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The Family Jules #3
Stood Up
I want to build a home in your heart and live there. It's the only place I've ever wanted to be.
Riley Jules has been in love with Brent Morrison since they were fifteen years old. He always thought the day of Brent’s wedding would be bittersweet, but he couldn’t have predicted that Brent’s fiancée would leave him standing at the altar.
With his best friend hurting, all Riley can think of is how desperately he wants to comfort Brent--but then one thing leads to another, and before he knows it, they’re falling into bed together. It seems like a one-time thing, but…
Maybe Riley’s feelings aren’t so one-sided after all.
Brent’s had a lot go wrong in his life--his parents dying, being left to raise his little sister alone, and now being humiliated in front of all of Hope Springs--but maybe the one good thing he could have is Riley.
That is, if he could just get Riley to stay in one place for more than five minutes.
Can Riley and Brent grab hold of their moment and keep each other close?
Stood Up is the third and last Family Jules book, following Riley’s story. It can be read alone, has a HEA ending, and does not contain a cliffhanger. It does, however, contain: a dominatrix’s beach cabin, an RV full of Christmas lights, the entire Jules family, explicit sex scenes, two tubs of ice cream, and yet another dog.
Riley Jules has been in love with Brent Morrison since they were fifteen years old. He always thought the day of Brent’s wedding would be bittersweet, but he couldn’t have predicted that Brent’s fiancée would leave him standing at the altar.
With his best friend hurting, all Riley can think of is how desperately he wants to comfort Brent--but then one thing leads to another, and before he knows it, they’re falling into bed together. It seems like a one-time thing, but…
Maybe Riley’s feelings aren’t so one-sided after all.
Brent’s had a lot go wrong in his life--his parents dying, being left to raise his little sister alone, and now being humiliated in front of all of Hope Springs--but maybe the one good thing he could have is Riley.
That is, if he could just get Riley to stay in one place for more than five minutes.
Can Riley and Brent grab hold of their moment and keep each other close?
Stood Up is the third and last Family Jules book, following Riley’s story. It can be read alone, has a HEA ending, and does not contain a cliffhanger. It does, however, contain: a dominatrix’s beach cabin, an RV full of Christmas lights, the entire Jules family, explicit sex scenes, two tubs of ice cream, and yet another dog.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2017
159 people are currently reading
136 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 30, 2022
While I liked this one it's probably my least favorite in the series. It was filled with miscommunication and the MC's being "sure" of what the other MC felt pretty much from the start.
September 28, 2017
3/4 review to come
September 25, 2020
Series involving siblings, each brother gets his HEA and the stories can be read on their own but are much better enjoyed if read in the order that they were written.
Another best friends becoming lovers trope. Seems to be the theme in this series.
This time it's Riley, the oldest Jules brother, that returns home to see his best friend Brent get married. Only the bride does not show up.
Riley is determined to help his best friend pick up the pieces but the only thing that will make Brent feel whole is Riley and Brent's so sure that Riley's already got one foot out the door, running off again as he has in the past.
Another best friends becoming lovers trope. Seems to be the theme in this series.
This time it's Riley, the oldest Jules brother, that returns home to see his best friend Brent get married. Only the bride does not show up.
Riley is determined to help his best friend pick up the pieces but the only thing that will make Brent feel whole is Riley and Brent's so sure that Riley's already got one foot out the door, running off again as he has in the past.
October 1, 2017
3.5 stars
This one wasn't my favorite....It did not have the same feel as the 1st two books. I still enjoyed it but was hoping for more to wrap up the series....
This one wasn't my favorite....It did not have the same feel as the 1st two books. I still enjoyed it but was hoping for more to wrap up the series....
October 23, 2018
Running to find what you had all along
The last Jules brother finally gets a chance at the person he has loved forever- but whether he makes the move is the big question!
Riley is the oldest Jules brother, but he is also the least settled. Living Nomadically for nearly a decade now, Riley has been running from home for almost as long as he lived at it. The one person who has always brought him home is his childhood best friend Brent, the one person Riley is madly in love with. Back home for Brent's wedding Riley instead becomes his support when Brent gets stood up. The chance to be there for Brent opens new doors, but both men are afraid to walk through for what it could mean.
Much of this book comes down to communication, which is funny because the two talk. It is more that they don't fully say what they mean. Brent loves having Riley in his life and around, but he also doesn't want to anchor him with need. Brent always offers for Riley the opportunity to stay or go, believing that he should let him go out of love. Riley has been running to try and find a home. The home he truly wants is Brent but he doesn't want to impose. Riley knows that Brent is kind and accommodating to everyone, so when Brent never asks him to stay Riley believes he doesn't truly want him to. The two talk but they don't hear the subtext and it takes a lot for them to get around that.
I really enjoyed how the whole idea of being an adult and making responsible decisions comes out in this. Everyone feels at some point that they aren't adults but just kids faking it and hoping no one will notice. The decisions we make can turn out wrong and make us doubt what would truly be the correct and adult way to approach things. But all of this is a part of being adults. Wisdom comes from past experiences and screw ups, even if it doesn't feel that way to the person it happened to. And the strength to keep going on and make more decisions is just another adult act on out in the world. No one knows what they are doing all the time, and this book felt like a great reminder that that is okay.
A lovely end to the Family Jules series!
The last Jules brother finally gets a chance at the person he has loved forever- but whether he makes the move is the big question!
Riley is the oldest Jules brother, but he is also the least settled. Living Nomadically for nearly a decade now, Riley has been running from home for almost as long as he lived at it. The one person who has always brought him home is his childhood best friend Brent, the one person Riley is madly in love with. Back home for Brent's wedding Riley instead becomes his support when Brent gets stood up. The chance to be there for Brent opens new doors, but both men are afraid to walk through for what it could mean.
Much of this book comes down to communication, which is funny because the two talk. It is more that they don't fully say what they mean. Brent loves having Riley in his life and around, but he also doesn't want to anchor him with need. Brent always offers for Riley the opportunity to stay or go, believing that he should let him go out of love. Riley has been running to try and find a home. The home he truly wants is Brent but he doesn't want to impose. Riley knows that Brent is kind and accommodating to everyone, so when Brent never asks him to stay Riley believes he doesn't truly want him to. The two talk but they don't hear the subtext and it takes a lot for them to get around that.
I really enjoyed how the whole idea of being an adult and making responsible decisions comes out in this. Everyone feels at some point that they aren't adults but just kids faking it and hoping no one will notice. The decisions we make can turn out wrong and make us doubt what would truly be the correct and adult way to approach things. But all of this is a part of being adults. Wisdom comes from past experiences and screw ups, even if it doesn't feel that way to the person it happened to. And the strength to keep going on and make more decisions is just another adult act on out in the world. No one knows what they are doing all the time, and this book felt like a great reminder that that is okay.
A lovely end to the Family Jules series!
October 3, 2017
This is the 3rd installment of the "Family Jules" trilogy. The first 2 were fantastic, I absolutely adored them. Fun, light, romantic romps. This one, however, was less great. Still really good, just not as awesome as the other 2. Mostly because it contained the one story element that drives me insane. The constant self-dialogue that has a MC going back and forth whether someone could like them or not. That, joined with massive leaps in jumping to the wrong conclusion, makes for unnecessary drama. Which is too bad, because the bones of this story are great!
Riley Jules, the eldest but last of the Jules boys to settle down, is back in town for his best friend's wedding. Brent, Riley's best friend since they were 7, is stood up at the alter. Riley, the best man, is there to comfort Brent. Turns out they've both had feelings for each other for ever, and even though they told each other they were bi some 13 years prior, neither seemed to think the other would be interested in him. Guess what? They were wrong. Thankfully, all the Jules boys and their partners show up in the story, not just to be there but in strong plot points.
What Sean Ashcroft does really well is make characters that are easy to root for. He also adds bonus chapters you can get from his site. For this book, I think the bonus chapter would have been a better epilogue, and the epilogue should have been the bonus chapter.
Riley Jules, the eldest but last of the Jules boys to settle down, is back in town for his best friend's wedding. Brent, Riley's best friend since they were 7, is stood up at the alter. Riley, the best man, is there to comfort Brent. Turns out they've both had feelings for each other for ever, and even though they told each other they were bi some 13 years prior, neither seemed to think the other would be interested in him. Guess what? They were wrong. Thankfully, all the Jules boys and their partners show up in the story, not just to be there but in strong plot points.
What Sean Ashcroft does really well is make characters that are easy to root for. He also adds bonus chapters you can get from his site. For this book, I think the bonus chapter would have been a better epilogue, and the epilogue should have been the bonus chapter.
September 27, 2017
I was so excited to begin this book but then I got a bit disappointed. I couldn’t get into the book as I would have liked and expected by Sean Ashcroft. Maybe it was the speed with which Riley and Brent landed in bed together after Brent was left at the altar by his fiancée, Rose. It felt too rushed for me to be realistic and Brent felt a bit like a wus without a backbone.
However, it soon turned for the better and the story really took off. From then on, I was hooked. Brent still came across as kind of a saint but there is more to him. He is a good guy who wants to help everyone. In the end, he shows he is not that gullible. Riley is a wanderer, running away when the going gets tough and that makes him doubt his love for Brent and Brent’s for him.
Sean Ashcroft did a good job describing all these mixed feelings that come with going from best friends to boyfriends. I also liked Emily, Brent’s sister, whom he raised by himself. She is a spirited young girl. It was great seeing the brothers again.
All in all, this was a well-written story of best friends becoming partners for life. With a lot of fun and sexy moments.
This book is the third installment in The Family Jules series but can be read as a standalone. As there are recurring characters I recommend reading the books in order, though.
However, it soon turned for the better and the story really took off. From then on, I was hooked. Brent still came across as kind of a saint but there is more to him. He is a good guy who wants to help everyone. In the end, he shows he is not that gullible. Riley is a wanderer, running away when the going gets tough and that makes him doubt his love for Brent and Brent’s for him.
Sean Ashcroft did a good job describing all these mixed feelings that come with going from best friends to boyfriends. I also liked Emily, Brent’s sister, whom he raised by himself. She is a spirited young girl. It was great seeing the brothers again.
All in all, this was a well-written story of best friends becoming partners for life. With a lot of fun and sexy moments.
This book is the third installment in The Family Jules series but can be read as a standalone. As there are recurring characters I recommend reading the books in order, though.
May 20, 2022
Riley has been in love with Brent since they were teenagers. Riley can't stay in his hometown watching his best friend date women, so he has traveled all over the country for the last few years. When Riley comes home from Brent's wedding, he expects to feel conflicted about the marriage, but he doesn't expect Brent to get stood up. To try and cheer Brent up, Riley takes him away for the weekend, where one thing leads to another, and they end up in bed together. Riley is sure that his feelings have been one-sided, but maybe he was wrong and can have the one thing he has always wanted.
Riley and Brent were perfect for each other, even if it took Brent ages to figure that out. Riley tries so hard to guard his heart against being broken that he almost makes several mistakes. Luckily, his family is there to talk him out, leaving and telling Brent how he truly feels. It was nice to catch up with the rest of the Jules family and see how the others were doing.
Riley and Brent were perfect for each other, even if it took Brent ages to figure that out. Riley tries so hard to guard his heart against being broken that he almost makes several mistakes. Luckily, his family is there to talk him out, leaving and telling Brent how he truly feels. It was nice to catch up with the rest of the Jules family and see how the others were doing.
October 9, 2017
3 fantastic stories
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Jules collection and what an absolutely brilliant way to close the story.
Each story follows the journey of one of the Jules men,with each their own issues and heartbreak.
Riley and Brent have been best friends through all the major joys and traumas of growing up,supporting each other when tragedy strikes.
Riley has been in love with his friend for years but is terrified of revealing his feelings in case he ends up losing the friendship.
Brent suffers a humiliating experience and as Riley supports and offers a shoulder to lean on he realises that his emotions are more than just for a friend.
Their journey will have you laughing and crying and wanting to shake them both before they lose each other for good.
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Jules collection and what an absolutely brilliant way to close the story.
Each story follows the journey of one of the Jules men,with each their own issues and heartbreak.
Riley and Brent have been best friends through all the major joys and traumas of growing up,supporting each other when tragedy strikes.
Riley has been in love with his friend for years but is terrified of revealing his feelings in case he ends up losing the friendship.
Brent suffers a humiliating experience and as Riley supports and offers a shoulder to lean on he realises that his emotions are more than just for a friend.
Their journey will have you laughing and crying and wanting to shake them both before they lose each other for good.
October 24, 2017
This was the weakest of the books in the series for me. For one the plot feels recycled from the first book Then the opening scene where Riley sticks his hand in Brent's front pocket to hold his hand once it's obvious the bride isn't showing up - that just seemed totally odd to me (not gross or skeevy, just odd) There were a couple of other things that just didn't gel for me with this one. It's not the worst romance I've ever read, but it's not the best either and I think the first 2 books in the series were a lot better.
April 17, 2019
Riley has always loved Brent, so when Brent is left at the altar, he’s there for him.
Brent is panicked because the little sister he raised after their parents died is leaving for college. He doesn’t want to be alone, but his fiancée wasn’t right for him.
So, the friends rekindle their closeness, and in fact, are in a place to discover what it’s like being together. They’ve always loved each other, but each feared they weren’t good enough, exciting enough, stable enough. Enough.
Finally, they realize it’s their time, and they see they’re just right together. Good read, with fun freaky Riley and sweet stable Brent, and the other brothers and spouses too.
KU
Brent is panicked because the little sister he raised after their parents died is leaving for college. He doesn’t want to be alone, but his fiancée wasn’t right for him.
So, the friends rekindle their closeness, and in fact, are in a place to discover what it’s like being together. They’ve always loved each other, but each feared they weren’t good enough, exciting enough, stable enough. Enough.
Finally, they realize it’s their time, and they see they’re just right together. Good read, with fun freaky Riley and sweet stable Brent, and the other brothers and spouses too.
KU
September 29, 2017
A good series
This is a good end to the series.
Neither man having confidence in their youth to be open about how the feel about one another. There's no guarantee that they would have had a HEA as they were too young and had no life experience.
Now their time has come and they still struggle to admit their feelings but a very short get away following a ditching at the altar, is all they need to take the first steps towards a life together.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good end to the series.
Neither man having confidence in their youth to be open about how the feel about one another. There's no guarantee that they would have had a HEA as they were too young and had no life experience.
Now their time has come and they still struggle to admit their feelings but a very short get away following a ditching at the altar, is all they need to take the first steps towards a life together.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2018
Whew. For some reason I had a real hard time getting into this one. I guess I was just impatient and wanted them to get on with it. But once they did I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read the majority of it on the day of this posting.
What I really enjoy about these books is how other characters from previous books pop up.
And lastly, though I only gave this 3 stars I really did like it. It’s just that the overall premise has been done too many times.
Series wise; I would give it a solid 4 stars. I loved seeing how each of the brothers found love.
What I really enjoy about these books is how other characters from previous books pop up.
And lastly, though I only gave this 3 stars I really did like it. It’s just that the overall premise has been done too many times.
Series wise; I would give it a solid 4 stars. I loved seeing how each of the brothers found love.
August 21, 2018
The dog.
The oldest brother of 3, he skipped town when he didn't want the responsibility of his Dads business, a Grocery store. He travelled in an RV all over the country, stopping when he felt like it, only occasionally going back to Hope Springs. His best friend since they were 7 still lived there and asked him to be best man. So there he was, when the Bride didn't show, he was their for his best friend.
He loved him since they were kids. Read the rest as its a great life evolving story.
The oldest brother of 3, he skipped town when he didn't want the responsibility of his Dads business, a Grocery store. He travelled in an RV all over the country, stopping when he felt like it, only occasionally going back to Hope Springs. His best friend since they were 7 still lived there and asked him to be best man. So there he was, when the Bride didn't show, he was their for his best friend.
He loved him since they were kids. Read the rest as its a great life evolving story.
October 8, 2017
I loved the third book in the series, it was a great way to end the series and bring everything to a close. I thought Riley and Brent were definitely interesting characters with lots of love and friendship, maybe a little lack of communication, too. I liked that there was a completion to the stood up groom. Both Brent and Riley have great or at least getting to great relationships with their siblings and I liked their dynamics. I definitely recommend Stood Up.
October 13, 2017
Love this family
The oldest Jules brother, Riley, finds a reason to finally put down roots and stay in Hope Springs for good ... maybe.
As much as I enjoyed this one, there was one part that really annoyed me. I had a hard time when Riley’s guy, Brent, was way too kind and supportive to an ex who left him at the altar. Fiction or not, it was way too unbelievable.
Aside from that, this was a really good read. I adore Sean Ashcroft’s style of writing.
The oldest Jules brother, Riley, finds a reason to finally put down roots and stay in Hope Springs for good ... maybe.
As much as I enjoyed this one, there was one part that really annoyed me. I had a hard time when Riley’s guy, Brent, was way too kind and supportive to an ex who left him at the altar. Fiction or not, it was way too unbelievable.
Aside from that, this was a really good read. I adore Sean Ashcroft’s style of writing.
April 1, 2018
Tried & True Romance
A nice best friends Riley & Brent coming together story. I did enjoy the story, even though I’ve read this premise many times before. I always wonder how everyone knows that these guys are in love but not one of the guys, they seem to know each other so well!?! Who is Angela Jules?
A nice best friends Riley & Brent coming together story. I did enjoy the story, even though I’ve read this premise many times before. I always wonder how everyone knows that these guys are in love but not one of the guys, they seem to know each other so well!?! Who is Angela Jules?
September 26, 2017
Loved it
Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite themes in books, and that is exactly what you get with Riley and Brents story. Stood up was an amazing tea and I highly recommend it and the rest of this series.
Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite themes in books, and that is exactly what you get with Riley and Brents story. Stood up was an amazing tea and I highly recommend it and the rest of this series.
October 15, 2017
I was very much looking forward to this last book in the Family Jules. As much as I like Riley and Brent, the book drags.
They need to talk more and the side plot of why Brent was jilted. I like the Brent is kind but the romance unspools slowly. A bit more talking would improve the love story.
They need to talk more and the side plot of why Brent was jilted. I like the Brent is kind but the romance unspools slowly. A bit more talking would improve the love story.
October 18, 2017
Stood up- m/m romance
Besties to lovers both w/ self esteem issues and not asking for themselves. Neither feeling worthy. Both caretakers at heart.heartfelt story w/ humour and sass and proves how honesty of feelings pay off. Hot and loving sex.😉😘😍HEA!!
Besties to lovers both w/ self esteem issues and not asking for themselves. Neither feeling worthy. Both caretakers at heart.heartfelt story w/ humour and sass and proves how honesty of feelings pay off. Hot and loving sex.😉😘😍HEA!!
October 18, 2017
Interest decreased as series increased
I just plain didn't enjoy this book. It lacked most of the entertainment the first book had. If there was a 4th book, I would probably skip it.
I just plain didn't enjoy this book. It lacked most of the entertainment the first book had. If there was a 4th book, I would probably skip it.
November 5, 2017
The Jules brothers have definitely made for some interesting reading time. I've enjoyed this series and will continue to read more from Sean Ashcroft. This friends-to-lovers story is slightly angsty, sweet, and satisfying. Sexy with an HEA.
July 8, 2018
Yes yes yes!
This book was awesome sauce. Read in straight through. The characters were flawed and real. A book of hope that its never too late to try and ve with the person you love.
This book was awesome sauce. Read in straight through. The characters were flawed and real. A book of hope that its never too late to try and ve with the person you love.
October 12, 2018
It's a bit boring. I found myself thinking about other things while reading a lot, I even thought about not finishing it, because I just didn't care and knew they would end up together anyway... The first two books were definitely better.
May 16, 2019
Loved it!
A great end to the series. I absolutely loved Riley and Brent and I didn't want their story to end. I'm going to miss the Jules brothers and their loved ones. A great series of books.
A great end to the series. I absolutely loved Riley and Brent and I didn't want their story to end. I'm going to miss the Jules brothers and their loved ones. A great series of books.
October 6, 2020
A pleasant enough story (except for the whole martyr-y no-communication Great Misunderstanding bullshit), but I never really got any sense that the MC's actually felt anything beyond Best Friends. No heat. Just a giant Meh from me here, I'm afraid.
July 14, 2021
3 stars - I felt like this premise had the most potential, and some of Riley's thoughts about being the strong friend that no one feels like they have to check up on were interesting, but didn't exactly go anywhere. I liked it, but wished we'd gotten more of . . . something.
September 25, 2017
Consistent with the series.
September 28, 2017
This was my favorite in the series, if I have to pick among my favorite three books? I absolutely love these books so much! Well done, Sean Ashcroft!
October 4, 2017
Good trilogy
So we finish with Riley the oldest of the Jules brothers. This story had a few twists and turns to keep one's attention.
So we finish with Riley the oldest of the Jules brothers. This story had a few twists and turns to keep one's attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews