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Everyone's Mechanic #1
Chasing the Dream
When Lee meets his fantasy man, his shy nature makes him want to run. But what will he do when his dream guy won’t let him?
Saul Valencia. Tall? Check. Muscles? Check. Everything Lee Clark ever dreamed of in a man? Check. Bad case of nerves and feeling like an idiot whenever he’s around? Sigh. Check.
Being kicked out of the family home for being gay would have been bad enough, but Lee Clark also worked in his dad’s garage. Losing his family, his home and his job all in the same day left him floundering. He can’t believe his luck might be changing when he finds a job at Everyone’s Mechanic, another garage, where he’s accepted for who he is.
Then Saul, a former linebacker for the NFL Raleigh Raptors and a friend of Lee’s boss, walks into his life. The man is the embodiment of all his teenage fantasies, but Lee doesn’t dare hope Saul will ever actually notice him.
Intrigued from the start by the shy man now working for his business partner’s boyfriend, Saul struggles through bad advice and misunderstandings to convince Lee that he’s serious about wanting a chance with him. Getting Lee to give him a shot at romance was difficult enough, but when drama and blackmail from outside sources are added in, the relationship becomes almost impossible.
It will take the combined efforts of Lee’s garage family and Saul’s real one to set things right.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and homophobia.
General Release Date: 22nd October 2019
Saul Valencia. Tall? Check. Muscles? Check. Everything Lee Clark ever dreamed of in a man? Check. Bad case of nerves and feeling like an idiot whenever he’s around? Sigh. Check.
Being kicked out of the family home for being gay would have been bad enough, but Lee Clark also worked in his dad’s garage. Losing his family, his home and his job all in the same day left him floundering. He can’t believe his luck might be changing when he finds a job at Everyone’s Mechanic, another garage, where he’s accepted for who he is.
Then Saul, a former linebacker for the NFL Raleigh Raptors and a friend of Lee’s boss, walks into his life. The man is the embodiment of all his teenage fantasies, but Lee doesn’t dare hope Saul will ever actually notice him.
Intrigued from the start by the shy man now working for his business partner’s boyfriend, Saul struggles through bad advice and misunderstandings to convince Lee that he’s serious about wanting a chance with him. Getting Lee to give him a shot at romance was difficult enough, but when drama and blackmail from outside sources are added in, the relationship becomes almost impossible.
It will take the combined efforts of Lee’s garage family and Saul’s real one to set things right.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and homophobia.
General Release Date: 22nd October 2019
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2019
16 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 25, 2019
4.5 stars. This was so good, y'all.
Lee Clark is a mechanic and part-time artist, who used to work in his father's garage, but was recently kicked out, fired, and disowned by both his father and his brother for being gay, because that's just the thing families do when they discover a part about you that you have zero control over.
I instantly hated both of them.
Lee is somewhat shy, lost, and homeless, and when he finds a job at Everyone's Mechanic's garage, he can finally breathe a little easier as the owner not only gives him a job but also offers him a place to stay AND accepts Lee for who he is, no questions asked. Things are finally starting to look up for Lee, so when Saul Valencia, a retired NFL player and object of Lee's teenage dreams, walks into the garage, Lee has absolutely no hope to think that the sexy ex-linebacker will notice him.
But notice, Saul does. In fact, he notices so much about Lee that he also realizes his usual take-charge, full steam ahead approach will likely backfire on him. So even if it goes against his nature, he starts to woo the shy younger man. Tentatively, Lee accepts and starts to believe that Saul isn't just looking for a romp in the sheets but for something more long-term. He cannot however believe that it'll last.
When the past comes back to haunt him, at the hands of his homophobic father and brother, and when it turns to violence, Lee has to choose between allowing his blood family to ruin him or letting his chosen family help him past this hurdle.
I adored Lee and loved Saul. Even though they were so different in personalities, even though they were from very different backgrounds, they fit perfectly together and I was fully on board with the romance between them. Their emotional attachment felt real to me, and I was invested in their HEA. I also quite enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Lee's new boss who was almost unflappable in the middle of the storm, and who provided the fatherly love Lee never had but so much deserved.
With organic and believable dialogue, realistic relationship progression, and a villain that seemed realistic as well, the author created a novel that was at once a swoon-worthy romance and a tale of what a family should be like (supportive, accepting, in your corner) by pitting blood family against chosen family. This appears to be the author's full-length novel debut, and I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series brings to the table.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Lee Clark is a mechanic and part-time artist, who used to work in his father's garage, but was recently kicked out, fired, and disowned by both his father and his brother for being gay, because that's just the thing families do when they discover a part about you that you have zero control over.
I instantly hated both of them.
Lee is somewhat shy, lost, and homeless, and when he finds a job at Everyone's Mechanic's garage, he can finally breathe a little easier as the owner not only gives him a job but also offers him a place to stay AND accepts Lee for who he is, no questions asked. Things are finally starting to look up for Lee, so when Saul Valencia, a retired NFL player and object of Lee's teenage dreams, walks into the garage, Lee has absolutely no hope to think that the sexy ex-linebacker will notice him.
But notice, Saul does. In fact, he notices so much about Lee that he also realizes his usual take-charge, full steam ahead approach will likely backfire on him. So even if it goes against his nature, he starts to woo the shy younger man. Tentatively, Lee accepts and starts to believe that Saul isn't just looking for a romp in the sheets but for something more long-term. He cannot however believe that it'll last.
When the past comes back to haunt him, at the hands of his homophobic father and brother, and when it turns to violence, Lee has to choose between allowing his blood family to ruin him or letting his chosen family help him past this hurdle.
I adored Lee and loved Saul. Even though they were so different in personalities, even though they were from very different backgrounds, they fit perfectly together and I was fully on board with the romance between them. Their emotional attachment felt real to me, and I was invested in their HEA. I also quite enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Lee's new boss who was almost unflappable in the middle of the storm, and who provided the fatherly love Lee never had but so much deserved.
With organic and believable dialogue, realistic relationship progression, and a villain that seemed realistic as well, the author created a novel that was at once a swoon-worthy romance and a tale of what a family should be like (supportive, accepting, in your corner) by pitting blood family against chosen family. This appears to be the author's full-length novel debut, and I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series brings to the table.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
June 15, 2020
3.5 - 4 stars
After beaten up and thrown out of his house by his brother and father, twenty-two-year-old Lee ends up with a few things and his car at the door of a garage for a job.
He’s a good mechanic and can start immediately. He even can live above the garage.
His new boss Kirk is happy with Lee. He invites him over at his house
Lee is shy and introverted and being with other people is hard. Saul an ex NFL player is quite smitten by Lee. Lee had a crush for Saul since... ever.
Saul is open about what he wants with Lee. Shy Lee can’t believe Saul wants him.
We can find here a bunch of friends, danger, a lot of sweetness, and instant love.
I’m always a bit hesitant with instant love, it has to be very convincing to feel good. For me, it was on the half of being plausible.
For me Lee felt quite immature, he was sweet but immature and Saul felt heavyweight in comparison with Lee. I loved they were emotional characters. Saul's family was heartwarming.
The environments were original and the plot well thought out.
Overall a nicely written sweet story with some sharp edges. Looking forward to book two.
After beaten up and thrown out of his house by his brother and father, twenty-two-year-old Lee ends up with a few things and his car at the door of a garage for a job.
He’s a good mechanic and can start immediately. He even can live above the garage.
His new boss Kirk is happy with Lee. He invites him over at his house
Lee is shy and introverted and being with other people is hard. Saul an ex NFL player is quite smitten by Lee. Lee had a crush for Saul since... ever.
Saul is open about what he wants with Lee. Shy Lee can’t believe Saul wants him.
We can find here a bunch of friends, danger, a lot of sweetness, and instant love.
I’m always a bit hesitant with instant love, it has to be very convincing to feel good. For me, it was on the half of being plausible.
For me Lee felt quite immature, he was sweet but immature and Saul felt heavyweight in comparison with Lee. I loved they were emotional characters. Saul's family was heartwarming.
The environments were original and the plot well thought out.
Overall a nicely written sweet story with some sharp edges. Looking forward to book two.
July 1, 2020
I wanted to like this story more than I did. I felt like if the author was going to jump 3 months from chapter one to chapter two, chapter one should have been a prologue. If this was the only instance of time jumps in the story then I wouldn't have been bothered as much as I was. I feel like because of the numerous time jumps we miss the two characters getting to know each other and developed as a couple. I was missing meaningful and connecting dialogue between the two main characters. With this story being under 200 pages, I couldn't understand why it wasn't fleshed out more. I honestly felt that the time the author spent giving her secondary characters a backstory that didn't have anything to do with the two main characters and didn't push their story forward(which is why I thought they were characters from another story she wrote) could have been better spent letting us get to know the mc's better. I liked the idea of this story but it felt like I was speed racing through the whole thing.
I will say this seems to be this authors first book so I do hope with practice and constructive criticism she will develope better.
I will say this seems to be this authors first book so I do hope with practice and constructive criticism she will develope better.
October 28, 2019
Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anne Marie James’s Chasing the Dream is such a great read! I really enjoyed this story and these characters; I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
Lee is a shy, talented mechanic and artist. He’s been kicked out of his home by his homophobic father and also loses his job working for his father. He is alone and finding his way in the world for the first time. A help wanted sign leads him to Everyone’s Mechanic. In this shop, Lee finds more than just employment, he finds a home, a new family, and maybe even love.
Saul Velencia is a retired NFL linebacker and teenage crush of Lee. Saul now owns a thriving business with the partner of Kirk, the owner of Everyone’s Mechanic. Saul is instantly captivated by Lee, his shyness, his talent, everything about him speaks to Saul. Recognizing that Lee is extremely shy, a bit awkward and someone special…Saul is in. He understands that Lee needs him to go slowly, he needs wooing and Saul is ready to win this special man’s heart. What neither man expects is someone from the past looking to cause trouble…dangerous trouble. Lee and Saul have the support of so many, especially the family they’ve built with the Everyone’s Mechanic group. With the kind of support Lee never could have imagined, we see just how strong he really is.
This is a first novel from this author for me, and I think she did an amazing job! Anne Marie James writes an interesting story with characters, both main and secondary that I cared about immediately. This book made me feel and I love that. We meet some wonderful people and are introduced to a chosen family that we would all be lucky to be part of. I really recommend giving this book a read, I think this author has a lot more to say and I can’t wait to see what’s coming. This doesn’t read like a first novel, there is such smooth storytelling and character building. So happy to have gotten a chance to read this one. Lee is special and he and Saul together had me cheering them on for a HEA!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anne Marie James’s Chasing the Dream is such a great read! I really enjoyed this story and these characters; I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
Lee is a shy, talented mechanic and artist. He’s been kicked out of his home by his homophobic father and also loses his job working for his father. He is alone and finding his way in the world for the first time. A help wanted sign leads him to Everyone’s Mechanic. In this shop, Lee finds more than just employment, he finds a home, a new family, and maybe even love.
Saul Velencia is a retired NFL linebacker and teenage crush of Lee. Saul now owns a thriving business with the partner of Kirk, the owner of Everyone’s Mechanic. Saul is instantly captivated by Lee, his shyness, his talent, everything about him speaks to Saul. Recognizing that Lee is extremely shy, a bit awkward and someone special…Saul is in. He understands that Lee needs him to go slowly, he needs wooing and Saul is ready to win this special man’s heart. What neither man expects is someone from the past looking to cause trouble…dangerous trouble. Lee and Saul have the support of so many, especially the family they’ve built with the Everyone’s Mechanic group. With the kind of support Lee never could have imagined, we see just how strong he really is.
This is a first novel from this author for me, and I think she did an amazing job! Anne Marie James writes an interesting story with characters, both main and secondary that I cared about immediately. This book made me feel and I love that. We meet some wonderful people and are introduced to a chosen family that we would all be lucky to be part of. I really recommend giving this book a read, I think this author has a lot more to say and I can’t wait to see what’s coming. This doesn’t read like a first novel, there is such smooth storytelling and character building. So happy to have gotten a chance to read this one. Lee is special and he and Saul together had me cheering them on for a HEA!
May 30, 2020
Ann Marie James' Chasing the Dream is the first book in the Everyone’s Mechanic series. Well written and Center, this book tells a sweet lovestory that had me feeling feels. Lee and Saul are fantastic characters that held my attention and made me fall in love. Sweet and sexy interactions between the main characters.... fun and at times hilarious and others cute nteractions with secondary characters... this book was great!
June 20, 2020
While I absolutely loved this story, I do need to point out that there are a few triggers in this. One of the MCs has a brother who beats him, has broken bones, etc. He is a severe bully and will stop at nothing to hurt him. So if that is an issue for you, please be careful.
Lee had just barely survived another beating and getting away from his father’s home after being kicked out, when he arrives at Kirk’s garage looking for work. When one of Lee’s old coworkers and an employee of Kirk’s comes in and sees his condition, he’s not a happy man. But he knows Lee is the one that kept the shop of his father’s running. And because of it, Lee has a new job and a new place to live where he can finally show off his skills and get credit for them and do what he’s good at. He also realizes he’s in a place where he’s free to be gay, considering Kirk is himself and about to get married. But the shock of Lee’s life, is that Kirk’s fiance has a best friend that is the man of Lee’s dreams. And now about to be the love of his life. The minute Saul saw Lee, he knew the man was his in every way. But because of Lee’s past, he’s been warned to take it slow. But he’s taking it too slow and miscommunication and confusion leave Lee and Saul in a mess a few times. And now to make matters worse, Lee’s brother is making his way back into Lee’s life by force and other means and it means trouble for Lee. And Lee has to accept that his new family has his back and will help him. But Lee has to make it out of things his brother is doing to him alive or nothing will move forward.
I ADORE Lee so much. This is one of those times where I wish I could reach in a book and slap the snot out of someone. Because someone should have beat the tar out of his father and brother a lonnnnng time ago. The only thing good about that part is the brother gets what he deserves in the end. But that’s all I can say about that. I don’t want to give it away. But what I love about Lee, is that even though he had a crappy father and a psycho for a brother, he remembered the love and teachings of his mom before she died and that made him an incredible young man. He’s shy as all get out, but once you get to know him you see him for what he is. A beautiful young man with a passion for life and love and a gifted young man that has the art of a master. He’s not afraid of hard work. He’s sweet and loving, considering his role models, that’s even more amazing. But it’s not just Lee that made this. Saul is special in himself. He saw Lee for who he truly was from the moment he laid eyes on him. But it’s not just that. I wish I had Saul’s family. Saul’s mom alone made this book perfect. Truly. You’ll see what I mean when you read it. She is the quintessential mom that everyone wishes they had. And if you do have that, you are lucky.
The characters in this book are great. I loved them all. And what impressed me even more, is some of the trouble with the people Lee’s brother got him into, could have turned out completely different. Considering what the men are and are a part of. But they turned it around on Lee and showed him he had more backup and support. All because of who he is.
I love this book and can’t wait to see who’s next.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Lee had just barely survived another beating and getting away from his father’s home after being kicked out, when he arrives at Kirk’s garage looking for work. When one of Lee’s old coworkers and an employee of Kirk’s comes in and sees his condition, he’s not a happy man. But he knows Lee is the one that kept the shop of his father’s running. And because of it, Lee has a new job and a new place to live where he can finally show off his skills and get credit for them and do what he’s good at. He also realizes he’s in a place where he’s free to be gay, considering Kirk is himself and about to get married. But the shock of Lee’s life, is that Kirk’s fiance has a best friend that is the man of Lee’s dreams. And now about to be the love of his life. The minute Saul saw Lee, he knew the man was his in every way. But because of Lee’s past, he’s been warned to take it slow. But he’s taking it too slow and miscommunication and confusion leave Lee and Saul in a mess a few times. And now to make matters worse, Lee’s brother is making his way back into Lee’s life by force and other means and it means trouble for Lee. And Lee has to accept that his new family has his back and will help him. But Lee has to make it out of things his brother is doing to him alive or nothing will move forward.
I ADORE Lee so much. This is one of those times where I wish I could reach in a book and slap the snot out of someone. Because someone should have beat the tar out of his father and brother a lonnnnng time ago. The only thing good about that part is the brother gets what he deserves in the end. But that’s all I can say about that. I don’t want to give it away. But what I love about Lee, is that even though he had a crappy father and a psycho for a brother, he remembered the love and teachings of his mom before she died and that made him an incredible young man. He’s shy as all get out, but once you get to know him you see him for what he is. A beautiful young man with a passion for life and love and a gifted young man that has the art of a master. He’s not afraid of hard work. He’s sweet and loving, considering his role models, that’s even more amazing. But it’s not just Lee that made this. Saul is special in himself. He saw Lee for who he truly was from the moment he laid eyes on him. But it’s not just that. I wish I had Saul’s family. Saul’s mom alone made this book perfect. Truly. You’ll see what I mean when you read it. She is the quintessential mom that everyone wishes they had. And if you do have that, you are lucky.
The characters in this book are great. I loved them all. And what impressed me even more, is some of the trouble with the people Lee’s brother got him into, could have turned out completely different. Considering what the men are and are a part of. But they turned it around on Lee and showed him he had more backup and support. All because of who he is.
I love this book and can’t wait to see who’s next.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 11, 2021
An Amazing Roadmap Towards The Fulfillment Of A Dream!
After seeing and reading the reviews, I was expecting something else. However, I was pleasantly surprised and very touched by, Chasing The Dream, the start of the Everyone's Mechanic Series. Anne Marie James knows how to bring drama, emotion, feelings, sensitivity and kindness to the forefront. So glad that I chose to read this book, especially during Pride Month!
Artist Extraordinaire and Skilled Mechanic, Lee Clark is a young, talented and sweet man, who is extremely shy. His home life is absolutely horrendous and has led to issues of low self esteem and the expression of an inferiority complex. It is hard to read about this character when they don't see their own worth. However, a large, strapping and determined older man has an agenda to make Lee see the light.
Retired Linebacker and Sports Entrepreneur, Saul Valencia, never lacks when it comes to self-confidence and knows what he wants. He comes from a supportive and large family that always has his back. He has had a successful and charmed life, but there are some issues brewing within him, that even he is not aware of. He wanted to be someone's saviour, however, what occurred is that he was saved himself in the process.
This book was amazing in showing the contrasts between the two protagonists on how they approached life but also showed their commonality and their budding relationship beautifully. The reader was led through an awesome journey in time, as both of these men found their footing and place, in the world and with each other. This book had an extensive supportive cast, with most of the parts being male (to be expected) and with a few female characters, but they added so much content, fun, side plots and provided various outlooks. These roles were just as significant as the main characters, you could not look away from them and they would not be ignored. Lastly, the female characters were all strong and could stand up to do whatever is necessary to protect and fight for these protagonists.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was how private and naïve Lee is and in comparison Saul is the man of the world, according to Lee. However, in reality Saul is very obtuse and impervious, he is like a bull in a china shop. On the other hand, from Saul's side of things, Lee can do no wrong and is perfect. However, in reality Lee needs to grow, enjoy and experience life. This contrast was very drastic, but Anne Marie James somehow made it all seem so normal and acceptable. The trials, tribulations, drama and heartache that these characters have to face along with their friends, family and colleagues for support was an absolute delight!
If you are looking for a book that deals with sensitive issues in a wonderful manner with support, sentiments and warmth, then you will not be disappointed. I would like to share so much more, but I believe the reader will gain from experiencing the book themselves. This tale has it all and I was enthralled with it, because seriously what a ride! I am sure in time, I will re-read book 1, Chasing the Dream for sure! Can't wait to explore more books from this authoress!
After seeing and reading the reviews, I was expecting something else. However, I was pleasantly surprised and very touched by, Chasing The Dream, the start of the Everyone's Mechanic Series. Anne Marie James knows how to bring drama, emotion, feelings, sensitivity and kindness to the forefront. So glad that I chose to read this book, especially during Pride Month!
Artist Extraordinaire and Skilled Mechanic, Lee Clark is a young, talented and sweet man, who is extremely shy. His home life is absolutely horrendous and has led to issues of low self esteem and the expression of an inferiority complex. It is hard to read about this character when they don't see their own worth. However, a large, strapping and determined older man has an agenda to make Lee see the light.
Retired Linebacker and Sports Entrepreneur, Saul Valencia, never lacks when it comes to self-confidence and knows what he wants. He comes from a supportive and large family that always has his back. He has had a successful and charmed life, but there are some issues brewing within him, that even he is not aware of. He wanted to be someone's saviour, however, what occurred is that he was saved himself in the process.
This book was amazing in showing the contrasts between the two protagonists on how they approached life but also showed their commonality and their budding relationship beautifully. The reader was led through an awesome journey in time, as both of these men found their footing and place, in the world and with each other. This book had an extensive supportive cast, with most of the parts being male (to be expected) and with a few female characters, but they added so much content, fun, side plots and provided various outlooks. These roles were just as significant as the main characters, you could not look away from them and they would not be ignored. Lastly, the female characters were all strong and could stand up to do whatever is necessary to protect and fight for these protagonists.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was how private and naïve Lee is and in comparison Saul is the man of the world, according to Lee. However, in reality Saul is very obtuse and impervious, he is like a bull in a china shop. On the other hand, from Saul's side of things, Lee can do no wrong and is perfect. However, in reality Lee needs to grow, enjoy and experience life. This contrast was very drastic, but Anne Marie James somehow made it all seem so normal and acceptable. The trials, tribulations, drama and heartache that these characters have to face along with their friends, family and colleagues for support was an absolute delight!
If you are looking for a book that deals with sensitive issues in a wonderful manner with support, sentiments and warmth, then you will not be disappointed. I would like to share so much more, but I believe the reader will gain from experiencing the book themselves. This tale has it all and I was enthralled with it, because seriously what a ride! I am sure in time, I will re-read book 1, Chasing the Dream for sure! Can't wait to explore more books from this authoress!
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June 17, 2020DNF…I finally threw in the towel at 47% when they got to their first sex scene. I figured if the book leading up to this point was this fast, I would be able to make it through the sex scene.
I was initially intrigued by the synopsis and I liked the setup of the story/series but the delivery fell WAY short.
The first thing that bugged me was the accelerated timelines in the story. We just jumped ahead three months, 6 weeks, etc. and then were ‘filled in’ with what happened during that time.
The story was unbelievably rushed which made the dialogue was rushed and a silly or trite. I actually found myself cringing at times. It felt like I was watching a movie while hitting the fast-forward button, this was NOT a normal pace for a story to be written.
In the first couple of chapters, there were several characters introduced with a shared history that this seemed like a book two of a series or at least a spin-off of another series. I actually looked to see if I missed something because I was confused by the characters and their history.
The predictability of the story is already shining through and I imagine will only get worse as it progresses. I don’t even need to finish the book to be able to guess how it’s going to end (probably correctly).
The story and characters truly lacked development and the story definitely lacked pacing which is a shame because I was really looking forward to reading this book and the next one.
I was initially intrigued by the synopsis and I liked the setup of the story/series but the delivery fell WAY short.
The first thing that bugged me was the accelerated timelines in the story. We just jumped ahead three months, 6 weeks, etc. and then were ‘filled in’ with what happened during that time.
The story was unbelievably rushed which made the dialogue was rushed and a silly or trite. I actually found myself cringing at times. It felt like I was watching a movie while hitting the fast-forward button, this was NOT a normal pace for a story to be written.
In the first couple of chapters, there were several characters introduced with a shared history that this seemed like a book two of a series or at least a spin-off of another series. I actually looked to see if I missed something because I was confused by the characters and their history.
The predictability of the story is already shining through and I imagine will only get worse as it progresses. I don’t even need to finish the book to be able to guess how it’s going to end (probably correctly).
The story and characters truly lacked development and the story definitely lacked pacing which is a shame because I was really looking forward to reading this book and the next one.
June 18, 2020
What would you do if one of your idols growing up, asked you out on a date? That’s bizarre, right? Lee sure didn’t get what Saul Valencia saw in him, and Saul wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
Lee’s had it rough. His father hates him, his brother is an abusive psychopath, and his mother has been deceased about 7-8 years. Saul’s family is fantastic. Saul had to hide his sexuality from the world, because of his former career. Lee hid his, as well, until the day they realized he was gay. If they work together, they could possibly fulfill each other’s physical and emotional needs.
This was a good start to a new series. There is some angst and a few scenes of domestic violence at the hands of a family member. I’m looking forward to spending more time with the characters in the book, so I’m hoping they make an appearance in the next book(s).
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Lee’s had it rough. His father hates him, his brother is an abusive psychopath, and his mother has been deceased about 7-8 years. Saul’s family is fantastic. Saul had to hide his sexuality from the world, because of his former career. Lee hid his, as well, until the day they realized he was gay. If they work together, they could possibly fulfill each other’s physical and emotional needs.
This was a good start to a new series. There is some angst and a few scenes of domestic violence at the hands of a family member. I’m looking forward to spending more time with the characters in the book, so I’m hoping they make an appearance in the next book(s).
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
June 15, 2020
This is a sweet read where Lee, who escapes from his father and brother's shop, finds a job as a mechanic where he can be himself. When his boss discovers his talent for art, they incorporate Lee's talent into the business. When Lee meets Saul, an ex professional football player who he had a crush on, he can't believe Saul truly likes him. As he gains confidence in his job and with Saul, Lee starts to grow into his own man. And when his past comes to find him, he fights back instead. A great read and a great start to a world I immediately became immersed in. Lee is a sweet man, Saul is protective and loving, and both men belong together.
March 17, 2023
A bit too formulaic for me, with the down trodden Lee landing on his feet with Kirk’s garage, meeting thelarger than life Saul, being an amazing artist, etc etc etc.
The story was easy to read in that there wasn’t complex plots to keep track of, but there were references to people where I assumed we were further into the series rather than book 1.
The story was easy to read in that there wasn’t complex plots to keep track of, but there were references to people where I assumed we were further into the series rather than book 1.
September 15, 2021
This was fantastic! Loved how Saul treated Lee with kindness, patience and he was so thoughtful and very considerate, what a great lover Saul was! All the side characters were great and very supportive, I liked it.
April 27, 2020
2.5 Stars
Not really a fan. It was way too fast paced and not very believable. I did like the setting though. I liked the people at the Shop.
Not really a fan. It was way too fast paced and not very believable. I did like the setting though. I liked the people at the Shop.
February 14, 2020
See my web site for a full review of “Chasing the Dream”.
November 8, 2019
It physically hurt to read because the formatting was off. Blocks of text just crammed together on the pages. I still pushed through to see if i could get used to it (did not) and to see where the story would go since the blurb sounded really good. Disappointed to say the absolute least. Posting a full review in a few hours after I figure out how screenshots and such work.
February 6, 2020
Okay, this story was simply fast in every way. Everything developed in fast written pace. Two strangers became boyfriends in a day. I couldn't connect to the emotions of MC. Mostly because it wasn't emotionally realistic in any way.
February 3, 2020
The story is pulling but at the same time not developed right. There's no romance. We get a single guy at one point and a boyfriend next.
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