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Cray's Quarry #1
Rock-A-Bye
Evan Cray:
After I crashed my party-boat into a plane (long story), my uncle took my trust fund away, and made me get a job at his company. If that wasn't bad enough, my new boss turned out to be Simon, the gorgeous guy I hooked up with at the club the other night, before realizing who he was. All I have to do to get my trust fund back is straighten up, do a good job, and keep my hands off Simon. No problem, right? But he is so shy and cute and I'm not sure I can do it...especially because I think he feels the same way about me. But here's the thing: I don't need the trust fund money for me. I need it for my son. Nobody knows about him, because I don't want my toxic uncle to destroy his life.
Simon Bowden:
How could I fall for a rich disaster like Evan? I'm Mr. Responsibility, and for me and my friends, the Crays have been our natural enemies since high school. But when I discover that he's hardly the shallow playboy I thought he was--that he has depth and secrets--I can't hold back, I have to have him. But I think his family knows...and they're trying to poison him against me. Everybody thinks I'm meek and mild, but they're going to learn differently when they try to take my man away.
Rock-A-Bye is the first standalone in the Cray's Quarry series, about five best friends who won't stop meddling in each other's love lives, until each one has an HEA.
After I crashed my party-boat into a plane (long story), my uncle took my trust fund away, and made me get a job at his company. If that wasn't bad enough, my new boss turned out to be Simon, the gorgeous guy I hooked up with at the club the other night, before realizing who he was. All I have to do to get my trust fund back is straighten up, do a good job, and keep my hands off Simon. No problem, right? But he is so shy and cute and I'm not sure I can do it...especially because I think he feels the same way about me. But here's the thing: I don't need the trust fund money for me. I need it for my son. Nobody knows about him, because I don't want my toxic uncle to destroy his life.
Simon Bowden:
How could I fall for a rich disaster like Evan? I'm Mr. Responsibility, and for me and my friends, the Crays have been our natural enemies since high school. But when I discover that he's hardly the shallow playboy I thought he was--that he has depth and secrets--I can't hold back, I have to have him. But I think his family knows...and they're trying to poison him against me. Everybody thinks I'm meek and mild, but they're going to learn differently when they try to take my man away.
Rock-A-Bye is the first standalone in the Cray's Quarry series, about five best friends who won't stop meddling in each other's love lives, until each one has an HEA.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2018
70 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Kane
40 books91 followersI like writing about boys with TERRIBLE PROBLEMS who nonetheless manage to find love. But seriously, terrible problems. Like, dude, get some therapy before you go on this date.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 3, 2021
2 Stars
I hate giving low ratings and negative reviews, but I also believe in honesty, so here goes...
I didn’t enjoy this story like I'd hoped. The premise was too basic, the characters were too flat and the relationship obstacles were fairly absurd.
The premise follows Evan Cray, a rich playboy who has never worked a day in his life, as his world is turned upside down when his cartoon-villainous uncle outrageously cuts off Evan’s access to his trust fund, demanding that he must first join the Cray company and work for a living. Shocking, right?
At his new yucky job, where he’s expected to reliably be somewhere on time and do stuff, Evan (re)meets Simon, his new “boss,” whom he happened to anonymously hooked up with the night before in a club. Simon is shy and sweet and works damn hard, even though he’s under-appreciated by the higher ups. He wants to pretend he never had a dalliance with Evan but these two quickly connect on a deep level... I’m told... and the story then becomes about how Evan and Simon fall-in-love on the job, simultaneously trying to work out how to get Evan’s trust fund money back while also keeping Simon from being fired by the evil Cray overlord for fraternising with Evan.
That’s the most basic explanation I can come up with, and although the story sort of sounds simple and sweet, instead it came across as rather weird and nonsensical in its execution.
At the core of it, I just didn’t get some of the motivations of the characters. Evan was hiding a “big secret,” but that secret honestly made zero sense to hide in the first place, so that was drama manufactured to me, which is a no-go. He was also meant to come across as a sort-of redeemed rich guy, but he still just felt like an entitled brat when all was said and done.
Simon was an okay character—better than Evan, but still just okay.
Also, what was with the influx of the word “dude” in the second half of the story? All of a sudden it was being thrown around left and right, even by the MCs towards one another. Gross. It was even said in the hasty love declarations, and that’s not romantic! C’mon, now!
And, speaking of romance, these two decide to be together, despite the problematic work situation and the possible ramifications, and I was all, “okay, let’s do this!”... only to have the next chapter open with them already having spent a debauched night working their way through a whole box of condoms, without me reading a peep of the action! Absent sex scenes/fade to back is fine when it fits the story, but here, it just felt like a cop out, especially considering all the on-page BJs being had previously.
Yep, it’s clear this wasn’t for me. Damn shame too, because I bought the entire trilogy when each book was cheap years ago, and now I’m not sure I’d even bother continuing, this let me down so spectacularly. The lesson to be had here: Meags needs to stop buying books just because they’re on sale!
(Pls note: this was not my first time reading this author. I’d previously read the Marlowe Men trilogy, many moons ago, and found them to be semi-decent reads. So, either this one just wasn’t my cup of tea or my taste has become a whole lot more discerning in recent years 🤷🏼♀️).
I hate giving low ratings and negative reviews, but I also believe in honesty, so here goes...
I didn’t enjoy this story like I'd hoped. The premise was too basic, the characters were too flat and the relationship obstacles were fairly absurd.
The premise follows Evan Cray, a rich playboy who has never worked a day in his life, as his world is turned upside down when his cartoon-villainous uncle outrageously cuts off Evan’s access to his trust fund, demanding that he must first join the Cray company and work for a living. Shocking, right?
At his new yucky job, where he’s expected to reliably be somewhere on time and do stuff, Evan (re)meets Simon, his new “boss,” whom he happened to anonymously hooked up with the night before in a club. Simon is shy and sweet and works damn hard, even though he’s under-appreciated by the higher ups. He wants to pretend he never had a dalliance with Evan but these two quickly connect on a deep level... I’m told... and the story then becomes about how Evan and Simon fall-in-love on the job, simultaneously trying to work out how to get Evan’s trust fund money back while also keeping Simon from being fired by the evil Cray overlord for fraternising with Evan.
That’s the most basic explanation I can come up with, and although the story sort of sounds simple and sweet, instead it came across as rather weird and nonsensical in its execution.
At the core of it, I just didn’t get some of the motivations of the characters. Evan was hiding a “big secret,” but that secret honestly made zero sense to hide in the first place, so that was drama manufactured to me, which is a no-go. He was also meant to come across as a sort-of redeemed rich guy, but he still just felt like an entitled brat when all was said and done.
Simon was an okay character—better than Evan, but still just okay.
Also, what was with the influx of the word “dude” in the second half of the story? All of a sudden it was being thrown around left and right, even by the MCs towards one another. Gross. It was even said in the hasty love declarations, and that’s not romantic! C’mon, now!
And, speaking of romance, these two decide to be together, despite the problematic work situation and the possible ramifications, and I was all, “okay, let’s do this!”... only to have the next chapter open with them already having spent a debauched night working their way through a whole box of condoms, without me reading a peep of the action! Absent sex scenes/fade to back is fine when it fits the story, but here, it just felt like a cop out, especially considering all the on-page BJs being had previously.
Yep, it’s clear this wasn’t for me. Damn shame too, because I bought the entire trilogy when each book was cheap years ago, and now I’m not sure I’d even bother continuing, this let me down so spectacularly. The lesson to be had here: Meags needs to stop buying books just because they’re on sale!
(Pls note: this was not my first time reading this author. I’d previously read the Marlowe Men trilogy, many moons ago, and found them to be semi-decent reads. So, either this one just wasn’t my cup of tea or my taste has become a whole lot more discerning in recent years 🤷🏼♀️).
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January 24, 2018
Review later, maybe.
January 27, 2018
Let me explain really quick, how the story begins. Evan is a playboy, who does nothing but spend the money from his father's trust fund. Simon worked for Evans father for years before he died and is now shuffled around in the company.
Still, when they meet they don't know who the other one is. After Evans father talking about his son for years this is really not very believable. They grew up in the same city, Evan is in the news all the time, partying with his celebrity friends. It's really ridiculous, but that's only the beginning, it gets much worse.
I think the last shifter stories I read were more realistic than this one. I am really not happy how the story evolved. But I also can't deny, that I was very curious what plan the evil uncle would come up with and how they would overcome the obstacles that were thrown in their way.
Unfortunately too many things didn't make sense here, I asked myself if what I read was really happening a lot of times during this book.
I liked the idea of the story, the main characters were nice enough, but honestly I could not recommend this, even if it was an okay read for me in the end.
3 stars.
Still, when they meet they don't know who the other one is. After Evans father talking about his son for years this is really not very believable. They grew up in the same city, Evan is in the news all the time, partying with his celebrity friends. It's really ridiculous, but that's only the beginning, it gets much worse.
I think the last shifter stories I read were more realistic than this one. I am really not happy how the story evolved. But I also can't deny, that I was very curious what plan the evil uncle would come up with and how they would overcome the obstacles that were thrown in their way.
Unfortunately too many things didn't make sense here, I asked myself if what I read was really happening a lot of times during this book.
I liked the idea of the story, the main characters were nice enough, but honestly I could not recommend this, even if it was an okay read for me in the end.
3 stars.
January 25, 2018
This is steamy, dramatic and sweet. Evan is a playboy who gets the rug pulled out from under him. Simon is the man who can help. Simon's calm temperament and reliability help Evan prove himself. And finds the responsible, caring and sweet guy underneath. But Evan's uncle does everything he can to destroy his confidence. It's a really great story that I enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
May 3, 2022
Rachel Kane was writing enjoyable m/m CRs that weren't quite run-of-the-mill.
I've been disappointed in this particular series, however. True, she nails the set-ups: the stakes are high, and the situations well-thought-out. There's still the odd flash of descriptive brilliance too. But after that, the relationship arcs resolve too quickly, and the plots don't deliver on their early promise. I do need some conflict to keep me reading on.
I've been disappointed in this particular series, however. True, she nails the set-ups: the stakes are high, and the situations well-thought-out. There's still the odd flash of descriptive brilliance too. But after that, the relationship arcs resolve too quickly, and the plots don't deliver on their early promise. I do need some conflict to keep me reading on.
September 21, 2018
Trust Funder and the Record Clerk...Who Knew!
A club hookup, a trust fund, an evil uncle and a secret makes for the Simon & Evan romantic tale. Although this was a readable story, it felt odd to me. Maybe it was the fast love connection or the chemistry between the MCs didn’t seem authentic and I thought that Evan was a bit melodramatic.
Some asides: who stores paper files in a humid sub-basement and expect it to last. And I guess there is nothing we can do about the many typos in ebooks.
A club hookup, a trust fund, an evil uncle and a secret makes for the Simon & Evan romantic tale. Although this was a readable story, it felt odd to me. Maybe it was the fast love connection or the chemistry between the MCs didn’t seem authentic and I thought that Evan was a bit melodramatic.
Some asides: who stores paper files in a humid sub-basement and expect it to last. And I guess there is nothing we can do about the many typos in ebooks.
January 23, 2018
The book felt like a Cinderella office story, and a character in the book even says it. I thought the story has a nice steady pace.
The two main characters have chemistry and very likable.
The uncle is mean and takes all Evans trust fund away. He gives him a low position in the business. Ash his cousin warns him of Simon being bad, but I think Ash is just as bad as his dad spreading lies. I wanted the evil family put behind bars.
I was so happy when the truth came out, and happy endings with Evan and Simon. Loved the story.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
Got for an honest review.
The two main characters have chemistry and very likable.
The uncle is mean and takes all Evans trust fund away. He gives him a low position in the business. Ash his cousin warns him of Simon being bad, but I think Ash is just as bad as his dad spreading lies. I wanted the evil family put behind bars.
I was so happy when the truth came out, and happy endings with Evan and Simon. Loved the story.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
Got for an honest review.
February 9, 2018
Yikes.. i was not a fan.. i basically skipper a lot towards the end there. I was not a fan off the main characters. The storyline was good, i just couldn’t feel these two together. I wasn’t a fan of the writing as well.
January 25, 2018
A lighthearted, charming and fun read with the opposites attract trope. Trust fund baby and player, Evan, is in danger of losing his money when his uncle decides enough is enough. However, Evan has more than altruistic reasons to want to hold on to his funds. He gives in and starts working for the company where he meets Simon, former PA to Evan’s dad. Shy and hard working he shouldn’t be attractive to Evan, but stranger things have happened.
Their romance is tentative at first, and they don’t want anyone to know they are together. Not for the often obvious reasons of not being out, but of the family feud that is going on for years.
Evan and Simon bring out the best in each other. No misunderstandings, but genuine concern for what could be dire repercussions make their love story not an easy one.
The author keeps it light and fun with some surprising twists that you keep you interested.
Their romance is tentative at first, and they don’t want anyone to know they are together. Not for the often obvious reasons of not being out, but of the family feud that is going on for years.
Evan and Simon bring out the best in each other. No misunderstandings, but genuine concern for what could be dire repercussions make their love story not an easy one.
The author keeps it light and fun with some surprising twists that you keep you interested.
January 23, 2018
Evan has had his trust fund away by his uncle Archibald until he can prove himself worthy of the company and family name. Evan is given a job in the basement record department to learn all about the company.
Simon was never liked by the other Crays so when Leonard Cray, his boss died he was shoved down to the basement. When he's summoned to Archibald' Cray's office and given a challenge he can only accept and make sure it works or loose his job. Only problem is he has to teach Evan, Leonard's wayward son all about the company. Evan just happens to be the super sexy guy that blew Simons mind the other night in an alleyway!
Will they be able to keep it strictly professional so they both keep their jobs and will Evan get his trust fund back?
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book that will keep you reading. This is a great start to a promising series.
Simon was never liked by the other Crays so when Leonard Cray, his boss died he was shoved down to the basement. When he's summoned to Archibald' Cray's office and given a challenge he can only accept and make sure it works or loose his job. Only problem is he has to teach Evan, Leonard's wayward son all about the company. Evan just happens to be the super sexy guy that blew Simons mind the other night in an alleyway!
Will they be able to keep it strictly professional so they both keep their jobs and will Evan get his trust fund back?
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book that will keep you reading. This is a great start to a promising series.
February 15, 2018
This was a sweet romance with attraction setting sparks from the beginning! The plot was wonderful with an explanation of how Evan was controlled by his family. The repercussions to his personal life were painful yet rewarding. It is amazing what some people will do for power and prestige. Hopefully his uncle will be the loser in the end. I'm hoping his cousins and he are able to move forward and make amends. This town needs to forget past hurts and pull together.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review, but once I'd finished reading it, I bought a copy! Any author who comes up with characters who make you laugh and love them at the same time is gifted!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review, but once I'd finished reading it, I bought a copy! Any author who comes up with characters who make you laugh and love them at the same time is gifted!
January 24, 2018
Mr Playboy and Mr Serious, except not quite. Evan has a bigger heart than he's given credit for and he brings out a softer side of Simon. The story does have its share of angst with Evan's doubts and troubles with his family, but it's tempered with some sweet and sexy, and even a bit of funny. I loved the banter between Simon has his pals, all of whom are quite vocal about the Cray's, including the handsome Evan. On the whole, the story is an engaging, fun read loaded with some great characters that I'll be anxious to see again in the series.
January 23, 2018
A sweet, funny romance with a fairy tale feeling to it.
The characters are well delineated, the plot might not be very original but it's perfectly done and, all in all, this is the perfect read for those times when you want to leave a book with a smile in your face.
I truly enjoyed this first look in a new series, and am certainly looking forward to the next instalment of it.
The characters are well delineated, the plot might not be very original but it's perfectly done and, all in all, this is the perfect read for those times when you want to leave a book with a smile in your face.
I truly enjoyed this first look in a new series, and am certainly looking forward to the next instalment of it.
January 27, 2020
I'm really glad I picked up this first book in the series 'Cray's Quarry' by Rachel Kane. The series is based upon an old rivalry between the town's richest and most influential families. There's lies, betrayal, sex, love, and hate. It's a fun read that makes me feel like I'm watching a soap opera. I'm a fan and will definitely be reading the next installment.
January 30, 2018
Cute
This was quick, easy to read, light story. Evan appears to be the life of all parties hanging with rich friends. Then his uncle stops his trust fund and forces him into a job to show responsibility. Does his uncle have his best interest in mind? Will he sink or swim?
This was quick, easy to read, light story. Evan appears to be the life of all parties hanging with rich friends. Then his uncle stops his trust fund and forces him into a job to show responsibility. Does his uncle have his best interest in mind? Will he sink or swim?
April 10, 2021
Not much to say about this one - the first book in the series. I had already read the third one, but this one was just ok. I did like the story and Eval and Simon were great, I just didn’t really get into this one.
January 24, 2018
An interesting love story. A bad guy you can enjoy disliking and our heroes are adorable together.
***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***
***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***
January 25, 2018
This is a fairy tale come true. One mean uncle and two very enjoyable, likable and lovable heroes. This is a steady pace read and one you don't want to miss.
February 12, 2018
Rock-A-Bye: A Gay Romance (Cray's Quarry Book 1)
Fine, solid read. Strong start to the series.
A little bit fun, a little bit funny, sweet... a nice mix.
Keep reading 📖
Fine, solid read. Strong start to the series.
A little bit fun, a little bit funny, sweet... a nice mix.
Keep reading 📖
May 4, 2018
3.5 stars
February 14, 2018
The second half got bizarre.
Three star book + 1 star for two(!) gay characters - 1 star for unbelievability.
Three star book + 1 star for two(!) gay characters - 1 star for unbelievability.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews