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Small Town Hearts #1
After the Crash
Rule #1 Straight military men will always be straight, no matter how much you wish otherwise
Rule #2 Being a billionaire won’t change that (probably)
Rule #3 The whole thing between you when you were in high school? It was only fantasy
Rule #4 One-sided fantasy
Rule #5 God, how great would it be if it was a two-sided fantasy?
Rule #6 Okay, getting off track
Rule #7 Hiring your hot high school crush is totally okay
Rule #8 If you don’t let your feelings get in the way, everything will be fine
Marshall Lloyd is about to be very not fine. Not only is his high school crush back in his life, but he’s matured into a gruff, brooding, drop-dead-gorgeous specimen of a man that makes Marshall’s wet dreams seem about as exciting as drying paint. The only Fox Fraser, the individual in question, is straight.
Super straight.
The kind of straight that would make a ruler jealous.
But if what Marshall sees when he looks in Fox’s eyes is to be believed, he’s broken, too. There are scars inside of him that no one notices. No one but Marshall. It’s not wrong to want to help him, is it? To hire him to take care of things around the house so he can get back on his feet? It’s just work. Work that leads to lingering looks. To prolonged touches. To… mmph. It’s better not to think about it. Marshall’s fantasies aren’t real. A guy like Fox would never pin him to a wall and do things to him like that.
Maybe.
Probably.
Right?
After the Crash is the first book in the Small Town Hearts series, which features heroes scattered across the rural United States who find love where they’re least expecting it. In addition to explosive chemistry, you can expect sneezing bushes, tea that tastes like hay, and a wet wrestling match that's just boys having fun, Mom.
Rule #2 Being a billionaire won’t change that (probably)
Rule #3 The whole thing between you when you were in high school? It was only fantasy
Rule #4 One-sided fantasy
Rule #5 God, how great would it be if it was a two-sided fantasy?
Rule #6 Okay, getting off track
Rule #7 Hiring your hot high school crush is totally okay
Rule #8 If you don’t let your feelings get in the way, everything will be fine
Marshall Lloyd is about to be very not fine. Not only is his high school crush back in his life, but he’s matured into a gruff, brooding, drop-dead-gorgeous specimen of a man that makes Marshall’s wet dreams seem about as exciting as drying paint. The only Fox Fraser, the individual in question, is straight.
Super straight.
The kind of straight that would make a ruler jealous.
But if what Marshall sees when he looks in Fox’s eyes is to be believed, he’s broken, too. There are scars inside of him that no one notices. No one but Marshall. It’s not wrong to want to help him, is it? To hire him to take care of things around the house so he can get back on his feet? It’s just work. Work that leads to lingering looks. To prolonged touches. To… mmph. It’s better not to think about it. Marshall’s fantasies aren’t real. A guy like Fox would never pin him to a wall and do things to him like that.
Maybe.
Probably.
Right?
After the Crash is the first book in the Small Town Hearts series, which features heroes scattered across the rural United States who find love where they’re least expecting it. In addition to explosive chemistry, you can expect sneezing bushes, tea that tastes like hay, and a wet wrestling match that's just boys having fun, Mom.
260 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2019
340 people are currently reading
926 people want to read
About the author
Emma Alcott
13 books215 followersShould you ever find yourself traveling down the gravel street of a quiet forest community in the Midwest, you may come across Emma Alcott--suburbanite by birth, but small-towner by choice.
Emma loves all things doctors say you should only enjoy in moderation, writing the stories of her heart, and traveling. Once upon a time, she fell in love with a man from another country and moved mountains in order to be with him. They've now been married for half a decade and have far too many fur-children.
Seriously.
Do you want a dog?
To stay up to date with Emma's new releases, follow her on Amazon and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter.
If you love Emma's books, you might also enjoy her work as her alter-ego, Piper Scott!
Emma loves all things doctors say you should only enjoy in moderation, writing the stories of her heart, and traveling. Once upon a time, she fell in love with a man from another country and moved mountains in order to be with him. They've now been married for half a decade and have far too many fur-children.
Seriously.
Do you want a dog?
To stay up to date with Emma's new releases, follow her on Amazon and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter.
If you love Emma's books, you might also enjoy her work as her alter-ego, Piper Scott!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
January 8, 2020
Audio- All the blissful stars because…JF HARDING!!!
Story – 4.5 Stars!
I had no idea what to expect when I 1-clicked the audio. I had no idea who the author was or what the story was about. All I cared about was JF Harding narrating an M/M. It’s been too long!
Turns out I really enjoyed the story. It was heartfelt, sweet, humorous, raw, and oh so effing hawt!
This is a GFY between a brooding ex-military guy suffering from severe PTSD and a formally bullied quirky nerd turned billionaire. The story is pretty straight forward, and there’s very little to no relationship angst between the MCs. It’s my kind of hurt/comfort read. I love how their relationship developed. Any real drama that occurs is outside of the relationship.
I am looking forward to more audiobooks in the series with the highest of hopes that JF Harding has been slotted, commissioned, tied down…whatever…to narrate ALL the books.
Story – 4.5 Stars!
I had no idea what to expect when I 1-clicked the audio. I had no idea who the author was or what the story was about. All I cared about was JF Harding narrating an M/M. It’s been too long!
Turns out I really enjoyed the story. It was heartfelt, sweet, humorous, raw, and oh so effing hawt!
This is a GFY between a brooding ex-military guy suffering from severe PTSD and a formally bullied quirky nerd turned billionaire. The story is pretty straight forward, and there’s very little to no relationship angst between the MCs. It’s my kind of hurt/comfort read. I love how their relationship developed. Any real drama that occurs is outside of the relationship.
I am looking forward to more audiobooks in the series with the highest of hopes that JF Harding has been slotted, commissioned, tied down…whatever…to narrate ALL the books.
April 1, 2020
Audiobook - 5+++++ Stars
Story - 3.25 stars
The Good
This was a solid mm romance story, without the unnecessary miscommunication thrown in.
JF Harding's narration was great as always. Eargasms galore.
It was sweet and light.
The characters were very likable.
Marshall and Fox had chemistry and that helped me to connect with them and the banter was good.
Sam stole the show, he was funny and had some amazing one liners.
The Rest
The story felt rushed especially halfway through, i wasn't given time to know the characters and see how their relationship developed.
There were so many things left hanging, Fox's relationship with his family, more about Marshall's background and his relationship with his mother.
Sam's story was unnecessary, IMO, it was meant to create the angst that was not really needed.
Fox being gay all of a sudden, that took me a while to adjust, the way it was done didn't feel authentic but i just rolled with it.
Overall it was an okay story.
Story - 3.25 stars
The Good
This was a solid mm romance story, without the unnecessary miscommunication thrown in.
JF Harding's narration was great as always. Eargasms galore.
It was sweet and light.
The characters were very likable.
Marshall and Fox had chemistry and that helped me to connect with them and the banter was good.
Sam stole the show, he was funny and had some amazing one liners.
The Rest
The story felt rushed especially halfway through, i wasn't given time to know the characters and see how their relationship developed.
There were so many things left hanging, Fox's relationship with his family, more about Marshall's background and his relationship with his mother.
Sam's story was unnecessary, IMO, it was meant to create the angst that was not really needed.
Fox being gay all of a sudden, that took me a while to adjust, the way it was done didn't feel authentic but i just rolled with it.
Overall it was an okay story.
February 13, 2020
Well that was fab! I grabbed this off Amazon when I saw a few of my GR buddies giving it great reviews and I'm joining the Emma Alcott fan club.
Great characters, love that the author kept it real and didn't find a miracle cure for Fox. Really liked seeing Fox's growth and slow healing and Marshall's acceptance, understanding and support that was there for Fox when he needed it. Which brings me to Marshall, what a brilliant character. His humour, innate kindness and generosity in spite of being the bullied "gay nerd" in school.
What made this for me is that there was no relationship angst (says the angst junkie), it was so refreshing to read about adults who behave like adults. The pacing was spot on as was the hurt/comfort and GFY. I mean, one hot, broody straight bloke and one happy, sunshiney geeky bloke hit the sheets and ... hawt!
I went straight to GR to see what else this author had written and was surprised to find this is a debut book. I can't wait to see what she puts out next. *Edited because after leaving my review I found out this author also writes as Piper Scott, so not a debut author but a fab read nonetheless*.
4.5 stars (would have been 5 but I really wanted closure on Fox's awful parents).
Great characters, love that the author kept it real and didn't find a miracle cure for Fox. Really liked seeing Fox's growth and slow healing and Marshall's acceptance, understanding and support that was there for Fox when he needed it. Which brings me to Marshall, what a brilliant character. His humour, innate kindness and generosity in spite of being the bullied "gay nerd" in school.
What made this for me is that there was no relationship angst (says the angst junkie), it was so refreshing to read about adults who behave like adults. The pacing was spot on as was the hurt/comfort and GFY. I mean, one hot, broody straight bloke and one happy, sunshiney geeky bloke hit the sheets and ... hawt!
4.5 stars (would have been 5 but I really wanted closure on Fox's awful parents).
February 12, 2020
This was a five star read until about the halfway mark. Then it started to fall apart for me piece by piece until I didn't even like it anymore. I'm giving it 2.5 stars in an effort to average the two halves. Rounding up for great writing and editing. I loved the humor and Sam was a bonus to the story. I also appreciated a romance that didn't rely on artificial angst or "the big breakup".
Unfortunately, there were many things that didn't work for me or that left me scratching my head in confusion.
If you want to know the details you'll have to read my spoilers. But these are MAJOR SPOILERS and should not be read by anyone who hasn't read the book and plans to do so.
Unfortunately, there were many things that didn't work for me or that left me scratching my head in confusion.
If you want to know the details you'll have to read my spoilers. But these are MAJOR SPOILERS and should not be read by anyone who hasn't read the book and plans to do so.
March 29, 2021
on sale right now for $.99 https://www.amazon.com/After-Crash-Sm...
Opposites attract, gay for you, first time, a wee bit of angst, and a whole lotta sensual and erotic sexy-times, After the Fall is just about perfect! I’m thoroughly impressed, and anxiously awaiting the next book in the Small Town Hearts series by Emma Alcott.
The audio edition is performed by J.F. Harding and he is spectacular. His sweet and nerdy Marshall will melt your heart, and his gruff and growly Fox will melt your… well, your other bits. Fans of Harding narrating MM romances will not be disappointed!
The first thing that struck me about After the Fall was how incredibly clever it is. One look at the précis and you can tell this isn’t your average romance, and Alcott carries that humor throughout the book. The main supporting character, Sam, has just about the best snark ever, and the dialog is creative, funny, and witty the whole way through.
Wonderful characters and a fantastic story, romance readers are going to love After the Fall!
an audio copy of After the Fall was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Opposites attract, gay for you, first time, a wee bit of angst, and a whole lotta sensual and erotic sexy-times, After the Fall is just about perfect! I’m thoroughly impressed, and anxiously awaiting the next book in the Small Town Hearts series by Emma Alcott.
The audio edition is performed by J.F. Harding and he is spectacular. His sweet and nerdy Marshall will melt your heart, and his gruff and growly Fox will melt your… well, your other bits. Fans of Harding narrating MM romances will not be disappointed!
The first thing that struck me about After the Fall was how incredibly clever it is. One look at the précis and you can tell this isn’t your average romance, and Alcott carries that humor throughout the book. The main supporting character, Sam, has just about the best snark ever, and the dialog is creative, funny, and witty the whole way through.
Wonderful characters and a fantastic story, romance readers are going to love After the Fall!
an audio copy of After the Fall was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
February 28, 2020
This is gold star MM romance. Gold. Star. Sterling prose, pitch perfect dialogue packed with wit. Incredibly appealing but dimensional characters. I sample a lot of male/male thanks to Amazon's algorithms, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this one. The set up is tropey and delicious; former high school classmates reunited as adults - one a former bullied nerd turned tech mogul retiring to his small Midwestern hometown, the other a former jock suffering from severe PTSD after his time in the Air Force. It's the impeccable execution of all these classic romance elements that sets this one head and shoulders above the rest. Emma Alcott writes beautifully. And the sex scenes. My God, the sex scenes. Emotional and hot and - in the opinion of this cis-gay man - scorchingly authentic. There's a paragraph in one of them that I think beautifully summarizes the widespread appeal of gay romance in general, even if that wasn't the author's intention. This is one of those books were I texted all my romance fans friends immediately and told them they had to get it right away.
*I'm an author who only posts reviews of books I like. If you want to hear about what I don't like, get me alone and buy me a doughnut*
*I'm an author who only posts reviews of books I like. If you want to hear about what I don't like, get me alone and buy me a doughnut*
December 27, 2019
**4.5 Stars**
Thanks Lyn, for putting this on my radar. It was just what I was looking for.
This was full of love, humor and steam as well as acceptance and support. Fox is suffering from PTSD but no one seems to recognize it or want to help him, not even himself. After a chance encounter in a bush, Marshall steps up to help his high school crush. The two go from friendship to love. Throw in a snarky and sarcastic teen, who needs help himself, and you have a sweet family of their own choosing.
I liked that Fox's PTSD didn't magically go away and he continues to work through it even at the end. I'm glad he didn't use it as an excuse to push Marshall away either. He wanted to get better so he could be there for Marshall. They both wanted things to work between them and were willing to do whatever was necessary so they could be what the other needed.
There's no real underlying "mystery" or drama going on. Just the two working through their relationship and Fox's PTSD plus their mentoring of Sam. But it was beautiful and sweet and just what I needed.
I will say, I would have liked a little more of what happened with Fox's family. It felt "unresolved" to me. I'm looking forward to Sam's story.
Thanks Lyn, for putting this on my radar. It was just what I was looking for.
This was full of love, humor and steam as well as acceptance and support. Fox is suffering from PTSD but no one seems to recognize it or want to help him, not even himself. After a chance encounter in a bush, Marshall steps up to help his high school crush. The two go from friendship to love. Throw in a snarky and sarcastic teen, who needs help himself, and you have a sweet family of their own choosing.
I liked that Fox's PTSD didn't magically go away and he continues to work through it even at the end. I'm glad he didn't use it as an excuse to push Marshall away either. He wanted to get better so he could be there for Marshall. They both wanted things to work between them and were willing to do whatever was necessary so they could be what the other needed.
There's no real underlying "mystery" or drama going on. Just the two working through their relationship and Fox's PTSD plus their mentoring of Sam. But it was beautiful and sweet and just what I needed.
I will say, I would have liked a little more of what happened with Fox's family. It felt "unresolved" to me. I'm looking forward to Sam's story.
December 17, 2021
the diff in quality between this book and those in masters of romance series is huge. cant believe one author wrote these books.
December 26, 2019
Overall a wonderful love story about Marshall and Fox, one who had been bullied in high school for being too feminine, too nerdy, too gay, and one who had been straight and kind of friends with the guys who bullied Marshall.
In the prologue we see Fox stand up for Marshall and make it so they leave Marshall alone for the rest of the year, which either causes Marshall to gain a crush on him or makes him have a bigger crush on Fox, it's unclear. Either way, Marshall had a big 'ol crush on Fox.
Ten years later, after they both moved out of their small town, they're back. Fox has been in the Air Force and is coming back with PTSD, and Marshall went to Silicon Valley and made billions, apparently before he reached 30 years old, and so now he's taking a year off because he can definitely afford it, to come back to the small town and try to get past some childhood and teen year trauma now as an adult.
When Fox's mother kicks him out of the house because she can't deal with his PTSD - and treats him horribly, doing everything wrong - Fox is left homeless, but Marshall, who comes down from his big victorian house into town, comes across Fox.
There starts a wonderful friendship that turns into more along the way. We also get a wonderful character named Sam, who is a 17 year old high school student who is also gay and looks up to Marshall, and when he starts asking for mentoring in tech computer stuff, he becomes a permanent fixture in Marshal and Fox's life, almost like a son to them.
I also think this book handled PTSD pretty well (and I wonder if it took a scene from Grey's Anatomy about PTSD. The one with Cristina and Owen...if you watch or watched that showed, you know what I'm talking about) and that Fox eventually did the right thing in handling it and trying to get better.
These two were so sweet together, but also really fucking hot, especially their first sex scene. It was....whew! *fansself* wow!
Definitely recommend - I also saw that this author is Piper Scott, which is cool! I like seeing what she can do non-mpreg modern m/m romance - and two thumbs up from me. I loved this!
In the prologue we see Fox stand up for Marshall and make it so they leave Marshall alone for the rest of the year, which either causes Marshall to gain a crush on him or makes him have a bigger crush on Fox, it's unclear. Either way, Marshall had a big 'ol crush on Fox.
Ten years later, after they both moved out of their small town, they're back. Fox has been in the Air Force and is coming back with PTSD, and Marshall went to Silicon Valley and made billions, apparently before he reached 30 years old, and so now he's taking a year off because he can definitely afford it, to come back to the small town and try to get past some childhood and teen year trauma now as an adult.
When Fox's mother kicks him out of the house because she can't deal with his PTSD - and treats him horribly, doing everything wrong - Fox is left homeless, but Marshall, who comes down from his big victorian house into town, comes across Fox.
There starts a wonderful friendship that turns into more along the way. We also get a wonderful character named Sam, who is a 17 year old high school student who is also gay and looks up to Marshall, and when he starts asking for mentoring in tech computer stuff, he becomes a permanent fixture in Marshal and Fox's life, almost like a son to them.
I also think this book handled PTSD pretty well (and I wonder if it took a scene from Grey's Anatomy about PTSD. The one with Cristina and Owen...if you watch or watched that showed, you know what I'm talking about) and that Fox eventually did the right thing in handling it and trying to get better.
These two were so sweet together, but also really fucking hot, especially their first sex scene. It was....whew! *fansself* wow!
Definitely recommend - I also saw that this author is Piper Scott, which is cool! I like seeing what she can do non-mpreg modern m/m romance - and two thumbs up from me. I loved this!
January 22, 2024
This was a bumpy ride ... humorous, touching, sexy at times but inconsistent in pacing, with some serious WTF moments.
Marshall forgave Fox far too easily. After standing by while Marshall was brutally bullied for over three years, Fox kind of (sort of, barely) helped him three months before the end of their senior year.
Good job, you. *slow clap*
The whole thing with Fox falling for Marshall so quickly but denying that he was bi wasn't cool. That's some early MM romance bi-erasure bullshit, and I'm decidedly not here for it.
Sam was a great secondary character, but everything that happened with his asshole of a dad was crash and burn. Time sped up, and it was all resolved far too easily.
Same with Fox's PTSD. Was he going to be Marshall's "groundskeeper" forever?
This is a new-to-me author, and I wasn't terribly impressed. Closer to 2.5, rounding down because this story really dragged for me.
Marshall forgave Fox far too easily. After standing by while Marshall was brutally bullied for over three years, Fox kind of (sort of, barely) helped him three months before the end of their senior year.
Good job, you. *slow clap*
The whole thing with Fox falling for Marshall so quickly but denying that he was bi wasn't cool. That's some early MM romance bi-erasure bullshit, and I'm decidedly not here for it.
Sam was a great secondary character, but everything that happened with his asshole of a dad was crash and burn. Time sped up, and it was all resolved far too easily.
Same with Fox's PTSD. Was he going to be Marshall's "groundskeeper" forever?
This is a new-to-me author, and I wasn't terribly impressed. Closer to 2.5, rounding down because this story really dragged for me.
March 16, 2020
I cannot tell a lie. I know nothing about this author, I didn’t read the blurb... Because JF Harding. Duh... I don’t know nor do I think I care, at this point, what this book is about. I only care that it’s narrated by JF.
12/27/2019 I’m now glad I went out on a limb with this book and new to me author. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The MCs were enjoyable. The troubles weren’t sugar coated, but there was no real relationship angst. I could have done without some of the other unneeded familial angst, but you can’t win them all. JF Harding narrating didn’t hurt. At. All.
I will gladly give another book by this author a try.
Reread 3/16/2020 I enjoyed this book just as much this time as I did the last. Now on to book two which is narrated by one of my other favorites, Michael!
12/27/2019 I’m now glad I went out on a limb with this book and new to me author. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The MCs were enjoyable. The troubles weren’t sugar coated, but there was no real relationship angst. I could have done without some of the other unneeded familial angst, but you can’t win them all. JF Harding narrating didn’t hurt. At. All.
I will gladly give another book by this author a try.
Reread 3/16/2020 I enjoyed this book just as much this time as I did the last. Now on to book two which is narrated by one of my other favorites, Michael!
November 13, 2019
DNF. Time of death: 60%. I feel comfortable rating something I didn’t finish if I make it over 50%. Take my review with a grain of salt. My thoughts are in the minority. But sadly this did not work for me. The transition from friends to lovers, with Fox all of a sudden being super confident, vocal and aggressive, rang false. I normally would be all over that but it didn’t fit with the story. It was abrupt. It’s a bummer because I think the story was very sweet at first. Oh well, you win some you lose some. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
Uhm, you know that book you don't really know how to classify? This was kinda like that for me, because the history has everything;
Cute couple? Yes
Good sense of humor? Yes
A little bit of anguish in the middle? Yes
But I still didn't like it very much ... The author writes well, but there was something missing.
In this book we are introduced to Marshall and Fox, when they were both in high school Fox helped Marshall because Fox's friends always teased Marshall and one day Fox couldn't take it anymore and managed to get his friends to leave Marshall alone .
This made Marshall have a huge crush on Fox.
10 years later Marshall is back in his city and this time he is the one who will help Fox because he is dealing with PTSD (Fox went to the army and one of the planes he was on crashed and he was the only survivor ). Marshall wants to help Fox deal with it and in the middle of it all he realizes that maybe he isn’t so over his crush.
The book is undoubtedly cute, I don't know exactly what failed for me, maybe I needed more chemistry?
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Cute couple? Yes
Good sense of humor? Yes
A little bit of anguish in the middle? Yes
But I still didn't like it very much ... The author writes well, but there was something missing.
In this book we are introduced to Marshall and Fox, when they were both in high school Fox helped Marshall because Fox's friends always teased Marshall and one day Fox couldn't take it anymore and managed to get his friends to leave Marshall alone .
This made Marshall have a huge crush on Fox.
10 years later Marshall is back in his city and this time he is the one who will help Fox because he is dealing with PTSD (Fox went to the army and one of the planes he was on crashed and he was the only survivor ). Marshall wants to help Fox deal with it and in the middle of it all he realizes that maybe he isn’t so over his crush.
The book is undoubtedly cute, I don't know exactly what failed for me, maybe I needed more chemistry?
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
September 4, 2021
I'm in a strange mood and I don't know what I want to read. This book matched my mood to some extent.
I liked these characters. After reading the blurb, I was expecting Marshall to be my favorite, but to my surprise, I think I liked Fox even more. I have a great sweet spot for tortured heroes, and he is one of them. So it's no wonder then. I really like the way Marshall treats him. Fox gave the simple story a little bit of an interesting point, a tad of a twist and a touch of darkness. I was hoping it would be even more.
Even though I don't like the kids in my books, including teenagers, I think Sam is okay. Some of his taunts did not make me laugh that much, but it was rather because I have a very specific sense of humor and not much amuse me in my books. I quietly hoped that he would be the main character of one of the next books.
I was a bit surprised by the ending. I mean, not exactly what scene this book ended with. But that it ended when I was expecting some more dramatic scene in the relationship between Marshall and Fox. I was surprised that nothing like this showed up. I must admit that this is one of the calmest and least dramatic relationships I have read about in MM romances in last months. That’s interesting, considering that the story takes place in a small town, Fox has never been with a man before, and he is also struggling with a lot of problems. But I'm not going to complain about it.
This is only the first book in this series. I don't think I've read any of this author's other books. But I think I'll read something else from her. And the next book in this series is already on my shelf.
I liked these characters. After reading the blurb, I was expecting Marshall to be my favorite, but to my surprise, I think I liked Fox even more. I have a great sweet spot for tortured heroes, and he is one of them. So it's no wonder then. I really like the way Marshall treats him. Fox gave the simple story a little bit of an interesting point, a tad of a twist and a touch of darkness. I was hoping it would be even more.
Even though I don't like the kids in my books, including teenagers, I think Sam is okay. Some of his taunts did not make me laugh that much, but it was rather because I have a very specific sense of humor and not much amuse me in my books. I quietly hoped that he would be the main character of one of the next books.
I was a bit surprised by the ending. I mean, not exactly what scene this book ended with. But that it ended when I was expecting some more dramatic scene in the relationship between Marshall and Fox. I was surprised that nothing like this showed up. I must admit that this is one of the calmest and least dramatic relationships I have read about in MM romances in last months. That’s interesting, considering that the story takes place in a small town, Fox has never been with a man before, and he is also struggling with a lot of problems. But I'm not going to complain about it.
This is only the first book in this series. I don't think I've read any of this author's other books. But I think I'll read something else from her. And the next book in this series is already on my shelf.
April 6, 2020
3.5 Stars!
New to me author. I liked this one, but I can't say I loved it. It didn't wow me, but it was good.
A very easy read. I think my biggest complaint was the jump from friends to "I Love You". It happened a bit fast IMO and wasn't super believable.
Positives:
--no unnecessary drama
--overall likable characters
--plenty of steam
I will check out other books in this series and/or by this author.
New to me author. I liked this one, but I can't say I loved it. It didn't wow me, but it was good.
A very easy read. I think my biggest complaint was the jump from friends to "I Love You". It happened a bit fast IMO and wasn't super believable.
Positives:
--no unnecessary drama
--overall likable characters
--plenty of steam
I will check out other books in this series and/or by this author.
February 26, 2020
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I really enjoyed this one.
It actually didn’t just mention PTSD in passing, it was something Fox had to deal with and I personally L.O.V.E.D the bush sitting scene!
Marshall was fabulous. The way his mind works was fascinating. I had a good laugh every now and then, but what made it work is that the “Funny” wasn’t all there is to him.
The ‘thing’ between him and Fox was delicious when it started building up again and I really just had a good time with their story.
I loved the little things so much. The nicknames and antics. The Umbrella Kingdom and the Snipes. All of this just made it all so much more endearing to me.
Sam. What he brought to the story was greatly enjoyable.
But. Yap there’s a but.
I think there was maybe to much detail about the going on’s ect. after that horrible ‘thing’ that happened. It felt as if the story veered off into Sam territory 99% and the Fox and Marshall thing just fell in behind that.
Personally I would have liked a little less detail about the Sam ‘thing’ and more about the relationship between not only Fox and Marshall but also with Sam included in the little family circle. I get that the author went for realism, I just didn’t need all that much pages about it.
All in all, really nice little story and well done.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I really enjoyed this one.
It actually didn’t just mention PTSD in passing, it was something Fox had to deal with and I personally L.O.V.E.D the bush sitting scene!
Marshall was fabulous. The way his mind works was fascinating. I had a good laugh every now and then, but what made it work is that the “Funny” wasn’t all there is to him.
The ‘thing’ between him and Fox was delicious when it started building up again and I really just had a good time with their story.
I loved the little things so much. The nicknames and antics. The Umbrella Kingdom and the Snipes. All of this just made it all so much more endearing to me.
Sam. What he brought to the story was greatly enjoyable.
But. Yap there’s a but.
I think there was maybe to much detail about the going on’s ect. after that horrible ‘thing’ that happened. It felt as if the story veered off into Sam territory 99% and the Fox and Marshall thing just fell in behind that.
Personally I would have liked a little less detail about the Sam ‘thing’ and more about the relationship between not only Fox and Marshall but also with Sam included in the little family circle. I get that the author went for realism, I just didn’t need all that much pages about it.
All in all, really nice little story and well done.
July 22, 2020
3.5 stars
I thought I would love this book, but it fell a bit flat.
What I liked:
- Marshall was super sweet and awesome
- They were really good together
- the buildup before they got together
- the PTSD felt real and got me quite emotional
- the prologue
- The epilogue
What was not perfect:
- the first time they had sex felt weird and forced. How do you go from straight to “I’m gonna make you choke on my cock”? Um, what? It was a bit much for a first time even without the straight thing.
- I would have liked to see more characters than them and Sam. I thought the guys introduced in the prologue would play a role but we never see them again. And I would have liked a follow up on Fox’s parents. And how did people in town react to them? I couldn’t figure out why they wanted to live in that town when they never interacted with anyone there.
- It has too much sex near the end and I started skimming to see if something interesting was going to happen
I thought I would love this book, but it fell a bit flat.
What I liked:
- Marshall was super sweet and awesome
- They were really good together
- the buildup before they got together
- the PTSD felt real and got me quite emotional
- the prologue
- The epilogue
What was not perfect:
- the first time they had sex felt weird and forced. How do you go from straight to “I’m gonna make you choke on my cock”? Um, what? It was a bit much for a first time even without the straight thing.
- I would have liked to see more characters than them and Sam. I thought the guys introduced in the prologue would play a role but we never see them again. And I would have liked a follow up on Fox’s parents. And how did people in town react to them? I couldn’t figure out why they wanted to live in that town when they never interacted with anyone there.
- It has too much sex near the end and I started skimming to see if something interesting was going to happen
February 29, 2024
DNF @ 52%
I just didn't like these characters at all. There was just an icky feeling I got from both of them, and I just don't want to read anymore!
I just didn't like these characters at all. There was just an icky feeling I got from both of them, and I just don't want to read anymore!
February 4, 2020
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Starting in on this book after I’d gone to bed wasn’t the smartest choice I’ve ever made. From that first minute I was seriously hooked and drawn into the story, captivated by the characters. Oh, how I wanted justice for Marshall when he was a teenager. Barely having recovered for that, we meet Fox present day, and I end up having my heart broken for him too. Raging at his insensitive mom. All in all, going to sleep wasn’t high on my list that night
Marshall needs a change, and returning home to make peace with the past. He’s not the bullied weird kid anymore. He’s still gay, nothing’s going to change that. But having conquered the IT world he had the luxury to do whatever he wanted with his life. So he buys an old Victorian home and decides to stay there while figuring out his next move. Investigating a sneezing bush, he finds his high school crush and white knight; Fox. Now a man, deeply haunted by his time in the military. He offers Fox the position as groundskeeper and a room in the house in the hopes of chasing away some of the ghosts living within Fox.
The two get along right away and it’s not long until their duo includes the teenage son of one of their class mates. A teenager that’s not only gay and wears make up, but also one that wants to go places after graduating. Something his father does not approve of. The three of them get along from the start and mentoring Sam helped Fox in so many ways. I loved their dynamic.
Marshall and Fox were perfect for each other, there was this innate understanding between them that was just beautiful. They complimented each other and there was communication throughout. They both had issues and ghosts to deal with, but they never caused any drama. Personally I would have liked to see a few less sex-scenes and more time spent just being with each other for the sake of it, but that’s just me.
Emma Alcott’s way of crafting the story and J.F. Harding’s ability to make it come alive was incredible and I loved them both. This book was a great mix of sweet and fun, but also sad and very serious dealing with some very heavy subjects. I have to praise Alcott for balancing it just right, giving each section the room to be explored, never venturing too far in either direction into ridiculousness or too heavy and becoming a downer. It felt right.
I loved J.F. Harding’s narration, to the point where my next stop is Audible to scour his works for something else to listen to. He narrated with feeling, he made you feel Fox’s fear and anxiety to the point where you too wanted to huddle in a dark corner somewhere. He made you go through all the feelings, the good and the bad. He made you live the story with them. I also really appreciated his female voices, they sounded credible and not overdone.
The snipes and drop-bear story was hilarious, I was grinning so hard I had a difficult time not laughing out loud. Not that it would have mattered, for once, seeing as I was at home making lunch. It did however make it so much more fun cooking. I can’t understand how Harding narrated it all with a straight face, how he didn’t laugh his way through it. He narrated it brilliantly in any case.
After the Crash was beautiful and moving and I’m definitely going to look for more books by this duo.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
December 11, 2019
In case you didn't know, this is Piper Scott and this is her first non-mpreg contemporary release! And I loved it!
The humor, snark, and wit was so wonderful in this! I literally LOL-ed in a few parts, what from Marshall's inner musings and love for Lucky Charms, to his friendship and caring for Sam, to tea that tastes like hay. I just loved this story.
I wish there had been a bit more between Marshall and Fox once they were together and still learning all about each other, as the build-up to their first times together and then the rest of the story seemed a bit uneven? but still, totally enjoyable and a wonderful read!
Can't wait for the next story in this series!
The humor, snark, and wit was so wonderful in this! I literally LOL-ed in a few parts, what from Marshall's inner musings and love for Lucky Charms, to his friendship and caring for Sam, to tea that tastes like hay. I just loved this story.
I wish there had been a bit more between Marshall and Fox once they were together and still learning all about each other, as the build-up to their first times together and then the rest of the story seemed a bit uneven? but still, totally enjoyable and a wonderful read!
Can't wait for the next story in this series!
August 29, 2021
This was a beautiful book with a lot of angst. I mean a ton of angst. I usually don’t enjoy reading something with so much emotional pain, but this was worth it.
I listened to the audiobook and J. F. Harding was incredible. His narration was easily 5 stars. I probably would have walked away if I was reading it, but he really brought Marshall and Fox to life.
Be aware this book includes sever bullying, PTSD, and abuse. Be sure you have a box of tissues.
I listened to the audiobook and J. F. Harding was incredible. His narration was easily 5 stars. I probably would have walked away if I was reading it, but he really brought Marshall and Fox to life.
Be aware this book includes sever bullying, PTSD, and abuse. Be sure you have a box of tissues.
August 2, 2020
I like this narrator, he was fine. But this author is clearly not for me. This was just sort of blah, if too heavy on the angst for Fox, but it was the first sex scene that made me quit. The supposed straight guy who just now decides he’ll try sex with a man is going to boss around the the gay dude?? Nope. I hate that kind of ‘take it’ sex talk. And he’s calling him baby all of a sudden too? Yuck. Everything Fox said during the whole thing was cringeworthy and gross. I’m out. DNF @50%.
December 27, 2019
5 infinity stars audio!
4.5 star story
4.5 star story
November 9, 2020
4.5 Stars
First off, having J.F. Harding narrate automatically pre-disposes me to like a book. I could listen to him all day, every day. There are not enough of his audios so I tend to space them out...and since Emma Alcott was a new-to-me author, I was willing to wait.
I'm kicking myself as I type because I loved this one.
Loved how all of the angst was externally driven. Fox repeatedly stated that he wasn't attracted to men, that he was straight, and yet when he found himself attracted to and falling in love with Marshall...he just accepted it. How refreshing. Wish there were more of this kind of romance.
LOVED all the nerdy, current pop-culture references. And Sam was the KING of those. (I mean, he is Umbrella Nobility, so...) I had NO IDEA what he and Marshall were talking about with all the programming stuff, but I just rolled with it.
ADORED that Fox recognized he had a problem and faced it head on. That scene where he realized what he did (hurting Marshall) was heart-breaking but the necessary wake-up call. And I loved how they moved heaven and earth for Sam. (I wonder if there will be a book for him and his boyfriend?)
Again, we have another royal bitch for a mom, but she's so unimportant that I didn't care to get worked up over it.
Finally, did I say anything JF Harding? Yes? Well, he deserves the second mention.
It looks like Michael F narrates the second one which...I am not all that upset about. I mean, I'd rather it was JF but he's also amazing.
Oh, and I will DEFINITELY be putting the rest of this series on my TBR. I loved the quiet, romantic relationship she's written here. Don't get me wrong, it was still hella hot. But it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and it was so much less (overly) dramatic than many books with this trope.
First off, having J.F. Harding narrate automatically pre-disposes me to like a book. I could listen to him all day, every day. There are not enough of his audios so I tend to space them out...and since Emma Alcott was a new-to-me author, I was willing to wait.
I'm kicking myself as I type because I loved this one.
Loved how all of the angst was externally driven. Fox repeatedly stated that he wasn't attracted to men, that he was straight, and yet when he found himself attracted to and falling in love with Marshall...he just accepted it. How refreshing. Wish there were more of this kind of romance.
LOVED all the nerdy, current pop-culture references. And Sam was the KING of those. (I mean, he is Umbrella Nobility, so...) I had NO IDEA what he and Marshall were talking about with all the programming stuff, but I just rolled with it.
ADORED that Fox recognized he had a problem and faced it head on. That scene where he realized what he did (hurting Marshall) was heart-breaking but the necessary wake-up call. And I loved how they moved heaven and earth for Sam. (I wonder if there will be a book for him and his boyfriend?)
Again, we have another royal bitch for a mom, but she's so unimportant that I didn't care to get worked up over it.
Finally, did I say anything JF Harding? Yes? Well, he deserves the second mention.
It looks like Michael F narrates the second one which...I am not all that upset about. I mean, I'd rather it was JF but he's also amazing.
Oh, and I will DEFINITELY be putting the rest of this series on my TBR. I loved the quiet, romantic relationship she's written here. Don't get me wrong, it was still hella hot. But it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and it was so much less (overly) dramatic than many books with this trope.
December 26, 2019
It Gave Me , All The Feels!
After the Crash A Small Town Hearts Novel
By: Emma Alcott
Narrated by: J. F. Harding
After the Crash, is a contemporary, feel good , hot AF , romantic, MM, HEA love story with a sweet epilogue. It deals with PTSD , paying it forward, letting emotional baggage go and love ; lots of love , for others and oneself. And it gave me ALL the feels.
J. F. Harding narration was entertaining and engaging. His lighthearted , friendly and natural voice style and delivery fit perfectly with the positive ,hopeful and fun tone of the book.
Simply put, After the Crash is all of the best ingredients of a Hallmark movie and a Lifetime movie put together.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance : 4 stars
Story : 4 stars
Reviewed: 12-24-19
After the Crash A Small Town Hearts Novel
By: Emma Alcott
Narrated by: J. F. Harding
After the Crash, is a contemporary, feel good , hot AF , romantic, MM, HEA love story with a sweet epilogue. It deals with PTSD , paying it forward, letting emotional baggage go and love ; lots of love , for others and oneself. And it gave me ALL the feels.
J. F. Harding narration was entertaining and engaging. His lighthearted , friendly and natural voice style and delivery fit perfectly with the positive ,hopeful and fun tone of the book.
Simply put, After the Crash is all of the best ingredients of a Hallmark movie and a Lifetime movie put together.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance : 4 stars
Story : 4 stars
Reviewed: 12-24-19
August 5, 2020
Cracking good intro to this series
I wasn't sure what I was going to get with this one but as I loved the author's work under her other pen name I thought I'd enjoy this.
I liked the contrast between the serious elements which dealt with Fox's PTSD and the wonderful humour which runs throughout the narrative.
It's seriously hot, but it also felt emotionally comfortable from the start too.
Fox falling for Marshall had roots in their teenage school years and it wasn't unexpected or unbelievable to me.
I loved all the stuff with Sam, the friendship, the snark, the silly names and brilliant conversations
I wasn't sure what I was going to get with this one but as I loved the author's work under her other pen name I thought I'd enjoy this.
I liked the contrast between the serious elements which dealt with Fox's PTSD and the wonderful humour which runs throughout the narrative.
It's seriously hot, but it also felt emotionally comfortable from the start too.
Fox falling for Marshall had roots in their teenage school years and it wasn't unexpected or unbelievable to me.
I loved all the stuff with Sam, the friendship, the snark, the silly names and brilliant conversations
November 21, 2019
The idea of a retired billionaire met his high school crush always got me.
The way Marshall and Fox met after ten years of not hearing from each other, building a brand new life, swooned me. Enter Sam into the picture. The kid surely a bunch of laughter and joy for Marshall and Fox.
I liked how Fox's PTSD didn't really make a big problem to their love life.
This was actually a sweet story with an adorable teenager.
A little problem with some homophobic people failed to separate them.
I liked this. A lot.
The way Marshall and Fox met after ten years of not hearing from each other, building a brand new life, swooned me. Enter Sam into the picture. The kid surely a bunch of laughter and joy for Marshall and Fox.
I liked how Fox's PTSD didn't really make a big problem to their love life.
This was actually a sweet story with an adorable teenager.
A little problem with some homophobic people failed to separate them.
I liked this. A lot.
July 27, 2021
It was okay. *shrugs* I'm sure many will find the smexy scenes super hot, and as a whole it wasn't a bad story. It's got a reliabile plot without surprises, has a nice sprinkling of humor, and not much angst, but ultimately I didn't really enjoy it...it just it didn't work for me and I honestly can't figure it out and put my finger on why.
Dual POV, contemporary romance, with some hurt/comfort, plenty of heat, and a happy ending.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Dual POV, contemporary romance, with some hurt/comfort, plenty of heat, and a happy ending.
2.5 stars rounded up.
February 12, 2020
3 stars
February 7, 2020
Simply Wonderful
I am not usually happy with prologues that are flashbacks or flash-forwards, but the flashback in this one wherein gay geek teenager Marshall Lloyd is literally saved from a potentially fatal bullying session in the high school hallway by super straight Fox Fraser was absolutely perfect.
That's because author Emma Alcott swiftly brought both of them to the present 10 years later with a series of chapters that focused on two completely different characters who were hardly ever friends in the small Illinois town in which they grew up.
Today they have become extraordinarily different: Marshall is the multimillionaire founder and chief shareholder of a major computer app company who has decided to take a year off, going back home to find himself. Fox (I believe on the cover) is a now deeply PTSD affected Air Force veteran who has returned home to an almost disinterested if not scornful reception from his mother and father and whose future looks like it might be on the other end of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
How they stumble, literally, upon each other in this gossipy village and develop a relationship that Marshall bases on gratitude and Fox bases on desperation is a terrific, if somewhat off-the-wall, plot device. How that relationship moves onto friendship and then bedmates and then lovers is handled in a way that made me--as a critic of gay4you romances involving a straight military man--actually believe this could happen.
I could not stop reading this wonderfully sincere, generally angst-free, romance which is laced with a surprisingly cute and then deeply entwined mentoring both of them undertake with a high school senior who is introduced almost in an offhand manner early but turns out to be key to the tale.
No spoilers. This is delightful. Get it.
.
I am not usually happy with prologues that are flashbacks or flash-forwards, but the flashback in this one wherein gay geek teenager Marshall Lloyd is literally saved from a potentially fatal bullying session in the high school hallway by super straight Fox Fraser was absolutely perfect.
That's because author Emma Alcott swiftly brought both of them to the present 10 years later with a series of chapters that focused on two completely different characters who were hardly ever friends in the small Illinois town in which they grew up.
Today they have become extraordinarily different: Marshall is the multimillionaire founder and chief shareholder of a major computer app company who has decided to take a year off, going back home to find himself. Fox (I believe on the cover) is a now deeply PTSD affected Air Force veteran who has returned home to an almost disinterested if not scornful reception from his mother and father and whose future looks like it might be on the other end of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
How they stumble, literally, upon each other in this gossipy village and develop a relationship that Marshall bases on gratitude and Fox bases on desperation is a terrific, if somewhat off-the-wall, plot device. How that relationship moves onto friendship and then bedmates and then lovers is handled in a way that made me--as a critic of gay4you romances involving a straight military man--actually believe this could happen.
I could not stop reading this wonderfully sincere, generally angst-free, romance which is laced with a surprisingly cute and then deeply entwined mentoring both of them undertake with a high school senior who is introduced almost in an offhand manner early but turns out to be key to the tale.
No spoilers. This is delightful. Get it.
.
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