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“It's time to stop running away.”
Private security contractor Orion Miele is only back in Hidden Creek long enough to help his Gramma get better. Orion never expected to fall for the only brown-eyed beauty he turned down in high school... one who needs his protection now. Juggling his responsibilities might get messy.
Gabriel Spicer can't wait to get out of this town and his cousin's fixed-up shed, far away from his clingy ex. He works at the Mieles' farm produce stall to save up for the big move to Houston, where his life will get better. But meeting his high school crush all over again throws his careful plans awry.
The walled garden designs Gabriel loves to sketch have nothing on the walls around his heart. While Orion comes to terms with being bi, Gabriel realizes that leaving isn't all it's cracked up to be. What he needs is shelter... here, in Orion's arms.
Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains a sweetly scheming grandma, a guy who thinks he’s straight, and a sketchbook full of hopes and dreams.
Private security contractor Orion Miele is only back in Hidden Creek long enough to help his Gramma get better. Orion never expected to fall for the only brown-eyed beauty he turned down in high school... one who needs his protection now. Juggling his responsibilities might get messy.
Gabriel Spicer can't wait to get out of this town and his cousin's fixed-up shed, far away from his clingy ex. He works at the Mieles' farm produce stall to save up for the big move to Houston, where his life will get better. But meeting his high school crush all over again throws his careful plans awry.
The walled garden designs Gabriel loves to sketch have nothing on the walls around his heart. While Orion comes to terms with being bi, Gabriel realizes that leaving isn't all it's cracked up to be. What he needs is shelter... here, in Orion's arms.
Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains a sweetly scheming grandma, a guy who thinks he’s straight, and a sketchbook full of hopes and dreams.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2018
308 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books726 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 4, 2021
E. Davies is a favorite of mine and this one didn't disappoint. I really liked Gabriel and Orion. They just fit together. Sure, I almost screamed at Gabriel at one point to get his shit together... But honestly, Cora, Orion's grandmother stole the show from the very first page and I was sold after that. I've read the Men of Hidden Creek books out of order but they work as well as standalones.
August 27, 2023
I was a little uncertain going into this book because I read the first book of the second series, Ashes, and didn’t really care much for it. Since Shelter had a different author, I thought I would give it try. I'm really glad I made that choice. Sheltercan best be described as sweet and simple...nothing too heavy. The two main characters...Gabriel and Orion, of course have their flaws, but overall, they are great characters that you will love almost from the start. Actually, all of the characters, even the minor ones, are very realistic and well done. If you have a heart beating in your body...you will absolutely love Gramma Cora, who is downright hilarious. The romance is well done and nicely paced. Orion has to come to terms with being bi, which he handles very well. It was nice to see that these two took things very slow and only with what Orion was comfortable with. The story has a "finally getting a chance with a high school crush" feel, mixed in with a little "small hometown isn’t all that bad after all", kind of realization for both the guys. I liked the subplot with Gabriel’s ex-boyfriend. Not only did it add tension, but it showed how difficult it can sometimes be to get away from an unhealthy, uncomfortable, relationship and how someone who used to be trustworthy could turn out to be something you never expected if not downright dangerous. Gabriel’s cousin also adds flavor to the story. While he isn’t overly "in your face" homophobic, he still has negative feelings towards certain types of sexuality. I volunteer with LGBTQ kids, and I've seen these types before. It makes no difference if it's a small town or a metropolitan city.... hate is still hate no matter how pretty you dress it up. Based on this book, I believe that I’ll like the rest of the series.
April 1, 2018
This is a fast-paced story that quickly drew me in and kept reading until the last page was turned. The story is about discovering oneself, family, and love. The characters are complex, likable and very enjoyable. The story is well written with something for everyone such as a little bit of suspense, romance, a little steam, and a lot of love.
This is one of the books in the Men of Hidden Creek series. Each book is written by a different author and can easily be read as a stand-alone with appearances from familiar characters. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
This is one of the books in the Men of Hidden Creek series. Each book is written by a different author and can easily be read as a stand-alone with appearances from familiar characters. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
June 3, 2018
Mr. Davies style of writing never ceases to amaze me. Orion and Gabriel were perfect as individuals and even better as a couple. Gramma was a hoot and provided a strong female character. It was nice to read about frotting for a change. The guys both had the romance down pat which made the sex even better.
January 1, 2019
So, I wasn’t sure where to start with this series, or what kind of reading order it was in… but, starting with what I think is the first one… I have high hopes for the series, which features a different author for every book. I love that!
In this one, we have Orion, who comes back to the tiny town of Hidden Creek to look after his grandma after she takes a fall and breaks her hip. She’s a character, you’ll love her. She’s not only the matriarch of the family, but it would also seem the town. In a place where everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows your business, Orion hopes he can handle the matchmaking that’s sure to go on between him and everyone when they find out he’s a single man with a good job and a great family… Little do they know, something just hasn’t felt right when it comes to the many women he’s dates… and it’s taken him until Gabriel to figure out why.
Gabriel always had a thing for Orion in school, even went so far as to ask him out- even though he was straight. Orion let him down easy way back when, but of course, rejection is just one of things that isn’t as forgettable as one would hope. Seeing Orion back in town just forces Gabe to realize that he never went anywhere or done anything with his life like he’d been saving for, for as long as he could remember. Renting a shed to live in off his alcoholic, jerky cousin, working for Orion’s grandma and trying to avoid his ex that was just using him as convenience and then not taking a hint when he tried multiple times to get him to leave him alone…. I didn’t blame him for wanting to get out of town.. yesterday! He wanted more for himself, he just didn’t know how to get it ...
Enter Orion…. With sparks flying and old crushes that never went away… these two just can’t seem to stay away from each other, but Orion is only here until his grandma heals and Gabriel has plans to leave this small town and make a name for himself…. But what if what’s missing for both of these guys, is each other?
Such a cute little small town romance with very little drama, (except with the ex, and the cousin, who I felt should’ve gotten waaaaay more karmic justice than they actually got) no angst (which I love) a meddling, )but hilarious) gramma, and the sweetest HEA. What more could you ask for?
4 stars from me!
In this one, we have Orion, who comes back to the tiny town of Hidden Creek to look after his grandma after she takes a fall and breaks her hip. She’s a character, you’ll love her. She’s not only the matriarch of the family, but it would also seem the town. In a place where everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows your business, Orion hopes he can handle the matchmaking that’s sure to go on between him and everyone when they find out he’s a single man with a good job and a great family… Little do they know, something just hasn’t felt right when it comes to the many women he’s dates… and it’s taken him until Gabriel to figure out why.
Gabriel always had a thing for Orion in school, even went so far as to ask him out- even though he was straight. Orion let him down easy way back when, but of course, rejection is just one of things that isn’t as forgettable as one would hope. Seeing Orion back in town just forces Gabe to realize that he never went anywhere or done anything with his life like he’d been saving for, for as long as he could remember. Renting a shed to live in off his alcoholic, jerky cousin, working for Orion’s grandma and trying to avoid his ex that was just using him as convenience and then not taking a hint when he tried multiple times to get him to leave him alone…. I didn’t blame him for wanting to get out of town.. yesterday! He wanted more for himself, he just didn’t know how to get it ...
Enter Orion…. With sparks flying and old crushes that never went away… these two just can’t seem to stay away from each other, but Orion is only here until his grandma heals and Gabriel has plans to leave this small town and make a name for himself…. But what if what’s missing for both of these guys, is each other?
Such a cute little small town romance with very little drama, (except with the ex, and the cousin, who I felt should’ve gotten waaaaay more karmic justice than they actually got) no angst (which I love) a meddling, )but hilarious) gramma, and the sweetest HEA. What more could you ask for?
4 stars from me!
April 7, 2018
This isn't a negative rating! This was exactly what the rating says, "it was [just] okay" for me :-/!!
****************
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
****************
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
April 7, 2018
A second book I'd read in this series, I liked Orion and Gabriel, they hit it off after they met.
Though I liked Storm better, this one should be enjoyable. But I was a bit struggled with the writing style. E. Davis is a new to me author, I think, maybe, I'll need to get use to the writing.
This book though, not too memorable for me.
April 9, 2018
I know when I pick up an Ed Davies book I'm going to get a low angst, sweet romance between two normal guys who might have a bit of a rough path but who will eventually get their happy ending.
And that's exactly what I got with Shelter, the first of the Hidden Creek series I've read, which focussed on two men who seemed to have their futures sorted, only to find life taking them in new directions.
Orion and Gabriel were super sweet together, Orion's gradual awakening to the fact he'd always been flattered by Gabriel's attention when they were younger and that he had more of a connection with him than the women he'd dated, was nicely done.
It didn't feel out of place that he would realise he was bi and definitely attracted to Gabriel and I liked that they took their time with both experimenting and with their relationship.
Gramma was such a cool secondary character too and I was intrigued by the glimpses we got into the people who will be appearing in the other five Hidden Creek books.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
And that's exactly what I got with Shelter, the first of the Hidden Creek series I've read, which focussed on two men who seemed to have their futures sorted, only to find life taking them in new directions.
