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A Bridge to Abingdon #3
Chase Me Home
I broke Zane Chase's heart on the night of my high school graduation. I played straight for years, pushing love away at every turn. I created a picture perfect life - I built a billion dollar company, married a good girl, had a kid. I hid myself for decades, and I got exactly what I wanted.
But it all came crashing down. My company fired me, the wife ditched my gay a$s and took our daughter with her. The only place to go is home. My first night Abingdon, I run right into Zane. His crystal blue eyes and sculpted body wake something deep inside of me.
Elias Spaulding is a total d*ck. He's rude and presumptuous - seems he never learned any damn manners. He's got wild ideas, fast cars, and more money than God. He's everything a wild-child, punk artist like me should hate. But he's the most fascinating man I've met in years. And deep down, he's the same boy who stole that first kiss from me in the darkness of my dorm room.
Beneath his bad attitude is a man who wants a real life - a home, a family, someone to love. I was never the kind to settle down, not since I left for New York. But something's telling me that Elias might be worth the trouble.
Contains mature themes.
But it all came crashing down. My company fired me, the wife ditched my gay a$s and took our daughter with her. The only place to go is home. My first night Abingdon, I run right into Zane. His crystal blue eyes and sculpted body wake something deep inside of me.
Elias Spaulding is a total d*ck. He's rude and presumptuous - seems he never learned any damn manners. He's got wild ideas, fast cars, and more money than God. He's everything a wild-child, punk artist like me should hate. But he's the most fascinating man I've met in years. And deep down, he's the same boy who stole that first kiss from me in the darkness of my dorm room.
Beneath his bad attitude is a man who wants a real life - a home, a family, someone to love. I was never the kind to settle down, not since I left for New York. But something's telling me that Elias might be worth the trouble.
Contains mature themes.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2019
164 people are currently reading
283 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 87 reviews
March 5, 2024
The characters in this story are great together. I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Elias. He was the product of a dysfunctional family...seems to be somewhere on the autistic spectrum...and as a result had social and behavioral trouble in school. He fell for Zane while at prep school years ago, but he couldn't bring himself to accept his sexuality at that time and pushed Zane away breaking his heart. The story then moves ahead to several years later, and Elias is now a multi-millionaire tech whiz, has divorced his wife, and finally comes out as a gay man, and he has what he never thought would be possible...another chance with Zane. At a financially low point in Elias' life, he and Zane tentatively reunite and begin to explore a relationship. Suddenly, with no warning his ex-wife literally dumps Zoe, their daughter, on him and takes off for parts unknown. Zoe is a mess to put it mildly. She's been told that her father didn't love her and had never wanted anything to do with her. She is beyond autistic. No school can manage her for more than a few months or even weeks. Zane steps in and helps him and he and Zoe simply, beautifully, mesh, connecting with his very little trouble. What results is a very sweet and emotional love story, between Elias and Zane, and Elias and Zane with a very wary and emotionally needy, Zoe. I loved how Zane could always make things right...how he never gave up on Elias or Zoey. He gave new meaning to "the patience of a saint". The story went through 11 years and there was a happy ending for everyone in spite of the way it started out. I listened to the audio and that was really the only problem I had with the entire story. The voices of Elias and Zane were done by two different narrators. Zane's voice was beautifully done but Elias's voice was grating to put it mildly. It sounded like he was angry and on the verge of having a melt-down through the entire reading.
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October 24, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing. It was a great story of second chances in love, life, relationships and family. Elias and Zanes story was outstanding and this was my favourite in the series so far. I hope we all find our forever home. 5/5
March 11, 2019
I was going to give this a heavy three stars but had to subtract one star and here’s why. The book went something like this:
Intro
Back story
Hot sex
Hot sex
Abrupt detour into parenthood
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with special needs
Two MCs take a break from relationship
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with ABRUPT HOT SEX SCENE special needs
Please do not spend the entire middle of the book on a CHILD and then suddenly veer into a dirty erotica sex scene. It is not hot and does not work.
Intro
Back story
Hot sex
Hot sex
Abrupt detour into parenthood
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with special needs
Two MCs take a break from relationship
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with special needs
Daughter with ABRUPT HOT SEX SCENE special needs
Please do not spend the entire middle of the book on a CHILD and then suddenly veer into a dirty erotica sex scene. It is not hot and does not work.
September 29, 2020
I just did not enjoy this book much. The writing seemed clunky and awkward for a good part of the story. Lots of internal monologue telling us what's going on, what everyone is feeling instead of actually showing us something. Quite a few confusing continuity errors made it in too.
The romance starts out way too fast with lots of sex, stops dead from about the middle to 80% and then goes into overdrive with a fairy tale like perfect ending. In between is a lot of mostly unnecessary drama about Elias' daughter and her school as well as Elias' father. The plot lacked in focus and there where several parts that could have just flat out been removed without changing the story in any way.
My biggest problem is that nothing about the book feels believable. I don't even need realistic in my romance, but make the people seem like real people and the events coherent and sensible. It all felt so plotted out and staged.
The characters feel mostly flat, character development is done in absolutes, not in gradual transition. The story is pretty much over by 85%, the author is just wallowing in a feel good ending that seemed trite and boring.
The romance starts out way too fast with lots of sex, stops dead from about the middle to 80% and then goes into overdrive with a fairy tale like perfect ending. In between is a lot of mostly unnecessary drama about Elias' daughter and her school as well as Elias' father. The plot lacked in focus and there where several parts that could have just flat out been removed without changing the story in any way.
My biggest problem is that nothing about the book feels believable. I don't even need realistic in my romance, but make the people seem like real people and the events coherent and sensible. It all felt so plotted out and staged.
The characters feel mostly flat, character development is done in absolutes, not in gradual transition. The story is pretty much over by 85%, the author is just wallowing in a feel good ending that seemed trite and boring.
February 18, 2019
I somehow missed the second of this series, but I enjoyed both the first and the third. Is it a great book? No. But if you enjoy this M/M erotica type of thing, with a believable plot, this book is for you!
May 21, 2019
Elias and Zane were classmates (diff. grades) at Jackson Academy and meet again at the multi-class reunion. Elias was a bastard then and years later, he's an older bastard- with a growing concious. Nevertheless, he's still likable. (It's the ex-wife that gets the negative reviews and boy-howdy, she deserves it.) Zane teaches Elias how to be a better human/father/boyfriend while somehow doing this MASSIVE artwork in E's building. I totally recomend this book, especially if being emotional is your 'Thing' as Elias and his daughter are on the autism spectrum.
(My only question is: was Zoe named with Zane in mind? The Z's intrigue me!)
(My only question is: was Zoe named with Zane in mind? The Z's intrigue me!)
April 22, 2019
Meh. The story was ok, some of the characters were fantastic (Zoe and Mal especially), but the continuity problems drove me nuts. This author needs a better editor PLEASE! I want to read Nikki and Fox's story, but I might just throw my Kindle across the room if it has as many punctuation and grammar errors as this one. Proofread, proofread, proofread, people!
April 7, 2019
Lots of good ratings for this book so my "meh" feelings about it are probably more about me. Interesting story with a billionaire tech guy, and a guy who loved the billionaire tech guy in high school but was shot down by the closeted geek billionaire. The tech guy comes back to his home town several years later having been through a divorce and fathering an autistic daughter and being fired by his tech company for his inability to get along with others even though he's brilliant and made everyone scads of money.
