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Heroes of Port Dale #4
Unbreak My Heart
Eric: At least my old police partner is leaving due to a promotion. Like everyone else in my life, my first and only love, Blaine Edwards, simply left me. Now he’s my new partner and the last person I want to see. But after eight years of nothing, I get to see him every day. I don’t care what he thinks, there’s nothing between us anymore, even if it kills me to say that.
Blaine: After eight years of military service, it’s time to do something new. Police work seems like a good transition, until I run into Eric. Of course, he hates me. Thing is, all it took was one look and I know what I’ve always known, all I ever wanted or will ever want is Eric. I don’t think I’m alone in that either, the trick is getting Eric to see it too.
Misunderstandings drove them apart. Fate has given them a second chance but will they take it? Will a near-fatal explosion and the sudden appearance of old love letters help? Love stands on a knife-edge in this story of two of Port Dale’s finest police officers.
Blaine: After eight years of military service, it’s time to do something new. Police work seems like a good transition, until I run into Eric. Of course, he hates me. Thing is, all it took was one look and I know what I’ve always known, all I ever wanted or will ever want is Eric. I don’t think I’m alone in that either, the trick is getting Eric to see it too.
Misunderstandings drove them apart. Fate has given them a second chance but will they take it? Will a near-fatal explosion and the sudden appearance of old love letters help? Love stands on a knife-edge in this story of two of Port Dale’s finest police officers.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
About the author
Romeo Alexander
133 books663 followersRomeo Alexander writes M/M romance out of Michigan, usually late at night, usually with coffee, always with one dog and two cats who couldn't care less about his deadlines.
He's a gay man writing what he knows: love that's messy before it's easy, men who need to be cracked open a little before they let someone in, and the kind of hurt/comfort that makes you want to reread the same chapter three times.
He believes in happy endings. He also believes they should cost something first.
He's a gay man writing what he knows: love that's messy before it's easy, men who need to be cracked open a little before they let someone in, and the kind of hurt/comfort that makes you want to reread the same chapter three times.
He believes in happy endings. He also believes they should cost something first.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 17, 2020
Eric's long time partner on the police force, was his brother, Sean, who is stepping down. Which means grouchy Eric gets a new partner.
Blaine, 28, blonde, blue eyed and well built,
has come to town after eight years as a Marine, and now will be joining the police force. His twin brother Blake gives him loads of encouragement.
The problem: Eric, dark hair and fit, was left behind
by his lover after high school, because he enlisted and never kept in touch. Brokenhearted Eric has held his hurt all of these years. Blaine, his new partner is Blaine, who insists that he DID keep in touch, but Eric never got the letters.
So, things are tense with them, and they dig in to find an arsonist. Investigating and the hostility make the days awful. Eric refuses to hear what Blaine has to tell him, and we see their pain and hurt.
We get some violence and action, and an injury.
With a reality revealed, Sean has some explaining to do. Wow !
The reuniting of Blaine and Eric is sweet, sexy, and real, so we get our HFN, and a marvelous epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
Blaine, 28, blonde, blue eyed and well built,
has come to town after eight years as a Marine, and now will be joining the police force. His twin brother Blake gives him loads of encouragement.
The problem: Eric, dark hair and fit, was left behind
by his lover after high school, because he enlisted and never kept in touch. Brokenhearted Eric has held his hurt all of these years. Blaine, his new partner is Blaine, who insists that he DID keep in touch, but Eric never got the letters.
So, things are tense with them, and they dig in to find an arsonist. Investigating and the hostility make the days awful. Eric refuses to hear what Blaine has to tell him, and we see their pain and hurt.
We get some violence and action, and an injury.
With a reality revealed, Sean has some explaining to do. Wow !
The reuniting of Blaine and Eric is sweet, sexy, and real, so we get our HFN, and a marvelous epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
July 4, 2022
Eric y Blaine era mejores amigos cuando jovenes y llegaron a ser hasta novios en esa epoca, hasta que Blaine tomo la decision de irse al ejercito y Eric sintio que lo estaba abandonando y rompio toda relacion con el. Sin embargo, años despues ambos se reencuentran como compañeros en la Policia de Port Dale, asignados a investigacion de casos, y aunque su reencuentro no fue para nada feliz, deciden que deben aprender a trabajar juntos para poder atrapar al hombre que esta causando todos esos incendios en la ciudad.
Pero trabajar juntos no es facil, sobre todo cuando la quimica y el amor todavia existe entre los dos, y solo aclarando el pasado podran enfrentar el futuro que les espera.
El libro es bastante sencillo en trama, el misterio no es tal despues que mencionan al hombre y al yesquero, y casi no hay trama de investigacion mas que un par de escenas que parecen obligatorias. Casi toda la trama es el "rencor" de Eric hacia Blaine y los intentos de disculpa de Blaine. Eso si, tiene partes divertidas (no tantas como en otros), pero no lo suficiente para subir el animo del libro.
Al final, quedan muchas cosas del pasado abiertas, y los secundarios quedan como guindando, hacia falta algo mas para terminar de concluir el libro.
Sin embargo, me di cuenta que faltan todavia 3 libros de esta serie, aunque el autor haya mencionado al final de este que era su ultimo, y creo que muchas personas opinaron como yo y el autor decidio darle un final a muchos de los secundarios de sus libros, asi que veremos en el proximo a ver si se aclaran algunas de las dudas que me han quedado de esta serie.
Pero trabajar juntos no es facil, sobre todo cuando la quimica y el amor todavia existe entre los dos, y solo aclarando el pasado podran enfrentar el futuro que les espera.
El libro es bastante sencillo en trama, el misterio no es tal despues que mencionan al hombre y al yesquero, y casi no hay trama de investigacion mas que un par de escenas que parecen obligatorias. Casi toda la trama es el "rencor" de Eric hacia Blaine y los intentos de disculpa de Blaine. Eso si, tiene partes divertidas (no tantas como en otros), pero no lo suficiente para subir el animo del libro.
Al final, quedan muchas cosas del pasado abiertas, y los secundarios quedan como guindando, hacia falta algo mas para terminar de concluir el libro.
Sin embargo, me di cuenta que faltan todavia 3 libros de esta serie, aunque el autor haya mencionado al final de este que era su ultimo, y creo que muchas personas opinaron como yo y el autor decidio darle un final a muchos de los secundarios de sus libros, asi que veremos en el proximo a ver si se aclaran algunas de las dudas que me han quedado de esta serie.
March 3, 2025
Misunderstandings drove them apart. Fate has given them a second chance, but will they take it?
Young lovers since high school... Eric and Blaine... each of them, and the love that they shared was the makeup of the very foundation that they depended on to survive in this small Washington town. While neither of their families were especially disapproving of their sexual orientations, Blaine's huge family just didn't seem to care enough to disapprove or approve. Blain's older brother, Sean, spent his childhood and teenage years caring for Blaine and the twelve other younger brothers and sisters. Blaine wanted...he knew... he HAD to give himself the chance of a better life than his parent's had ever provided, so...he joined the military.
He told Eric what he'd done in a letter that he left him...yeah... not the best idea he ever had, but hey...he was young. Eric was young also and his young brain took Blain's leaving to mean that he was leaving him...not leaving the life he knew he would eventually be all they would have if he stayed. He wrote letters to Eric every single day...Eric never opened them...but his brother, Sean kept them in a box, knowing, hoping, that someday...Ah but fate is a funny, fickle "lady". She brought the two together again, 8 years later, in the office of the Port Dale Police Chief, when Blaine, the new police department member is introduced to his new partner...you guessed it..."Eric, meet Blaine...your new PARTNER who you will be working with...in the same office...mere inches apart...for as long as you both work here". To say that Eric is speechless and shocked would be the understatement of the year.... and HE IS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!
As you have probably already guessed the rest of the story is mostly about them finally getting their head out of the sand and doing what they should have done 8-years ago. It takes a while, and they do find they make a pretty good working team. As the saying goes, "all's well that ends well".
This is another of my "favorite...will buy anything that he writes" authors. I discovered him several years ago and have since collected almost all his books. His characters may start out at odds, looking like the deck is stacked against them and it will soon bury them under the emotional ruble, but he always gives them some "good old common sense" in the end, letting them find their "happy ever-after". As everyone that knows me, knows, I read and own a LOT of M/M Romances. I have many favorite authors, but I have found, that for some unknown reason, there are so few of these books that are written by authors that are actually male.
Young lovers since high school... Eric and Blaine... each of them, and the love that they shared was the makeup of the very foundation that they depended on to survive in this small Washington town. While neither of their families were especially disapproving of their sexual orientations, Blaine's huge family just didn't seem to care enough to disapprove or approve. Blain's older brother, Sean, spent his childhood and teenage years caring for Blaine and the twelve other younger brothers and sisters. Blaine wanted...he knew... he HAD to give himself the chance of a better life than his parent's had ever provided, so...he joined the military.
He told Eric what he'd done in a letter that he left him...yeah... not the best idea he ever had, but hey...he was young. Eric was young also and his young brain took Blain's leaving to mean that he was leaving him...not leaving the life he knew he would eventually be all they would have if he stayed. He wrote letters to Eric every single day...Eric never opened them...but his brother, Sean kept them in a box, knowing, hoping, that someday...Ah but fate is a funny, fickle "lady". She brought the two together again, 8 years later, in the office of the Port Dale Police Chief, when Blaine, the new police department member is introduced to his new partner...you guessed it..."Eric, meet Blaine...your new PARTNER who you will be working with...in the same office...mere inches apart...for as long as you both work here". To say that Eric is speechless and shocked would be the understatement of the year.... and HE IS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!
As you have probably already guessed the rest of the story is mostly about them finally getting their head out of the sand and doing what they should have done 8-years ago. It takes a while, and they do find they make a pretty good working team. As the saying goes, "all's well that ends well".
This is another of my "favorite...will buy anything that he writes" authors. I discovered him several years ago and have since collected almost all his books. His characters may start out at odds, looking like the deck is stacked against them and it will soon bury them under the emotional ruble, but he always gives them some "good old common sense" in the end, letting them find their "happy ever-after". As everyone that knows me, knows, I read and own a LOT of M/M Romances. I have many favorite authors, but I have found, that for some unknown reason, there are so few of these books that are written by authors that are actually male.
August 29, 2021
Best one yet
I absolutely adored this one.
Second chance romances are one of my favourite tropes, especially when they're done well like this one.
It's a fine line to walk between making the reasons things didn't work when they were younger into something serious enough, but not too obnoxious that you'd wonder why they should try again.
Here it was a number of different things in combination and it totally worked for me .
I absolutely adored this one.
Second chance romances are one of my favourite tropes, especially when they're done well like this one.
It's a fine line to walk between making the reasons things didn't work when they were younger into something serious enough, but not too obnoxious that you'd wonder why they should try again.
Here it was a number of different things in combination and it totally worked for me .
October 12, 2020
As always I don't read things in order or if they don't call to me, so I skipped the last two of the series, but this one caught my eye and thank god for that because this was awesome!
I'm amazed at how well written it was considering it was kind of short. The pain disguised as anger that Eric showed, his prickly personality and the way he hurted was so well described. Then we have Blaine, all his love, his thoughtfulness, his patience until he wasn't and he exploded with his own anger at the injustice of it all! *breaths* Well done author! 👏👏
Their relationship was a broken one, but still filled with love and understanding and that's what created a second chance for them. The lack of communication made them suffer as kids, but since they met again as adults they grew and got past that. Perfect character development! Me encantó!
Lovely story, Lovely written, Lovely couple! ❤🥰
I'm amazed at how well written it was considering it was kind of short. The pain disguised as anger that Eric showed, his prickly personality and the way he hurted was so well described. Then we have Blaine, all his love, his thoughtfulness, his patience until he wasn't and he exploded with his own anger at the injustice of it all! *breaths* Well done author! 👏👏
Their relationship was a broken one, but still filled with love and understanding and that's what created a second chance for them. The lack of communication made them suffer as kids, but since they met again as adults they grew and got past that. Perfect character development! Me encantó!
Lovely story, Lovely written, Lovely couple! ❤🥰
August 16, 2023
3+
A co tam będę pisać, skoro nic się nie zmienia 😜
A co tam będę pisać, skoro nic się nie zmienia 😜
October 9, 2020
That was good but I expected more character development.
November 13, 2020
And I’m calling it quits
I don’t think I can read this author anymore, after just 3 books. Two out of those, had one MC that was just a giant ahole for the majority of it. In this one, Eric took being surly and prickly to a whole new level, which made him, to me, incredibly unlikeable. He had zero softness to him. In fact, he didn’t even have respect for his boss, at all. His anger issues were off putting. That tells you what kind of character he is. Blaine was just too nice. So much so, that he was basically Eric’s punching bag. There were some issues that were glossed over, some thing that were never explained or explored, so I didn’t see the point in making them a part of the story to begin with. I just didn’t like it.
I don’t think I can read this author anymore, after just 3 books. Two out of those, had one MC that was just a giant ahole for the majority of it. In this one, Eric took being surly and prickly to a whole new level, which made him, to me, incredibly unlikeable. He had zero softness to him. In fact, he didn’t even have respect for his boss, at all. His anger issues were off putting. That tells you what kind of character he is. Blaine was just too nice. So much so, that he was basically Eric’s punching bag. There were some issues that were glossed over, some thing that were never explained or explored, so I didn’t see the point in making them a part of the story to begin with. I just didn’t like it.
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book, I thought it had a good balance of relationship development, character development, and forward movement for a second chance romance.
Eric had some very well done emotions - the anger hiding the hurt after being left eight years ago, very consistent with his character. Blaine was a little flatter, but a good pairing with Eric. We only see a couple small snippets of their first-time romance, but I felt like it was the perfect amount of giving them their backstory without weighing down the current time.
The plot (romance part) does use a miscommunication to force separation and the dreaded life-threatening injury tropes, but I felt like they were actually well used here. The miscommunication comes through a character flaw of Eric - believable, and not actually dumb. The life threatening injury is worked into the plot (background) well too - it wasn't used as a hamfisted tool to bring them together, it felt more natural in this book. Additionally, it wasn't the injury that forced a reconciliation, A nice change.
The background plot itself was a little loose, but not distracting enough to take away from the romance. I'd give this 3.5 stars.
Eric had some very well done emotions - the anger hiding the hurt after being left eight years ago, very consistent with his character. Blaine was a little flatter, but a good pairing with Eric. We only see a couple small snippets of their first-time romance, but I felt like it was the perfect amount of giving them their backstory without weighing down the current time.
The plot (romance part) does use a miscommunication to force separation and the dreaded life-threatening injury tropes, but I felt like they were actually well used here. The miscommunication comes through a character flaw of Eric - believable, and not actually dumb. The life threatening injury is worked into the plot (background) well too - it wasn't used as a hamfisted tool to bring them together, it felt more natural in this book. Additionally, it wasn't the injury that forced a reconciliation, A nice change.
The background plot itself was a little loose, but not distracting enough to take away from the romance. I'd give this 3.5 stars.
September 25, 2020
Blaine and Eric story was a nice ending to the Port Dale series. Second chance romances are always my go to and this didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't overly steamy or mushy. Very entertaining that kept me engaged and I didn't want to put it down...really Eric was so foul mouth it was kind of comical...kept me smiling and laughing. The bittersweet part was that the guys were sooooo young when they split. There were so many misunderstandings between the two I didn't think they were able to be civil to stay partners. Its a good thing that Blaine was persistent in wanting to get back with Eric because Eric was so stubborn and ornery. When that oh so special moment in the hospital with the letters... that was in my opinion a very overwhelming point in the entire story. Eric had time to reflect about him and Blaine which led to an immense understanding of the last 8 years of hurt. Wow! I love a good second chance romance and these two lovely guys certainly deserved it. Romeo really brings a lot of heart to the m/m romances and I love it!
March 3, 2024
Arson, cigarette lighters, and grilled hamburgers are just part of the plot as former friends unite
Sometimes things are not right. You know something is wrong, but do not know what or how it is happening. History blends emotions and reactions in strange ways, but when evil is unleashed, it is unpredictable and effective at disaster
Sometimes things are not right. You know something is wrong, but do not know what or how it is happening. History blends emotions and reactions in strange ways, but when evil is unleashed, it is unpredictable and effective at disaster
January 11, 2022
This series is turning out to be a solid 4-star series for me... can't complain! *grin*
How is it possible for me to love such an asshole? Just wait, Eric will grow on you also! LOL!!!
