Lost And Found

Vanguard Towers #2

by Aiden Bates

I’m going to die on this cliff with only a bobcat kitten for company.

I’m sure of it until the hottest man I’ve ever seen swoops in and makes me leap.
Eli’s made for danger, and he dedicates his life to finding desperately stranded hikers like me.
He’s too perfect to be true.
I’ve fallen hard before and ended up bruised and battered.
I have to resist him.
Not easy when we’re stuck in a tiny tent waiting for rescue.
Somehow, I’m in even more trouble than before.

Can I rescue his heart?
I didn’t think my day would end stuck at the bottom of a cliff with a cute guy like Wyatt.
I’m not complaining.
But he’s fresh out of a relationship, and we’re in danger from the elements.
It’s not right time to even think about anything more than flirtation.
No matter how much I want to put my hands on his body.
By the time we’re safe I know Wyatt better than I know my brothers.
Can what we’ve developed survive outside the shelter of the forest?

Lost and Found is a 65,000 word standalone m/m romance featuring two guys on an adventure who find love along the way.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, M M Contemporary, LGBT, Contemporary, Audiobook, Forced Proximity

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[AngelFire · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 39%

Sidenote: I will call this out whenever I see it because it pisses me off. If a story contains a POC MC and they're obviously the one being depicted on the cover, authors should choose a cover model with the right ethnicity!! Eli being Latino is an important part of the story so choosing a cover model who's clearly a white dude isn't cool.

Anyway - onto what's more relevant: discussing the story.

Darn! I love wilderness survival stories where the two MCs spend the majority of the book together trying to survive but unfortunately, the author managed to make this intense survival story boring by focusing too much on instalust and not taking the survival aspects seriously.

I liked both Wyatt and Eli but the author established their attraction to each other as being purely physical, which irritated me. From the moment they meet, they're in one intense survival situation after another so you'd think sex and ogling each other would be their last priorities. Nope. Any space on the page that wasn't devoted to describing survival sequences had the MCs lusting after each other and angsting over their desire to have sexy times not being appropriate. Oh, but don't worry! That doesn't prevent them from having sex during their very first night together, despite them being crammed in a tiny tent with a large dog, a bobcat kitten and it being freezing cold and them only having one of those emergency foil blankets for cover.

There were a few nice bonding scenes between them, like when Wyatt used his vet tech skills to deal with a cut on Eli's head. But the majority of their interactions had them obsessing over how hot the other person was. An other issue was that many of their conversations involved talking about Eli's 7 brothers. Yes. Seven!! And we get details about every single one of them, despite none of that mattering in the story.

Not only did the author do a bad job of making the MCs bond, but the author's refusal to take the MCs physical situation seriously meant the whole survival aspect fell flat. It's clear that the author did do some research and does want readers to take the survival situation seriously because some details are solid (Eli has a water bottle containing a filter, his one-man tent is low to the ground which allows it to survive in high wind situations etc) but so many other details were blatantly incorrect. Examples:

+ Wyatt falls/slides down a cliff face, lands on a ledge and is there for 2 days with no food or water and it's constantly raining and cold. Yet he's completely coherent and physically fine when Eli shows up, except for being a bit chilled.

+ Wyatt and Eli both fall from the ledge and land in the river far below and are swept away by the current until they manage to get themselves out of the water. Asides from being uncomfortably wet and Eli getting a little cut on his head, they're both fine. It was at this point that I felt like I was watching a Saturday morning cartoon.

+ At no point does Eli mention feeding his search-and-rescue dog and Wyatt never mentions feeding the bobcat kitten, despite days going by.

+ The only food these guys have is a handful of powerbars and the author mentions that they start rationing them, but the severe food limitation has no impact on their ability to spend hours hiking through a cold, wet forest.

+ They drag a log to the river and use the log as a bridge, which would work in a children's cartoon but not in reality. The river is moving very fast and it's deep so either the log wouldn't be large enough to support their weight when they crossed (never mind that it wouldn't be wide enough for them to balance across when it's wet and they've never done that before) or the log would be large enough to support them but then they wouldn't have been able to drag it through the woods and do a head-over-heels flip of the log into the river.

+ Wyatt is wearing the same clothes that he's been wearing since his initial hike day and Eli only has one change of clothes. Both of them were constantly getting wet and I thought Eli's declaration that their clothes dried fast was BS. Combining the constantly moist/dirty clothes with these guys not bathing for several days means they would be smelling pretty rank and sleeping in a tiny tent with a dirty dog and a dirty bobcat kitten would pretty much kill anybody else's libido, but not these guys'.

+ Wyatt isn't an experienced hiker so when it's mentioned that he's wearing boots, it's safe to assume they're the generic hiking boots that weekend hikers buy. Not to mention that it's not winter. So they're definitely not the type that has a complete removable inner lining (based on my experience and research, only winter boots have this option) so that whole scene where Eli has Wyatt take out the liner and use the boot shell to cross a swallower part of the river made no sense.

I could go on and on. I couldn't focus on the intensity and danger of the situations they were in because I kept getting distracted by these errors and the fact that the dangerous scenarios had so little impact on Wyatt and Eli that they could focus on their instalust immediately before and after.

This story should have been perfect for me because it contained so many things I love but the author's focus on instalust and a refusal to take the survival aspects seriously means this isn't for me.

[Rielle]

DNF @ 24%

Not as interesting as a rescue book should be and the characters felt flat.

[Jenny (Nyxie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I know how Wyatt managed to survive for more than a day on a narrow rock ledge? No. Do I know what they fed the bobcat kitten? How they actually had enough food to last three days in the woods? What the dog ate? No. Do I care? Also no.

Listen, this book is not going to work for you if you're looking for a Genuine Guide to Survival In The Woods. There are some great scenery descriptions, and some daring wilderness feats of prowess and bravery. You just have to enjoy the pine needles and the cute animals, and completely suspend disbelief that a blowjob on Day 3 of not bathing would be a good idea and that there isn't a ton of mud in that tent with the dog and the kitten. Read this because the MC's are adorable, and their hesitant attraction and trying not to push the other one into anything despite being absolute bonkers head over heels is just the sweetest. Read this because giant Alsations that cuddle bobcat kittens are cute. And because it's fun to imagine all of that going down out on the woods, because they're pretty and maybe you live in a city and don't get to see that every day so imaginging it in a book is a nice breath of fresh air.

(Maybe I'm projecting a bit on that last one, but it worked for me, OK?)

Overall I'd recommend definitely recommend!

Tags: park rescue worker MC, wilderness setting, only one tent, cute dog and kitten, found family, stalkerish ex, adorably considerate MC's

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt and Eli meet and begin a wilderness rescue adventure.

Together they are both fighting the elements and their attraction to each other. Wyatt and Eli are both brave and resilient, dealing with everything mother nature throws at them.

I loved Scramble and Uno as well as all of Eli's brothers.

This is an enjoyable story. It has action, adventure, fun, sweetness and emotions.

I look forward to more of this series..

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just read Touch and Go, the first book in this new series from Mr. Aiden Bates. And I have devoured most, if not all, of his books. This new series has a lot of tropes that I love, especially for the fact that the foster brothers here are frontliners, well except for the youngest, Braxton, but he still has time to be one.

Eli is the Search and Rescue crew brother. He loves his job so much. We saw him a lot in the first book so we know that he is so caring, a really good cook and he will do anything for his brothers and those who are in need of rescuing.

Wyatt just found out his Ex cheated and broke up with him. He took a hike to clear his head and just get it together in his head and heart. But after hearing a cry and trying to rescue a baby bobcat, things got a little out of hand, and now they both need to be rescued.

Congratulations Mr. Bates, this new series is going to be spectacular, I can't wait for more!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the action in the first book a little better but I just loved Eli so much that I didn't honestly mind the not as fast action in this one. Their romance was cute, but sweet Jesus it was fast. In my heart of hearts I don't think that Wyatt could have moved on that fast from tony to Eli, but I guess I need to suspend my disbelief a little. The reason Wyatt got lost in the park in the first place was sweet and I'm always week for a cute vet. They were a good match in the end.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series so far. I love the premise with all 7 brothers living in one renovated building and all of them being first responders. Wyatt and Eli were adorable together, and I loved how the animals they each had brought them together. This was very sweet.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, but also very frustrating. The amount of miscommunication/lack of communication was ridiculous and felt contrived. But there was an adorable dog and an adorable bobcat kitten, so I'll give it a pass.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how careful Eli is of Wyatt while they are in the woods, even as he is trying to get them safe. It's a careful line to walk, but he manages. Plus, a cute bobcat kitten? Yes please.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited for this book since I read the first chapter at the end of the first book Touch And Go in the Vanguard Towers Series
There is just something very special about these brothers that make you want the best for them.
In this book we meet Eli who is a Search and Rescue crewman. And is on rota when a call comes in about a missing hiker. And he has already been out there for over 24 hours due to Larry a waste of space member of the team but the boss Jacob wouldn't give up on him so Eli was stuck with him. Eli didnt want to waste another second to find the good looking man with the amazing blue eyes. So he went out alone, Thankfully Wyatt's best friend had a good idea where he had gone so Eli and his beautiful dog Uno were off on the hunt for Wyatt. The weather wasn't brilliant so Eli just hoped he found him soon.
Wyatt was enjoying the fresh air, this was just what he needed after he finished his relationship with his now EX. Tony had once again cheated on him and if honest Wyatt was over him. As he was about to head back as he knew his best friend Helena would worry, he hear a scream. Wyatt didnt know what it was but he had to go and investigate. What he found was a bobcat Kitten trapped and Wyatt being a vet tech had to go and rescue her but it went horrible wrong and they ended on a ledge, stranded!!!
Can Eli find Wyatt and rescue him before the bad weather comes in???? How will these two get along while they get back to safety???
This is a brilliant read. The passion and chemistry between these two is off the charts but past experiences are stopping them from totally opening up. If honest I wanted to bang their beautiful heads together a few times but that would of made for a very short story lol Once I started this book I just couldnt put it down and before I knew it, it was 3 am I got totally lost in their romance. It was a beautiful read!!!! And it was great to catch up with the brothers!!!
And I think there is going to be something really special in the next book for Brax Bring it on!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.

Story 4 stars
Narrator 3 stars

Wyatt is a Vet tech who went on hike to clear his head after finding his boyfriend cheating. He tried to rescue a hurt bobcat but slipped and fell off a cliff.

Eli works in the park. His job is to rescue lost campers. When bad weather occurs the rest of his team won't go in and he chooses to go it alone.

He ends up getting to Wyatt but they are stranded for days (4-5) which leads to plenty of time just the 2 of them (along with 2 of the cutest animals) to talk and bond and also snuggle up to keep each other warm.

I enjoyed this book. It was sweet and sexy. I had not read the first one so it can be read as a standalone. Though after reading about Elis very loud and sweet group of foster brothers that are so adorably protective of each other I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. All the characters were very likeable. The 2 MCs had great chemistry that was instant but it wasn't instalove. It felt very natural. I personally loved the story. The first half was literally just them talking to each to pass the time so some might not like it as much if they are into more action but I enjoyed listening to them get to know each other and those 2 fur babies def added lots of cuteness. It's medium heat and medium angst (Wyatt is insecure and has his reluctance after his recent breakup and Eli has his own reluctance trusting someone). Though it may have that slower pace due to the circumstances I never got bored and didn't want to stop listening from start to finish. So I would definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a slower pace and who is more interesting in listening to a love/bond develop.

I did leave off a star for a few minor reasons. One is a few things did seem not realistic and had those details stuck in my head as I was listening. Also, I do prefer books with slightly more exciting plot but like I say I still very much enjoyed this. Also, I'm not a fan of assumptions and miscommunication but I could see where the characters insecurities and recent painful past could cause that. So I tried to look past it.

The narrator had a pleasant voice and kept good pace but the performance was just ok. He didn't differentiate the voices and didn't put too much emotion into it. Didn't hate it but didn't love it. It was just ok

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many ways you can possibly meet ‘the one’, but people never really hope for a traumatic experience being one of them. Eli is in search and rescue, and Wyatt has gone missing, after going hiking. Talk about a meet cute with a huge story behind it!

We met Eli back in book one, and learned a bit about him. This is his book, and we get a deeper insight to all things Eli...and Uno. Uno is the best dog, in a work of fiction, ever. She gets all the ‘good girls’ we can give. Honorable mention goes to Scrabble, the bobcat. Wyatt is trying to get his head wrapped around the ending of his relationship, and of course is taking on all the blame from his selfish ex’s behavior. I wanted to jump in the book and shake him. It’s easy to assume the blame, though. It’s what would naturally happen, so I can’t find fault with that storyline. I’d most likely do the same thing....minus the hiking ‘to clear my head’, part. I’d probably shop, but I digress. Despite the path he’s walked before, it dies bring him onto a new path, one with Eli smack in the middle of it. I liked the ease in which they found talking to each other, being silent around each other, and eventually moving into more, with each other. I enjoyed reading their story, and the pace at which it progressed.

While this is book two in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I think you’d miss out getting yo know Eli’s brother Derek, and seeing a different perspective of Eli, but it’s not necessary in being able to fully enjoy this book. It is well written, with easy to like, and become attached to, characters. It was great seeing Eli’s brothers again. I enjoy their interactions, and the dynamics of their found family. I cannot wait to read Brax’s story, which is next. As always, the last chapter is the first chapter of the next book, and it cannot be found in that book. It can only be read in this one. I really like the way this author does that.

***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden Bates truly is the king of the 'family' series when it comes to writing books and I can see that Vanguard Tower is shaping up to be no different. This book is amazing. It has everything that you would expect from a book written by AB; the story, the cute characters, the secondary characters, locations, a bit of danger and intrigue plus some animals for the aaahhhhhh factor this time. But lets not forget the unforgettable dayum hot sex that he drops in as well!

There are two very distinct elements to this book; first half where the couple are learning to trust and getting to know each other then the second half where they face further challenges to their possible life together. Will they get their HEA?

The story is well written and flows well from the pages using all of the characters involved. The descriptive writing used draws the reader into the world of the two main characters so that you feel their emotions and angst alongside them; you smell the pine, you feel the breeze, you hear the river roar, you feel the love grow and burn inside your heart for both of them as their journey towards each other carries them through troubled paths. The two main characters are supported by a great secondary cast; some are specific to this book but the brothers will definitely have their own books which I can't wait to read, I'm loving them all already!

If you've read an AB book before, or the first book in this series, then you know you're going to love this one. If you haven't, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

I'm totally recommending this book. It has everything a book needs to make it a page turner from hot men, emotion, animals, shower sex, what more do people want from a book?? Add it to your Kindle today with the first book and pre-order the next one; I can't wait for it!! xx

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! The next in line of the brothers of Vanguard Tower to find his love is Eli. The search and rescue brother, he is called in when a hiker goes missing. Eli is determined to find Wyatt, especially after he sees a picture of him. It will be a tough rescue as the weather is bad but he will find Wyatt. Deciding to go hiking to clear his head after he catches his boyfriend Tony cheating on him, Wyatt finds himself in a bit of a situation when he decides to rescue a baby bobcat who has it's foot caught. He will end up on a rocky ledge with said bobcat waiting for rescue. The rainy weather is making for a tough rescue but Eli and his dog Uno will manage to find Wyatt but a mishap will have not only Eli but Wyatt, Uno and the bobcat, jumping in the river to escape a mudslide. This will have the group stuck in the woods and wandering for days trying to get back to where the search teams can find them. During this time the two become close, but Eli tries to remain professional especially after hearing of Wyatt's recent breakup. They will be found but a misunderstanding will have Eli pulling away. It will take his brother Matt to get Eli to get out of his head and get his man. It will end well and soon, Wyatt is moving into the Tower with Eli's brothers, while Eli is away for work. In th end, they will both finally get the relationship they have always wanted with the one man who is perfect for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just broken up with his cheating ex, Wyatt decides to go for a nice, safe, quiet walk in the mountains to think and let the beauty of nature restore his calm. He never suspected he would fall down the mountain in his attempts to help a wild animal.

Eli is a Search and Rescue member who is sent out to find a lost hiker, Wyatt, an especially urgent situation as bad weather is coming in. Wyatt, who is a vet tech, had tried to help a young bobcat and ended up stranded on a ledge.

Eli was able to find Wyatt, but they have to make their way back and deal with the bad weather. With the wilderness surrounding them, Wyatt and Eli talk about their pasts, learn more about each other, and feel a sweet connection begin. When they return to civilization, have they established enough of a foundation to explore their new relationship further? Or will misunderstanding or assumptions cause them to pull apart?

I promise not to go into my “relationships require good communication” lecture. This was a good story line with very likable characters and critters. The author did a good job building the rapport not only with the characters but including the reader as well. Grab your copy and see if their tenuous relationship can flare into something solid and dependable. These two deserve it and I am sure those who get to know them here will be cheering them along!

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

To get over a break up Wyatt decides to clear his head in the wilderness. During one of his hikes he sees a baby bobcat in distress and decides to help only to be the one to end up needing saving.

Eli loves his job in search and rescue. He feels that no one should be forgotten so he tries his best to make sure every rescue is a success. His latest assignment has him trying even harder. There’s something special about Wyatt.

During the rescue they both end up in trouble and in need of rescuing. But Eli isn’t giving up and with his reliable rescue dog, Uno, there’s no way they can fail.

It becomes clear early on that there’s a mutual attraction between Wyatt and Eli. Wyatt doesn’t want to jump into anything because he just got out of a relationship but Eli is proving to be irresistible.

Eli has a hard life and he still carries the scars. It’s not easy to let people in but Wyatt is breaking down all the walls he’s built. It both scares and excites him. Wyatt always jumps into relationships too quickly so he wants to take things slow with Eli but it all feels so right that he dives right in.

I loved this book. Eli and Wyatt were so endearing. And I want Uno as my dog. She’s the best. I’m liking this series more and more. I can’t wait to read more about these amazing brothers.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this M/M love story. I was aware it was part of a series but I was able to read it as a standalone work. It introduced previously met characters from the first work but you didn’t really feel lost in the plot line when you met them. They flowed into the storyline seamlessly that it felt like they had been there from the beginning.

The character development was great and I felt like they grew with each other at a good pace. They both had problems in their past and had to overcome the fear of the past repeating itself. My attention was held through the story and I found the plot to move along smoothly. The only thing that had me confused was that I didn’t know an Alsatian dog was a German Shepard; but I think I can forgive that.

I give this work five out five. I enjoyed the story and loved the characters. It made me want to read more in the series and more by the author. I do look forward to rereading this again in the future and more by this author. It was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone else that enjoys the M/M genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli works in search and rescue, he is a workaholic with a savior complex, but deep down he is still an insecure, lost little boy. Wyatt works as a vet tech and loves animals, his decision to take a hike to clear his head from a nasty breakup nearly had deadly consequences.
In this book we learn a little more about the brothers of Vanguard Tower but the focus is on the eventful journey of Eli and Wyatt.
Their treacherous adventure has them trusting one another and they try - unsuccessfully - to deny the spark of attraction and sexual tension and keep things professional, emotions run rampant with so much uncertainty, danger and misunderstandings, but there are laughs, meaningful dialogue, a connection that is much deeper that they could have ever expected, and surprise at the genuine affection they feel.
A well written story with fully developed, likeable characters, a storyline that is enjoyable and entertaining, plenty of steamy sexy times, the realization that their love is the lasting kind and leads to a satisfyingly sweet HEA.
I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure in nature, hearts connecting and finding family.  This was such a good story with Eli being a ranger who searches and finds the lost Wyatt in the depth of the forest.  I loved the little touches of the bobcat kitten, the time in the woods where they really got to know each other and the details of camping and hiking.  These guys have a really steamy and fun connection that develops further than either of them expected and gives them a future that can be amazing.  

The writing flowed and the pacing was great.  I really enjoyed their interactions and all the supporting characters.  I am so looking forward to more stories about the 'brothers' as they find their stories and love.   

This is book two of the Vanguard Towers series and can be read as a stand-alone story.  I had not read the first book when I read this one and I enjoyed reading it.  I will go back and read that first book because i really enjoyed the 'brothers' that are now family and have created a delightful complex to live in.  I really am looking forward to the next book, the characters have me wanting more. 

I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review. 

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is steamy, sweet, romantic and interesting. Eli is one of eight men in a family of their own making. He was found alone and his parents were never found so he wound up in foster care, where he met his three older brothers, who eventually took him in. They all live in the same building, a place that was renovated by them. Eli's job is search and rescue, which is how he meets Wyatt. Wyatt was trying to clear his head and understand the circumstances of his breakup with his ex Tony, and ended up getting stuck on a cliff trying to rescue an animal. Eli is mesmerized Wyatt when he sees his picture, and he's intensely affected by Wyatt when they finally meet. The rescue doesn't go smoothly and they end up being alone for days while they rescue themselves. Each has insecurities about having relationships, but the electricity between them is too strong for them to ignore. It takes some convincing to get them together, but everyone can see that they belong together. This is only the second book of this series, but I already love all of the brothers, and their significant others. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli sets out to rescue lost hiker Wyatt but something about the man in the photo draws him.
Eli is part of a group that rescues lost hiker in Cumberland State Park. When they are notified the a hiker has been missing for thirty-six hours they know it is urgent to finds and give him aid but on looking at the picture of the missing man sent to them Eli feels drawn to the man. Eli with his dog Uno sets off with the teams to follow him in when they arrive. Five hour up the trail almost to the peak that his friend had said was his favorite Eli was getting concerned but when he calls out he hears a faint reply and finds Wyatt on a ledge down what could become a sheer drop into the raging river below. Wyatt has broken up with his boyfriend after finding he had cheated on him and had gone on the hike in the hope of clearing his head. He had just started back down when he heard a faint mewing sound and fins a bobcat kitten with its paw trapped just over the edge and decides to free it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Vanguard Towers series and centers around the brother Eli, the one who works in search and rescue. He is called to find a lost hiker and when he and the hiker both go over a cliff, he has to put all of his survival skills in the park to the test. He also has to figure out how he feels about Wyatt, the vet tech who got lost in the park. Their chemistry is off the charts but they are trying to find their way back to civilization with limited resources, and one bobcat kitten and an awesome rescue dog named Uno. I loved Uno in book one and we get to see more of her in this one. She is a complete scene stealer! The other brothers are absolutely devious in a loving sibling kind of way. I adored their interactions with each other and with Wyatt. The way they take in people and make them part of their family is simply amazing. When Wyatt’s ex starts trying to make trouble, he couldn’t have a better team on his side. I loved this book and look forward to seeing which brother gets a story next!

[DANNETTE HUGGINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and found. Cliff diving. Mountain cat.

Just a few ways to describe the things that happen in this story. This is brother #3. Eli Mountain rescue elite. Wyatt cheating boyfriend ended up making him feel lost and he needed to clear his head. What better way then to go for a hike. Well that ended up going down hill fast. And I mean literally. Wyatt was hitting the peak when he hears a animal crying and goes in search of it. Here the cliff part. He end up sliding down one but get stuck on a ledge before dropping to the bottom. In come Eli to save the day but ends up needing saved himself. Because he ends up being the true cliff jumper. It was either taking the chance jumping off a cliff into face running river or take a chance in being crushed by some big boulders. So they take the plunge. They end up being lost foe a little while but find themselves attracted to each other. They are saved but now they need to figure out if it was a rush of Endorphins or if they can make a future together.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost and found by Aiden Bates is the second book in the vanguard towers series which is a tower which was built by 7 adopted brothers who mostly work on the frontlines.
In this book we follows Eli who is a rescuer who rescues a guy in the woods named Wyatt. Wyatt is a vet nurse and he finds a little bobcat when he gets lost. I enjoyed this book. I do think that the sex was a little too fast but I liked it nonetheless.
I also enjoyed the family aspects this family has and the way the next books are set up was also great.
At this point, Aiden Bates' books are comfort reads for me. I probably won't give any of these 5 stars but I just enjoy the process of reading this. There was a stalker ex subplot whcih I don't like which are present in a lot of his books. I also liked the smut and Uno is the best character ever. Their insecurities were a little too much but yk different strokes for different folks. This wasn't perfect but I enjoyed my reading this. But, the next book makes me very excited and I'm intrigued to see the progression.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and adventures, what a great story this was. I loved that this author has come up with a rescue romance so to speak.
Wyatt desperately needs space to think, he had spent alot of time and effort in the last relationship only to find that he was been cheated upon. So taking a hike in the mountains along a track would be safe. But what he didnt expect was to rescue a baby bobcat then fall down the mountain.
Eli has been in search and rescue for a while now, and when he saw the photo of the missing man he was stunned by his eyes. He went ahead of the others with his dog Uno, and soon found Wyatt but end up lost.
Both men are in need of a good partner, and soon love finds a way in the hearts of two beautiful souls.

I really enjoyed reading this as its the second in the Vanguard Towers we can always expect a great story from this author and im really looking forward to more in this series.
5 stars plus for another really great story

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

***spoiler alert***Wyatt went up the trail to the big rock to think about all that happened to him. Then he heard a young bobcat meow for help so he went to get it from where the bobcat was and then fell onto a small ledge. No one reported him missing until the next day by his roommate. Eli worked on search and rescue he was called to help find him, didn’t wait for his help arrive he went. Eli found him but when he went down to see how he was, his rappelle line let loose, he told Wyatt to fall in the river because a mud and rock slid was coming because the rain let it loose. They both jumped and had to set up camp, no was finding them they stayed there finally they made their way back to the trail took awhile. In the meantime Eli was falling for him and thought they had something special. Wayatt’s ex came to see him in the hospital so Eli left him alone because of wrong assumptions. They get back together and fell in love! Another great book by Aiden Bates!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and Found, a good title with many meanings, two of which were explored in the story of Eli and Wyatt. I would actually argue that this could be said for this family of brothers, but I digress. I liked the way this metaphor was brought to life in the way they met, in how their relationship came together, and also how it allowed me to further understand not just the main characters of this story, but the brothers as well. Nicely done.

This book allowed me to comfortably explore the building of Eli and Wyatt’s relationship, with the required hiccups in communication, but little angst and drama. A very pleasant read overall and have added this to my “read again” list. As always, Aiden has written a book that is strong in character development and storytelling and I am looking forward to the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both was Lost but now Found love...

Second book in the series and I enjoyed it. Wyatt was lost in the wilderness but was rescued by Eli. Their chemistry was instant but both had issues with relationships and tried to keep things professional. Things somehow normally goes the way you want and in this instance the guys fell for each other. This was so sweet and romantic. Their love for the outdoors and animals...the way Wyatt got along with Eli's brothers...they were meant to be. Eli has a little insecurities...understandable due to his childhood but he has a great support system with his brothers and the love of Wyatt...things will be awesome for him. I was on pins and needles about the old boyfriend situation going on with Wyatt but I gave a big sigh of relief when that mess was cleared up. The guys really had a wonderful HEA and I can't wait to read about Braxton next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SC · Rating 2 out of 5]

tongues deep in mouths



apparently, that's the chosen way to describe 90% of the kissing scenes in this book. I mean, I suppose it could have been worse ..... for crying out loud. I just don't get it. I mean, why make Eli's childhood such a major issue for him, for his relationships, and completely gloss over it ? You had the chance to make the story and character more compelling, more complete, and yet nothing. A total missed opportunity. I suppose that would have made the difference between a meh, fluff story and a solid, gritty, meat on the bones one. Clearly that wasn't what the author was going for.

Wyatt. He's fine. He's there. He's a guy. I honestly can't tell you much more about him because we weren't given much. Oh no wait, we're giving assumption and lack of communication aplenty. Can you smell the missed potential ?

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first in the series. Although, I still found the miscommunication between the MCs to be a bit unnecessarily over-the-top. But unlike the first book, there isn't as much confusing external drama, and as such, it was mainly the result of internal doubt and uncertainties from both Eli and Wyatt. It was still a little frustrating the amount of back-and-forth they go through though, and at times it means their decisions either didn't seem to make much sense, or felt pretty thin. But overall, I really liked both characters and their connection was well-established. I especially enjoyed the first half of the book when Eli and Wyatt rescued each other and they spent some time surviving together in the woods. The animals were a bonus as well - I adored Scrabble, the bobcat Wyatt rescued, and his friendship with Eli's dog, Uno.

I am so looking forward to Brax's story next because older brother's best friend who is in the FBI, yep, I'm so here for that!