What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Boys #2
Pride & Protection
What happens when an out-and-proud bear moves to a small Tennessee town, and takes a shine to the closeted cop?
Fireworks, that’s what.
When Del Walters agrees to go into business with his brother, he has one condition. Since he’s putting up the lion’s share, they’ll run the bike shop his way—and that means he gets to choose the name. And in a small Tennessee town, a business called Rainbow Racers, complete with a not-so-subtle sign, was always going to attract attention.
Unfortunately, it’s the wrong kind of attention, and after a few incidents, Del is forced to call on the local police to deal with the culprits.
When Officer Taylor Cox walks into his shop, Del thinks Christmas has come early. An earlier encounter with the younger man left Del with a growing desire to know more about him. There’s only one problem—Taylor is in the closet, and there’s no way Del is going back into his.
When Taylor lays eyes on the sexy bear who owns the bike shop, he knows he’s walking into trouble. Not that he’s about to let Del know he’s interested: his view from the closet is just fine, thank you very much, and besides, that ship has already sailed, thanks to their first meeting. Now all he wants to do is forget Del even exists. But as time goes by, Taylor realizes how badly he is torn between protecting the persona he’s created, and giving in to his desires. And Del making it obvious that he wants Taylor isn’t helping matters.
Between an out-and-proud bear and a firmly closeted cop, something has to give. Problem is, it might be their hearts.
*age gap
*first time
Fireworks, that’s what.
When Del Walters agrees to go into business with his brother, he has one condition. Since he’s putting up the lion’s share, they’ll run the bike shop his way—and that means he gets to choose the name. And in a small Tennessee town, a business called Rainbow Racers, complete with a not-so-subtle sign, was always going to attract attention.
Unfortunately, it’s the wrong kind of attention, and after a few incidents, Del is forced to call on the local police to deal with the culprits.
When Officer Taylor Cox walks into his shop, Del thinks Christmas has come early. An earlier encounter with the younger man left Del with a growing desire to know more about him. There’s only one problem—Taylor is in the closet, and there’s no way Del is going back into his.
When Taylor lays eyes on the sexy bear who owns the bike shop, he knows he’s walking into trouble. Not that he’s about to let Del know he’s interested: his view from the closet is just fine, thank you very much, and besides, that ship has already sailed, thanks to their first meeting. Now all he wants to do is forget Del even exists. But as time goes by, Taylor realizes how badly he is torn between protecting the persona he’s created, and giving in to his desires. And Del making it obvious that he wants Taylor isn’t helping matters.
Between an out-and-proud bear and a firmly closeted cop, something has to give. Problem is, it might be their hearts.
*age gap
*first time
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2019
177 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
160 books1,864 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 22, 2019
Audio – 4.25 stars
Story – 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one more than I did book 1. It was slow-paced, but at least this story didn’t involve a long-distance relationship. I did find the first half of the story a bit depressing because of the amount of focus there was on homophobia and racism of the town. Why anyone would want to live in a place like that is beyond me. But kudos to the author for addressing those issues. It seems change is coming, and I’m looking forward to those changes in the books to come in the series.
Story – 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one more than I did book 1. It was slow-paced, but at least this story didn’t involve a long-distance relationship. I did find the first half of the story a bit depressing because of the amount of focus there was on homophobia and racism of the town. Why anyone would want to live in a place like that is beyond me. But kudos to the author for addressing those issues. It seems change is coming, and I’m looking forward to those changes in the books to come in the series.
July 24, 2019
Homophobia is an ugly reality. Bigotry has a representative now: the "president" of the United States.
But I'm not going to get sidetracked. The point of my introduction is that the homophobia ever present in this book doesn't necessarily feel overdone, which doesn't make it any easier or less depressing to read about.
Taylor is a police officer who's "dating" the chief's daughter. He's so deeply in the closet, he needs a heavy duty flood light to find his way out. One of his colleagues is a rampant homophobe, and everyone makes casual, nasty comments about "them gays."
A California transplant, Del has just opened a bicycle shop with his brother, who, I'd like to point out, is also homophobic, telling Del to tone down the gay and freaking out over a Love is Love sign in the window.
Almost immediately, the shop is graffitied with slur words. Right around the same time, Del and Taylor begin a flirty friendship that leads to more.
The sexy times are positively sizzling. Taylor has no experience, and Del is a bear, twenty years Taylor's senior, who wants to show him a thing or three.
I never gelled with Taylor. I know it's easy to judge when I haven't walked a mile in his shoes, but I wish he'd been more decisive. He was so bland and paranoid about being outed, I wasn't sure why Del pursued him except that Taylor has a nice arse. The relationship never came alive for me.
The story is well written, but I found the constant talk of hate overwhelming. The entire book revolves around homophobia in a small Southern town. As such, take my rating with a grain of salt. I like molre joy in my romance novels.
But I'm not going to get sidetracked. The point of my introduction is that the homophobia ever present in this book doesn't necessarily feel overdone, which doesn't make it any easier or less depressing to read about.
Taylor is a police officer who's "dating" the chief's daughter. He's so deeply in the closet, he needs a heavy duty flood light to find his way out. One of his colleagues is a rampant homophobe, and everyone makes casual, nasty comments about "them gays."
A California transplant, Del has just opened a bicycle shop with his brother, who, I'd like to point out, is also homophobic, telling Del to tone down the gay and freaking out over a Love is Love sign in the window.
Almost immediately, the shop is graffitied with slur words. Right around the same time, Del and Taylor begin a flirty friendship that leads to more.
The sexy times are positively sizzling. Taylor has no experience, and Del is a bear, twenty years Taylor's senior, who wants to show him a thing or three.
I never gelled with Taylor. I know it's easy to judge when I haven't walked a mile in his shoes, but I wish he'd been more decisive. He was so bland and paranoid about being outed, I wasn't sure why Del pursued him except that Taylor has a nice arse. The relationship never came alive for me.
The story is well written, but I found the constant talk of hate overwhelming. The entire book revolves around homophobia in a small Southern town. As such, take my rating with a grain of salt. I like molre joy in my romance novels.
May 5, 2019
A perfect blend of sweet and spicy mixed with a dash of angst makes the second in this excellent series from K.C. Wells a really great read.
Closeted cop and older bear is a match made in delightful romance and Taylor and Del were an easy couple to root for.
Although this book takes place over a comparatively short time, it never feels like insta love because the connection between them is established the first time they meet.
I liked this one a tiny bit more than book one but only because it wasn't quite as angsty and didn't include a dead former boyfriend!
Sex is hot, this is a K.C. book after all, but it's there to drive the plot forward, not just because it's hot.
I loved the time taken for Taylor to lose his virginity in all manner of ways, not just full penetration, because he'd never given himself permission to just be free.
Del was a truly sweet guy and the perfect partner to love and support Taylor no matter what.
More please from this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Closeted cop and older bear is a match made in delightful romance and Taylor and Del were an easy couple to root for.
Although this book takes place over a comparatively short time, it never feels like insta love because the connection between them is established the first time they meet.
I liked this one a tiny bit more than book one but only because it wasn't quite as angsty and didn't include a dead former boyfriend!
Sex is hot, this is a K.C. book after all, but it's there to drive the plot forward, not just because it's hot.
I loved the time taken for Taylor to lose his virginity in all manner of ways, not just full penetration, because he'd never given himself permission to just be free.
Del was a truly sweet guy and the perfect partner to love and support Taylor no matter what.
More please from this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 26, 2019
K.C. Wells' return to LaFollette is less intense than Truth & Betrayal, as Officer Taylor Cox and newcomer Del Walters forge a friendship and slowly a romance that will open Taylor's eyes to what he's been missing for so many years and possibly give him a reason to change things. It's a wonderful slow burn, age-gap and coming out story, that's in turn both serious and fun and sexy.
Del has moved to town to help his brother establish a business, but that also means living a little less loudly than he was back in California. Taylor is keeping his sexuality a secret, but he's not happy and when his friend starts publicly dating another man, he only gets more antsy. Del taking him to Atlanta to show him the ropes seems perfect, but of course that just leads to different feelings.
I completely enjoyed Taylor exploring the new freedom he feels with Del and watching him gain confidence and let loose. It's such a difference from the serious, quiet officer he is at home. Del is a sweetheart and someone who truly cares for the people around him. The men have to deal with some bigotry, but they also find support in unexpected places. The secondary characters are well-drawn and run the gamut of personalities from friend to foe.
I have a feeling this isn't the last time we'll be visiting this town and I'll be ready for the next story whenever it comes.
Del has moved to town to help his brother establish a business, but that also means living a little less loudly than he was back in California. Taylor is keeping his sexuality a secret, but he's not happy and when his friend starts publicly dating another man, he only gets more antsy. Del taking him to Atlanta to show him the ropes seems perfect, but of course that just leads to different feelings.
I completely enjoyed Taylor exploring the new freedom he feels with Del and watching him gain confidence and let loose. It's such a difference from the serious, quiet officer he is at home. Del is a sweetheart and someone who truly cares for the people around him. The men have to deal with some bigotry, but they also find support in unexpected places. The secondary characters are well-drawn and run the gamut of personalities from friend to foe.
I have a feeling this isn't the last time we'll be visiting this town and I'll be ready for the next story whenever it comes.
October 10, 2021
K.C. Wells is offering her The Southern Boys Trilogy free Monday October 11, 12:00 AM PDT - Tuesday October 12, 11:59 PM PDT
books2read.com/SouthernBoysTrilogy
Wonderful performance by John Solo, who does a fantastic job with this whole series.
This is one sexy romance with a hot as hell age-gap, and some delicious kink. If you like confident and experienced bears, with slightly shy (but eager and willing) first timers, you're going to love this one! K.C. Wells writes some of the best erotica in the business, and the chemistry she builds between Del and Taylor makes Pride & Protection just as gorgeous as that cover.
thank you to Kenneth's Audioslaves giveaway for the audiobook copy of Pride & Protection
books2read.com/SouthernBoysTrilogy
Wonderful performance by John Solo, who does a fantastic job with this whole series.
This is one sexy romance with a hot as hell age-gap, and some delicious kink. If you like confident and experienced bears, with slightly shy (but eager and willing) first timers, you're going to love this one! K.C. Wells writes some of the best erotica in the business, and the chemistry she builds between Del and Taylor makes Pride & Protection just as gorgeous as that cover.
thank you to Kenneth's Audioslaves giveaway for the audiobook copy of Pride & Protection
March 14, 2024
Del has been out for a long time, but he knows moving to a small southern town is going to be/could be a problem, but his love for his brother wins out over any reluctance he might have. He knows there’s going to be issues, but he’s determined to make a go of the bike shop that has been his brother’s dream and is now a reality. We met Taylor, the police officer, in the first book. He feels that he has only been living half a life, keeping most of who he is in the shadows out of the fear of losing all of the, what he imagines are the “important” things in his life. But meeting Del makes him realize that maybe what’s really important are the things that someone like Del can bring into his life and share with him. Is he ready to let his life be what he has always wanted? I absolutely loved Del. His whole “take me as I am” attitude was really refreshing, as was his obviously protective and caring nature. He meets Taylor, and he quickly comes to realize how much the younger man has been struggling and wants to help him figure things out. I felt for Taylor’s struggle. He spends so much time worrying about people finding out who he's not really enjoy life. Another great part of this story was the interactions between Del and his brother, and Chaz, the young man they hired for the shop. The "big brother vibe" was something that Del had in spades. There’s a lot to love about all these guys. For Taylor, this story is about his journey to find himself. The story is well done, even though there’s a few moments where it seemed to get…stuck for a lack of a better word, but mostly it moved along at a gentle pace. K.C. Wells is one of those authors who can always make you smile but can just as quietly break your heart once or twice along the way. This one was filled with lota of smiles. Narrator, John Solo did a magnificent job...as always...on the voices.
June 28, 2019
I'm so happy KC Wells has some great new ideas brewing and is back to writing. She's been one of my favorite authors for many years, and it's stories like this that remind me of why I love her - great characters, great romance, and well-written stories.
I have not read the first book in this series, but I thought that this one stood on its own very well. Taylor is a cop in a small town in Tennessee living life in the closet - feeling hopeless that he could ever be able to live as an openly gay man in a relationship. But when Del Walters moves to town and opens up a shop with his brother, it makes Taylor yearn for things he had resisted before, and makes him realize that it can be worth the dangers of coming out if he has someone like Del in his life. Along with friends and family, Taylor learns that not everyone is homophobic.
I really loved their relationship, their friendship becoming more, how Del, being 20 years older, had the experience and guidance to help Taylor stay calm and accept their attraction. I also really loved that once Taylor committed, he went all in, and he communicated with Del and didn't run off or cause misunderstandings. I really loved them together. Crazy hot, sweet, sensual, and HELLO wall sex!
Really can't wait for more from KC! I hope the young man who Del hired maybe gets his own story when he's a couple of years older?
The audiobook of this was great - John Solo did a great job with some southern accents and voices. Would recommend in audio!
I have not read the first book in this series, but I thought that this one stood on its own very well. Taylor is a cop in a small town in Tennessee living life in the closet - feeling hopeless that he could ever be able to live as an openly gay man in a relationship. But when Del Walters moves to town and opens up a shop with his brother, it makes Taylor yearn for things he had resisted before, and makes him realize that it can be worth the dangers of coming out if he has someone like Del in his life. Along with friends and family, Taylor learns that not everyone is homophobic.
I really loved their relationship, their friendship becoming more, how Del, being 20 years older, had the experience and guidance to help Taylor stay calm and accept their attraction. I also really loved that once Taylor committed, he went all in, and he communicated with Del and didn't run off or cause misunderstandings. I really loved them together. Crazy hot, sweet, sensual, and HELLO wall sex!
Really can't wait for more from KC! I hope the young man who Del hired maybe gets his own story when he's a couple of years older?
The audiobook of this was great - John Solo did a great job with some southern accents and voices. Would recommend in audio!
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed this return to the world of Truth & Betrayal - this one can be read as a stand alone, and it's a warmer story with less angst. Del is a successful businessman who has chosen to leave his life in San Francisco both to get away from a bad relationship and to support his brother, whose business outcomes haven't been marked by success. They're opening a motorcycle rental store, near some of the prettiest trails in Tennessee, and Del feels pretty good about their chances. But.. it's rural Tennessee. For an out gay man, even a burly bear, who has no intention of going back in the closet, it's a balancing act.
Del has named the store "Rainbow Racers" over his brother's objections, but he doesn't want to push his orientation onto the business so hard that it causes problems. A "Love is love" sign designed to tweak his brother's attitude may have been up just long enough to provoke a reaction. And Del is pretty resigned to having to go off to Atlanta for his fun, when a hot young man he saw up on the trails turns out to be a local cop. Sadly, a closeted cop.
Taylor let his caution down for one moment, a conversation with a hot bear on a bike, a man he assumed was passing through. But when he's called to look into some graffiti at the new business in town, he discovers that Del is there to stay. For a man who never let his inner gay out to do more than just look, Del is both a threat and an almost unbearable temptation. But as the graffiti, and the slurs tossed around by fellow cops, suggest, it's not comfortable, maybe not safe, for Taylor to be out.
This is a story about compromise and identity, about fitting in and coming out. The opposites-attract romance is hot with a bit of sweetness. Del is a lovely man, and his warmth and kindness make this a relationship I really enjoyed. There are some secondary characters I hope to see more of as well.
Del has named the store "Rainbow Racers" over his brother's objections, but he doesn't want to push his orientation onto the business so hard that it causes problems. A "Love is love" sign designed to tweak his brother's attitude may have been up just long enough to provoke a reaction. And Del is pretty resigned to having to go off to Atlanta for his fun, when a hot young man he saw up on the trails turns out to be a local cop. Sadly, a closeted cop.
Taylor let his caution down for one moment, a conversation with a hot bear on a bike, a man he assumed was passing through. But when he's called to look into some graffiti at the new business in town, he discovers that Del is there to stay. For a man who never let his inner gay out to do more than just look, Del is both a threat and an almost unbearable temptation. But as the graffiti, and the slurs tossed around by fellow cops, suggest, it's not comfortable, maybe not safe, for Taylor to be out.
This is a story about compromise and identity, about fitting in and coming out. The opposites-attract romance is hot with a bit of sweetness. Del is a lovely man, and his warmth and kindness make this a relationship I really enjoyed. There are some secondary characters I hope to see more of as well.
December 13, 2020
5 stars audio
4 stars story
4 stars story
June 20, 2019
First, stop and admire the silver hotness that is Mr. Kristofer Weston on the cover...*drools*
Taylor played a part in book one, Truth & Betrayal and there was even a glimpse of the Rainbow Racers bike shop. Taylor is a cop in the closet and Del experiences some culture shock, from being in small-town Tennessee, deep in the Bible Belt. I do enjoy an entertaining age-gap story but K.C. threw a gay virgin and a leather daddy into the mix and serves up a satisfying romance with a little angst on the side. Taylor is deep in the closet but Del is proudly out and the shop stirs up the local homophobes. Initially thrown together by events, a slow-ish burn begins for Del and Taylor, alongside some mild suspense. This was by no means insta-love but the relationship moved sort of fast to my mind. Alternating perspectives and a couple with good communication carried me right along with them nonetheless. I came away with all the good feels and really liking this couples dynamic. There are just a few sex scenes but they are on fire, with some dominating action from both Del and Taylor. Did I mention the wall sex? Desk sex? No filler sex though, just enough to punctuate the strong HFN ending. Recommended reading.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
Taylor played a part in book one, Truth & Betrayal and there was even a glimpse of the Rainbow Racers bike shop. Taylor is a cop in the closet and Del experiences some culture shock, from being in small-town Tennessee, deep in the Bible Belt. I do enjoy an entertaining age-gap story but K.C. threw a gay virgin and a leather daddy into the mix and serves up a satisfying romance with a little angst on the side. Taylor is deep in the closet but Del is proudly out and the shop stirs up the local homophobes. Initially thrown together by events, a slow-ish burn begins for Del and Taylor, alongside some mild suspense. This was by no means insta-love but the relationship moved sort of fast to my mind. Alternating perspectives and a couple with good communication carried me right along with them nonetheless. I came away with all the good feels and really liking this couples dynamic. There are just a few sex scenes but they are on fire, with some dominating action from both Del and Taylor. Did I mention the wall sex? Desk sex? No filler sex though, just enough to punctuate the strong HFN ending. Recommended reading.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
October 12, 2021
(trilogy free on amazon)
There's a lot of homophobia, whenever two or more people are together in this town they start by someone saying something homophobic. Although most people are actually really supportive and it's the minority who are degrees of horrible, the book has an oppressive tone. Smaller incidents are dealt with either with words or largely offpage; the biggest, worst incident goes undealt with.
I don't understand why they opened a business in this town. Dell's brother supports him but asks him to be 'less gay' at one point (in context of not drawing attention from the locals) but why didn't they have that conversation before picking the location, Del is mid-forties he could speak up, his brother should think of him being safe and happy.
There's parralels with the first book. Older (20yrs gap here) more experienced character whose been into some public displays. Young closeted virgin. Del at one point views the closet as a challenge but is otherwise supportive. There's insta-lust, some gymnastic porn, then they're in love. With handholding coming out scene.
It didn't appeal. The town isn't one you want to visit through the pages, the couple didn't spark. Was too busy thinking anyone decent should move far away and live free, rather than cheering any 'romance' or perseverance.
There's a lot of homophobia, whenever two or more people are together in this town they start by someone saying something homophobic. Although most people are actually really supportive and it's the minority who are degrees of horrible, the book has an oppressive tone. Smaller incidents are dealt with either with words or largely offpage; the biggest, worst incident goes undealt with.
I don't understand why they opened a business in this town. Dell's brother supports him but asks him to be 'less gay' at one point (in context of not drawing attention from the locals) but why didn't they have that conversation before picking the location, Del is mid-forties he could speak up, his brother should think of him being safe and happy.
There's parralels with the first book. Older (20yrs gap here) more experienced character whose been into some public displays. Young closeted virgin. Del at one point views the closet as a challenge but is otherwise supportive. There's insta-lust, some gymnastic porn, then they're in love. With handholding coming out scene.
It didn't appeal. The town isn't one you want to visit through the pages, the couple didn't spark. Was too busy thinking anyone decent should move far away and live free, rather than cheering any 'romance' or perseverance.
May 14, 2019
Del Walters, an out and proud bear, moves from San Francisco to a small town in Tennessee to open a business with his brother. Rainbow Racers attracts the wrong kind of attention pretty quick. There aren’t a lot of out and proud gay men in this town, where the homophobes are loud and proud. It’s no surprise vandalism strikes the shop before it even opens. Called in to investigate, police officer Taylor Cox takes one look at the bear and his imagination takes over. Deep in the closet, he dreams of the day when he might be able to approach Del on a personal level. Too afraid to let his ideal bear know how attracted he is, Taylor locks himself up tighter.
The small coffee shop in town attracts them both as well, giving more opportunity for conversation and Taylor slowly thaws. But it’s not until each is on a much-needed trip to Atlanta’s gay bars that their spark erupts, and Del has a chance to let Taylor know he won’t rush him, and he won’t out him, but he definitely wants him.
Most of the story is the slow buildup of romance between the two men, and then Taylor’s introduction to what it’s like to be with a man sexually—one who cares about him. Opportunities arise in his personal life for him to come out slowly but surely, and the guys finally get their chance to be together as partners. The story takes place over the course of two months so some may label this insta-love; however, there was no “jump into bed with each other too soon” moment, and I like the way the author handled their early attraction, with Del respectful of Taylor’s fears. He certainly seemed to be the kind of man—or silver bear as Taylor called him—who would be worth waiting for.
I’m not a huge fan of the homophobic cop stereotype. I know it exists but I just don’t like reading about it so that impacted my appreciation of the story, but overall, I enjoyed this romance and I especially enjoyed the time spent with Del, the big, fuzzy bear. A sweet man with a ton of commonsense, self-confidence, and smarts—Del is an easy character to love. Taylor, on the other hand, was timid and closeted at first, and I didn’t like him, but his personality grew on me as he gained in confidence and started letting his true self come forward and his fears take a backseat. So, in summary, yes, I highly recommend this May-December MM romance.
And one word about the cover: it's so very, very nice to see a cover actually match the descriptions of the characters.
The small coffee shop in town attracts them both as well, giving more opportunity for conversation and Taylor slowly thaws. But it’s not until each is on a much-needed trip to Atlanta’s gay bars that their spark erupts, and Del has a chance to let Taylor know he won’t rush him, and he won’t out him, but he definitely wants him.
Most of the story is the slow buildup of romance between the two men, and then Taylor’s introduction to what it’s like to be with a man sexually—one who cares about him. Opportunities arise in his personal life for him to come out slowly but surely, and the guys finally get their chance to be together as partners. The story takes place over the course of two months so some may label this insta-love; however, there was no “jump into bed with each other too soon” moment, and I like the way the author handled their early attraction, with Del respectful of Taylor’s fears. He certainly seemed to be the kind of man—or silver bear as Taylor called him—who would be worth waiting for.
I’m not a huge fan of the homophobic cop stereotype. I know it exists but I just don’t like reading about it so that impacted my appreciation of the story, but overall, I enjoyed this romance and I especially enjoyed the time spent with Del, the big, fuzzy bear. A sweet man with a ton of commonsense, self-confidence, and smarts—Del is an easy character to love. Taylor, on the other hand, was timid and closeted at first, and I didn’t like him, but his personality grew on me as he gained in confidence and started letting his true self come forward and his fears take a backseat. So, in summary, yes, I highly recommend this May-December MM romance.
And one word about the cover: it's so very, very nice to see a cover actually match the descriptions of the characters.
May 17, 2019
It was my first K.C. Wells book and definitely it will not be the only one. I want to read more of her books.
This one is absolutely beautiful although the feelings were a little too fast for my taste but the romance is really hot. Taylor is a cutie but Del stole the show, great character.
I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.
This one is absolutely beautiful although the feelings were a little too fast for my taste but the romance is really hot. Taylor is a cutie but Del stole the show, great character.
I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2019
This was another good book for this series. Set in my neck of the woods. Lol.
But It never ceases to amaze me the amount of hatred and bigotry that people have. I guess it shouldn't seeing as I've lived in this Bible belt for pretty much all my life. It saddens me though. Even though some things have changed, it's still very hard for LGBT people in a lot of areas down here. One day I hope it completely goes away, but as long as there are hate filled assholes....not likely.
What I love about these guys, though, is they held on to that small glimmer of hope that just maybe someone will love them and things will change. Sometimes it takes people stepping forward and starting that change. It started in this small town in book 1 and continued in this one. Doesn't mean the journey isn't hard and harrowing, but they did it anyway. It was scary as hell. But when the more important issues of being happy and in love became more important than hiding, things began to change.
Taylor had a lot to lose. So did Del. Taylor's being a cop and Del starting a new business in that area. It could have went either. But thankfully, open minds and hearts pushed out the bad and little by little it's gotten better.
I love these guys. Del brought Taylor out of his shell. He didn't pressure him or force him to do anything he didn't want to, he just loved him, supported him and never left his side. Taylor showed Del what real love is. He also keeps him young lol. I'm sure you catch my drift.
They both found in each other what the other needed. And in each other's arms, they became happy and free.
Great job K.C.
But It never ceases to amaze me the amount of hatred and bigotry that people have. I guess it shouldn't seeing as I've lived in this Bible belt for pretty much all my life. It saddens me though. Even though some things have changed, it's still very hard for LGBT people in a lot of areas down here. One day I hope it completely goes away, but as long as there are hate filled assholes....not likely.
What I love about these guys, though, is they held on to that small glimmer of hope that just maybe someone will love them and things will change. Sometimes it takes people stepping forward and starting that change. It started in this small town in book 1 and continued in this one. Doesn't mean the journey isn't hard and harrowing, but they did it anyway. It was scary as hell. But when the more important issues of being happy and in love became more important than hiding, things began to change.
Taylor had a lot to lose. So did Del. Taylor's being a cop and Del starting a new business in that area. It could have went either. But thankfully, open minds and hearts pushed out the bad and little by little it's gotten better.
I love these guys. Del brought Taylor out of his shell. He didn't pressure him or force him to do anything he didn't want to, he just loved him, supported him and never left his side. Taylor showed Del what real love is. He also keeps him young lol. I'm sure you catch my drift.
They both found in each other what the other needed. And in each other's arms, they became happy and free.
Great job K.C.
July 13, 2020
Community of Support & Love!
Officer Taylor & business owner “Bear” Del find love in diversity-challenged, small-town LaFollette. An enjoyable read, likable MCs, light angst with sweet sexy times. Rating: 3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️’s.
Officer Taylor & business owner “Bear” Del find love in diversity-challenged, small-town LaFollette. An enjoyable read, likable MCs, light angst with sweet sexy times. Rating: 3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️’s.
June 24, 2019
I'm normally a fan of this author however I hated this book. I find it so offensive. It's not a romance. The focus is completely on the supposed bigotry of small town southerners. The bigotry of law enforcement officers to the extent that if you're gay or non-white they not only ignore crimes against you but target you themselves. SMH.... Just a soapbox...
June 22, 2019
I liked this, the couple were sweet.
But I felt I’d read lots of books like this.
But I felt I’d read lots of books like this.
July 23, 2019
Definitely not my favourite by this author...
December 12, 2025
Con “Orgoglio e protezione" si torna nell'accogliente (sono sarcastica, tanto per chiarire) cittadina di LaFollette, Tennessee, per seguire, questa volta, la storia del poliziotto Tayolr Cox e del neoarrivato Del Walters.
La linea temporale si sovrappone (parzialmente) a quella del primo volume “Verità e Bugie” ma, per chi se lo stesse chiedendo, il romanzo può anche essere letto come uno stand alone.
La Wells sa scrivere, non c’è dubbio alcuno, e questa volta mi ha piacevolmente stupita, perché, almeno a mio parere, la forza pulsante e trascinante della narrazione, non sono tanto i due protagonisti, ma i personaggi secondari e l’ambientazione.
Mi spiego: Taylor e Del sono due figure interessanti ma, per chi come me macina MM da decenni, tutto sommato già viste. Il primo mi ha comunque colpito per l’intensità delle sue paure, per l’altezza delle sbarre della gabbia che si è costruito intorno, per quanto profondamente sia chiuso “nel suo armadio”. Vederlo prendere coscienza di non voler più nascondersi è stato sicuramente emozionante, ma sono rimasta sempre spettatrice dei suoi pensieri, più che viverli in prima persona.
Del è un uomo buono (e per amore di verità questo e ciò che più ho apprezzato di lui), che lotta per ciò in cui crede, che non si spaventa e che ha dalla sua l’esperienza dell’età. Di lui sappiamo lo stretto necessario, perché per lui parlano ampiamente le azioni, ma l’ho comunque percepito un po’ piatto, più funzionale che protagonista, insomma, è rimasto, come dire , sulla superficie del mio cuore.
Invece le figure secondarie le ho trovate eccezionali.
Intense, vivide, delineate con parsimonia, come giusto che sia, ma con tratti decisi e nitidi. Che siano figure importanti o semplici comparse, che siano persone positive o da detestare, si sono impresse tutte con potenza nella mia mente e le loro storie, a latere di quella principale e d’amore, sono a essa perfettamente integrate, la supportano, la modellano e la rendono viva.
Jon, Chaz e i suoi genitori, Denise, Ruth, Mark, Cal, Pete e la sua banda, Dave e tutti gli altri sono l’anima di LaFollette, il suo passato e il cammino tracciato verso il suo futuro. Ne rappresentano l’oscurantismo, il pregiudizio, l’abbietto razzismo e la manifesta omofobia, così come la gentilezza, l’accettazione, l’inclusione, la voglia di rendere tempo presente le battagli che altri, in altri momenti e in altri luoghi, hanno già combattuto e vinto.
Ecco, è LaFollette e i suoi cambiamenti silenziosi ma incisivi che mi hanno davvero emozionata e coinvolta. Vedere come la resistenza all’odio di uno, permetta ad un altro di guardare la realtà con occhi nuovi, scoprendo che se la cattiveria fa più rumore, l’amore e la voglia di aiutarsi all’interno di una comunità sono più profondi, si muovono senza clamore ma fanno la differenza.
Non trovate che già solo questo messaggio valga… tutto?
Hugs&kisses
La linea temporale si sovrappone (parzialmente) a quella del primo volume “Verità e Bugie” ma, per chi se lo stesse chiedendo, il romanzo può anche essere letto come uno stand alone.
La Wells sa scrivere, non c’è dubbio alcuno, e questa volta mi ha piacevolmente stupita, perché, almeno a mio parere, la forza pulsante e trascinante della narrazione, non sono tanto i due protagonisti, ma i personaggi secondari e l’ambientazione.
Mi spiego: Taylor e Del sono due figure interessanti ma, per chi come me macina MM da decenni, tutto sommato già viste. Il primo mi ha comunque colpito per l’intensità delle sue paure, per l’altezza delle sbarre della gabbia che si è costruito intorno, per quanto profondamente sia chiuso “nel suo armadio”. Vederlo prendere coscienza di non voler più nascondersi è stato sicuramente emozionante, ma sono rimasta sempre spettatrice dei suoi pensieri, più che viverli in prima persona.
Del è un uomo buono (e per amore di verità questo e ciò che più ho apprezzato di lui), che lotta per ciò in cui crede, che non si spaventa e che ha dalla sua l’esperienza dell’età. Di lui sappiamo lo stretto necessario, perché per lui parlano ampiamente le azioni, ma l’ho comunque percepito un po’ piatto, più funzionale che protagonista, insomma, è rimasto, come dire , sulla superficie del mio cuore.
Invece le figure secondarie le ho trovate eccezionali.
Intense, vivide, delineate con parsimonia, come giusto che sia, ma con tratti decisi e nitidi. Che siano figure importanti o semplici comparse, che siano persone positive o da detestare, si sono impresse tutte con potenza nella mia mente e le loro storie, a latere di quella principale e d’amore, sono a essa perfettamente integrate, la supportano, la modellano e la rendono viva.
Jon, Chaz e i suoi genitori, Denise, Ruth, Mark, Cal, Pete e la sua banda, Dave e tutti gli altri sono l’anima di LaFollette, il suo passato e il cammino tracciato verso il suo futuro. Ne rappresentano l’oscurantismo, il pregiudizio, l’abbietto razzismo e la manifesta omofobia, così come la gentilezza, l’accettazione, l’inclusione, la voglia di rendere tempo presente le battagli che altri, in altri momenti e in altri luoghi, hanno già combattuto e vinto.
Ecco, è LaFollette e i suoi cambiamenti silenziosi ma incisivi che mi hanno davvero emozionata e coinvolta. Vedere come la resistenza all’odio di uno, permetta ad un altro di guardare la realtà con occhi nuovi, scoprendo che se la cattiveria fa più rumore, l’amore e la voglia di aiutarsi all’interno di una comunità sono più profondi, si muovono senza clamore ma fanno la differenza.
Non trovate che già solo questo messaggio valga… tutto?
Hugs&kisses
July 9, 2019
The cop and his bear (an audio review)
Pride and Protection is the second book in the Southern Boys series and I loved it. The first book was very angsty and although the homophobia was central, there were also strong racial undertones (or overt, depending on the scene). This book has less angst but is no less powerful.
Taylor Cox is a police officer and he played an important role in the first book. He was a confidante for young Jake who was dealing with the grief of losing his brother and the guilt of being not just a gay man but a gay man in love with his brother’s former lover. I liked Taylor most of the time but he was by no means a perfect friend. He is a man dealing with his own homosexuality in the only way he knows how – staying as far in the closet as he can get.
Del Walters is a man who knows who he is an makes no apologies for it. He’s come to this backwater Tennessee town to help his brother launch a business. He’s going to make certain the business is viable and sustainable and then he’s heading back to the west/left coast where he can be out and proud without fear of discrimination. He agrees not to hoist a rainbow flag in the window of the shop but he does pick the name – Rainbow Rides. If people infer the pride rainbow as opposed to just a plain rainbow, he’s okay with that. To his brother’s consternation, he refuses to hide who he is. A chance encounter with a much younger man has him salivating and aching for a taste. He’s unsure if he’ll ever see the man again and so is quite surprised when the police officer at his door is none other than that attractive man.
This book is a slow burn. Taylor likes Del but is terrified of expressing that attraction. He has a mother he adores and a job he loves. He fears losing both if it becomes known he’s gay. I had a lot of sympathy for Taylor – yearning to be able to be his true self but believing he won’t be accepted. I also understood Del’s perspective – he refuses to go back in the closet, not for anyone. Needless to say the conflict is clear but the path to a happy ending was a bumpy one for sure.
There are a number of strong secondary characters including the chief of police, his daughter, Taylor’s partner, his mother, as well as Del’s brother. Sometimes secondary characters get short shrift but they played pivotal roles in this book and they were fully-fleshed characters who helped the two men move toward happiness.
I really liked this book. The contrast of the older bear, comfortable with himself, and the naïve younger man who has never expressed himself openly. The juxtaposition of the living out and proud lifestyle and being stuck so far in the closet you’re bound to find Narnia. I found myself rooting for these men to get their happy ending.
John Solo is narrating this series and he’s doing a great job. He can handle the southern accent with authenticity but not making it too strong so as not to be easily understood. I always enjoy his performances and this one ranks up with one of my favorites. I highly recommend this great listen.
Pride and Protection is the second book in the Southern Boys series and I loved it. The first book was very angsty and although the homophobia was central, there were also strong racial undertones (or overt, depending on the scene). This book has less angst but is no less powerful.
Taylor Cox is a police officer and he played an important role in the first book. He was a confidante for young Jake who was dealing with the grief of losing his brother and the guilt of being not just a gay man but a gay man in love with his brother’s former lover. I liked Taylor most of the time but he was by no means a perfect friend. He is a man dealing with his own homosexuality in the only way he knows how – staying as far in the closet as he can get.
Del Walters is a man who knows who he is an makes no apologies for it. He’s come to this backwater Tennessee town to help his brother launch a business. He’s going to make certain the business is viable and sustainable and then he’s heading back to the west/left coast where he can be out and proud without fear of discrimination. He agrees not to hoist a rainbow flag in the window of the shop but he does pick the name – Rainbow Rides. If people infer the pride rainbow as opposed to just a plain rainbow, he’s okay with that. To his brother’s consternation, he refuses to hide who he is. A chance encounter with a much younger man has him salivating and aching for a taste. He’s unsure if he’ll ever see the man again and so is quite surprised when the police officer at his door is none other than that attractive man.
This book is a slow burn. Taylor likes Del but is terrified of expressing that attraction. He has a mother he adores and a job he loves. He fears losing both if it becomes known he’s gay. I had a lot of sympathy for Taylor – yearning to be able to be his true self but believing he won’t be accepted. I also understood Del’s perspective – he refuses to go back in the closet, not for anyone. Needless to say the conflict is clear but the path to a happy ending was a bumpy one for sure.
There are a number of strong secondary characters including the chief of police, his daughter, Taylor’s partner, his mother, as well as Del’s brother. Sometimes secondary characters get short shrift but they played pivotal roles in this book and they were fully-fleshed characters who helped the two men move toward happiness.
I really liked this book. The contrast of the older bear, comfortable with himself, and the naïve younger man who has never expressed himself openly. The juxtaposition of the living out and proud lifestyle and being stuck so far in the closet you’re bound to find Narnia. I found myself rooting for these men to get their happy ending.
John Solo is narrating this series and he’s doing a great job. He can handle the southern accent with authenticity but not making it too strong so as not to be easily understood. I always enjoy his performances and this one ranks up with one of my favorites. I highly recommend this great listen.
June 20, 2019
If you’ve read Truth & Betrayal (and if you haven’t, you really should) you’ll remember Taylor Cox as the police officer who tries to look out for young Jake when he’s facing a personal nightmare as well as a difficult journey.
Now it is Taylor’s turn to find love in the not all too tolerant town of LaFolette, Tennessee. But, while being gay and out in this little town is difficult for anybody, it becomes nigh on impossible if you happen to be a cop and well aware that at least a few of your colleagues are out and proud homophobes.
Enter Del. He’s only moved to LaFolette to help his brother set up a bike shop. He has no intention of staying for long, after all, he’s used to living in an environment where few bat an eyelid at him being gay and he has no intention of returning to the closet any time soon.
When the two men meet the attraction is instant, but although the obstacles appear insurmountable their hearts refuse to be governed by their heads and it isn’t long before neither man can imagine being without the other. But, any happy ever after depends on Taylor showing his community who he truly is.
This was a wonderful, touching, at times laugh-out-loud funny romance. In fact, it is nowhere near as angsty or emotional as Truth and Betrayal was. Or rather, it is emotional and touching in completely different ways but no less wonderful or memorable.
I loved the two different Taylors we meet in this story. The difference between Taylor in LaFolette and the same man when he visits Atlanta with Del is as astounding as it is stunning. Taylor may be engaging in a lot of first experiences, he doesn’t waste time learning all Del has to show him and making it his own, much to Del’s delight and satisfaction.
I guess what I loved most about this story is that while the undercurrent of threats and homophobia are never far away, it shows in beautiful detail how things are often nowhere near as bad as we fear, that support can be found in surprising places, and that following your heart can bring you all you desire, even when you think that’s impossible.
Pride and Protection captivated me. I fell in love with Del the moment he was introduced and with Taylor shortly afterward. I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles they faced and couldn’t stop turning the pages as a result. The fact that these two men are incredibly sexy together only served to make an already wonderful story even more addictive.
Long story short, I highly recommend Pride & Protection if you love a book featuring two memorable characters, a perfect balance between angst and happiness, satisfying and inspired sex scenes, and a story that will leave you happy and will stick in your mind for weeks to come.
Now it is Taylor’s turn to find love in the not all too tolerant town of LaFolette, Tennessee. But, while being gay and out in this little town is difficult for anybody, it becomes nigh on impossible if you happen to be a cop and well aware that at least a few of your colleagues are out and proud homophobes.
Enter Del. He’s only moved to LaFolette to help his brother set up a bike shop. He has no intention of staying for long, after all, he’s used to living in an environment where few bat an eyelid at him being gay and he has no intention of returning to the closet any time soon.
When the two men meet the attraction is instant, but although the obstacles appear insurmountable their hearts refuse to be governed by their heads and it isn’t long before neither man can imagine being without the other. But, any happy ever after depends on Taylor showing his community who he truly is.
This was a wonderful, touching, at times laugh-out-loud funny romance. In fact, it is nowhere near as angsty or emotional as Truth and Betrayal was. Or rather, it is emotional and touching in completely different ways but no less wonderful or memorable.
I loved the two different Taylors we meet in this story. The difference between Taylor in LaFolette and the same man when he visits Atlanta with Del is as astounding as it is stunning. Taylor may be engaging in a lot of first experiences, he doesn’t waste time learning all Del has to show him and making it his own, much to Del’s delight and satisfaction.
I guess what I loved most about this story is that while the undercurrent of threats and homophobia are never far away, it shows in beautiful detail how things are often nowhere near as bad as we fear, that support can be found in surprising places, and that following your heart can bring you all you desire, even when you think that’s impossible.
Pride and Protection captivated me. I fell in love with Del the moment he was introduced and with Taylor shortly afterward. I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles they faced and couldn’t stop turning the pages as a result. The fact that these two men are incredibly sexy together only served to make an already wonderful story even more addictive.
Long story short, I highly recommend Pride & Protection if you love a book featuring two memorable characters, a perfect balance between angst and happiness, satisfying and inspired sex scenes, and a story that will leave you happy and will stick in your mind for weeks to come.
October 20, 2021
3.5 stars- This is Taylor’s story. We met Taylor in book one and I really liked him. I have a thing for cops, firemen, military men, etc in my MM stories, and Taylor is a cop. Despite the homophobia in this book, it still feels like a fluffy read. There’s no big drama between the two MCs, Taylor and Del. They work through things together. It is insta-lovey, but that doesn’t bothers me.
I was really enjoying this book because it seemed like I was going to be able to escape all the forced southern dialogue that bothered me throughout the first book. (I say forced because it just doesn’t come across naturally. It feels forced.) Unfortunately, along about chapter 17 or 18, Taylor suddenly starts with the southern talk. I don’t understand why it started at that point and wasn’t in the first part of the book. Taylor also didn’t speak too much like that in the first book from what I remember. At any rate, I found it annoying.
There’s one more book to go in this Southern Boys trilogy and I am really curious about the dynamics between Del’s brother Jon (who seemed quite homophobic at times in this book), Chaz, and Kendis. I’m sure I won’t be able to avoid the forced southern dialect, but I want to read their story.
I was really enjoying this book because it seemed like I was going to be able to escape all the forced southern dialogue that bothered me throughout the first book. (I say forced because it just doesn’t come across naturally. It feels forced.) Unfortunately, along about chapter 17 or 18, Taylor suddenly starts with the southern talk. I don’t understand why it started at that point and wasn’t in the first part of the book. Taylor also didn’t speak too much like that in the first book from what I remember. At any rate, I found it annoying.
There’s one more book to go in this Southern Boys trilogy and I am really curious about the dynamics between Del’s brother Jon (who seemed quite homophobic at times in this book), Chaz, and Kendis. I’m sure I won’t be able to avoid the forced southern dialect, but I want to read their story.
June 21, 2019
May/December romance set in the Tennessee hills. I enjoyed reading this engaging and hopeful story about finding love in a small southern town. There are wonderful people everywhere and i loved some of the characters that we found in this story. There were also a share of the hurtful side of prejudice, but we did see love triumph.
Del and Taylor are truly well developed characters and i enjoyed how they became friends and lovers. Their journey really had me grinning a few times and i liked how they interacted. These are guys you want to know and have live next door to you. Good men with a zest for bikes and having fun. I liked how we got to see both of these men interact with others and that enabled us to really get to know them better. There were several really good supporting characters and the story is richer for them.
This is the second book of the Southern Boys Series and it can be read as a stand-alone story. I have not yet read Truth & Betrayal and i was not lost in this story. I am looking forward to reading book one soon. I am glad this is a series because i will be looking for the next book!
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
Del and Taylor are truly well developed characters and i enjoyed how they became friends and lovers. Their journey really had me grinning a few times and i liked how they interacted. These are guys you want to know and have live next door to you. Good men with a zest for bikes and having fun. I liked how we got to see both of these men interact with others and that enabled us to really get to know them better. There were several really good supporting characters and the story is richer for them.
This is the second book of the Southern Boys Series and it can be read as a stand-alone story. I have not yet read Truth & Betrayal and i was not lost in this story. I am looking forward to reading book one soon. I am glad this is a series because i will be looking for the next book!
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
June 23, 2019
4.5 stars
An out-and-proud bear and a closeted police officer. What could go wrong? I was worried this would be angsty, but this was lighter than the first in this series. I enjoyed it just as much, though. I loved the pacing, the build-up of the romance, their friendship. Outside prejudice played a part in their lives and their relationship, but it did not take over.
My favorite aspect of the story was Taylor coming to terms with himself. That was a winner. Not rushed, not over-the-top, I loved Taylor finding himself as he found and accepted love. And Del? Loved him from the start. His brash confidence and patience with Taylor only endeared him to me more. Another winner from this series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
***Received ARC from the author***
An out-and-proud bear and a closeted police officer. What could go wrong? I was worried this would be angsty, but this was lighter than the first in this series. I enjoyed it just as much, though. I loved the pacing, the build-up of the romance, their friendship. Outside prejudice played a part in their lives and their relationship, but it did not take over.
My favorite aspect of the story was Taylor coming to terms with himself. That was a winner. Not rushed, not over-the-top, I loved Taylor finding himself as he found and accepted love. And Del? Loved him from the start. His brash confidence and patience with Taylor only endeared him to me more. Another winner from this series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
***Received ARC from the author***
November 6, 2021
Ommfg Help meee It's John Solo (Narrator) and his bear voice for meeee!!!!!!!
Omg John Solo is a beast (total pun intended) when he is narrating older men in novels. He is just like.. Rawr!
This book does hit on some triggering topics homophobia, bigotry, and some racism. But I liked and respected the way the author wrote about the subjects I also loved every character in the novel! Del, Taylor, Jon, Chad, Keisei, and Taylor's mom! I loved them all! After listening to the novel I just wanted to go kick a wall I was so happy!
This is definitely a book. I would listen to again❤
Omg John Solo is a beast (total pun intended) when he is narrating older men in novels. He is just like.. Rawr!
This book does hit on some triggering topics homophobia, bigotry, and some racism. But I liked and respected the way the author wrote about the subjects I also loved every character in the novel! Del, Taylor, Jon, Chad, Keisei, and Taylor's mom! I loved them all! After listening to the novel I just wanted to go kick a wall I was so happy!
This is definitely a book. I would listen to again❤
June 15, 2019
A wonderful story from K.C. Wells set in a small town in Tennesse where Del has moved to set up a new business with his brother and meets Taylor, a cop very deep in the closet.
They get closer over the course of the book and reading Taylor get the chance to experience things he has wanted is great and well written. There's obvious joy for him but also for Del in being the man there for him. However, small town minds are hard to change and there is trouble for Del's business and constant comments from coworkers on the police force.
There is a lot going on for both men, individually and together, throughout the book and a great cast of characters give friendship, support and a reason to fight, along with the ones that we love to hate. The MC's seem to be a perfect match for each other, having a connection from their first meeting and they are both such sweethearts both wanting the best for each other and the town they live in.
Another great book from KC Wells with characters easy to connect with and a story to love. Looking forward to more from this series, hopefully for a few of the men in this story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
They get closer over the course of the book and reading Taylor get the chance to experience things he has wanted is great and well written. There's obvious joy for him but also for Del in being the man there for him. However, small town minds are hard to change and there is trouble for Del's business and constant comments from coworkers on the police force.
There is a lot going on for both men, individually and together, throughout the book and a great cast of characters give friendship, support and a reason to fight, along with the ones that we love to hate. The MC's seem to be a perfect match for each other, having a connection from their first meeting and they are both such sweethearts both wanting the best for each other and the town they live in.
Another great book from KC Wells with characters easy to connect with and a story to love. Looking forward to more from this series, hopefully for a few of the men in this story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 25, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked the story, I really liked Del and Taylor, but I didn’t like how the drama was wrapped up. It happened off page and I always like it more when the bigots get their asses served to them!
I liked the story, I really liked Del and Taylor, but I didn’t like how the drama was wrapped up. It happened off page and I always like it more when the bigots get their asses served to them!
July 15, 2023
A lovely love story that deals with the realism of the South, racism, homophobia, and religion. I enjoy K.C. Wells' writing style and the way she develops her characters. She does not cut her stories short, but allows them to develop at their own pace.
June 17, 2019
This is a great story with amazing characters and an intriguing storyline. It is well written, sweet, fun, sexy, emotional and the author does an excellent job dealing with some very difficult issues. Del is simply wonderful and his patience and support is exactly what Taylor needs in his life. They have a strong connection, smoking hot chemistry and they genuinely enjoy each other's company. I love that Del gives Taylor the space and time he needs to decide how and if he wants to come out and that neither of them is bothered by the age gap between them. There are some amazing secondary characters that add so much to this story and I hope we get to see a lot more of Chaz as this exciting series continues.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 28, 2019
Pride and Prejudice by K.C. Wells was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Del Walters moved from sunny California to build a bike business with his brother in Tennessee. He had plans to leave after they had a solid foundation. Taylor Cox is a cop who is back in the closet after moving to be close to his ailing mother. He never thought it would be so difficult to stay there especially after meeting Del on a bike trail and then again in an official capacity. It did take me a little bit to get into the story because I felt i had missed something in the beginning. But as the story continued I really enjoyed the slow burn and the emotions that Taylor was going through made you understand the complexity of whether to come out or continue to suffer in silence. It makes me appreciate and admire every single person who does the extraordinary task of making this difficult decision.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews