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Baxter Springs #2
Coming Out
“I have to believe in love. It’s all I’ve got. It keeps me going.”
Ryan Turner is looking for a better life. His abusive, alcoholic father has been getting worse ever since his mom passed away twelve years ago. Struggling with his sexuality, Ryan works hard, takes night classes, keeps his head down and does his best to look after his dad, but he’s not sure how much longer he can keep it up. If he just had a little time, a little space to work out his feelings, a little money, maybe he could make things better—for himself and for his dad.
“That kind of love doesn’t happen to guys like me. It doesn’t exist in my world.”
Eric Harper doesn’t believe in love. Not when it comes to finding it for himself, anyway. Not the kind of love his brother found with Chase. Or the kind of love his parents had. Maybe it’s because he lives in the small town of Baxter Springs. Maybe it’s because he hasn't really put himself out there to find the right person. Maybe it’s him.
“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”
When Eric hires Ryan to work at the ranch, it’s supposed to be a temporary position. Just two or three weeks. That was the plan. The part that wasn’t planned? The sizzling chemistry between them, and worst of all…. falling in love.
This is Book 2 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home first to meet the rest of the crew!
Ryan Turner is looking for a better life. His abusive, alcoholic father has been getting worse ever since his mom passed away twelve years ago. Struggling with his sexuality, Ryan works hard, takes night classes, keeps his head down and does his best to look after his dad, but he’s not sure how much longer he can keep it up. If he just had a little time, a little space to work out his feelings, a little money, maybe he could make things better—for himself and for his dad.
“That kind of love doesn’t happen to guys like me. It doesn’t exist in my world.”
Eric Harper doesn’t believe in love. Not when it comes to finding it for himself, anyway. Not the kind of love his brother found with Chase. Or the kind of love his parents had. Maybe it’s because he lives in the small town of Baxter Springs. Maybe it’s because he hasn't really put himself out there to find the right person. Maybe it’s him.
“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”
When Eric hires Ryan to work at the ranch, it’s supposed to be a temporary position. Just two or three weeks. That was the plan. The part that wasn’t planned? The sizzling chemistry between them, and worst of all…. falling in love.
This is Book 2 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home first to meet the rest of the crew!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2018
103 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 9, 2018
This just might be my favorite Avery Ford book so far, definitely one of the top 3. And I’ve read almost all (15-20ish) of the books this author has put out already so that’s saying a lot. This book is part of a series but could totally be read as a stand-alone if you wanted to Skip Bens story (Bens book Coming Home, Baxter Springs 1 wasn’t one of my favorites)
But this book.... This book is HOT. Like right from the prologue we get a super steamy shower scene and all throughout the book the Heat factor is turned up. I loved Ryan and Eric, and I was really impressed how Eric just goes with the flow when he realizes his feelings for Ryan and just doesn’t even bat an eye that he totally, head over heels falls for a guy.. He stands by Ryan through all their family issues. Ryan is super cute, sweet and a likeable character as well. Good book. I really enjoyed this one.
But this book.... This book is HOT. Like right from the prologue we get a super steamy shower scene and all throughout the book the Heat factor is turned up. I loved Ryan and Eric, and I was really impressed how Eric just goes with the flow when he realizes his feelings for Ryan and just doesn’t even bat an eye that he totally, head over heels falls for a guy.. He stands by Ryan through all their family issues. Ryan is super cute, sweet and a likeable character as well. Good book. I really enjoyed this one.
June 21, 2018
I found this book to be just okay. I was expecting more after reading about Ben and Chase. The insta-love and insta-forgiveness was too much for me.
June 10, 2018
I am an avid fan of Avery Ford, so I am thrilled to get to read Coming Out.
This book focuses on Eric and Ryan. Eric has had to watch his brother fall in love and get married. He is happy for them, but he doesn't ever plan on finding that kind of love.
Ryan is a new, temporary employee of Eric's on the ranch. Neither expects the chemistry between them. They just click immediately, as if they have always known each other. Neither expects anything to come from this chemistry though.
Ryan's father is an alcoholic and makes life miserable for Ryan. Ryan has clearly seen and witnessed too much in his life. Eric knows he shouldn't get involved, but he wi too tempted and decides to take a chance. He has never been attracted to a guy before, but he really wants to see what could happen.
I absolutely love Ryan. His attitude is amazing. He has it so damn rough, living with his dad and putting up with way more than he should have to. But, he never allows himself to feel too down about it. He knows his life isn't great. But he also knows that everyone else also seems to have problems. Thus, he isn't convinced that anyone else has a better life that he has. What a refreshing way to look at things. He would rather be happy than not, so he chooses to be happy.
One of my favorite quotes from it is '“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”'
When they decide to get involved with each other, Eric is willing to take a risk. But Ryan is hesitant. He is afraid that Eric had never been with a guy before and might not be able to come out to people. On the other hand, when he is with Eric, he feels safe. Ryan knows that he can count on the gentle, caring, and strong man.
And Eric. Oh, sweet, sweet Eric. He is so determined and dependable. Once he decides to be with Ryan, he doesn't look back. He doesn't care about labeling his sexuality. He doesn't care what people will think. He just knows that he wants Ryan in his life and he isn't going to let himself live in fear or secrecy.
I love the way the author deals with Ryan's alcoholic father. Everything is so real, so raw, and yet, the fact that he isn't actually an awful person is refreshing.
Overall, Coming Out is another fantastic book by Avery Ford! I highly recommend it.
This book focuses on Eric and Ryan. Eric has had to watch his brother fall in love and get married. He is happy for them, but he doesn't ever plan on finding that kind of love.
Ryan is a new, temporary employee of Eric's on the ranch. Neither expects the chemistry between them. They just click immediately, as if they have always known each other. Neither expects anything to come from this chemistry though.
Ryan's father is an alcoholic and makes life miserable for Ryan. Ryan has clearly seen and witnessed too much in his life. Eric knows he shouldn't get involved, but he wi too tempted and decides to take a chance. He has never been attracted to a guy before, but he really wants to see what could happen.
I absolutely love Ryan. His attitude is amazing. He has it so damn rough, living with his dad and putting up with way more than he should have to. But, he never allows himself to feel too down about it. He knows his life isn't great. But he also knows that everyone else also seems to have problems. Thus, he isn't convinced that anyone else has a better life that he has. What a refreshing way to look at things. He would rather be happy than not, so he chooses to be happy.
One of my favorite quotes from it is '“Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…”'
When they decide to get involved with each other, Eric is willing to take a risk. But Ryan is hesitant. He is afraid that Eric had never been with a guy before and might not be able to come out to people. On the other hand, when he is with Eric, he feels safe. Ryan knows that he can count on the gentle, caring, and strong man.
And Eric. Oh, sweet, sweet Eric. He is so determined and dependable. Once he decides to be with Ryan, he doesn't look back. He doesn't care about labeling his sexuality. He doesn't care what people will think. He just knows that he wants Ryan in his life and he isn't going to let himself live in fear or secrecy.
I love the way the author deals with Ryan's alcoholic father. Everything is so real, so raw, and yet, the fact that he isn't actually an awful person is refreshing.
Overall, Coming Out is another fantastic book by Avery Ford! I highly recommend it.
June 5, 2018
Ryan Turner has a very hard life, looking after his drunk father, going to school and working. When Eric Harper is looking for someone to work on the ranch while his brother, Chase, and his husband are on their honeymoon he jumps at the chance. He and Eric have such chemistry they gradually find themselves falling in love even though Eric had always thought of himself as straight. But what happens when his father finds out leaves him alone and afraid for his future. Would Eric help him? What do you think?!
Scorching!
Scorching!
June 12, 2018
I really enjoyed Coming Out (Baxter Springs Book 2). After meeting Eric in Coming Home, it was nice to see him get a story of his own. He and Ryan were great together. I like the way Avery Ford wrote Eric's realization that he was attracted to another man and addressed it so that "love is love" as it should be. Although things were new to Eric, he was not shy when he got going. He and Ryan had some steamy encounters, and not just the ones in the shower!
I like that, although there was a stated age difference, it was not treated as an issue for the couple. Again, this was a well written "love is love" story that showed love knows no gender, age, etc. It's just love. It was nice to read a story that didn't blow either of those issues up so that the characters were freaking out about them. I also like the drama and soft suspense in the interactions between Ryan and his father, Kevin, and I like the way that was resolved.
Having enjoyed Coming Home so much, it was great to get an update on Ben and Chase. I can't wait to see what this author has lined up for us. Perhaps Jake will come to the forefront. (wink wink)
I like that, although there was a stated age difference, it was not treated as an issue for the couple. Again, this was a well written "love is love" story that showed love knows no gender, age, etc. It's just love. It was nice to read a story that didn't blow either of those issues up so that the characters were freaking out about them. I also like the drama and soft suspense in the interactions between Ryan and his father, Kevin, and I like the way that was resolved.
Having enjoyed Coming Home so much, it was great to get an update on Ben and Chase. I can't wait to see what this author has lined up for us. Perhaps Jake will come to the forefront. (wink wink)
June 15, 2018
The second book in the Baxter Springs series and I think just a good as the first.
Eric, brother of Ben from book 1, has hired Ryan to help out at the ranch whilst Ben and Chance are on honeymoon. Easy to get along with and hard working, Ryan is a god send in regards to the ranch but confusing to Eric personally. He's finding himself attracted to the man which has never happened before, though he's not had much luck in that area anyway.
Ryan is so very grateful for this new job, giving him much needed income and a reason to be out of the house. Apart from night classes, he spends his time cleaning and cooking for his father who turned to drink since his mother died. Ryan is instantly attracted to Eric. He's both hot and nice which is a novelty for Ryan to know but he cannot lose this job and Eric would never go for Ryan, would he?
This book is wonderful in the attraction of looks and personality between both MC's. It may be a first for Eric but he handles it well and manages to put Ryan at ease so often. When he learns of the man's troubles, all he wants is to help and protect.
Ryan has a lot on his plate, dealing with an alcoholic father, a full time job, and night classes for a future career. But even with all of that, he accepts anything that Eric is willing to give him. Ryan has a constant positive outlook and it manages to draw Eric to him even more.
The two together are so sweet but you can't help but find them adorable.
We get to see Ben and Chance again at the beginning and end but they also help to bring the two MC's of this book together.
Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to a book 3. I'd recommend this book as a contemporary romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Eric, brother of Ben from book 1, has hired Ryan to help out at the ranch whilst Ben and Chance are on honeymoon. Easy to get along with and hard working, Ryan is a god send in regards to the ranch but confusing to Eric personally. He's finding himself attracted to the man which has never happened before, though he's not had much luck in that area anyway.
Ryan is so very grateful for this new job, giving him much needed income and a reason to be out of the house. Apart from night classes, he spends his time cleaning and cooking for his father who turned to drink since his mother died. Ryan is instantly attracted to Eric. He's both hot and nice which is a novelty for Ryan to know but he cannot lose this job and Eric would never go for Ryan, would he?
This book is wonderful in the attraction of looks and personality between both MC's. It may be a first for Eric but he handles it well and manages to put Ryan at ease so often. When he learns of the man's troubles, all he wants is to help and protect.
Ryan has a lot on his plate, dealing with an alcoholic father, a full time job, and night classes for a future career. But even with all of that, he accepts anything that Eric is willing to give him. Ryan has a constant positive outlook and it manages to draw Eric to him even more.
The two together are so sweet but you can't help but find them adorable.
We get to see Ben and Chance again at the beginning and end but they also help to bring the two MC's of this book together.
Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to a book 3. I'd recommend this book as a contemporary romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 29, 2018
Two-for-One
This review will cover both Book 1 and Book 2 of the series (are there any others coming?)
I really liked "Coming Home," the first in the Baxter Springs series, because even though it was obvious from the start that Ben and Chase would take the friends-to-lovers road, author Avery Ford got us down the road without condescension or too much angst.
But what lurked beneath the narrative at all times was the question of where Ben's brother Eric fit into the tale. After all, he and Ben owned and ran the ranch that they inherited two years before when their parents were killed in a car crash. Chase, who left Baxter Springs for the Marines right after a fateful kiss from Ben following high school graduation (the Prologue), did not know about this, which is one of the only "uh, duh" aspects of the overall plot.
Still, one got the impression that even though Ben was out from high school, and Eric lived in his own house on the prairie, they were pretty much alike in character and looks (one supposes it's Ben on the cover of "Coming Home," and Eric on the cover of "Coming Out.") The play, here, is that gay Ben and somewhat curious Chase would dance around each other until they found a HEA scenario--which was really almost cute despite the nastiness that occurred getting there.
And in the second book, openly gay but abused (by his father) Ryan and somewhat curious Eric were to do their own little dance in almost the same way as did Ben and Chase. (I really thought the Prologue in this one was just wrong, why read the rest of the book? No spoilers). That they also got to a HEA without too much angst but lots of tears of joy brought a nice coda to a couple of books that are easy on the eyes and mind.
This review will cover both Book 1 and Book 2 of the series (are there any others coming?)
I really liked "Coming Home," the first in the Baxter Springs series, because even though it was obvious from the start that Ben and Chase would take the friends-to-lovers road, author Avery Ford got us down the road without condescension or too much angst.
But what lurked beneath the narrative at all times was the question of where Ben's brother Eric fit into the tale. After all, he and Ben owned and ran the ranch that they inherited two years before when their parents were killed in a car crash. Chase, who left Baxter Springs for the Marines right after a fateful kiss from Ben following high school graduation (the Prologue), did not know about this, which is one of the only "uh, duh" aspects of the overall plot.
Still, one got the impression that even though Ben was out from high school, and Eric lived in his own house on the prairie, they were pretty much alike in character and looks (one supposes it's Ben on the cover of "Coming Home," and Eric on the cover of "Coming Out.") The play, here, is that gay Ben and somewhat curious Chase would dance around each other until they found a HEA scenario--which was really almost cute despite the nastiness that occurred getting there.
And in the second book, openly gay but abused (by his father) Ryan and somewhat curious Eric were to do their own little dance in almost the same way as did Ben and Chase. (I really thought the Prologue in this one was just wrong, why read the rest of the book? No spoilers). That they also got to a HEA without too much angst but lots of tears of joy brought a nice coda to a couple of books that are easy on the eyes and mind.
June 7, 2018
She's done it again! This is book 2 in this series and is so good. It concentrates on Ben's older brother Eric, we met him in book 1 and he was very supportive,so glad we get to know him and watch him fall in love I'm this book.
The object of his slightly obsessive behaviour is Ryan who is doing everything he can to better his situation. He is helping out on the ranch while Ben is on his honeymoon.
Watching/reading about these two circle each other at the beginning was sweet and how Eric came to accept he's not completely straight was enjoyable and the two of them together was hot and sexy.
This is a most enjoyable book and the characters are as well written and loveable as always, A lovely read - Roll on book 3 can't wait.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The object of his slightly obsessive behaviour is Ryan who is doing everything he can to better his situation. He is helping out on the ranch while Ben is on his honeymoon.
Watching/reading about these two circle each other at the beginning was sweet and how Eric came to accept he's not completely straight was enjoyable and the two of them together was hot and sexy.
This is a most enjoyable book and the characters are as well written and loveable as always, A lovely read - Roll on book 3 can't wait.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 7, 2018
Beautiful GFY story.
Coming Out follows Eric who we met in Coming Home.
Eric's brother is going on his honeymoon and Eric hires Ryan to help work the ranch while Ben is away.
Ryan is pretty. But men should not be pretty, and Eric should not notice how smooth his skin is and how perfect his lips are. Eric is not gay!!!
This is a GFY story and I enjoyed watching Eric own his sexuality.
Ryan was sweet. At times I wanted to climb into my kindle and just hug him.
I was a well written book and hope that there are more to come in the Baxter Springs series.
Coming Out follows Eric who we met in Coming Home.
Eric's brother is going on his honeymoon and Eric hires Ryan to help work the ranch while Ben is away.
Ryan is pretty. But men should not be pretty, and Eric should not notice how smooth his skin is and how perfect his lips are. Eric is not gay!!!
This is a GFY story and I enjoyed watching Eric own his sexuality.
Ryan was sweet. At times I wanted to climb into my kindle and just hug him.
I was a well written book and hope that there are more to come in the Baxter Springs series.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book although the characters weren't as captivating as in book one it was still well written and a good read.
Ryan starts working on the ranch and it becomes his safe place. Ryan feels his attraction to Eric and he becomes his safe place. Home life for Ryan is not good and he struggles with it.
Eric doesn't know why he feels the way he does for Ryan he only knows his feelings are deep and getting deeper.
I was lovely to here from Ben and Chase.
The end of this book brought a tear to my eye and I enjoyed reading it.
Ryan starts working on the ranch and it becomes his safe place. Ryan feels his attraction to Eric and he becomes his safe place. Home life for Ryan is not good and he struggles with it.
Eric doesn't know why he feels the way he does for Ryan he only knows his feelings are deep and getting deeper.
I was lovely to here from Ben and Chase.
The end of this book brought a tear to my eye and I enjoyed reading it.
April 10, 2019
It is a nice feel good story. I liked how Eric just dove in his emotions fearlessly. I liked the fact that sexuality can be fluid and love is love, not entirely related to gender. But the backgroung story was a bit boring and I missed more intimate scenes. Ryan's father recovery was so fast and unrealistic. The story can't end with a bit of set back? The masturbation scenes: when they happen in every single story, it is boring.
Oh I love how the characters respect and support each other. It find it super sexy and hot when the partner asks if he can go any further, if everything is ok.
Oh I love how the characters respect and support each other. It find it super sexy and hot when the partner asks if he can go any further, if everything is ok.
June 6, 2018
Ok honestly, I wanted to smack the crap out of Ryan's dad from the very first! How could a parent treat their child like that??? Putting that aside I think that Ryan and Eric are just perfect together. Instant attraction is fun and these two have to power to carry it off. Even though this is the second book in the Baxter Springs series you can still read it as a stand alone but why would you, Coming Home is just as adorable so get them both and make yourself happy.
June 10, 2018
After reading book 1 in this series, I was certainly not disappointed with book 2.
Eric turned out to be as great and caring as I thought from book 1. I loved how Ryan was able to find a home, love and most certainly his forever in Eric. Ryan deserves all the happiness after the way his life turned out after the death of his mother.
To say I was surprised at how Avery went with the conversation between Eric and Ben was a great twist and shows the bond these 2 brothers have for each other
Eric turned out to be as great and caring as I thought from book 1. I loved how Ryan was able to find a home, love and most certainly his forever in Eric. Ryan deserves all the happiness after the way his life turned out after the death of his mother.
To say I was surprised at how Avery went with the conversation between Eric and Ben was a great twist and shows the bond these 2 brothers have for each other
June 11, 2018
This is a very touching and heartwarming story that I love. Great storyline that captivated me from the very beginning and kept me hooked all the way through. Eric and Ryan are wonderful characters with incredible chemistry and I really like that they took their time before getting involved. They are a beautiful couple and perfect for each other. I really enjoyed that we also got a glimpse of Ben and Chase from the 1st book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 20, 2018
Eric and Ryan
Guy for you. Eric never dated a guy or thought about them in a romantic way until he met Ryan.
All Ryan wanted was to work and get on with his life. He needed the money to get way from his alcoholic dad.
Meeting Eric and finding the attraction was a bonus.
The romance was sweet but I did not feel the connection tion right away.
It was an ok read.
Guy for you. Eric never dated a guy or thought about them in a romantic way until he met Ryan.
All Ryan wanted was to work and get on with his life. He needed the money to get way from his alcoholic dad.
Meeting Eric and finding the attraction was a bonus.
The romance was sweet but I did not feel the connection tion right away.
It was an ok read.
August 13, 2018
A sweet story but a little bland
This story was sweet enough but somewhat band. The dialogue was never very interesting and there is a lot of repetitive rambling over internal character thoughts and to be honest I skimmed most of it. It just isn't gritty enough to be realistic or entertaining.
This story was sweet enough but somewhat band. The dialogue was never very interesting and there is a lot of repetitive rambling over internal character thoughts and to be honest I skimmed most of it. It just isn't gritty enough to be realistic or entertaining.
June 12, 2018
I loved this story. These characters were amazing. Eric didn't always understand his feelings for Ryan, but never denied them. Loved the storytelling, the chemistry, and all the feels. (Works as a standalone, but Book 1 was awesome too... just sayin.)
June 18, 2018
Great!
Eric and Ryan are two guys who found love while working on a farm. Ryan had to get away from an abusive and alcoholic father. Eric had to believe in love . Together, they made a wonderful, perfect and happy couple.
Eric and Ryan are two guys who found love while working on a farm. Ryan had to get away from an abusive and alcoholic father. Eric had to believe in love . Together, they made a wonderful, perfect and happy couple.
August 8, 2018
Sweet story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Eric and Ryan were great together and I loved the ups and downs they had to go through because of Ryan. I can't wait for the next one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Eric and Ryan were great together and I loved the ups and downs they had to go through because of Ryan. I can't wait for the next one.
January 17, 2019
Tears
You have a way of almost every time I read one of your books to make me cry. Love/hate you. It's in a good way. But it sucks that you pull them out of me. So worth it though. This was a really good book. It was slow to start but it caught fire. A good read.
You have a way of almost every time I read one of your books to make me cry. Love/hate you. It's in a good way. But it sucks that you pull them out of me. So worth it though. This was a really good book. It was slow to start but it caught fire. A good read.
May 6, 2019
Loved it!
Another great book in the Baxter Springs series. I absolutely loved Ryan and Eric and I didn't want their story to end. Awesome catching up with Ben and Chase too. Loved it. Can't wait to read Jake's story next.
Another great book in the Baxter Springs series. I absolutely loved Ryan and Eric and I didn't want their story to end. Awesome catching up with Ben and Chase too. Loved it. Can't wait to read Jake's story next.
June 10, 2018
2.75☆
it was an ok read but
too insta-lovey for my taste .
it was an ok read but
too insta-lovey for my taste .
June 15, 2018
This was a nice read. The only thing I didn’t understand was the prologue. It was a scene from later in the story, where the same scene was repeated. The prologue wasn’t needed IMO.
June 16, 2018
Good love story!
Such a good LOVE story! Really makes you think about the inner workings of our emotions around love... love is love. Really good story
Such a good LOVE story! Really makes you think about the inner workings of our emotions around love... love is love. Really good story
June 16, 2018
FYI Prologue is spoiler
Wonderful book eccept for prologue (can't stand them) which ruins the suspense and gives it away. Otherwise good light reading and warm fuzzy story
Wonderful book eccept for prologue (can't stand them) which ruins the suspense and gives it away. Otherwise good light reading and warm fuzzy story
December 5, 2018
Sweet characters. -1 for the insta love, this story should have been spread several on weeks/months not just 2 weeks.
July 7, 2018
Enjoyable Read
Coming Out is an enjoyable read though not as good as the first book in the series, Coming Home. It's well worth the time to read.
Coming Out is an enjoyable read though not as good as the first book in the series, Coming Home. It's well worth the time to read.
February 16, 2019
Nice story & always a happy end
But sometimes the Protagonist
has a bit too much the Pink Glasses on
and it ends in Cliches.
Therefore only 4 Stars out of five.
But sometimes the Protagonist
has a bit too much the Pink Glasses on
and it ends in Cliches.
Therefore only 4 Stars out of five.
August 2, 2021
I based the rating on the fact that I did love the main characters. However, the story still felt flat.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews