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A Bridge to Abingdon #1
Steele My Heart
I swore I'd never set foot in this town again. But Abingdon needs me. And Kendall Vincent might just get me to stay for good.
Gil:
I was tired of working the police beat in Northern Cali. Exhausted--my whole body was yearning for a place I hadn't been in years, my old home. When my mama died, I knew I had to come back, and my new job as police chief sealed the deal.
I got away from heartbreak. From being so tired. From the constant, never-ending world of crime I'd come to know.
In Abingdon, I can relax, see all my old friends from Jackson Academy. Maybe I can even change this place and make it better for all the kids like me. The ones who were different, who needed a place a little bigger and broader than a small mountain town could provide.
I always promised myself I wouldn't come back.
But Kendall Vincent--he might get me to stay for good. When I'm in his arms, I feel complete, whole again, like a man reborn to the world.
Everything seems perfect, right up until the moment that it's not.
When two gay kids get hurt bad by a gang of thugs, I realize that Abingdon needs me far more than I thought.
And I'm here to protect the town--and the man--that I'm growing to love.
Kendall:
I've survived everything this world has tossed my way--ignorant parents, falling for men who want to play straight, and running a food truck in a town that likes its men butch and its hot dogs bland as all hell.
I even got through chemo and three bone marrow transplants when I was a kid.
But nothing prepared me for meeting Gilman Steele.
Six feet of pure muscle with eyes that shine like gold and a smile I'd like to see every morning for the rest of my life.
I know I'm crazy, but I swear to God almighty that I fell in love with that man of Steele from the first second I laid eyes on him.
There's a secret I know that could change my relationship with Gil, a lie I've been hiding for over a year.
It could threaten Gil's life here, everything he's worked for. But justice is justice, and I believe in the Abingdon that Gil wants to create.
When the drama gets worse than I ever imagined, I realize that Gil's not the only one in danger.
I'm toppling off a bridge and getting sucked down into the murky water of Holston Lake when I know for sure--this isn't the day I meet my maker.
I didn't survive everything I've been through just to die at the hands of an evil man with a secret far darker than my own.
I'll make my way back to Gil. He's mine, now and forever.
Steele My Heart is the first book in the Bridge to Abingdon series. Each book focuses on one amazing couple, and each can be read as a total standalone. There's lots of steam, a heaping dose of mystery, a dash of insta-love, and a happy ending that's guaranteed to make your heart melt. There are a few chilling scenes and some ignorant jerks who meet justice in every sense of the word. Gil Steele and Kendall Vincent are the future of Abingdon, and the men who set up the story for the rest of our lovers. Enjoy!
Gil:
I was tired of working the police beat in Northern Cali. Exhausted--my whole body was yearning for a place I hadn't been in years, my old home. When my mama died, I knew I had to come back, and my new job as police chief sealed the deal.
I got away from heartbreak. From being so tired. From the constant, never-ending world of crime I'd come to know.
In Abingdon, I can relax, see all my old friends from Jackson Academy. Maybe I can even change this place and make it better for all the kids like me. The ones who were different, who needed a place a little bigger and broader than a small mountain town could provide.
I always promised myself I wouldn't come back.
But Kendall Vincent--he might get me to stay for good. When I'm in his arms, I feel complete, whole again, like a man reborn to the world.
Everything seems perfect, right up until the moment that it's not.
When two gay kids get hurt bad by a gang of thugs, I realize that Abingdon needs me far more than I thought.
And I'm here to protect the town--and the man--that I'm growing to love.
Kendall:
I've survived everything this world has tossed my way--ignorant parents, falling for men who want to play straight, and running a food truck in a town that likes its men butch and its hot dogs bland as all hell.
I even got through chemo and three bone marrow transplants when I was a kid.
But nothing prepared me for meeting Gilman Steele.
Six feet of pure muscle with eyes that shine like gold and a smile I'd like to see every morning for the rest of my life.
I know I'm crazy, but I swear to God almighty that I fell in love with that man of Steele from the first second I laid eyes on him.
There's a secret I know that could change my relationship with Gil, a lie I've been hiding for over a year.
It could threaten Gil's life here, everything he's worked for. But justice is justice, and I believe in the Abingdon that Gil wants to create.
When the drama gets worse than I ever imagined, I realize that Gil's not the only one in danger.
I'm toppling off a bridge and getting sucked down into the murky water of Holston Lake when I know for sure--this isn't the day I meet my maker.
I didn't survive everything I've been through just to die at the hands of an evil man with a secret far darker than my own.
I'll make my way back to Gil. He's mine, now and forever.
This town might not be ready for us, but I am.
And I plan to let the world know it.
Steele My Heart is the first book in the Bridge to Abingdon series. Each book focuses on one amazing couple, and each can be read as a total standalone. There's lots of steam, a heaping dose of mystery, a dash of insta-love, and a happy ending that's guaranteed to make your heart melt. There are a few chilling scenes and some ignorant jerks who meet justice in every sense of the word. Gil Steele and Kendall Vincent are the future of Abingdon, and the men who set up the story for the rest of our lovers. Enjoy!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
391 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Tatum West
15 books194 followersTatum West is a writer and lover of MM romance. She grew up queer in a straight world. She’s now a mom of two, a dog-mom of one, and she’s working hard to raise kids who know that love is love and see the magic and depth of all human interactions. She crochets, crafts, and creates. She’s so glad she gets to write for a living and make characters who speak to her soul.
Tatum hails from Virginia and went to camp every summer near Abingdon. The Abingdon of the Bridge to Abingdon is a fictionalized version of many small towns, all thrown together and rolled up into one. The men of the town are the ideals created by her heart and mind, all on their paths to true love.
Tatum hails from Virginia and went to camp every summer near Abingdon. The Abingdon of the Bridge to Abingdon is a fictionalized version of many small towns, all thrown together and rolled up into one. The men of the town are the ideals created by her heart and mind, all on their paths to true love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
dnf
July 25, 2019I feel bad about having to dnf not only this book but the entire series. The writing nor the narrator pairing of Alexander Cendese and Tor Thom work for me.
February 23, 2019
DNF @ 55%.
I'm not interested in the main pair. I'm not interested in any single side character. I'm not interested in the plot.
I'm not into relationships that go from zero to monogamy during the first date.
I can't get behind Kendall withholding info about the hate crimes from Gil. Like, people are being harassed, threatened, hospitalized and Kendall and Gil are acting like they are trying to figure out who killed Prof. Plum in the billards room with the candlestick.
I'm not interested in the main pair. I'm not interested in any single side character. I'm not interested in the plot.
I'm not into relationships that go from zero to monogamy during the first date.
I can't get behind Kendall withholding info about the hate crimes from Gil. Like, people are being harassed, threatened, hospitalized and Kendall and Gil are acting like they are trying to figure out who killed Prof. Plum in the billards room with the candlestick.
d-n-f
November 17, 2019Time of death 41%
Y’all know how much I love Alexander Cendese y’all know...but Tom Thor is not the dude to read with him. The story is not interesting enough to keep me going and I’m gonna have to give up on the entire series even though it pains me to do so. The writing is just not something I think I will like 🤷🏽♀️
PASS!
probably-not-but-freebie
November 23, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Steele-Heart...
March 12, 2019
2★'s = it was ok.
Small town romance, a pretty cover and high ratings caught me in its web again. I’ll never learn.
This was one of the most ridiculous books I’ve ever read. Truly. This took every single trope you can think of from every single M/M romance/romance you have ever read, amped them up by like 100 and then threw them all in TO THE SAME STORY. All of them.
I should have thrown in the towel. I think at least three of four times I did jump out and look to see if I wanted to read something else but I persevered. Probably just because sometimes ridiculous is fun. I don’t know if this was fun but OMG I was dizzy from shaking my head and rolling my eyes!
Shoot me now cause I’ll probably read the next one.
Small town romance, a pretty cover and high ratings caught me in its web again. I’ll never learn.
This was one of the most ridiculous books I’ve ever read. Truly. This took every single trope you can think of from every single M/M romance/romance you have ever read, amped them up by like 100 and then threw them all in TO THE SAME STORY. All of them.
I should have thrown in the towel. I think at least three of four times I did jump out and look to see if I wanted to read something else but I persevered. Probably just because sometimes ridiculous is fun. I don’t know if this was fun but OMG I was dizzy from shaking my head and rolling my eyes!
Shoot me now cause I’ll probably read the next one.
Want to read
April 11, 2023💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/24/2018)!💝
Blurb:
I swore I'd never set foot in this town again. But Abingdon needs me. And Kendall Vincent might just get me to stay for good.
Gil:
I was tired of working the police beat in Northern Cali. Exhausted--my whole body was yearning for a place I hadn't been in years, my old home. When my mama died, I knew I had to come back, and my new job as police chief sealed the deal.
I got away from heartbreak. From being so tired. From the constant, never-ending world of crime I'd come to know.
In Abingdon, I can relax, see all my old friends from Jackson Academy. Maybe I can even change this place and make it better for all the kids like me. The ones who were different, who needed a place a little bigger and broader than a small mountain town could provide.
I always promised myself I wouldn't come back.
But Kendall Vincent--he might get me to stay for good. When I'm in his arms, I feel complete, whole again, like a man reborn to the world.
Everything seems perfect, right up until the moment that it's not.
When two gay kids get hurt bad by a gang of thugs, I realize that Abingdon needs me far more than I thought.
And I'm here to protect the town--and the man--that I'm growing to love.
Kendall:
I've survived everything this world has tossed my way--ignorant parents, falling for men who want to play straight, and running a food truck in a town that likes its men butch and its hot dogs bland as all hell.
I even got through chemo and three bone marrow transplants when I was a kid.
But nothing prepared me for meeting Gilman Steele.
Six feet of pure muscle with eyes that shine like gold and a smile I'd like to see every morning for the rest of my life.
I know I'm crazy, but I swear to God almighty that I fell in love with that man of Steele from the first second I laid eyes on him.
There's a secret I know that could change my relationship with Gil, a lie I've been hiding for over a year.
It could threaten Gil's life here, everything he's worked for. But justice is justice, and I believe in the Abingdon that Gil wants to create.
When the drama gets worse than I ever imagined, I realize that Gil's not the only one in danger.
I'm toppling off a bridge and getting sucked down into the murky water of Holston Lake when I know for sure--this isn't the day I meet my maker.
I didn't survive everything I've been through just to die at the hands of an evil man with a secret far darker than my own.
I'll make my way back to Gil. He's mine, now and forever.
This town might not be ready for us, but I am.
And I plan to let the world know it.
Blurb:
I swore I'd never set foot in this town again. But Abingdon needs me. And Kendall Vincent might just get me to stay for good.
Gil:
I was tired of working the police beat in Northern Cali. Exhausted--my whole body was yearning for a place I hadn't been in years, my old home. When my mama died, I knew I had to come back, and my new job as police chief sealed the deal.
I got away from heartbreak. From being so tired. From the constant, never-ending world of crime I'd come to know.
In Abingdon, I can relax, see all my old friends from Jackson Academy. Maybe I can even change this place and make it better for all the kids like me. The ones who were different, who needed a place a little bigger and broader than a small mountain town could provide.
I always promised myself I wouldn't come back.
But Kendall Vincent--he might get me to stay for good. When I'm in his arms, I feel complete, whole again, like a man reborn to the world.
Everything seems perfect, right up until the moment that it's not.
When two gay kids get hurt bad by a gang of thugs, I realize that Abingdon needs me far more than I thought.
And I'm here to protect the town--and the man--that I'm growing to love.
Kendall:
I've survived everything this world has tossed my way--ignorant parents, falling for men who want to play straight, and running a food truck in a town that likes its men butch and its hot dogs bland as all hell.
I even got through chemo and three bone marrow transplants when I was a kid.
But nothing prepared me for meeting Gilman Steele.
Six feet of pure muscle with eyes that shine like gold and a smile I'd like to see every morning for the rest of my life.
I know I'm crazy, but I swear to God almighty that I fell in love with that man of Steele from the first second I laid eyes on him.
There's a secret I know that could change my relationship with Gil, a lie I've been hiding for over a year.
It could threaten Gil's life here, everything he's worked for. But justice is justice, and I believe in the Abingdon that Gil wants to create.
When the drama gets worse than I ever imagined, I realize that Gil's not the only one in danger.
I'm toppling off a bridge and getting sucked down into the murky water of Holston Lake when I know for sure--this isn't the day I meet my maker.
I didn't survive everything I've been through just to die at the hands of an evil man with a secret far darker than my own.
I'll make my way back to Gil. He's mine, now and forever.
This town might not be ready for us, but I am.
And I plan to let the world know it.
August 6, 2023
The Bad:
- the plot is easy to foresee and moves exactly as you expect it
- the forever love happens way too fast
- typical bad people/good people stereotypes
- too many gay people (in powerful positions) to feel realistic
The good:
+ the characters while appearing to be stereotypes at first glance managed to surprise me a few times by breaking out of the mould
+ versatile couple
+ the feelings got across
The other:
= Alexander Cendese and Tom Thor while both being good on their own just don't really fit together. Or maybe it is that always after Cendeses part I am unconsciously waiting for Iggy Toma's voice? Anyway ... I am not saying they are bad, but I am saying they shouldn't be paired together. Actually I have problems imagining any voice actor to fit with Tom Thor - maybe he should only read alone.
- the plot is easy to foresee and moves exactly as you expect it
- the forever love happens way too fast
- typical bad people/good people stereotypes
- too many gay people (in powerful positions) to feel realistic
The good:
+ the characters while appearing to be stereotypes at first glance managed to surprise me a few times by breaking out of the mould
+ versatile couple
+ the feelings got across
The other:
= Alexander Cendese and Tom Thor while both being good on their own just don't really fit together. Or maybe it is that always after Cendeses part I am unconsciously waiting for Iggy Toma's voice? Anyway ... I am not saying they are bad, but I am saying they shouldn't be paired together. Actually I have problems imagining any voice actor to fit with Tom Thor - maybe he should only read alone.
June 25, 2022
I can’t haiku
once with a book so awful.
So much wrong with this.
Cum is barely an
acceptable noun. Never
a verb. Instalove.
Decor descriptions
go on forever. Food too.
It’s all OTT.
And the gays! How
they suffer! They’re just victims.
Melodramatic.
Lakes don't have currents.
Search warrants have rules.
Inconsistent. Bad.
Just bad. Really bad.
Embarrassingly awful.
Read for a challenge.
once with a book so awful.
So much wrong with this.
Cum is barely an
acceptable noun. Never
a verb. Instalove.
Decor descriptions
go on forever. Food too.
It’s all OTT.
And the gays! How
they suffer! They’re just victims.
Melodramatic.
Lakes don't have currents.
Search warrants have rules.
Inconsistent. Bad.
Just bad. Really bad.
Embarrassingly awful.
Read for a challenge.
September 30, 2023
Definitely this book should come with TW’s. for hate speech, homophobia slurs, homophobia abuse and all cos that was a shock to me when reading this one.
3.5* this book was okay, I loved Gill and Kendall as characters. Gill’s grandma takes the cake as the best character tho by far. I’ll continue the series to see how the other characters develop and stories pan out.
3.5* this book was okay, I loved Gill and Kendall as characters. Gill’s grandma takes the cake as the best character tho by far. I’ll continue the series to see how the other characters develop and stories pan out.
August 3, 2023
Gil Steele returns to his hometown in Virginia to assume the role of town police chief after being away 15 years while working as a police officer in California. He meets and quickly falls for Kendall Vincent, who is a chef and runs a successful food cart service. The two quickly pair up but it seemed they were constantly being interrupted a group of anti-gay rednecks aided by an old-school bigoted county sheriff. It won't take long for you to absolutely hate the sheriff. The main, (non-romance), plot line here involves a reprehensible kind of betrayal. One that has become all too common in this country. It’s always a problem anywhere when corrupt and, or uncaring law enforcement and others that have sworn to protect and serve, oppress the very people that they’re paid to protect. That problem is especially horrendous when the targets of that oppression are the ones with differences some may disagree with but still should protect their rights...not just “tolerate” ... but protect. It’s especially satisfying in this story to see some other more enlightened officers, stepping up to end these abuses. In this case there are two happy endings. one when the “good cops” end the bullies’ reign of terror. And the other, a more romantic happy ever after. My husband was a police officer for 38 years...20 of them in a part of the country...not the state, that this story takes place in...so I did a happy little cheer when we are reminded that any officer of the law that knows of, but fails to report a crime, is themselves committing a crime. What finally comes up was a bit of a surprise. I learned, thanks to "Mr.Google"... that it's something that has only been actually legal in Virginia since 2014. Don't want to say what because it would give away too much of a good story line. The book is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Gil and Kendall. The narrators are two of my favorites when I do audio books. Alexander Cendese narrates Kendall’s chapters in an animated and endearing style, and Tor Thorn narrates Gil's chapters in a more sedate and gruffer style. While the contrast was at first a bit jarring, the two styles work very effectively and by the end I was sold on Gil and Kendall no matter how they sounded.
March 29, 2019
“...The journey's longer than I thought, my love. There's lots of things get in the way, but every time I think of you, you just steal my heart away...Just like the sunshine after rain I'll come to be with you will save the day. 'Cos I know when I'm with you again, you just steal my heart away...” — Van Morrison
Gil Steele, of ‘Steele My Heart’ by Tatum West, is reluctant to come back to a town where being gay put his life in danger. Gil returns because his family and his town needs him to end the corruption and bigotry, alive and well, ever since the time Gil left. Almost immediately Gil runs into the good old boy attitude. Gil is not impressed with their condescending attitude and immediately incurs their wrath, putting him and those he loves in danger.
Kendall Vincent is a newcomer to Abbington, but he has been here long enough to fall for a closeted police officer who refuses to come out for him. Their pillow talk involves a plethora of confessions about illegal activity, particularly that of hate crimes toward Abbington’s gay community. Kendall understands the precarious position the officer is in, but is frustrated with being his dirty little secret. Kendall ends their relationship. In order to protect his ex, he remains silent about what he knows.
When Gil and Kendall meet, the attraction between them sizzles like electricity, but Kendall remains cautious. After what he has been through with his ex, he is not ready to jump into bed with another man, who, as a cop like his ex, may be so far in the closet that he may never get out. Another consideration is the secrets Kendall carries to protect his ex-lover and friend. Surely dating a cop will complicate matters. Kendall and Gil do go out, but he lays down the rules swiftly and firmly. He doesn’t do casual and insists that he and the man he is with be exclusive. Before they fall into bed, Kendall wants to get to know Gil. Fortunately he and Gill are on the same page about what they want in a relationship, so all is well. As they are about to become intimate, Gil gets a call to which he has to respond. Two teenage boys have been viciously attacked; one is in critical condition.
This is a tale of the inner workings of a small town, both good and bad. There is a lot going on in the background that creates a huge aura of mystery and suspense. Kendall and Gil are amazing, sexy, loving, and compassionate men. Although it is insta-love, with these two guys it works. Their “some enchanted evening” moment hit me hard and fast, just as it did them. I could feel that these two men belonged together. Thanks, Tatum, for the fast and furious ride. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Gil Steele, of ‘Steele My Heart’ by Tatum West, is reluctant to come back to a town where being gay put his life in danger. Gil returns because his family and his town needs him to end the corruption and bigotry, alive and well, ever since the time Gil left. Almost immediately Gil runs into the good old boy attitude. Gil is not impressed with their condescending attitude and immediately incurs their wrath, putting him and those he loves in danger.
Kendall Vincent is a newcomer to Abbington, but he has been here long enough to fall for a closeted police officer who refuses to come out for him. Their pillow talk involves a plethora of confessions about illegal activity, particularly that of hate crimes toward Abbington’s gay community. Kendall understands the precarious position the officer is in, but is frustrated with being his dirty little secret. Kendall ends their relationship. In order to protect his ex, he remains silent about what he knows.
When Gil and Kendall meet, the attraction between them sizzles like electricity, but Kendall remains cautious. After what he has been through with his ex, he is not ready to jump into bed with another man, who, as a cop like his ex, may be so far in the closet that he may never get out. Another consideration is the secrets Kendall carries to protect his ex-lover and friend. Surely dating a cop will complicate matters. Kendall and Gil do go out, but he lays down the rules swiftly and firmly. He doesn’t do casual and insists that he and the man he is with be exclusive. Before they fall into bed, Kendall wants to get to know Gil. Fortunately he and Gill are on the same page about what they want in a relationship, so all is well. As they are about to become intimate, Gil gets a call to which he has to respond. Two teenage boys have been viciously attacked; one is in critical condition.
This is a tale of the inner workings of a small town, both good and bad. There is a lot going on in the background that creates a huge aura of mystery and suspense. Kendall and Gil are amazing, sexy, loving, and compassionate men. Although it is insta-love, with these two guys it works. Their “some enchanted evening” moment hit me hard and fast, just as it did them. I could feel that these two men belonged together. Thanks, Tatum, for the fast and furious ride. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 2, 2021
I think I found a new series and author!! I’m so excited.
July 1, 2020
Sometimes it is just where my frame of mind is, so take this with a grain of salt. But the sex scenes in this book were just so...weird. Like reading porn (but not the good kind. lol). I liked the plot, even if it was predictable. But unlike the sex scenes, it felt like a fresh prespective on a regularly used plot of bad guys hating "the homos".
I am going to try reading the rest of the series to see if it gets better for me.
I am going to try reading the rest of the series to see if it gets better for me.
March 25, 2023
I liked Kendall and Gill, but the story was just ok. I was disappointed that we didn’t lean more about what happened to the county sheriff. I wanted a big I got you scene, but it was kind of anticlimactic. I liked the HEA, but just wasn’t blown away by the story.
December 10, 2018
Disappointing
The story simply did not appeal to me. The two MCs, Gil and Kendall, did not come across as men, at least, not to me. They were not effeminate but they talked and acted more like women than men. The sex scenes were definitely written for women. While all the parts were there, the descriptions and actions did nothing for me. I am not interested in the least in following this series - I’m done.
The story simply did not appeal to me. The two MCs, Gil and Kendall, did not come across as men, at least, not to me. They were not effeminate but they talked and acted more like women than men. The sex scenes were definitely written for women. While all the parts were there, the descriptions and actions did nothing for me. I am not interested in the least in following this series - I’m done.
November 13, 2018
Nice
I liked this story. It was easy to read. The author did a good job of plot development and having various unforeseen incidents being linked together. The author also did a good job of character development. The story was interesting and it was a quick read. I look forward to Dillon's story next.
I liked this story. It was easy to read. The author did a good job of plot development and having various unforeseen incidents being linked together. The author also did a good job of character development. The story was interesting and it was a quick read. I look forward to Dillon's story next.
October 25, 2019
Very engrossing
I did like this a lot but prepare for a couple of homophobic attacks, a little disturbing to read but not too much graphic detail. Gil becomes Chief of police and finds a conspiracy against LGBT around his town and county. Kendall is a well drawn opposite but fits well with Gil. It’s a nice romance given a good foundation in spite of moving fast. I’m not a fan of insta-love but it would have been fine except the ending was too much for me. It has a nice epilogue and HEA.
I did like this a lot but prepare for a couple of homophobic attacks, a little disturbing to read but not too much graphic detail. Gil becomes Chief of police and finds a conspiracy against LGBT around his town and county. Kendall is a well drawn opposite but fits well with Gil. It’s a nice romance given a good foundation in spite of moving fast. I’m not a fan of insta-love but it would have been fine except the ending was too much for me. It has a nice epilogue and HEA.
December 5, 2018
New to me author. This is a contemporary mm story, set in small town USA. Gil and Kendall make a great couple. I’ll read this author again.
August 10, 2022
It was fine. No more no less. I’m not the target audience for this one.
March 8, 2024
Jerry was done so wrong
June 29, 2025
The investigation was the best part. The romance, meh.
October 24, 2023
Book 1 - Steele My Heart - 10/3/23 - 4 stars
Book 2 - A Fighting Chance - 10/13/23 - 4 stars
Book 3 - Chase Me Home - 10/7/23 - 3.5 stars
Book 4 - Silver Fox - 10/18/23 - 4 stars
Book 5 - Noble and Strong - 10/21/23 - 3.75 stars
Book 6 - Gold Digger - 10/23/23 - 3 stars
Book 2 - A Fighting Chance - 10/13/23 - 4 stars
Book 3 - Chase Me Home - 10/7/23 - 3.5 stars
Book 4 - Silver Fox - 10/18/23 - 4 stars
Book 5 - Noble and Strong - 10/21/23 - 3.75 stars
Book 6 - Gold Digger - 10/23/23 - 3 stars
November 11, 2018
DNF. There was something off about Gil. Didn't buy into him as police chief. Too unprofessional. Disliked Gil and Kendall's relationship. They were too fast, too smooth, and too icky slick. Like two experienced hookup artists.
September 22, 2019
This was fine until it wasn’t.
I don’t think the author made enough of research about police work to write this book because some of the things Gil made was... not very policelike.
I am going go read the other books though, maybe they are better researched.
I don’t think the author made enough of research about police work to write this book because some of the things Gil made was... not very policelike.
I am going go read the other books though, maybe they are better researched.
November 18, 2018
This story touched on real life issues many LGBTQ experience and it was written beautifully. Such a great love story with a happy ending. Definitely worth the read.
March 16, 2019
This was so rushed and ridiculous. It was over the top instalove, the main characters seemed rather flat and the side characters were caricatures, and I barely finished it.
August 20, 2020
This one kind of boils down to 'badass ex-marine good guy breezes in to remove the human garbage from his hometown and finds love in the process'. And I enjoyed it immensely :)
did-not-finish
May 6, 2021This story was just okay. I wasn't in love with either character, and the writing was just okay. I think I'm willing to try the next book in this series to see if I like it better.
June 4, 2024
Gil has just moved back to small town Abingdon to take on his new role as the police chief, a place he thought he would never come back to with its backwards thinking. But, assured by his sister that things have changed he accepts the job and moves back.
In his first week, he meets Kendall, who runs a food truck and is passionate about food. The two hit it off right away and after a steamy kiss that is cut short by a police emergency, Kendall thinks Gil won’t be back for more.
“He’s stunning. Tall, dark, and handsome doesn’t begin to do him justice. He’s beefcake buff with a determined swagger and long, chiseled jawline. A small shiver runs up from the base of my spine when he turns my way for a moment.
Good lord, I’d climb that tree and swing from his limbs any day of the week.”
However, Gil then spends the next week with Kendall, they get to know each other and feel like they’ve known each other forever. However in the background, Gil is investigating a hate crime that appears to be linked to several others from the town over. The other small town is headed up by a backward thinking sheriff who as well as being just plain awful, turns out to be guilty of running many people out of town due to them being queer or not fitting in to what he thinks is right.
With the help of Kendall and several other people around town he solves the case and gets the guy (after he thought he lost him forever!). This was super cute story, some instalove, some great spice and just a great read!
“”Oh yeah,” Gil says, grinning. “I really do. I love you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I don’t want to let it go, ever. I want to wake up beside you every morning and hold you in my arms every night.””
👮🏻♂️MM Romance
👮🏻♂️Small Town
👮🏻♂️Homophobia
👮🏻♂️HEA
In his first week, he meets Kendall, who runs a food truck and is passionate about food. The two hit it off right away and after a steamy kiss that is cut short by a police emergency, Kendall thinks Gil won’t be back for more.
“He’s stunning. Tall, dark, and handsome doesn’t begin to do him justice. He’s beefcake buff with a determined swagger and long, chiseled jawline. A small shiver runs up from the base of my spine when he turns my way for a moment.
Good lord, I’d climb that tree and swing from his limbs any day of the week.”
However, Gil then spends the next week with Kendall, they get to know each other and feel like they’ve known each other forever. However in the background, Gil is investigating a hate crime that appears to be linked to several others from the town over. The other small town is headed up by a backward thinking sheriff who as well as being just plain awful, turns out to be guilty of running many people out of town due to them being queer or not fitting in to what he thinks is right.
With the help of Kendall and several other people around town he solves the case and gets the guy (after he thought he lost him forever!). This was super cute story, some instalove, some great spice and just a great read!
“”Oh yeah,” Gil says, grinning. “I really do. I love you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I don’t want to let it go, ever. I want to wake up beside you every morning and hold you in my arms every night.””
👮🏻♂️MM Romance
👮🏻♂️Small Town
👮🏻♂️Homophobia
👮🏻♂️HEA
March 7, 2025
Rating: 3.25/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Gil and Kendall
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 90% of this book. It's set in a very homophobic town, and Gil is out and proud and has returned as acting captain for the town police. He's thrown headfirst into a case that everyone seems to be trying to downplay and keep hidden. Check TW's because it's pretty harsh with some of the hate crimes being committed.
Kendall is also out, and he runs a local food truck. There is an attraction between him and Gil right away and they move quickly with it.
So, here's the thing and the reason my rating isn't higher. I enjoyed the story, the plot, and both of our main guys. I also didn't mind that they moved very quickly in their relationship (they only knew each other for 5 days and already had very strong feelings). What I couldn't get over was the way the book ended. It went from wrapping up the suspense to marriage. I actually had to go back to make sure I didn't accidentally miss a few chapters. It threw me off and soured the relationship. There is no real buildup to them being together. I can deal with that. But going from "I almost died, and I have to tell you I love you even if it's fast" to "marry me" within the same breath just did not work for me at all.
Ironically, I think this book would have been a full 4 star for me if I had stopped reading right after everything got wrapped up with the plot. Where it left the relationship open ended. You knew they loved each other and just leave it at that.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Gil and Kendall
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 90% of this book. It's set in a very homophobic town, and Gil is out and proud and has returned as acting captain for the town police. He's thrown headfirst into a case that everyone seems to be trying to downplay and keep hidden. Check TW's because it's pretty harsh with some of the hate crimes being committed.
Kendall is also out, and he runs a local food truck. There is an attraction between him and Gil right away and they move quickly with it.
So, here's the thing and the reason my rating isn't higher. I enjoyed the story, the plot, and both of our main guys. I also didn't mind that they moved very quickly in their relationship (they only knew each other for 5 days and already had very strong feelings). What I couldn't get over was the way the book ended. It went from wrapping up the suspense to marriage. I actually had to go back to make sure I didn't accidentally miss a few chapters. It threw me off and soured the relationship. There is no real buildup to them being together. I can deal with that. But going from "I almost died, and I have to tell you I love you even if it's fast" to "marry me" within the same breath just did not work for me at all.
Ironically, I think this book would have been a full 4 star for me if I had stopped reading right after everything got wrapped up with the plot. Where it left the relationship open ended. You knew they loved each other and just leave it at that.
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