Something New

Something About Him #1

by Sean Ashcroft

Would marrying his best friend to get his hands on a quaint, small-town bookstore really be that bad?

Declan never expected to ask himself that question, but when an inheritance from a distant great uncle offers him the chance at a brand new start in a brand new town—with the catch that he has to marry before he can have it—he’s forced to consider it.

Ash has been Declan’s best friend since college, and he’s the only person Declan can trust to help him. Getting him to agree to marry him is one thing, but dealing with the way it changes their relationship is something else entirely.

New surroundings leave Declan confused by how he really feels about Ash, the freedom of Hope Springs awakening something in him that he hadn’t known was there before. Ash is happy to help him out, but what started out as a simple question soon becomes something much more...

Something New is the first book in a new series set in Hope Springs! It stands alone, has a HEA, and does not end with a cliffhanger. However, it does contain: a room full of second-hand books, a ridiculous will condition, cheating at video games, explicit sex scenes, and doughnuts.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Gay For You, Gay, LGBT

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2018

About the author

Sean 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.

Reviews

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Awwww! Bookstore in a LGBTQA friendly small town. Friends to lovers. I am in.

I can see this sweet piece of fluff become a comfort read for me. Ash and Declan are lovely together.

Ash has loved Declan forever and Declan has loved Ash forever as well but Declan thought about his sexuality and what love meant pretty shallowly and so he doesn't recognize that he is in love with Ash and attracted to him as well.

An then theme candy: Marriage of Con! Hee. Hee.

The best part of this book is that Ash and Declan are great characters but the friendship they have really steals the show and its super sexy joyful to have passion get mixed in....in a bookstore with secondary characters from the series this spins off from...

If this book had explained a bit more about the heroes families of origin and had Declan really articulate and learn about his sexual orientation (we get a bit of the gay for you vibe which is not my favorite) then I would have loved this book even more. Figuring out your sexuality on all levels is a a big deal for most people and sexuality is fluid too so the change is also compelling so I always feel a bit let down when this aspect of a character and couple is skipped over but the relationship between Ash and Declan carried me though.

This is a light and lovely romance that should delight you.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. My biggest problem was that the characters kept repeating themselves over and over. If Ash said all he wanted was to make DeClan happy one more time I was going to scream. The ending was very sweet.

[peach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and tropey friends-to-lovers romance with what I assume was a demisexual awakening, but it was never actually specified. While the book was nice and the relationship was cute, it felt a bit too short and breezed past some things I would have liked to see explored more in depth. There were also a whole bunch of side characters that it turned out belongs to another series in the same setting, which confused me since this was the first book in a new series but it felt like I'd missed something.

[Lizva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

Friends to lovers in a small town. This worked for me. Enough character development to stay engaged. Uncomplicated and low-angst. Does have fake marriage trope.

[Pixie]

DNFd at 70% - This book wasn't for me. Very Hallmark moments. A lot of repetitive thoughts about how sweet/in love/bff's these two were. I wanted them to just get on with it & from 60-70% just developed a deep resentment until I realized I no longer cared to see this through.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet no angst friends to lover story. I loved the way the story flowed organically. There was not a 200 pages of push and pull. It was nice for a change. The MCS didn't spend all their time worrying about how the relationship would/could be ruined by the changes occurring. However, there was a severe lacking of backstory for me. I wanted more of their past together, as well as their past relationships. Be warned some might find this boring, but I found it somewhat refreshing.

[Emalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was... do I dare say sweet. It was angst-free and cute. Cute to fill a few hours, but nothing special in my honest opinion.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

DNF @ 65%

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** This is a special surprise ! *****
This GFY plot-line is new and exciting and a pleasure to read. I kept thinking I knew what would happen, but nope - I didn't know.
BFFs Ash and Declan, are both ready for change.
Declan inherits a bookstore,

and they both travel to check out the store, the will, and the stipulations.
It's a smooth flowing story with fabulous characters, and super sexy first times for Declan.
Ash is terrific, and this pair is destined to be.


Fantastic banter, deep thoughts and the amazing epilogue wraps us ion a warm blanket.
I love a Sean Ashcroft romance.
ENJOY !
=======

[Leaundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Ntokozo M · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the reviews for this book called it something out of hallmark and not as a compliment. I love all things feel-good so instead of putting me off, the review actually inspired me to read the book. This book did not disappoint in hallmark moments and I was there to soak them all up with gratitude.

The premise of the book is simple but intriguing! Declan’s uncle, Unlce Marv, who is the black sheep of their family that few know much about, dies leaving his second hand book shop in the small town of Hope Springs (a town with many a happy same sex couple) to Declan on the condition that to receive full ownership of it Declan has to be married! With no prospects in sight and recently self-liberated from a terrible job he decides to accept his inheritance...and marry his gay best friend Ash while he’s at it. Two slight wrinkles ensue...Declan is quite clearly straight and Ash secretly in love with him. Can the two ever find happiness?

This book was an easy to read. I demolished it in a few days and was so happy. Honestly this book had all the gratuitous sweet moments a romantic like me could ask for. First of all Declan was hilarious. He starts off the novel in a downtrodden position but as he comes out of his shell he gets this funny personality and I just love how relatable he was. We’ve all been in situations we don’t care for that change our outlook on life and it was so satisfying to see him come out of that. He was so blindsided by his sexuality and I thought that was cute! I wasn’t too surprised but it was fun for one of us to be!

Ash! Wonderful, besotted and big hearted Ash! He was really keen to follow Declan around. He also was the first to recognize the change in Declan from the disappearance of dark circles under his eyes, to becoming more energetic and outgoing (for Declan anyway). He was also really adorable with his fear of dogs but his effort with Scott and Charlie’s dog. His love of books was so relatable it was crazy. I mean if I could run a second hand bookstore with my husband in a small town where everyone is accepting of each other I wouldn’t have to think twice!

Scott and Charlie were such gifts to the narrative! I love how Charlie gave each of Ash and Declan a chance to come of their shell and talk to other people, especially since both had been isolated without other friends in the city. Charlie had such a bubbly personality I just wanted to jump into the story and be his friend. I loved how he and Scott were a new couple but so comfortable with each other. Not to mention how Scott offered them a rescue dog (or cat) within five minutes of having them over to dinner.

Sean Ashcroft started a gem of a series with this one and I will be heading back to Hope Springs as soon as I get through some of the of the other items on the TBR (to be read) list (last I counted there were about 20 books on the most pressing items list)! His writing style was easy but gripping, sweeter than a bon bon but so necessary! I like how relaxing the book was and it’s earned its rating of: 3.5 lovey dovey sweet as honey stars!

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love

There isn’t a book of Sean Ashcroft’s that I don’t love! And ... there’s never EVER enough times to go back and visit Hope Springs, the happiest, gayest, rainbow flag flying, friendliest, bestest (yes, bestest!) place on earth!!!!

Best friends since they met in college, Ash and Declan head to Hope Springs after Declan gets an odd letter from the lawyer of his recently deceased Great Uncle Marv to take over the ownership of the bookstore in town. One little teeny stipulation ... he needs to be married within thirty days to keep it all legit ... Hmmm ... Who will be the lucky ... groom? Wait, Declan is totally straight! Oh no he isn’t!!! No one in Sean Ashcroft’s world is “totally” straight, and that’s just fine with me!!!!!

We get to visit so many of our friends from the happiest place in the world like Charlie, Marcus, Lexi, Scott ... squeeeee ...!

Does Declan feel like more than friends to Ash??? C’mon! You know the answer to that! The best part about Sean’s books are that all of his characters are genuine—intelligent and compassionate with a perfect amount of sass!!!

If I ever need to make myself immediately feel fabulous from a bad day ... or not a bad day ... I automatically find myself immersed in one of Sean Ashcroft’s books! Such a joy ~ always!! Five shining stars!!

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite new-to-me author!

Declan is working at a soul-sucking marketing job when he receives a letter that changes his life.a great uncle he barely remembers has passed away, leaving him a book store in the tiny town of Hope Springs. There's even an apartment above the store. There's just one crazy catch: the will stipulates that in order for him to take over the store, he must be married. Fortunately, Declan's best friend, Ash, knows a thing or two about running a book store, and offers to marry Declan. It's legal now, right? And Ash has had a crush on Declan for years. If only Declan weren't straight. He is straight, right?

Crazy premise, but I love it! I also love the main characters, Declan and Ash. They are both smart, but a little insecure, which just makes them more likeable. And they are both so supportive of each other! There are plenty of supporting characters as well, and I hope we get to know more about them in future books.

This is my first book by Sean Ashcroft, but it definitely won't be my last. I have book 2 queued up and ready to read next. Then there is the Family Jules series and all those other titles. Can't wait to get started!

[Coty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweetheart of a story. The two best friend main characters are very committed to each other. Events happen early on that will bring them to see they are more than best friends. There is very little angst and this story may be classified as dessert. Yes, you may partake before dinner. Hope Springs is a wonderful little town / community. I hope we see Declan and Ash again. I need to know if they get a cat or a dog.

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ | · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a best friends to lovers cute novella, angst free and awfully sweet.
I wasn't in the mood for something sappy, but I liked it anyway.. I'm such a softie when it comes to sweet romance and HEA!
It's a nice reading when you're in the mood for something easy, light and heartwarming

[Tiffaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too fluffy and sweet for my taste.
This story was very short so I manged to finish it but about half way into the book I just stopped caring about it.

I liked Declan and Ash's friends and the town but everything else was meh.

[TL Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute tale

Of best friends to lovers. Sometimes those looking in from the outside, see more than those of us who are actually involved.

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a drama-free, feel good story of best friends to husbands that was executed really well. I’m glad I had this to read today. It’s gentle and sweet enough for me to read through my migraine.

[Sandrutza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have only one problem with this book and that is that everything it's just to perfect

[TrickLolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start, you realize that Declan and Ash are going through the motions of life. Ash loves what he does, but his relationships are one disaster after another and always there to pick up the pieces is Declan, his straight best friend who is miserable in his marketing job. When Ash ends another of his relationships and Declan finally quits his horrible job, they are at a loss of what to do. Until Declan inherits an old bookstore in a town he's never heard of.

I like how Declan is slow to realize that his feelings for his best friend aren't platonic and that a town as open as Hope Springs gives him a chance to realize that he's not as straight as he always thought. As Declan stumbles through his feelings, Ash is right there, helping him along. Ash does get hurt from time to time, but they are best friends and they stick together. When they fall in love, they are happy with where they are in life, they found a place to live that they both love, and a career that suits them both.

This is a very sweet best friends to lovers romance and I highly recommend it!

[Cee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆
♡☆(¸.•♥´
The perfect ending to the perfect beginning.

Declan quit his job in marketing.

Ash got dumped at the bookstore where he worked by after being accused of spending too much time with Declan, his best friend.

They had the perfect relationship, but were they ever meant to be?

Ash had loved Declan for years. So when the opportunity came in the form of a condition of Declan's uncle's will, Ash used this as a way to be a part of his friend's journey.

Life was not easy and seeing yourself in another light even harder. But with Ash at his side, along with the move of a lifetime, Declan felt lighter, more open to opportunities and life. Then feelings changed the more time he and his fake husband spent time together.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.

[Stacy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book if you want a sweet conflict free book

And what better place to be free of conflict than Hope Springs.

Declan receives a letter from an uncle he didn’t know, giving him a bookstore in his will. The only condition? He has to be married.

And this is where Ash comes in. Ash is Declan’s best friend. The best way to describe Ash is sunshine. And that sunshine has gotten Ash through his darkest days.

I love Gay for you stories because they’re based on real love. Ash and Declan marry, move to Hope Springs, become friends with Charlie, Owen and others from Sean’s other great books based in this wonderful place.

Definitely pick up this book. Following their journey is a sweet, wonderful read that shouldn’t be missed.

[Suzun · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s cute

But waaaay to sweet. I got tired of it. I skimmed. Honestly I thought it was kind of ridiculous. I mean, I understand questioning your sexuality. People do that all the time. Some people never do it because they know without questions. Declan never questioned his sexuality until he needed to be married to inherit a bookstore and his friend, who was gay, offered. I mean, maybe it’s possible to go your whole life until almost 30 without the slightest inkling you might be bi. But it seems weird to be best friends with someone for ten years and never notice you’re into them romantically until they marry you so you can inherit. I’m perfectly willing to suspend disbelief for my reading habit, but I need a reason. This book never gave me one.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really an excellent story with Declan and Ash, two best friends, going on an adventure in life. Declan has changed over the years as his job beats him down. Ash has worried about his as his best friends sweet, gentle spirit has been disappearing and black circles under his eyes has taken their place. Getting an inheritance from an obscure uncle, Declan must marry before he can take over the ownership to the used book store in a sweet gay friendly town. Ash offers himself up and this starts a romance and love growing between them. Problem is Ash is gay, but Declan is not...or he thinks he's not. Time will tell. I would recommend this book to anyone to read.

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a “hallmark” story, because with Hallmark you have a little bit of drama or angst. This had maybe 2 min and was quickly resolved. There was no tension, no suspense, nothing to really hold my attention. It was a sweet story, a really, really sugary sweet story. Everything was perfect. And boring. I know it’s hard to get that balance between low/no angst and good plot, dialogue and characters. This story definitely tipped the balance in the wrong direction. I didn’t hate it. It didn’t engage me enough to feel that strongly about it. This was my first story by this author. And probably my last.

[LOVink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww such a sweet best friends to lovers story,
clueless „straight“ Declan and adorkable Ash made me smile so much <3

Pizza would solve everything, for now. For the rest, well...Ash would be there for Declan, and Declan would be there for Ash. That was how it‘d always been.

You just must love Ash, he is the bestest best friend and just wants Declan to be happy again.

No one else had ever wanted to keep him. Why should Declan?

New to me series and author and I'm happy there are already two more Something about him books I can read next

[Kadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for cute locales. Loved the charming little town of Hope Springs. Some elements reminded me of other books this author has written. Mainly the somewhat matched wedding. I actually liked the first half a lot more than the final half. It just seemed like once they had some happy times all was right in the world and they sailed off into the sunset. The ending just seemed rushed. Overall a fun cutesy book. I will probably read other books in this series (though those ft again marriage as a major plot point)

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this friends to lovers with fake marriage thrown in book. Spectacular storyline that would not let me put down my kindle until the very end. Ash and Declan are wonderful characters who enter into a fake marriage for Declan'd inheritance. Ash has always had feelings for Declan but Declan always thought he was "straight" until Ash awakens deeper feelings in him.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Gali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost feel bad giving this book 2* because it wasn't horribly bad - just loads of tropes and a happy town where supposedly only 10-15% of the population is gay but in reality it feels like it's 100%... and just the tropes, man, the tropes! It wasn't bad but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone and I wouldn't reread it either. The completist that I am will, of course, be reading the other books in the series though...