I'm a reader who enjoys all kind of emotions, happy, sad, sexual, etc. etc. etc. I felt this book kind of glanced over a lot of things that could have been deeply emotional. We had abandonment, autism (I believe both billionaire and daughter although I don't think that was really spelled out), second chance love which never really stopped at the first chance, abusive father, uncaring mother and lots of on page steam but it all just seemed to be very unemotional for me. Liked the characters, liked the writing but needed more grit.
I'm a reader who enjoys all kind of emotions, happy, sad, sexual, etc. etc. etc. I felt this book kind of glanced over a lot of things that could have been deeply emotional. We had abandonment, autism (I believe both billionaire and daughter although I don't think that was really spelled out), second chance love which never really stopped at the first chance, abusive father, uncaring mother and lots of on page steam but it all just seemed to be very unemotional for me. Liked the characters, liked the writing but needed more grit.
February 26, 2019
The first book was a 4 star read and the second a 5 star read. I don’t know what happened with this book. It’s probably me....
This was just okay for me. I didn’t like the way the relationship between Zane and Elias developed. I would have loved a little more of a hesitation (especially from Zane) in the beginning. I would have liked the beginning (with the graduation) also from his perspective. It wasn’t clear to me Elias is on the spectrum (but maybe that was intentional?)
I really liked Zane, he’s a sweetheart.
I also really liked how Zoe changed because of love and care.
There were a few errors:
Elias’ age was first stated as 38 but later as 34.
Zelda (Zane’s sister) acts at the Christmas dinner like she’s meeting Zoe for the first time but they went shopping when Zoe was dropped on Elias’ doorstep by his ex.
‘Elias and I’ while it’s from Elias’ pov.
These errors did not influenced my reading experience!
This was just okay for me. I didn’t like the way the relationship between Zane and Elias developed. I would have loved a little more of a hesitation (especially from Zane) in the beginning. I would have liked the beginning (with the graduation) also from his perspective. It wasn’t clear to me Elias is on the spectrum (but maybe that was intentional?)
I really liked Zane, he’s a sweetheart.
I also really liked how Zoe changed because of love and care.
There were a few errors:
Elias’ age was first stated as 38 but later as 34.
Zelda (Zane’s sister) acts at the Christmas dinner like she’s meeting Zoe for the first time but they went shopping when Zoe was dropped on Elias’ doorstep by his ex.
‘Elias and I’ while it’s from Elias’ pov.
These errors did not influenced my reading experience!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up.
I put off reading this book because I wasn’t a fan of the last one, A Fighting Chance, though I loved Steele My Heart, #1 in the series. Honestly, the only reason I read Chase Me Home was because of the next one, Silver Fox, that has two of my favorite characters in the series as the main characters. I shouldn’t have waited. This was a really good book.
I fell in love with Zane in the prologue. That didn’t change the more I read. As for Elias, he wasn’t good with people or social situations. He was fine in a boardroom and with anything pertaining to business, but not social interactions. It doesn’t take much for the reader to see that he and his daughter (Zoe) share more than just the father/daughter bond. He tries so hard with her, but he just doesn’t know how. I couldn’t help but like him after that. I adored Zoe.
This is a nice second chance romance. I think the main thing I liked about Zane was that he was no shrinking violet. He was very blunt and straight-forward, regardless of how Elias acted at times.
A fantastic addition to the series.
Full review can be found at -
I put off reading this book because I wasn’t a fan of the last one, A Fighting Chance, though I loved Steele My Heart, #1 in the series. Honestly, the only reason I read Chase Me Home was because of the next one, Silver Fox, that has two of my favorite characters in the series as the main characters. I shouldn’t have waited. This was a really good book.
I fell in love with Zane in the prologue. That didn’t change the more I read. As for Elias, he wasn’t good with people or social situations. He was fine in a boardroom and with anything pertaining to business, but not social interactions. It doesn’t take much for the reader to see that he and his daughter (Zoe) share more than just the father/daughter bond. He tries so hard with her, but he just doesn’t know how. I couldn’t help but like him after that. I adored Zoe.
This is a nice second chance romance. I think the main thing I liked about Zane was that he was no shrinking violet. He was very blunt and straight-forward, regardless of how Elias acted at times.
A fantastic addition to the series.
Full review can be found at -
May 15, 2019
Touching, angsty story...badly in need of an editor
I’m a fan of this series and the world being created here. The characters are complex and there are interesting issues addressed. In this story a significant portion of the storyline deals with those with special needs, specifically those on the spectrum. The author does a good job conveying the frustrations and the difficulties surrounding those with differences and those who care for and love them.
Elias and Zane are realistically rendered. The book begins with a flashback and then with Elias being fired from his own company and you kind of feel like you are coming in in the middle. It takes a while to get more back story. We meet Zane briefly in the flashback and then we see the two meet up again at a school reunion. We don’t get as much background on Zane.
There are some plot holes that bother me and some points that are thrown out but never addressed. Also lack of research on education law. A public school can’t just throw out a student with special needs. If they have needs the district can’t meet the district is responsible for paying tuition AND providing transportation to that new district. Seriously, you’ve got a principal (and that’s they way it’s spelled incidentally) talking about expelling a nine year old!
But the biggest issue is the lack of editing. So, so many inconsistencies...timing are they out of school 20 years? 15? Is the holiday dinner Thanksgiving or Christmas? It mentions both, seems like Christmas but then it’s November. Elias hires Zane for the work on the building. He mentions it needs to be done by June, Zane asks for July, Elias insists on June. Then suddenly we’re talking about January or even by Christmas.
The end of the book had the biggest errors so it was really frustrating to have my head taken out of the book at the tipping points. Poor research, editing and proofreading makes me insane.
I’m a fan of this series and the world being created here. The characters are complex and there are interesting issues addressed. In this story a significant portion of the storyline deals with those with special needs, specifically those on the spectrum. The author does a good job conveying the frustrations and the difficulties surrounding those with differences and those who care for and love them.
Elias and Zane are realistically rendered. The book begins with a flashback and then with Elias being fired from his own company and you kind of feel like you are coming in in the middle. It takes a while to get more back story. We meet Zane briefly in the flashback and then we see the two meet up again at a school reunion. We don’t get as much background on Zane.
There are some plot holes that bother me and some points that are thrown out but never addressed. Also lack of research on education law. A public school can’t just throw out a student with special needs. If they have needs the district can’t meet the district is responsible for paying tuition AND providing transportation to that new district. Seriously, you’ve got a principal (and that’s they way it’s spelled incidentally) talking about expelling a nine year old!
But the biggest issue is the lack of editing. So, so many inconsistencies...timing are they out of school 20 years? 15? Is the holiday dinner Thanksgiving or Christmas? It mentions both, seems like Christmas but then it’s November. Elias hires Zane for the work on the building. He mentions it needs to be done by June, Zane asks for July, Elias insists on June. Then suddenly we’re talking about January or even by Christmas.
The end of the book had the biggest errors so it was really frustrating to have my head taken out of the book at the tipping points. Poor research, editing and proofreading makes me insane.
April 9, 2019
“I won't be the one to chase you but at the same time you're the heart that I call home.” ~ Over, song by Lindsay Lohan
Twenty years ago, Elias Spaulding, of ‘Chase Me Home’ by Tatum West, made the biggest mistake of his life. Afraid of adding the label of gay to his already long list of “eccentricities”, he denied his feelings for Zane Chase. After kissing Zane, it was too much for Elias and he shut Zane out of his life. Now Elias is back in Abingdon, disgraced after being dethroned as head of the company he started because he mistreated his employees and his board of directors. One of the first people he meets once back is the one who he never gave a chance, Zane.
Zane Chase is now an accomplished artist with a thriving career. He has never forgiven Elias Spaulding for the hurt and humiliation he caused all those years ago. After their tainted history, Zane is appalled to discover that he is still attracted to Elias. Besides what happened between them years ago, Elias has gained a reputation of being a ruthless businessman with little remorse, someone who buys rather than earns whatever he wants. Zane is determined not to fall under Elias’s spell or be a victim of his manipulation. Zane is determined not to be bought. Yet, as he gets to know Elias, he sees a different side of him. Yes, he can still be a jerk at times, but under that indifferent veneer there is a man who yearns for a normalcy most people have that comes to them as naturally as breathing. Knowing that, Zane can’t find it in his heart to turn his back on Elias and does everything he can to help Elias help himself.
Elias may have lost his position, but he still has his money and he’s determined to use it to rebuild his reputation and show his former associates that they can’t defeat him. Elias sees his dismissal as a setback, not as the end. He blames his former associates for the mess that he created himself. Running into Zane is something he forgot to anticipate, but when he does, he sees it as an opportunity to correct a huge past mistake. His feelings for Zane are quickly rekindled and they jump into a hot and heavy physical relationship. Things seem to be going well, but Elias still has a lot of baggage to unpack before he can have what he wants with Zane. When Elias’s wife drops off their daughter with him and leaves, Elias is in a panic. His daughter has some of the many issues Elias had as a child. She is bright but has behavioral problems that interfere with her learning, as well as others in the school. Zane, having an older brother who has some of the problems Elias’s daughter has, does his best to help Elias; but when he realizes that he is enabling Elias, keeping him from learning to deal with his daughter on his own, Zane calls a timeout in their relationship.
In ‘Chase Me Home’, the theme of character growth, importance of family, and commitment is carried over into this third book in the series. I loved Zane. He was everything I admire in a man. He was strong, talented, with tons of common sense. I had a lot of admiration for the way he worked with Elias’s daughter as well as Elias and his own mentally challenged brother. Zane had an innate compassion that Elias needed to find within himself. I admired Elias too, he has huge potential and did his best to live up to it. Thanks, Tatum, for helping Zane and Elias find their groove and their path to happiness.
Twenty years ago, Elias Spaulding, of ‘Chase Me Home’ by Tatum West, made the biggest mistake of his life. Afraid of adding the label of gay to his already long list of “eccentricities”, he denied his feelings for Zane Chase. After kissing Zane, it was too much for Elias and he shut Zane out of his life. Now Elias is back in Abingdon, disgraced after being dethroned as head of the company he started because he mistreated his employees and his board of directors. One of the first people he meets once back is the one who he never gave a chance, Zane.
Zane Chase is now an accomplished artist with a thriving career. He has never forgiven Elias Spaulding for the hurt and humiliation he caused all those years ago. After their tainted history, Zane is appalled to discover that he is still attracted to Elias. Besides what happened between them years ago, Elias has gained a reputation of being a ruthless businessman with little remorse, someone who buys rather than earns whatever he wants. Zane is determined not to fall under Elias’s spell or be a victim of his manipulation. Zane is determined not to be bought. Yet, as he gets to know Elias, he sees a different side of him. Yes, he can still be a jerk at times, but under that indifferent veneer there is a man who yearns for a normalcy most people have that comes to them as naturally as breathing. Knowing that, Zane can’t find it in his heart to turn his back on Elias and does everything he can to help Elias help himself.
Elias may have lost his position, but he still has his money and he’s determined to use it to rebuild his reputation and show his former associates that they can’t defeat him. Elias sees his dismissal as a setback, not as the end. He blames his former associates for the mess that he created himself. Running into Zane is something he forgot to anticipate, but when he does, he sees it as an opportunity to correct a huge past mistake. His feelings for Zane are quickly rekindled and they jump into a hot and heavy physical relationship. Things seem to be going well, but Elias still has a lot of baggage to unpack before he can have what he wants with Zane. When Elias’s wife drops off their daughter with him and leaves, Elias is in a panic. His daughter has some of the many issues Elias had as a child. She is bright but has behavioral problems that interfere with her learning, as well as others in the school. Zane, having an older brother who has some of the problems Elias’s daughter has, does his best to help Elias; but when he realizes that he is enabling Elias, keeping him from learning to deal with his daughter on his own, Zane calls a timeout in their relationship.
In ‘Chase Me Home’, the theme of character growth, importance of family, and commitment is carried over into this third book in the series. I loved Zane. He was everything I admire in a man. He was strong, talented, with tons of common sense. I had a lot of admiration for the way he worked with Elias’s daughter as well as Elias and his own mentally challenged brother. Zane had an innate compassion that Elias needed to find within himself. I admired Elias too, he has huge potential and did his best to live up to it. Thanks, Tatum, for helping Zane and Elias find their groove and their path to happiness.
January 25, 2022
3.5 stars
It's not the first one I read in this series and some thing bugged me even while reading the other books. Seriously, there must be something in the water in Abingdon. Almost everyone is super good looking, super successful, super rich. And they all return to the town to show the people that despite what happened during their childhood and school time they all have made it in the world.
This book is the story of Elias and Zane, both towners of Abingdon.
Elias comes from a broken family and his father, who never saw any good in his son, abandons him when he is still a child. His mother sent him to the Jackson Academy, where he struggled to make friends and fit in but excelled academically. Zane grows up with supportive parents and his siblings. He has a crush on Elias but Elias isn't out, hasn't even acknowledged his sexuality and pushes Zane away.
At a class reunion in Abingdon they meet again, still linked through common friends. Zane, who rose to fame and riches from being a graffiti street artist to a gallery filling master of modern arts, isn't really interested in rekindling their relationship until Elias offers him an artistic contract. Elias wants Zane to fill his latest idea with paintings and art. He dreamed up a Tech hub, a centre for various artists and enterprises to connect and interact. So while Zane paints he has time to get to know Elias again.
Then Elias's ex wife drops his daughter off for good and goes on to live her life. Elias is totally in above his head. His daughter Zoe has ADHD and sensory processing disorder and Elias struggles to affirm his daughter about his love and that he wants her to be with him. Zane, who has experience in interacting with people on the spectrum because his brother Malcolm is autistic, tries his best to give Elias the support he needs and to teach him ways to communicate with Zoe.
Because that isn't enough, Elias' father reappears. So with all this happening Zane and Elias' relationship is put on a back burner. Only a few times are they able to seek privacy of a bedroom to get intimate.
I liked the story. It proved to me though that money can't buy everything, but it does makes things a lot easier. When Elias looks for solutions it is by employing people, offering money, instead of trusting in his abilities. I liked that Zane keeps encouraging Elias to speak to his daughter, to build a relationship and giving her structure. I also liked that Zane tried to establish boundaries between him and Elias, so that Elias wasn't able to use him in any kind of way.
What I didn't like was that Elias tried to use Zane to help Zoe. He, especially after realizing how much he and his daughter have in common, should have known better. I didn't like the return of Elias's father. If it was only for the extorsion of money, why didn't he re-enter his life earlier, before Elias returned to Abingdon? It brought out a protective streak in Zane though. I am not sure about the ex wife though. She was portrayed as bitchy and selfish, but I couldn't help myself thinking that she wasn't much better in dealing with Zoe either. Did she get financial support from Elias? Why wasn't he seeing his daughter more often?
There were also a few words missing. Some proof reading would have helped. The world building is alright. All in all it is an easy read.
It's not the first one I read in this series and some thing bugged me even while reading the other books. Seriously, there must be something in the water in Abingdon. Almost everyone is super good looking, super successful, super rich. And they all return to the town to show the people that despite what happened during their childhood and school time they all have made it in the world.
This book is the story of Elias and Zane, both towners of Abingdon.
Elias comes from a broken family and his father, who never saw any good in his son, abandons him when he is still a child. His mother sent him to the Jackson Academy, where he struggled to make friends and fit in but excelled academically. Zane grows up with supportive parents and his siblings. He has a crush on Elias but Elias isn't out, hasn't even acknowledged his sexuality and pushes Zane away.
At a class reunion in Abingdon they meet again, still linked through common friends. Zane, who rose to fame and riches from being a graffiti street artist to a gallery filling master of modern arts, isn't really interested in rekindling their relationship until Elias offers him an artistic contract. Elias wants Zane to fill his latest idea with paintings and art. He dreamed up a Tech hub, a centre for various artists and enterprises to connect and interact. So while Zane paints he has time to get to know Elias again.
Then Elias's ex wife drops his daughter off for good and goes on to live her life. Elias is totally in above his head. His daughter Zoe has ADHD and sensory processing disorder and Elias struggles to affirm his daughter about his love and that he wants her to be with him. Zane, who has experience in interacting with people on the spectrum because his brother Malcolm is autistic, tries his best to give Elias the support he needs and to teach him ways to communicate with Zoe.
Because that isn't enough, Elias' father reappears. So with all this happening Zane and Elias' relationship is put on a back burner. Only a few times are they able to seek privacy of a bedroom to get intimate.
I liked the story. It proved to me though that money can't buy everything, but it does makes things a lot easier. When Elias looks for solutions it is by employing people, offering money, instead of trusting in his abilities. I liked that Zane keeps encouraging Elias to speak to his daughter, to build a relationship and giving her structure. I also liked that Zane tried to establish boundaries between him and Elias, so that Elias wasn't able to use him in any kind of way.
What I didn't like was that Elias tried to use Zane to help Zoe. He, especially after realizing how much he and his daughter have in common, should have known better. I didn't like the return of Elias's father. If it was only for the extorsion of money, why didn't he re-enter his life earlier, before Elias returned to Abingdon? It brought out a protective streak in Zane though. I am not sure about the ex wife though. She was portrayed as bitchy and selfish, but I couldn't help myself thinking that she wasn't much better in dealing with Zoe either. Did she get financial support from Elias? Why wasn't he seeing his daughter more often?
There were also a few words missing. Some proof reading would have helped. The world building is alright. All in all it is an easy read.
February 22, 2019
Zane is a secure, out, successful artist. His talent has taken him a long way from his roots in rural Abingdon. However, he has been longing for a connection with Elias since his high school days. While he's been away, he has had nothing but short term relationships, yet he yearns for something more meaningful in his life. He wants to continue with his artistic endeavors but also wants to build a family for himself.
Elias is a bit of a late bloomer. A self-made millionaire, he has always strived to fit in due to his father's abusive ways. Whenever Elias seemed even a little bit different, his father was there to berate and beat him until he toed the line. For years he tried to convince himself and the world that he was straight and even married a woman and had a child with her. He has always succeeded by being forceful and overaggressive in his dealings with people. Being an inwardly focused person, he uses these mechanisms to achieve success as well as to try and hide his vulnerability and anxiety from others.
After years away from Abingdon, both men return home for a reunion of sorts at their private school and reconnect. They begin a physical affair almost immediately, despite Elias's inexperience.
When Elias's beautiful but unique daughter is unceremoniously dropped at his doorstep by her mother, Elias is thrown for a loop. Filled with anxiety and looking at the world in a slightly different way from those around him his whole life, Elias sees many of those same characteristics in Zoe, but amplified much beyond his own experience. He doesn't know how to help her feel secure, loved and at home in her new environment.
Zane's brother exhibits many of the same behaviors as Zoe, so he does an awesome job connecting with her and helping her to acclimate to her new circumstances. However, as Elias begins to lean on him for support and assistance with his daughter, Zane pulls back. He's not sure that he can or should make the commitment needed to stay with Elias and Zoe until Elias can make his own connection to his daughter.
Will the stress of creating a new life for himself as well as Zoe prevent Elias from reconnecting with the man he has always wanted? Will Zane be able to make a commitment to Elias that includes Zoe in their family unit?
Tatum West creates complex characters and has created a richly layered world in her Abingdon books. In this installment in the series, however, I had a hard time sympathizing with Zane when he abruptly walks away from Elias just when Elias needs his caring and support the most. While I understand some of the reasons behind his decision, I think his character could have handled the situation a bit more gently. Watching Elias become more confident in his own skin and in making decisions for the well-being of both himself and Zoe was a pleasure to read.
For those who view the world differently and feel like they don't fit in, this story is for you. Elias's journey from a place of insecurity and anxiety to one of contentment and confidence makes for a meaningful and enjoyable read.
This is an honest review of an ARC of the story.
Elias is a bit of a late bloomer. A self-made millionaire, he has always strived to fit in due to his father's abusive ways. Whenever Elias seemed even a little bit different, his father was there to berate and beat him until he toed the line. For years he tried to convince himself and the world that he was straight and even married a woman and had a child with her. He has always succeeded by being forceful and overaggressive in his dealings with people. Being an inwardly focused person, he uses these mechanisms to achieve success as well as to try and hide his vulnerability and anxiety from others.
After years away from Abingdon, both men return home for a reunion of sorts at their private school and reconnect. They begin a physical affair almost immediately, despite Elias's inexperience.
When Elias's beautiful but unique daughter is unceremoniously dropped at his doorstep by her mother, Elias is thrown for a loop. Filled with anxiety and looking at the world in a slightly different way from those around him his whole life, Elias sees many of those same characteristics in Zoe, but amplified much beyond his own experience. He doesn't know how to help her feel secure, loved and at home in her new environment.
Zane's brother exhibits many of the same behaviors as Zoe, so he does an awesome job connecting with her and helping her to acclimate to her new circumstances. However, as Elias begins to lean on him for support and assistance with his daughter, Zane pulls back. He's not sure that he can or should make the commitment needed to stay with Elias and Zoe until Elias can make his own connection to his daughter.
Will the stress of creating a new life for himself as well as Zoe prevent Elias from reconnecting with the man he has always wanted? Will Zane be able to make a commitment to Elias that includes Zoe in their family unit?
Tatum West creates complex characters and has created a richly layered world in her Abingdon books. In this installment in the series, however, I had a hard time sympathizing with Zane when he abruptly walks away from Elias just when Elias needs his caring and support the most. While I understand some of the reasons behind his decision, I think his character could have handled the situation a bit more gently. Watching Elias become more confident in his own skin and in making decisions for the well-being of both himself and Zoe was a pleasure to read.
For those who view the world differently and feel like they don't fit in, this story is for you. Elias's journey from a place of insecurity and anxiety to one of contentment and confidence makes for a meaningful and enjoyable read.
This is an honest review of an ARC of the story.
February 19, 2019
This is a very sweet second chance romance. It can also definitely be read as a standalone, although the series is really good.
Once again, we're back in Abingdon and both of our MCs are Jackson Academy alumni. Elias was a closeted senior at the prestigious boarding school, while Zane was an out freshman with a huge crush.
Skip ahead to the class reunion. After being declared "Most Likely to Succeed" at Jackson, Elias has reached near billionaire status. Unfortunately, he got to that point not only through his own genius, but his ruthlessness as well. After pushing the board too far, he is effectively "resigned" from the company he built from the ground up. He is now unemployed, divorced, and estranged from his daughter. He hopes that while he is in town for the reunion he does not want to attend, he might have a chance to reconnect with his little girl who is having some issues.
Zane Chase has grown up. He's a successful artist with celebrity status. He's going to be staying in town for the new artists-in-residence program a fellow alumni has been working on. After being rebuffed by Elias back in high school, he got over the crush; or so he likes to believe. However, at the after the reunion reunion party, Elias finally convinces him to give him a couple of hours of his time.
Things move quickly from there. A little too quickly. Between building a new company and exploring new sexual exploits, Elias is completely overwhelmed when his ex-wife suddenly abandons their nine year old daughter with him, explaining that she can't take Zoe's issues any more.
Watching the story unfold as Elias realizes hard truths about himself, his daughter, his family, and what was starting with Zane was almost painful. It hurt my heart. Knowing that Zane understood the situation more clearly, but felt that his hands were tied was hard. But the author tells a good story, and takes the reader on a fairly realistic journey; that is, if we all had amazing skills and what basically amounts to unlimited funds, but this is fiction, so yeah. Of course, there is a twist thrown in, but I didn't really understand the point in the storyline. Maybe you will. It think it was to add a touch of suspense, but it just didn't seem necessary IMO.
Overall, the characters are well developed, the story was entertaining, and the sexy times were nice.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
Once again, we're back in Abingdon and both of our MCs are Jackson Academy alumni. Elias was a closeted senior at the prestigious boarding school, while Zane was an out freshman with a huge crush.
Skip ahead to the class reunion. After being declared "Most Likely to Succeed" at Jackson, Elias has reached near billionaire status. Unfortunately, he got to that point not only through his own genius, but his ruthlessness as well. After pushing the board too far, he is effectively "resigned" from the company he built from the ground up. He is now unemployed, divorced, and estranged from his daughter. He hopes that while he is in town for the reunion he does not want to attend, he might have a chance to reconnect with his little girl who is having some issues.
Zane Chase has grown up. He's a successful artist with celebrity status. He's going to be staying in town for the new artists-in-residence program a fellow alumni has been working on. After being rebuffed by Elias back in high school, he got over the crush; or so he likes to believe. However, at the after the reunion reunion party, Elias finally convinces him to give him a couple of hours of his time.
Things move quickly from there. A little too quickly. Between building a new company and exploring new sexual exploits, Elias is completely overwhelmed when his ex-wife suddenly abandons their nine year old daughter with him, explaining that she can't take Zoe's issues any more.
Watching the story unfold as Elias realizes hard truths about himself, his daughter, his family, and what was starting with Zane was almost painful. It hurt my heart. Knowing that Zane understood the situation more clearly, but felt that his hands were tied was hard. But the author tells a good story, and takes the reader on a fairly realistic journey; that is, if we all had amazing skills and what basically amounts to unlimited funds, but this is fiction, so yeah. Of course, there is a twist thrown in, but I didn't really understand the point in the storyline. Maybe you will. It think it was to add a touch of suspense, but it just didn't seem necessary IMO.
Overall, the characters are well developed, the story was entertaining, and the sexy times were nice.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
August 17, 2023
This is the third book in the Bridge to Abingdon series.
All of these books seem to deal with small-town gays who've escaped their rural roots for at least moderate success in bigger cities returning to their rural Virginia roots. As a small-town gay who lived and thrived in Manhattan for 20+ years, this series appeals to me and yet the small-town appeal is clearly fictional. Their small town of Abingdon has become a gay-tolerant and vibrant community that's generally accepting of diversity with a minority of small-minded, slow-to-change townies. My town has changed little and the populace is no more open-minded than they were when I left.
In this installment, a tech billionaire returns and is soon saddled with a daughter who seems to have the same emotional/developmental problems he had as a child. He meets and partners up with a successful, slightly younger rural refugee now a NYC painter who had attended the same schools and who he'd harshly shut down after a secret kiss that neither then-closeted kid knew quite how to deal with.
The romance is sweet, the family feelings make for a pleasant read and seeing these two men solve some of the little girl's problems make this an enjoyable, mostly angst-free read.
I'm now more than halfway through this series and am a bit puzzled as to why this series was done as Dual-Narration. Alexander Cendese is a great narrator and the chapters he reads are bright & engaging whilst the chapters read by Tor Thom feels somnambulant by comparison. The dialog is written so that both narrators must voice the dialogue of multiple characters in all of the chapters despite the POV switching back and forth. Both narrators have an OK style but the two are NOT complementary when heard one after the other. This is the third book in the series done this way, and I'm now convinced that I'd rather Cendese had just narrated the entire thing. This is NOT one of those situations where both bring their talents and together create a superior whole.
The audiobook is available through HOOPLA
All of these books seem to deal with small-town gays who've escaped their rural roots for at least moderate success in bigger cities returning to their rural Virginia roots. As a small-town gay who lived and thrived in Manhattan for 20+ years, this series appeals to me and yet the small-town appeal is clearly fictional. Their small town of Abingdon has become a gay-tolerant and vibrant community that's generally accepting of diversity with a minority of small-minded, slow-to-change townies. My town has changed little and the populace is no more open-minded than they were when I left.
In this installment, a tech billionaire returns and is soon saddled with a daughter who seems to have the same emotional/developmental problems he had as a child. He meets and partners up with a successful, slightly younger rural refugee now a NYC painter who had attended the same schools and who he'd harshly shut down after a secret kiss that neither then-closeted kid knew quite how to deal with.
The romance is sweet, the family feelings make for a pleasant read and seeing these two men solve some of the little girl's problems make this an enjoyable, mostly angst-free read.
I'm now more than halfway through this series and am a bit puzzled as to why this series was done as Dual-Narration. Alexander Cendese is a great narrator and the chapters he reads are bright & engaging whilst the chapters read by Tor Thom feels somnambulant by comparison. The dialog is written so that both narrators must voice the dialogue of multiple characters in all of the chapters despite the POV switching back and forth. Both narrators have an OK style but the two are NOT complementary when heard one after the other. This is the third book in the series done this way, and I'm now convinced that I'd rather Cendese had just narrated the entire thing. This is NOT one of those situations where both bring their talents and together create a superior whole.
The audiobook is available through HOOPLA
March 12, 2019
I fell in love all over again for the town of Abingdon and its inhabitants. This time around it was Elias and Zane who captured my attention, sympathies and heart. Reading this story has to give you a sense of empathy especially when interacting with anyone listed on “the spectrum” as this author has demonstrated how difficult families and the school system has in trying to do what’s right, what’s needed and what’s required by law. Zoe had so much to overcome and I was grateful that at least Zane had an inkling of what it took to keep her relaxed and feeling safe. One thing that was surprising to me was Elias having no clue how to deal with his own daughter when his symptoms, reactions and past history was similar to Zoe’s. I think that Zane and Elias probably needed a little more alone time before Zoe was introduced to the mix but at the same time that seemed intentional for the author as a push to see if Zane and Elias could still function as a couple. I wasn’t mad at Zoe’s mom when she dropped her off as I was sympathetic to the tiresome and endless doctors, prescriptions and diagnosis that she handled on her own with no support help. However, the complete abandonment for three years was not right. Completely unacceptable.
I know that if so many years has passed by and these two still managed to light a bonfire it was meant to be. Zane knew when to step back and when Elias needed the swift kick in the *** to get him in gear. Self truth and acceptance was needed along with deep introspection and that’s the reason why Elias was able to adjust under the guidance of Zane. So happy Zane wasn’t a pushover and he made Elias work hard to make them a couple. Loved it and can’t wait for other characters from this town to debut.
February 19, 2019
Elias Spaulding is returning to his hometown to regroup and start over. At his HS reunion he runs into his first crush, Zane Chase. You know, the one whose heart he broke when he pushed him away because he wasn’t ready to face himself. It’s now years later and a lot has changed. Zane is just what Elias needs now, if only he’ll give him a second chance. Little does he know he’s going to need Zane for more than just a chance to reconnect. His life is about to take a drastic turn which may bring everything crashing down, including their budding relationship.
This is an amazing story full of emotion, drama and hot, steamy passion. In this story, we are introduced to Elias’s daughter Zoe and Zane’s brother Malcolm. Both are persons with special needs. The subject of special needs is handled with sensitivity and caring, exposing some of the insensitivity that is often faced in our school systems. My heart broke for Zoe and the struggles she went through trying to cope with having her world turned upside down. For Elias, too, having special needs of his own, having to come to grips with being a full-time, hands on father of a very amazing and challenging daughter. And if I didn’t already love Zane, I would have fallen for him when he described his feelings for Malcolm, and how Malcolm has made him a better man. This book is so full of feelings that it will grab your heart from the beginning, squeeze it until you cry, and then fill it to overflowing by the end. I highly recommend this extremely engaging, heart-wrenching and wonderful love story! Don’t miss it! You won’t be sorry!!
This is an amazing story full of emotion, drama and hot, steamy passion. In this story, we are introduced to Elias’s daughter Zoe and Zane’s brother Malcolm. Both are persons with special needs. The subject of special needs is handled with sensitivity and caring, exposing some of the insensitivity that is often faced in our school systems. My heart broke for Zoe and the struggles she went through trying to cope with having her world turned upside down. For Elias, too, having special needs of his own, having to come to grips with being a full-time, hands on father of a very amazing and challenging daughter. And if I didn’t already love Zane, I would have fallen for him when he described his feelings for Malcolm, and how Malcolm has made him a better man. This book is so full of feelings that it will grab your heart from the beginning, squeeze it until you cry, and then fill it to overflowing by the end. I highly recommend this extremely engaging, heart-wrenching and wonderful love story! Don’t miss it! You won’t be sorry!!
March 1, 2019
Return to Love
Elias- who had a dysfunctional family life, has to be somewhere on the autistic spectrum himself, and had social and behavioral trouble in school- fell for younger Zane while at prep school years ago. But he couldn't bring himself to accept his sexuality during those informative years, and pushed Zane away breaking his heart.
Years later, as a multi-millionaire tech whiz, a divorce from his wife, and finally coming out as a gay man- Elias and Zane have a chance meeting at their multi-year high school reunion. At a financially low point in Elias' life- they tentatively reunite and explore a relationship. Suddenly being thrust into the fatherhood Elias had been rationalizing and avoiding - Zane steps in and helps him start to connect with his very troubled, insecure- and also on the autistic spectrum- daughter Zoe, when her mother just dumps her on him, and abandons them. What results is a very sweet and emotional love story, between Elias and Zane, and Elias and Zane with a very wary and needy Zoe. The only con I had was I didn't understand why Zane suddenly steps back from the relationship in the middle of the book. That definitely was perplexing and needed more explaination to be truly believable. This is a wonderful HEA love story that you will adore.
Con #2- To me the cover photo wasn't either of these characters as I pictured them. Elias was a GQ blond, tech whiz, and Zane was a large, muscular, artist in paint splattered jeans and combat boots- both in their mid 30's. Sorry, this is one of my pet peeves- covers not matching their books.
Elias- who had a dysfunctional family life, has to be somewhere on the autistic spectrum himself, and had social and behavioral trouble in school- fell for younger Zane while at prep school years ago. But he couldn't bring himself to accept his sexuality during those informative years, and pushed Zane away breaking his heart.
Years later, as a multi-millionaire tech whiz, a divorce from his wife, and finally coming out as a gay man- Elias and Zane have a chance meeting at their multi-year high school reunion. At a financially low point in Elias' life- they tentatively reunite and explore a relationship. Suddenly being thrust into the fatherhood Elias had been rationalizing and avoiding - Zane steps in and helps him start to connect with his very troubled, insecure- and also on the autistic spectrum- daughter Zoe, when her mother just dumps her on him, and abandons them. What results is a very sweet and emotional love story, between Elias and Zane, and Elias and Zane with a very wary and needy Zoe. The only con I had was I didn't understand why Zane suddenly steps back from the relationship in the middle of the book. That definitely was perplexing and needed more explaination to be truly believable. This is a wonderful HEA love story that you will adore.
Con #2- To me the cover photo wasn't either of these characters as I pictured them. Elias was a GQ blond, tech whiz, and Zane was a large, muscular, artist in paint splattered jeans and combat boots- both in their mid 30's. Sorry, this is one of my pet peeves- covers not matching their books.
May 19, 2019
I absolutely loved ...
An absolutely beautiful story...
Elias runs a millions of dollars company he built from the ground up. Sadly, because he's set in his way (and ASD), he gets ousted from his company fifteen years after it's been built.
The main character's Elias, daughter is ADHD, OOD and most likely on some level, ASD.
I didn't know this going in, but I always love books dealing with special needs. Elias finds he's a lot like his daughter. At the same time, his ex-wife throws their special needs daughter at him. A child he's only seen at holidays.
My heart breaks that Zoe feels her dad is trying to give her away all through out the story. After all, her mother doesn't want her, the multiple schools can't handle her, so it's safe to think her dad doesn't either.
Elias sees so much of himself in her. His saving grace was going to an all boys academy. Twenty years later, they still don't allow girls. A school like this could really help Zoe. Perhaps he could help make changes.
He goes back for a reunion and finds a boy, Zane, he had a crush on in high school is there and is extremely successful artist. Not only that, Zane's brother Malcom has Aspergers. Zane truly gets his daughter Zoe and really is the only person Zoe trusts. Until one day she doesn't.
There are a lot of twists in this story, most are around Zoe. Some are about a new business. Of course a book can't be complete with out a deadbeat father looking for a handout, threatening slander again his dead mother, the only person who cared about Elias.
Of course there is a HEA, but getting there is a rough road. 💜
An absolutely beautiful story...
Elias runs a millions of dollars company he built from the ground up. Sadly, because he's set in his way (and ASD), he gets ousted from his company fifteen years after it's been built.
The main character's Elias, daughter is ADHD, OOD and most likely on some level, ASD.
I didn't know this going in, but I always love books dealing with special needs. Elias finds he's a lot like his daughter. At the same time, his ex-wife throws their special needs daughter at him. A child he's only seen at holidays.
My heart breaks that Zoe feels her dad is trying to give her away all through out the story. After all, her mother doesn't want her, the multiple schools can't handle her, so it's safe to think her dad doesn't either.
Elias sees so much of himself in her. His saving grace was going to an all boys academy. Twenty years later, they still don't allow girls. A school like this could really help Zoe. Perhaps he could help make changes.
He goes back for a reunion and finds a boy, Zane, he had a crush on in high school is there and is extremely successful artist. Not only that, Zane's brother Malcom has Aspergers. Zane truly gets his daughter Zoe and really is the only person Zoe trusts. Until one day she doesn't.
There are a lot of twists in this story, most are around Zoe. Some are about a new business. Of course a book can't be complete with out a deadbeat father looking for a handout, threatening slander again his dead mother, the only person who cared about Elias.
Of course there is a HEA, but getting there is a rough road. 💜
February 21, 2022
I want to touch on Zoe and Mal first. My sister is a special ed teacher that specializes in Autism. The author hit the mark on a lot of things but was way off on others... probably for the "drama" and I can't really blame them because it worked. The truth of the matter is that parenting is hard. When you are learning to deal with a child with special needs, well it never hurts to have a special person like my sister there to help you! *grin*
Love is Love... and that is no different when dealing with romantic love... love for your child... or love for your cats! (Full transparency here... I don't have a love of cats... or dogs... or birds... or reptiles... or any living 4-legged creature! *sigh*)
Now, for the GOOD stuff! I woke up this morning and realized that I had fallen asleep at 93% while reading this story last night... that is just wrong in so many ways! ;p
Elias and Zane... yeah, I wouldn't have been as forgiving as Zane was at the beginning of the story, but overall we got a wide array of wonderful side characters that boosted this story to the next level and I really liked the "protective" side of Zane that came out when Elias' dad popped in for a visit. Speaking of Elias' dad, when you think about it, you just can't fix stupid! *headdesk*
Even though this was my least favorite book in the series, it still had its good points and touched my heart from time to time, so I will consider this a good read!
Love is Love... and that is no different when dealing with romantic love... love for your child... or love for your cats! (Full transparency here... I don't have a love of cats... or dogs... or birds... or reptiles... or any living 4-legged creature! *sigh*)
Now, for the GOOD stuff! I woke up this morning and realized that I had fallen asleep at 93% while reading this story last night... that is just wrong in so many ways! ;p
Elias and Zane... yeah, I wouldn't have been as forgiving as Zane was at the beginning of the story, but overall we got a wide array of wonderful side characters that boosted this story to the next level and I really liked the "protective" side of Zane that came out when Elias' dad popped in for a visit. Speaking of Elias' dad, when you think about it, you just can't fix stupid! *headdesk*
Even though this was my least favorite book in the series, it still had its good points and touched my heart from time to time, so I will consider this a good read!
February 18, 2019
Book #3
I absolutely loved this book. You could just feel the pain that Elias and Zoe were going thru and Zane is the glue holding them all together, as Zane has a brother with the same issues that Zoe is having.
Zane crushed on Elias at their all boy school, Jackson Academy, and even though Elias had feelings for Zane he wasn’t ready to admit them plus he was a bit confused about himself. Now years later after Elias tried the marriage thing and had a daughter and then divorced and was pushed out of his company, he is back home to try a new startup and also attend his high school reunion. Zane, the famous New York artist, is back in town for the same high school reunion, plus, our buddy, Nikki, got Zane a guest spot to display his talents.
The growing pains are so worth the time and effort. Zane shows Elias how to let go and enjoy the ride and not to care what other people think.
I so wished that I could give more than 5 stars. This book definitely deserved it. My heart was fighting for Elias, Zane and Zoe. I wanted to hug Zoe so bad and throat punch Elias' ex-wife. Ugh! I can't even repeat her name.
This book is a total must read and you would be sorely missing out if you didn't read the first 2 books in the series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this outstanding book.
I absolutely loved this book. You could just feel the pain that Elias and Zoe were going thru and Zane is the glue holding them all together, as Zane has a brother with the same issues that Zoe is having.
Zane crushed on Elias at their all boy school, Jackson Academy, and even though Elias had feelings for Zane he wasn’t ready to admit them plus he was a bit confused about himself. Now years later after Elias tried the marriage thing and had a daughter and then divorced and was pushed out of his company, he is back home to try a new startup and also attend his high school reunion. Zane, the famous New York artist, is back in town for the same high school reunion, plus, our buddy, Nikki, got Zane a guest spot to display his talents.
The growing pains are so worth the time and effort. Zane shows Elias how to let go and enjoy the ride and not to care what other people think.
I so wished that I could give more than 5 stars. This book definitely deserved it. My heart was fighting for Elias, Zane and Zoe. I wanted to hug Zoe so bad and throat punch Elias' ex-wife. Ugh! I can't even repeat her name.
This book is a total must read and you would be sorely missing out if you didn't read the first 2 books in the series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this outstanding book.
December 17, 2023
Elias Spaulding has always been aggressively different to his peers. It has earned him a lot of money and a lot of enemies. His big regret is closing the closet door during high school and rebuffing fellow graduating student Zane Chase. Twenty years later, Elias is back in Abingdon for a high school reunion and has a second chance with Zane. Elias has been thrown out of the company he started and his ex-wife has left their troubled 9 yr-old daughter with him. Only Zane can help him cope.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series set in the small town of Abingdon VA and this second-chances / family drama romance is a great addition! There’s a really good exploration of managing a child on the spectrum and it’s clear Elias has some of the same behaviours - luckily Zane has a brother on the spectrum and his experience is invaluable. This a redemption journey for Elias who becomes a better father and partner with time, it was great to watch him grow! 🎙️ I’m still unconvinced that Tor Thom (as Zane) and Alexander Cendese (as Elias) are a good audio pairing, I just find Tor too ponderously unemotional. In this case, I think it would have been more effective if they’d swapped characters (the whole series is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series set in the small town of Abingdon VA and this second-chances / family drama romance is a great addition! There’s a really good exploration of managing a child on the spectrum and it’s clear Elias has some of the same behaviours - luckily Zane has a brother on the spectrum and his experience is invaluable. This a redemption journey for Elias who becomes a better father and partner with time, it was great to watch him grow! 🎙️ I’m still unconvinced that Tor Thom (as Zane) and Alexander Cendese (as Elias) are a good audio pairing, I just find Tor too ponderously unemotional. In this case, I think it would have been more effective if they’d swapped characters (the whole series is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).
February 19, 2019
Tatum West's Chase Me Home is the third novel in the Bridge to Abingdon series. It is a second chance romance and its wonderful.
Elias and Zane shared a few kisses back in school but Elias wasnt sure how to handle it all. Fast forward 20 years and the two are finally in a position where they might just be able to see what could be. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, things each must learn by themselves... but there are also hot sexytimes, a strong connection, sweet moments and an adorable little girl who sees the world differently.
I loved these characters so much.... I loved the story. Its beautiful and sweet and I could relate to it. Sure, Elias is a rich rich man, and I can not relate to that... but to struggling to do what's right for your child, especially when your child sees the world differently than the neuro -ypical society and school systems. The love between Zane and Elias is great too. The story touched me, gave me feels and made me incredibly happy to have read it.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and .
Elias and Zane shared a few kisses back in school but Elias wasnt sure how to handle it all. Fast forward 20 years and the two are finally in a position where they might just be able to see what could be. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome, things each must learn by themselves... but there are also hot sexytimes, a strong connection, sweet moments and an adorable little girl who sees the world differently.
I loved these characters so much.... I loved the story. Its beautiful and sweet and I could relate to it. Sure, Elias is a rich rich man, and I can not relate to that... but to struggling to do what's right for your child, especially when your child sees the world differently than the neuro -ypical society and school systems. The love between Zane and Elias is great too. The story touched me, gave me feels and made me incredibly happy to have read it.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and .
February 25, 2019
An emotional reconnect worth the uncertainty...
The path to happiness isn't always a smooth journey. Brilliant but socially clueless, Elias retreats to his roots, Abingdon, VA to birth a new tech startup. There he is reconnected with his first, and only, crush, Zane. Into this rekindling of affections between these men, Elias' daughter Zoe is unceremoniously dropped off by her mother, Elias' former wife. To say these three lives are thrown into a vortex of uncertainty and emotional turmoil...well that is an understatement to say the least!
Finding your "forever" safe place is the running theme of this well written story. Breaking out of years of feeling unwanted, unloved and socially clueless is a daunting undertaking by both Elias and his daughter Zoe. The glue that holds them together, who has a first hand understanding of their unique emotional disconnect, is Zane.
The bumpy road these three travelled to reach their "forever" place is a story well written by Tatum West.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with depth of character, heartfelt emotions and a happy place hard won.
The path to happiness isn't always a smooth journey. Brilliant but socially clueless, Elias retreats to his roots, Abingdon, VA to birth a new tech startup. There he is reconnected with his first, and only, crush, Zane. Into this rekindling of affections between these men, Elias' daughter Zoe is unceremoniously dropped off by her mother, Elias' former wife. To say these three lives are thrown into a vortex of uncertainty and emotional turmoil...well that is an understatement to say the least!
Finding your "forever" safe place is the running theme of this well written story. Breaking out of years of feeling unwanted, unloved and socially clueless is a daunting undertaking by both Elias and his daughter Zoe. The glue that holds them together, who has a first hand understanding of their unique emotional disconnect, is Zane.
The bumpy road these three travelled to reach their "forever" place is a story well written by Tatum West.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with depth of character, heartfelt emotions and a happy place hard won.
April 16, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Zane was the least mentioned MC in the series so it's nice that he gets his own story (all I knew from the other books was that he was an artist living in NY).
Elias is an MC who as a child obviously had some un-diagnosed social issues. He is divorced with a 9 year old daughter who is literally dumped into his hands with no warning, as his ex-wife no longer wants to deal with her.
Elias and Zane had just started seeing each other when the daughter dumping took place, and Elias is unequipped emotionally to handle her issues as she has been diagnosed with ADHD and various other alphabet conditions. Zane knows what to do because his older brother has some of the same issues (how lucky for Elias!).
There's much confusion of feelings, miscommunication, and discovering of one another, but thankfully all ends well.
This was my second to least favorite of the series. It wasn't bad, but I just didn't enjoy it to the same level that I liked book 1 and 4 (yes... I read them out of order - whoops).
Elias is an MC who as a child obviously had some un-diagnosed social issues. He is divorced with a 9 year old daughter who is literally dumped into his hands with no warning, as his ex-wife no longer wants to deal with her.
Elias and Zane had just started seeing each other when the daughter dumping took place, and Elias is unequipped emotionally to handle her issues as she has been diagnosed with ADHD and various other alphabet conditions. Zane knows what to do because his older brother has some of the same issues (how lucky for Elias!).
There's much confusion of feelings, miscommunication, and discovering of one another, but thankfully all ends well.
This was my second to least favorite of the series. It wasn't bad, but I just didn't enjoy it to the same level that I liked book 1 and 4 (yes... I read them out of order - whoops).
February 16, 2021
3.5 stars
Overall, I really enjoyed Elias and Zane's story. They felt natural and close as a couple. It was a bit instalove, but I didn't mind since they had a past. And the focus of the story is definitely on the father/daughter relationship more than the romantic relationship. But again, I didn't mind, and I thought the author did a good job of weaving all the relationships together. I have a few minor complaints, like how much of the book was telling and not showing, but my biggest complaint is that the blurb really didn't match the story. It claims that Elias is challenged by something from his past and starts pushing Zane away, but Zane fights hard for him. WIthout going into the details and writing out spoilers, just know that that isn't quite what happens. So that annoyed me, but didn't keep me from finishing the book. Would I read this book again? Probably not. But I definitely recommend reading this series. It hasn't blown me away, but it's been plenty entertaining.
Overall, I really enjoyed Elias and Zane's story. They felt natural and close as a couple. It was a bit instalove, but I didn't mind since they had a past. And the focus of the story is definitely on the father/daughter relationship more than the romantic relationship. But again, I didn't mind, and I thought the author did a good job of weaving all the relationships together. I have a few minor complaints, like how much of the book was telling and not showing, but my biggest complaint is that the blurb really didn't match the story. It claims that Elias is challenged by something from his past and starts pushing Zane away, but Zane fights hard for him. WIthout going into the details and writing out spoilers, just know that that isn't quite what happens. So that annoyed me, but didn't keep me from finishing the book. Would I read this book again? Probably not. But I definitely recommend reading this series. It hasn't blown me away, but it's been plenty entertaining.
July 10, 2025
This book is 95% a single dad coping with unexpectedly raising a child with special needs, 2% hookups between the MCs, 2% dealing with the MCs respective careers, and 1% of a relationship, I guess?
There’s no chemistry. They hookup, E takes custody of his daughter, Z is hesitant and backs off, then suddenly after a hookup and family dinner, it’s move in and proposal time (?) Did I miss the part where they decide to have a relationship again? I actually may have b/c things were getting repetitive with inner monologues about finding the right school.
Overall, it’s unclear how these two developed feelings for each other - we never see them together or doing things for one another. There is a mention that “weeks pass” where they supposedly spend time together as boyfriends but we don’t see any of that before the ex shows up and parenthood begins. This book is all about secondary characters and the MCs finding new career paths.
The ending is sugar sweet but feels out of place like we are just told they are in love and it feels forced.
There’s no chemistry. They hookup, E takes custody of his daughter, Z is hesitant and backs off, then suddenly after a hookup and family dinner, it’s move in and proposal time (?) Did I miss the part where they decide to have a relationship again? I actually may have b/c things were getting repetitive with inner monologues about finding the right school.
Overall, it’s unclear how these two developed feelings for each other - we never see them together or doing things for one another. There is a mention that “weeks pass” where they supposedly spend time together as boyfriends but we don’t see any of that before the ex shows up and parenthood begins. This book is all about secondary characters and the MCs finding new career paths.
The ending is sugar sweet but feels out of place like we are just told they are in love and it feels forced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
Elias was different, he never really fit in and he doesn't allow himself to reveal his gayness. Instead he starts his own company, marries Sara and even becomes a father to Zoe, a very complicated child.
When he returns to Abingdon for the 20th graduation anniversary, he meets Zane again. While Elias thinks he can simply apologise for his behaviour back then, Zane isn't interested in having any of it.
It takes a while until they start seeing each other and everything gets more complicated when Sara drops off Zoe and leaves Elias to care for her from now on..
It fascinates me that Tatum writes about kids with special needs, disorders etc. and it's amazing to see how Elias learns to become the father Zoe needs and makes sure she'll get the help to develop.
This book was a great read, just like the two books before.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
When he returns to Abingdon for the 20th graduation anniversary, he meets Zane again. While Elias thinks he can simply apologise for his behaviour back then, Zane isn't interested in having any of it.
It takes a while until they start seeing each other and everything gets more complicated when Sara drops off Zoe and leaves Elias to care for her from now on..
It fascinates me that Tatum writes about kids with special needs, disorders etc. and it's amazing to see how Elias learns to become the father Zoe needs and makes sure she'll get the help to develop.
This book was a great read, just like the two books before.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
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