Orion and Gabriel were super sweet together, Orion's gradual awakening to the fact he'd always been flattered by Gabriel's attention when they were younger and that he had more of a connection with him than the women he'd dated, was nicely done.
It didn't feel out of place that he would realise he was bi and definitely attracted to Gabriel and I liked that they took their time with both experimenting and with their relationship.
Gramma was such a cool secondary character too and I was intrigued by the glimpses we got into the people who will be appearing in the other five Hidden Creek books.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 2, 2018
Shelter is another hit in the Men of Hidden Creek series. Orion and Gabriel are simply adorable together. Orion is in private security, but is a little lost when he arrives back in Hidden Creek to take care of his grandmother for a while. He seems to not know what he really wants, but starts to figure it out pretty quickly when he runs into Gabriel again for the first time since high school. Gabe has always had a thing for Orion. He has been trying to save up to get out of Hidden Creek for years, but somehow has yet to leave. When the two run into each other again, things start to change for them both. I love both of these characters so much. Orion is protective, sweet, and ready to lend a helping hand. The way he loves his grandmother reminds me of my relationship with mine, and I loved that! Gabe doesn't seem to realize how much talent he has and does not have much confidence in himself in some areas, but with a little help from some friends he starts to believe in himself more. The romance between these men is so sweet and sexy and I loved seeing them fall for each other, while also falling in love with Hidden Creek again and realizing that what they thought they wanted in life might have been in front of them all along. There were a couple of characters I wanted to throttle (CHAD, ugh!) but also ones I loved. Cora is a hoot! I also love the instances in this series where characters from the other books show up from time to time. It really helps to bring Hidden Creek to life. Shelter is a wonderful story and I can't wait to read the rest of the Hidden Creek books!
April 2, 2018
Ed has once again given me a feel good story with organic drama. Not fabricated or unneeded made up problems but real ones that fell into the paths of these amazing man. The sweet factor is just right and you are pulling for the guys to get their HEA. With Orion and Gabriel you have two very different men who find themselves in each others path just when they needed it. I can't really say in words what joy I find in Ed's books. They give me a love story that is believable and always satisfying without being contrived. I just enjoy his ability to time after time to right feel good books. I am interested to see what the other authors do in this collaborative city series. But Ed's installment is heart warming and sexy.
April 3, 2018
Another awesome read by E. Davies! Orion and Gabriel are perfect. Their love is sweet and sexy, Orion is protective in a good way and Gabe is adorable all the time. This book hits all the right buttons for me: The second-chance-past crush background story, the town full of interesting people, and of course Orion's granny. Each book in this Men If Hidden Creek are different but flow together, mixing authors with a common goal to make us swoon. I definitely recommend checking out the others if you loved this as much as I did. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
April 8, 2018
I enjoyed this romance between Gabe and Orion. Orion is a devoted grandson who comes home to help his grandmother who raised him out. Gabe works at the family farm stand and is trying to see his way to living his dream of landscape design.
Gabe had a crush on Orion in high school. Orion has always been pretty out of touch with his sexuality. This changes this time around and we get a sweet romance with a jerky ex and a nice cast in this small town.
A lot of details aren't really followed up on in the book but it is fun read overall in an enjoyable series.
Gabe had a crush on Orion in high school. Orion has always been pretty out of touch with his sexuality. This changes this time around and we get a sweet romance with a jerky ex and a nice cast in this small town.
A lot of details aren't really followed up on in the book but it is fun read overall in an enjoyable series.
May 3, 2018
2.5* This was so BORING.
Orion back to his hometown to help his aunt, who is injured because an accident. Gabriel work for Orion's aunt selling her vegetables in stalls... So Orion, who is supposedly straight, fall for Gabriel in first sight (I hate this) then we have a stupid ex, a lot of chat about garden designs and and that is.
Don't search for more plot because is not.
Orion back to his hometown to help his aunt, who is injured because an accident. Gabriel work for Orion's aunt selling her vegetables in stalls... So Orion, who is supposedly straight, fall for Gabriel in first sight (I hate this) then we have a stupid ex, a lot of chat about garden designs and and that is.
Don't search for more plot because is not.
March 7, 2019
Some truly wonderful E. Davies-ness here!At least once, I was annoyed with Gabriel for being so obtuse about both Chad and Art, but I can understand wanting to see the best in people. Even asshole-ish users.
January 28, 2019
Eh- kind of boring and a book I won't remember next week. Heck I'm having a hard enough time remembering it a day later.
April 9, 2018
I like the characters a lot but I felt there was something missing in the story, it was just okay.
April 16, 2018
Another solid story from E Davies. I liked both MCs and the story was interesting and kept me reading! The author did a great job of really building the characters and their relationship. Both MCs are endearing in their own ways and I liked the side characters.
March 17, 2019
Pleasantly Slow Moving
Author E. Davies is becoming one of my favorites mainly because she doesn't up the angst and crisis parts of the plot to such high levels that you start grabbing the Kindle too hard waiting for that to pass.
In this one she bring together a loosely tied couple of guys named Orion and Gabriel, and tosses them into a slow moving romance in a small Texas town where everyone knows each other but Orion's Gramma Cora really manipulates the show.
Orion (Ryan for short, sometimes) left Hidden Creek upon high school graduation right after Gabriel asked him out on a date. This allegedly freaked supposedly straight town stud Orion out and when he gently rejected Gabriel basically isolated Gabriel for the next six years as a loner in town.
However, Gabriel has recently been pursued as a sex toy by a mini thug classmate named Chad who brings some angst into a tale which begins when Orion is summoned back from his bodyguard/security job in Houston to help care for Gramma Cora. She has recently broken her hip and needs help in managing the widespread family produce farm and the market stand where Gabriel has been working as the retail person.
It doesn't take long for Gabriel to freak out when Orion returns, and slowly but surely it doesn't take long for Orion to take interest in a now very attractive young man who pushes some buttons which Orion has kept locked for many years. The slow moving romance which develops over a short time is augmented by some very serious and innovative physical action on couches and beds, which is the only aspect of the book which is a bit too fantasy amongst an awful lot of reality.
If I was disappointed by anything, it's the cover, which I guess portrays Orion when it should have had both he and Gabriel there. I am not so sure the artist captured Orion the way he is described, but if you use your imagination while reading the book you will find that Gabriel is the one who counts.
This series is a bit weird in that it covers three "seasons" in which each author returns with a story that builds upon the characters in the author's first book in the series. I will finish E. Davies' next two in the series before going back to Season One to begin the others, but so far Hidden Creek is an interesting little burg.
Author E. Davies is becoming one of my favorites mainly because she doesn't up the angst and crisis parts of the plot to such high levels that you start grabbing the Kindle too hard waiting for that to pass.
In this one she bring together a loosely tied couple of guys named Orion and Gabriel, and tosses them into a slow moving romance in a small Texas town where everyone knows each other but Orion's Gramma Cora really manipulates the show.
Orion (Ryan for short, sometimes) left Hidden Creek upon high school graduation right after Gabriel asked him out on a date. This allegedly freaked supposedly straight town stud Orion out and when he gently rejected Gabriel basically isolated Gabriel for the next six years as a loner in town.
However, Gabriel has recently been pursued as a sex toy by a mini thug classmate named Chad who brings some angst into a tale which begins when Orion is summoned back from his bodyguard/security job in Houston to help care for Gramma Cora. She has recently broken her hip and needs help in managing the widespread family produce farm and the market stand where Gabriel has been working as the retail person.
It doesn't take long for Gabriel to freak out when Orion returns, and slowly but surely it doesn't take long for Orion to take interest in a now very attractive young man who pushes some buttons which Orion has kept locked for many years. The slow moving romance which develops over a short time is augmented by some very serious and innovative physical action on couches and beds, which is the only aspect of the book which is a bit too fantasy amongst an awful lot of reality.
If I was disappointed by anything, it's the cover, which I guess portrays Orion when it should have had both he and Gabriel there. I am not so sure the artist captured Orion the way he is described, but if you use your imagination while reading the book you will find that Gabriel is the one who counts.
This series is a bit weird in that it covers three "seasons" in which each author returns with a story that builds upon the characters in the author's first book in the series. I will finish E. Davies' next two in the series before going back to Season One to begin the others, but so far Hidden Creek is an interesting little burg.
May 12, 2019
4.5 stars
This is my first time reading anything from E. Davies and I will definitely go back and read more from him. My biggest complaints had to do with the editing, and since I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited, that means Davies is an indy author and some editing mistakes are to be expected in my opinion. And it's not like pro published books are flawless.
Shelter is the kind of sweet and simple contemporary book I like. Gabriel and Orion have their flaws but they're great characters. In fact, all of the characters, even the minor ones, feel very realistic. Some, like Gramma Cora, are downright hilarious.
The romance was well done and nicely paced. Orion has to come to terms with being bi, which happens fairly smoothly. The sex scenes are hot and, because this is Orion's first time with a guy, start off with frotting. It was nice to see, because jumping straight to penetrative sex would have felt rushed.
This book has a nice 'finally get a chance with a high school crush' feel, mixed in with a little 'small hometown isn't all that bad' kind of realization for both men.
I liked the subplot with Gabriel's ex-boyfriend. Not only did it add tension, but it showed how difficult it can sometimes be to get away from an unhealthy romance and how someone who used to be trustworthy could turn dangerous.
I also liked the bit with Gabriel's cousin. While he isn't actively homophobic, he also still has negative feelings towards gays. It felt very realistic, especially given that the setting is a small Texas town.
Originally posted on Love is Love Reviews
This is my first time reading anything from E. Davies and I will definitely go back and read more from him. My biggest complaints had to do with the editing, and since I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited, that means Davies is an indy author and some editing mistakes are to be expected in my opinion. And it's not like pro published books are flawless.
Shelter is the kind of sweet and simple contemporary book I like. Gabriel and Orion have their flaws but they're great characters. In fact, all of the characters, even the minor ones, feel very realistic. Some, like Gramma Cora, are downright hilarious.
The romance was well done and nicely paced. Orion has to come to terms with being bi, which happens fairly smoothly. The sex scenes are hot and, because this is Orion's first time with a guy, start off with frotting. It was nice to see, because jumping straight to penetrative sex would have felt rushed.
This book has a nice 'finally get a chance with a high school crush' feel, mixed in with a little 'small hometown isn't all that bad' kind of realization for both men.
I liked the subplot with Gabriel's ex-boyfriend. Not only did it add tension, but it showed how difficult it can sometimes be to get away from an unhealthy romance and how someone who used to be trustworthy could turn dangerous.
I also liked the bit with Gabriel's cousin. While he isn't actively homophobic, he also still has negative feelings towards gays. It felt very realistic, especially given that the setting is a small Texas town.
Originally posted on Love is Love Reviews
January 3, 2020
Hidden Creek, Texas isn't where Gabriel meant to be this long. Growing up gay in a small Texas town means very little chance for romance or the career he wants... and nothing brings that home more than his straight high school crush coming back from the city to take care of his grandmother. Orion Miele has everything Gabriel wants - a life and career in the city, and of course Gabriel just wants Orion period. It's definitely time that Gabriel takes greater strides towards his dreams of leaving Hidden Creek... unless of course he can get everything he wants closer to home now that Orion is back.
Loves & Likes:
⦁ Gramma was badass, and the epitome of the sassy old lady causing trouble and matchmaking
⦁ I liked the confidence that Gabriel gained, as well as the lack of drama from Orion on the whole OFY story line.
Peeves:
⦁ It took a bit to get into, because Orion and Gabriel were still at the 'we are just fooling around' stage until way past the 50% mark.
Favorite Quote:
Loves & Likes:
⦁ Gramma was badass, and the epitome of the sassy old lady causing trouble and matchmaking
⦁ I liked the confidence that Gabriel gained, as well as the lack of drama from Orion on the whole OFY story line.
Peeves:
⦁ It took a bit to get into, because Orion and Gabriel were still at the 'we are just fooling around' stage until way past the 50% mark.
Favorite Quote:
“The way this change feels… does it feel like a huge, empty space around you? Like you’re a hermit crab who’s just climbed into a bigger shell?” Gabriel’s jaw dropped. Now that he thought about it, the metaphor worked. “Yeah. Yeah. Like I was used to the old shell, and now… I’m gonna need to find another place to live. And a career so I can finally move…” “You’ll grow to fit your new shell,” Cora told him, smiling up at him. “And then you’ll find another new shell, and another. That’s how life works.”
April 6, 2018
Gabriel still lives in the home town he grew up in. He has dreams of breaking free and moving to the big city of Houston. While saving money and trying to figure out what he wants to do, he is working at the farm stand for Cora. Orion is Cora's grandson. He leaves after high school and becomes a bodyguard, but comes back to help Cora when she falls and breaks her hip.
Gabriel and Orion become friends when the see each other again, despite Gabriel's nerves from when he asked Orion (and got turned down) out in school. Orion hasn't found anyone that he feels a spark for until he sees Gabriel again, and he realizes that perhaps it is because he is gay. They develop a great friendship that eventually leads to "experimentation". Luckily, both guys realize that it is more than experimentation, and they don't let the situation get out of hand with a lot of angst.
Cora was the BEST!! She was such a fun character. I loved how she ran her life exactly how she wanted and didn't let anyone tell her otherwise. She was so wise, and it was clear that she loved both Orion and Gabriel. She was one of my favorite characters.
