Rough Waters

Castle Harbor #3

by J.P. Oliver

A man with a heart-stopping fear.
An exhausted single father.
Both fated to save each other.

Lance’s abject fear of water won’t stop him from designing the interior of the island-bound Castle Harbor resort. Yet a close call brings him in contact with the stunning local captain of a boat touring company. Can he overcome his phobia to find love?

Quinn is a single father to his adopted nephew, the pair still raw after losing Quinn's sister. Meeting a new, gorgeous man is entirely unexpected, but very well received. Still, he needs something more permanent than an interior designer in town for a few weeks.

When the project promises more than expected, will Lance decide to make it a long-term affair?

This single dad/instant family romance novel is sweet, steamy, and savory. Only for adults. In Castle Harbor, there are no cheaters—only happily ever afters. This book and every other book in the Castle Harbor Series can be read in any order

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

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 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

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Quinn is a single father and would like a relationship. However, he just doesn't seem to have any time. Lance is in town for business. They meet and things get real for them. Thankfully in the end it all works out for them.

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best one in the series so far.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review with spoilers)


New book in the series. I loved it and I recommend it.



Quinn and Lance don't have the best start. But they both decide to give the other another chance. And they discover that they want to spend the rest of their lives together.

I love Quinn. He didn't hesitate to give up everything to take care of his sister first, and later of her son. He was his nephew, he was family, part of her sister, and now he is his son. I love their relationship. It hurts that he thinks he's not enough for Sam. He thinks he doesn't have time to meet anyone, that he should just devote herself to Sam, but he can't help but get close to Lance. He likes him, he has feelings for him.

I love Lance. He doesn't hesitate a second to give Quinn another chance. He admires him for everything he has done, for how he has sacrificed himself, giving up his dreams, for his family. He also understands how important family is. He can't stop thinking about him, he wants to know him better. And living in a small place is his dream.

Quinn doesn't think he deserves to be happy. That's why it hurts that, when he's finally happy, he drives Lance away. He blames him for what happened, but still doesn't want to hurt him when he asks him to leave. Sam is his priority.

I love that Lance doesn't want to leave him. He can't let him down. Quinn was by his side, has helped him overcome his fears, to confront them, and he will help him when he needs it.

I love Sam.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the third book in the Castle Harbor series. In this book Quinn is a single father and runs boat tours of Castle Harbor. Quinn has been single since he adopted his nephew after his sister died from cancer. One morning while Quinn was rushing to get to a tour, he ran a stop sign and hit Lance's car. Lance is a decorator who is working on the new resort being built in Castle Harbor. Quinn is a jerk to Lance and even after Lance told him there was no damage and not to worry about hitting him. When Lance asks Lucas about Quinn, he learns he is a single father and he doesn't date. Lance calls and asks Quinn for a drink and Quinn invites him to his house. Quinn and Lance have a good time, but when Sam needs Quinn, Quinn second guesses dating. They decide to try again, but when Quinn plans lunch aboard his boat, Lance panics and refuses to go near the boat. Lance is terrified of water and gets rude to Quinn. They are both attracted to each other, but can they work on their issues to be together. I liked this book and the way both Lance and Quinn wanted to help each other. I love how they were with Sam and how Sam accepted Lance from the beginning. I love this series and look forward to the next book, Well done.

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

quin and lance both have events from their pass that still haunt them. leaving Quinn a single father with no family around and lance with a fear of water. they happened to run into each other after a traffic accident and didnt get off too a great start but Quinn was immediately affected by the handsome man in the perfectly tailored suit and lance felt immediate attraction for the grumpy local. Once they started to get to know each other, they really started hitting it off but at times memories from their past still haunted them and quin didnt know if he could still be a great father while also caring about finding some time for himself and having a relationship with lance.Sam is his nephew who he adopted when he lost his sister to cancer and he doesnt want to let her or Sam down. Theres still so much lance and quinn dont know about one another but that does't keep them from falling for one another. this was a cute and fun read. I really enjoyed this one. the whole series is cute and even though Lucas is mentioned in a previous book, I dont feel like you have to read his story to be able to follow this one.i feel like this could be read as a stand alone . I read this one pretty quickly and had a hard time putting it down.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lance and Quinn both faced the loss of beloved sisters. Everyone in his hometown knew about Letty and Quinn, and her death due to cancer. Lance, a visiting designer, lost his own sister at a vacation resort in a lake many years prior. He had a fear of being on water ever since - and did not tend to share his fear, and if it was discovered, he explained his aversion as related to a hangover or something frivolous.

Can these two find happiness - together with Sam, the boy Quin raised for Letty after her death, and the desertion of the biological father before the birth of Sam? Will the drunken sod who left Sam and Letty behind try to weasel his way back in with Sam, without any effort to do right by Sam?

Pain and change are hard bought, and love harder to hang onto.

A sad yet sweet and steamy m/m romance that leaves room for hope.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance has finally gotten to where he wants to go in life as an interior designer. Now he is on Castle Island to apply his talent to the new resort being built,, it puts his career right where he has struggled to get it. Quinn is a man who has lost his family except his nephew Sam who he has raised since he was six months old, even longer while he helps his sister with baby Sam as she is dying of cancer. The two meet under trying circumstances but later they let the magnetic pull between the two work it's magic. Lance falls in love with the little family and Quinn is determined to help Lance with his fear of water. A man shows up causing fear to run through Quinn and Sam and Lance finds himself on the wrong side of the relationship. An excellent story with a lot of fear and angst with Lance's quilt and fear adding to the mix. I would definitely recommend this story, the third in this series. All have been excellent so far. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are willing to conquer your fear, the world opens up! Quinn, runs the boat tours, lost his sister to cancer and is raising her son, Sam. Lance, the resort decorator, lost his sister in a water event and has been terrified of water ever since. Quinn, rushing hits Lance's car and is rude. Lance asks Lucas about Quinn and asks him out. Sam needs Quinn and he rethinks idea of dating. They try again, Quinn cooks a meal on his boat and Lance panics, his turn to be rude to Quinn. So, they both live in fear behind their walls. Can they breath them? Can they go around? Do they want to? This story continues this awesome series! J.P. continues to hit the high bar and leaves us with an entertaining, amazing story. The characters are likeable and well developed. The story is sad/happy at the same time. Nice job! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is romantic, heartwarming and sweet. Lance is in town to present his ideas for decorating the resort. He's engaging, likable, sympathetic and caring. Quinn is a single father who has lived almost his entire life on the island, and has been solely focused on raising his son for the last 6 years. He's frazzled, stubborn and vulnerable. They meet when Quinn rolls through a stop sign and his Lance's car. Then gets out and yells at Lance for not stopping when he saw him. There's an instant attraction between them, but Lance isn't looking to start something when he won't be in town long, and Quinn isn't looking for anything because he's too busy. But they end up trying to have at least a fling, and fall in love, and Lance also falls for Quinn's son. It's a beautiful story of love, trust and healing.
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite meeting for the first time in an unusual way, Lance and Quinn both find they have a hard time forgetting the other man. Lance and Quinn are men shaped by past tragedies that still effects them and is causing troubles for their blosomming romance.
This story is both heartbreaking and uplifting as we see how Lance and Quinn navigate through the ups and downs of a new relationship while their pasts still haunt them, and new issues arise.
The characters and storyline will keep your interest. There is a roller coaster of emotions, frustration, patience, hope, determination, steamy sexy times, a powerful love, and a satisfying HEA.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance has a fear of water due to a terrible in tragedy in his past...which he feels misplaced guilt over. Quinn is raising his sister's son, after she died shortly after he was born. He loves Sam, so he does everything he can to be a perfect dad, to the exclusion of a life of his own. When Lance comes to town, their chemistry is immediate, but both have to learn to trust in each other. Especially when someone from the past threatens their tentative relationship.

This is a sweet, sexy romance with lots of learning on both their parts.

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

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn has raised his late sisters son(Sam) for six years alone. Lance comes these to the island as the interior decorator for the resort that is being built. These two meet and spend some time together. After a great night together Sams father shows up drunk and demands that he get to see Sam. Sam is frightened and Lance takes him away. After Shane leaves Quinn tells Lance to leave and not come back. Lance is trying to figure out a way to stay in their lives because he is falling in love with both of them. Will Quinn give him another chance?

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

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance is terrified of water ever since he lost his sister to a tragic accident but he’s not going to let the water stop him from decorating the resort, Quinn runs the boat tours for tourists he is now looking after his sisters son when she died of cancer. Both of these men are on a collision course and when it happens it doesn’t work out too well so they eventually give it one more try, Lance is in awe of Quinn who’s given up his life for his nephew but they both have issues that they need to work out before they can make a go of a proper relationship. This is an amazing story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt and emotional addition to the series and I truly enjoyed it. Lance and Quinn both have tragedies in their past that have shaped them and their emotions. It's not easy to get through the walls that they have built around themselves. Watching these two slowly but surely build a relationship is a true delight. Lance and Quinn are great together and really understand one another. I really liked seeing them work through their issues together even though it wasn't always smooth sailing. The narrator did a great job with this story and with portraying the characters and emotions. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn single dad, tour guide. He became a dad when his sister discovered she had cancer when she was pregnant and died who her baby, Sam was 6 months old. He works hard and loves Sam and the last 7 years have been worth not having a social life.
Lance is an interior designer on the island working on the new resort. He has focused on his career not having time for relationships. He meets Quinn when their cars collide and they go from there.
Sweet romance, easy to read.

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

[Rebecca Zabik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn's job is giving boat tours also taking care of his dead sister's son. Lance is a decorator and is deathly afraid of the water ever since his sister's death. The two of them try to ignore the attraction they have for each other. In the end they can't fight it. They need to be a United front for the sake of Sam.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel-good story that simply made me feel happy. It tells the story of two open, caring men who know the value of family. Who share the burden of grief and loss. And who are open to figuring out how to overcome their fears, together. Between the covers of this book, they go from simply existing to really living. Sam and Elmo round out the story nicely. This is a story that I will return to again and again, especially when I need to be remined that life and family are gifts.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your heart aches for both these guys with past baggage. I liked that they gelped each other overcome their pasts and move forward. I liked Lance's integrity. Even though Quinn wanted to cut ties, Lance still sought legal advice for Quinn and Sam via his dad. I liked that unselfish act at a time when things were rough. I listened to the audible version of this book and the narrator greatly added to my enjoyment.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Ok well listen. LOL. I am really enjoying this series.

Lance has a fear of water and meets Quinn who runs boat tours. Quinn is a single father that doesn’t date as his focus is his son

They have an instant spark and great chemistry. I love how their relationship developed and never saw the twist coming that threatened their relationship

Narrator has done a great job with not only this book but the series. Onto the next book

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series!

They are all quick, fun, easy reads with a bit of insta-love, but that comes with the territory in a short book.

I really did enjoy this story, however with both MC's having obstacles to overcome and doing it together. And Sam was a pure joy. He added so much to the story. This one was great.

[Randy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

book is fun. i like Quinn and him being a father. Everything he does for his son. Then learning all about his past. Then there is Lance and his phobia and how they work to get over it and what it brings for them.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is afraid of water and get he is designing the inside of a resort in an island. Meanwhile he is a captain of a ship looking after his nephew after the death of his sister. Can these two find a new place for love? See if they can

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

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn and Lance's story. They weren't looking for love. They both had their reasons and were happy the way things were. I enjoyed the story and how Quinn and Lance open up and start to trust each other.

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

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

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

[Solveig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had some problem connecting with the MC and struggled reading until I got to 50% of the book. Both MC are sweet and struggeling with their own issues. Sam’s just adorable. I liked that there wasnt the biggest drama in the end and that they both quickly worked their issues ut.

[Mary Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is so cute..Love that it shows that some men can love a child

Two men and a child and in comes love..Sometime falling in love is like a lightening bolt..This is that love and a child makes it so sweet

[Rob Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Sweet tender loving moments that will leave you cheering on the characters and possibly shedding a tear or two. J.P. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Raymond Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Good read. Good story . I liked the plot involving a gay man with a small child. So many gays are great parents

[Janice Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series