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Murphy Brothers #2
Free Spirit
He’s my fake boyfriend and I’m straight. So why do I suddenly want more?
Tate: I’m everything people hate—
Spoiled, arrogant heir to a billion-dollar fortune.
Scion of a family that made its name opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
The last thing I expected to develop was a conscience.
I blame Emory Murphy—the golden-haired mess of a dreamer who turned my life upside down.
Somehow, I agree to pretend be Em’s boyfriend for his brother’s wedding.
Somehow, I don’t realize this means we’ll share a bed.
Somehow, I find myself kissing him.
More than kissing him.
And liking it.
How do you go back to being friends after that?
Hey, wanna grab some beers and forget about the time I had my mouth around your—
Yeah. Not happening.
With my family calling me home, I need to put this all behind me.
But try as I might, I can’t get Em out of my mind.
He has no idea that I’m really falling for him.
And my family has no idea who I really am.
I just want to feel free for once in my life—
But am I brave enough to tell either of them the truth?
Free Spirit is a 122,000 word m/m romance that’s got more sweetness than sunshine and peaches, more angsty pining than a coniferous forest, and more steam than a south Georgia summer night. Fake boyfriends, discovering bisexuality, and out-for-you themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Tate: I’m everything people hate—
Spoiled, arrogant heir to a billion-dollar fortune.
Scion of a family that made its name opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
The last thing I expected to develop was a conscience.
I blame Emory Murphy—the golden-haired mess of a dreamer who turned my life upside down.
Somehow, I agree to pretend be Em’s boyfriend for his brother’s wedding.
Somehow, I don’t realize this means we’ll share a bed.
Somehow, I find myself kissing him.
More than kissing him.
And liking it.
How do you go back to being friends after that?
Hey, wanna grab some beers and forget about the time I had my mouth around your—
Yeah. Not happening.
With my family calling me home, I need to put this all behind me.
But try as I might, I can’t get Em out of my mind.
He has no idea that I’m really falling for him.
And my family has no idea who I really am.
I just want to feel free for once in my life—
But am I brave enough to tell either of them the truth?
Free Spirit is a 122,000 word m/m romance that’s got more sweetness than sunshine and peaches, more angsty pining than a coniferous forest, and more steam than a south Georgia summer night. Fake boyfriends, discovering bisexuality, and out-for-you themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
508 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2019
276 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Spears
44 books442 followersSpencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 22, 2019
I may have to rate Spencer Spears ‘Free Spirit’ more than once in order to give it the more than five star review it so richly deserves.
This laugh out loud funny, heart wrenchingly tearful, unexpectedly sweet new novel is an instant classic.
The story of Em, Tate, and their respective families is beautifully told. It’s hard to imagine such trust and love existing in the same families as such blind hatred. But Spears makes it all real. I can hardly wait to begin reading more of his work.
This laugh out loud funny, heart wrenchingly tearful, unexpectedly sweet new novel is an instant classic.
The story of Em, Tate, and their respective families is beautifully told. It’s hard to imagine such trust and love existing in the same families as such blind hatred. But Spears makes it all real. I can hardly wait to begin reading more of his work.
June 5, 2020
Free Spirit
By Spencer Spears
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
The second of a two-book series set on the fictional island of Summersea, off the coast of Georgia, Spencer Spears’s novel is a full-bore romance handled with charm, humor and compassion. As the story opens, we meet our local hero in Savannah, Emory Murphy, who discovers he’s being dumped (and kicked out) by Mitch, his boyfriend of six months. Emory (or Em as his friends call him) is blindsided by this, having been totally content in his relationship. Next we meet the out-of-town hero, Tate Alexander, who runs out on a gala dinner in Washington for his family’s huge, right-wing foundation, escaping to Savannah, where his paternal grandmother, Charlotte, lives. Tate hasn’t seen his grandmother since he was a teenager and has no idea why his parents cut her out of their lives.
The plot’s admittedly rather forced screwball premise is that Em, too embarrassed to admit to his family and friends that he’s been dumped yet again, decides he needs to bring someone to pretend to be Mitch to his brother’s engagement party on Summersea Island, where he grew up. Tate, finding out that his grandmother owns property on Summersea, which she left as a teenager, suggests that he step in the pretend boyfriend for Em, thus solving both of their problems.
Because that makes so much sense.
Oh, yeah, Tate is straight. This fact alone made me a bit squeamish from the very beginning of the book, because there is nothing I dislike more than the gay-for-you trope that some readers of this kind of romance cherish. However, I credit the author with very deftly dropping clues that Tate might only be straight insofar as he is terrified of his right-wing family and its overtly homophobic billions. Suppression is a powerful tool. The fact that Tate volunteers to help Em with his harebrained scheme in the first place is clearly because he likes Em – but a lifetime of denying how he feels about things has damaged Tate’s ability to interpret his own reactions. It is both funny and horrifying.
As we discover in the course of this charming and emotionally satisfying novel, both Tate and Emory have trauma related to parents and grandparents. Both of these young men have serious doubts about themselves – Em wondering if he’s a pathetic loser; Tate wondering if he’s an immoral jerk. The fact that neither of them ever sees the other with the doubts he has about himself is, to say the least, a crucial clue.
Romantic comedies don’t tend to be high art; but they do need to be well made and carefully written. Spencer Spears did his job well, and on the strength of it I bought the first book in the series, even though I know how it ends already. I know I’ll enjoy the journey, even though I know the destination.
By Spencer Spears
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
The second of a two-book series set on the fictional island of Summersea, off the coast of Georgia, Spencer Spears’s novel is a full-bore romance handled with charm, humor and compassion. As the story opens, we meet our local hero in Savannah, Emory Murphy, who discovers he’s being dumped (and kicked out) by Mitch, his boyfriend of six months. Emory (or Em as his friends call him) is blindsided by this, having been totally content in his relationship. Next we meet the out-of-town hero, Tate Alexander, who runs out on a gala dinner in Washington for his family’s huge, right-wing foundation, escaping to Savannah, where his paternal grandmother, Charlotte, lives. Tate hasn’t seen his grandmother since he was a teenager and has no idea why his parents cut her out of their lives.
The plot’s admittedly rather forced screwball premise is that Em, too embarrassed to admit to his family and friends that he’s been dumped yet again, decides he needs to bring someone to pretend to be Mitch to his brother’s engagement party on Summersea Island, where he grew up. Tate, finding out that his grandmother owns property on Summersea, which she left as a teenager, suggests that he step in the pretend boyfriend for Em, thus solving both of their problems.
Because that makes so much sense.
Oh, yeah, Tate is straight. This fact alone made me a bit squeamish from the very beginning of the book, because there is nothing I dislike more than the gay-for-you trope that some readers of this kind of romance cherish. However, I credit the author with very deftly dropping clues that Tate might only be straight insofar as he is terrified of his right-wing family and its overtly homophobic billions. Suppression is a powerful tool. The fact that Tate volunteers to help Em with his harebrained scheme in the first place is clearly because he likes Em – but a lifetime of denying how he feels about things has damaged Tate’s ability to interpret his own reactions. It is both funny and horrifying.
As we discover in the course of this charming and emotionally satisfying novel, both Tate and Emory have trauma related to parents and grandparents. Both of these young men have serious doubts about themselves – Em wondering if he’s a pathetic loser; Tate wondering if he’s an immoral jerk. The fact that neither of them ever sees the other with the doubts he has about himself is, to say the least, a crucial clue.
Romantic comedies don’t tend to be high art; but they do need to be well made and carefully written. Spencer Spears did his job well, and on the strength of it I bought the first book in the series, even though I know how it ends already. I know I’ll enjoy the journey, even though I know the destination.
December 10, 2019
Falling into a Spencer Spears book is like taking a vacation with good friends. And in Free Spirit, it's a wonderful time with those friends.
I always know I will get lovable characters, a worthy storyline, and will enjoy the heck out of it all. In this one, like all his books, there is a lot going on throughout. It starts with Em needing a fake boyfriend and some fun times with Tate and his aunt.
Two major themes throughout are homophobia and sexual discovery.
Both men are fantastic characters. Em is so darn loveable, and to see him hurting is heart breaking. Tate's a complex character who's struggling with what he wants from life. His time with his aunt is life changing and well written.
The way the two develop their friendship is beautiful. They are just perfect for each other, both giving the other a sense of love and home.
Tate was previously a homophobic ass, but he's suddenly changing his views. He knows this won't go over well with his parents, thus making his decisions even more difficult.
And awww, Mal, Deacon, and their daughter Lily just make me smile. And this is what I mean by visiting family. Old characters making appearances just endear me more to Spencer's books. That said, this is easily read as a standalone, yet more appreciated being read after Wild Heart.
This story has a lot going on, including fake relationship, friends to lovers, exes, and a mystery. I love the story and all it's discoveries. The mystery revolves around land developers that are definitely up to no good.
What can I say? Fear makes people do stupid things.
Damn, in the end, I love the way that Tate is written. A man who's so lost and confused for most of the book, his story and character growth is beautiful. He's such a gentle soul and completely lovable. His sexual discovery is perfectly done, with all the first time feelings and more.
And, omg, the humor is amazing. Be prepared for hilarious dates, funny drunken tales, and more.
This is a story of what if's, wondering who one would be if they were born into a different family. This aspect is totally relatable and well explored. It's also a story of finding a place where one belongs. Tate has never felt he belonged anywhere before, and his journey is fabulous. And in the end, it's a story of finding one's choosen family.
My favorite quote is "You can't put a price on yourself." What can I say? It's both poignant and important.
As usual, the author delivers with a long, complex tale full of tons of character growth. Free Spirit is a wonderful, feel-good story. At just under 500 pages, you are getting more than your money's worth, as well as plenty of laughs.
January 16, 2020
I had enjoyed Wild Heart but had found that was drama surrounding Em that wasn't addressed, so I had assumed that Wild Heart would have a sequel, and 7 months later it did with this book and Em's drama is finally laid out. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have hoped and I'm still not sure if I'm being a little generous with the 2-star rating, but I don't know if I would go so far to say I didn't like the book at all and give it the 1-star.
So, with Wild Heart, one of the things that I said in my review was:
It isn't something that happened near as much in Free Spirit, probably no more than five times, but I still found it kind of draws you out of the story and not something I enjoy in a narrative.
There were other elements of the POVs that I was crazy about either. Chapter 1 is from Em's POV. It starts 4 months back and then jumps to present day. It was pretty dialogue driven, but then, most chapters from Em's POV did tend to have a lot of dialogue as he is a nervous rambler. Then Chapter 2 jumped to Tate. Tate's POV start 10 months back, so 6 months before the events of Chapter 1, before jumping to present day. And the events that take place 10 months ago are described in about 7 pages. And when I say described, I mean described, because if there was any dialogue, it was few and far between. So, Tate flees his family and runs to his estranged grandmother. Charlotte asks him what's wrong and why he is there, Tate dances but then he tells her everything, and I mean that literally. Instead, I told her everything. This is were most authors leave it, but Spencer Spears spends the next 5 paragraphs summing up everything that happened in the first half of this chapter. Tate's POV should have just started from him showing up on his grandmother's doorstep, since we just end up reading the same thing twice, and the first time around was so dull I almost DNF'd the book right there.
So then Tate, who up until this point has relied on alcohol to numb the fact that his parents are bigoted assholes, he is a bigoted asshole, their foundation is founded on a bigoted asshole's opinions, works at his grandmother's bar as a bartender... sounds like a good idea. Surprisingly, even though Tate is living in denial, his relationship with alcohol never becomes an issue.
That being said, I never liked Tate. Like, I get the whole internalized homophobia stuff, but you're 27. Your parents suck. Even if you never want to admit that all those feelings you had about same-sex couples wasn't revulsion, but desire/envy, your parents still are really shitting people, so why care what they think and why, up to like the last 10% of this book, feel like you owe them shit? And when he does come out, I was surprised it was as bi (maybe gay), considering he never had a relation last past the third date with a woman, and always felt bad after sleeping with them.
Em's friends are shitty and the fact that he bothers with them bugs me as much as Tate bothering with his parents. And the "Whoa is me" went on a little too much.
How do two grown men sleep side-by-side, on their backs, in a sleeping bag?
How do remind yourself to do a task at your job three times while running on autopilot for a week? Those are opposite things. I could see thinking you have to do the task three times, but realizing you already did it while on autopilot. Like, wondering if you locked you car, but realizing you already did it.
And why have a dramatic confrontation with your parents, run away, have your parents somehow track you down, try to make a fuss, but then just gloss over the whole thing and never mention that your bigoted parents crashed a wedding and disowned you?
And the whole C & E thing was way too obvious from the start, but then just left hanging.
There are quite a few editing issues... typos, missing words, sentences that read as incomplete, punctuation missing or added where it isn't needed.
I don't think I will bother with the rest of the series and though I started this review at 2-stars, I now realize I do think this actually merits the 1-star.
So, with Wild Heart, one of the things that I said in my review was:
Sometimes in the narration, the reader is addressed, and I hate that. But even worse is that is isn't done very consistently. It happens with more frequency at the beginning of the book, but kind of tapers off as the story progresses.
It isn't something that happened near as much in Free Spirit, probably no more than five times, but I still found it kind of draws you out of the story and not something I enjoy in a narrative.
There were other elements of the POVs that I was crazy about either. Chapter 1 is from Em's POV. It starts 4 months back and then jumps to present day. It was pretty dialogue driven, but then, most chapters from Em's POV did tend to have a lot of dialogue as he is a nervous rambler. Then Chapter 2 jumped to Tate. Tate's POV start 10 months back, so 6 months before the events of Chapter 1, before jumping to present day. And the events that take place 10 months ago are described in about 7 pages. And when I say described, I mean described, because if there was any dialogue, it was few and far between. So, Tate flees his family and runs to his estranged grandmother. Charlotte asks him what's wrong and why he is there, Tate dances but then he tells her everything, and I mean that literally. Instead, I told her everything. This is were most authors leave it, but Spencer Spears spends the next 5 paragraphs summing up everything that happened in the first half of this chapter. Tate's POV should have just started from him showing up on his grandmother's doorstep, since we just end up reading the same thing twice, and the first time around was so dull I almost DNF'd the book right there.
So then Tate, who up until this point has relied on alcohol to numb the fact that his parents are bigoted assholes, he is a bigoted asshole, their foundation is founded on a bigoted asshole's opinions, works at his grandmother's bar as a bartender... sounds like a good idea. Surprisingly, even though Tate is living in denial, his relationship with alcohol never becomes an issue.
That being said, I never liked Tate. Like, I get the whole internalized homophobia stuff, but you're 27. Your parents suck. Even if you never want to admit that all those feelings you had about same-sex couples wasn't revulsion, but desire/envy, your parents still are really shitting people, so why care what they think and why, up to like the last 10% of this book, feel like you owe them shit? And when he does come out, I was surprised it was as bi (maybe gay), considering he never had a relation last past the third date with a woman, and always felt bad after sleeping with them.
Em's friends are shitty and the fact that he bothers with them bugs me as much as Tate bothering with his parents. And the "Whoa is me" went on a little too much.
How do two grown men sleep side-by-side, on their backs, in a sleeping bag?
How do remind yourself to do a task at your job three times while running on autopilot for a week? Those are opposite things. I could see thinking you have to do the task three times, but realizing you already did it while on autopilot. Like, wondering if you locked you car, but realizing you already did it.
And why have a dramatic confrontation with your parents, run away, have your parents somehow track you down, try to make a fuss, but then just gloss over the whole thing and never mention that your bigoted parents crashed a wedding and disowned you?
And the whole C & E thing was way too obvious from the start, but then just left hanging.
There are quite a few editing issues... typos, missing words, sentences that read as incomplete, punctuation missing or added where it isn't needed.
I don't think I will bother with the rest of the series and though I started this review at 2-stars, I now realize I do think this actually merits the 1-star.
December 15, 2019
Free Spirit felt a little slower in the beginning than other Spencer Spears books but that actually got me some insight in Tate‘s head and made me understand him so much more.
So this is Tate „That‘s not true. You‘re totally - I mean, I‘m not – I don‘t know specifically how you would come off to guys who were – I‘m just – just trying to say that you‘re not hideous or anything.“ ;)
and this is Tate „Nope. You and I are going to Summersea and we‘re going to be fake boyfriends and you‘re going to like it.“
He has such a big heart and only needs to learn to listen to it, to trust. Tate is trying hard to unlearn/overcome the toxic bullshit he grew up with and I really wanted to hug this sweet struggling young man.
Then there‘s Em/Emory (LOVE the name btw) and I can empathize with him so much, he just wants to be loved, to have a partner to lean on. It really hurt my heart that he felt his role was to be the person everybody feels bad for :(
So these two are so different and nevertheless so right for each other. It takes a little time but they bring out the best in each other and reading their journey warmed my heart!
Plus there‘s Charlotte <3 Tate‘s fierce and lovely grandmother. Loved her instantly
So now I‘m waiting for Connor‘s story ;)
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
So this is Tate „That‘s not true. You‘re totally - I mean, I‘m not – I don‘t know specifically how you would come off to guys who were – I‘m just – just trying to say that you‘re not hideous or anything.“ ;)
and this is Tate „Nope. You and I are going to Summersea and we‘re going to be fake boyfriends and you‘re going to like it.“
He has such a big heart and only needs to learn to listen to it, to trust. Tate is trying hard to unlearn/overcome the toxic bullshit he grew up with and I really wanted to hug this sweet struggling young man.
Then there‘s Em/Emory (LOVE the name btw) and I can empathize with him so much, he just wants to be loved, to have a partner to lean on. It really hurt my heart that he felt his role was to be the person everybody feels bad for :(
So these two are so different and nevertheless so right for each other. It takes a little time but they bring out the best in each other and reading their journey warmed my heart!
Plus there‘s Charlotte <3 Tate‘s fierce and lovely grandmother. Loved her instantly
So now I‘m waiting for Connor‘s story ;)
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
December 20, 2019
Loved this
Emory is kind of a mess- recently broken up with, just starting his career, super unconfident, tries too hard. Oh and the dates he goes on are awful but funny. Dates the bartender, Tate, has witnessed. Not that Tate's in a good place in his life, but he sure is trying.
The budding romance between these two was made all the more interesting because at first Tate seems super uncomfortable with homosexuality. But also there's an interesting storyline, like the secret of his aunt's house. I haven't read this author before and I loved this story so I definitely will read more by them.
Emory is kind of a mess- recently broken up with, just starting his career, super unconfident, tries too hard. Oh and the dates he goes on are awful but funny. Dates the bartender, Tate, has witnessed. Not that Tate's in a good place in his life, but he sure is trying.
The budding romance between these two was made all the more interesting because at first Tate seems super uncomfortable with homosexuality. But also there's an interesting storyline, like the secret of his aunt's house. I haven't read this author before and I loved this story so I definitely will read more by them.
June 6, 2020
I may have to rate Spencer Spears ‘Free Spirit’ more than once in order to give it the more than five star review it so richly deserves.
This laugh out loud funny, heart wrenchingly tearful, unexpectedly sweet new novel is an instant classic.
The story of Em, Tate, and their respective families is beautifully told. It’s hard to imagine such trust and love existing in the same families as such blind hatred. But Spears makes it all real. I can hardly wait to begin reading more of his work.
This laugh out loud funny, heart wrenchingly tearful, unexpectedly sweet new novel is an instant classic.
The story of Em, Tate, and their respective families is beautifully told. It’s hard to imagine such trust and love existing in the same families as such blind hatred. But Spears makes it all real. I can hardly wait to begin reading more of his work.
December 13, 2019
Another pleasant surprise! Lovely characters, even the secondary ones are present and nicely done.
I also like the writing, it flowed smoothly.
Overall, very cute, really liked it.
I also like the writing, it flowed smoothly.
Overall, very cute, really liked it.
February 16, 2020
review to come.
this was my 'read a book with green cover' pick for Contemporary-a-thon.
this was my 'read a book with green cover' pick for Contemporary-a-thon.
January 16, 2026
4.5 / 5 ⭐️
Got this as a freebie through a Stuff Your Kindle Day. Em and Tate's story was so sweet and hit all the feels! I thought the fake boyfriend and bi-discovery tropes were done really well. Sometimes, the queer awakening trope can be a little shallow where it feels like a switch is just flipped and the characters go from 100% hetero to 100% homo. Tate's story was not like that and had a good balance of the realistic internal anxiety and confusion while still having the time to experience the romance from a happy place without the angst. While this is quite a long romance book, it earned its page count. I felt engaged with the whole story and I'm glad the author took the time to explore and resolve both MCs issues in a satisfying way. Definitely recommend, especially as a summer read given the beachside town setting!
Got this as a freebie through a Stuff Your Kindle Day. Em and Tate's story was so sweet and hit all the feels! I thought the fake boyfriend and bi-discovery tropes were done really well. Sometimes, the queer awakening trope can be a little shallow where it feels like a switch is just flipped and the characters go from 100% hetero to 100% homo. Tate's story was not like that and had a good balance of the realistic internal anxiety and confusion while still having the time to experience the romance from a happy place without the angst. While this is quite a long romance book, it earned its page count. I felt engaged with the whole story and I'm glad the author took the time to explore and resolve both MCs issues in a satisfying way. Definitely recommend, especially as a summer read given the beachside town setting!
January 11, 2020
DNF at about 26% — I found both main characters incredibly annoying and I don’t want to spend however-long-it-takes to get to the point where I might not dislike them.
Emory is clueless and apparently a doormat, and he is a drama queen and not in a fun way. To be honest, I think he needs therapy, not a boyfriend. I think he needs to learn how to love and forgive and accept himself and his shortcomings, and also to stop with the destructive thought patterns where he tries to meet what he perceives to be people’s expectations of him, or where he thinks things like “people always think I’m a mess.” But am I willing to wait until like 50% of the book while the other guy uses him as a tool to explore his sexuality? I don’t think so.
Mr Poor Little Rich Boy Tate on the other hand, has been trying to “not be an asshole” for ten months. Is it working? You tell me, Tate. You decided to volunteer to be someone’s fake boyfriend to prove you’re not homophobic. You had the balls to tell Emory that you’re “not judgmental,” while later on being surprised by how “normal” bi/gay/queer people are, and how you can’t tell if a person is queer just by listening to their conversation! Wow! Imagine that! Queer people can talk about all sorts of things! I guess it’s like … internalized homophobia … but then later on supposedly he kisses Emory … meh.
At what point am I supposed to feel invested in these characters? I’ve already read 26% of this book and I still dislike both of them. I don’t read because it’s a chore I have to get through, I read because I want to be entertained.
Emory is clueless and apparently a doormat, and he is a drama queen and not in a fun way. To be honest, I think he needs therapy, not a boyfriend. I think he needs to learn how to love and forgive and accept himself and his shortcomings, and also to stop with the destructive thought patterns where he tries to meet what he perceives to be people’s expectations of him, or where he thinks things like “people always think I’m a mess.” But am I willing to wait until like 50% of the book while the other guy uses him as a tool to explore his sexuality? I don’t think so.
Mr Poor Little Rich Boy Tate on the other hand, has been trying to “not be an asshole” for ten months. Is it working? You tell me, Tate. You decided to volunteer to be someone’s fake boyfriend to prove you’re not homophobic. You had the balls to tell Emory that you’re “not judgmental,” while later on being surprised by how “normal” bi/gay/queer people are, and how you can’t tell if a person is queer just by listening to their conversation! Wow! Imagine that! Queer people can talk about all sorts of things! I guess it’s like … internalized homophobia … but then later on supposedly he kisses Emory … meh.
At what point am I supposed to feel invested in these characters? I’ve already read 26% of this book and I still dislike both of them. I don’t read because it’s a chore I have to get through, I read because I want to be entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2019
🔗Break the chains, Tate, break those chains!🔗👍
4.5🌟stars
💕🔥😍 A really good read with 🎭drama, 💕romance, 🔥passion and 😃humor. This is a great series and another of three lovable brothers, this time Emory, born and bred in a Georgia coastal island Victorian inn, meets his match with a fun meet-cute in a bar in Savannah. Their relationship starts with a big lie that just snowballs and soon neither Tate not Emory even knows how (or if he wants ) to get out of it.
With a plethora of strict, unsympathetic parents and grandparents (Charlotte, Tate's grandmother the exception), some really out of order friends (mixed in with a few well-meaning ones), a long-time family mystery to solve and some crucial career decisions to make, the romance is nicely fleshed out with enough setbacks and complications to make the characters real and well-deserving of their HEA. This is a standalone story with no cliffhangers but it does bring back Emory's family and some of the island locals featured in the earlier part of the series, most notably partners Deacon and Mal, Deacon's cat-loving daughter Lily and irascible third brother Connor (he's another novel waiting to happen; I can't wait!)😊
One of the highlights for me was the frenetic wedding scene near the end of the story. One of the grooms is SO comical in his desire to escape the spotlight, EVEN at his own big day! Does he have any chance of it? Get the book and find out!😏,
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book but bought it anyway to ensure that it would remain on my bookshelf. Not the first Spencer Spears book I purchased and probably not the last either!
4.5🌟stars
💕🔥😍 A really good read with 🎭drama, 💕romance, 🔥passion and 😃humor. This is a great series and another of three lovable brothers, this time Emory, born and bred in a Georgia coastal island Victorian inn, meets his match with a fun meet-cute in a bar in Savannah. Their relationship starts with a big lie that just snowballs and soon neither Tate not Emory even knows how (or if he wants ) to get out of it.
With a plethora of strict, unsympathetic parents and grandparents (Charlotte, Tate's grandmother the exception), some really out of order friends (mixed in with a few well-meaning ones), a long-time family mystery to solve and some crucial career decisions to make, the romance is nicely fleshed out with enough setbacks and complications to make the characters real and well-deserving of their HEA. This is a standalone story with no cliffhangers but it does bring back Emory's family and some of the island locals featured in the earlier part of the series, most notably partners Deacon and Mal, Deacon's cat-loving daughter Lily and irascible third brother Connor (he's another novel waiting to happen; I can't wait!)😊
One of the highlights for me was the frenetic wedding scene near the end of the story. One of the grooms is SO comical in his desire to escape the spotlight, EVEN at his own big day! Does he have any chance of it? Get the book and find out!😏,
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book but bought it anyway to ensure that it would remain on my bookshelf. Not the first Spencer Spears book I purchased and probably not the last either!
December 11, 2019
It was a pleasure to read this outstanding, emotional & heartwarming MM romance & it is about two characters (Tate & Emory) who go through a lot of trials & tribulations before finding their ultimate happiness, one of the main characters (Emory) starts off by being a bit naïve & somewhat unsure about the direction his life is taking while the other main character is trying to find himself without parental interference. The well-written plot has some unexpected incidents/situations filled with drama & insecurities.
There is: a arrogant apparently straight man (Tate) on the run from his judgmental parents, for rhyme or reason agrees to be a pretend boyfriend to a openly gay young man (Emory) & the attractions flare causing the situation to change, Emory’s older brother (Deacon) & his fiancé (Mal), Tate’s caring grandmother (Charlotte), a company (Lyles & Blackstone) with devious intentions, family issues, homophobia, family politics, drama, twists & turns, secrets, deceit, confusion, memories, regrets, vulnerability, strange attractions, manipulations, threats, emotional blackmail, anxiety, verbal conflict, embarrassment, misunderstandings, suspicions, verbal banter, confrontation, anger, attempted manipulations, complications, guilt, regrets, advice, decisions, compromises, declaration, laughter, happiness, love, some steam and a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this MM romance to people who like to read this genre & I really doubt that the reader would be disappointed in this book.
There is: a arrogant apparently straight man (Tate) on the run from his judgmental parents, for rhyme or reason agrees to be a pretend boyfriend to a openly gay young man (Emory) & the attractions flare causing the situation to change, Emory’s older brother (Deacon) & his fiancé (Mal), Tate’s caring grandmother (Charlotte), a company (Lyles & Blackstone) with devious intentions, family issues, homophobia, family politics, drama, twists & turns, secrets, deceit, confusion, memories, regrets, vulnerability, strange attractions, manipulations, threats, emotional blackmail, anxiety, verbal conflict, embarrassment, misunderstandings, suspicions, verbal banter, confrontation, anger, attempted manipulations, complications, guilt, regrets, advice, decisions, compromises, declaration, laughter, happiness, love, some steam and a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this MM romance to people who like to read this genre & I really doubt that the reader would be disappointed in this book.
January 4, 2026
For me, a book is great if I read 500 pages and still want to keep going. It was a long one sure, but I wanted more of them! This story is a really sweet and funny slow burn, like slooow buuurn.
I loved their friendship. I personally believe that friendship is the best foundation for a relationship and these two definitely build a solid one.
Em was the same sweetie pie as in the first book. I love him, he is truly so precious. All he wants to be is loved, he would bent himself out of shape just to get a bit of affection. Tate showed him, he is perfect, just the way he is.
Tate was a bit harder to like. No, that's not true. He is very likable, his internalized homophobia was just so strong, it made me uncomfortable sometimes. I get why he is the way he is but maaaan it was awful to read how he interpreted his bodies reactions. I thought Deacon from the first book was a coward, but Tate was a bigger one, at least he came to his senses like Deacon did. He is lovely though, he seriously did a 180 and became just as lovable as Em. His new friends and family opened his eyes.
The whole Charlotte mystery, was intriguing while also quite obvious. Though I still have questions.
Again I truly loved their friendship. Their banter was hilarious but they also had so many sweet words for each other. *sigh
I absolutely loved the wedding scene. I probably loved it as much as Mal did.
The only issue is had, was the missing epilogue. The last chapter was nice, don't get me wrong, but a real epilogue would have been nicer.
I loved their friendship. I personally believe that friendship is the best foundation for a relationship and these two definitely build a solid one.
Em was the same sweetie pie as in the first book. I love him, he is truly so precious. All he wants to be is loved, he would bent himself out of shape just to get a bit of affection. Tate showed him, he is perfect, just the way he is.
Tate was a bit harder to like. No, that's not true. He is very likable, his internalized homophobia was just so strong, it made me uncomfortable sometimes. I get why he is the way he is but maaaan it was awful to read how he interpreted his bodies reactions. I thought Deacon from the first book was a coward, but Tate was a bigger one, at least he came to his senses like Deacon did. He is lovely though, he seriously did a 180 and became just as lovable as Em. His new friends and family opened his eyes.
The whole Charlotte mystery, was intriguing while also quite obvious. Though I still have questions.
Again I truly loved their friendship. Their banter was hilarious but they also had so many sweet words for each other. *sigh
I absolutely loved the wedding scene. I probably loved it as much as Mal did.
The only issue is had, was the missing epilogue. The last chapter was nice, don't get me wrong, but a real epilogue would have been nicer.
April 25, 2020
You know what would have made this story better? Reading this book after I had read Wild Heart... which NO ONE told me about... grrr
Now, as for Em and Tate's story... it was quite intriguing! I liked the story plot and the slight mystery, which I hope we get a follow-up on that in Connor's book... is there even a Connor's book? Anyways, at first, I thought this was going to be a GFY story, then I realized it was a "hide your head so far in the sand that you didn't even know you were hiding" story. The fear of losing your family or a loved one can make it VERY hard to be yourself when they expect you to be someone else... so, I guess for Tate to "re-name" his feeling into more acceptable emotions made it possible for him to have his family... but with age, in most cases, comes maturity and that is when Tate starts to question his life... and then there was Charlotte... then Em... and it kinda just snowballs from there... if you know what I mean! *grin*
Oh, advice from an old woman... if you have friends like Jacy, Brad and Topher... drop them like hotcakes! Run, don't look back... NO ONE needs people like that in their lives... EVER!!! Just sayin'!
Now, as for Em and Tate's story... it was quite intriguing! I liked the story plot and the slight mystery, which I hope we get a follow-up on that in Connor's book... is there even a Connor's book? Anyways, at first, I thought this was going to be a GFY story, then I realized it was a "hide your head so far in the sand that you didn't even know you were hiding" story. The fear of losing your family or a loved one can make it VERY hard to be yourself when they expect you to be someone else... so, I guess for Tate to "re-name" his feeling into more acceptable emotions made it possible for him to have his family... but with age, in most cases, comes maturity and that is when Tate starts to question his life... and then there was Charlotte... then Em... and it kinda just snowballs from there... if you know what I mean! *grin*
Oh, advice from an old woman... if you have friends like Jacy, Brad and Topher... drop them like hotcakes! Run, don't look back... NO ONE needs people like that in their lives... EVER!!! Just sayin'!
March 8, 2024
The prime example that homophobia is taught.
I really really liked this book. There seems to be a running theme so far in the series with different versions of homophobia or internalized homophobia.
The youngest brother of the trio Em, has to go home to his oldest brother engagement party and future wedding. (Yay Deacon & Mal). And he has to bring his plus one boyfriend that the family thinks he's still in a relationship with. Tate, while taking a break to work some things out away from his homophobia family offers to help Em. Forced proximity, fake dating, and only one bed.... wham bam thank ya mam!
The mystery behind Tate's grandmother Charlotte was a nice twist. Even though I knew what was gonna happen with the property, it was a needed storyline. Mal was hilarious in this one. And the kittens are just as cute. The wedding scene was a slam dunk, I just wished we could have gotten a full reaction to Tate's parents.
I loved the theme and plot. The character development for Tate was awesome. It was gut-wrenching, heartwarming, and emotional. The spice was just ok.
The chapters were really long again and sometimes the PoV were a bit off. It would have been nice getting it switched in the middle of the chapter to get both of their reactions equally.
I really really liked this book. There seems to be a running theme so far in the series with different versions of homophobia or internalized homophobia.
The youngest brother of the trio Em, has to go home to his oldest brother engagement party and future wedding. (Yay Deacon & Mal). And he has to bring his plus one boyfriend that the family thinks he's still in a relationship with. Tate, while taking a break to work some things out away from his homophobia family offers to help Em. Forced proximity, fake dating, and only one bed.... wham bam thank ya mam!
The mystery behind Tate's grandmother Charlotte was a nice twist. Even though I knew what was gonna happen with the property, it was a needed storyline. Mal was hilarious in this one. And the kittens are just as cute. The wedding scene was a slam dunk, I just wished we could have gotten a full reaction to Tate's parents.
I loved the theme and plot. The character development for Tate was awesome. It was gut-wrenching, heartwarming, and emotional. The spice was just ok.
The chapters were really long again and sometimes the PoV were a bit off. It would have been nice getting it switched in the middle of the chapter to get both of their reactions equally.
December 9, 2019
Back on Summersea Island. Em´s and Tate´s story is so sweet and heartbreaking; I couldn´t read it fast enough and didn´t want it to end at the same time. Spencer Spears`s word building is again extraordinaire. It is pure pleasure to read his books. Tate´s character developement is amazing to watch. It is not rushed but Spencer gives him enough time to sort himself out but (thank you!) we are not missing out on the hotness. The book has it all. While Tate is weighing up different life changing options at the same time we are granted great insight into Em´s personality - he had my heart from the beginning. I love Em and Tate. They are maybe my most favorite couple. Their way towards each other is not accidental but mapped out in detail and depth by Spencer; and it reads effortlessly at the same time. In addition we find new loveable side characters, we get to meet Mal & Deacon again and I am already sooooo excited to learn more about the intervowen family history on Summersea Island in the next book(s) in this series.
December 12, 2019
This is such an intense story. Emory has such self confidence issues. Nothing seems to work for him in relationships. He also carries the issue of his parents dying and that adds to his heartbreaking feelings that he is meant to be left. Tate on the other hand has plenty of his own issues. He has grown up with a family and surrounded by people who are full of hate. He feels that it isn’t who he is. He goes to find himself and instead finds Emory. This story has a great flow. I didn’t want to set it down and it never lacked my attention. There are so many side things to this story, mystery, relationships between his brothers and Emory, Tate and his grandmother, Tate and his mom and dad and Tate and Nolan and su much more. The only thing I feel was either understated or not really explained was the past between Charlotte and Eleanor. The secondary characters fit so well and make the story more real. I ended up wishing these were real people. Also I can’t wait to read Connor’s story. This is another example why I have this author on my watch list.
December 11, 2019
Received an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review.
I loved Free Spirit almost as much as Wild Heart! I was so excited to read this book and I was not disappointed.
I love a good romance that has a dash of mystery and intrigue to it and Free Spirit has that in spades. The ‘Fake Boyfriend’ troupe is one of my favs because there is the potential for it to really grip your heart when things get emotional and this book did it so well.
Tate and Emory were so well written that I fell in love instantly with them and couldn’t get enough. The passion between them was scorching and loved how even though Tate hadn’t ever been with a guy, he wasn’t shy when things got down and dirty 🥵 🔥 Wish this book didn’t have to end!
Can’t wait for Connor’s book, dying to learn about what makes him tick 😂 Spencer Spears has again delivered a sensational book and I can’t wait for the next!
I loved Free Spirit almost as much as Wild Heart! I was so excited to read this book and I was not disappointed.
I love a good romance that has a dash of mystery and intrigue to it and Free Spirit has that in spades. The ‘Fake Boyfriend’ troupe is one of my favs because there is the potential for it to really grip your heart when things get emotional and this book did it so well.
Tate and Emory were so well written that I fell in love instantly with them and couldn’t get enough. The passion between them was scorching and loved how even though Tate hadn’t ever been with a guy, he wasn’t shy when things got down and dirty 🥵 🔥 Wish this book didn’t have to end!
Can’t wait for Connor’s book, dying to learn about what makes him tick 😂 Spencer Spears has again delivered a sensational book and I can’t wait for the next!
November 2, 2022
I know it’s my fault, cause it’s in the blurb BUT. In what universe is it so abnormal, embarrassing and freakish to be single, that you’d spend one month looking for a fake BF? The premise was ridiculous. Also, I felt like Tate was using all the gay ppl around him to “become a better person” even if it was actually him learning to hate himself less. Like the way it was written made him come off as still selfish, just in a new way. I found it incomprehensible that Nolan was willing to keep his identity secret, when all the other gays are basically his family and he knows that Tate works for anti gay lobbyists???
Also the stuff with the island is very chaotic, not at all satisfying. And then there was insta love at the end. Like what?
I liked how sweet they were to each other at the end but that’s not a lot. Also, I laughed a lot at the beginning with the online dating stuff. That was great!
Also the stuff with the island is very chaotic, not at all satisfying. And then there was insta love at the end. Like what?
I liked how sweet they were to each other at the end but that’s not a lot. Also, I laughed a lot at the beginning with the online dating stuff. That was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
Parts of this feel so effortless that it's length is a little shocking. The book is very well calibrated and while the fake boyfriend trope and the gay awakening trope can both come off as cloying and beyond unrealistic, here they manage to feel almost organic. A large part of this is the time frame. This may be the only fake boyfriend book I've read that breezes past the fake boyfriend party obligations almost off page, using it as a start of a story rather than a backdrop for a lot of stupid shenanigans and pratfalls. Instead, the story unfolds over weeks and months, allowing the characters to have time to think about things and achieve realistic emotional arcs. Characters form the previous and next book appear but they never overwhelm the action and the marriage side plot doesn't sideline the main love story at all. Frankly I had a hard time believing just how well this book sidestepped all the usual pitfalls of it's tropes.
It was pretty good. Would recommend.
It was pretty good. Would recommend.
December 11, 2019
3 1/2 stars ⭐️
Em made me SO sad at the beginning of this story. His self worth was so tragic. The people he surrounded himself with were truly toxic. His high school friends were truly terrible humans!
Tate was his guiding light in a lot of ways away from those people.
This was A LOT of push and pull and I want to be honest I wasn’t even sure this would end in an HEA. And as I was getting closer to the end there was SO much left unanswered. Then it was the end and I’m like that’s it!
I wanted so much more after a 400+ page book. This isn’t really a spoiler but Charlotte’s mystery should have been solved in this book. And a few more loose ends that were never tied up. Plot holes make me twitchy. I loved the 1st book in this series so I had high hopes for this one. Maybe book 3 will fix it.
Em made me SO sad at the beginning of this story. His self worth was so tragic. The people he surrounded himself with were truly toxic. His high school friends were truly terrible humans!
Tate was his guiding light in a lot of ways away from those people.
This was A LOT of push and pull and I want to be honest I wasn’t even sure this would end in an HEA. And as I was getting closer to the end there was SO much left unanswered. Then it was the end and I’m like that’s it!
I wanted so much more after a 400+ page book. This isn’t really a spoiler but Charlotte’s mystery should have been solved in this book. And a few more loose ends that were never tied up. Plot holes make me twitchy. I loved the 1st book in this series so I had high hopes for this one. Maybe book 3 will fix it.
December 11, 2019
This book had so many strings to its bow! There was broken relationship, loss of confidence, leaving home to find yourself, being a fake boyfriend although you are straight, staunch Christian parents, underhand property deals, a gay wedding and finally the 2 MCs finding a HEA. It was a great ride although I found the early chapters hard to get into. But once Em had moved on from his boyfriend the pace improved a lot.
The book has a whole cast of interesting supporting characters as well as 2 main characters, Em meek and unsure of himself and Tate confident but not fully aware of who he is.
I was not aware that Free Spirit was part of a series as nothing shows on the Book Cover. It was not until Em and Tate go to Summersea Island to visit Deacon and Mal that I realised it follows on from Wild Heart.
I warmly recommend Free Spirit.
The book has a whole cast of interesting supporting characters as well as 2 main characters, Em meek and unsure of himself and Tate confident but not fully aware of who he is.
I was not aware that Free Spirit was part of a series as nothing shows on the Book Cover. It was not until Em and Tate go to Summersea Island to visit Deacon and Mal that I realised it follows on from Wild Heart.
I warmly recommend Free Spirit.
December 13, 2019
Secrets, heartwarming interactions - gets involved!
4.5 for this heartwarming story about 2 lovely guys. Em is the sweetest guy who tries so hard yet gets dumped by his boyfriend just before having to go home for his brother’s wedding. He’s lost so much, his parents, his home, his heart. So Em lies because he feels like such a loser and must come up with a guy to play the part of his ex.
Meanwhile Tate has renovated a gay bar for his grandmother and runs it. BUT, Tate has escaped from his ultra conservative and anti LGBTQ family business cause he cannot live with the inhumanity of racism and anti gay politics the business practices even though he’s straight 🤔, hmmm.
This story becomes complex like ferrets going crazy 😜 but is lovely with a great HEA! I received an ARC and voluntarily reviewed this story as well as purchased this delightful romance!
4.5 for this heartwarming story about 2 lovely guys. Em is the sweetest guy who tries so hard yet gets dumped by his boyfriend just before having to go home for his brother’s wedding. He’s lost so much, his parents, his home, his heart. So Em lies because he feels like such a loser and must come up with a guy to play the part of his ex.
Meanwhile Tate has renovated a gay bar for his grandmother and runs it. BUT, Tate has escaped from his ultra conservative and anti LGBTQ family business cause he cannot live with the inhumanity of racism and anti gay politics the business practices even though he’s straight 🤔, hmmm.
This story becomes complex like ferrets going crazy 😜 but is lovely with a great HEA! I received an ARC and voluntarily reviewed this story as well as purchased this delightful romance!
December 12, 2019
I couldn't put this down - I was a little wary at first, because I was primed to dislike Tate, but I actually adored him. Em is ADORABLE and I loved him. I wanted to hug him - plagued by anxiety and lack of confidence, he deserves all the good things (but tends not to get them).
I did remove one star because of the slightly rambling bits throughout that frustrated me, and I wanted to smack both main characters for their lack of communication!!!
Overall, a very enjoyable and easy read, sexy without being ridiculous, and an interesting premise and lots of funny bits.
(I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
I did remove one star because of the slightly rambling bits throughout that frustrated me, and I wanted to smack both main characters for their lack of communication!!!
Overall, a very enjoyable and easy read, sexy without being ridiculous, and an interesting premise and lots of funny bits.
(I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
December 13, 2019
Surprisingly good
I’m not much for straight to gay but this one isn’t bad. Mostly because it’s not clear he was ever straight so it’s not as weird.
I love Spencer’s writing style. The writing grabs you right away and pulls you along through all the ups and downs of the story. Most of it is stuff that’s believable and parts are quite funny.
The end is a little much however. I mean, I get you want a happy ending but it’s just too much mush. I don’t think people really talk to each other in overly syrupy language like that. One or two lines would have been ok but it just went on and on.
Other than that the book was great.
I’m not much for straight to gay but this one isn’t bad. Mostly because it’s not clear he was ever straight so it’s not as weird.
I love Spencer’s writing style. The writing grabs you right away and pulls you along through all the ups and downs of the story. Most of it is stuff that’s believable and parts are quite funny.
The end is a little much however. I mean, I get you want a happy ending but it’s just too much mush. I don’t think people really talk to each other in overly syrupy language like that. One or two lines would have been ok but it just went on and on.
Other than that the book was great.
December 14, 2019
Spencer Spears really knows how to write a book, great characters who are very likeable and a fantastic storyline. A fab m/m romance with some family drama and a little mystery sprinkled in.
Tate and Emory enter into a fake boyfriend situation which soon becomes a lot more. They were great together, I really bought into their relationship which starts off as friends, I feel this laid the perfect foundation for them moving to something stronger. My heart broke for both of them as they were dealing with a lot from their past and this had a nasty habit of influencing their present.
I absolutely loved Free Spirit, Spencer gives us another cracker.
Tate and Emory enter into a fake boyfriend situation which soon becomes a lot more. They were great together, I really bought into their relationship which starts off as friends, I feel this laid the perfect foundation for them moving to something stronger. My heart broke for both of them as they were dealing with a lot from their past and this had a nasty habit of influencing their present.
I absolutely loved Free Spirit, Spencer gives us another cracker.
April 20, 2020
I thought this book was better than most of these type of books Ive read. At first, I thought the length of the book would be an issue, that it would be long and drawn out, but no! I ready it basically in a whole day. And it was easy to read. I really liked the story, loved the characters, and even the supporting characters int he book. I would like to hear about Connor’s story - I hope that’s a book the author is writing. I was a little over Em’s whining from time to time, but he came around in the end and showed he really can make it. I am glad I took the time to read it. A great story and a great set of characters!
July 7, 2021
Such a sweet romance.
I really liked this book. The struggles Tate has to be who he is verses who he was raised to be, the one Em has about fear of abandonment…. Well its just so normal. And because its so normal its so easy to identify with the characters. To fall in love with them. My only objection is not enough heat in the sheets scenes. But in a way it kind of makes it better. Its not gratuitous sex scene after sex scenes with a little romance and very little plot. It’s more romance and plot with a little sex thrown in. All in all its a great book and would make an awesome movie!
I really liked this book. The struggles Tate has to be who he is verses who he was raised to be, the one Em has about fear of abandonment…. Well its just so normal. And because its so normal its so easy to identify with the characters. To fall in love with them. My only objection is not enough heat in the sheets scenes. But in a way it kind of makes it better. Its not gratuitous sex scene after sex scenes with a little romance and very little plot. It’s more romance and plot with a little sex thrown in. All in all its a great book and would make an awesome movie!
October 8, 2021
OK. So far i am 73% done, i will finish the book, but my biggest roadblock so far is I'm kinda annoyed but both MCs.
One is afraid to lose his whole family, the other just doesnt want to feel like a loser.
Tate doesn't want to lose his family and wants to change their mind to do good. But Em... he just doesn't want anyone to think he's a loser while he continues to also lie to his family. He wants Tate to accept him, but does he realize he has to tell his family he's been lying to them for months that Tate not his ex.
I will finish it. I know everything will end with a happily ever after, but everytime I go back to reading it gives me a headache..
One is afraid to lose his whole family, the other just doesnt want to feel like a loser.
Tate doesn't want to lose his family and wants to change their mind to do good. But Em... he just doesn't want anyone to think he's a loser while he continues to also lie to his family. He wants Tate to accept him, but does he realize he has to tell his family he's been lying to them for months that Tate not his ex.
I will finish it. I know everything will end with a happily ever after, but everytime I go back to reading it gives me a headache..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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