially Walter) finally find their HEA, I had stopped caring and was ready to move on to another book.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2017
Cautious, contained and stoic Walter Elkins has a hero complex of sorts. Being able to protect those he loves is key, and his protective streak is a mile wide. And Anthony Vallen? "Even though emotions were my friends [...] I didn’t have a stoic bone in my body." Anthony is out and proud and loud. He's the life of the party, he's the hurricane that hits land and everyone has to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm.
Walter and Anthony were unlikely high-school boyfriends ("I brought him out of his shell, and he calmed me down. And he took me seriously. He listened to me in a way no one but Jonny ever had before.”) until Anthony almost drowns and Walter, hating he couldn't keep Anthony safe, was unable to face him after that. Twelve years later, they meet again in Key West (where Walter now owns Back Bay Dive & Sail) when Anthony, Jonny, Marco and Marco's sister Sophie go on a scuba-driving vacation.
What follows is a story of second chances, a hurricane, and some seriously hot sex because, hello, Walter for all his stoicism is hawt. Personally, I liked the Anthony and Walter's dynamic. They just plain fit each other:
In Over Our Heads is a fun read, and I liked Walter and Anthony, as well as the secondary characters and I'm hoping we get another installment of the series featuring Walter's brother Miles.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Walter and Anthony were unlikely high-school boyfriends ("I brought him out of his shell, and he calmed me down. And he took me seriously. He listened to me in a way no one but Jonny ever had before.”) until Anthony almost drowns and Walter, hating he couldn't keep Anthony safe, was unable to face him after that. Twelve years later, they meet again in Key West (where Walter now owns Back Bay Dive & Sail) when Anthony, Jonny, Marco and Marco's sister Sophie go on a scuba-driving vacation.
What follows is a story of second chances, a hurricane, and some seriously hot sex because, hello, Walter for all his stoicism is hawt. Personally, I liked the Anthony and Walter's dynamic. They just plain fit each other:
It had felt safe being around Walter. He’d taken care of everything, slowly and patiently. I could be my fluttery self—a butterfly flitting all over—because I knew he would be there when I needed to land.I liked the idea, as Jonny says, "the universe brought you two together again for a reason. And I don’t believe it’s so you guys can screw it up a second time” and while declaring their love is easy, getting the rest of it right is a bit more of a struggle.
In Over Our Heads is a fun read, and I liked Walter and Anthony, as well as the secondary characters and I'm hoping we get another installment of the series featuring Walter's brother Miles.
“Sometimes all you need is a second chance to get things right.”
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
March 29, 2020
This was a review of a copy I myself requested seeing it being offered available for such purposes and was freely and generously granted for a review by IndiGo Marketing and Design
In over Our Heads is a second-chance MM romance with a HEA. Part of a series but still readable as a standalone.
Extroverted Anthony is on a vacation with his cousin Jonathan, Jonny's partner Marco, and Marco's sister Sophia. Anthony is a romantic himself. They happen to land where Walter, the introverted scientist type with a tragedy background turned into an bar owner holds fort keeping a diving business and a bar. It just happens to be that Walter and Anthony used to be an item for a year when they were young at school. The couple meets first time after a dozen years spent apart. Apart after Anthony near-drowned and Walter took a runner for reasons mysterious to Anthony leaving him abandoned, baffled, devasteted.
Anthony the dreamer and Walter the earth-bound realist.
Key West ...
I like this. The side characters do a lot, they fit in for me, and in this story they don't confuse me. It's fun when Anthony is a known matchmaker but his cousin started turning tables on him. :)
I think though there's angst it is also fun to read. It was fun to read about the lessons in general. It was also touching to read about it when the one learning was struggling, with a background,trying to overcome it all for himself.
Also dramatic feels like that moment when Walter first let out "I couldn't stand to lose you again" came so of the blue though despite him having been so withdrawn and despite that he clamps up again right after that. But he got THAT out. Silent but where it counts - at least this time around!
“We’re gonna love each other until all the stars explode, and so does the Earth, and we’ll return to our beginnings.”
Now that is romance.
In over Our Heads is a second-chance MM romance with a HEA. Part of a series but still readable as a standalone.
Extroverted Anthony is on a vacation with his cousin Jonathan, Jonny's partner Marco, and Marco's sister Sophia. Anthony is a romantic himself. They happen to land where Walter, the introverted scientist type with a tragedy background turned into an bar owner holds fort keeping a diving business and a bar. It just happens to be that Walter and Anthony used to be an item for a year when they were young at school. The couple meets first time after a dozen years spent apart. Apart after Anthony near-drowned and Walter took a runner for reasons mysterious to Anthony leaving him abandoned, baffled, devasteted.
Anthony the dreamer and Walter the earth-bound realist.
Key West ...
I like this. The side characters do a lot, they fit in for me, and in this story they don't confuse me. It's fun when Anthony is a known matchmaker but his cousin started turning tables on him. :)
I think though there's angst it is also fun to read. It was fun to read about the lessons in general. It was also touching to read about it when the one learning was struggling, with a background,trying to overcome it all for himself.
Also dramatic feels like that moment when Walter first let out "I couldn't stand to lose you again" came so of the blue though despite him having been so withdrawn and despite that he clamps up again right after that. But he got THAT out. Silent but where it counts - at least this time around!
“We’re gonna love each other until all the stars explode, and so does the Earth, and we’ll return to our beginnings.”
Now that is romance.
October 25, 2017
This book was provided for free by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, All the Way to Shore, but Anthony wasn't really my favorite character. He was fun and I loved his matchmaker personality, but he fell a little flat compared to other secondary characters like Sophia. However, the blurb for this second book pulled me in because it featured two past lovers reuniting, which is something I always love.
Anthony's high school sweetheart (and first and only love), Walter, just happens to own the bar and SCUBA shop right where Anthony is vacationing in the Key West with Sophia and now-married Marco and Jonathan. After leaving Anthony cold after an accident when they were kids, Anthony has some serious trust issues, but that doesn't stop his still-sizzling attraction to Walter.
The romantic pay-off was a little better in this book than the last. We actually get a lot of communication and relationship building before the "reunion." But Walter was endlessly frustrating because his literal only excuse for not going back to Anthony was , which is the oldest and most tiring heroic excuse in the world. I also didn't think he really earned Anthony back all the way, especially since Anthony was written with much more depth in this book and deserved way better.
This story could've been trimmed down a bit and given better pacing. There was too much forgiving then remembering then forgiving then leaving...it just got tiring after a bit.
My favorite part of these books is the relationship among the Core Four--Anthony, Sophia, Marco, and Jonathan. Their close relationships and friendships are just as well-written as the romance, which makes you want to keep reading. Though this wasn't my favorite in the series, I would definitely keep reading more just for the characters.
Also, another perk of this book is that there is a non-binary character (he/him pronouns) who is respected, fully characterized, and seen as a desirable partner by many. He's also given a great character arc beyond his gender. I love that LGBT romances are always becoming more inclusive of all identities.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, All the Way to Shore, but Anthony wasn't really my favorite character. He was fun and I loved his matchmaker personality, but he fell a little flat compared to other secondary characters like Sophia. However, the blurb for this second book pulled me in because it featured two past lovers reuniting, which is something I always love.
Anthony's high school sweetheart (and first and only love), Walter, just happens to own the bar and SCUBA shop right where Anthony is vacationing in the Key West with Sophia and now-married Marco and Jonathan. After leaving Anthony cold after an accident when they were kids, Anthony has some serious trust issues, but that doesn't stop his still-sizzling attraction to Walter.
The romantic pay-off was a little better in this book than the last. We actually get a lot of communication and relationship building before the "reunion." But Walter was endlessly frustrating because his literal only excuse for not going back to Anthony was , which is the oldest and most tiring heroic excuse in the world. I also didn't think he really earned Anthony back all the way, especially since Anthony was written with much more depth in this book and deserved way better.
This story could've been trimmed down a bit and given better pacing. There was too much forgiving then remembering then forgiving then leaving...it just got tiring after a bit.
My favorite part of these books is the relationship among the Core Four--Anthony, Sophia, Marco, and Jonathan. Their close relationships and friendships are just as well-written as the romance, which makes you want to keep reading. Though this wasn't my favorite in the series, I would definitely keep reading more just for the characters.
Also, another perk of this book is that there is a non-binary character (he/him pronouns) who is respected, fully characterized, and seen as a desirable partner by many. He's also given a great character arc beyond his gender. I love that LGBT romances are always becoming more inclusive of all identities.
April 3, 2020
4 Stars!!!
In Over Our Heads is book 2 in the Stories From the Shore series, while it can technically be read as a standalone, I suggest reading All the Way to the Shore first because Jonathan and Marco are featured prominently there and we meet Anthony there as well.
Anthony is a social butterfly and a party boy that has no time for relationships after having his heartbroken by his first love. What are the chances that he'd meet Walter again after 12 years during a vacation with Marco, Jonathan and Sophia? A lot, it seems. And while the attraction between them seems to be alive and well, so are Walter's reasons for staying away.
I loved Anthony from the first book and that love didn't change now that I got to know him better. He's just amazing and so fun to read. Walter is his complete opposite and really, while I liked him, I was fed up with his woe is me attitude. Enough is enough, you know? And by the time he finally decided to turn things around, it was almost too late for me.
I adored seeing Jonathan and Marco and Sophia and meeting Walter's brother. I really think Miles might have been better suited for Anthony, but unfortunately, it wasn't my decision. Anyway, I'd really love to read more about him in the future. *hint hint nudge nudge*
Overall, the book is great, fun and delightful, and while I lost my patience with Walter, I found the story very enjoyable. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
In Over Our Heads is book 2 in the Stories From the Shore series, while it can technically be read as a standalone, I suggest reading All the Way to the Shore first because Jonathan and Marco are featured prominently there and we meet Anthony there as well.
Anthony is a social butterfly and a party boy that has no time for relationships after having his heartbroken by his first love. What are the chances that he'd meet Walter again after 12 years during a vacation with Marco, Jonathan and Sophia? A lot, it seems. And while the attraction between them seems to be alive and well, so are Walter's reasons for staying away.
I loved Anthony from the first book and that love didn't change now that I got to know him better. He's just amazing and so fun to read. Walter is his complete opposite and really, while I liked him, I was fed up with his woe is me attitude. Enough is enough, you know? And by the time he finally decided to turn things around, it was almost too late for me.
I adored seeing Jonathan and Marco and Sophia and meeting Walter's brother. I really think Miles might have been better suited for Anthony, but unfortunately, it wasn't my decision. Anyway, I'd really love to read more about him in the future. *hint hint nudge nudge*
Overall, the book is great, fun and delightful, and while I lost my patience with Walter, I found the story very enjoyable. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
August 4, 2020
In Over Our Heads is the second book in Stories from the Shore by CJane Elliott. I liked the story of Walter and Anthony (if you read the first book you already met him).
October 10, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
A second chance romance in set in beautiful Key West should have been the perfect story for me - but this one didn’t quite work.
I’m not sure whether Anthony or Walter annoyed me more but I really didn’t warm to either of the leading men in this romance. Anthony’s sassy, camp persona felt overdone and he came across as more than a bit superficial. Walter’s whole life story is a plot device and his I was seriously tired with his hang ups by the halfway point.
This is a sequel and I didn’t read the first book - but I don’t think I missed anything pertinent to this story. The pacing in this story annoyed me. Anthony’s scuba lessons seemed to last forever (but a hurricane is skimmed through and quickly recovered from). There is very little sex and very little romance here. Anthony’s and Walter’s romance is told in memories and then rebuilt in both characters’ heads - but not necessarily together or with any actual communication.
And the ending - I kept waiting for it. And waiting. And the angst just dragged on and on. Ultimately, this wasn’t the right book for me. I didn’t like the characters and I couldn’t engage with their issues. I’m sure there are readers who will love this and I’d encourage others to make up their own minds.
A second chance romance in set in beautiful Key West should have been the perfect story for me - but this one didn’t quite work.
I’m not sure whether Anthony or Walter annoyed me more but I really didn’t warm to either of the leading men in this romance. Anthony’s sassy, camp persona felt overdone and he came across as more than a bit superficial. Walter’s whole life story is a plot device and his I was seriously tired with his hang ups by the halfway point.
This is a sequel and I didn’t read the first book - but I don’t think I missed anything pertinent to this story. The pacing in this story annoyed me. Anthony’s scuba lessons seemed to last forever (but a hurricane is skimmed through and quickly recovered from). There is very little sex and very little romance here. Anthony’s and Walter’s romance is told in memories and then rebuilt in both characters’ heads - but not necessarily together or with any actual communication.
And the ending - I kept waiting for it. And waiting. And the angst just dragged on and on. Ultimately, this wasn’t the right book for me. I didn’t like the characters and I couldn’t engage with their issues. I’m sure there are readers who will love this and I’d encourage others to make up their own minds.
March 21, 2021
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Oh Anthony and Walker. Good gravy. They were each others first loves until Anthony almost drowns and Walker takes off unable to handle it. When they have a chance meeting 12 years later, they try to ignore their feelings, but destiny has a way of grabbing them and pulling them closer together. What I liked most about this book is the amount of detail that the author put into Walker's character. He is quiet, determined, serious, and dedicated, yet there is also sadness, fear, heartbreak, and desire that we see come out of him when we aren't expecting it. I loved how he was written, and I found myself cheering him on as he fought against every one of his fears. This was wonderful.
I read this book without reading the first book in the series. Without knowing much, I feel comfortable saying that this book could be read as a standalone, but I loved the characters of Jonathan and Marco, and am very much looking forward to going back to read their story.
Oh Anthony and Walker. Good gravy. They were each others first loves until Anthony almost drowns and Walker takes off unable to handle it. When they have a chance meeting 12 years later, they try to ignore their feelings, but destiny has a way of grabbing them and pulling them closer together. What I liked most about this book is the amount of detail that the author put into Walker's character. He is quiet, determined, serious, and dedicated, yet there is also sadness, fear, heartbreak, and desire that we see come out of him when we aren't expecting it. I loved how he was written, and I found myself cheering him on as he fought against every one of his fears. This was wonderful.
I read this book without reading the first book in the series. Without knowing much, I feel comfortable saying that this book could be read as a standalone, but I loved the characters of Jonathan and Marco, and am very much looking forward to going back to read their story.
November 1, 2017
It's Too Much!
Or I guess I should say, "He's too much!" Anthony Vallen, my dear man, you are wholly over-the-top! I mean ... it's like whoa! I adored Walter, the eccentric, awkward, brilliant weirdo that he was. Tony was more than an acquired taste and I started to wonder if the author understood the difference between persona and personality. I felt like Anthony was wearing some fake-ass OTT mask like ... the whole freaking time. I got the big heart. I got the feels. But he was almost too much crazy queen to be true.
I had a hard time making sense of the two of them together. Generally I'm good with opposites attract. I've seen it too many times in real life to think it's not possible for relationships to work with people who are polar opposites, BUT this was ... this was a whole lotta differences that I'm not sure I ever got used to.
I loved the fact that Tony, despite his inability to shut the hell up, never tried to steamroll Walter. Sure, there was at least one feelings-fueled ultimatum, but I understood it and Tony was quick to back down. I loved the fact that Walter worked through things even though they terrified him.
This one was about hurt/comfort, second chances, eccentric personalities, the pitfalls of a brilliant mind, and love. I can't forget the love. If I knew nothing else about these two characters, and if there were more than a few things I found it hard to swallow about Tony, I knew they loved each other. I will say that their sex life seemed to work just fine for them, but some of it was a turn-off for me. Nothing to put my finger on. Nothing shocking or triggery, just a couple of "Ewww, really?" moments that are about personal preference and not anything truly gross.
Would I say this was my favorite book ever? No. Not really. I would have liked to see a little more compromise actually occur on Tony's end. Maybe some reciprocation happens in the future—it seemed like that was a possibility—where it's not just Walter stepping out of his comfort zone but Tony maybe giving him some of it back and/or loosening his grip on his life in Boston, worthy cause or no. Do I care enough to follow up with these two? Maybe just enough to know where they are in a couple of years, but a whole book's worth? Meh.
To clarify: this was a good story. I could read Walter all day. Tony tended to wear me out, but that's just a 'me' thing and not a problem with the writing or with the story itself. The relationship development was good, the pacing was good, the editing was good, the secondary characters were engaging, and (for me) one of the MCs was dabombdotcom, so to speak.
Somewhere along the line some of the pieces failed to come together for me, but I am sure that's purely personal and no reflection on the story. If you like endearingly (and flagrantly) flamboyant, out-and-proud characters with big hearts and massive reciprocated all-their-lives love affairs with beautiful, brainy, neurotic types then this book is for you.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of In Over Our Heads provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an
Or I guess I should say, "He's too much!" Anthony Vallen, my dear man, you are wholly over-the-top! I mean ... it's like whoa! I adored Walter, the eccentric, awkward, brilliant weirdo that he was. Tony was more than an acquired taste and I started to wonder if the author understood the difference between persona and personality. I felt like Anthony was wearing some fake-ass OTT mask like ... the whole freaking time. I got the big heart. I got the feels. But he was almost too much crazy queen to be true.
I had a hard time making sense of the two of them together. Generally I'm good with opposites attract. I've seen it too many times in real life to think it's not possible for relationships to work with people who are polar opposites, BUT this was ... this was a whole lotta differences that I'm not sure I ever got used to.
I loved the fact that Tony, despite his inability to shut the hell up, never tried to steamroll Walter. Sure, there was at least one feelings-fueled ultimatum, but I understood it and Tony was quick to back down. I loved the fact that Walter worked through things even though they terrified him.
This one was about hurt/comfort, second chances, eccentric personalities, the pitfalls of a brilliant mind, and love. I can't forget the love. If I knew nothing else about these two characters, and if there were more than a few things I found it hard to swallow about Tony, I knew they loved each other. I will say that their sex life seemed to work just fine for them, but some of it was a turn-off for me. Nothing to put my finger on. Nothing shocking or triggery, just a couple of "Ewww, really?" moments that are about personal preference and not anything truly gross.
Would I say this was my favorite book ever? No. Not really. I would have liked to see a little more compromise actually occur on Tony's end. Maybe some reciprocation happens in the future—it seemed like that was a possibility—where it's not just Walter stepping out of his comfort zone but Tony maybe giving him some of it back and/or loosening his grip on his life in Boston, worthy cause or no. Do I care enough to follow up with these two? Maybe just enough to know where they are in a couple of years, but a whole book's worth? Meh.
To clarify: this was a good story. I could read Walter all day. Tony tended to wear me out, but that's just a 'me' thing and not a problem with the writing or with the story itself. The relationship development was good, the pacing was good, the editing was good, the secondary characters were engaging, and (for me) one of the MCs was dabombdotcom, so to speak.
Somewhere along the line some of the pieces failed to come together for me, but I am sure that's purely personal and no reflection on the story. If you like endearingly (and flagrantly) flamboyant, out-and-proud characters with big hearts and massive reciprocated all-their-lives love affairs with beautiful, brainy, neurotic types then this book is for you.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of In Over Our Heads provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an
January 4, 2018
This was my first book by this author, and while I enjoyed the witty repartee and the constant banter, I was not impressed with the book overall. I had some serious issues with this story and as such, just can’t recommend it. I love second chance love stories, but this one didn’t hit the mark for me. This is the second book in the Stories from the Shore series, and while the couple from the first book are featured here, you do not have to have read their story to understand this one.
Anthony Vallen is a seriously self-doubting person. Plagued by ADD and run-of-the-mouth disease, he doesn’t see himself as worthy of love because his boyfriend dumped him when he was seventeen. Overtly femme, he can get a wee bit on your nerves. Instead of rooting for Anthony to find true love with Walter, I found myself sad because he didn’t think he deserved better than to have to trail after someone who is so obviously troubled. I wanted to bean his “friends” over their proverbial heads when they kept encouraging him to reach out to a man who had such obvious issues, never understanding the depths of the hurt they were causing by urging him to do so. I’m sorry, but someone tells you flat out to your face they don’t want you, and you spend your birthday on the floor of your kitchen in tears because of this person, it is up to them to make the amends…not you. I was actually offended by the character of Anthony. It was like the author took every gay caricature and rolled them into one person, and then shot it with steroids.
Walter Elkins has issues. Serious issues apart from self-doubt, including isolationism and depression. He needed therapy. When a book is written by a psychotherapist, and the character in the book obviously needs help, and doesn’t get it—well, then I don’t get it. Love does not conquer all inside the mind of a depressed individual. I kept waiting for Walter to get better, to snap out of it, to get a clue. He never does, not really, until the second chapter of the epilogue. This book could have easily been cut by half. I know that at the halfway point, I was ready for it to be over.
If I had felt the least bit of chemistry between the main characters, if I hadn’t spent most of the book hoping Walter would talk to a professional about the traumatic experiences he had in his childhood and early adulthood, if Anthony could have had the least bit of depth, if I hadn’t wanted to reach into the book and slap a few of the secondary characters… I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, that isn’t what happened.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Anthony Vallen is a seriously self-doubting person. Plagued by ADD and run-of-the-mouth disease, he doesn’t see himself as worthy of love because his boyfriend dumped him when he was seventeen. Overtly femme, he can get a wee bit on your nerves. Instead of rooting for Anthony to find true love with Walter, I found myself sad because he didn’t think he deserved better than to have to trail after someone who is so obviously troubled. I wanted to bean his “friends” over their proverbial heads when they kept encouraging him to reach out to a man who had such obvious issues, never understanding the depths of the hurt they were causing by urging him to do so. I’m sorry, but someone tells you flat out to your face they don’t want you, and you spend your birthday on the floor of your kitchen in tears because of this person, it is up to them to make the amends…not you. I was actually offended by the character of Anthony. It was like the author took every gay caricature and rolled them into one person, and then shot it with steroids.
Walter Elkins has issues. Serious issues apart from self-doubt, including isolationism and depression. He needed therapy. When a book is written by a psychotherapist, and the character in the book obviously needs help, and doesn’t get it—well, then I don’t get it. Love does not conquer all inside the mind of a depressed individual. I kept waiting for Walter to get better, to snap out of it, to get a clue. He never does, not really, until the second chapter of the epilogue. This book could have easily been cut by half. I know that at the halfway point, I was ready for it to be over.
If I had felt the least bit of chemistry between the main characters, if I hadn’t spent most of the book hoping Walter would talk to a professional about the traumatic experiences he had in his childhood and early adulthood, if Anthony could have had the least bit of depth, if I hadn’t wanted to reach into the book and slap a few of the secondary characters… I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, that isn’t what happened.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
July 27, 2020
This is an alright read if you're in the mood for a bit of super light, low/no angst escapism. I've got to say I'm a bit disappointed with In Over Our Heads, though. I really want to love it, as Anthony was great in All The Way To The Shore (the first book in the series), but I couldn't connect with him or Walter in the same way I did with Jonathan and Marco. In their book Anthony really worked for me as a side character, but as an MC I find myself frustrated by him. There's just too much of the 'you might as well be dead if you're over 30' but I'm going to repeatedly flirt with the hot youngster, or 'I shouldn't care what Walter thinks' immediately (literally!) followed by 'oh hey, Walter' with batted eyelashes. Honestly, for me, it feels like Anthony is a caricature when we get this kind of thing on cycle. Then there's Walter. Again, whilst I get that there are real reasons for his behaviour, it took way too long and too much repetition of his internal monologue before he pulls his head out of his ass and does the right thing.
Don't get me wrong, In Over Our Heads isn't a bad book. I love a second chance romance and an opposites attract trope. The story arc of how Anthony and Walter meet, separate and meet again is good. There are definitely challenges that both men need to face and the setting is great...I do really like the scuba and snorkeling scenes. I also like the writing style in that it's dual POV, but Anthony's chapters are in the first person and Walter's are in the third. The scenes where there is growing tension are on point as well. When Walter does get going and he 'talks science' to Anthony, there are some truly beautiful passages, too...sweet and romantic. Like I say, it's not bad but it could be more. My issue is that it feels to me like this book can't quite decide what it should be: a novella or a novel. With a good editing sweep (to cut the repetition of both men's issues where they add nothing to the story) it could be a fantastic novella; or there's the bones of a great novel, but I'd want to see more character development, another dimension instead of just saying the same thing with the same outcome. Actually, I got more character growth from Jonathan and Marco in this book than I did the MCs.
One particularly bright spot, though, is Miles. I hope they get to tell their story...I'd definitely put that on my TBR. For me, though, In Over Our Heads gets 3*.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Don't get me wrong, In Over Our Heads isn't a bad book. I love a second chance romance and an opposites attract trope. The story arc of how Anthony and Walter meet, separate and meet again is good. There are definitely challenges that both men need to face and the setting is great...I do really like the scuba and snorkeling scenes. I also like the writing style in that it's dual POV, but Anthony's chapters are in the first person and Walter's are in the third. The scenes where there is growing tension are on point as well. When Walter does get going and he 'talks science' to Anthony, there are some truly beautiful passages, too...sweet and romantic. Like I say, it's not bad but it could be more. My issue is that it feels to me like this book can't quite decide what it should be: a novella or a novel. With a good editing sweep (to cut the repetition of both men's issues where they add nothing to the story) it could be a fantastic novella; or there's the bones of a great novel, but I'd want to see more character development, another dimension instead of just saying the same thing with the same outcome. Actually, I got more character growth from Jonathan and Marco in this book than I did the MCs.
One particularly bright spot, though, is Miles. I hope they get to tell their story...I'd definitely put that on my TBR. For me, though, In Over Our Heads gets 3*.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2020
In Over Our Heads is the second in a pair of “cruise ship” romances dubbed “Stories from the Shore” that center, as you would expect, around romances that develop on or through cruise and island vacations. This one - Stories from the Shore Book 2 - is a second chance romance between Anthony Vallen, cousin of Jonathan Vallen from Book 1, and his long lost “love”, Walter Elkins. Anthony and Walter were high school sweethearts but after Anthony almost-drowned on a hiking trip with Walter, Walter disappeared from his life. Fast-forward 12 years and Anthony now finds himself on vacation in Key West with now-married Marco and Jonathan (from Book 1), and low-and-behold, lands in a bar and dive shop owned by none other than Walter.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but something about this book made it difficult to fully engage. It almost seemed like this was written by a different author; there’s a pretty clear divergence in the quality of the story and writing in Book 1 vs. Book 2, and Book 1 was good so not sure why this one went off the rails. I liked Anthony much less in this book than in Book 1, and couldn’t really get a handle on Walter at all, other than that he is a scientist and control freak; his personality was full of inconsistencies and he made sudden about-faces in his attitude and actions that made no sense. The whole story of his abandonment of Anthony post-Anthony’s almost drowning just didn’t ring true to me. At. All.
In terms of the plot, there was nothing particularly fresh about the storyline. It’s two boys in love, separated for reasons not explained to one of them until they are reunited years later and decide to embrace their second chance together. It’s an easy read, but nothing really grabs you and the characters’ inconsistent actions and reactions to each other is disconcerting. I’d read the first one in the series and stop there because there’s not much of interest in this one other than some enjoyable looks into Marco and Jonathan's post-Book 1 HEA.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but something about this book made it difficult to fully engage. It almost seemed like this was written by a different author; there’s a pretty clear divergence in the quality of the story and writing in Book 1 vs. Book 2, and Book 1 was good so not sure why this one went off the rails. I liked Anthony much less in this book than in Book 1, and couldn’t really get a handle on Walter at all, other than that he is a scientist and control freak; his personality was full of inconsistencies and he made sudden about-faces in his attitude and actions that made no sense. The whole story of his abandonment of Anthony post-Anthony’s almost drowning just didn’t ring true to me. At. All.
In terms of the plot, there was nothing particularly fresh about the storyline. It’s two boys in love, separated for reasons not explained to one of them until they are reunited years later and decide to embrace their second chance together. It’s an easy read, but nothing really grabs you and the characters’ inconsistent actions and reactions to each other is disconcerting. I’d read the first one in the series and stop there because there’s not much of interest in this one other than some enjoyable looks into Marco and Jonathan's post-Book 1 HEA.
October 14, 2017
Flamboyant, artistic, life of the party, Anthony, has a few very close friends who he spends most of his time with and and he counts himself lucky every day as he enjoys his very full life in Boston. But, as he approaches his 30th birthday, even though he is the king of his world as he plows through Mr Right Nows, he still mourns the loss of Mr Right, his first love, Walter, when they were seventeen. Though Walter didn't die, he disappeared after saving Anthony from drowning, telling him that he was not good for Anthony. That left Anthony with so many questions and no answers.
When his friends and he decided to take a vacation in Key West to learn to scuba dive, fate brings Anthony face to face with his old love once more, when he finds out that Walter is the owner of the scuba and boat shop the group has scheduled to teach them to dive.
The story is well written, but Walter is a little too one dimensional and does not get enough page time in my opinion. Anthony overwhelms the reader on almost ever page and though he is very lovable, by the end of the book, this reader had to take a deep breath, a bit relieved that it was finished....
All in all, In Over Our Heads by CJane Elliott was very well written. And the book is worth reading for sure. Just take a deep breath BEFORE you start. :)
When his friends and he decided to take a vacation in Key West to learn to scuba dive, fate brings Anthony face to face with his old love once more, when he finds out that Walter is the owner of the scuba and boat shop the group has scheduled to teach them to dive.
The story is well written, but Walter is a little too one dimensional and does not get enough page time in my opinion. Anthony overwhelms the reader on almost ever page and though he is very lovable, by the end of the book, this reader had to take a deep breath, a bit relieved that it was finished....
All in all, In Over Our Heads by CJane Elliott was very well written. And the book is worth reading for sure. Just take a deep breath BEFORE you start. :)
November 1, 2017
This book was provided for free by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Anthony and Walter dated in high school until a near drowning accident almost took Anthony’s life. Walter couldn’t handle the fact that he nearly allowed Anthony to die. Twelve years later Anthony finds himself vacationing with friends in Key West. He’s shocked to discover that Walter owns the bar and scuba company that his friends book for a dive. From there on out it’s loads of angst. Walter seems to have a lot of issues and when it looks like he might be moving forward he’s stepping backward. He does finally explain to Anthony why he left him all those years ago and why his near drowning affected him so badly. It does explain his actions but I found Walter to be a bit frustrating, and I felt like he dragged things out way too long. This is a second chance romance but anyone less patient than Anthony and there wouldn’t have been a second chance. It’s well into the book before the romance gets going. They finally do get their happy ending.
The book is well written. The supporting characters add to the story and move the plot along nicely. I felt like Walter dragged along too much in getting back with Anthony, which was irritating. Otherwise, it was a good second chance story.
Anthony and Walter dated in high school until a near drowning accident almost took Anthony’s life. Walter couldn’t handle the fact that he nearly allowed Anthony to die. Twelve years later Anthony finds himself vacationing with friends in Key West. He’s shocked to discover that Walter owns the bar and scuba company that his friends book for a dive. From there on out it’s loads of angst. Walter seems to have a lot of issues and when it looks like he might be moving forward he’s stepping backward. He does finally explain to Anthony why he left him all those years ago and why his near drowning affected him so badly. It does explain his actions but I found Walter to be a bit frustrating, and I felt like he dragged things out way too long. This is a second chance romance but anyone less patient than Anthony and there wouldn’t have been a second chance. It’s well into the book before the romance gets going. They finally do get their happy ending.
The book is well written. The supporting characters add to the story and move the plot along nicely. I felt like Walter dragged along too much in getting back with Anthony, which was irritating. Otherwise, it was a good second chance story.
April 2, 2020
3.5 Stars
CJ Elliott's In Over Our Heads is a decent second chance romance. The second book in the Stories from the Shore series, it's easily read as a standalone.
Anthony's vacation leads to finding the man of his dreams in this sweet tale.
Walter and Anthony were high school boyfriends until Walter left without a word. Now, finding one another in Key West, they have the chance to talk again.
Anthony's an interesting character. He both avoids and longs for love. The author does a great job delving into Anthony's inner layers. And then there's Walter, who is definitely hiding out from his feelings. He's a man who's stuck in his past, unable to forgive himself and stop worrying.
I enjoy the author's writing and her characters. The pace is good and the story line is interesting. As well, there's a fun group of friends rounding out the tale.
This is a story that I appreciate at times, while so things feel a little forced. Although I like Walter, I found his fears over the top at times. In the end though, I appreciate their struggle to figure things out. If things were easily handled, it wouldn't have seemed realistic.
In Over Our Heads is a sweet second chance romance. This CJ Elliott tale is ultimately a story of making sacrifices for the one you love and is a worthwhile read.
CJ Elliott's In Over Our Heads is a decent second chance romance. The second book in the Stories from the Shore series, it's easily read as a standalone.
Anthony's vacation leads to finding the man of his dreams in this sweet tale.
Walter and Anthony were high school boyfriends until Walter left without a word. Now, finding one another in Key West, they have the chance to talk again.
Anthony's an interesting character. He both avoids and longs for love. The author does a great job delving into Anthony's inner layers. And then there's Walter, who is definitely hiding out from his feelings. He's a man who's stuck in his past, unable to forgive himself and stop worrying.
I enjoy the author's writing and her characters. The pace is good and the story line is interesting. As well, there's a fun group of friends rounding out the tale.
This is a story that I appreciate at times, while so things feel a little forced. Although I like Walter, I found his fears over the top at times. In the end though, I appreciate their struggle to figure things out. If things were easily handled, it wouldn't have seemed realistic.
In Over Our Heads is a sweet second chance romance. This CJ Elliott tale is ultimately a story of making sacrifices for the one you love and is a worthwhile read.
July 23, 2020
I received this book free from GRR n exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the series ‘stories from the shore’, they don’t have to be read in order but it helps.
Anthony is very flamboyant and outgoing. He is everyone’s friend and loves to get in amongst the dancing crowd. His cousin Jonathan and his husband Marco along with Anthony and Marco’s sister Sofia, have recently set up a support foundation for LGBTQ youth. Now all four are going to Key West for a scuba diving holiday. There Anthony cones face to face with Walter, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Walter is still the same shy introvert from school.
As Anthony and Walter reconnects he learns why Walter left so abruptly and why he never wants to go back. The romance gathers pace but then they have to decide what to do when Anthony’s holiday is over.
It’s a lovely story and kept me interested right to the end.
The second book in the series ‘stories from the shore’, they don’t have to be read in order but it helps.
Anthony is very flamboyant and outgoing. He is everyone’s friend and loves to get in amongst the dancing crowd. His cousin Jonathan and his husband Marco along with Anthony and Marco’s sister Sofia, have recently set up a support foundation for LGBTQ youth. Now all four are going to Key West for a scuba diving holiday. There Anthony cones face to face with Walter, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Walter is still the same shy introvert from school.
As Anthony and Walter reconnects he learns why Walter left so abruptly and why he never wants to go back. The romance gathers pace but then they have to decide what to do when Anthony’s holiday is over.
It’s a lovely story and kept me interested right to the end.
October 20, 2017
I received a copy of In Over Our Heads by CJane Elliot via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. Anyone who enjoyed All the Way to Shore by Elliot will like this sequel too. How could you not, when the main protagonist is Anthony, the snarky cousin of Jonathan from the first book in the series. Anthony experiences some introspection as his thirtieth birthday approaches, which is exacerbated by running into his first and only love Walter. I loved how the author used the natural elements, such as the ocean and the weather, to propel Anthony and Walter’s inevitable reconciliation. Also enjoyable are some memorable supporting characters, including Butch Trucker Gal. Another tropical setting contrasted with Boston adds to the charm. The only down side was this is the end of the series, so we’ll never know what happens to Miles, Walter’s half-brother.
July 22, 2020
Admittedly, I was interested in Anthony's story from the first book, but there were a lot of things that I struggled to like or even focus on. At times, I found myself skimming through the book because it became sort of repetitive with the whole "will he or won't he scuba dive" thing. I was also annoyed that the age of 30 was referenced as being old or an old fart so many times . It was like 30 became the new 80. I also could not understand Anthony's reaction to Walter. It was a lot of inner dialogue of "who cares about Walter" or "How dare Walter" blah blah , only for Anthony to act all buddy buddy to the guy. Then, Anthony would flirt with Miles, pine of Walter, flirt with Miles, etc. It was enough. Again, much like the first book in this series, this was just an okay read for me.
*ARC provided, and I have given my honest review*
*ARC provided, and I have given my honest review*
August 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I liked Anthony and his antics, so it was natural for me to pick up this second book, which tells more about Anthony. This is a sweet, island, second-chance romance, but I am sorry to say I didn't like it as much as the first book. I really liked seeing Jonathan and Marco again and seeing how they are getting on since the first book ended; however, I did not find Anthony and Walter so endearing. I didn't find Walter's reasons for abandoning Anthony when they were young convincing, and I thought Anthony let him back in too easily. There are some interesting twists to the story, and both Anthony and Walter need to work through some things if they are to be together, but the story just didn't draw me in like All the Way To Shore (Book 1).
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 8, 2017
This is book #2 in the Stories From The Shore series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading in order.
Anthony AKA "Tony" & Walter have a hot and heavy history that Tony is sure had its time and has since burned out. However, fate has more than one surprise in store for this couple. Can time and proximity change the result this time?
This book was such a roller coaster ride! Lots of happenings in such a small package. The MC's have excellent chemistry, however, I wish we had seen more actual couple time. This series seems to be heating up. Cannot wait to see what is next.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Anthony AKA "Tony" & Walter have a hot and heavy history that Tony is sure had its time and has since burned out. However, fate has more than one surprise in store for this couple. Can time and proximity change the result this time?
This book was such a roller coaster ride! Lots of happenings in such a small package. The MC's have excellent chemistry, however, I wish we had seen more actual couple time. This series seems to be heating up. Cannot wait to see what is next.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
October 25, 2017
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I have to say I loved all the characters, I loved the foundation work they did and found that such an intriguing part of the story. The connection between the MC's was there from the start and didn't dwindle at all. The group of friends was more like a tight knit family and it made you want to be part of it.
I am one of those people who can't stand it when things go back and forth too many times thus making the story seem longer than necessary, and this was very close to getting to that point for me.
I thought this was really good despite being lighter than what I normally read, it held my interest all the way through. Well done.
Wow, I have to say I loved all the characters, I loved the foundation work they did and found that such an intriguing part of the story. The connection between the MC's was there from the start and didn't dwindle at all. The group of friends was more like a tight knit family and it made you want to be part of it.
I am one of those people who can't stand it when things go back and forth too many times thus making the story seem longer than necessary, and this was very close to getting to that point for me.
I thought this was really good despite being lighter than what I normally read, it held my interest all the way through. Well done.
August 4, 2020
Another quick fun read from this author
Second in the series, this book continues the story of the Vallen cousins with Anthony’s story. A second chance love story, this book follows the reunion and reunification of Anthony and Walter, a pair who were young lovers before a tragic accident tore them apart.
This book is a quick, easy read with fun characters and humorous antics. While this one contains more twists and turns than the first book, it still is basically a boy meets boy again and they realize they are still in love.
This review is written as an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an Advanced Reader’s Copy. Any mistakes in details are my own.
Second in the series, this book continues the story of the Vallen cousins with Anthony’s story. A second chance love story, this book follows the reunion and reunification of Anthony and Walter, a pair who were young lovers before a tragic accident tore them apart.
This book is a quick, easy read with fun characters and humorous antics. While this one contains more twists and turns than the first book, it still is basically a boy meets boy again and they realize they are still in love.
This review is written as an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an Advanced Reader’s Copy. Any mistakes in details are my own.
March 12, 2020
While the blurb and the concept of having a second chance was intriguing, the characters, both Anthony and Walter, grated on my nerves. There were a lot of cliches scattered throughout the book, especially in the first chapter as Anthony was describing the resort and the bar they were at, but ultimately it was the relationship between Anthony and Walter that put me off. Walter had nothing likeable about him and the way he treated Anthony was appalling. When Anthony started standing up for himself, I cheered for him, but I couldn't understand why he was hung up on Walter in the first place. And that, in a romance book, is a death knell. Sad to say, this wasn't a book for me.
August 5, 2020
I loved the first book in this series and it was great to see Jonathan and Marco again. I did not like the characters in this one as much but it was still a good second chance and nerd/playboy romance. Neither MC is really likeable at first but as the story goes along and we learn why they did what they did in the past, we come to understand them much better. It will be interesting to see this couple in later books and how they get along over the long term. It is a romance, so they will be together but in real life I would not bet on the long term success of this pair. I look forward to more in this series.
August 7, 2020
While I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the first one. The weird POVs threw me off a few times with Anthony being in first person and Walter being in limited third it could be jarring going from one to the other. The repetitiveness of some of Anthony's thoughts and behaviors were also a little distracting. The way that he acted around Walter was a little wishy washy but I do like that they both grew. Anthony and Walter ended up being perfect for each other so I gave it a 4 for the way that it ended. I would say that if you really enjoyed Anthony in All the Way to Shore then I would say read this one.
November 3, 2017
*I received this book for free from IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review*
I'm going to cut to the chase and say I'm just not a fan of this book. The characters didn't call to me. They annoyed me. It had the two biggest pet peeves which are supreme lack of communication and pet names. I admit pet names issue is very nick picky of me but it was constant throughout the book. Yes, the story flowed but it all felt stretch out too much.
I'm going to cut to the chase and say I'm just not a fan of this book. The characters didn't call to me. They annoyed me. It had the two biggest pet peeves which are supreme lack of communication and pet names. I admit pet names issue is very nick picky of me but it was constant throughout the book. Yes, the story flowed but it all felt stretch out too much.
July 25, 2020
Lovely story
Walter and Anthony’s story was not what I was expecting. It was a long lost love story with lots of past baggage to deal with and fear to overcome. I enjoyed these two but it wasn’t as strong a connection as the previous story in the series. It was hard to see why they fit together. It got better towards the end and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t feel quite as good as I had hoped.
Walter and Anthony’s story was not what I was expecting. It was a long lost love story with lots of past baggage to deal with and fear to overcome. I enjoyed these two but it wasn’t as strong a connection as the previous story in the series. It was hard to see why they fit together. It got better towards the end and I enjoyed it. It just didn’t feel quite as good as I had hoped.
August 4, 2020
I was curious if Anthony would get a story. This was a second chance at romance. Walter had left Anthony before but now he’s back. I liked the story well enough, although I like the first book a little better. I like the vacation romance theme. I really enjoy CJane Elliot as a writer, but sorry this one fell a little short in my opinion.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
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