Tired of hookups, Caspian Grey is hitting the gym, though he can’t decide who he’s trying to impress—the sexy gym owner, or his dating app buddy, Bi Unicorn. If he can pack on some muscles, maybe a man will finally overlook his quirks and hold onto him.
Matt Rowan owns a safe, welcoming gym, but his bank account and love life are equally empty. Matt is too shy to ask out members—even the intriguing new guy. If only he could talk himself into meeting Swishy Like Wine, who seems like a perfect fit for the hole in his heart.
When homophobic protesters harass Matt's gym members, things risk falling apart completely, but Caspian supports his decision not to give them an inch. If they can learn to open up face-to-face, they might both be exactly what the other man needs.
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 blush-inducing text messages, sassy church ladies to the rescue, and two badly timed gifts.
E. 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.
Got this as a freebie didn't realise it was 6th in a series. It can read as a standalone though a number of the characters clearly have their own books.
This started good, two very likeable guys, a nice friendly town with an above average rate of LGBT people. I liked how they met, how they got together. It was almost a higher rating, there's humour, it's light fluffy and feel-good. But it's also a book with an agenda and however worthy that took over. There's long talks about labels and being bi, even between two people who meet in a business environment and have no reason to be discussing anything personal. It's all supportive rather than lecturing but while between Matt and Cas it was nice, a couple speaking openly and acceptingly, it became too much, to the detriment of any actual relationship development. They talk a lot about being bi, but not enough about being together.
There's too much about the characters glossed over. Cas likes satin and lace underwear, it's shapes his self-image and yet seemed more for awkward reveal than explored, and would you really wear your fancies for a gym workout? He's an artist but we have no real visual of his work or mediums or how he sustains himself. Matt owns a gym but has less ideas about running one than a granny from the church group post hip op. I've stepped into one gym, once - and I have more of a concept than him! His low self-esteem started to wear at me.
Really speaking they only had one date. They never introduce each other to friends or family; found it odd at one point Cas's best friend attends Matt's gym class but there's nothing to indicate they've met or know anything of each other. Considering they're combined insecurities wanted to see them out and proud rather than facing of some non-threat.
The drama is anti-climax and makes no sense, I kept expecting a deeper conspiracy that never materialised. It was nice to see a positive religious figure.
Um it's nice, but without the grannies there'd be nothing. As much as I want to like this it could have been condensed into half the length and would work a whole lot better.
**** E. Davies stories have so much heart and magnificent characters. In this little town of Hidden Creek, there is a chance for everyone to feel good and fit in. Matt owns a gym, LIFT; he's newly active gay, smiling, strong, lean, and his Grindr name is "bi-unicorn." Caspian/Cas is a cute, thin blonde twink, who is a Crafter of kitch, (he wears silk and lace undies) and his Grindr name is "Swishy like wine."
The guys begin texting, and really get to know each other, then meet at the gym, but don't know they are meeting their text friend. After a couple of dates it comes out and they couldn't be happier.
This is a sweet tale of inner thoughts, confusion, lessons on life, overcoming negativity, and seeing unconditional acceptance of everyone. Some un-christian folks are targeting Matt's gym with lies, petitions and protests.
We see diversity, like Matt's business gal, Rory, who is transgender and her girlfriend. Plus, we get explanations on non-binary people, and more, as we learn how folks feel about being labeled.
Matt and Caspian both have some self esteem issues, and don't think anyone is going to like them for who they are. They are both relatively shy, or at least Cas is until he gets to know someone. I loved watching him come out of his shell. The guys meet each other at the gym Matt owns when Cas goes there thinking he should work out to get better looking for guys to notice him. Meanwhile, the guys end up "meeting" without knowing who the other is over an app. They start texting and anonymously share a lot about themselves. When they finally realize who they are, it is a great start of a relationship because they started building a friendship first. I loved their texts to each other. Too cute.
There was some drama surrounding homophobia, but I loved how it was handled and how the community rallied around the gym. I also loved how nonbinary and trans were discussed positively in the story. There honestly was lots to love in the book, and I adored it. (And seriously-no pun intended. I didn't realize I wrote this until I did my read through before submitting, but it was too cute to remove...lol). I was glad to revisit Cora, Gabe, and Ryan, and also to see briefly a bunch of other guys from the other books.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
Cas and Matt have a sweet romance. They both want a relationship but neither one are very good at dating.
They adore each other though and both are great guys. This is nice book with a good look at how to make gyms welcoming to everyone and how everyday art matters.
The small town is fun as is the circle of friends.
This is a fantastic book! I absolutely adore Matt and Cas and enjoyed following along on their journey. These characters are fun, vibrant and passionate. I could say more but I don’t want to give anything away. This can be read as a stand alone. A really enjoyable story.
Tired of hookups, Caspian Grey is hitting the gym, though he can’t decide who he’s trying to impress—the sexy gym owner, or his dating app buddy, Bi Unicorn. If he can pack on some muscles, maybe a man will finally overlook his quirks and hold onto him.
Matt Rowan owns a safe, welcoming gym, but his bank account and love life are equally empty. Matt is too shy to ask out members—even the intriguing new guy. If only he could talk himself into meeting Swishy Like Wine, who seems like a perfect fit for the hole in his heart.
When homophobic protesters harass Matt's gym members, things risk falling apart completely, but Caspian supports his decision not to give them an inch. If they can learn to open up face-to-face, they might both be exactly what the other man needs.
I am happy to see Cas get his happily ever after. When he was introduced last season, I knew he had a story to tell. I also kept saying their was a story behind the gym. Well Ed brought both of those together and created a wonderful story I didn't see coming.
Taking two am both with insecurities to dating was a task. I don't think it would have half as great if it had been anyone else to write it. I can feel that Caspian is a bit of the author and his experiences which made it better.
Another great one from E. Davies. Love this collection from 'Men Off Hidden Creek' and Caspian Grey and Matt Rowan story. The setting for the characters to come together is perfect, in a situation where they might both don't feel confident actually puts them on the same level. Not knowing they already connected when they become friends, that just shows you if you're face to face or shy online chatting you can still make a lasting connection. Every book E. Davies writes makes me happy and smile, with worlds with new views on equality and changing the norm. Cas and Matt are filled with love, chemistry and a happy ever after. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
**) .•.•*) .•*) (.• (.•`*What I like about E. Davies is his ability to tell such sweet, slow burning stories that have a happy ending behind them. Welcome back to Hidden Creek, season two, "where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after."
I wrote to my friend Barb that this book of E.Davies is: "like watching his growing romance, lol." I adored how uncertain and unaware Matt was and how Caspian was his complete opposite. With Cas being a twink, one would have thought he would be less confident, but that man radiated confidence out of his pours, no matter the situation. I enjoyed how he was able to boost Matt's confidence and show him that there was a whole other playing field out there.
Can't wait to delve into the rest of the books and get to know the other characters of this town. And as a P.S., LMAO after Miss Cora. That woman can give another character I love a run for her money. Sharp tongue and quick witted.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
I absolutely ADORED Caspian and Matt's story! What I loved most was the hidden message of accepting others for who they are, not who they love, not religion, sexuality, creed, or anything else. Caspian and Matt both had issues to deal with. Caspian's insecurities about being accepted by a partner because of what he likes to wear. Matt's struggles with his gym being targeted by trolls as well as accepting that sexuality wise, he doesn't want nor know, how to label himself. All he knows is that there's something about Caspian that makes him want to finally try and have a relationship. Finally try to work less and play more. It was great to see some of our favourite characters again and I have to admit I REALLY love Cora and her way of dealing with ignorance and intolerance as well as how she loves to play cupid!! Her sharp wit and quick tongue and fantastic!! This book so brilliantly written and, as I've already said, had the brilliant message of accepting others for who they are, at face value, not being bigoted without evidence to back up those bigoted, narrow minded, notions. This truly is worthy of so many more that 5 stars!!! Absolutely LOVED IT!!!
E. Davies has done it again for me! He has a way to making his story so damn sweet that I just fall in love every time. This is no different. We are back in Hidden Creek. I love love love Caspian and Matt story so much!! They are prefect for each other as they give each other the confidence and acceptance to be who they are. I can't wait to read the other story of the other authors.
There was nothing wrong, per se, it just didn't wow me. There should have been more in their initial 'communication', and the protesting situation was anticlimactic. I found this slow and boring.
The Hidden Creek Series is a FANTASTIC collection of books all based in a small Texas town. They are written by different authors and can be read in any order. This story is about Caspian and Matt. Cas is a local artists who has a lucrative business selling lawn art. He is a bit on the lean side and has been picked on in the past for being a twink. Matt has just moved back to town. When he left for college he was a skinny, self conscious, bi curious youth. Moving back, opening up a gym in his small home town, the only thing that has changed is now he has big muscles. Cas is tired of being dropped by Grindr dates and Matt is too busy to date. The way these two change their minds could give you whiplash. I loved this story! These two characters are sooo well written that you can't help but fall in love with them. Hidden Creek is a place that you can only hope exists. Thank You E. Davies for another couple to love and another FANTASTIC EPILOGUE. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS HIDDEN CREEK SERIES!!!
Ed Davies always manages to cast me under his spell. He creates wonderful characters that you can identify with, stories that develop slowly and that captivate you.
Adore is part of the "Men of Hidden Creek" series, we meet characters from all previous books.
Matt and Cas are just wonderful and hot as hell.
Cas is looking for true love, he does not want to be rejected because of his kink. And he decides to go to a gym.
Matt is the owner of the gym. He has problems with social interactions. Sure, he notices Cas as he enters the studio, but he holds back.
Matt and Cas, aka Bi Unicorn and Swishy Like Wine, meet up at Grindr, but quickly bring their entertainment to a private level outside the dating platform. Great the scene where they make an appointment and then actually realize for the first time that they have been communicating with each other for so long.
Matt has big problems with a fundamentalist group that threatens his studio again and again. Nice to read how the city holds against it.
Matt and Cas learn that they are worth loving as they are.
Ed Davies has us return back to Hidden Creek. We meet Matt the gym owner of Lift an Cas who works with wood. Cas looks like a twink with his small lithe body frame and he also loves the feel of lace on his skin. Matt meets Swishy like wine on Grinder. Instead of just a hook up they both like the conversations they share an become flirty friends. Matt has never actually date men even though he has always been attracted to men. Matt notices Cas as soon as he walks in his gym but hes talking to a sweet guy on Grinder but he takes up his courage to ask Swishy like wine out. They decide to meet at the local coffee shop. Both men are shocked when they meet at the coffee shop an realise that they have been talking to each other all along. An that their attraction is real.. Can they make a relationship work. Can Matt see past the lace to the man that wears them. Can Lift survive the protesters? Can these two men go from friends to forever
I really enjoyed E Davies' writing as always. The writing style is quite gentle and leads you in as you get to know both Caspian (Cas) and Matt. Cas is out, having learned who he is and got his business up and running. Matt has been running the local gym, Lift, for about 18 months, but isn't sure whether he wants to date a man, and certainly not one who goes to his gym, he turns to an app for help and starts chatting to a local man, called Swishy. But while Matt is chatting away, he is also admiring one of his gym members. When Matt and Cas actually meet for coffee, they have many things in common, but Matt struggles with what he wants and when people decide to cause problems for his gym, they both need to keep their nerve and the support of friends to get their HEA. An excellent book as always which I received as an ARC. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Delightful story of finding your safe place in someone's heart. I loved this story of two very different men finding their way to being themselves and being accepted. So many people are driven by insecurities from our childhood or from being slightly different than what we think the 'norm' is, and this causes lots of anxiety and insecurity.
Cas and Matt are really beautiful together and i loved the slow burn of them finding each other and falling in love. Learning how to be with someone and how to support each other.
i loved how they communicated and got to know each other. They both were strong and competent men who brought so much to a relationship, but needed to see their own worth.
This book is wonderfully written and will take you on a journey that you will be better for the reading of it. Enjoy!
This is a fantastic book! I absolutely loved Matt and Caspian. These characters are fun, loving and wonderful people. These guys felt real to me they both had issues to deal with( don't we all). Caspian's has some serious insecurities about being accepted as who he is because of what he likes to wear. Matt's struggles with his gym being targeted but idiots, as well as trying to accept sexually wise he does not know what he is. All Matt knows is that there's something special about Caspian that makes him want to try. It was so wonderful to see some of our favorite characters again. I can't wait to see what's next .
Another great story from Hidden Creek Texas. This time the entire town bands around Matt and his gym against attacts from others that just can’t keep their nose out of everyones business! Caspian works the market with his creations and just tries to get along with everyone but would really like a boyfriend. Matt and Caspian venture into the world of couples very slowly. At times funny because Matt is really clueless but Caspian guides him on his way. Thanks E. Davies for a fun filled adventure with Doris and Cora sometimes leading the way
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review" Welcome back to Hidden Creek. Loved the way E Davies brought the characters together. Book is well written & the interaction between the 2 main characters is something to sit back, read & just enjoy.
After an interesting Google search and a terribly awkward phone call to confirm all the new information I garned from this book, I can safely say I know what a 'twunk' is. I've also become quite familiar with the customs and expectations surrounding Grinder. Sadly I don't think I'll have the opportunity show off my new found knowledge in real life. :(
I love small town romances, but for some reason there aren't a lot of MM romances written in that setting so this was a welcome treat. Matt and Cas were an adorable couple and I found myself quite invested in their happiness.
Don't even get me started on the old ladies. They were amazing and I want to be just like them when I grow up.
Anyway, overall that was a quick fun read that had me smiling like an idiot.
At first I thought it was just a little light hearted romance but the author has too many mistakes and it seems like everything that happens is a cliche.
There’s a transgender woman but they are referred to as he at one point and the name is wrong in another place 😑. If you’re going to have a transgender character make damn sure you get the pronouns right. It’s inexcusable. The woman’s name is Rory but they are called Kelly in one part and I had to go back and re read which is annoying. An editor would be a good idea.
There’s a grandmother who of course recently broke their hip. Said grandma is carrying a tray and some other stuff all while using a cane. As a person who has to use a cane I can tell you that’s not gonna happen. Only being able to use one hand really limits what you can carry. Someone who had hip replacement surgery wouldn’t be doing the stuff this grandma does. A little research would have been helpful here.
Of course there’s people in some other place that want to cause trouble because of the bathroom setup? That seems stupid. It finally just became too much and I gave up. These are rookie mistakes and it’s ridiculous.
Another 3 1/2 rating because there is just so much emphasis on what it means to be bi, like the first in the series. This time it's Matt (on the cover) who comes back to Hidden Creek after not getting what he needs in Houston in terms of career or love. He is quickly smitten by Caspian, a good friend of Gabriel, the twink who captured Houston returnee Orion's bisexual heart in the first book.
Got it?
The plot and romance basically follows the outline of the first book, critically moved along by Orion's grandmother Cora, who returns in this one to bring comfort, sanity and resolution to a problem that confronts Matt's fledgling gym--and Matt's confused mind and libido.
It's really a very pleasant if slowly moving ride, and the sex is good as well.
The only problem that I have with this series is that I recommend you should NOT ready each of the three seasons in consecutive order. That's because this book follows the one in Season 1 by author Davies and precedes the one in Season 3 by Davies. I think if I, at least, had moved to each second book by a different author in each series I would have been lost.
Right now I'm on the third Davies book in this series, so I will go back after I finish it and start Book 2 of Season 1 to see if that series moves in the same languid, sweet, way--and if Cora hangs out there as well.
E. Davies and the Men of Hidden Creek are an awesome combination. After seeing Cas in previous books watch his friends find their HEAs, I was happy to see him get his own. Matt was the perfect find for him. They started their relationship off on the right foot by building a genuine friendship. I kept snickering waiting for the moment when each realized who the other really was, but I was outright laughing at Cora. That fiesty little grandmother won me over long ago and it was great to see her make a reappearance. Put together with Doris, they were a hoot.
It was also good to see some of the other friends, but back to the stars of this story, Cas and Matt. #swishyunicorn These guys developed a deep bond and they were so good together, with each offering unconditional love and acceptance. Plus, E. Davies wrote this story so it goes, practically without saying, that it was HOT!
I'm so glad this author had a Season 2 appearance and I can't wait for more. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.
I love Ed's books for the journey he takes you on and the love he clearly puts into his stories. He writes fairy tales in contemporary times. Not the type that someones needs saving but the journey to finding that special someone who just lights up your life. His stories always take me away and this book was no different and a return to Hidden Creek and all of it's cast of characters both old and new was so much fun!
A great compliment to the overall series I enjoyed watching Caspian and Matt find their way with both very different and unique paths. Ed always gives you characters with layers that as the story unfolds the men peel back and find the type of love that makes you all melty.
Fun and flirty but with a solid and believable story, I have just loved visiting yet another amazing couple by Ed in the fun town of Hidden Creek!
This is the 6th book in the second season of the Men of Hidden Creek series (6 books by 6 different authors based in the same fictional world). It can be read as a stand-alone and you really don’t have to read season 1 (6 book series) or any of the books in season 2 in order to enjoy it. Cas is a twink who is insecure with his feminine side. Matt is a gym owner who always felt like the geeky kid and found his confidence through the gym. It’s a really sweet love story with two MCs learning to love themselves before loving each other. If you’re looking for a well written, low angst book with lots of quirky characters and a sweet love story then this is the book for you! And of course you get your HEA!
Two nice people in a nice town surrounded by nice neighbours (almost all of whom appear to be LGBT) get things together. We almost had someone not being nice but they solved that problem by being nice at him. And some other out-0f-town folks tried not to be nice, but were defeated by kindness. The book ends on a sugary sweet note. And then there's a whole final chapter, of sugar and saccharine and syrup. Bleech! If you're in the mood for this, help yourself, you may enjoy it. But there's little spice to liven the sugar.
The story is simply told. One sentence means one paragraph in most cases. No attention or thinking necessary. But it could be worse (and I've read worse). So two stars.