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Pickleville #1
Whispers of Home
Tragedy brought him home again. Can love convince him to stay?Jaron McAllister has a son to raise. How can he do that when tragedy strikes, and the city he had once found welcoming, becomes more dangerous by the day? The best course of action is to go to go back home to the small town he’d once run away from. The last thing he expects to gain is the attention of a hot cowboy.
Travis Heath isn’t looking for love. As the richest, most popular guy in his small town, he’s had plenty of dates and one-night stands over the years and that’s been just fine with him. When little Jaron McAllister comes back home, looking more gorgeous than a person has a right to, Travis is forced to rethink his views on commitment.Jaron isn’t looking for love, especially not with a man with commitment issues. Will Travis lose his best friends when they find out he’s crushing hard on a man?Whispers of Home is a MM Contemporary Romance in the Pickleville series. If you like down-on-their-luck single dads and bisexual cowboys with commitment issues, then you’ll love this sensual romance novel.Buy Whispers of Home to start your journey through the small town of Pickleville.
Travis Heath isn’t looking for love. As the richest, most popular guy in his small town, he’s had plenty of dates and one-night stands over the years and that’s been just fine with him. When little Jaron McAllister comes back home, looking more gorgeous than a person has a right to, Travis is forced to rethink his views on commitment.Jaron isn’t looking for love, especially not with a man with commitment issues. Will Travis lose his best friends when they find out he’s crushing hard on a man?Whispers of Home is a MM Contemporary Romance in the Pickleville series. If you like down-on-their-luck single dads and bisexual cowboys with commitment issues, then you’ll love this sensual romance novel.Buy Whispers of Home to start your journey through the small town of Pickleville.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2015
188 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
April Kelley
116 books221 followersLiving in Southwest Michigan, April resides with her husband and two kids. She has been an avid reader for several years. Writing her first story at the age of ten, the characters in her head still won't stop telling their stories. If April isn't reading or writing she can be found outside playing with the animals or taking a long walk in the woods.
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 12, 2015
A Hearts On Fire Review
2.5 Hearts--April Kelley's "Whispers of Home" is a story about a small town boy named Jaron whose home life was not the greatest and being openly gay didn't help matters. He was bullied, his only friend wouldn't stick up for him and his living parent didn't seem to care about him. Jaron runs away soon after high school graduation into the big city. There he makes friends of the unsavory sort and ends up becoming a father to a friend's baby, Bobby. Years later a traumatic event sends him back home to Pickleville.
He reunited with his estranged mother and contact his best friend. Jaron catches the eye of cowboy farmer and ex high school crush, Travis. Travis has a reputation of being a womanizer. But Travis also has a secret, he's bisexual and never explored with a man. Until he sees Jaron, he wants to explore him.
The start of the story is a little weak but I got a sense of Jaron. I felt sorry for the guy. Looking back, the prologue gave a good introduction. Present day Jaron was prickly and somewhat cautious - I enjoy main characters like that. Travis was friendly and wouldn't quit after he saw his man. I also like that. Bobby was a cute kid in the beginning, toward the end he was kind of annoying. He wasn't obnoxious or adult like for the most part. Plus for that. Small town romances can be fun, the story was in the right vein for the first half or so. The back and forth, first gropes of love, etc - it's nice.
There were issues, of course that caused me to lower my rating.
The first one? Bobby's teacher had a "blue tongue ring". Jaron's first thought: "Wow! That was a little lesbian-ish. Totally did not get that vibe from her." I won't argue about people with tongue rings and their sexual orientation. Hopefully just reading that quote alone will point out the error in its way.
Even with that bad quote the story was still swimming in the 3 - 3.5 Hearts range until 83%.
The story nosedived into WTF-ville:
The main couple have sex in front of Jaron's best friend, Brian, to prove their love for one another.
Um...what? *scratches head* I read this bit quite a few times and I'm still lost.
Now I think the intent was to add more heat to the story. But...an unexplained voyeurism scene that comes out of left field when both men clearly stated they wanted to be monogamous in all things and weren't interested in anyone else, being possessive of one another and they automatically figure they'd throw a bone to Jaron's best friend, Brian (who has been in love with Jaron BTW and hadn't seen him in years) and "make love" for Brian to witness. But said best friend better not talk. *smh*
Jaron wasn't into it. Travis wasn't into it. Why would this scene happen? For Brian's benefit? From what was written about both men, this was 1000% out of character for them. Ruined a moment, in my opinion.
The story had potential. It wasn't going to win any awards but it was closer to solid if it stayed on course with Jaron and Travis falling in love, learning how to become a couple and family without trying so had for an erotic edge.
Here are a few examples of areas that needed work:
- Jaron briefly mentioned being a rentboy, he had some PTSD about a couple of bad tricks - not explored.
- Bobby's mother is murdered in front of Bobby - the trauma was not explored. (The son was clingy in the beginning and then he suddenly opens up to strangers)
- The murder case and friendship with the detective? Not explored.
- Travis' feelings and thoughts on being in a relationship with a man rather than other people's reactions. Not explored.
Missed opportunities.
The main characters were okay. Minus the out of character moment of 83% - the theme of a childhood crush finally becoming your partner in the future is a favorite of mine. That theme was decent.
Would I recommend? Proceed with caution.
I'll probably check for the second book in the series because ignoring the sloppy last 20% filled with drama & sugar and missed opportunities, the main idea wasn't bad.
2.5 Hearts--April Kelley's "Whispers of Home" is a story about a small town boy named Jaron whose home life was not the greatest and being openly gay didn't help matters. He was bullied, his only friend wouldn't stick up for him and his living parent didn't seem to care about him. Jaron runs away soon after high school graduation into the big city. There he makes friends of the unsavory sort and ends up becoming a father to a friend's baby, Bobby. Years later a traumatic event sends him back home to Pickleville.
He reunited with his estranged mother and contact his best friend. Jaron catches the eye of cowboy farmer and ex high school crush, Travis. Travis has a reputation of being a womanizer. But Travis also has a secret, he's bisexual and never explored with a man. Until he sees Jaron, he wants to explore him.
The start of the story is a little weak but I got a sense of Jaron. I felt sorry for the guy. Looking back, the prologue gave a good introduction. Present day Jaron was prickly and somewhat cautious - I enjoy main characters like that. Travis was friendly and wouldn't quit after he saw his man. I also like that. Bobby was a cute kid in the beginning, toward the end he was kind of annoying. He wasn't obnoxious or adult like for the most part. Plus for that. Small town romances can be fun, the story was in the right vein for the first half or so. The back and forth, first gropes of love, etc - it's nice.
There were issues, of course that caused me to lower my rating.
The first one? Bobby's teacher had a "blue tongue ring". Jaron's first thought: "Wow! That was a little lesbian-ish. Totally did not get that vibe from her." I won't argue about people with tongue rings and their sexual orientation. Hopefully just reading that quote alone will point out the error in its way.
Even with that bad quote the story was still swimming in the 3 - 3.5 Hearts range until 83%.
The story nosedived into WTF-ville:
The main couple have sex in front of Jaron's best friend, Brian, to prove their love for one another.
"I'm not going to cheat on you. Whatever we do, we do it together."
Suddenly Jaron understood why Travis was allowing Brian to view their lovemaking. "That's why you're letting h im watch. Even though you don't like it. To prove sex is about our connection to each other."
Um...what? *scratches head* I read this bit quite a few times and I'm still lost.
Now I think the intent was to add more heat to the story. But...an unexplained voyeurism scene that comes out of left field when both men clearly stated they wanted to be monogamous in all things and weren't interested in anyone else, being possessive of one another and they automatically figure they'd throw a bone to Jaron's best friend, Brian (who has been in love with Jaron BTW and hadn't seen him in years) and "make love" for Brian to witness. But said best friend better not talk. *smh*
Jaron wasn't into it. Travis wasn't into it. Why would this scene happen? For Brian's benefit? From what was written about both men, this was 1000% out of character for them. Ruined a moment, in my opinion.
The story had potential. It wasn't going to win any awards but it was closer to solid if it stayed on course with Jaron and Travis falling in love, learning how to become a couple and family without trying so had for an erotic edge.
Here are a few examples of areas that needed work:
- Jaron briefly mentioned being a rentboy, he had some PTSD about a couple of bad tricks - not explored.
- Bobby's mother is murdered in front of Bobby - the trauma was not explored. (The son was clingy in the beginning and then he suddenly opens up to strangers)
- The murder case and friendship with the detective? Not explored.
- Travis' feelings and thoughts on being in a relationship with a man rather than other people's reactions. Not explored.
Missed opportunities.
The main characters were okay. Minus the out of character moment of 83% - the theme of a childhood crush finally becoming your partner in the future is a favorite of mine. That theme was decent.
Would I recommend? Proceed with caution.
I'll probably check for the second book in the series because ignoring the sloppy last 20% filled with drama & sugar and missed opportunities, the main idea wasn't bad.
Read
April 16, 2021DNF at 14%
Look, I have one massive and very specific trigger when it comes to books. I cannot read about gay men who are with women and raise children with them. I know that in this case the guy wasn’t very in a relationship with the woman, but I still could not do it.
This was starting to sound way too close to my life and I do not wish to be reading about my life, I want to read about stuff that could never happen to me.
There was nothing else wrong with the book and it didn’t seem too bad from what I read but I just can’t read about this particular topic.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
Look, I have one massive and very specific trigger when it comes to books. I cannot read about gay men who are with women and raise children with them. I know that in this case the guy wasn’t very in a relationship with the woman, but I still could not do it.
This was starting to sound way too close to my life and I do not wish to be reading about my life, I want to read about stuff that could never happen to me.
There was nothing else wrong with the book and it didn’t seem too bad from what I read but I just can’t read about this particular topic.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
April 15, 2015
So not my kind of romance. Very "harlequin" style from the 80's with all the predictable issues you can think of, except one risque sex scene that is so out of character for both of them it's laughable rather than sexy. All instalove and completely silly angst with no resolution and random characters that come and then go without purpose. It basically hits every cliche and trope from those types of novellas and was not original in any parts of the plot.
February 15, 2015
An easy reading contemporary M/M romance <3
Jaron left his home town seven years ago, he felt penned in and needed to get out. Since leaving he has done things he's not proud of but the one thing he is proud of is Bobby his Son.
Life has twists and turns and due to tragic circumstances Jaron has to go back to his home town with his son, which will raise a few eyebrows as his gay!
Travis, the blue eyed high school heart throb, runs his family ranch, his still a popular guy, once Travis spots Jaron he can't get him off his mind, how can he convince Jaron he really wants him as his not known to be gay.
I really enjoyed this story, the relationship moves quickly but it's not surprising as they're hot together, the characters are very normal with real emotions. Their first sexual encounter was very realistic and sexy.
I have to admit at one point I thought the detective was going to be Jaron's love interest as they seemed to hit it off, but in hindsight not like him and Travis.
What I liked about the characthers, Travis is fun, cheeky and sexy. Jaron is very protective, warm and once his guard is down he lets his sexy out! Bobby the son is very sweet, he takes to Travis really quickly, but watching the men dote on him is cute. Bobby has Travis wrapped around his fingers, luckily Jaron can say no when needed!
I'm sure it's safe to say there's a happy ever after, I'm also pretty sure we will see more of Travis and Jaron in the other books in the series, well I hope so!
4 vampy and racey stars.
**i received an arc for an honest review**
May 7, 2015
3.5 stars
Once in a while I know I need me some M/M Harlequin. And yes, of course there's a lot of DRAMA in here. If you think you can't handle that, I suggest you don't step into this.
Jaron was small gay guy. Everyone in his town bullied him. Even his best friend did not stand up for him. But he did fight back. Although he knew he never going to win. That's what I liked about him.
Once in a while I know I need me some M/M Harlequin. And yes, of course there's a lot of DRAMA in here. If you think you can't handle that, I suggest you don't step into this.
Jaron was small gay guy. Everyone in his town bullied him. Even his best friend did not stand up for him. But he did fight back. Although he knew he never going to win. That's what I liked about him.
March 25, 2022
If this is a rewrite and revision of an earlier book, I'd hate to see what the original book was like. This one is messy and difficult to piece together. The author sets up future stories in the series by introducing them in this book. But this book was badly composed with dialog often times not attributed to any particular character and spelling errors that should have been detected in proofreading. The relationship between the two main characters, Travis and Jaron, happened way too quickly to be believable considering their pasts. Unhappy and horrific events in the story are glossed over instead of dealing with their ramifications. Reading this book does not make me anticipate future books in the series.
April 13, 2019
Love wins
Simple easy love story.
Starts from high school days and catches up to present. A friend enemy romance. Jaron and Travis went to the same high, where Jaron was bullied by friends of Travis. However when tragedy stricks there was no place like home for him.
On his first outing to the store he runs into Travis an the romance starts from there.
Simple easy love story.
Starts from high school days and catches up to present. A friend enemy romance. Jaron and Travis went to the same high, where Jaron was bullied by friends of Travis. However when tragedy stricks there was no place like home for him.
On his first outing to the store he runs into Travis an the romance starts from there.
March 25, 2021
good story.. interesting and curious... kept me wanting more and i liked the characters.. the writing was good and i liked the plot. cant wait to read more.
April 4, 2015
Jaron has always wanted to get out of Pickleville as soon as he gets out of school. He has always been bullied, his mom works nights, sleeps days and she has never shown him any interest. He loves his best friend Brian but know he will never come out and they could never be a real couple.
In high school Travis was a player. He seems to be all over every girl he could get a hold of. He was the best looking boy in school so it was no wonder.
Jaron runs off to the city. What city I have no idea, since it never says. There are references to him living on the street for a short time, and selling his body, then you turn the page to a new chapter and he is smelling like meat, working in a restaurant. Suddenly you find it’s like seven years later and Jaron has a son. Yes a son. He finds his son’s mother murdered with the boy there in the room. He takes the boy and goes back to Pickleville to start over.
I liked this story but I found so many loose ends and that it was rather jumpy. Also the part of finding his son’s mother and having a son sounded so familiar. After they get to Pickleville this part is dropped. I would have liked to have seen what happened in those 7 missing years leading up to this.
Everything goes so smooth once he gets to Pickleville, his secret crush Travis turns gay for him, his mom suddenly wants to be a mom and grandmother, and other people become friends that had tormented him in school.
Now having said this, it is a good story once you get into it. I mean it is fiction so anything goes. Bobby, Jaron’s son is so cute and funny. I actually liked Travis as well. I think this story had lots of potential and is a very sweet, happy feel-good type story with a wonderful ending.
If you like cowboys, cute kids, gay for you, a little voyeurism and a very happy ending this is for you.
In high school Travis was a player. He seems to be all over every girl he could get a hold of. He was the best looking boy in school so it was no wonder.
Jaron runs off to the city. What city I have no idea, since it never says. There are references to him living on the street for a short time, and selling his body, then you turn the page to a new chapter and he is smelling like meat, working in a restaurant. Suddenly you find it’s like seven years later and Jaron has a son. Yes a son. He finds his son’s mother murdered with the boy there in the room. He takes the boy and goes back to Pickleville to start over.
I liked this story but I found so many loose ends and that it was rather jumpy. Also the part of finding his son’s mother and having a son sounded so familiar. After they get to Pickleville this part is dropped. I would have liked to have seen what happened in those 7 missing years leading up to this.
Everything goes so smooth once he gets to Pickleville, his secret crush Travis turns gay for him, his mom suddenly wants to be a mom and grandmother, and other people become friends that had tormented him in school.
Now having said this, it is a good story once you get into it. I mean it is fiction so anything goes. Bobby, Jaron’s son is so cute and funny. I actually liked Travis as well. I think this story had lots of potential and is a very sweet, happy feel-good type story with a wonderful ending.
If you like cowboys, cute kids, gay for you, a little voyeurism and a very happy ending this is for you.
March 25, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Three and a half stars!
This story was a quick read. I really liked the relationship between Jaron and Bobby. Jaron was a good dad for the most part and the way he interacted with his son always made me smile. I felt the relationship between Jaron and Travis formed too quickly. There wasn’t really any feelings showed or reasons given for it to develop that fast. I enjoy insta-love as long as it makes sense. There were some unanswered questions that left me hanging that I wasn’t a fan of. Most people would consider this to be a Happily Ever After, but the relationship between Jaron and Travis was too new to get that distinction in my opinion. I liked the town that was created in this story and am hoping future books bring more couples and stories.
Three and a half stars!
This story was a quick read. I really liked the relationship between Jaron and Bobby. Jaron was a good dad for the most part and the way he interacted with his son always made me smile. I felt the relationship between Jaron and Travis formed too quickly. There wasn’t really any feelings showed or reasons given for it to develop that fast. I enjoy insta-love as long as it makes sense. There were some unanswered questions that left me hanging that I wasn’t a fan of. Most people would consider this to be a Happily Ever After, but the relationship between Jaron and Travis was too new to get that distinction in my opinion. I liked the town that was created in this story and am hoping future books bring more couples and stories.
February 16, 2015
I really liked this book but found some parts confusing. Also wasn't to crazy about Travis letting Jarods friend watch them. If Travis was so over protective seems like he wouldn't let that happen.
Jarod went a little too overboard with seeing Travis at the bar with his cousin. Would have liked to see him a little more in control. Tell Travis what happened and how he felt about seeing him with another person and just leave.
There were also a few minor typos. I am looking forward to the next book because I think this has potential to be a good series.
Jarod went a little too overboard with seeing Travis at the bar with his cousin. Would have liked to see him a little more in control. Tell Travis what happened and how he felt about seeing him with another person and just leave.
There were also a few minor typos. I am looking forward to the next book because I think this has potential to be a good series.
January 5, 2016
Jaron is quite flighty with his emotions and despite having lived on his own in a city, not really matured. Travis all alpha-male type in a small town but now exploring his sexuality fully but quite irrational in public initially especially when he says he cant be out.
So all in all a bit too sappy (as well as bloody from all thise arms thrown around) and got more so as the book progressed. I do like the going home trope and would have enjoyed this more if it had been more grittier.
So all in all a bit too sappy (as well as bloody from all thise arms thrown around) and got more so as the book progressed. I do like the going home trope and would have enjoyed this more if it had been more grittier.
February 17, 2015
2.75 rounded up
I felt like there were two different people writing this story and they weren't completely on the same page - no pun intended.
I felt like there were two different people writing this story and they weren't completely on the same page - no pun intended.
April 27, 2015
3.5*** sweet and easy read. .
April 30, 2015
Very sweet. I don't know what else to say about other than that.
Very easy going cute book. With the way it started out, I thought it was going to be more angsty, but it really wasn't.
Very easy going cute book. With the way it started out, I thought it was going to be more angsty, but it really wasn't.
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June 12, 2024
Jaron McAllister is a tortured soul. He was bullied and mistreated as a youth because he was gay and felt ignored by his single mother who had to work long hours to keep a roof over their head. Jaron left his small town as soon as he could after graduating high school and didn’t look back. Jaron began a new life with trustworthy friends in the big city. Jaron befriended a pregnant woman who was a drug addict and helped her raise her son Bobby. A violent encounter in the city has him hightailing back to the safety of his mother’s home in their small town with his son. One of the first people he sees is Travis Heath, someone he went to school with and had a crush on. Travis didn’t bully him, but he was best friends with two guys that did. Travis is known as a serial dater of women, so it is a surprise to both Jaron and Travis that Travis feels an instant attraction to Jaron when they meet again. Meeting Travis again forever changes Jaron, Travis and their families.
This story takes you on an emotional journey filled with wounds from the past, estrangement, violence, and death, which gives the main characters the chance to grow and change. Jaron has serious trust issues and Travis commitment issues. Jaron is grieving the loss of Bobby’s mother and Travis his father. Kelley took an ugly topic, the bullying of a gay boy, and turned it into a beautiful story. Whispers of Home deals with the serious issue of homophobia and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. It was nice to see the impact that one person, Jaron’s teacher, can make in a community. I like that the author included how the school system and town changed regarding the treatment of those that identify as LGBTQ+ after what happened to Jaron. He didn’t get to see the changes because they happened after he left town. It only takes one person to care and make an impact.
This story takes you on an emotional journey filled with wounds from the past, estrangement, violence, and death, which gives the main characters the chance to grow and change. Jaron has serious trust issues and Travis commitment issues. Jaron is grieving the loss of Bobby’s mother and Travis his father. Kelley took an ugly topic, the bullying of a gay boy, and turned it into a beautiful story. Whispers of Home deals with the serious issue of homophobia and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. It was nice to see the impact that one person, Jaron’s teacher, can make in a community. I like that the author included how the school system and town changed regarding the treatment of those that identify as LGBTQ+ after what happened to Jaron. He didn’t get to see the changes because they happened after he left town. It only takes one person to care and make an impact.
October 20, 2023
April Kelley
Whispers of Home: A Coming Home MM Small Town Romance (Pickleville Book 1)
Jaron, a compassionate and selfless man, dedicated his life to providing his son, Bobby, with a bright future. He went above and beyond to help his friend Tracy, who struggled with addiction, offering support and guidance in the best way he knew how. However, one fateful night, tragedy struck, forcing Jaron to return to his hometown and essentially start his life anew.
Returning home, Jaron was confronted with a plethora of painful memories and rejection that he wasn't sure he was prepared to confront. Nevertheless, his unwavering determination to ensure Bobby's well-being drove him forward. All he knew was that his son deserved a life filled with safety and opportunities for growth.
This poignant tale exemplifies the real-life struggles that countless individuals face on a daily basis. Jaron's character embodies the essence of a true hero, willing to sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of his beloved son. Amidst the challenges he encountered, Jaron found solace in the support of Travis mother ,a kind and understanding woman who provided him with employment and allowed Bobby to remain by his side. Travis was mesmerized by Jaron, as he admired his genuine compassion and understood his ability to comprehend his deep desire to protect his son.
In this unique narrative, Jaron's journey showcases the power of love, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of a devoted father.
June 26, 2024
Jaron grew up in Pickleville, Michigan being bullied by his classmates for being gay. Forcibly outed against his will in middle school, he's physically attacked and called derogatory names on a daily basis. His most frequent tormentor is Brad, whose best friend is Travis, the guy Jaron has a crush on for years. Knowing he'll never fit in and the attacks won't stop, he decides to leave. The weekend after he graduates high school, Jaron boards and bus and leaves town without a word to anyone- his mother, his friends, or anyone. Over the next seven years he makes a subsistence life for himself with his new best friend and her son Bobby, who he shares parenting roles with. Then one day he comes home to discover she's been killed by her new boyfriend, and he knows he has to go back to Pickleville... and he runs into Travis and they immediately start up a relationship... like, literally the same day.
So this starts well, the author develops Jaron fairly solidly... then the story nosedives when it hits the instalove. Most of the background characters were flat cliches and then introduced a bunch more that barely got page presence.
2 stars. Not really great reading.
So this starts well, the author develops Jaron fairly solidly... then the story nosedives when it hits the instalove. Most of the background characters were flat cliches and then introduced a bunch more that barely got page presence.
2 stars. Not really great reading.
March 17, 2021
Jaron, bullied, misunderstood and with no one to turn to, leaves home and moves to a bigger city. There he meets a pregnant girl and they decide to raise her child together, but after she dies, and her child sees it, Jaron decides to move back home, for Bobby's sake - even though he's not sure if the place has changed. The first person he bumps into, is Travis, who he'd gone to school with - he hadnt been one of the bullies, but he was friends with them. Some things in Pickleville had changed - people and his perception of the town.
Great story line and characters.
I really enjoyed reading this story because they didn't magically heal each other, they went thru personal growth and worked on things to better their relationship. It felt more realistic. They were written as real people with real faults and issues.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Received in exchange for an honest review.
Great story line and characters.
I really enjoyed reading this story because they didn't magically heal each other, they went thru personal growth and worked on things to better their relationship. It felt more realistic. They were written as real people with real faults and issues.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Received in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
Little too insta-lovey for me. Trav, who everyone thinks is a straight player, sees a guy in the store and starts literally stalking him and insisting he'll be dating him. I understood Jaron's reluctance and putting his son first after what they experienced but both he and a traumatized child seem to get over things lickety split and wow, the guy who bullied him his whole school years is his boyfriend's best friend and everyone says the poor guy had a shitty childhood so gets a pass and the whole town is on the LGBTQ spectrum so it's okay now. Ummm. Too many things just glossed over (like why Jaron's mother wasn't great at raising him). So I will not be reading more, especially about the homophobe basher who ends up in jail. Not sure that can be redeemed. Plus I can't read about a town called Pickleville. That's too stereotypical small town and just annoyed me for no reason whatsoever but my own personal biases.
April 26, 2021
Whispers of Home is the first book in the Pickleville series by author April Kelly. I found this book to be sweet well bittersweet. Has a great range of emotion which always draws me into a romance novel.
Jaron left his small town behind after being bullied for years. He had a crush he left behind too Travis, one of the only people to ever stick up for him.
Jaron has a lot of trust issues from his past. He is a good soul with lots of love to give.
Travis, he is kind, loyal, brave. A cowboy through and through. He might not be perfect, but he is a decent human.
I loved this story, there is a beautiful family, pets, and lots of love inside these pages. Sometimes we have to go backward before we can truly evolve and be our true selves.
Five Shooting Stars
Jaron left his small town behind after being bullied for years. He had a crush he left behind too Travis, one of the only people to ever stick up for him.
Jaron has a lot of trust issues from his past. He is a good soul with lots of love to give.
Travis, he is kind, loyal, brave. A cowboy through and through. He might not be perfect, but he is a decent human.
I loved this story, there is a beautiful family, pets, and lots of love inside these pages. Sometimes we have to go backward before we can truly evolve and be our true selves.
Five Shooting Stars
March 17, 2021
Homecoming
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it! Jarod moves back home with his son when he reaches the end of his rope. He is slowly surprised to learn that his small home town has changed since he left. His memories were not good but he finds people are much more accepting. Travis knew Jarod in high school but didn't notice him much. Everything has changed now though and he just wants to protect him and be there for him. I loved these characters! Travis quickly realizes that he has to prove with his actions that he will be there for both Jarod and Bobby. I loved how his whole family just drew him in. A very sweet low angst story with lots of love and HEA. I am going to get sucked into this whole series.
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it! Jarod moves back home with his son when he reaches the end of his rope. He is slowly surprised to learn that his small home town has changed since he left. His memories were not good but he finds people are much more accepting. Travis knew Jarod in high school but didn't notice him much. Everything has changed now though and he just wants to protect him and be there for him. I loved these characters! Travis quickly realizes that he has to prove with his actions that he will be there for both Jarod and Bobby. I loved how his whole family just drew him in. A very sweet low angst story with lots of love and HEA. I am going to get sucked into this whole series.
April 7, 2021
This review is for the revised edition of Whispers From Home.
Jaron has a complicated past - there's bullying, a complex parental relationship, an unorthodox co-parenting situation that leads to him moving back to the hometown he couldn't wait to leave after high school. Travis runs one of the ranches in town, but he's got a bit of a reputation.
I think this is a decent start to the Pickleville series. I like the progression in the town Jaron finds on his return. It creates a good backdrop for the plot and serves as an introduction to a good cast of side characters. As for the MCs, I find them engaging and like the way in which their relationship develops after the initial 'insta' feelings. I particularly like the relationship and interactions both Jaron and Travis have with Bobby.
Let's be honest, there's nothing revolutionary here, but if you're in the mood for a quick read with some angst, some fluff and some steamy bits, this might be the book for you.
I received an ARC via GRR. This is my honest review.
Jaron has a complicated past - there's bullying, a complex parental relationship, an unorthodox co-parenting situation that leads to him moving back to the hometown he couldn't wait to leave after high school. Travis runs one of the ranches in town, but he's got a bit of a reputation.
I think this is a decent start to the Pickleville series. I like the progression in the town Jaron finds on his return. It creates a good backdrop for the plot and serves as an introduction to a good cast of side characters. As for the MCs, I find them engaging and like the way in which their relationship develops after the initial 'insta' feelings. I particularly like the relationship and interactions both Jaron and Travis have with Bobby.
Let's be honest, there's nothing revolutionary here, but if you're in the mood for a quick read with some angst, some fluff and some steamy bits, this might be the book for you.
I received an ARC via GRR. This is my honest review.
October 17, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. Jaron is a single father doing his best to make a good home for his son. But life happens and he has to move back home. He left the small town when he graduated high school and did not look back. He did even stay in touch with his mother and now he is going back with his son. But the good thing is that his small hometown has changed and for the better. Travis has been enjoying both side of the fence and not finding anyone to keep his attention. He runs into Jaron one day and is smitten. Of course Jaron has walls up because of his past and his son. These two have some issues to address before they will be able to make a relationship work. But this is a good romantic book.
March 16, 2021
Believable traumatic event, well written I’ve a new author to love. So many emotions through out this story captivated me from the beginning, I cried and laughed, complex loveable characters and unfortunately a bad one. The town made changes, it took Jaron awhile to except that, can’t blame him. Hot sensual scenes between Travis and Jaron, a heartwarming beautiful story, there are many characters I hope get their stories written, that’s how much I loved this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
April 13, 2021
I loved Jaron and Travis! Jaron escapes his small hometown for the big city after years of being bullied. Along the way he gains a son, Bobby. After a devastating incident occurs, he decides to return home to Pickleville. He does not want to raise his son in the city. He runs into Travis, his high school crush. Travis wasn’t one of the bullies but was friends with them. Loved this story!! There was a lot of personal growth between Jaron and Travis. There’s a fantastic group of secondary character woven throughout the story line. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
April 9, 2021
Jaron is bullied through high school for being gay. As soon as he graduates he leaves the small town behind. Seven years later he comes back to Pickleville with his son Bobby. This is a fresh start for them both and Jaron hopes his son can grow up without fear.
Travis is the friend of Jason’s bullies and when they cross paths, Jaron tries to steer clear but Travis has other plans.
This book comes across as more of a teen romance but is a pleasant read.
I received this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
Travis is the friend of Jason’s bullies and when they cross paths, Jaron tries to steer clear but Travis has other plans.
This book comes across as more of a teen romance but is a pleasant read.
I received this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
April 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this romance which is almost an enemies to lovers trope and almost a second chance trope. Jaron and Travis weren't exactly enemies, but Travis was friends in high school with some of the bullies that drove Jaron our of Pickleville as soon as he could get away. When Jaron decides to return and raise his son in Pickleville rather than in the city, he discovers that both Travis and the town are worth a second chance. Really nice introduction to the series and I look forward to reading more about Pickleville and its residents.
March 28, 2022
I have not read this author's work previously and I ust say I enjoyed the book. Jaron who had left his home on leaving school as a result of the homophobia he encountered is living in a city.Tradegy strikes when Tracey his partner is murdered leaving him with a child to raise. He returns to his home town to a better enviroment to raise his son. He meets an old school colleague whose motives he is suspicious of in view of previous experience.The book outlines the development of this relationship together with instances of homophobia. I can recommend this book.
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