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Evergreen Grove #6
Don't Let Go
Left behind by everyone he's ever loved, Alonzo Grover lives as if there's no future. The discovery of a letter from his deceased boyfriend breaks him out of his rut and spurs him to right an old wrong, but the local stick-in-the-mud sheriff's lieutenant seems determined to ruin all his plans.
Lieutenant Sebastian Haas despises tangling with his small town's most promiscuous party kid. Alonzo's youth and recklessness drive him crazy in more ways than one... As does the uncomfortable secret they share. But when Haas's estranged family arrives in town to throw a wedding he wants no part of, he ends up jumping into Alonzo's car to avoid everyone.
Together, they wind up on an unexpected road trip. When they hit one setback after another, it looks like they might kill each other before they make it back home. Unless they find something better to do than fight.
Lieutenant Sebastian Haas despises tangling with his small town's most promiscuous party kid. Alonzo's youth and recklessness drive him crazy in more ways than one... As does the uncomfortable secret they share. But when Haas's estranged family arrives in town to throw a wedding he wants no part of, he ends up jumping into Alonzo's car to avoid everyone.
Together, they wind up on an unexpected road trip. When they hit one setback after another, it looks like they might kill each other before they make it back home. Unless they find something better to do than fight.
- GenresRomance
202 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2018
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Staab
25 books257 followersElisabeth Staab loves passionate stories and happy endings. Her books have been called “emotionally delicious,” “action-packed,” and “gloriously snarky.” When not writing romance about vampires and werewolves and emotionally wounded boxers (oh, my!), she enjoys date night with her husband, reading with her kids, and marathoning her favorite books or TV series. Keep up with all the latest shenanigans by following her newsletter, stopping by ElisabethStaab.com, or finding her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 19, 2018
I was disappointed with this book because it was too comedic, and while both MCs were likeable, the push and pull between them was exhausting and frustrating. And the last couple of chapters had some OTT ridiculous scenes that had me rolling my eyes.
February 2, 2018
You know I love this series. I've gone on and on, it's definitely one not to miss! So here we are, book 6. M/M romance, and so wonderful in all of its pages, I was not let down!
Alonzo and Sebastian. Alonzo is young, and wild - and a bit damaged by the past. Sebastian is older by 10 or so years, and a police officer in Evergreen Grove. I love that right off the bat, wild meets the law. These two have skirted around each other, picking and poking, and pretending they didn't care for each other at all. Sort of an enemies to lovers, aside from the fact that neither one hated the other.
What I really loved is that Alonzo and Sebastian are two opposite sides of the same coin, but in the middle where they meet, their metal is the same. They are both deeply caring people, affected by their past. Yet they both show tremendous care for others, time and again. They have these giant hearts, and that is what made me fist bump my kindle when they finally start clicking and realizing there is more there than just an adversary. A little adventure along the way also adds to the excitement of it all.
Staab has a way of pulling me in, every single time. I love this entire series, and I'm not sure I could ever get enough. I'd love to make her write another book that revisits each of the couples and gives some updates.
Why do I want updates? Well, some big things happen in this book. That's all I can really say about that. But other than a couple super quick cameos, the previous characters don't really show their faces all that much. And I want to see their faces more!
Evergreen Grove is an amazing place. The people there all seem magnetically drawn to this town. And I can't blame them. I want to live there too. I can picture each place in it, and I can see the people just as clear as I can see this screen in front of me. Staab does a lovely job bringing two opposite people together in Don't Let Go, and I couldn't be happier.
Alonzo and Sebastian. Alonzo is young, and wild - and a bit damaged by the past. Sebastian is older by 10 or so years, and a police officer in Evergreen Grove. I love that right off the bat, wild meets the law. These two have skirted around each other, picking and poking, and pretending they didn't care for each other at all. Sort of an enemies to lovers, aside from the fact that neither one hated the other.
What I really loved is that Alonzo and Sebastian are two opposite sides of the same coin, but in the middle where they meet, their metal is the same. They are both deeply caring people, affected by their past. Yet they both show tremendous care for others, time and again. They have these giant hearts, and that is what made me fist bump my kindle when they finally start clicking and realizing there is more there than just an adversary. A little adventure along the way also adds to the excitement of it all.
Staab has a way of pulling me in, every single time. I love this entire series, and I'm not sure I could ever get enough. I'd love to make her write another book that revisits each of the couples and gives some updates.
Why do I want updates? Well, some big things happen in this book. That's all I can really say about that. But other than a couple super quick cameos, the previous characters don't really show their faces all that much. And I want to see their faces more!
Evergreen Grove is an amazing place. The people there all seem magnetically drawn to this town. And I can't blame them. I want to live there too. I can picture each place in it, and I can see the people just as clear as I can see this screen in front of me. Staab does a lovely job bringing two opposite people together in Don't Let Go, and I couldn't be happier.
January 29, 2018
This is a series made up of a mix of m/f and m/m books. For those readers who prefer to stick solely with the all-man lovin’ rest assured that these books can be read as standalones. This is the second book that I’ve read from the Evergreen Grove series and after reading that previous story, this book, Sebastian Haas’s book, is the one that I was really wanting to read.
Poor, poor Sebastian Haas. This guy just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to love. In the previous m/m book of the series, Sebastian Haas was the sometimes bed partner of one of the main characters, a man who wasn’t interested in anything serious with our unfortunate law enforcement officer. After being introduced to Haas in that story, and witnessing the guy get his heart a little bruised, I was hanging out to see him find a man who would be the one for him. But instead we begin this book with Haas doing his best to avoid his sister, who is marrying the closeted love of Haas’s life, the asshole who freaked out about being gay and left Haas to marry his sister instead. Meanwhile Haas also has to deal with Alonzo, his current crush, who spends all of his time getting into the pants of everyone except Haas. I may, just may, have gotten rather teary eyed over lonely, isolated Lieutenant Haas. The guy is just desperate for someone to want HIM, but the fact that he’s closeted doesn’t really help the situation. As for Alonzo, that man also has some understandable issues with relationships, but I really liked him for Haas. I love all of the characters in this series, even the secondary characters, m/f couples that have already had their stories told, are relatable and loveable. The author uses all of her characters well to progress the relationship between our two MCs, and the overall plotline.
My only complaint would be that the road trip that Haas and Alonzo set out on felt rather unfinished. Not pointless, because it obviously allowed the men to spend time getting to know each other, but what was set up to be a major confrontation, and the whole point of the journey, ended with a fizzle, rather than any excitement. And, yes, the author later finished off that plot arc in a very spectacular fashion, but I adore a good road trip story, and unfortunately I felt as though there was nothing at the end of this journey.
Overall I’m a definite fan of this author’s work, and of Evergreen Grove in particular. I’ll certainly keep an eye out for future releases.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/01/2...
Poor, poor Sebastian Haas. This guy just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to love. In the previous m/m book of the series, Sebastian Haas was the sometimes bed partner of one of the main characters, a man who wasn’t interested in anything serious with our unfortunate law enforcement officer. After being introduced to Haas in that story, and witnessing the guy get his heart a little bruised, I was hanging out to see him find a man who would be the one for him. But instead we begin this book with Haas doing his best to avoid his sister, who is marrying the closeted love of Haas’s life, the asshole who freaked out about being gay and left Haas to marry his sister instead. Meanwhile Haas also has to deal with Alonzo, his current crush, who spends all of his time getting into the pants of everyone except Haas. I may, just may, have gotten rather teary eyed over lonely, isolated Lieutenant Haas. The guy is just desperate for someone to want HIM, but the fact that he’s closeted doesn’t really help the situation. As for Alonzo, that man also has some understandable issues with relationships, but I really liked him for Haas. I love all of the characters in this series, even the secondary characters, m/f couples that have already had their stories told, are relatable and loveable. The author uses all of her characters well to progress the relationship between our two MCs, and the overall plotline.
My only complaint would be that the road trip that Haas and Alonzo set out on felt rather unfinished. Not pointless, because it obviously allowed the men to spend time getting to know each other, but what was set up to be a major confrontation, and the whole point of the journey, ended with a fizzle, rather than any excitement. And, yes, the author later finished off that plot arc in a very spectacular fashion, but I adore a good road trip story, and unfortunately I felt as though there was nothing at the end of this journey.
Overall I’m a definite fan of this author’s work, and of Evergreen Grove in particular. I’ll certainly keep an eye out for future releases.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/01/2...
January 25, 2018
Don't Let Go (Evergreen Grove Book 6) by Elisabeth Staab
This is Alonzo Grover and Lieutenant Sebastian Haas' story.
Hass' goal in life is to do whatever he can so that he can be in-line for a promotion and is not looking for a relationship. Everyone that Alonzo cares about leaves him so he comes across as a partier and someone that doesn't really care about anything. At first I did not like Alonzo's character. As you get into the story you realize that there is more to Alonzo than he lets everyone see.
Alonzo and Hass always seemed to be at odds with each other until their unexpected road trip. The chemistry between them is intense but they have secrets and lots of issues to work through. Will they tear down the barriers and take a chance on love?
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Alonzo Grover and Lieutenant Sebastian Haas' story.
Hass' goal in life is to do whatever he can so that he can be in-line for a promotion and is not looking for a relationship. Everyone that Alonzo cares about leaves him so he comes across as a partier and someone that doesn't really care about anything. At first I did not like Alonzo's character. As you get into the story you realize that there is more to Alonzo than he lets everyone see.
Alonzo and Hass always seemed to be at odds with each other until their unexpected road trip. The chemistry between them is intense but they have secrets and lots of issues to work through. Will they tear down the barriers and take a chance on love?
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 23, 2018
Elisabeth Staab has this wonderful ability to bring opposites together, but she blew me away with this one. Right from the start, I was wondering how she was going to make it work between Haas and Alonzo. I don't think those two could have been any more different, which made for a lot of interesting issues between them. When you add in their individual troubles, one can only wonder how the heck these two could ever make it work. There was drama, passion, heartbreak and one of the creepiest villains ever, but there was no denying the strong chemistry between Alonzo and Sebastian. I felt really bad that they had so much going against them, but it made for a hell of a story. If you are looking for a book to take your emotions on a crazy roller coaster ride, pick this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
January 11, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will be looking into more. This is a fun and emotional book about two totally different guys. Alonzo is young and a party guy. Sebastian is thirty-three and more career minded. He has looked the other way at Alonzo’s actions before. There is an attraction but how they act on it is pretty heartwarming. There are many side issues such as the wedding, the rescue of the dog and the criminal. There are many characters in this book and I think if I had read some of the previous ones I’d have had a better feel for them but they are interesting and entertaining. This story has good character development. I really felt I knew both Alonzo and Sebastian. The story flowed consistently and I was sorry when it ended. I’m hoping these two are included in some of the next books.
January 24, 2018
A great addition to the series!
I love this new addition to the series! I have hoped for Officer Haas to find love since he was first introduced to us. For him to find it with Alonzo makes the story even better. The only way this book could be made better would be if it were longer. I hope more books follow this one. This is a great series. (There really needs to be a better word for great)
I love this new addition to the series! I have hoped for Officer Haas to find love since he was first introduced to us. For him to find it with Alonzo makes the story even better. The only way this book could be made better would be if it were longer. I hope more books follow this one. This is a great series. (There really needs to be a better word for great)
April 11, 2018
Let's first talk about the cover, specifically the t-shirt worn by the guy on the cover. That was a reason to read this contemporary romance and the fact that it was written by Elisabeth Staab. I love the way she layers the emotions of her characters and how those complicated emotions affect the dynamics of the relationships. Staab has two PNR series and two contemporary series. The Evergreen Grove series has M/F and M/M stories. So she has something for pretty much any reader.
The premise of Don't Let Go was pretty troupey. Two polar opposites go on a road trip. You get the three Fs. Frustration, Fighting...Forking. Ha! I just made that up. Both guys have been hurt by a past relationship but they've handled it in very different ways. Again, more predictable troupes. What sets this story apart from the rest of the books out there is the character's emotions. They aren't simplified. Like I said above, Staab writes characters with many emotional layers and then does a good job at revealing them to the reader.
You can't have a hot romance without some good sexy time between the couple. Alonso and Sebastian's encounter in a hotel bathroom reveals a lot to the reader as well as the characters. It rocks their physical and emotional worlds.
While some of the action was predictable I still held my breath near the end worrying whether or not Alonso and Sebastian would work things out. And I was pulling so hard for them!
Don't Let Go is written in first person from two POVs. It is a stand-alone with a happy ever after.
4 "t-shirt wearing" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2018/04/bo...
The premise of Don't Let Go was pretty troupey. Two polar opposites go on a road trip. You get the three Fs. Frustration, Fighting...Forking. Ha! I just made that up. Both guys have been hurt by a past relationship but they've handled it in very different ways. Again, more predictable troupes. What sets this story apart from the rest of the books out there is the character's emotions. They aren't simplified. Like I said above, Staab writes characters with many emotional layers and then does a good job at revealing them to the reader.
You can't have a hot romance without some good sexy time between the couple. Alonso and Sebastian's encounter in a hotel bathroom reveals a lot to the reader as well as the characters. It rocks their physical and emotional worlds.
While some of the action was predictable I still held my breath near the end worrying whether or not Alonso and Sebastian would work things out. And I was pulling so hard for them!
Don't Let Go is written in first person from two POVs. It is a stand-alone with a happy ever after.
4 "t-shirt wearing" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2018/04/bo...
October 12, 2018
There is an underlining message in all this.. Love in all its forms.
Sebastian and Alonzo had issues before they started coupling.. Sebastian was a little wound and Alonzo was a little too loose.
Alonzo has a letter from his 1st love, Terrence, outlining some of the things that made them break up but also why he was so broken when they were together, why he ended up taking his life. It was twisted and nasty but it motivates Alonzo to take a trip to right some wrongs and maybe lay Terrence to rest. There is no surprise that the twisted ending with Terrence pushed Alonzo into some self-destructive behavior.
Sebastian’s situation is just as bad for different reasons. As a teenager, he fell in love with Norman, a rich kid with no spine. Unable to live outside of the closet, Norman hooks up with Sebastian’s sister and later asks her to marry him. Ok.. Sebastian shows lots of maturity and steps aside because he wants his sister to be happy. Only, Norm is a worm and he is really in love with Sebastian. Oh please save me.
Sebastian gets drawn in Alonzo’s issue and as they work it out. All good.. now there is Sebastian’s sister’s wedding and Norm is being a GIT.. really just a nasty worm of a man. It is a very good story about finding love as a teen/ young adult and mature love that lasts. I wasn’t as bored as I was with the other books…but then it is shorter..
Sebastian and Alonzo had issues before they started coupling.. Sebastian was a little wound and Alonzo was a little too loose.
Alonzo has a letter from his 1st love, Terrence, outlining some of the things that made them break up but also why he was so broken when they were together, why he ended up taking his life. It was twisted and nasty but it motivates Alonzo to take a trip to right some wrongs and maybe lay Terrence to rest. There is no surprise that the twisted ending with Terrence pushed Alonzo into some self-destructive behavior.
Sebastian’s situation is just as bad for different reasons. As a teenager, he fell in love with Norman, a rich kid with no spine. Unable to live outside of the closet, Norman hooks up with Sebastian’s sister and later asks her to marry him. Ok.. Sebastian shows lots of maturity and steps aside because he wants his sister to be happy. Only, Norm is a worm and he is really in love with Sebastian. Oh please save me.
Sebastian gets drawn in Alonzo’s issue and as they work it out. All good.. now there is Sebastian’s sister’s wedding and Norm is being a GIT.. really just a nasty worm of a man. It is a very good story about finding love as a teen/ young adult and mature love that lasts. I wasn’t as bored as I was with the other books…but then it is shorter..
March 1, 2018
3.5 stars. This was a good enough read that I'm going to try another of this author's books.
September 19, 2019
Likeable characters and the relationship felt earned by the time the story ended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews