Alex

Twilight Falls #1

by A.M. Salinger

Alex Hancock needs money to salvage his career. Finn West needs a spouse to stop his aunt from sabotaging his future. Can the two men make more of the fake marriage they enter into?

When Alex's business partner runs off to Mexico with their company funds, the lawyer has little choice but to return to his hometown of Twilight Falls to marry someone he’s never met in order to raise the money to save his business. What he didn’t expect was that the woman he was meant to wed would turn out to be a gorgeous, brooding man.

Finn had resigned himself to a life without love after his wife’s death. Wracked with guilt at never being able to satisfy her in bed, Finn is shocked when his body and his heart starts responding to the man he is tricked into marrying to stop his aunt from dissolving his trust fund.

Passions collide when the two men start exploring their relationship in ways neither of them anticipated. Can Alex convince Finn to embrace his sexuality and take a chance on them? Or will Finn run away from his only chance at true love?

Discover Alex and Finn’s story in the enthralling first novel in Twilight Falls, the new series by the author of the bestselling, contemporary romance series Nights. 

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT, Ebooks, Amazon

170 pages, ebook

First published September 20, 2019

About the author

A.M. Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance and M/M urban fantasy. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS and TWILIGHT FALLS are contemporary M/M romance series written as A.M. Salinger. In 2021, she launches FALLEN MESSENGERS, her first M/M urban fantasy series written as Ava Marie Salinger. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.

Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways ? Then sign up to her Reader Group at https://www.amsalinger.com/subscribe/ or join Ava's Angels, her Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/avasn...

Reviews

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Alex wasn’t in a good situation; his business partner of two years had embezzled from their law firm and ran off. Now he was in so much debt and needed money. He had a friend that said one of her clients is in need of a groom. The said client had to get married immediately to not lose his state. It just she’d forgotten to mention that the client was a guy and impotent…

Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Twilight Falls" series and can be read as a standalone. It’s well-written and hot, I liked both the main characters and the secondary ones and can’t wait to read their own stories. It’s a GFY story, an easy read, fast-paced and a bit angsty. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5~

This is by no means a perfect book, but it was exactly what I needed: SEXY, easy, not too angsty, growly possessiveness, HEA. All that AND the fake husbands trope, which I happen to LURVE. I was in hog heaven, y'all.

Alex and Finn were super hot together, even if Finn's confession regarding his relationship with his deceased wife didn't make a whole lot of sense.

If you love your wife and want to have a child, why not at least try medical intervention for your erectile dysfunction? I mean, something as simple as Viagra would probably have fixed (at least temporarily) Finn's impotence issue, regardless of his sexual orientation. I just don't get how they went years with him not being able to get a hard-on while also refusing to see a doctor. I mean, what?

The miscommunication over the kiss also felt a little contrived. Finn jumped to conclusions, and Alex was too quick to leave.

One more thing I need to mention that drove me batshit crazy: using the men's professions to refer to them as people. Finn was "the artist," and Alex was "the lawyer" over and over again. It pulled me out of the story constantly because no one (but NO ONE!) thinks of their partner as "the doctor" or "the teacher" or "the accountant." It just doesn't happen and made me want to bang my head against a hard surface every fucking time.

Despite my misgivings, however, I enjoyed the story. Sometimes I like not thinking too hard and going with the flow. The raw and dirty sex (gay virgin alert!) didn't hurt things either.

I'll definitely be reading book 2.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimate, sensuous, and fervent!

Alex is a passionate, heartwarming novel that features the easy-going, cash-strapped Alex, and the resigned, creative Finn as they discover that sometimes when you take a chance and keep an open mind a marriage of convenience can quickly become something more.

The writing is light and sweet. The characters are flawed, supportive, and kind. And the plot is a sultry, push-pull tale full of red-hot chemistry, familial drama, friendship, understanding, support, acceptance, angst, sexy times, and tender moments.

Overall, Alex is a provocative, well written, emotive tale by Salinger that’s a wonderful start to the Twilight Falls series and an excellent reminder that love is not defined by time, age or gender.

Thank you A.M. Salinger & Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all new to me authors, I never know what to expect when I go in to the first book but when I read the book synopsis I new it was something I was definitely intrigued by so I took the plunge and I am glad I did. Not only did I find a book that I liked and would recommend but I found an author that I would be willing to read again, win win!

Alex found himself in some trouble when his partner in their law firm ran off with all the funds in the companies bank account, so now he is need of a cash infusion and his friend Izzy has just the solution for him. Return to Twilight Falls and marry her client that is also in a bind.

Finn's wife passed away three years ago and his aunt is tired of seeing him locked away in his home living like a hermit so she tells him that if he doesn't get married in thirty days he's cut off, she's taking his trust fund away from him. OUCH!

Finn is a complicated person and at first I didn't know if he was just putting on an act or really naive about his thoughts and feelings, but he honestly just fell in love with his wife and never questioned anything but his love for her. That is totally admirable and respectable and he earned major props in my eyes and heart because of it.

I loved Alex and Finn together, their friendship started out rough because lets face it they didn't know one another before they got married so things were kind of mixed up there but they got passed that and a whole slew of other things.

This was a quick read for me, I was able to finish it in one day. The secondary characters were all so intriguing I cannot wait to read their books, Carter is up next and he's already on my TBR shelf.

This is a steamy romance so I would recommend it to those who enjoy MM Romance that are over 17.

Happy Reading!!!



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** 

You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was like a pearl-necklace of tropes, which I didn't mind much, except for when it made no sense (bascially everything dealing with Drake and Finn's response to reevaluating his sexuality).
But overall I liked it.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


What started as a marriage of convenience turned into a marriage of self-discovery for Finn West. He swore he was straight because he married his childhood sweetheart Catherine and then lost her. His great aunt is holding his inheritance over his head and says he must get married to obtain the rights to his money. He tells his friend Izzy that he doesn’t care who it is but he will pay them handsomely if they stick it out for 6 months. He is an artist and a recluse and is desperate so enters Alex Hancock. Alex swore since the accident he would never return to his hometown of Twilight Falls. When his business partner swindles him from the money of their law practice, he is in a tight spot. He agrees to Lizzy’s plan and soon learns he is marrying a man which is fine because Alex is openly gay. What happens over the next six months is life altering and finding who you truly are. The people who are important to you and the friends you left behind. It’s about renewal and finding love in the least likely person you expect.


I did read this book fast. It’s not a very deep intense read but it’s sweet and an experience. It’s steamy once Alex and Finn discover each other so be ready for that. You might need a fan!! I loved that Finn wasn’t opposed to the idea of being gay though he denied it at first. Alex was very patient with Finn. I loved the group of friends in this book and believe they have a fun story to tell. So if you love steamy sexy times and falling in love in the opposite way then Alex is for you.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 1 out of 5]

So this had potential but it really fell flat for me.

The character of Izzy and actually quite a few of the other female characters in this story came off as invasive as fuck.

I don’t know about everyone’s custom greeting when being introduced to strangers, but mine surely isn’t declaring to see two strangers fuck each other. Nor do I loudly exclaim “Who is the bottom?” or “I want to know every sticky detail [about your sex lives]”.

This smacks of fetishizing gay men to the point that you forget their sex lives ARE NOT YOUR BUSINESS.

That made me completely uncomfortable. Also, associating that behavior with being a female MM fan? Wow.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I like him,” Aunt Maggie stated. “He’s plucky. I bet he’s a firecracker in the bedroom.”
A strangled groan left Finn. “I can’t believe you just said that!”
Aunt Maggie gave him a stern look. “I may be old, but my eyes still work. If I were thirty years younger, I’d take him for a spin myself. I mean, have you seen his buns? They’re mighty—”
Finn put his hand up. “Please, just— just stop talking!” he begged. — Aunt Maggie and Finn West

Warnings: raw and unsafe sex (I know some people find this problematic to the point of not reading)

I review my books in two places GoodReads and Amazon. Amazon reviews require titles for this I used "you had a chance and you blew it". That title had two meanings, one in reference to the actions of character Drake (🤬), the other in reference to the writing choices made by author A.M. Salinger. It is some of these writing choices that lead to me giving the book 3 rather than 4 stars. It was 4 stars right up until about the 70% mark. This is when everything started to unravel.

Suffice to say I'm so disappointed with some of the choices that the author makes here. There were some great ones like Catherine, just all of her and having such a strong female cast. I want to discuss catherine more but spoilers. OMG, the choices on safe sex in the last third are just wrong and break with Finn's character. Raw and unsafe sex just doesn't suit his character to that point, his wife died of an illness discovered by fluke, and he would not risk the man he loves. And no there are no references to them getting tested and trust me for these two, well Alex, that could have been used as a romantic reveal. I have huge issues with this whole thing. I can almost deal with the sex aspect, almost, but not the break in characterisation.

I like the core concept. In some ways, a dream plot for me. It's a fake marriage with money on the line and mutual financial benefit. Look I'm aroace I would be more than willing to engage in this kind of relationship. Salinger's execution is good. The intimate steps (other than those I've stated) occur at the right time for the characters involved. Finn West and Alex Hancock have a sweet and steamy chemistry that suits their style relationship. The explosions between them suit. Finn is something of an interesting character because this is a sexual awakening and he has a truly dominant and possessive streak when it comes to his bed partners. I like that possession as a contrast to his artistic side. The art piece he creates for Alex is beautiful. The house he built with Catherine is awe-inspiring and perfectly uses its surroundings. Alex is lovely and has a big heart. He's a lawyer but not a shark, the case we see him working on is a domestic violence case. I just wanted him happy. He's been through a lot. Bad parents, a car accident he blames himself for and by swindled by his business partner. His relationship is Drake is something else in his past that isn't great. As an aside, I love Alex's bike. A pristine, black and red Triumph motorcycle. I adore him and that bike suits him well.

On Catherine, Catherine West gives me vibes reminiscent of Liliana from Sherrilyn McQueen's Chronicles of Nick series. Like Liliana she loved Finn without question, even knowing there might be a cost to pay. Like Liliana, Catherine is hugely influential on the plot neither the other MCs nor the reader ever gets the pleasure of meeting her. This powerful strong woman who helped shape a man whose death impacted him with force such it nearly ruined him. These are the women in fiction that are so rarely written but so effective when done well and I appreciate them every time they appear, calling them out and making sure readers are aware of them.

Just a few comments
• Aunt Maggie and Izzy are both badasses. Aunt Maggie is a shrewd woman and I really like her. I have total respect for any author writing mm novels who can write a strong female support cast.
• I liked the choice to name all the parts of the chapel. Most authors don't go through the effort.
• “You need to learn to relax, Finn. Enjoy life while you still can. Do the things you’ve never dared do before.” — This was the moment I realised that Aunt Maggie could see straight through that closet door that Finn was behind. (Aunt Maggie)
• Had their kindergarten teacher realized that the snot-nosed, brash kids who’d gotten into a fistfight on their first day of school would go on to become Twilight Falls’ “Terrible Seven” and make the lives of their parents, teachers, and the town’s sheriff hell over the decade and a half that followed, she would have done more than just scold them. — This is a helluva way to introduce the nickname for the core seven MCs for the Twilight Falls series. At this point, we don't know their names but I appreciate the introduction. (Alex)
• Christ Lisa. Okay, ladies (and enbys and gentlemen). Fiction is one thing. Do not let your love of gay romance leek into inappropriate comments irl.
• Finn turned and dipped his chin, doing his best to hide his relief. Now that he’d resolved to use Alex as his model, all he could think about was the piece he wanted to make. It had been a long time since he’d felt this excited about a new project. — And with this moment, this stunning piece not revealed until the closing pages, Alex becomes Finn's muse. As Catherine was before him. As is only right. (Finn)
• “Hi, I’m Tristan,” said the man with the serious brown eyes who was marinating some chicken. “Tristan Hart.” — Tristan is apparently gorgeous. Okay, and my type. Tattooed mechanic and kicks ass at poker. Ends up with a manager of a rock band in book #6. This at the BBQ that makes me wonder how simultaneously the stories are running. Nathan one of the MCs of book #4 is already in play.
• “Is that because you’re in love with him?” Drake asked, his tone hardening.
Alex’s fingers clenched on his glass. “I—”
“I can make you forget him,” Drake said. “Come back to me, Alex.” — Alex froze when Drake suddenly leaned in and kissed him. You fucker. I wanted to slap you now. That is harassment at a minimum. Your jealousy and regrets do not mean you can do this. (Alex and Drake) I challenge any reader to get through this without wanting to cause some minor harm to Drake. I will say Finn is a bigger man than I am.