I really enjoyed this. It was the first book I read of the series, and I am already wondering which of the characters I will meet in future books. I have 2 in my head so far. :-) Ed's writing is wonderful, as usual, and I loved this book. Great characters and interesting story.
April 8, 2018
This was the first book I read in the new series, 6 books by different authors set in the fictional Texas town of Hidden Creek.
Orion (or "Ryan") comes back to his hometown to look after his grandmother and well, to find himself. He left town after school but now that he's back, the small town life seems more appealing. Not the least because of Gabriel, the nerdy gay geek who asked Orion to prom way back when and who now minds the family's market stand. Gabriel feels stuck in the small town and is desperate to leave but he's not sure he's enough - smart enough talented enough, good enough - so he keeps dreaming and not doing anything. Then Orion comes back to town and best laid plans go astray, Ryan is not quite as straight as he thought and Gabriel is happy to be an experiment for a while. Soon enough the experiment turns into feeling though and our heroes have a lot to work through.
So much to enjoy in this book. Orion is adorable in the confused ex-jock kind of way, the journey to him discovering his sexuality is very cute and well done. But I think Gabe is my favourite, he has such big dreams but he doesn't really believe in himself or think that he deserves anything good. Also the town of Hidden Creek is almost a character of its own in this book, the background characters are an important part of the story as Ryan and Gabe are prominent members of the community there.
Orion (or "Ryan") comes back to his hometown to look after his grandmother and well, to find himself. He left town after school but now that he's back, the small town life seems more appealing. Not the least because of Gabriel, the nerdy gay geek who asked Orion to prom way back when and who now minds the family's market stand. Gabriel feels stuck in the small town and is desperate to leave but he's not sure he's enough - smart enough talented enough, good enough - so he keeps dreaming and not doing anything. Then Orion comes back to town and best laid plans go astray, Ryan is not quite as straight as he thought and Gabriel is happy to be an experiment for a while. Soon enough the experiment turns into feeling though and our heroes have a lot to work through.
So much to enjoy in this book. Orion is adorable in the confused ex-jock kind of way, the journey to him discovering his sexuality is very cute and well done. But I think Gabe is my favourite, he has such big dreams but he doesn't really believe in himself or think that he deserves anything good. Also the town of Hidden Creek is almost a character of its own in this book, the background characters are an important part of the story as Ryan and Gabe are prominent members of the community there.
December 2, 2024
3 stars
Getting a second chance after being rejected in high school, Gabriel and Orion meet again several years later when Orion returns home to help his grandmother after a fall.
While the premise was good, I had a few problems with execution:
1. The tension between Gabriel and his ex seemed a little contrived. While an aggressive ex can be scary, nothing in the text indicated he could be dangerous - even though there was mention of several offenses (no domestic violence or gun violence). The build up to his threatening encounter with Gabriel didn't set the stage as well as it could have - almost as if that subplot was an afterthought.
2. The introduction of Axel and the explosion in town was a few sentences and seemed to come out of nowhere and fade into the background with no resolution. (I'm assuming it will come up in subsequent books).
3. Gabriel's troubles (money, self-esteem, living arrangement, etc.) didn't seem to match with his back story of a loving family life with his aunt and uncle. These plot points/tropes can help character growth but in this case didn't seem to do much for the story - as if these plot points were picked to help character growth but then forgotten about or not tied into the plot to make it believable.
Overall this was still enjoyable though. Spice level:1.5
Getting a second chance after being rejected in high school, Gabriel and Orion meet again several years later when Orion returns home to help his grandmother after a fall.
While the premise was good, I had a few problems with execution:
1. The tension between Gabriel and his ex seemed a little contrived. While an aggressive ex can be scary, nothing in the text indicated he could be dangerous - even though there was mention of several offenses (no domestic violence or gun violence). The build up to his threatening encounter with Gabriel didn't set the stage as well as it could have - almost as if that subplot was an afterthought.
2. The introduction of Axel and the explosion in town was a few sentences and seemed to come out of nowhere and fade into the background with no resolution. (I'm assuming it will come up in subsequent books).
3. Gabriel's troubles (money, self-esteem, living arrangement, etc.) didn't seem to match with his back story of a loving family life with his aunt and uncle. These plot points/tropes can help character growth but in this case didn't seem to do much for the story - as if these plot points were picked to help character growth but then forgotten about or not tied into the plot to make it believable.
Overall this was still enjoyable though. Spice level:1.5
September 8, 2022
I'll give this 2.5 stars rounded up (because it wasn't awful). It was okay, though not great. I liked Orion, but the inconsistent writing pulled me out of the story regularly. One of the things which annoyed me was how Orion would refer to himself (during his POV chapters) interchangeably as Ryan and Orion -- that's not how we generally think of ourselves (as two different names), and it reminded me that I was reading the story rather than allowing me to be fully engaged.
The pacing and tension were also somewhat inconsistent, and things would ramp up just to fizzle out (ie: ). Finally, I just didn't like Gabe very much. He seemed incredibly young and naive, and he was whiny and immature enough that I couldn't see why Orion was attracted to him. Plus,
All said, it wasn't bad, but it also wasn't that great. I might try another in the series, but I might now.
The pacing and tension were also somewhat inconsistent, and things would ramp up just to fizzle out (ie: ). Finally, I just didn't like Gabe very much. He seemed incredibly young and naive, and he was whiny and immature enough that I couldn't see why Orion was attracted to him. Plus,
All said, it wasn't bad, but it also wasn't that great. I might try another in the series, but I might now.
April 6, 2018
Part of a series called Men of Hidden Creek and can be read as a standalone.
Orion (Ryan) Miele and and Gabriel Spicer are the main focus in this book. Orion has a career in private security and Gabriel works for the Miele family at their produce stall.
Orion is back in town after a something in his job goes wrong and to also care for his grandmother who is recovering from a busted hip.
Gabriel has been trying to save up for years to get out of the small town. His recent separation from the guy he was seeing is one of many reasons he needs it to happen sooner than later. Orion's return is a very nice surprise. Though Gabriel's past embarrassment regarding Orion is still fresh in his mind though it's been years since the two have crossed paths. When the two meet, sparks fly and plans for their lives have to be reevaluated.
I liked the build of Orion and Gabriel's budding relation. Orion's grandmother was a sweetie and Gabriel and Orion were likable characters. I really don't have any complaints and enjoyed the story. Chad was kind of a ick character but he really didn't bug me too much.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Orion (Ryan) Miele and and Gabriel Spicer are the main focus in this book. Orion has a career in private security and Gabriel works for the Miele family at their produce stall.
Orion is back in town after a something in his job goes wrong and to also care for his grandmother who is recovering from a busted hip.
Gabriel has been trying to save up for years to get out of the small town. His recent separation from the guy he was seeing is one of many reasons he needs it to happen sooner than later. Orion's return is a very nice surprise. Though Gabriel's past embarrassment regarding Orion is still fresh in his mind though it's been years since the two have crossed paths. When the two meet, sparks fly and plans for their lives have to be reevaluated.
I liked the build of Orion and Gabriel's budding relation. Orion's grandmother was a sweetie and Gabriel and Orion were likable characters. I really don't have any complaints and enjoyed the story. Chad was kind of a ick character but he really didn't bug me too much.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2018
So I liked this one for the most part. I mostly liked how Orion's sexuality was handled at the beginning. The bases were covered, reasonable doubt was set up. Orion was clearly not straight from the start no matter what he had spent his life telling himself. Gabriel's hesitancy was also reasonable, since he'd already been rejected by Orion once before.
However, the pacing was weird. The passage of time was not felt. I couldn't tell if days had passed, or weeks, or months between events. It hindered the development of that Orion and Gabriel's relationship, in my opinion. However, it also went by very quickly. When I reached ~60% of the way through it didn't feel like I had read that much. It was an easy read.
I liked the characters too. Orion was good, even though I wish we had more of his inner thoughts on coming out to other people. We don't get to see anything about this. He was going to be coming out to a town full of people that have always thought he was straight. We got some of this from Chad and Art, in relation to Gabe dating a 'straight' man. But, you know, I wish we got some payoff from this on the town's scale.
All in all, this was good. But it fell short of being great. It needed more....something. I'm not entirely sure what.
However, the pacing was weird. The passage of time was not felt. I couldn't tell if days had passed, or weeks, or months between events. It hindered the development of that Orion and Gabriel's relationship, in my opinion. However, it also went by very quickly. When I reached ~60% of the way through it didn't feel like I had read that much. It was an easy read.
I liked the characters too. Orion was good, even though I wish we had more of his inner thoughts on coming out to other people. We don't get to see anything about this. He was going to be coming out to a town full of people that have always thought he was straight. We got some of this from Chad and Art, in relation to Gabe dating a 'straight' man. But, you know, I wish we got some payoff from this on the town's scale.
All in all, this was good. But it fell short of being great. It needed more....something. I'm not entirely sure what.
April 9, 2018
Another great book by Ed Davies and a whole awesome series written by different authors.
,
Orion returns to Hidden Creek to look after his grandmother, who needs help after an accident.
Gabriel wants to leave Hidden Creek for a long time. He lives in a dump with his cousin and saves all the money he earns at the vegetable stall of Orion's family. Nenebei draws designs for gardens.
Already in the highscool Gabriel had a crush on Orion. His approach attempt, however, was rejected.
Orion is somewhat abandoned when he returns to Hidden Creek. When he meets Gabriel, a friendship and love story develops very quickly between the two.
I like both characters, the insecure Orion, who is good at his job but often does not know how to behave on a personal level because he does not really understand his feelings.
And Gabriel, who is very careful, who lives in fear of his ex-boyfriend and dreams of getting out of the place into the vast world.
A wonderful lovestory, among other things about second chances.
,
Orion returns to Hidden Creek to look after his grandmother, who needs help after an accident.
Gabriel wants to leave Hidden Creek for a long time. He lives in a dump with his cousin and saves all the money he earns at the vegetable stall of Orion's family. Nenebei draws designs for gardens.
Already in the highscool Gabriel had a crush on Orion. His approach attempt, however, was rejected.
Orion is somewhat abandoned when he returns to Hidden Creek. When he meets Gabriel, a friendship and love story develops very quickly between the two.
I like both characters, the insecure Orion, who is good at his job but often does not know how to behave on a personal level because he does not really understand his feelings.
And Gabriel, who is very careful, who lives in fear of his ex-boyfriend and dreams of getting out of the place into the vast world.
A wonderful lovestory, among other things about second chances.
April 3, 2018
Shelter;
Shelter is part of the new series, Men of Hidden Creek and I was honored to be one of the few ARC’ s for this book. Hidden Creek is a small town in Texas where life seems to be happening at a slower pace but the men of this town are not at all slow. Orion comes back home to take care of his grandmother after she had fallen and broken her hip and Gabriel was working for Orion family hoping to move to a bigger city. When they met again the sparks began to fly and pretty soon Orion realize that he really needed to take a second look at the way he had been living his life. Gabriel had always been out and proud so he was very weary about going into a relationship with a straight guy. Long story short a relationship that has a HEA is the best kind of story and this one is the Best! Ed has a strong grasp on small town life in Texas with all the nosy family members popping out at the worst possible moment! Sometimes funny sometimes tense but on the whole this is a great book!
Shelter is part of the new series, Men of Hidden Creek and I was honored to be one of the few ARC’ s for this book. Hidden Creek is a small town in Texas where life seems to be happening at a slower pace but the men of this town are not at all slow. Orion comes back home to take care of his grandmother after she had fallen and broken her hip and Gabriel was working for Orion family hoping to move to a bigger city. When they met again the sparks began to fly and pretty soon Orion realize that he really needed to take a second look at the way he had been living his life. Gabriel had always been out and proud so he was very weary about going into a relationship with a straight guy. Long story short a relationship that has a HEA is the best kind of story and this one is the Best! Ed has a strong grasp on small town life in Texas with all the nosy family members popping out at the worst possible moment! Sometimes funny sometimes tense but on the whole this is a great book!
April 11, 2018
Sweet
I really liked this story. The characters are endearing, fun, interesting and real. I liked that there was no "big bad" in this story and that normal doubts and fears can take hold of you and keep you on the move.
Orion is worried about his future and keeping his Grandma on the mend. He has so many possible outcomes ahead that he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Luckily he can finally admit his feelings to Gabriel.
Gabe is a great character that is tired of being left behind and of Not being wanted or appreciated. He stands up for himself while still having a healthy respect for the crazy people in his life. He knows who he wants and he is more than happy to help Orion figure out his feelings. He needs to learn that he matters too and that he can always go after what he dreams about.
This is definitely a great read and hopefully a start to a new series for the author. I can't wait to read more about these guys.
I really liked this story. The characters are endearing, fun, interesting and real. I liked that there was no "big bad" in this story and that normal doubts and fears can take hold of you and keep you on the move.
Orion is worried about his future and keeping his Grandma on the mend. He has so many possible outcomes ahead that he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Luckily he can finally admit his feelings to Gabriel.
Gabe is a great character that is tired of being left behind and of Not being wanted or appreciated. He stands up for himself while still having a healthy respect for the crazy people in his life. He knows who he wants and he is more than happy to help Orion figure out his feelings. He needs to learn that he matters too and that he can always go after what he dreams about.
This is definitely a great read and hopefully a start to a new series for the author. I can't wait to read more about these guys.
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