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Baxter Springs #3
Coming Together
“I don’t need any more distraction.”
Preston Taylor is in trouble. In the ten years he's been a star on Broadway, he's dealt with his share of crazy. When a deranged fan starts sending death threats, Preston is forced to hire security.
What he doesn't expect is that in order to protect himself, Preston has to pretend he's dating his hot new bodyguard. But when make believe starts to blur with reality, the hardest part will be to remember that none of it is supposed to last.
“We’re going to pretend we’re dating. You just have to trust me.”
Jake Carpenter has spent his entire life taking care of people. Whether in the military or as a hired bodyguard, he keeps people safe. It's his purpose in life, and he takes it seriously.
From the first time he lays eyes on Preston, he is drawn to the man's beauty and surprised by his feelings. Jake has never felt this way for another man before. After all, he's straight and always has been... right?
“Sometimes opposites really do attract.”
Jake isn’t looking for a friend. Preston doesn’t have time for a lover. Forced to make the best of a bad situation, the last thing they expect is to bring out the best in each other. When it comes time to make a hard decision, will they play it safe or take a chance on love?
This is Book 3 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home and Coming Out to meet the rest of the crew!
Preston Taylor is in trouble. In the ten years he's been a star on Broadway, he's dealt with his share of crazy. When a deranged fan starts sending death threats, Preston is forced to hire security.
What he doesn't expect is that in order to protect himself, Preston has to pretend he's dating his hot new bodyguard. But when make believe starts to blur with reality, the hardest part will be to remember that none of it is supposed to last.
“We’re going to pretend we’re dating. You just have to trust me.”
Jake Carpenter has spent his entire life taking care of people. Whether in the military or as a hired bodyguard, he keeps people safe. It's his purpose in life, and he takes it seriously.
From the first time he lays eyes on Preston, he is drawn to the man's beauty and surprised by his feelings. Jake has never felt this way for another man before. After all, he's straight and always has been... right?
“Sometimes opposites really do attract.”
Jake isn’t looking for a friend. Preston doesn’t have time for a lover. Forced to make the best of a bad situation, the last thing they expect is to bring out the best in each other. When it comes time to make a hard decision, will they play it safe or take a chance on love?
This is Book 3 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home and Coming Out to meet the rest of the crew!
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2018
56 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 16, 2018
I previously read the first two books in this series and I have to say that I liked this book the most. I really feel like with this one Avery Ford saved the best book for last. I really enjoyed reading about Jake and Preston. I liked the premise and storyline for this book it was intriguing and kept us in suspense as to who the bad guy was. I think it was interesting and the dynamic between the two men was great. They had and instant connection and while it wasn’t instant love it was definitely instant Lust and affection that turns in to some really heated moments, and it was nice that Jake doesn’t even think twice about Preston being a guy, he just goes with it. I hate that Preston had a stalker to deal with and has to hide out but Jake makes him feel at ease and safe from the moment they meet. The only parts I felt a little let down was the conclusion to the story. I wanted to know more about the stalker. We didn’t really get a reasoning for why he was after Preston and hated him so much, I wanted more. But overall this book was good and the story was well written and thought out.
August 2, 2018
Robbie should have shot Ms. Ford for writing such an awful book.
August 4, 2018
I've really enjoyed this series so far and this time we follow Chase's brother, Jake.
He is requested as a bodyguard for Preston, an actor on Broadway who has been receiving threats from an unknown source. After a period of clashing heads they arrive at Baxter Springs and Brad and Chase's farm to lay low for a few days. In order to keep their trip low key, they pretend to be in a relationship though the line between professional and personal becomes blurred.
Preston and Jake are both strong willed and stubborn but with Preston's life on the line it becomes clear that Jake knows what he is doing. Reading their growing friendship and attraction is interesting and it's great to read Jake not struggling against his feelings. A joke is even made about Chase clearing the way with their parents when he came out.
We have funny moments as well as tense ones, time spent with family and friends as well as just the two men. I love the sense of family and home that comes through their time spent at Baxter Springs. Just because both men live in New York it doesn't mean that they don't enjoy the quiet and the chance to be away from the danger that is rising for Preston.
Another good story from Avery Ford. The characters in this series have been enjoyable to read about and follow their relationships throughout. It was great having the previous couples/family members from book 1 and 2 included. I think it adds to the enjoyment of each book as we get to revisit people and places from books read before.
I'd recommend this book and it would help with character connections to have read the previous books but it definitely isn't necessary to have done so.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
He is requested as a bodyguard for Preston, an actor on Broadway who has been receiving threats from an unknown source. After a period of clashing heads they arrive at Baxter Springs and Brad and Chase's farm to lay low for a few days. In order to keep their trip low key, they pretend to be in a relationship though the line between professional and personal becomes blurred.
Preston and Jake are both strong willed and stubborn but with Preston's life on the line it becomes clear that Jake knows what he is doing. Reading their growing friendship and attraction is interesting and it's great to read Jake not struggling against his feelings. A joke is even made about Chase clearing the way with their parents when he came out.
We have funny moments as well as tense ones, time spent with family and friends as well as just the two men. I love the sense of family and home that comes through their time spent at Baxter Springs. Just because both men live in New York it doesn't mean that they don't enjoy the quiet and the chance to be away from the danger that is rising for Preston.
Another good story from Avery Ford. The characters in this series have been enjoyable to read about and follow their relationships throughout. It was great having the previous couples/family members from book 1 and 2 included. I think it adds to the enjoyment of each book as we get to revisit people and places from books read before.
I'd recommend this book and it would help with character connections to have read the previous books but it definitely isn't necessary to have done so.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 24, 2018
Perfect Ending
If this is the last book in the series (and there isn't a hint of another one), this could not be better IMHO. Two wonderfully drawn characters in Jake and Preston whose relationship is spurred by a somewhat nebulous plotline about threats to Preston's life. More on that later.
What makes this so wonderful is an absolutely terrific return of Jake's brother Chase, his husband Ben, the latter's brother Eric and his boyfriend Randy, who along with Jake and Chase's parents turn this into a family story of deep love and love discovered.
I loved Jake (on the cover), who goes from hard ass ex-military straight man to a human being, and I liked Preston as well, even though he was a bit less developed from a physical POV than Jake, who is right there for us to ogle. How they go from seriously disgusted-with-each-other to can't-live-without-each-other is a nicely told tale filled with good, reasonable and real dialogue and some steamy scenes.
While I really liked this one a bit more than the first two, I do have two niggling things that I did not like: First, the resolution of the plot is too quickly accomplished and some real holes are left for us to try to figure out. Second, while I loved the Epilogue, I would have much preferred a "different position" and an absence of "protection."
Other than that, grab this one--I am going to look for more from this author.
If this is the last book in the series (and there isn't a hint of another one), this could not be better IMHO. Two wonderfully drawn characters in Jake and Preston whose relationship is spurred by a somewhat nebulous plotline about threats to Preston's life. More on that later.
What makes this so wonderful is an absolutely terrific return of Jake's brother Chase, his husband Ben, the latter's brother Eric and his boyfriend Randy, who along with Jake and Chase's parents turn this into a family story of deep love and love discovered.
I loved Jake (on the cover), who goes from hard ass ex-military straight man to a human being, and I liked Preston as well, even though he was a bit less developed from a physical POV than Jake, who is right there for us to ogle. How they go from seriously disgusted-with-each-other to can't-live-without-each-other is a nicely told tale filled with good, reasonable and real dialogue and some steamy scenes.
While I really liked this one a bit more than the first two, I do have two niggling things that I did not like: First, the resolution of the plot is too quickly accomplished and some real holes are left for us to try to figure out. Second, while I loved the Epilogue, I would have much preferred a "different position" and an absence of "protection."
Other than that, grab this one--I am going to look for more from this author.
July 20, 2018
An Awesome final book to an amazing trilogy
I really enjoyed this final book in the Baxter Springs series ❤️
I adore Jake and Preston, I love the whole bodyguard and star fall in love storyline and I always have a soft spot for a “Straight” guy falling for another guy 😉
I loved catching up with the all the guys from books 1&2, it was awesome seeing them living so happy together ❤️
I loved how this book had a bit more action, drama and angst, I don’t read really angsty books,, I love my romance to much.. but this book had just the perfect amount to keep you interested and wanting to know what happens next..
I really loved how accepting Jake was of his feelings for Preston, most “straight” guys always try to fight it or hide it, but once Jake felt the connection with Preston he totally embraced it 😏
I’ve really enjoyed reading this trilogy the past two days, I’ve loved every book and I couldn’t possibly pick a fave couple, they are all just as amazing in their own way ❤️
I can’t wait to read more books by this author
I really enjoyed this final book in the Baxter Springs series ❤️
I adore Jake and Preston, I love the whole bodyguard and star fall in love storyline and I always have a soft spot for a “Straight” guy falling for another guy 😉
I loved catching up with the all the guys from books 1&2, it was awesome seeing them living so happy together ❤️
I loved how this book had a bit more action, drama and angst, I don’t read really angsty books,, I love my romance to much.. but this book had just the perfect amount to keep you interested and wanting to know what happens next..
I really loved how accepting Jake was of his feelings for Preston, most “straight” guys always try to fight it or hide it, but once Jake felt the connection with Preston he totally embraced it 😏
I’ve really enjoyed reading this trilogy the past two days, I’ve loved every book and I couldn’t possibly pick a fave couple, they are all just as amazing in their own way ❤️
I can’t wait to read more books by this author
July 8, 2018
I enjoyed the conclusion to this series. I had hoped that Jake would end up home and I wasn't disappointed.
The circumstances of Jake returning home were not the greatest but it reminded him and showed Preston "home" and that sometimes getting away is needed.
I liked how the timeline was based a year apart so that we were catching up on the lives of the previous couples and seeing how in love they all still were.
The only thing keeping a 5 star for me, was Jake realizing he was gay/bi was a bit anti-climatic and would have like to maybe see a bit more of the suspense but still overall a great quick read as usual
The circumstances of Jake returning home were not the greatest but it reminded him and showed Preston "home" and that sometimes getting away is needed.
I liked how the timeline was based a year apart so that we were catching up on the lives of the previous couples and seeing how in love they all still were.
The only thing keeping a 5 star for me, was Jake realizing he was gay/bi was a bit anti-climatic and would have like to maybe see a bit more of the suspense but still overall a great quick read as usual
July 13, 2018
Love this addition to the series. Jake meets Preston when he's hired as Preston's bodyguard and they end up going to Jake's brother's ranch, where Ben and Chase live, to hide out while the police try to track down Preston's stalker. I really love watching Preston and Jake grow closer and their relationship develop as they get to know one another. Their chemistry is off the charts and their connection is strong. It was great seeing the characters from the other books in the series. Great ending and love their HEA!
July 17, 2018
Another great story in The Baxter springs series. Jake is a very head strong body guard and Preston is a Broadway star that is use to getting his way, put the two together and you have an explosive combo. Then just for the fun of it Avery threw in a stalker that is just plain mean. Sometimes funny and sometimes a little sad, but all in all it is a great story so get it and read away!
August 10, 2018
Good!
This book was very enjoyable to read showing that even though Preston was in danger from a nut case, Jake was there to protect him. Young people need to always be careful as to who you let into your house!
This book was very enjoyable to read showing that even though Preston was in danger from a nut case, Jake was there to protect him. Young people need to always be careful as to who you let into your house!
May 26, 2019
Loved it!
Another great book in the Baxter Springs series. I absolutely loved Preston and Jake and I didn't want their story to end. It was also awesome catching up with Chase and Ben and Eric and Ryan. Loved it!
Another great book in the Baxter Springs series. I absolutely loved Preston and Jake and I didn't want their story to end. It was also awesome catching up with Chase and Ben and Eric and Ryan. Loved it!
July 25, 2018
I loved this book! Preston and Jake had great chemistry. All the characters were so likeable. In fact, I've liked all 3 books in this series. I can't wait to read what this author does next.
July 17, 2018
Not enough drama and suspense and too much instalove
August 8, 2018
Interesting story!
I was looking forward to Jake's story and I wasn't disappointed. Preston was a doll and the premise was interesting. Enjoyed the series a lot.
I was looking forward to Jake's story and I wasn't disappointed. Preston was a doll and the premise was interesting. Enjoyed the series a lot.
April 13, 2019
If it were the first book I was reading I would say it is a nice story. But this is the fifth and it follows the same story structure of the previous ones so it just got boring.
August 29, 2019
Coming Together
Omg this book was absolutely amazing and was a page turner. I would highly recommend this book. I loved this.
Omg this book was absolutely amazing and was a page turner. I would highly recommend this book. I loved this.
August 2, 2021
Didn't hold my interest like the first 2 books did.
July 24, 2018
I believe that this is the final book in the Baxter Springs series. Although this is the third book, it can be read as a standalone; however there is mention of previous characters, so I would suggest reading them in order.
We met Jake in previous books and we finally get to see Jake go home to Baxter Springs.
Jake is hired as a bodyguard for Preston, and he decides that it's best to get Preston out of the city while the police try to find his stalker. Jake takes Preston back to Baxter Springs and stays with his brother and his husband on their ranch.
I enjoyed the pairing of Jake and Preston.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
We met Jake in previous books and we finally get to see Jake go home to Baxter Springs.
Jake is hired as a bodyguard for Preston, and he decides that it's best to get Preston out of the city while the police try to find his stalker. Jake takes Preston back to Baxter Springs and stays with his brother and his husband on their ranch.
I enjoyed the pairing of Jake and Preston.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
October 13, 2018
I use the conventional Goodreads scale-2 Stars: It Was OK
July 9, 2018
This is another great story! There are definitely times that I wanted to shake Jake and Preston for them to understand how much they like each other. However their chemistry together is amazing and I love every mintue of this book. I definitely recommend this book.
July 30, 2018
Great book
As with all Avery's books this is another hit. Love this series and can not wait for the next book.
As with all Avery's books this is another hit. Love this series and can not wait for the next book.
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August 5, 2018This guy is a really terrible bodyguard, all around. You don’t take your guy to your brothers house. Even is your using your brothers house as a “safe house” then don’t take your guy to the city and to restaurants.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews