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“It’s always been you.”
Kris Novak pours his heart and soul into his job at Hidden Creek’s only gay bar. When an arsonist burns the place to the ground, his whole life goes up in smoke and only his long-time crush can save him.
Firefighter Remi Washington never told anyone he’s bi, let alone acted on it. But when he temporarily offers his spare room to his best friend’s younger brother, he’s drawn to the twinky, beautiful Kris in a way he can’t ignore. How long before he gives in to this temptation?
Soon Kris stands accused of having started the fire and he has to fight with all his strength to clear his own name. Will Remi risk outing himself to stand by Kris’s side, or will that closet door remain closed forever?
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 daring rescue, a meddling mommy matchmaker, and enough sparks to start a wildfire.
Kris Novak pours his heart and soul into his job at Hidden Creek’s only gay bar. When an arsonist burns the place to the ground, his whole life goes up in smoke and only his long-time crush can save him.
Firefighter Remi Washington never told anyone he’s bi, let alone acted on it. But when he temporarily offers his spare room to his best friend’s younger brother, he’s drawn to the twinky, beautiful Kris in a way he can’t ignore. How long before he gives in to this temptation?
Soon Kris stands accused of having started the fire and he has to fight with all his strength to clear his own name. Will Remi risk outing himself to stand by Kris’s side, or will that closet door remain closed forever?
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 daring rescue, a meddling mommy matchmaker, and enough sparks to start a wildfire.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2018
353 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Welch
41 books290 followersHJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
dnf
September 17, 201851% dnf
At 51% I'm not feeling the MCs as a couples. Any relationship development that might come after will feel rushed.
I’m all for including a message within a story but when the message comes across as a soapbox moment, I lose interest. Add soapbox to the lack of couple time between the MCs, and it’s time for me to move on.
At 51% I'm not feeling the MCs as a couples. Any relationship development that might come after will feel rushed.
I’m all for including a message within a story but when the message comes across as a soapbox moment, I lose interest. Add soapbox to the lack of couple time between the MCs, and it’s time for me to move on.
August 11, 2018
This book could have had a lot of potential, the blurb really caught my attention and I was very curious about the plot but.... No. Something went terribly wrong and this book didn't work at all.
The plot is a missed opportunity, the development was too weak.
The only thing I liked about this story is Remi, it's a sweet and nice character, even if a bit too much naive for his age.
Kris was a brat. A really annoying brat. Ok, he's 21, but he acts like he's 15.
Then their relationship.. uhm, I didn't really feel it. For the first half of the book they basically live two separate lives, then boom, they're a couple. Uhm.
But the main problem of this book is that there are really really too much stereotypes and bad phrasings. I cringed a lot and I think some phrases were offensive.
A big no for me.
The plot is a missed opportunity, the development was too weak.
The only thing I liked about this story is Remi, it's a sweet and nice character, even if a bit too much naive for his age.
Kris was a brat. A really annoying brat. Ok, he's 21, but he acts like he's 15.
Then their relationship.. uhm, I didn't really feel it. For the first half of the book they basically live two separate lives, then boom, they're a couple. Uhm.
But the main problem of this book is that there are really really too much stereotypes and bad phrasings. I cringed a lot and I think some phrases were offensive.
A big no for me.
August 3, 2018
This is such a great story, I couldn’t put it down. The author quickly drew me in and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The story is filled with such diverse characters that are believable and such fun getting to know. There is a little bit of mystery, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of love. This may be read as a stand alone with familiar faces appearing in other books.
August 12, 2018
Starts with a 'sneak peek' chapter showing the couple getting together for the first time. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, so I stopped reading after the first few pages and returned. I find this so disrespectful to readers to take away the build-up of watching the character's relationship develop and spoil it at the start of a book. Completely unnecessary.
August 6, 2018
So much to love about this story! The story-line is awesome! Finding your true self and your value is a center theme in this story. Remi has been living as only a part of himself and he has little color or passion in his world. Kris perceives that he has little to offer the world and has not had an opportunity to show how amazing he is. One of the beauties of this story is that both men really see how wonderful the other person really is.
This is very much a slow burn as Remi hasn't allowed anyone to know he is bi and Kris has kept his feelings of attraction to himself about Remi. It takes them being in the same house for a while before they both can admit their feelings of attraction. They really get to know and care for each other in that buildup and that makes the passionate encounters all that much more explosive and fun.
Remi and Kris do steam up your kindle and they will win your heart with their hearts and personality.
I am loving this Hidden Creeks series!
Merged review:
So much to love about this story! The story-line is awesome! Finding your true self and your value is a center theme in this story. Remi has been living as only a part of himself and he has little color or passion in his world. Kris perceives that he has little to offer the world and has not had an opportunity to show how amazing he is. One of the beauties of this story is that both men really see how wonderful the other person really is.
This is very much a slow burn as Remi hasn't allowed anyone to know he is bi and Kris has kept his feelings of attraction to himself about Remi. It takes them being in the same house for a while before they both can admit their feelings of attraction. They really get to know and care for each other in that buildup and that makes the passionate encounters all that much more explosive and fun.
Remi and Kris do steam up your kindle and they will win your heart with their hearts and personality.
I am loving this Hidden Creeks series!
August 10, 2018
True rating ... 3.25 stars :-)!! Very sweet book; definitely a recommended read :-)!!
August 11, 2018
So glad to see another season of the Men of Hidden Creek. I'm even more glad to see that HJ Welch was part of it again. I loved her last book, and this one did not disappoint, either. I loved how she incorporated some characters from the first season, and it was nice to visit with them again.
In this book, we see Kris the bartender again (who we briefly saw in season 1). He lives in the apartment above the bar, and loses his job, apartment, and almost all of his belongings when someone sets the bar on fire. His brother's best friend happens to be the firefighter that pulled him out of the building. After a couple of days couch surfing, Remi offers to let Kris stay in his guest bedroom while he waits for the repairs to be done. Remi has always considered himself bisexual but never acted on it and made sure to hide that part of himself. He really wants Kris, and they work to make a great relationship together.
I really enjoyed the story. The mystery was interesting, the dialogue about homophobia in the firehouse was AWESOME, and I loved Kris and Remi. I hope to see them again in other books in the series.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
In this book, we see Kris the bartender again (who we briefly saw in season 1). He lives in the apartment above the bar, and loses his job, apartment, and almost all of his belongings when someone sets the bar on fire. His brother's best friend happens to be the firefighter that pulled him out of the building. After a couple of days couch surfing, Remi offers to let Kris stay in his guest bedroom while he waits for the repairs to be done. Remi has always considered himself bisexual but never acted on it and made sure to hide that part of himself. He really wants Kris, and they work to make a great relationship together.
I really enjoyed the story. The mystery was interesting, the dialogue about homophobia in the firehouse was AWESOME, and I loved Kris and Remi. I hope to see them again in other books in the series.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
August 7, 2018
I love this book! It is beautifully written, has amazing characters, an engaging story and I could not put it down. Kris is fabulous and I love how much he cares for everyone, including his beloved Tay Tay. Remi is a sweetheart who needs a little excitement in his life and Kris is happy to brighten up his life and home. There is a ton of heat and yearning between these two when Kris moves in with Remi and it takes a while for them to be honest about their feelings for each other. I love how patient and supportive they both are when they have to deal with major issues in their lives. It's fun to see characters from the previous books and the ending is great. I look forward to reading more books by this author and the others in this exciting series.
August 7, 2018
A wonderful story about finding yourself and finding self-confidence.
Remy spent his life hiding the fact that he is bisexual.
Kris is openly gay but hides the feelings for Remi, his brother's best friend.
A fire at Gaybar "Bottoms up" where Kris works brings the two together. First, they share a flat, very slowly a relationship develops from it.
I love Kris flamboyance and the confidence in myself. But I also love Remis uncertainty, the doubts and the challenges he has to face.
Tay Tay and Sasha are a sweet treat, just to fall in love.
Like all books in the Hidden Creek series, a must read.
Remy spent his life hiding the fact that he is bisexual.
Kris is openly gay but hides the feelings for Remi, his brother's best friend.
A fire at Gaybar "Bottoms up" where Kris works brings the two together. First, they share a flat, very slowly a relationship develops from it.
I love Kris flamboyance and the confidence in myself. But I also love Remis uncertainty, the doubts and the challenges he has to face.
Tay Tay and Sasha are a sweet treat, just to fall in love.
Like all books in the Hidden Creek series, a must read.
July 28, 2018
Helen has penned a great addition to the meliu that is Men from Hidden Creek, the town all gay boys and girls wish they could live in. Ashes is a hot and sexy love story filled with a tantalizing array of characters and a story which will stir not just your angst for Remi and Kris to find themselves able to admit their love for each other, but the sinister reminders that there are some out there that not only can't deal with their own inability to not see people who don't fit into their small minded boxes they want others to conform to.
This is a a sensitive and beautifully balanced story that deals with these, sometimes difficult subjects, in a touching and sensitive way. I highly recommend this and the other books in this series.
This is a a sensitive and beautifully balanced story that deals with these, sometimes difficult subjects, in a touching and sensitive way. I highly recommend this and the other books in this series.
August 6, 2018
Yet again HJ Welch, another couple that I have fallen totally in love with. Kris is the bartender in the town's only gay bar and Remi is a firefighter, who has just begun to wonder how straight he is. Kris is also the little brother of Remi's best friend. A fire at the bar and the apartment over it throws the two men together as Remi rescues Kris. The pair begin a real friendship that soon turns into something more. I love a good best friend's brother romance.
Can't wait for the rest of this series.
Can't wait for the rest of this series.
August 12, 2018
Remi and Kris
A little preachy, but sweet fairy tale (no pun intended) style story with Kris, a very out, out-going and colorful young adult and Remi, a big firefighter. Kris has had a long time crush on his brother’s friend since he was thirteen, and Remi has never noticed him - until now, when his apartment and job have been burned up in a fire. Kris is hilarious, very open and adventurous with a core of self-doubt. How can you dislike a guy with a goldfish called Tay Tay?
Enjoyable start to the second season of the Men of Hidden Creek books.
A little preachy, but sweet fairy tale (no pun intended) style story with Kris, a very out, out-going and colorful young adult and Remi, a big firefighter. Kris has had a long time crush on his brother’s friend since he was thirteen, and Remi has never noticed him - until now, when his apartment and job have been burned up in a fire. Kris is hilarious, very open and adventurous with a core of self-doubt. How can you dislike a guy with a goldfish called Tay Tay?
Enjoyable start to the second season of the Men of Hidden Creek books.
August 1, 2018
This is Remi and Kris' story.
Remi is a firefighter and when he is called out to Bottom's Up after a fire is started at the bar, he rescues Kris who lives in the third floor apartment. Kris is his best friend's younger brother and now his apartment is destroyed he has nowhere to go. Remi surprises himself by agreeing to put him up until he can move back home but the more time they spend together, the more he finds he doesn't want Kris to leave.
A beautifully written story of one man as he finds that perhaps he really isn't as straight as he knew he wasn't.
Remi is a firefighter and when he is called out to Bottom's Up after a fire is started at the bar, he rescues Kris who lives in the third floor apartment. Kris is his best friend's younger brother and now his apartment is destroyed he has nowhere to go. Remi surprises himself by agreeing to put him up until he can move back home but the more time they spend together, the more he finds he doesn't want Kris to leave.
A beautifully written story of one man as he finds that perhaps he really isn't as straight as he knew he wasn't.
August 4, 2018
I really loved the first set of Hidden Creek books and this second set is off to a really good start with this story. I love Kris and Remi, they are so good together, and I'm so glad Kris got to have his childhood crush! I love Kris' flamboyance, spark, and confidence in himself. Kris has always been attracted to Remi but Remi has never come out as bi. It's not smooth sailing as Remi begins to realize that he has feelings for Kris but doesn't know what to do about it. It's a great journey for these two men and a hot one!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 6, 2018
Kris whole life is his job at Hidden Creek’s only gay bar, but when an arsonist burns the place to the ground kris whole life goes up in flames with the bar.
Remi never told anyone that he is bi. When he offers his spare room to his best friend’s younger brother, he is drawn to him like no other.
Then Kris gets accused of starting the fire. Will Remi be able to help Kris clear his name? Will Remi be able to come out to everyone and let his feelings for Kris be known?
Remi never told anyone that he is bi. When he offers his spare room to his best friend’s younger brother, he is drawn to him like no other.
Then Kris gets accused of starting the fire. Will Remi be able to help Kris clear his name? Will Remi be able to come out to everyone and let his feelings for Kris be known?
August 22, 2018
I finished it
Because I have a hard time not finishing books i start, no matter how bad they are. This is one of those. I didn't like it. I didn't enjoy the story, much less the characters. I have NO issues at all with MM, or with twinks, however, I really dislike when gay men are referred to as women. Totally a personal issue though but still one that makes me cringe with the whole "yes queen" thing. I also didn't really feel the connection between the two MCs. The dialogue was kind of awful - I added some highlights to my GR review - I mean wow, some of it was pretty bad. Nah, I would totally skip this book and I'm sure I won't read the rest of the series, not when there are incredibly well written MM books out there.
Because I have a hard time not finishing books i start, no matter how bad they are. This is one of those. I didn't like it. I didn't enjoy the story, much less the characters. I have NO issues at all with MM, or with twinks, however, I really dislike when gay men are referred to as women. Totally a personal issue though but still one that makes me cringe with the whole "yes queen" thing. I also didn't really feel the connection between the two MCs. The dialogue was kind of awful - I added some highlights to my GR review - I mean wow, some of it was pretty bad. Nah, I would totally skip this book and I'm sure I won't read the rest of the series, not when there are incredibly well written MM books out there.
August 2, 2018
When Hidden Creeks only gay bar Bottoms Up goes up in flames trapping Kris Novak in the upstairs apartment he's rescued by firefighter Remi Washington. Kris has always had a crush on Remi who is best friends with Leon, Kris's older brother. Now he saved his life he's his real life hero. With no home Kris ends up moving in with Remi where they discover their feelings for each other but one needs to own up about his sexuality to his family.
Kris is great with such a kind heart making sure others especially Harrison, a young trans he befriended at Bottoms Up always have a safe place to go.
I'm hoping the rest of series two in The Men of Hidden Creek are as good as this one!
Kris is great with such a kind heart making sure others especially Harrison, a young trans he befriended at Bottoms Up always have a safe place to go.
I'm hoping the rest of series two in The Men of Hidden Creek are as good as this one!
August 2, 2018
Remi and Kris's story. I fell in love with Kris while reading season one of Hidden Creek, and I wasn't disappointed by all his fabulousness!
Remi has known he's bi for a while, but never acted on it with a guy. Kris is Remi's best friend little brother, out and proud and extra fabulous!
A fire in Kris workplace and home brings them together, and the attraction building between them is so hot that can't be denied.
Loved how much of a teddy bear the big hunky firefighter Remi is, and how much Kris loves to dirty talk!
The first book of The Men of Hidden Creek S2 is a great way to come back to this lovely town and meet a bunch of old and knew friends.
Remi has known he's bi for a while, but never acted on it with a guy. Kris is Remi's best friend little brother, out and proud and extra fabulous!
A fire in Kris workplace and home brings them together, and the attraction building between them is so hot that can't be denied.
Loved how much of a teddy bear the big hunky firefighter Remi is, and how much Kris loves to dirty talk!
The first book of The Men of Hidden Creek S2 is a great way to come back to this lovely town and meet a bunch of old and knew friends.
August 7, 2018
OMG another great book in this multi authors series!! I just love Kris and Remi together! It wasn't smooth sailing. I couldn't put this book down. There is definitely times I wanted to smack both characters upside the head. Just so they they can tell each other how they feel about each other. Now of course there is a little suspense going on just adds more to this story.
August 7, 2018
I loved this book! I sat down and I didn’t stop until I finished it in the early hours this morning! I was shit at work , but it was worth it. Kris and Remi will keep you entertained, and you will fall in love. As soon as Kris was introduced I fell in love with him. His quirkiness, beauty and perkiness. Amazing read! You have got to read this book, yo will cherish every moment.
August 7, 2018
What a great start to Round Two of The Men of Hidden Creek. Kris and Remi have known each other for years as Remi is best friends with Kris’ brother. As Kris’ world is crumbling down, Remi steps in to save him from the fire and then by giving him a place to stay. There is some angst between these two as they discover their feelings for one another and acknowledging one’s true sexuality to family, friends and co-workers. They have to work through several hurdles and misunderstandings that any new relationship deals with.
I loved Kris’ bright and colourful personality and spirit. He may be down on his luck currently but it didn’t stop him from helping and mentoring others when they needed it the most. He has a heart of gold!
There are some return characters from the first set of books as well. I cannot get enough of Lyla and Trooper (from Storm). They stole the show again in their small part of this story.
I loved Kris’ bright and colourful personality and spirit. He may be down on his luck currently but it didn’t stop him from helping and mentoring others when they needed it the most. He has a heart of gold!
There are some return characters from the first set of books as well. I cannot get enough of Lyla and Trooper (from Storm). They stole the show again in their small part of this story.
August 12, 2018
Loved it
I really, really liked this book. I don't know if there was a series before this but I absolutely love the characters in this book. Remi and Kris, so good together.
I really, really liked this book. I don't know if there was a series before this but I absolutely love the characters in this book. Remi and Kris, so good together.
April 30, 2019
A great start to the new season! I loved this book. I love the characters. I didn't feel overwhelmed by completely unrealistic insta-love as sometimes happens in these books. Most of them succeed in making you believe it's possible, though, and this one did for me. I hope to see these characters pop up in other books like some of the others have.
August 2, 2018
Sometimes you have to burn away the old for new life to flourish
This was a great start to the second season of the Men of Hidden Creek series. Remi and Kris were so freaking adorable. Remi was sweet and bashful while Kris was so unsure about himself but he just didn't realize how strong he really was. I can't wait to read what the other authors have to offer.
This was a great start to the second season of the Men of Hidden Creek series. Remi and Kris were so freaking adorable. Remi was sweet and bashful while Kris was so unsure about himself but he just didn't realize how strong he really was. I can't wait to read what the other authors have to offer.
August 3, 2018
What an amazing start to the Season 2 of the Men of Hidden Creek. Helen penned an absolutely wonderful dynamic relationship of the main characters of Kris and Remi. You will laugh, cry, and scream several times during the reading which by the way I love my books that I read to be.
August 6, 2018
What a great book to start off the second set of the Men of Hidden Creek series
Remi and Kris have known each other for years. In fact Remi and Kris brother are best friends. Due to unforeseen circumstances Kris is left without a home and job. Remi allows Kris to move in. From there we see their relationship flourish. Remi is not out though.
This was a great read with some suspense, Self discovery, learning to trust and falling in love. Check the book out. You won’t be disappointed
Remi and Kris have known each other for years. In fact Remi and Kris brother are best friends. Due to unforeseen circumstances Kris is left without a home and job. Remi allows Kris to move in. From there we see their relationship flourish. Remi is not out though.
This was a great read with some suspense, Self discovery, learning to trust and falling in love. Check the book out. You won’t be disappointed
September 15, 2018
This was a bit too cheesy for me. The ending, especially the epilogue, was a little too kumbaya.
And the "dirty talk" during the sex scenes? Yeah, no. It was a lot of "oh, baby", "fuck, baby", "harder, baby" "don't stop, baby" and lines such as "Oh, honey bun, yes! Take it, gorgeous, take it up your sweet ass."
As for Remi and Kris... meh. There was a lot more on-page interaction from the MCs with other characters than with each other.
And the "dirty talk" during the sex scenes? Yeah, no. It was a lot of "oh, baby", "fuck, baby", "harder, baby" "don't stop, baby" and lines such as "Oh, honey bun, yes! Take it, gorgeous, take it up your sweet ass."
As for Remi and Kris... meh. There was a lot more on-page interaction from the MCs with other characters than with each other.
Read
September 28, 2018Was not feeling it.-
July 31, 2020
I had a hard time deciding between giving this book 2.5 or 3 stars. I finally decided on the three because, while there was a lot that didn’t work, there were enough things I liked to just barely bump it up to three stars. But it was a close call, and I honestly can’t recommend this book.
I was really into this book at the beginning. The blurb caught my attention and the plot was interesting. Then my interest took a nose dive around halfway through and by the 80% mark I didn’t care at all.
The plot was solid. It just wasn’t executed well. For such a long book, the romance was missing all the little moments between Remi and Kris where their relationship grows. There were big moments, but the times when they hung out casually, playing video games or having dinner, happened off page and received a paragraph of summary at most. Plus it feels like there’s more interaction between the MCs and other characters than with each other. Because of that, the spark between them never caught fire.
I ended up not caring about Remi and Kris’s relationship at all. The only reason I finished the book was because I wanted to know who set the fire. The fire plot, with its hint of mystery, was nicely done.
Remi’s journey was by far the most interesting part of the book. His transformation, both in terms of accepting himself and in realizing that it’s okay for him to do the things he enjoyed – like cooking – was fun to read about. His father’s characterization was also done very well.
I would have thought that Remi being biracial would have come up at least a little, but it wasn’t even touched on. It made me feel like him being biracial was something that was tossed into the story to let his mom score a point near the end.
Then there were the sex scenes. I am usually all for the smutty smut, but after reading the first sex scene, I skipped all the rest. The dirty talk was both terrible and hilarious. Who shouts out ‘honey bun’ in the middle of sex? It was so ridiculous. Not to mention syrupy sweet and a bit clichéd after Kris and Remi got together.
Unfortunately, there was no indication on the Amazon page that this book is part of a larger series. And while this book is technically standalone, there were way too many characters from previous books who the reader was obviously supposed to know. It made some scenes, like the brunch at around 40%, very confusing. I had no idea who any of the people were and they weren’t introduced well.
My final big annoyance happened in the epilogue. Kris has no business experience and yet he
While I didn’t care for this book, I liked the setup enough to go and read the others. Starting at the actual beginning this time, of course. The series is written by different authors, so I hope I’ll have better luck next time.
Find the original post, complete with list of likes and dislikes, at Love is Love Reviews
I was really into this book at the beginning. The blurb caught my attention and the plot was interesting. Then my interest took a nose dive around halfway through and by the 80% mark I didn’t care at all.
The plot was solid. It just wasn’t executed well. For such a long book, the romance was missing all the little moments between Remi and Kris where their relationship grows. There were big moments, but the times when they hung out casually, playing video games or having dinner, happened off page and received a paragraph of summary at most. Plus it feels like there’s more interaction between the MCs and other characters than with each other. Because of that, the spark between them never caught fire.
I ended up not caring about Remi and Kris’s relationship at all. The only reason I finished the book was because I wanted to know who set the fire. The fire plot, with its hint of mystery, was nicely done.
Remi’s journey was by far the most interesting part of the book. His transformation, both in terms of accepting himself and in realizing that it’s okay for him to do the things he enjoyed – like cooking – was fun to read about. His father’s characterization was also done very well.
I would have thought that Remi being biracial would have come up at least a little, but it wasn’t even touched on. It made me feel like him being biracial was something that was tossed into the story to let his mom score a point near the end.
Then there were the sex scenes. I am usually all for the smutty smut, but after reading the first sex scene, I skipped all the rest. The dirty talk was both terrible and hilarious. Who shouts out ‘honey bun’ in the middle of sex? It was so ridiculous. Not to mention syrupy sweet and a bit clichéd after Kris and Remi got together.
Unfortunately, there was no indication on the Amazon page that this book is part of a larger series. And while this book is technically standalone, there were way too many characters from previous books who the reader was obviously supposed to know. It made some scenes, like the brunch at around 40%, very confusing. I had no idea who any of the people were and they weren’t introduced well.
My final big annoyance happened in the epilogue. Kris has no business experience and yet he
While I didn’t care for this book, I liked the setup enough to go and read the others. Starting at the actual beginning this time, of course. The series is written by different authors, so I hope I’ll have better luck next time.
Find the original post, complete with list of likes and dislikes, at Love is Love Reviews
January 23, 2022
light and quick read
The TL;DR:
Worth reading: Yes
Worth a repeat read: Hmm, maybe. But I don’t regret the first read.
Romance: Yes and I enjoyed the pairing. There was a little something missing in how it was shown though.
Steamy: Yes, but some of the language wasn’t quite there for me.
Did anything break my immersion? No, even the things I found didn’t work for me also didn’t stop me from both finishing and finding enjoyment.
Recommend? Yeah, if you’re looking for a light, no frills kind of read, I’d say go for it.
Key factors: relatable, down to earth, light read.
So, when it comes to light, quick, stories I can fall into and don’t get too heavy, I have a soft spot for the Men of Hidden Creek books. And for what they offer, this story fell well into line with others in season 1. If you’re looking for something relatable, identifiable, LGBTQIA centered, with MM centered romance, and the aforementioned lighter quality then these fit. Ashes is no exception.
I fully appreciate all those things.
I also love being able to see more of characters from the previous stories I’ve grown curious about and enjoy. The added fact that some of these returning faces are written by different authors in the series is kudos to them all.
I was waiting to see Kris’ story.
Him and his partner, Remi, are both characters I finished the story still saying I enjoyed and can’t wait to see again even in those small added moments.
The story kept me going from beginning to end and I looked forward to each reading opportunity.
But some things didn’t work for me. And I would be remiss with if I don’t mention them.
First, while I enjoyed Kris and Remi as a couple I wanted to love their romance and couldn’t because I was told more about it than I actually got to see it develop. Too much of their development as a couple (a plot of the book arguably larger than the fire plot) happens “off screen.” All the building moments outside of the intimate scenes are told to us after the fact, minis some small instances we do get to see which lead into intimate scenes.
We see more of them building in solo chapters rather than in each other’s company. While those scenes are necessary, so are the ones we didn’t get to see. I could have done with say even twenty five more pages of scenes building Remi and Kris together… at least.
The second thing is some of the language didn’t feel natural. It felt forced. If anything was jarring it was this aspect. This is in relation to both the intimate scenes and Kris. In both respects language went so over the top as to feel forced and even too stereotypical. Toned down into the realism the author was trying for, and missed, would have served both Kris and the couples dirty talk much better. Then we would have seen the sassy guy Kris as he was meant to be.
The TL;DR:
Worth reading: Yes
Worth a repeat read: Hmm, maybe. But I don’t regret the first read.
Romance: Yes and I enjoyed the pairing. There was a little something missing in how it was shown though.
Steamy: Yes, but some of the language wasn’t quite there for me.
Did anything break my immersion? No, even the things I found didn’t work for me also didn’t stop me from both finishing and finding enjoyment.
Recommend? Yeah, if you’re looking for a light, no frills kind of read, I’d say go for it.
Key factors: relatable, down to earth, light read.
So, when it comes to light, quick, stories I can fall into and don’t get too heavy, I have a soft spot for the Men of Hidden Creek books. And for what they offer, this story fell well into line with others in season 1. If you’re looking for something relatable, identifiable, LGBTQIA centered, with MM centered romance, and the aforementioned lighter quality then these fit. Ashes is no exception.
I fully appreciate all those things.
I also love being able to see more of characters from the previous stories I’ve grown curious about and enjoy. The added fact that some of these returning faces are written by different authors in the series is kudos to them all.
I was waiting to see Kris’ story.
Him and his partner, Remi, are both characters I finished the story still saying I enjoyed and can’t wait to see again even in those small added moments.
The story kept me going from beginning to end and I looked forward to each reading opportunity.
But some things didn’t work for me. And I would be remiss with if I don’t mention them.
First, while I enjoyed Kris and Remi as a couple I wanted to love their romance and couldn’t because I was told more about it than I actually got to see it develop. Too much of their development as a couple (a plot of the book arguably larger than the fire plot) happens “off screen.” All the building moments outside of the intimate scenes are told to us after the fact, minis some small instances we do get to see which lead into intimate scenes.
We see more of them building in solo chapters rather than in each other’s company. While those scenes are necessary, so are the ones we didn’t get to see. I could have done with say even twenty five more pages of scenes building Remi and Kris together… at least.
The second thing is some of the language didn’t feel natural. It felt forced. If anything was jarring it was this aspect. This is in relation to both the intimate scenes and Kris. In both respects language went so over the top as to feel forced and even too stereotypical. Toned down into the realism the author was trying for, and missed, would have served both Kris and the couples dirty talk much better. Then we would have seen the sassy guy Kris as he was meant to be.
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