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“You have no idea how sexy you are.” British spy Ethan Barrett was only supposed to be on foreign soil long enough to gather intel on a Houston trafficking ring. But one wrong move lands Ethan in hospital with no memory of who he is, in a small town where he doesn't seem to belong.

Peter Stone is a CIA forensic data specialist. Between his geeky career and the few extra pounds he carries around, his dating experience is zero… until he rescues a mysterious man with a British accent from a car wreck. The chemistry between them feels so real, but Peter can't tell if it's genuine love or smoke and mirrors.

As they fight to figure out who tried to kill Ethan and why, their feelings for each other grow stronger with every passing day. Can they solve the mystery, keep the criminals off their trail, and still find the space between their differences for love?

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 nerdy teddy-bear of a virgin, an amnesiac MI6 badass, and one man’s quest to find some damn cheesecake.

259 pages, ebook

First published August 5, 2018

115 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

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Max Hawthorn

5 books44 followers

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5 stars
186 (44%)
4 stars
159 (38%)
3 stars
58 (14%)
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10 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,024 reviews109 followers
December 1, 2019
This was a nice book, which I liked ... but everything was easy. Or it seemed to be that way.
I hoped for a bit more romantic tension and relationship development but it just was just there and suddenly they loved each other.
Bit it was nicely done
3,5 stars
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2018
As usual Max gave us suspense, action and a blooming relationship. Hidden Creek can't be all fun and games, bad things happen here too. Max has that covered every season.

Losing your memory is tough but when you are also a spy on a mission, well that can be down right deadly. Good thing our local CIA agent can help you get those memories back but he isn't much help in the field.

Getting him out of his comfort zone to finally give up his virginity well that could be fun.......
Profile Image for Jennie.
848 reviews25 followers
August 11, 2018
Ethan Barrett is a British SIS agent on the hunt for human traffickers in Texas. Peter is an anti social CIA data specialist. They are thrown together when Peter comes across Ethan after a car accident.
There was great pacing in this action packed story. Trying to figure out Peter's identity and his reason for being in Hidden Creek. It was a hot and intense read full of drama and suspense.
Profile Image for TL Travis.
Author 94 books623 followers
August 20, 2018
I love a good underdog story!

Outer beauty will never outdo inner beauty in my eyes. These two had the truest connection from the onset and neither were superficial and I loved that!
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
August 7, 2018
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯
✮ (¸.•´✶Welcome back to Hidden Creek, season two, "where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after."

Even though it is book 5, Allied was actually the last book I read in the series, and in a way, I am glad it worked out like that. My time with the Men of Hidden Creek started and ended with a bang. Adore had the whole rescue aspect and Allied follow through.

What do you get when you match an amnesiac British spy with a shy CIA worker? A whole lot of discovery. Nerd Peter was just minding his own business, avoiding life and all that it entails when an unknown man was dropped into it. He had no idea when he vouched for the man he called Jack that everything was about to change.

Ethan had a mission. When it went balls up, he found himself on the run and straight into the tiny town of Hidden Creek. Now all he had to do was remember, complete his mission and avoid falling for the man who had rescued him. Not an easy feat and something that he didn't even try to fight the more he was with Peter.

When not trying to figure out who Ethan was and why he was in town, these two men were slowly navigating an attraction that could be the love of a century. But first they had to survive.

This was awe-inspiring and a delight to read. Fast paced action with sweet romance.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,797 reviews27 followers
May 4, 2019
Good story and nice further development for the town of Hidden Creek. A little insta-lovie, but very sweet overall!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,571 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved that Peter found his happily ever after and with a real life spy to boot. Ethan Barrett has come to America to gather evidence on a Houston Traffi*king ring lead by Henry Isaac and his second is command Griffin Mitchell. He’s been gathering information on flash drives for the last few months without any issues but Griffin is getting suspicious, Ethan is about to download more information but overhears Mitchell and Henry talking and he’s been discovered gathering information so he gets out of there and heads towards the local FBI Field Office but Mitchell is on his tail. Mitchell sho*ts up Ethan’s car and Ethan gets sh*t in the chest, then Mitchell runs him off the road trying to tie up lose ends.

Peter Stone a CIA forensic data specialist, who we met in Shield since he’s Fox’s work mate comes across the crash and gets Ethan out of the car then calls emergency services. Ethan is lucid for a moment and pleads with Peter to help him. When the EMT’s arrive and are looking over Ethan, Peter notices a small key lying in the dirt by Ethan’s car so he decides to pick it up and not hand it over to the police as it looks important but knows that they can work what the key’s for. Peter follows Ethan to the hospital and stays with him until he wakes up. Ethan wakes up after he had surgery that removed the b*llet from his chest and notices an attractive man, Peter sitting at his bedside.

Peter explains who he is and how Ethan ended up in the hospital. Peter goes to get the doctor to check Ethan over since Ethan told him that he has no idea what his own name is or who what type of person he is. Peter and Ethan try and solve the mystery of why he’s in the States and what the key’s for that Peter found. Ethan has snippets of flashbacks as his memories slowly start to come back as they get closer to finding out the truth. I loved how Ethan tells Peter constantly how gorgeous he is and tells him off whenever he talks down about himself. All I can say is Ethan is a complete utter bad*se. Peter had his own moments of bada*sery during this book as well. I’m looking forward to reading more Men of Hidden Creek Universe. I’d definitely recommend this book, the Men of Hidden Creek Universe, Max Rowan and all the other Men of Hidden Creek Universe authors to everyone.
401 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2018
I liked this book but felt like most of it was poorly executed plot wise. I only really enjoyed the last 15% of the story, were the action felt interesting and also believable enough to pass.
I was actually very excited to read this book because I enjoyed Hawthorn's Shield and Peter was a character I was happy to see get it's own story. I do feel like there are multiple part to this story, sub-plots that do not end up going anywhere and that is just a shame.
I found the whole 'memory loss' thing too shallowly written. The way the doctors almost ignore it, the way Ethan did not really question some major parts about himself ( like the fact he is gay) seemed like an easy way for the author to add drama without making it fit the story itself. Now I also feel like his attraction to Peter is very sudden and was thinking "dude you almost died how can you be so chill?"
I liked that Peter has issues about his body and it's a good point to put in a story but it was mostly under developed to me. The biggest issue I have us Peter's virginity and lack of experience, it blew away when he was faced with Ethan in his bed. I wanted him to feel and explore and not just physically feel pleasure. In fact I feel like they have a very instantaneous bond but we never see how they get to it, we sort of get told about it but instead of showing us the way the form it it is just there. I found it very disappointing, and it was hard for me to get to the ending were the action felt right and I enjoyed the story. I found the characters fun and interesting but constantly felt like I was denied knowing them and their relationship. The plot was thrilling but most of it dragged too much, and lacked believability to me. Peter is supposed to be a genius but all he does is tell himself he is a nerdy fat gamer and run some software. Show me how smart he is, don't tell me. That is all I felt from the book, it told me things about the characters but did not show them.
sorry to say as I was high hopes for this one.
253 reviews
August 7, 2018
4.25* I love reading Max Hawthorn’s books about spies and federal agents and all of the trouble they get in to! Allied is another book set in the Men of Hidden Creek world, but it can be read as a standalone as each book is focused on an individual couple.

Ethan Barrett is a British spy sent to Houston, Texas to try to dismantle a human trafficking ring that has taken both American and British citizens. He is about to complete his mission when he almost gets taken out. When he wakes up in the hospital, Ethan has no memory of who or where he is or how he ended up there. It’s a terrible situation, but I absolutely love when each new piece is uncovered, and he keeps coming up with different careers he could have – doctor, actor, master criminal, security systems expert, car thief, I think even ninja was thrown in there at one point!

Peter Stone is an absolute sweetheart from the very beginning of the story. He is a CIA forensic data specialist who plays in an online gaming guild in his free time and is a genius with zero dating experience. He is heading to get ice cream following his annual hair cut when he comes across a car in a ditch and an unknown man.

I really enjoyed reading both characters POV’s and getting to know each of them better. I loved that they were both so optimistic throughout the entire story when they had every reason not to be. I loved both of their personalities and that they seemed to feed off each other – that first hospital scene made me giggle a lot. Would recommend!
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
August 16, 2018
Between a shy CIA analyst and a John Doe that was shot and run off the road they should have an easy time figuring out who tried to kill him, right? Between cautious attraction, unmistakable chemistry, and dangerous memories Ethan and Peter ride a roller coaster on their way to their own happily ever after. Both men were captivating in different ways and together they were perfect. I love that Ethan never made exceptions for Peter's looks in his mind or his words. He was attracted to what he looked like before he knew Peter. Now, that sounds pretty shallow, but when we read the lust at first sight in most books it's because someone is legitimately "media" hot rather than something like we have here or in Cardeno C's book, Not A Game.

I do wish I learned why Peter was so reluctant to hear compliments and praise. Like, why was Angel a jerk in Peter's mind when he called him pretty? Should I just assume his geekiness and lack of gym-trim physique contributed to a lifetime of bullying or belittling because kids can be utter a-holes sometimes? Other than that, I loved Peter in Shield and was so very happy to get his story here. Peter is so adorably geeky during his glorious moment on the crates. If I didn't love him before, I definitely did after that. Oh, also, I seriously want some Cheesecake Factory cheesecake right now...thanks, Peter.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,073 reviews39 followers
August 12, 2018
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Shield was a great book, and I loved meeting Peter there when he was working with Fox. Here, though, we get to see him in all his awesome glory. He has poor self esteem, but is super sweet and smart. Ethan is a British spy working a case in Texas. When he is in a car accident, he loses his memory and has no idea of anything he was working on. Peter ends up finding him in a ditch and helps him while he figures things out.

I loved Ethan as a character. He was such a great guy, and he was clearly enamored with Peter. I loved seeing him building up Peter's confidence just by saying little things about how awesome and gorgeous he was. There was a ton of amazing action in the book, and I loved every minute of it.

Max Hawthorn has become an auto buy author for me now. Knocked it out of the park!

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
August 16, 2018
Allied (Men of Hidden Creek) is a big old mystery/romance by Max Hawthorne.

Peter is attracted to the John Doe, who they name Jack, but he has no idea who he is, or what he is. Peter and Jack set off to work together, trying to figure out who Jack is.

Their search leads the to finding Jack's multiple aliases. Is he a spy? A criminal? And why are people trying to kill him?

Peter wants to fight this attraction since Jack could be a bad guy. And Jack is fighting the attraction, not wanting to hurt Peter if he ends up being a bad guy.

This story if full of action, mystery and intrigue. These characters are a whole lot of fun together. And it's great watching Jack/Ethan try to remember more of his past.

Allied is a great contribution to The Men of Hidden Creek series, which is penned by multiple authors. Max Hawthorn does an excellent job of bringing the suspense to Hidden Creek.
Profile Image for Amanda at WickedGoodReads.
810 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2018
You might remember Peter from the earlier installment, and who knew I could fall for that man like I did? I knew he was special, but I had no idea to the extent he would steel my heart!

Peter is just your average computer nerd working for the CIA who hides behind a mask of hair. Literally. He's alone, lonely and does not see himself as a catch to any man He's very critical of himself.

Until the day he meets Ethan, who he finds in a wreck with a bullet wound. Ethan, a british spy who cannot remember who he is due to a concussion and is suffering from amnesia. Ethan, even not remembering who he is, is still full of sass, snark and British wit. I adored who he was and how he was with Peter, and the two of them together? Please, it was so sweet and cute! Lovely installment in this series!!
Profile Image for Annette.
114 reviews
August 7, 2018
Allied had me at the edge of my seat for the whole read! There is lots of drama and suspense to keep the reader engaged from page 1 to the end. Ethan has been sent by Britain to infiltrate a human trafficking ring that is running out of Houston. Peter rescues him from a car wreck. Unfortunately, Ethan does not remember who or why he is in Hidden Creek. Once they figure out who Ethan is, they must get the information he has hidden into the right hands.
I loved Peter! He is a CIA forensic data specialist that has no experience dating or doing CIA field work. His naiveté of things endured him to me. Ethan helps him come out of his shell and loves him for who he is. It was very enjoyable reading about this couple!
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,519 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2018
Ethan is a British spy, sent to Texas to get inside information on an evil human trafficking ring. In a crash when being chased by the enemy when his cover is blown, he gets a bang on the head that leaves him with amnesia.

Peter is the rescuer who finds Ethan, gets him to the hospital, then takes him home to heal. They begin to trust each other as they uncover the truth and Ethan gets back his memory. They also fall in love and realize they don’t want to be without each other.

I love that Peter is a geek and not in top physical shape, as well as a virgin. That super spy Ethan falls for him is as exciting as it is likely, you never know who you’ll find in life that loves you just as you are.

Great adventure within a gay themed romance.

KU
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2018
Wow, what a fun ride! Action, intrigue, passion, good guys and bad guys and a beautiful romance. I loved the story-line, it was packed full of twists and turns and all kinds of goodies! The writing flowed well and i could not put this story down, i read it in one sitting!

Ethan and Peter were great characters that were interesting, unique and just fit so well together. I so enjoyed how Ethan kept redirecting and redrawing Peter's perception of himself. Neither man was perfect and i loved that they saw the real person and not only the body.

Loving this Men of Hidden Creek series
Profile Image for Ann.
516 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2018
Ethan Barrett is a British spy working undercover who crashes his car while being chased by the bad guys. When he wakes up he has no memory of who he is and why he was shot.
Peter Stone comes across the unconscious man in a car wreck, and when the man is ready to be discharged from hospital for some unknown reason he volunteers to look after him.
What a tangled web of intrigue follows. Who is the man who has been named Jack until he recovers his memory? And why is Peter drawn to him?
This is how a romance mixed with thriller should be written
557 reviews
August 18, 2018
Lost memory, mystery, action and a chance for forever

Peter is simply adorable. He’s a genius working for the CIA as a forensic data analyst and feels he’s overweight that no man would ever want him. Ethan is M16 and in Texas on a mission when he loses his memory. Together they embark on trying to find out what “Jack” (Ethan) has hidden. They are sweet and hilarious together and so attracted to each other. Ethan wants Peter so badly but is so afraid of being a criminal that he’s very careful of not hurting Peter. Fantastic story, loved every word!
725 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2018
Wow, this book will keep you going. I could not put this thing down.
It is full of drama and suspense. Loved these two.
Ethan has been sent by Britain to get inside of a human trafficking ring that is out of Houston.
Peter saves Ethan from a car wreck. Ethan does not remember who he is or why he is in Hidden Creek. Once they are able to figure out who Ethan is, they must get the information he has to the right people.
1,547 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2018
I am totally in love with Max Hawthorne's books.
This one is another example of action-packed story, where the romance and love story is not the sole center of the plot, but is front and the cornerstone of the story all the same!
I had been intrigued by Peter from reading Shield (MoHC, s1) and finding out more about him just reinforced how adorable he is. And Ethan? Well, he's English and an MI6, what more is there to say?
2,321 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2018
Another great story in this amazing series. This one has intrigue and mystery interwoven with romance and passion, a great combination. Peter, a CIA data specialist, and Ethan, a British spy who has amnesia, are a perfect couple with sizzling chemistry and lots of passion. I love how they work together to figure out who Ethan is and to solve the mystery. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,240 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2018
Now we're talking.

What happens when you take a sexy, nerdy bear and a spy with amnesia? You get excitement, a bear, danger, sexy times with a bear, serious investigating, and a sexy bear. Peter is that wonderful blend of funny, dorky, and sexy wrapped up in a teddy bear package. Ethan is the dashing British spy with a great personality and sense of humor. This was a thrill to read from start to finish. Oh, and did I mention that Peter is a sexy bear?
258 reviews
August 11, 2018
I really enjoyed Ethan and Peter's story. They worked well together, loved well and were so protective of each other. This was a fast paced exciting book, that holds your attention from start to finish very well. Loved how Ethan love Peter even though he was a little teddy bearish. Thanks for the arc. Really like how in this series each book is written so it really can stand alone.
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2018
Action and romance.

Have to love a book with action, a sexy British spy and a geeky Texas virgin. Lots of heartstopping action, sexy intimate moments and one shy virgin , Peter, blossoming from the attention of his British spy, Ethan. I loved the banter between the main characters. It was realistic and funny and very sexy at times.
Profile Image for Lori A Wilds Jones.
75 reviews
January 30, 2019
My favorite Hidden Creek

Peter and Ethan are my favorite couple. Of course I say that in every book. I think I mean it this time. Peter was charming and sweet and that blush so cute. Ethan that damn British sass. Just oozed off the pages and Cora made an appearance. As well as some of my favorites. I can’t get enough of these books.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
August 7, 2018
OMG Max Hawthorn had me again from page one to the last page! The suspense in this book is amazing. Ethan and Peter are just prefect for each other. This had so many twist and turns that I just loved it even more. Another great addition to this series!
Profile Image for Lucrecia.
413 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2018
Allied (Men of Hidden Creek Book 5)

This was adorable.
I mean it was fun, funny and sweet, all covered in a little action; but it was ADORABLE.
And not in a sappy way either, in a heartwarming, uplifting, beautiful way.
I had a great time with this one!

Keep reading 📖
Profile Image for Kyla.
94 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2018
This is one of my favorite Hidden Creek stories. Peter and Ethan are such wonderful characters and the plot was well written. It had humor, mystery, and suspense. A British guy and a nerd. I loved it.
437 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2018
Allied (Men of Hidden Creek Book 5)

Another great book, this was definitely a must read! Here's another wonderful Author, who worked with a mystery, excitement, secrets, and a beautiful love story! Many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝📚💙🎶
Profile Image for Christie Howell.
423 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2018
Oh how I loved this book.

Not only was it action packed, but it was such a sweet love story. Peter and Ethan are so sweet. I laughed at some of Ethan's antics, and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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