Breaking Ground

Castle Harbor #1

by J.P. Oliver

Fail, and you lose it all. Win, and you lose him.

Braden is determined to get this resort project off the ground but has one little problem. He faces a very enthusiastic gang of environmentalists protecting puffins. And one of those protesters is awfully cute.

Jesse came to Castle Harbor to open the puffin refuge and never left. He’s willing to risk everything for his beloved wildlife habitats. Though he’s well-acquainted with wild beauty, he’s not expecting the habitat’s enemy to be so handsome.

When Braden confronts Jesse to discover how to get what they both want, the two realize what they want is unspeakable. This can only be worked out behind closed doors.

Can two deeply devoted men find those feelings in each other?

This enemies to lovers gay romance novel features a pair of polar opposites afraid to lose it all, only to gain more than they imagined possible. This book and all other books in this standalone series can be read in any order.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2019

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

This is J.P.^^Oliver, where ^=space.

About the Author:
J.P. is the writer of Swipe Right, Breaking the Rules, and other novels set around the boys of Joe's Bar. Settled in the bay area, J.P. lives with Joey, Bailey, and Sugar. Two are dogs, one is not, but all three require frequent walks and feeding twice a day.

J.P.'s hobbies include watching far too much television, eating far too much ice cream, and pestering the hardworking employees at the local library. When not writing M/M fiction, J.P. is usually reading it, because what better way to relax on the beach.

I am part of Equal Love Publishing now. Check out other authors like me and ways join our team as an author at www.equallovepublishing.com!

Reviews

[Rae Percy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a hilariously bad book. Spelling mistakes, formatting errors, weird uses of similes. What on earth has kryptonite got to do with enjoying someone sucking your nipples? I think this book was written by a computer AI...

The timeline moves so fast that when the I Love Yous are said (which was where I rolled my eyes and stopped reading) it feels like only a day forward in the story. There is no building of the relationship; the plot beats get hit way too close together. I just didn't believe the two main characters hated each other. And all the other orbiting characters were being a bit bloody pathetic as well.

Look, it's an M/M romance (with no romance) so I shouldn't really feel like I'm reviewing this for the NYT but seriously, SERIOUSLY, this is forty-five minutes of my day I'm not getting back.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I really tried with this one. Not only did I not like the narrator, I didn't like the book. Jesse is protesting the building of a resort that will endanger the Puffin population. Jesse's hatred for Braeden was so extreme IMO. Hate the company yes but the person sent to get things started, maybe. But it was just OTT. Also, Xavier's hatred of his ex, who purchased the land, feed into Jesse's hatred & it was just too much for me. I felt no chemistry between the two MC's either. I will not be continuing with this series.

[DENICE · Rating 3 out of 5]

A WORK IN THE MAKING

I really love J.P. Oliver’s stories. This is the first book of the series and I didn’t like how the story progressed. It was hot and filled with funny innuendos from a sexually frustrated man. There didn’t seem to be much depth in the story, but lots of emotions being thrown around. I have read a later book in this series and the plots have gotten much better.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Braden comes to town so he can get his resort up and going. However, Jesse has decided that he wants him and his resort gone. That is until he realizes that him and Braden have some real chemistry. Of course with them both being on different sides it could end badly. Thankfully they both had a plan up their sleeve and let them have their HEA.

[Marsilisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oooook... That was definitely different...
I've listened to (very)good books read by (very)good narrators, (very)bad books read by good narrators, but never a VERY bad book read by VERY BAD narrator.
Story was empty at best. MC - not realistic. Conversations - painfully boring and forced. Narration - flat out robotic. Language was crude and sounded like written by 3rd grader.
Maybe because i started listening to this one 10 min after I finished 2 series by Jocelynn Drake narrated by Kenneth Obi, but the contract was shocking.
Second try with this authors duo. Not doing that again.

[SC · Rating 1 out of 5]

The mistakes bothered me too much

I'm finding that this publisher doesn't do much editing on their books, because wow, so many in this one. A lot of inconsistencies through it, not enough character.depth, kind of an empty book. I mean it's one of those "filler" books to me, something to kill time while I wait for a new release, not very memorable. It was just ok.

I have some highlights & notes for you guys, just to prove my point. How, HOW is this book getting such good ratings is shocking to me. I mean, are we supposed to ignore all the mistakes and just glaze over it ? Sorry, but nope, that doesn't work for me.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Review with spoilers)


Nice romance. I loved it.


Braden and Jesse's paths cross in a small seaside village. Braden is there for a new urban project. Jesse wants to create a shelter for puffins, he has been fighting for this for years. When they get to know each other, sparks fly between them.


I love Braden and Jesse because they both fight for what they think is fair. Braden believes his work will help the community, while Jesse believes it will destroy it. They're rivals, they can't be seen any other way. But that doesn't make them lower themselves as people. They both want to do things right, without foul play.

They are also stubborn. They don't think the other can be right. They can't have a normal conversation without arguing, without provoking each other, without hiding what they feel.

Nor Braden nor Jesse wants to get close to the other. First, because they are rivals. And later, because they are both hurt, they have suffered in the past. Jesse's heart has been broken since his ex left him, and Braden doesn't believe in happy endings. But when they're together, it's easy to hide their pain, to believe in something else.

I love that they have learned to listen to each other, to know each other's point of view.

I love their friends.

I recommend it.


I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[A.L. Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was about Jesse a small town guy fighting for what he feels is right against a big company trying to build on their land and ends up meeting the guy named braeden who tries to convince him why it should happen and then feelings develop between the two through it all. It was an enemies to lovers story, Jesse hated braeden and saw him as the bad guy until he really got to know him. I didnt really feel the connection between the two chatcaters. one minute they hated each other and all of a sudden they were in love but I didnt feel the love build between the two. I didnt feel like they had a whole lot of encounters that lasted long enough for feelings to develop that deeply. I didn't feel like the relationship between to two were that focused on, the focus was more on everything going on around them. The epilogue seems to catch my interest and I'm hoping that means I second story about that two characters because that one sounds like it could be really good. It was stil a fun quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jona]

Después de leer la serie "Fighting for love" tenía muchas ganas de leer más al autor pero este libro ha sido un total no para mí.

Los personajes, en especial Jesse siendo un intenso activista, podrían gustarme mucho pero se quedan en nada porque siento que a penas llego a conocerlos. Después está ese enorme problema de cómo el complejo va a joder a la naturaleza y blahblah al que finalmente se le da una solución que es absurdamente evidente, en serio, se podría haber llegado a ella en una primera conversación.

Tal vez no me importarían tanto los fallos de trama si me dieran un romance medio interesante, momentos que me ilusionen, buenos momentos juntos... Pero no hay, no existen. Su relación se basa en "Oh wow eres un mierdas" con discusiones ni siquiera bien llevadas y un montón de pensamientos sucios y comentarios con doble sentido —sin mucho sentido en varios ocasiones— o que son directamente sexuales ¿Es que no pueden pensar ni medio segundo en otra cosa? Ah, claro que no ¿Cómo pensar en otra cosa cuando los dos están tan buenos y además Braden tiene un pene masivo? Ugh, en serio, demasiados comentarios sobre lo enorme que es su miembro.

[Felicia (Ferishia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook narration: Ryan Lee did a pretty good job of voicing the many characters. The pace of the narration was good. The pitch and tone of the voices he use for the characters was pleasant to my ears. There was a nice variance so the characters did not sound the same. Overall a good performance.

Story: I don’t know if you can refer to this as an “enemies to lovers” story but the was definitely some strong dislike going on. Jesse is an environmentalist extremely passionate about protecting the puffin sanctuary. Braden is a rich businessman developing a resort on land that happens to be right next to the sanctuary. There is some attraction when they first see each other. However, after they find out about who the other is the attraction seems to take a back seat but they ultimately can’t avoid it. I think the story was well thought out and while both characters are likable, I couldn’t help but root for Jesse. It’s a hot and sexy read with a surprising ending. Definitely recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse is devoted to the Puffin reserve he has set up with his boss, Xavier. Now a resort has bought the land beside them and threatens the reserve for puffins and other sea and land creatures. Xavier's ex is the one who bought the land and it sends him into a tail spend. Convincing Jesse only evil can come of the resort, Jesse brings all his unique talents to bear on making the resort go away. Braedan was sent to starts things forward for the resort. Jesse starts his attack as soon as Braedan gets out of the car. Jesse is aggressive and won't give Braedan a chance to talk to him. Will the two be able to work out the differences between the Reserve and the Resort. ilWl Xavier's own hatred come in between the relationship of Jesse and Braedan and what is best for the Reserve and the island if the resort proceeds with its plans? Can a solution be found in time to save it all? I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the enemies to lovers romance between Jesse and Braden. Jesse works at a non-profit that is trying to save the environment and the puffins. When a big company plans to build a resort in the coastal town of Castle Harbor, Jesse organizes protests. Braden was sent to the town as the project developer in hopes of settling the dispute with the protesters. Jesse and Braden instantly get into verbal fights that are laced with sexual chemistry. The more Braden tries to talk to Jesse, the more they argue and are attracted to one another. When Jesse puts a video on the internet of them arguing, Braden goes to Jesse and their attractions take over. I really liked this story. I enjoyed the back and forth between Jesse and Braden. I think they both wanted to work together, but didn't want to be the one to cave. I think their connection was amazing and they were great together. Good one.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Braden is a business developer determined to get his resort built. Jesse is an environmental activist trying to stop the resort bei g built so he can save his puffin reserve.
Two men on opposing sides have sparks flying for more than on be reason. They are passionate with their work and with their feeli na about each other.
Great characters and storyline make this an interesting story. Laughs, deviousness, steamy sexy times, frustration, and more make this an enjoyable read.
I would have liked the art Jesse makes to have been explored more in this story. The epilogue for this story is not about Braden and Jesse. Instead, it is about two secondary characters and maybe this is a glimpse of what to expect in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally dramatically hot! Jesse is comitted, dedicated and loyal to his environmental cause. Braden is dedicated and comitted to his job and loyal to his employees. Jesse and Braden are on opposite sides of the development plan. They shared an instant lust look upon first seeing each other. The secon time they met, the instant lust look was confirmed and reinforced. Can they end on the other side in harmony and peace? Will their business interests always conflict? Is there a path to a business solution? Are they compatible beyond the lust? Can they like each other? The book was a fun read. Castle Harbor sounds like a delightful place. I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Save the puffins!

Braden invades Jesse's island with a project for a new resort that will cause debilitating results to his puffin sanctuary. Jesse can't see past the red anger to understand that Braden is trying to work with him. But when caught in a heated moment, anger turns into something else.

This had a lot of potential for me, but as much as I loved the enemies to lovers, the relationship went way to fast in the last 5% of the book. I think a HFN ending would have suited this story better than rushing for a HEA.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is entertaining, dramatic and interesting. Jesse is passionate, untrusting and caring. Braden is determined, oblivious and impulsive. On opposite sides of the issue, Jesse and Braden have chemistry that is off the charts, which causes them to blow up at each other every time they are together. Their intense arguments always turn into insult slinging, sexually charged standoffs. I can't to see all the sparks between Lucas and Zachary.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Kimberlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 21%
I received an Audible code in exchange for a review. The narrator killed any chance the story had for me. It was too flat and stiff. The story itself was pretty bad, too. I didn't have any interest in the MCs and felt their dialogues did not match their internal thoughts. The environmentalist was an irritational blow hard, yelling unreasonably at the developer he's supposedly crushing on. It might have gone better in print/electronic format but other reviews mention grammar and editing errors, too.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Ground by J.P. Oliver is the first book in The Castle Harbor Series. It is the enemies to lovers romance story between Braden and Jesse. They are opposites that attract and gain do much by overcoming their fear of losing everything.

The characters were fun to read. I enjoyed the story... Drama/angst... sexy, hot passion...overall satisfying read.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse is an environmentalist working at a puffin sanctuary. Braden comes to town to build a resort adjacent to the sanctuary. Agendas conflict. Tempers flare. Passions soar. And much more than ground gets broken!

This is a fast paced romance with some secondary characters, with concerns and plans of their own, than spice up this story enormously.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsty Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book and I could not get enough of it. The dynamic between these two characters is great, they have an instant connection immediately.
I absolutely love this author he is one of my top 10. Every time I get one of his books I can't wait to see what journey we are going on this time.
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone it is quite enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story that kept me entertained. I really like the back and forth banter between Jesse and Braden especially with the sexual chemistry buzzing all around them. Their arguing leads to some great explosive sex as they try to come to some kind of compromise about the resort. The narrator was okay but just a bit flat and monotone through a lot of it. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.

[Randy Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book hits it right on the head as a theme for current times. you have two guys Braden and Jesse that are passionate about their causes and need to figure out a way to work together. it is impossible it seems. i like the story line details.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He went there to help the puffins and never left. Someone has arrived who wants to build a resort. They will clash in more ways than one. There is an attraction between them. If he fails he will lose the puffins and if he wins he will lose the man he loves. Can there be middle.ground? See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse and Braden have such combustible chemistry they burn up the pages and the sheets! I love the snark and the competition between the two. So much lust and fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Solveig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with a lot of emotions, sexual tention and anger.Jesse works at a sanctuary and is passion about the environment. And the temper run high when a developer send their employer Braden to take care of everything. Both men want each other and both wants to win.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story because it was different. It had an interesting story line and a decent amount of heat. I loved the whole "enemies" thing. It was very well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a little of everything, sweet romance, sexy overbearing and frustrating alpha make and a beautiful woman who has the right heart and spirit. Thoroughly enjoying and entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baden comes to the island to build a resort for Blue Star. Jesse works at the Puffin Refuge. There is constant bickering between these two. Can they find some common ground and start a friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frances Hamburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Braden and Jesse, working for the same thing....made much more sense. Jesse didn't want the Puffin fish sanctuary to be disturbed but neither did Braden! But do much more was on the line other than fish! Great book!

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read however there was no relationship development. I like to see people date and get to know each other. We saw them fight a few times and have sex and then the I love you.

Narration was good.