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Catalina Dreams #1
Moored Heart
When retired homicide detective Jason Winters moves to Catalina Island fresh off a divorce, he’s ready to start a new life.
Jason’s plan is simple: hang out on his small yacht, work on his book, and get his dick wet once in a while. There are plenty of hot women on the beach to choose from.
There are also a lot of men throwing him winks and calling him “daddy.”
Jason can’t deny he’s thought about men, but that attraction is something he’s never had to confront before... until he meets Charlie.
Charlie is gorgeous and more than that, he makes Jason laugh. He’s also smart and genuinely kind.
Jason feels a zing around him he hasn’t felt in years.
Zing…
Charlie Benton likes his life. Sure, he works in a tourist trap shop, lives with his mom, and rarely bothers to leave tiny Catalina Island. But he’s got friends, he loves his town, and hot guys come in on boats all the time. Tourists always want to bang a cute townie.
But Charlie wants more.
Charlie wants the great gay romance.
Charlie did not expect true love to come in the form of Jason Winters.
Jason’s an injured, divorced cop from L.A. He’s got history and baggage. Even worse, he’s probably straight.
So much for the great gay romance.
The last thing Charlie needs in his life is to get his heart broken by a straight guy.
Too bad love never listens to reason... especially on Catalina Island.
Jason’s plan is simple: hang out on his small yacht, work on his book, and get his dick wet once in a while. There are plenty of hot women on the beach to choose from.
There are also a lot of men throwing him winks and calling him “daddy.”
Jason can’t deny he’s thought about men, but that attraction is something he’s never had to confront before... until he meets Charlie.
Charlie is gorgeous and more than that, he makes Jason laugh. He’s also smart and genuinely kind.
Jason feels a zing around him he hasn’t felt in years.
Zing…
Charlie Benton likes his life. Sure, he works in a tourist trap shop, lives with his mom, and rarely bothers to leave tiny Catalina Island. But he’s got friends, he loves his town, and hot guys come in on boats all the time. Tourists always want to bang a cute townie.
But Charlie wants more.
Charlie wants the great gay romance.
Charlie did not expect true love to come in the form of Jason Winters.
Jason’s an injured, divorced cop from L.A. He’s got history and baggage. Even worse, he’s probably straight.
So much for the great gay romance.
The last thing Charlie needs in his life is to get his heart broken by a straight guy.
Too bad love never listens to reason... especially on Catalina Island.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
46 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 5, 2020
I loved this book. I loved the location, Catalina Island. I loved Jason and Charlie. Jason is a retired cop. He’s super butch and attractive at 42. He thinks he’s straight. Charlie is 32 and and openly gay. Their love story is just so sweet. It is one of those books that just make you feel good.
July 20, 2020
4.5 Stars!
September 20, 2021
Just romance
This was a nice mental palate cleanser after a darker book. Not a huge age gap but I enjoyed the mature bi-awakening, maybe demisexual? There is no angst but there is a man being stupid but not for long and a nice epilogue. Sweet but not too sugary.
This was a nice mental palate cleanser after a darker book. Not a huge age gap but I enjoyed the mature bi-awakening, maybe demisexual? There is no angst but there is a man being stupid but not for long and a nice epilogue. Sweet but not too sugary.
October 27, 2020
Cute but silly. I recently read all 3 of the Catalina Dreams books by this author and I didn't review them quickly enough. I remember nothing but since I read all 3, I'm certain I mostly enjoyed it. There are a few scenes where Jason drinks too much and then drives his dinghy back to the yacth or his golf cart around and I did not enjoy that. He's actually stumbling drunk and drives a boat. I had a hard time not just DNFing at that point but decided to just ignore it. Not cool, Jason.
July 16, 2020
I received a free copy/ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have read several works from this author and, once again, they have delivered! Jason and Charlie's story was sweet, believable, and overall a really enjoyable read.
Jason, the ageing ex-detective turned author, escapes to the coast of Catalina Island for a fresh start. He gets more than he bargained for when he meets Charlie, a local romantic that leads Jason to discover more about himself and his bisexuality. Charlie was a delightful character that I couldn't help but root for the whole time. I especially loved his relationship with his mother and his best friend Andy. I actually loved Andy a lot, and could even see some sort of spin off Novella for him (maybe if I'm lucky). Together, Jason and Charlie build a sweet romance that's also speckled with hot passion (their first time on the yacht was perfectly hot).
The setting on Catalina Island was also really fun, and the little details the author included about the island made the story feel more genuine. While I wish the ending had spent some more time with Jason's struggle to come out to both Alyssa, his ex, and Cal, his best friend, I think the story overall delivered a satisfying conclusion to Jason and Charlie's story.
As this is book one in the Catalina Dreams series, I look forward to seeing where I.M. Flippy goes next with these characters!
I have read several works from this author and, once again, they have delivered! Jason and Charlie's story was sweet, believable, and overall a really enjoyable read.
Jason, the ageing ex-detective turned author, escapes to the coast of Catalina Island for a fresh start. He gets more than he bargained for when he meets Charlie, a local romantic that leads Jason to discover more about himself and his bisexuality. Charlie was a delightful character that I couldn't help but root for the whole time. I especially loved his relationship with his mother and his best friend Andy. I actually loved Andy a lot, and could even see some sort of spin off Novella for him (maybe if I'm lucky). Together, Jason and Charlie build a sweet romance that's also speckled with hot passion (their first time on the yacht was perfectly hot).
The setting on Catalina Island was also really fun, and the little details the author included about the island made the story feel more genuine. While I wish the ending had spent some more time with Jason's struggle to come out to both Alyssa, his ex, and Cal, his best friend, I think the story overall delivered a satisfying conclusion to Jason and Charlie's story.
As this is book one in the Catalina Dreams series, I look forward to seeing where I.M. Flippy goes next with these characters!
July 16, 2020
This book was the perfect way to step away from worries of the world right now. I received Moored Heart as an advanced copy, and what a great way to spend a couple of days! It's a light-hearted read featuring two characters who are both likable. Flippy writes them in a way where it's easy to immediately want them to get together. I could not step away from this story - it was engaging and romantic! Jason has his own amount of hurt and baggage as a newcomer to Catalina Island on his yacht, and Charlie is the perfect sunshine for him. I loved them from their very first interaction. It was so much fun to read about Charlie gently teasing Jason, and how much Jason ate up that attention. The secondary characters were fantastic as well -- my favorites were Andy, who drove a pedal cab on the island and gave a befuddled Jason the "daddy" nickname, and Sandra, Charlie's eccentric and loving mother. I'm going to miss these characters, but I greatly look forward to the next book in the Catalina Island series!
July 16, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to give my honest opinion of it.
And it is so lovely! Honestly, in a time with so many horrible things happening it is so nice to sit down with an uncomplicated romance, where the stakes are no higher than if they will make it and get what they want and will Jason actually write the book he's been paid to write.
The characters are compelling, the setting honestly where I would rather be, and the story well written and - and I can not stress this enough - really what I needed right now.
And also, hot sex! If you're into two hot dudes getting it on...
To sum up: Good read, will probably revisit the story at a later date. Cannot recommend enough. Will definitely check out the authors other material :)
And it is so lovely! Honestly, in a time with so many horrible things happening it is so nice to sit down with an uncomplicated romance, where the stakes are no higher than if they will make it and get what they want and will Jason actually write the book he's been paid to write.
The characters are compelling, the setting honestly where I would rather be, and the story well written and - and I can not stress this enough - really what I needed right now.
And also, hot sex! If you're into two hot dudes getting it on...
To sum up: Good read, will probably revisit the story at a later date. Cannot recommend enough. Will definitely check out the authors other material :)
July 16, 2020
I received a free ARC for Moored Heart in exchange for an honest review, and I'm so happy I did because I truly couldn't put this book down! (or whatever the equivalent of that is for an e-book).
The writing is so engaging, you become invested in the story right away. The back and forth between Jason's and Charlie's points of view really makes you get a sense of these characters and root for them.
The progression in their relationship feels so organic, yet manages to surprise you.
There's an element of self-discovery and acceptance in this story that was quite heart-warming to read.
This is such a lovely story, and also funny! It had me laughing many, many times. It's definitely worth a read.
The writing is so engaging, you become invested in the story right away. The back and forth between Jason's and Charlie's points of view really makes you get a sense of these characters and root for them.
The progression in their relationship feels so organic, yet manages to surprise you.
There's an element of self-discovery and acceptance in this story that was quite heart-warming to read.
This is such a lovely story, and also funny! It had me laughing many, many times. It's definitely worth a read.
July 16, 2020
I.M. Flippy is truly excellent at writing sweet, light romances that make you feel like your entire heart is smiling and Moored Heart is no exception. Jason is an ex-detective who has retired to a yacht off Catalina Island to write a book about his experiences as an L.A. cop (cue the Don Johnson vibes). While Charlie is an island naive who works at a tourist trap shop, loves boba, and takes visitors on bike tours. Their dynamic is sweet and heartfelt and their journey to happiness and potential forever-yacht living is exactly what I needed to combat the covid blues. Plus, Charlie's mom is a kookie hippie who makes enormous blankets and thinks that Captain American should have married his best friend so really, what's not to like?
July 26, 2020
Bad 👎
I never even started as I was sorely put off by the authors negative comments about police, support of the movement that is infecting our country, turned me off, granted there are a few bad apples but to totally denigrate them and to never have another story about police puts me off. Obviously, it's my choice as it's your choice who you support.
I never even started as I was sorely put off by the authors negative comments about police, support of the movement that is infecting our country, turned me off, granted there are a few bad apples but to totally denigrate them and to never have another story about police puts me off. Obviously, it's my choice as it's your choice who you support.
September 14, 2020
OMG That Cover! And Lovely Story
You cannot imagine how hesitant I was to get this one because I was afraid the story would not reach the excitement level of that man on the cover. That would be Jason Winters, a retired 42-year-old detective who takes his pension and an advance to write a book to Catalina Island after he and his wife get an amicable divorce.
I needn't have worried. Even though Jason is somewhat confused and taken aback when early in the book one of the town's bike taxi guys Andy refers to him as "Daddy," it becomes clear that even though the next gay man he meets in town turns out to be so young looking that when they eventually become a couple, people apply that daddy-boy sobriquet. That isn't really accurate since that "boy" is 33-year-old Charlie Benton, a native of the island an a fixture among the whacky crowd that inhabits his world.
Plain and simple: This is a gay4you love story of s straight man who discovers his hidden bisexuality and an openly gay man who is tired of being hurt in romance. It seems that I have had a run on gay4you characters on my Kindle lately (I should read the blurbs more closely) and I rarely find them totally satisfying. This one, however, worked:
First because of that cover, OMG!
Second because of the plot line--you could see something will come to botch up this romance but where it comes from and when it happens is a surprise.
Third both characters are seriously well developed by author I.M. Flippy (seriously? that's her name?) who has a way with words and winks.
Two chapters of the sequel followed the end and I will possess it as soon as it comes out. Nice, and really 4 1/2 stars.
You cannot imagine how hesitant I was to get this one because I was afraid the story would not reach the excitement level of that man on the cover. That would be Jason Winters, a retired 42-year-old detective who takes his pension and an advance to write a book to Catalina Island after he and his wife get an amicable divorce.
I needn't have worried. Even though Jason is somewhat confused and taken aback when early in the book one of the town's bike taxi guys Andy refers to him as "Daddy," it becomes clear that even though the next gay man he meets in town turns out to be so young looking that when they eventually become a couple, people apply that daddy-boy sobriquet. That isn't really accurate since that "boy" is 33-year-old Charlie Benton, a native of the island an a fixture among the whacky crowd that inhabits his world.
Plain and simple: This is a gay4you love story of s straight man who discovers his hidden bisexuality and an openly gay man who is tired of being hurt in romance. It seems that I have had a run on gay4you characters on my Kindle lately (I should read the blurbs more closely) and I rarely find them totally satisfying. This one, however, worked:
First because of that cover, OMG!
Second because of the plot line--you could see something will come to botch up this romance but where it comes from and when it happens is a surprise.
Third both characters are seriously well developed by author I.M. Flippy (seriously? that's her name?) who has a way with words and winks.
Two chapters of the sequel followed the end and I will possess it as soon as it comes out. Nice, and really 4 1/2 stars.
August 3, 2020
The book was okay. It felt a little rushed and off. Some of the emotions didn’t feel authentic to the characters. But it was overall a pleasant story.
But the author’s note about disliking the police made me not want to read the book. To me, it’s just pretty much saying police lives do not matter. How can you support a movement called Black Lives Matter, yet so callously paint an entire group of people with one hateful brush just because of their career and clearly not believe their lives matter, too? It’s like saying all people are bad just because some are. That’s ridiculous. I can bet if the author was in trouble and needed the police, she wouldn’t hesitate to call them then.
The only reason I did read this book was because I agreed to read an ARC. I did not let the negative author’s note affect my review of the book, but I don’t think I’ll be voluntarily buying any of her books. I’m even a bit bummed I won’t get to read a story about Andy if there is going to be one, but I won’t support hatred.
But the author’s note about disliking the police made me not want to read the book. To me, it’s just pretty much saying police lives do not matter. How can you support a movement called Black Lives Matter, yet so callously paint an entire group of people with one hateful brush just because of their career and clearly not believe their lives matter, too? It’s like saying all people are bad just because some are. That’s ridiculous. I can bet if the author was in trouble and needed the police, she wouldn’t hesitate to call them then.
The only reason I did read this book was because I agreed to read an ARC. I did not let the negative author’s note affect my review of the book, but I don’t think I’ll be voluntarily buying any of her books. I’m even a bit bummed I won’t get to read a story about Andy if there is going to be one, but I won’t support hatred.
August 20, 2020
Jason and Charlie had an interesting connection right from the start and I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another. While Jason's lust was a bit of a surprise for him, Charlie's was present right from the start. Getting them on the same page didn't take as long as I thought it would and seeing Jason's cute and sweet moments paralleling that more intense chemistry was a good change of pace from other stories with a similar plot.
The confrontation and conflict was definitely predictable, but I don't really feel it was unjustified from either Jason or Charlie's perspectives. Seeing the heartache on both sides being very different but no less real was also a wonderful surprise because there was a vulnerability on Jason's and a maturity on Charlie's that was the real gem during the reconciliation. That was actually my favorite part of the story, the emotive and honest confession from Jason, the level-headed and understanding preface from Charlie, those were the kinds of words that I always hope to see in so many stories where hurtful reactions cause the biggest trouble.
While I do wish there were more of a connection between me and the men individually and that Jason's ex wasn't so unapologetically pushy more often than not, I liked the overall flow of the story and the men's evolutions both on their own and together. Jason was the more interesting character and remained so for the entirety, but I liked Charlie for him. So overall I was happily surprised and even though I choose not to continue the series, this was an enjoyable story on its own.
And on a side note, I agree with other reviewers about the author's note putting them off. It did for me as well. Let's be honest here, the whole world needs a serious "come to Jesus" smack down with all the hate and violence and disgust being tossed around as if that's okay. Racism is absolutely real and completely wrong. Racial profiling is absolutely real and completely wrong. I'm totally fine with authors deciding not to write law enforcement characters into their story, but to preface this particular story as they did was...out of place. They should make their rant and decision somewhere on their personal or author forums and not in a book where their MC as a police detective had nothing to do with anything regarding the movement, no questionable actions of any kind while on the force regarding this issue in this story, and not at the very outset of a story where it wasn't truly relevant thus coloring the reader against the character before even meeting them. Justifiable choice going forward, but not the best place to declare it. Jason was a good man, a good detective, and that was tainted by how the author chose to voice their political opinion.
The confrontation and conflict was definitely predictable, but I don't really feel it was unjustified from either Jason or Charlie's perspectives. Seeing the heartache on both sides being very different but no less real was also a wonderful surprise because there was a vulnerability on Jason's and a maturity on Charlie's that was the real gem during the reconciliation. That was actually my favorite part of the story, the emotive and honest confession from Jason, the level-headed and understanding preface from Charlie, those were the kinds of words that I always hope to see in so many stories where hurtful reactions cause the biggest trouble.
While I do wish there were more of a connection between me and the men individually and that Jason's ex wasn't so unapologetically pushy more often than not, I liked the overall flow of the story and the men's evolutions both on their own and together. Jason was the more interesting character and remained so for the entirety, but I liked Charlie for him. So overall I was happily surprised and even though I choose not to continue the series, this was an enjoyable story on its own.
And on a side note, I agree with other reviewers about the author's note putting them off. It did for me as well. Let's be honest here, the whole world needs a serious "come to Jesus" smack down with all the hate and violence and disgust being tossed around as if that's okay. Racism is absolutely real and completely wrong. Racial profiling is absolutely real and completely wrong. I'm totally fine with authors deciding not to write law enforcement characters into their story, but to preface this particular story as they did was...out of place. They should make their rant and decision somewhere on their personal or author forums and not in a book where their MC as a police detective had nothing to do with anything regarding the movement, no questionable actions of any kind while on the force regarding this issue in this story, and not at the very outset of a story where it wasn't truly relevant thus coloring the reader against the character before even meeting them. Justifiable choice going forward, but not the best place to declare it. Jason was a good man, a good detective, and that was tainted by how the author chose to voice their political opinion.
August 8, 2020
This was the perfect book to read on my first day of vacation. It was fun, it was sweet, it was heart-warming and it made me smile fondly as I read it.
I was immidiately drawn in by the plot and the book. The way the characters are written makes them feel so real, and interesting, and I honestly wish I knew all of them in real life. (My favorite has to be Charlie's mom the Stucky shipper, she is way cooler than I will ever be).
I loved Jason's and Charlie's interactions from their first meeting and forward - I really liked the way they talked to each other and could make each other laugh. I could feel that first "zing" between them coming off the pages. Actually, I liked the way ALL the characters was talking to each other - there were wonderful conversations and interactions happening ALL OVER in this book; between Charlie and his mother, and Charlie and Andy, just to mention a few ... (I also feel like I have to add that everyone needs a friend like Andy).
Jason and Charlie grew closer in a way that felt true, and that had me rooting for the two of them. Never once was I the slightest uncomfortable reading this - it was a fun read which I enjoyed immensely. I also have a thing for the small Realizations people experience, and this book was full of them, resulting in a very satisfying read.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this, and now you'll have to excuse me while I google what the hell a Boba is ... :p
I was immidiately drawn in by the plot and the book. The way the characters are written makes them feel so real, and interesting, and I honestly wish I knew all of them in real life. (My favorite has to be Charlie's mom the Stucky shipper, she is way cooler than I will ever be).
I loved Jason's and Charlie's interactions from their first meeting and forward - I really liked the way they talked to each other and could make each other laugh. I could feel that first "zing" between them coming off the pages. Actually, I liked the way ALL the characters was talking to each other - there were wonderful conversations and interactions happening ALL OVER in this book; between Charlie and his mother, and Charlie and Andy, just to mention a few ... (I also feel like I have to add that everyone needs a friend like Andy).
Jason and Charlie grew closer in a way that felt true, and that had me rooting for the two of them. Never once was I the slightest uncomfortable reading this - it was a fun read which I enjoyed immensely. I also have a thing for the small Realizations people experience, and this book was full of them, resulting in a very satisfying read.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this, and now you'll have to excuse me while I google what the hell a Boba is ... :p
August 16, 2020
This book is all beaches, warm sand and blue ocean waves, quaint shops, cute places to eat, built into a picturesque hillside, and the tropical sounds and colors of tourists and locals and of course the beautiful boats, like our MC Jason’s yacht. The best part of this book is the setting - the author does an amazing job bringing tiny Catalina Island to life around you so you feel immersed, engrossed and relaxed. It’s the perfect place for 42-year-old Jason and 30+year old Charlie to improbably but wonderfully fall in love.
Jason is a newly divorced, retired LAPD detective who was injured after being shot, and has now left it all behind to come to Catalina Island and start over. He is now living on a small, old yacht moored off the coastal town. Charlie is a local, working in his mother’s tourist shop, and he’s craving a relationship but the pickings are slim on the island where Charlie knows everyone already and has exhausted his options. Enter Jason, older, sexy and “new”, but also, purportedly straight. This is a light, fluffy, age/gap, Gay awakening/GFY romance that is well-written and will leave you smiling. Perfect for a quick read, or if you want to remember what it’s like to be on an island vacation while being in love.
Jason is a newly divorced, retired LAPD detective who was injured after being shot, and has now left it all behind to come to Catalina Island and start over. He is now living on a small, old yacht moored off the coastal town. Charlie is a local, working in his mother’s tourist shop, and he’s craving a relationship but the pickings are slim on the island where Charlie knows everyone already and has exhausted his options. Enter Jason, older, sexy and “new”, but also, purportedly straight. This is a light, fluffy, age/gap, Gay awakening/GFY romance that is well-written and will leave you smiling. Perfect for a quick read, or if you want to remember what it’s like to be on an island vacation while being in love.
August 20, 2020
Amazon
Jason has taken off to Catalina to start over after having been injured on the job. He's divorced now, living on a boat, and trying to write. Then he meets a funny, delightful younger guy named Charlie, who recommends boba to him. What? No matter, he decides he is going to enjoy Catalina if all the residents are like his new friend.
But Charlie can be more than a friend once Jason starts to realize his newly realized sexuality, his new feelings. Now he just has to come to terms with this shift, make sure he doesn't break Charlie's heart as he comes to terms, and then they can get to the HEA they both deserve.
This is a sweet, heartfelt story with two adorable guys, more than their fair share of chemistry, and a wonderful secondary cast. Can't wait for more from Catalina!
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
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July 30, 2020
💕Opposites attract on🌅 Catalina Island: New lifestyle for an "old" cop
👬Good, quick, largely angst-free MM romance with a touristy, sunny setting. The guys are from widely different backgrounds but connect quickly. The story keeps things moving at a good pace with a bit of drama to stir things up. I enjoyed it😊.
Retired and injured cop Jason is in a transition period in his life and, after spotting upbeat islander Charlie, his transition takes a new turn. First time thinking seriously about a guy? Where better than on an island where no one really knows him and people come and go like ships in the night.
Charlie's been a bit sheltered from the harder edges of life by an adoring mother and a tight community of friends. He's twelve years younger than Jason but out and proud and eager to become Jason's guide around the island. Their casual friendship gets 💦steamy in the blink of an eye😉.
Interesting setting, likable leads, cute Insta-romance with heat, brief angst: good formula for a summer romance and I even learned a few facts about Catalina!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👬Good, quick, largely angst-free MM romance with a touristy, sunny setting. The guys are from widely different backgrounds but connect quickly. The story keeps things moving at a good pace with a bit of drama to stir things up. I enjoyed it😊.
Retired and injured cop Jason is in a transition period in his life and, after spotting upbeat islander Charlie, his transition takes a new turn. First time thinking seriously about a guy? Where better than on an island where no one really knows him and people come and go like ships in the night.
Charlie's been a bit sheltered from the harder edges of life by an adoring mother and a tight community of friends. He's twelve years younger than Jason but out and proud and eager to become Jason's guide around the island. Their casual friendship gets 💦steamy in the blink of an eye😉.
Interesting setting, likable leads, cute Insta-romance with heat, brief angst: good formula for a summer romance and I even learned a few facts about Catalina!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 16, 2020
Flippy did it again with this one. Sweet, fluffy, charming, just enough substance to it to get you in there, and a lovely romance with none of the aggravating tropes that often comes with. I don't think I've ever taken more than a couple days to finish one of her books because they're just so fantastically paced and leave you wanting more at every step, and this one was no exception.
The fact that Jason is on the older side for a typical romance is refreshing to read, too, especially with his being newly disabled and having to navigate that struggle. And throwing in a bi-awakening on top of all that? I love it.
I received an advance copy for an honest review. so with that in mind, here's some negatives:
nope, there's nothing. what I can say is it's so fast-paced at times it felt like it was skating across the surface where it could've delved deeper, but honestly this book is all about falling in love fast so fast it gives you a bit of an identity crisis, so any slower pacing would have honestly felt strange. This book was an absolute joy to read.
The fact that Jason is on the older side for a typical romance is refreshing to read, too, especially with his being newly disabled and having to navigate that struggle. And throwing in a bi-awakening on top of all that? I love it.
I received an advance copy for an honest review. so with that in mind, here's some negatives:
nope, there's nothing. what I can say is it's so fast-paced at times it felt like it was skating across the surface where it could've delved deeper, but honestly this book is all about falling in love fast so fast it gives you a bit of an identity crisis, so any slower pacing would have honestly felt strange. This book was an absolute joy to read.
August 20, 2020
I found this book to be as charming as it’s two main characters were. Here was Jason, tough ex cop, trying to come to terms with his life and career changing injuries. He’s started a new phase in life, and finds out his sexuality is not as clear cut as he’s always believed. Meeting Charlie changed everything, and once again he found himself adjusting to another new twist in life. Charlie was an incredibly likable person. I can easily imagine being friends with him. They both felt the connection and saw how they were just naturally drawn to each other, so they decided to give it a go. See what happens.
This is the first book I’ve read by I.M. Flippy. Her writing skills are top notch. I was engrossed in their story, lost in the flow of the words. She created a world that I would love to live in, myself. The neighbors are great, the shopping is fun, and there's plenty to do! I can’t wait to read more in this series.
***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This is the first book I’ve read by I.M. Flippy. Her writing skills are top notch. I was engrossed in their story, lost in the flow of the words. She created a world that I would love to live in, myself. The neighbors are great, the shopping is fun, and there's plenty to do! I can’t wait to read more in this series.
***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
July 16, 2020
I got the chance to receive Moored Heart as an advanced copy prior to its publishing date in exchange for an honest review. Since I've read a few of Flippy's books in the past, I was already expecting that I'd be in for a good time. Moored Heart is no exception to that. It's a lighthearted and fun read that makes you forget a little about everything that's going on in the world right now. Set on Catalina Island it definitely gave me the summer setting I was lacking since spending the last weeks mostly at home. Charlie and Jason, the two main characters, are absolutely lovable and I was rooting for them since their first meeting. But even the other characters in the book are all quirky in their own ways and offer something to the story. It's a perfect love story to read on an otherwise dull afternoon, it will surely brighten up the day! I'm very much looking forward to the next book by Flippy!
July 28, 2020
This book was good. Jason is a retired homicide detective who has decided to leave everything behind and live on a yacht in Catalina Island. He doesn't really know what he is doing with his life except attempting to write a book. Charlie is a native to the Island who befriends Jason and tried to introduce him to Island life. Jason is a bit confused and wonders why he should be finding Charlie quite so interesting. All he wanted from retirement was to spend time with the ladies, right?
This is a book about a character who realized that he has never really been as straight as he thought but what with his old colleagues and family he never really had a chance to be anything else. It is well written and a quick read. I enjoyed some of the side characters very much and hope Andy gets his own story eventually.
This is a book about a character who realized that he has never really been as straight as he thought but what with his old colleagues and family he never really had a chance to be anything else. It is well written and a quick read. I enjoyed some of the side characters very much and hope Andy gets his own story eventually.
August 16, 2020
I was looking forward to reading this book but unfortunately it is only an okay read for me. Overall I like the characters, the storyline is intriguing and I love the setting but it never really worked for me as it felt very rushed and the writing style is also a bit off-putting at times. Jason and Charlie don't really make sense as a couple to me and it has nothing to do with their age difference or their very disparate backgrounds but more due to their lack of a true connection. Charlie's mom is amazing and she is my favorite part of this story. The other secondary characters are great as well and I hope Andy gets his own story soon. I was very surprised by the author's negativity toward the police in her note at the the beginning of the book and even though it bothered me a lot I tried to give this story a chance.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 11, 2020
The one good thing I will give this book is that I didn't spot any typos or grammatical errors. Nice. The bad thing is that this book is completely forgettable. The only angst happens over about two pages, just a brief misunderstanding. Things happened way too quickly and at the end of 6 months, a happily ever after that was so unbelievable, I was motivated to write this review. My other complaint about MM romances in general is the prevalence of sex which I believe if there isn't a slow-build, stops the forward movement of the plot (pause here for sex scene) and fills up pages because the writer doesn't really have anything to say.
Will I read this again? No. Can I recommend this book? No. There are so many better books out there. Check out some of my favorites like TJ Klune or Mary Calmes "The Frog", or how about Latakia by JF Smith.
Will I read this again? No. Can I recommend this book? No. There are so many better books out there. Check out some of my favorites like TJ Klune or Mary Calmes "The Frog", or how about Latakia by JF Smith.
August 16, 2020
I really honestly enjoyed this story!! I.M. Flippy is a new to me author. Jason is a retired police detective who was shot in the line of duty. He’s recently divorced and has moved to Catalina Island to write a novel while living on a yacht. He meets Charlie one morning while he’s out getting coffee. Charlie still lives at home and works in a tourist trap. Charlie is beautiful and kind, makes Jason laugh. Jason starts to feel an attraction for Charlie, but he’s straight. The story was well written and had great side characters. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It was short, but very sweet. Both Charlie and Jason were adorable together. There wasn't a great deal of back story about either them, but I found that I really didn't mind that. I knew enough, by the the time I got to the guys' HEA. It was simply a feel good read, a low angst story about one uptight guy, who has learned to sublimate his emotions, because he thinks it's unacceptable, and another guy who's an open book. Jason and Charlie complemented each other perfectly. The simplicity of the story was perfect. A nicely written, up lifting story, which made me smile.
November 4, 2020
A character based story which is nit my favourite, I like to have a mystery or a murder involved :)!
However, it was easy reading, with a young at heart Charlie living his carefree island life and a slightly older Jason, trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to escape all his cares and troubles.
Charlie does win Jason over, who has some trouble initially accepting his bisexuality but then he leapt in, until he hung Charlie out to dry.
Some bits seemed a bit simple or unrealistic but as a story, it was fairly unobjectionable.
However, it was easy reading, with a young at heart Charlie living his carefree island life and a slightly older Jason, trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to escape all his cares and troubles.
Charlie does win Jason over, who has some trouble initially accepting his bisexuality but then he leapt in, until he hung Charlie out to dry.
Some bits seemed a bit simple or unrealistic but as a story, it was fairly unobjectionable.
August 18, 2020
Sweet, heartfelt romance
From their first meeting Charlie and Jason are magnetic. There is just something about the way they interact that just fits. So even though Jason protests he is straight, it isn’t hard to see them falling in love and enjoying all the things new lovers get to experience. This book is a very light read with just a little angst and drama added at the end to spice it up. All in all it was enjoyable to read.
From their first meeting Charlie and Jason are magnetic. There is just something about the way they interact that just fits. So even though Jason protests he is straight, it isn’t hard to see them falling in love and enjoying all the things new lovers get to experience. This book is a very light read with just a little angst and drama added at the end to spice it up. All in all it was enjoyable to read.
August 19, 2020
This I knew would be good for me, it had several things I love:- straight to gay, older hunky man, almost twink - actually an otter, and not too much angst- although there was one heartbreaking moment. This was sweet and funny and rather touching, a lovely easy read. Both Jason and Charlie were likeable mc’s, it was cute when Jason was puzzled over his attraction to Charlie. My first with this author but I’ve already downloaded the next in this series, I love the writing style.
August 20, 2020
I love stories about cops and when you combine that with story involving coming out and the hard character combined with one who radiates sunshine and I'm yours for the read. This book developed these characters and these themes in a completely charming manner. This had an "old fashioned romance" feel to it in all the best ways. The angst level was low and the romance was hot and sweet at the same time.
June 17, 2021
This is a great love story. It is kind of predictable but it is still good. Jason is a retired and recently divorced police officer. He moves to Catalina island to enjoy his retirement and write a book. He was also injured in the line of duty which led to his retirement. Charlie has lives on the island and runs a store with his mother. Jason and Charlie meet at a coffee shop and things go from there. But Jason has reservations about being bisexual. The trials of the first M/M love.
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