🔷🔸The following and penultimate section contains minor spoilers. It is on the execution of something, not its inevitable existence.🔸🔷
I want to go into sexuality a bit here, this is another aspect of the "you had a chance and you blew it" taste left in my mouth. As mentioned Finn was previously married to the wonderful Catherine, never able to consummate their marriage in the way he would like, with her he was impotent. He did love her. There is a nuance to sexuality that Salinger completely bypasses and by embracing them she could have written something unusual, she already had, though inadvertently. At first, Alex suggests Finn might be bisexual, which you know just feels wrong. But so does the identity that is settled on identified in the quote “I know now that my impotency had everything to do with my suppressed sexuality,” Finn admitted quietly in Alex’s hair. “I loved Catherine. But it was the love of a man toward his best friend and not that of a man enamored with his life partner. What I feel for you is… different.” When we got these lines I was just kinda annoyed. The best and most precise sexuality that would absolutely suit Finn would be homosexual, and biromantic. It wouldn't require the reframing of his love for Catherine, it could still be a romantic love. Honestly, this identity rather than the outright gay (homosexual, homoromantic) used for Finn is where I thought this was going. My frustration stems from my feeling that there were other options. It isn't the worst choice, but my knowledge of diverse sexualities means I just wished for something else.

I do want to point out that Finn has one of the fiercest confessions. I need it in this quote here because it is perfect for Finn and I think it might prove to be memorable.

“I know I should have trusted you,” Finn whispered. “I know I’ve hurt you.” He clasped Alex’s hand and gazed at their linked fingers. “The truth is, what I feel for you scares the hell out of me. I’ve—” he paused, his throat bobbing as he swallowed convulsively, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Not even Catherine.”
A tear slipped down Alex’s left cheek, his chest so tight with emotion he could barely catch his breath.
“I want to possess you, body, heart, mind, and soul,” Finn breathed, his dark gaze gleaming with a burning intensity. “I want to brand you so that the whole world knows that you are mine and mine alone. I want to put you in a cage so that you can never escape my hold. And I want to hurt anyone who would ever dare try and take you away from me.”
Alex shuddered when Finn gently wiped the wetness on his face with his thumb.
“That’s how much I love you, Alex.”

🔷🔸Spoilers over.🔸🔷

The Twilight Falls series revolves around (as far as I can tell) the romances of the "Terrible Seven". These are the seven titular MCs of the series. All are going to have a slight wild streak but have taken different paths while keeping their childhood friendships alive. There is a girl in play too, Izzy Wyatt's kid sister. I'm wondering how A.M. Salinger will deal with her happiness in what is ostensibly an mm series. By the time we spend several books with her her happiness will be as wanted as Wyatt's, Tristan's or Miles'. I already have access to the next two books in the series. Carter is #2, we met him here briefly. A-list celebrity and sweetheart. He was nothing but supportive of Finn when they met through Izzy and Fiin's work. His going back to Twilight Falls is going to be a huge change of scenery. His highlight in this book is undoubtedly a tidbit with Izzy“Izzy sneaked into the boys’ locker room when we were in high school and took a picture of Carter’s naked ass,” Alex explained in a disgruntled tone. “She’s been holding that picture over his head ever since that day.”
Finn looked appropriately shocked. “That’s terrible!”
“Ah, it’s all in jest,” Izzy protested with a wave of her hand. “Besides, Carter knows it’s an empty threat. Mostly.” A saucy grin curved her lips. “And, let’s face it, the guy’s exposed more than just his ass on the big screen since.” (Alex, Finn and Izzy). This is Izzy to the core. Hunter is #3, Hunter is something. If I'm honest he gives me slight himbo vibes and I'm here for it. Tristan's line "Your powers of observation never cease to amaze me,” and the dry tone in which it is said makes me think the himbo vibes are not just me overreading.

The book that I might be looking forward to the most, the one that is going to cause the most pain is Miles, the as yet un-synopsised book #7. We met Miles and his stunning mother Eveland in Alex. That scene and Miles' story made me want to cry. I was not okay at that point. His match could be a very interesting man. If I had to guess Miles Martinez, as one of the "Terrible Seven", will become something of an overarching storyline. Between that and his mother Elaine Martinez is one of the few people who have ever had any control over the seven men and one of the only positive parental influences for them. I feel for her deeply. She lost her son to a decade-plus-long coma, and a young man she treated as a son to his fear and ghosts and shame. Even if his driving was in the right, he had to come to that on his own.

“For me to find out exactly how enticing your dick looks all hard and wet and covered with soap suds.”
Alex groaned, his cock hardening at Finn’s filthy words. “I’ve awakened a beast.”
Finn grinned. “The beast says thanks. Now, let’s get you out of those pajamas." — Finn West and Alex Hancock

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

A representative gif:

Just a visualisation of Alex's bike. He doesn't give a year. But this is a 2005 model (I think).

Source: Triumph Twin Power

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two men, each one with problems of their own, but, hey! they can be fixed with a fake marriage.

Alex is a lawyer with huge monetary problems, and Finn is a widower who either gets married or loses his money. Oh, and he's impotent, too. And he never managed to consummate his marriage.

Of course, the impotence was because he was repressing his sexuality and as soon as he discovers he can have sex with Alex, he is keen to recover all the lost time.

Short, filled with sex to the rim, and with the obligatory fight brought by jealousy and a former lover this is not a bad read is you like books with more sex than story.

Sadly, that's not my case :/

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This kind of reminded me of an author’s early writing attempts. Everything was just super convenient and unrealistic but maybe that’s to do with the short length and needing things to wrap up quickly. Maybe we just weren’t compatible 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Kashonna Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Recently haven't been a fan of the "fake" anything trope, but this one sucked me in. I think it had to do with the characters. Both Alex & Finn were charming and likeable. They didn't hate each other at first site. They even challenged one another. Their group of supporting characters helped as well. The 7 best friends and meddling sister and aunt were excellent.
If you like awesome friends, heartbroken artist, down on his luck lawyer, this book shouldn't be missed.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/1/2021)! 🎁

[Jennifer☠Pher☠]

**This book was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.**

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Alex’s business partner scammed him for the tune of half a million dollars. His friend, Izzy, has the perfect solution. Marry her client, live with said client for 6 months, and get his half million back. Finn’s great aunt is a manipulative woman, but she loves him, she really does. Getting Finn out the house to meet someone new was not going to work while the artist hides himself away following the death of his wife several years ago. Marrying him off seems the perfect idea. When Finn and Alex come face to face at the courthouse, neither is expecting a man, but they go ahead. They can live with each other for 6 months and be done. But what happens when feelings get involved? When things begin to be REAL?

I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this start of a new series by Salinger! I LOVED the Nights series and I can see this new series growing on me too.

There is immediate attraction to Finn from Alex but while Finn acknowledges, to himself at least, that Alex is gorgeous, it takes time for the attraction to Alex to grow. Loved that it wasn’t immediate obvious to Finn, just what he might be feeling for Alex.

It’s not overly explicit, at least to start, but once these guys admit they want each other, and that Finn doesn’t seem to have a problem with that, they are all in! It does get a bit emotional, especially for Finn, when talking about his wife, and then to his great aunt about . . .things . . .and you feel sad for him, that he was never fully honest with himself. That his wife and his aunt saw, though, knocks him.

Glad the business partner gets his comeuppence!

I LOVED the wider group of friends that Alex comes home to! They are funny and I wonder if the series will evolve around them? I know Carter is next, who pops up here.

It didn’t take me long to read the 170 pages its billed as, just over 90 minutes, but it left me feeling that warm and fuzzie feeling I haven’t had from a book in a good long while.

So, thank you, Ms Salinger, for setting me up for a busy day at work, feeling that warm and fuzziness all day! I look forward to catching up with these guys should they pop up again in the series. * I hope they do!*

OH!!! There is a bit at the back of this book that gives the first chapter to One Night, which is the first in the Nights series. If you haven’t read those books, I STRONGLY recommend you do! I made a new shelf for them, and everything! And of course I read that little bit and then had to go back and read Cam and Gabe’s first book again. And NOW I wanna go back and read the whole damn series again! Be warned though, those books are HOT off the charts!

Ah sod it! I wrote 4 stars, then changed it to 5 then back to 4, but here you go!

5 warm and fuzzy, too stinking cute stars!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, there's things to like and dislike about this book, but on balance, the good outweighs the bits I wasn't so fond of.

For me, there was a lot of this book that was simply a little too convenient - I strongly suspect that this was due to the novella format, and the truncated page count to get the story detail across, but nevertheless, it was a niggle for me.  I don't put it as anything stronger than that.

As for the relationship?  Well there's no surprises about where this is going, and the author has created two lead characters who work well together.

In summary, short, but hot.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Maria Vickers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Finn, two men thrown together by necessity, but there is so much more, and not even they know to what extent. Take two men, throw in some steam, a good plot, and a dash of humor and emotion and you get Alex by A.M. Salinger. I loved this book and the way it developed. It felt natural, and the chemistry was great! This story moves quickly and holds your attention. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next book in the series! If you love a good MM, if you like the straight to gay trope, then you have to check out this book! 4.5 stars and I suggest you one-click this one today!

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

This was my first book by the author and I was easily entertained by this story. It was a nice and easy read. We were able to get a glimpse of both main characters. We were also able to see how and if a relationship developed.

[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for the cover and three for the story, my final words.

[Sachu^ Book Addiction Is For Real ✓ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 fake marriage stars

I love a good fake marriage story now and then. this particular story had it all - money situation, ex boyfriend, misunderstanding, banter and what not.

Enjoyable.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like fake husbands, bi-awakening, possessive growling, found family, and a HEA between a lawyer and an artist, you will love Alex.

Alex is a gay lawyer in serious need of money after his law partner stole the firm’s money and disappeared across the border. Finn is a talented, rich, straight (? ), and widowed artist in need of marrying someone to adhere to the stipulations of a family trust that he benefits from. He doesn’t care if he’s marrying a man or a woman. This makes him sound a bit like an entitled a-hole, which he is 100% not; he just invested his own money in the trust and stands to lose everything. A mutual friend arranges their marriage—without Finn realizing he’s marrying a man and Alex realizing that he’s marrying a straight man! But (un)fortunately, each man needs the other to get their lives back in order. Oh, and they have to live together for 6 months AND share a bed!

Finn and Alex have an instant connection, which confuses the hell out of Finn, as he truly loved his wife—albeit more platonically than physically. It takes living with Alex for him to realize that perhaps he has denied and buried a part of himself for too long. Being with Finn in his home town allows Alex to make peace with elements and people in his past that he had avoided for too long.

The book was a quick and enjoyable read, and I really liked that when Finn realized Alex was the love of his life, he was all in, and that Alex never questioned Finn’s feelings for his late wife, realizing that she was his past and he Finn’s future.

The group of friends were wonderful (I’m a sucker for found family), and I will definitely be reading each one’s book as soon as I can.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is the first in the Twilight Fall series and a M/M romance, one that I absolutely fell in love with. This was the first time I was reading from the author, and boy oh boy, you best believe you have yourself a new fan.

I loved the character development between Finn and Alex, the exploring of ones sexuality, and the love that comes to grow between the two. The chemistry, heat, and emotion can be felt from the pages!

Alex is a man that is confident in his sexuality, but he also just got screwed over by his partner, said partner took money from his company. Now Alex needs to find a way to fix this, and what better way than to get married to a stranger?

Finn is a arisit, a straight one, at least that's what he thinks. A artists that stands to loose his inherits unless he obeys his Aunts wishes and marries....again. Finn was married once already, and his marriage came with it's own set of issues. When a friend brings him someone to marry, he is picturing a nice woman, what he is not expecting is Alex...

Enter into the world of Alex and Finn and they explore their relationship, dodge drama, and heat up the pages with moments that will make you wish you were there with them. I loved this book so much, I can not stress enough, give it a try!! I very much look forward to the next books in this series!!

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is a lawyer whose partner embezzled money and now is in a huge financial bind. Finn is an artist whose great aunt is threatening to dissolve his trust fund unless he gets married and stays married for six months. It was a match made in convenient heaven. As they get to know each other, Finn and Alex grow closer and eventually fall for each other.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this series, as I have never read books by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised. The book was well-written and the characters were likable and relatable. I like how this series centers around the group of best friends that grew up together in Twilight Falls. You could tell from the beginning that the MC’s had a great connection, even if they rubbed each other the wrong way on the day they met, which was the same day they got married. And then as things started progressing, it was interesting to see how their relationship evolved and how Finn stepped out of his comfort zone to pursue something more and real with his husband. It was well worth the read. I am looking forward to continuing this series until I read them all.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAKE MARRIAGE FORCED PROXIMITY!

Two of my favourite tropes with a blurb that intrigues was sure to grab my attention for this new to me author!

Alex Hancock needs money to recover from being swindled by his business partner.
Finn West needs to get married to secure his trust.

Two gorgeous passionate men thrown together by circumstances who end up getting more than they both bargained for!

I loved the banter between them and the straightforwardness of Finn regarding situations he felt he needed to explore after one fateful drunken night…

Holy hotness they burn together! Their chemistry is off the charts and the caring and comfort is so sweet!

Revelations regarding the truth behind his marriage and helping meddling hands to secure their future with a possessive ex lover and nosy friends to thicken the plot will leave you as reader biting your lips in anticipation!

A sweet, steamy sometimes funny story about finding your true self and your person to care for, comfort and love with trust being the most important ingredient!

I look forward to more from the “terrible seven”!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for my honest opinion of this book.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I like him,” Aunt Maggie stated. “He’s plucky. I bet he’s a firecracker in the bedroom.”
A strangled groan left Finn. “I can’t believe you just said that!”
Aunt Maggie gave him a stern look. “I may be old, but my eyes still work."

I loved this book! It was such a fun romance! It began as a fake marriage between two men who were both in it for the money- and didn't even know they'd be marrying a man. I loved the setup and couldn't read this fast enough! Aunt Maggie was actually hilarious and despite my initial inclination to not like her, how could I after a line like that? This was not a lust at first sight, as both were unhappy and grouchy. But deep down, the attraction was there for Alex, and the stipulations of their marriage contract got them closer than either expected. I also really liked Izzy and found her very amusing.

“Sleep, not sleep.” Izzy shrugged. “What happens between a husband and husband is their business.”
Alex stifled a curse at the overt innuendo.

A very fun read and I loved this couple, who's chemistry turned sizzling. This was the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is the first book in A.M. Salinger’s series. This promises to be amazing. Alex Hancock’s partner absconded with their firm’s money and took off for Mexico. With no choice, Alex agrees to an arranged marriage in order to raise money to make good on the debt left behind. Finn West struggles with love and his guilt over not being able to satisfy his wife, now deceased. He needs to remarry to satisfy his aunt’s terms for his trust. Neither man expected to marry another man, but once married, the two do find themselves attracted to each other.

This was fantastic. There was a little bit of everything in this story. To name a few, we had fake relationship, forced proximity, and coming out of a closet that one man never knew he was in. The two were perfect for each other but insecurities and trust issues caused a few problems in the fledging relationship. Working it out made for great reading. There are several men that were childhood friends and each one needs their own story. Can’t wait.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading stories that involve fake marriages, only one bed, and in a small town with a great group of friends. So I really wanted to read this story since it had it all. And it did not disappoint. It was sweet, hilarious, very steamy, low angst, and a great beginning to a new series.
Alex and Finn entered a relationship of a fake marriage for money, neither realizing who they were marrying since all of the information was not fully provided, lol. But they needed this fake marriage to gain their goal so they continued with it. Not realizing that they were beginning a journey full of self-discoveries, healing, sizzling chemistry, and finding true love. The MCs were sexy, funny, and sweet....perfect together. The marriage might have started as fake but their chemistry definitely was not.....they were sizzling super hot together!!
The secondary characters (the group of friends) were all very interesting and different from each other, each adding a different flavor to this story. I can't wait to read their stories and get to know more about the intriguing world of Twilight Falls.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many tropes can you get in a really good story...forced one bed, fake relationship, marriage of convenience, possessive ex-, small town, busy body best friends and meddling great aunt! AM (or Ava Marie) gives us all that in this really good start to series set in Twilight Fall. Alex, a lawyer in a financial bind, and Finn, a grieving widower artist, find themselves getting married due to a meddling great aunt and a best friend. There's hurt/comfort, a great circle of friends, and whew, smexy times. Once our MC's get out of each other way, Lordy, the smexy times. No one can write melt the Polar Ice Cap times like A.M. Yes, the other friends will get their HEA's, one particular I want to see how it plays out. Great read for one of those lazy afternoons!

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Finn are great together, and hot. I enjoyed seeing Finn discover his true self and learn to live and love fully. Alex was perfect for him. Their story was well-written, has great visuals (Finn’s house! swoon), and has great characters, including the secondary ones. I liked meeting all of the Terrible Seven and can’t wait to read the rest of their stories.

This first Twilight Falls book had several things I enjoy in a great book - family and friends who meddle in the best ways, love, spiciness, and a hint of possessiveness and jealousy.

This book excited me and I am ready to binge this series. Time to dive into Carter’s story.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

What struck me in this lovely story was that both Alex and Finn were in search of fulfilling a need. For Finn, it was the need to have a spouse so that he could retain his trust fund. For Alex, having been wrecked financially by his business partner he needed a financial save to rebuild. What neither realized was how much they needed to find a genuine love that would make their lives better than either of the things they are fighting for. Yes, interested loved ones tricked them into the relationship they eventually formed and prized. But it was for their best and what a lovely outcome the meddling led to.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be difficult to write a contemporary romance with a believable reason for a fake marriage, but the author has done an excellent job of making us believe that Alex and Finn have financial reasons to try to pull it off. I enjoyed the surprise of having Alex thing he was going back to Twilight Falls to marry a woman and finding Finn instead. The pace of their relationship felt right and I enjoyed seeing them find their footing with each other. Having read several other books in the series, it was also great to see where everything began and what the first glimpse of Twilight Falls was actually like.