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Never Too Late #1
Trusting the Elements
an alternate cover edition can be found here
There’s nothing like a near death car accident to open your eyes. Otto Proulx decides surviving was a sign; he’s being given a second chance to claim the life he wants to live. For the past few years he’s been hiding in the shadows, vague texts from a troubled ex-partner keep him at home along with his general lack of luck in the romance department. This is his last chance, he’s certain, this time he’ll meet the man for him, the one he’s sure is out there somewhere.
Greg Trainor runs a specialty kite shop and helps his friends out when they ask. That’s the kind of guy he is, if somebody needs something, they call on Greg. He’s a big guy and no genius, but he’s dependable. So…yeah, when he sees a car precariously perched on the side of the road, he stops to help out; it’s what he does.
One night of passion leads to…several more and suddenly both men are searching around to define what they have together. Neither wants to scare the other off and neither wants to ask for more. Will the two men be able to set aside their fears and create a family together, trusting the elements are in their favor?
There’s nothing like a near death car accident to open your eyes. Otto Proulx decides surviving was a sign; he’s being given a second chance to claim the life he wants to live. For the past few years he’s been hiding in the shadows, vague texts from a troubled ex-partner keep him at home along with his general lack of luck in the romance department. This is his last chance, he’s certain, this time he’ll meet the man for him, the one he’s sure is out there somewhere.
Greg Trainor runs a specialty kite shop and helps his friends out when they ask. That’s the kind of guy he is, if somebody needs something, they call on Greg. He’s a big guy and no genius, but he’s dependable. So…yeah, when he sees a car precariously perched on the side of the road, he stops to help out; it’s what he does.
One night of passion leads to…several more and suddenly both men are searching around to define what they have together. Neither wants to scare the other off and neither wants to ask for more. Will the two men be able to set aside their fears and create a family together, trusting the elements are in their favor?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2019
95 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Elle Keaton
73 books545 followersElle Keaton is a writer, avid reader, and amateur cat-wrangler. Her love of romance novels has led her to a life of creating her own happy ever afters. She is the author of the best selling series' Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions. Keaton hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 8, 2019
Ehhh, this was mehhhh.
My first Keaton story and well, I wasn't very impressed.
Awkward flow and a strange chain of events left me puzzled.
Way-bam-thank-you-sir sex didn't convince me of their connection.
A kite store owner and a sex toy owner in a small town felt...ambitious? Not to mention their initial meeting had my eyes rolling out of my head.
And I expected more kink from Otto.
And the ex-husband drama and estranged sister drama was...too much to swallow.
I gave it my best shot but the bullseye kept moving out of reach.
I have no interest in continuing with this series but I think I'll try another Keaton book before I conclude we're not a good match.
*2.5 just-okay stars*
My first Keaton story and well, I wasn't very impressed.
Awkward flow and a strange chain of events left me puzzled.
Way-bam-thank-you-sir sex didn't convince me of their connection.
A kite store owner and a sex toy owner in a small town felt...ambitious? Not to mention their initial meeting had my eyes rolling out of my head.
And I expected more kink from Otto.
And the ex-husband drama and estranged sister drama was...too much to swallow.
I gave it my best shot but the bullseye kept moving out of reach.
I have no interest in continuing with this series but I think I'll try another Keaton book before I conclude we're not a good match.
*2.5 just-okay stars*
July 29, 2019
3.5*
Utterly sweet romance with enough spice to keep things ticking along and make me fall completely for both Otto and Greg.
I loved the meet-cute element of this, I loved the town it was set in, I loved that both men had hang-ups but were willing to work through them and I thought the stalker element wasn't overdone and fit nicely into the plot.
I had an ARC, so there were a fair few errors in it which I expect will have been cleaned up on release and the narrative flowed really nicely throughout.
Loved the associated friends and secondary characters and I'll definitely look out for more books in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Utterly sweet romance with enough spice to keep things ticking along and make me fall completely for both Otto and Greg.
I loved the meet-cute element of this, I loved the town it was set in, I loved that both men had hang-ups but were willing to work through them and I thought the stalker element wasn't overdone and fit nicely into the plot.
I had an ARC, so there were a fair few errors in it which I expect will have been cleaned up on release and the narrative flowed really nicely throughout.
Loved the associated friends and secondary characters and I'll definitely look out for more books in this series.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 30, 2019
Not particularly interesting and just okay in all aspects.
June 11, 2022
I loved the two main characters of Greg and Otto and of course the two kittens. I also liked that Elle Keaton didn't give the guys a lot of grief to overcome to be together, just a "mistake" that Otto made when he was 18 that couldn't take "no" for an answer, but it was short lived. I like my characters to have a fair chance. Most of the secondary characters were also well done. I didn't care much for Greg's neighbor and how she pushed her little daughter off on Greg but that didn't take anything away from Greg and Otto's budding relationship. I hope that Blaise and Jack get their own book next.
July 28, 2019
So, I was kind of confused at first… Otto meets Greg on a rainy night after a deer forces Otto off the road in the pouring rain and Greg happens by and makes sure he’s okay. Now, first, Otto says the next thing he knows, the car is still running so that’s good and the bonk on his head must’ve meant he passed out, if only for even a minute or two… but then he’s like… I’m fine, I didn’t pass out.
After going on, on his way, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and he’s finally able to get to his bed and breakfast and get dry and relax, but next thing you know, he’s at a busy bar having a couple of drinks. That’s when he sees Greg, and they both know that the other looks familiar, but can’t remember from where at? ….. how about earlier in the evening when he pushed your car out of a ditch and helped you out from the side of the road? When they both were attracted to each other and couldn’t stop thinking about one another, but right at this moment, you can’t recognize each other? After only a couple of hours? When you couldn’t get each others faces out of your head? …. The same face you don’t recognize, now? Whaaaaat? And then Greg, wanting to make sure Otto is okay and ya know, maybe just spend time with him, invites him to dinner, since he can hear his stomach growling…. But Otto’s like… I could get used to this.. but I can’t… because it isn’t real…
What isn’t real? Someone wanting to make sure you’re okay and asking you for dinner? I could understand that statement if they’d been out a couple of times, or they were getting to know each other, or literally anything other than a 10-minute conversation and an offer for a meal that was in no way “date-like” or romantic… even if it did turn out to be… it just seemed to get a little ahead of itself there and it made me kinda cringe for Otto. Am I being too harsh?
So, over dinner, Otto shares a funny story and it somehow leads back to his room… and that leads to them sharing the weekend and getting to know each other. Unfortunately, Otto is just in town for the weekend, luckily they decide to keep talking and get to know each other and a visit is only a ferry ride away, so they did get to visit each other. I did enjoy them together, they’re both sweet guys.
Greg is so patient and forgiving, though he has a bit of a low opinion of himself, but judging by his parents and his sister, it’s no wonder he thinks so poorly of himself.
Otto seemed spazzy and kind of a lost bird…. but he pulls out of it pretty quickly when he needs to. Especially with people in Gregs family. He surprised me. Why wouldn’t he be that way with the ex?? I mean, call the police when things happen…. Why did he wait and not tell anyone, or wait and do it later? If I was getting threatening notes, threatening texts, a stalking ex who shows up a couple hundred miles away… you tell someone! Stop being an idiot!
But, as well that ends well. Greg was a little too forgiving for my liking, but I just hate when bad people get away with being bad people. I’m glad Otto’s ex didn’t.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad story, I feel like it was a lot going on in such a short read, problems just kept popping up, and I was hoping to see something happen with the little neighbor girl. Being left home alone at 6, her mom being with shady people and up and leaving all the time? How was that just kind of forgotten about?
I’d be curious to see who’s next, and I hope this is just the beginning for Otto and Greg, but I dunno if I’d continue the series based on this book. Glad it worked out for them though!
3 stars from me
After going on, on his way, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and he’s finally able to get to his bed and breakfast and get dry and relax, but next thing you know, he’s at a busy bar having a couple of drinks. That’s when he sees Greg, and they both know that the other looks familiar, but can’t remember from where at? ….. how about earlier in the evening when he pushed your car out of a ditch and helped you out from the side of the road? When they both were attracted to each other and couldn’t stop thinking about one another, but right at this moment, you can’t recognize each other? After only a couple of hours? When you couldn’t get each others faces out of your head? …. The same face you don’t recognize, now? Whaaaaat? And then Greg, wanting to make sure Otto is okay and ya know, maybe just spend time with him, invites him to dinner, since he can hear his stomach growling…. But Otto’s like… I could get used to this.. but I can’t… because it isn’t real…
What isn’t real? Someone wanting to make sure you’re okay and asking you for dinner? I could understand that statement if they’d been out a couple of times, or they were getting to know each other, or literally anything other than a 10-minute conversation and an offer for a meal that was in no way “date-like” or romantic… even if it did turn out to be… it just seemed to get a little ahead of itself there and it made me kinda cringe for Otto. Am I being too harsh?
So, over dinner, Otto shares a funny story and it somehow leads back to his room… and that leads to them sharing the weekend and getting to know each other. Unfortunately, Otto is just in town for the weekend, luckily they decide to keep talking and get to know each other and a visit is only a ferry ride away, so they did get to visit each other. I did enjoy them together, they’re both sweet guys.
Greg is so patient and forgiving, though he has a bit of a low opinion of himself, but judging by his parents and his sister, it’s no wonder he thinks so poorly of himself.
Otto seemed spazzy and kind of a lost bird…. but he pulls out of it pretty quickly when he needs to. Especially with people in Gregs family. He surprised me. Why wouldn’t he be that way with the ex?? I mean, call the police when things happen…. Why did he wait and not tell anyone, or wait and do it later? If I was getting threatening notes, threatening texts, a stalking ex who shows up a couple hundred miles away… you tell someone! Stop being an idiot!
But, as well that ends well. Greg was a little too forgiving for my liking, but I just hate when bad people get away with being bad people. I’m glad Otto’s ex didn’t.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad story, I feel like it was a lot going on in such a short read, problems just kept popping up, and I was hoping to see something happen with the little neighbor girl. Being left home alone at 6, her mom being with shady people and up and leaving all the time? How was that just kind of forgotten about?
I’d be curious to see who’s next, and I hope this is just the beginning for Otto and Greg, but I dunno if I’d continue the series based on this book. Glad it worked out for them though!
3 stars from me
July 23, 2019
I wanted so badly to love this story, but I couldn't get there. I really liked it, though. There were plenty of lovable parts, such as:
-Both characters, Greg and Otto were funny and kind
-Kittens, kites and a cute kid
-A very sweet first meeting
-Lots of fun jokes, lovely words and romance
To me, there was too much going on beside the long distance relationship with Greg and Otto. The thing with the ex brought a bit of thrill and drama, but the scene at the end seemed thrown in and unnecessary. I also felt weighted down by typos throughout the entire book that were very distracting.
I will say, because the characters were so fun and lovable, I am interested in reading the next book in this new series and seeing what kind of an adventure Elle Keaton will create.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
-Both characters, Greg and Otto were funny and kind
-Kittens, kites and a cute kid
-A very sweet first meeting
-Lots of fun jokes, lovely words and romance
To me, there was too much going on beside the long distance relationship with Greg and Otto. The thing with the ex brought a bit of thrill and drama, but the scene at the end seemed thrown in and unnecessary. I also felt weighted down by typos throughout the entire book that were very distracting.
I will say, because the characters were so fun and lovable, I am interested in reading the next book in this new series and seeing what kind of an adventure Elle Keaton will create.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
September 13, 2022
3 and 1/2 stars. I liked the book except for the whole crazy ex. It just didn’t make any sense after being divorced for several years. Other than that it was a good four star read for me. I especially loved Bruno and Bella.
August 20, 2019
Builds anticipation for a new series
Edit: I’m apparently really bad at adjectives late at night. Someday I’ll learn to wait for morning to review.
This was reallynice sweet, fun introduction to a new town and new men finding love. Otto is just a nice mild mannered, somewhat insecure guy although I can’t really remember him much from the Storm Season series. He’s also got an ex who doesn’t want to let go. Greg is a really nice guy too but with a sad history, rejected by his family for being gay. The storyline is wonderfully paced, not slow burn since the relationship starts as a hookup but their time between Otto’s trips back and forth to Skagit leaves room for a solid build-up.
The author knows how to build a cast and set the stage for the following books without taking focus from Greg and Otto. Everyone gets blended in organically, occupying roles around Otto’s and Greg’s businesses and as friends. The subplot about the ex adds touch of suspense. spicing up the plot without taking it over. I’ll be looking for the future installments.
Edit: I’m apparently really bad at adjectives late at night. Someday I’ll learn to wait for morning to review.
This was really
The author knows how to build a cast and set the stage for the following books without taking focus from Greg and Otto. Everyone gets blended in organically, occupying roles around Otto’s and Greg’s businesses and as friends. The subplot about the ex adds touch of suspense. spicing up the plot without taking it over. I’ll be looking for the future installments.
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June 13, 2022I loved the two main characters of Greg and Otto and of course the two kittens. I also liked that Elle Keaton didn't give the guys a lot of grief to overcome to be together, just a "mistake" that Otto made when he was 18 that couldn't take "no" for an answer, but it was short lived. I like my characters to have a fair chance. Most of the secondary characters were also well done. I didn't care much for Greg's neighbor and how she pushed her little daughter off on Greg but that didn't take anything away from Greg and Otto's budding relationship. I hope that Blaise and Jack get their own book next.
November 30, 2021
It felt like the evil ex situation was resolved a little quickly, but then again, , so I felt he got everything he so richly deserved. Greg and Otto are absolutely adorable and sexy a.f. together, another lovely couple from this author!
July 1, 2024
3.5 stars Otto and Greg were both sweet main caracters, I especially loved Greg. The small town setting was lovely. The kite descriptions were interesting, and I would've liked more info about Otto's business. It's a low angst romance. There's a bit of drama with Otto's stalking ex-boyfriend, and then Greg's sister appears out of nowhere. The kittens Bella and Bruno were adorable.
October 15, 2022
Sweet and light one, I enjoyed listening to it.
July 4, 2024
This was an odd book with lots of flaws right off the bat but for some again odd reason I enjoyed it the deeper I got into it. The last third of the story was messy like real life.
August 8, 2025
I liked the themes, but everything played out in an awkward and not entirely believable way.
November 26, 2019
I thought that this was a really cute insta-love story. I think Otto is the cutest thing ever and so funny. I really recommend this book. Cannot wait for more in the series. Very hot sexy times and no angst.
March 21, 2021
This was cute overall. I didn’t refresh myself with the blurb before reading, so the beginning made me wonder if there was some kind of paranormal theme going on. There wasn’t, it just read like something was coming. Otto and Greg met and got along really well, and I liked their relationship development. I did thing the situation with the ex was a bit weird with Otto not reporting or saying anything initially, but I guess sometimes things just happen that way. The resolution to the ex situation luckily happened quickly, but it also seemed to easy. There seemed to be a side story with the neighbors as well that sucked us in to wanting to know what was going on, but that kind of fell to the wayside and seemed to just get wrapped up in the epilogue as an after thought. I would’ve liked a little more with that.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this story. The characters were great, and I’d like to read more about some of the secondary characters in the book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
Overall, though, I enjoyed this story. The characters were great, and I’d like to read more about some of the secondary characters in the book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
July 26, 2019
This was a nice story about two nice guys who were both a bit lost but found their way to each other on a rainy night. I enjoyed watching this relationship grow, both Otto and Greg were sincere and mature and had been unlucky in love and life in different ways. I loved that Greg owns a kite shop, I’d love to visit one and fly a kite on a beautiful day.
I thought the story went off track a bit with Otto’s ex. There was also a dramatic episode towards the end with someone in Greg’s life that seemed unnecessary. I liked the story between the two men and all of this other stuff pulled me out of that.
Both Otto’s and Greg’s friends are interesting characters and it was good to see them have support from people who cared about them. There is a bit of insta-love but I felt like it was written in a believable way. I just really liked Otto and Greg.
ARC given by author in exchange for review
I thought the story went off track a bit with Otto’s ex. There was also a dramatic episode towards the end with someone in Greg’s life that seemed unnecessary. I liked the story between the two men and all of this other stuff pulled me out of that.
Both Otto’s and Greg’s friends are interesting characters and it was good to see them have support from people who cared about them. There is a bit of insta-love but I felt like it was written in a believable way. I just really liked Otto and Greg.
ARC given by author in exchange for review
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April 26, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/14/2022)! 🎁
February 21, 2023
Listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The book was narrated by Steve Balderson, a new to me narrator. He had a smooth and pleasant voice to listen to, made a good effort at keeping the two main characters Otto and Greg easy to tell apart. I would have wished him to put a little more energy and force into his voice at certain point in the book where the situations needed it. But over all he did a good job, very easy to listen to and spoke clearly and evenly. He gets a 4 ⭐️ review.
The story written by Elle Keaton, had a quite nice flow to it. Wished she had expanded the story a bit more, gone in more to the background stories of Otto and Greg, you didn’t really get to know them that well. It is a fast love story, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it insta love either. It’s more a go with the flow kinda love I guess you could say.
I quite liked it, it was a sweet story about second chances at love and family, healing and confronting past hurts and settle other to permanent rest.
It’s a story that covers a lot, in a hurried but at the same time unhurried way.
I wished the book was a bit longer, so that the author had a bit more space to evolve more of Otto and Greg’s back stories so you had gotten to know them more. I also would wish for a short after story about how they are maybe 2-5 years after this story ended. Did they start a family or get married?
Don’t know if this review is any good, but I definitely think if you like sweet and second chances at love type of stories definitely give this book a go 😊
Story gets a 4 ⭐️ star review as well because I though it was sweet and a good read.
The book was narrated by Steve Balderson, a new to me narrator. He had a smooth and pleasant voice to listen to, made a good effort at keeping the two main characters Otto and Greg easy to tell apart. I would have wished him to put a little more energy and force into his voice at certain point in the book where the situations needed it. But over all he did a good job, very easy to listen to and spoke clearly and evenly. He gets a 4 ⭐️ review.
The story written by Elle Keaton, had a quite nice flow to it. Wished she had expanded the story a bit more, gone in more to the background stories of Otto and Greg, you didn’t really get to know them that well. It is a fast love story, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it insta love either. It’s more a go with the flow kinda love I guess you could say.
I quite liked it, it was a sweet story about second chances at love and family, healing and confronting past hurts and settle other to permanent rest.
It’s a story that covers a lot, in a hurried but at the same time unhurried way.
I wished the book was a bit longer, so that the author had a bit more space to evolve more of Otto and Greg’s back stories so you had gotten to know them more. I also would wish for a short after story about how they are maybe 2-5 years after this story ended. Did they start a family or get married?
Don’t know if this review is any good, but I definitely think if you like sweet and second chances at love type of stories definitely give this book a go 😊
Story gets a 4 ⭐️ star review as well because I though it was sweet and a good read.
September 19, 2025
I read this AUDIOBOOK and was super disappointed in the narration. My impression of the narrator is that (a) this was his first read-through of the story and (b) he considered his audience to have a comprehension level of no higher than third grade. His tone did not convey excitement or romance or introspection or any of the emotions the characters were obviously feeling. If an author says something like: George said "You bet!" excitedly, then the narrator should put excitement into their tone of voice. Obviously, that's just an example, not a part of the story, but TBH, I need to document this so I remember when someone recommends a story that this narrator has done in audio, my answer will be an unequivocal No.
That being said, the story was so-so. Nothing remarkable to remember or jot down in a review. And note to self: I finished yesterday and already don't remember the characters names so... Not gonna reread, or relisten in future. That's pretty much my qualifier for a 2 star rating.
That being said, the story was so-so. Nothing remarkable to remember or jot down in a review. And note to self: I finished yesterday and already don't remember the characters names so... Not gonna reread, or relisten in future. That's pretty much my qualifier for a 2 star rating.
March 5, 2020
A cute story about a m/m romance between a kite store owner (Greg) and a sex shop owner (Otto). Angst is provided by Otto's stalker of an ex-husband and Greg's family's homophobia. Overall, this novel is of average quality for the m/m genre.
A major problem that I had with this story, one I've seen in other romance novels, is that the author clearly does not know how the male orgasm works, even if we allow for euphemism and artistic wording. Testicles do not get "full" of semen or even contain semen at all. A romance novel is not the place to discuss such things as the seminal vesicles' and the Cowper's glands' production of semen and how it is joined with the sperm, but at the very least the author ought to describe what a man ACTUALLY feels. So, no, testicles don't get heavy or full of semen during sex — the enlargement of the testicles is a typically-painful medical problem requiring prompt treatment.
A major problem that I had with this story, one I've seen in other romance novels, is that the author clearly does not know how the male orgasm works, even if we allow for euphemism and artistic wording. Testicles do not get "full" of semen or even contain semen at all. A romance novel is not the place to discuss such things as the seminal vesicles' and the Cowper's glands' production of semen and how it is joined with the sperm, but at the very least the author ought to describe what a man ACTUALLY feels. So, no, testicles don't get heavy or full of semen during sex — the enlargement of the testicles is a typically-painful medical problem requiring prompt treatment.
January 16, 2023
Wonderful!!
I, quite frankly, had no choice other than to fall in love with Otto and Greg! Like two old friends, they took up residence in my heart and refused to be evicted. This story is so sweet and adorable that I wish there were ten more chapters.
Sure, there’s angst. Everyone has it. Yet, this story seemed to have a calmer sort of angst. As if controlled rather than being a huge specter in the story. Make no mistake, it’s there, it’s simply handled very well by the author. I am not very happy with stories that are extremely angsty. There IS such a thing as too much. This is a romance after all, not an historical novel about a civil war.
The author has done a marvellous job with the characters and it’s as if I were looking in on the lives of real people. To be honest I read the entire book in one sitting! Indeed, it touched me that deeply.
Thank you Ms Keaton for such a wonderful story! Brava!!
I, quite frankly, had no choice other than to fall in love with Otto and Greg! Like two old friends, they took up residence in my heart and refused to be evicted. This story is so sweet and adorable that I wish there were ten more chapters.
Sure, there’s angst. Everyone has it. Yet, this story seemed to have a calmer sort of angst. As if controlled rather than being a huge specter in the story. Make no mistake, it’s there, it’s simply handled very well by the author. I am not very happy with stories that are extremely angsty. There IS such a thing as too much. This is a romance after all, not an historical novel about a civil war.
The author has done a marvellous job with the characters and it’s as if I were looking in on the lives of real people. To be honest I read the entire book in one sitting! Indeed, it touched me that deeply.
Thank you Ms Keaton for such a wonderful story! Brava!!
April 1, 2020
4.5 rounded to 5.
This book hit all my mushy feels in a good way.
Otto and Greg share an instant connection that morphs into something that neither of them expected for themselves. Both are sweet, kind men who can’t believe how lucky they are to find the other and therefore have trouble trusting their good fortune. What’s not to love about that?
What angst exists is supplied by two subplots: Otto’s got a stalker-ex whose creepy behavior escalates throughout the book, while Greg finds himself forced into dealing with family issues he thought he had left behind years before. Neither situation overwhelms the romance; instead, they just reinforce how good these two are for each other. Otto and Greg just fit together.
By the end of the book, I wanted to move to Westfort and befriend all of them: Otto, Greg, Blaine, Dante….can’t wait for the next in the series.
This book hit all my mushy feels in a good way.
Otto and Greg share an instant connection that morphs into something that neither of them expected for themselves. Both are sweet, kind men who can’t believe how lucky they are to find the other and therefore have trouble trusting their good fortune. What’s not to love about that?
What angst exists is supplied by two subplots: Otto’s got a stalker-ex whose creepy behavior escalates throughout the book, while Greg finds himself forced into dealing with family issues he thought he had left behind years before. Neither situation overwhelms the romance; instead, they just reinforce how good these two are for each other. Otto and Greg just fit together.
By the end of the book, I wanted to move to Westfort and befriend all of them: Otto, Greg, Blaine, Dante….can’t wait for the next in the series.
April 19, 2020
Great start to a new series
Otto was in a horrific accident and it opened his eyes to the way he was living his life, or rather how he hasn't been living, simply existing.
Greg sees Otto in distress and immediately offers his assistance because that's the kind of guy he is, always willing to lend a helping hand.
An immediate spark between them leads to a
combustible weekend spent together.
Reality soon intrudes and their living distance soon poses a problem.
Not to mention the fact that there's an element of danger and suspense surrounding Otto because he's the object of someone's unwanted affections.
Both men are dealing with a wealth if insecurities due to past trauma.
It was wonderful to see their love grow stronger and develop despite outside forces conspiring against them.
Otto was in a horrific accident and it opened his eyes to the way he was living his life, or rather how he hasn't been living, simply existing.
Greg sees Otto in distress and immediately offers his assistance because that's the kind of guy he is, always willing to lend a helping hand.
An immediate spark between them leads to a
combustible weekend spent together.
Reality soon intrudes and their living distance soon poses a problem.
Not to mention the fact that there's an element of danger and suspense surrounding Otto because he's the object of someone's unwanted affections.
Both men are dealing with a wealth if insecurities due to past trauma.
It was wonderful to see their love grow stronger and develop despite outside forces conspiring against them.
August 25, 2023
If I had to sum this up in one word I'd probably say sweet. Otto and Greg had some nice chemistry together and there were some sweet bits to the story. Was it edge of my seat reading? No not really. Everything about it was fine but it didn't blow me away like some other Elle Keaton stories I've read. Otto was a bit of an interesting mix to start with but actually seemed to get more indecisive as time passed. Greg was such a sweetheart but again the 'drama' he faced over his family didn't really strike me as a completely realistic way things would have gone. I liked the pair of them together, I think the world building has potential and the MM romance is still a good read. There were also some interesting secondary characters who could very easily have their own stories too. Overall though, it's just not my favourite read by this author.
December 14, 2023
I liked Greg and Otto and their semi-cute meet in the pouring rain. Of course they run into each other in the bar and they finally recognize each other without Greg being in his rain gear. I liked how they got together and spent a wonderful weekend together but sorry that Otto was being stalked by his ex. He should have reported him long before he did but he had a hard time admitting that he had made such a terrible mistake when he married Michael but at least he got away. Greg had been rejected by his parents and his sister and it was disgusting when their parents' will was read and he was disowned if he didn't change his ways. I loved how Otto was helping Greg feel good about himself and thrilled that Otto moved to Westfort and loved how the kittens became so important to them. This was a feel good romance.
September 16, 2025
a. the reader really makes a difference. This one was not good. Halting sentences, breaks that were confusing and the main character's name, Otto, sometime being pronounced "auto". I will consciously avoid Steve Balderson in the future.
b. This is an author I generally like, but clearly this is an early books. She has grown in skill and I think gotten a new editor. For example, there was so much repetition in the beginning about the near miss car accident and how lucky Otto was to be alive, that I really thought he would turn out to be a ghost at the end. Also too many subplots that really were unecessary. The sister's rejection and then repentance, which came pretty quickly.
While I will continue to read her new books, for example, the Veiled Intentions series, which I really enjoyed, I don't think that I will look in the to the back list again.
b. This is an author I generally like, but clearly this is an early books. She has grown in skill and I think gotten a new editor. For example, there was so much repetition in the beginning about the near miss car accident and how lucky Otto was to be alive, that I really thought he would turn out to be a ghost at the end. Also too many subplots that really were unecessary. The sister's rejection and then repentance, which came pretty quickly.
While I will continue to read her new books, for example, the Veiled Intentions series, which I really enjoyed, I don't think that I will look in the to the back list again.
October 20, 2022
4.5 stars 🎧Narrated by Steve Balderson
Steve Balderson was the first-time narrator for me with this audiobook. The narrative story includes both character point of view with a slight difference in a switch in character. At times I was laughing at Otto and Greg's antics which the narrator does well.
Otto was travelling out of town for a weekend on a stormy night and crashed his car. A stranger arrives and helps to push his car out and leaves.
Greg rescues a man on the side of the road and later re-meets Otto at the bar.
Together they form a friendship with hot sexy nights that burn up the sheets. Greg has dyslexia, but that doesn't stop him from being in business with a kite shop. Greg's story is a mix of emotions I felt for him, especially in his family situation. Unfortunately, his sister doesn't make it any easier for him either.
Once married, Otto still has trouble with Michael harassing him with text messages imploding into more.
They had a great first meeting, and their second is even better.🔥 A four-day weekend leads to a happy ever after, but not without its dramas from an Ex.
I loved the narrative on this as Steve brings Elle Keaton's book to life. I'll be looking out for more from this narrator. A fantastic start to a new series to dive into for me, an oldie but a goodie.
Steve Balderson was the first-time narrator for me with this audiobook. The narrative story includes both character point of view with a slight difference in a switch in character. At times I was laughing at Otto and Greg's antics which the narrator does well.
Otto was travelling out of town for a weekend on a stormy night and crashed his car. A stranger arrives and helps to push his car out and leaves.
Greg rescues a man on the side of the road and later re-meets Otto at the bar.
Together they form a friendship with hot sexy nights that burn up the sheets. Greg has dyslexia, but that doesn't stop him from being in business with a kite shop. Greg's story is a mix of emotions I felt for him, especially in his family situation. Unfortunately, his sister doesn't make it any easier for him either.
Once married, Otto still has trouble with Michael harassing him with text messages imploding into more.
They had a great first meeting, and their second is even better.🔥 A four-day weekend leads to a happy ever after, but not without its dramas from an Ex.
I loved the narrative on this as Steve brings Elle Keaton's book to life. I'll be looking out for more from this narrator. A fantastic start to a new series to dive into for me, an oldie but a goodie.
October 22, 2021
As usual, Elle Keaton's stories depict the Pacific Northwest in all it's glory. So many elements of the story showcase the unique nature of the environment. This environment can be a bit treacherous sometimes which is what brings Otto and Greg together.
The romance and the main character's personal lives both have some angst. The characters were interesting to get to know, and the romance develops as expected.
The narrator had pauses that didn't seem natural, but the overall read/listen was decent.
The romance and the main character's personal lives both have some angst. The characters were interesting to get to know, and the romance develops as expected.
The narrator had pauses that didn't seem natural, but the overall read/listen was decent.
February 23, 2023
Trusting the Elements
This was a sweet story about two men who meet by accident, literally. Greg owns a kite store and Otto has come to town for a business opportunity. Greg rescues Otto on a dark and rainy night, and they are drawn to each other. I really enjoyed their growing relationship, and they went through some hard times individually, but it didn’t affect their love. Add in a couple of kittens and cute neighbors, plus several friends, and this is a satisfying story with a HEA.
This was a sweet story about two men who meet by accident, literally. Greg owns a kite store and Otto has come to town for a business opportunity. Greg rescues Otto on a dark and rainy night, and they are drawn to each other. I really enjoyed their growing relationship, and they went through some hard times individually, but it didn’t affect their love. Add in a couple of kittens and cute neighbors, plus several friends, and this is a satisfying story with a HEA.
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