How is it possible for me to love such an asshole? Just wait, Eric will grow on you also! LOL!!!
December 27, 2022
❤️Second chance
❤️Police officers
❤️Grumpy/ Sunshine
❤️Letters
❤️It's always been you
This is the 4th book in the Heroes of Port Dale series and each book is more emotional than the previous one and makes me want to continue.
Aww, my heart, Eric and Blaine were made for each other. They were best friends and then boyfriends as teenagers but Blaine left to enroll in the Army and due to their inability to communicate and also to external factors, they separate for 8 years.
Blaine comes back and joins the Police and Fate wants him to become Eric partner. We gradually discover how big their love really was and how they feel now.
Eric's story was particularly heartbreaking to me, he lost his parents young and was abandoned by all his older siblings except for his brother Sean - whose story is in book 6 and I seriously CAN'T wait to read that book for a lot of reasons!
So Eric was really really grumpy but I think he had reasons, and Sean and Blaine were the only people to know and love the real, vulnerable Eric, the ones Eric trusted and felt safe with.
Eric and Blaine's love was intense, real, neverending, they were always best friends and soulmates.
Soundtrack: Lost Without You by Freya Ridings
❤️Police officers
❤️Grumpy/ Sunshine
❤️Letters
❤️It's always been you
This is the 4th book in the Heroes of Port Dale series and each book is more emotional than the previous one and makes me want to continue.
Aww, my heart, Eric and Blaine were made for each other. They were best friends and then boyfriends as teenagers but Blaine left to enroll in the Army and due to their inability to communicate and also to external factors, they separate for 8 years.
Blaine comes back and joins the Police and Fate wants him to become Eric partner. We gradually discover how big their love really was and how they feel now.
Eric's story was particularly heartbreaking to me, he lost his parents young and was abandoned by all his older siblings except for his brother Sean - whose story is in book 6 and I seriously CAN'T wait to read that book for a lot of reasons!
So Eric was really really grumpy but I think he had reasons, and Sean and Blaine were the only people to know and love the real, vulnerable Eric, the ones Eric trusted and felt safe with.
Eric and Blaine's love was intense, real, neverending, they were always best friends and soulmates.
Soundtrack: Lost Without You by Freya Ridings
July 2, 2024
I need a little ARC break, and I figured I might as well be productive about it (getting one step closer to crossing another author off my to-binge list). Here's "Unbreak My Heart." It's the fourth book in Romeo Alexander's Heroes of Port Dale series.
["Eric: At least my old police partner is leaving due to a promotion. Like everyone else in my life, my first and only love, Blaine Edwards, simply left me. Now he’s my new partner and the last person I want to see. But after eight years of nothing, I get to see him every day. I don’t care what he thinks, there’s nothing between us anymore, even if it kills me to say that.
Blaine: After eight years of military service, it’s time to do something new. Police work seems like a good transition, until I run into Eric. Of course, he hates me. Thing is, all it took was one look and I know what I’ve always known, all I ever wanted or will ever want is Eric. I don’t think I’m alone in that either, the trick is getting Eric to see it too.
Misunderstandings drove them apart. Fate has given them a second chance but will they take it? Will a near-fatal explosion and the sudden appearance of old love letters help? Love stands on a knife-edge in this story of two of Port Dale’s finest police officers."]
Second chance romances are always hard. Why didn't they work before? Why would they work now? Is what happened before forgivable? Acceptable? Is what's happening now even worth trusting? Redeeming?
These two? They were everything and more. They were able to answer all of the above questions (okay, sure, Eric needed some help--or a gentle shove...off a cliff) and more. They were able to work through things and come out on the other side stronger than before. They were glorious in their redemption, in their forgiveness (and glorious in their stubbornness).
#twostraightstoomany #hitormisskillorkiss #drawingthedoctor #unbreakmyheart #whereweleftoff #twobestmenonlyonebed #wheretheressmoke #romeoalexander #menoffortdale #menoffortdaleseries #heroesofportdale #heroesofportdaleseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Eric: At least my old police partner is leaving due to a promotion. Like everyone else in my life, my first and only love, Blaine Edwards, simply left me. Now he’s my new partner and the last person I want to see. But after eight years of nothing, I get to see him every day. I don’t care what he thinks, there’s nothing between us anymore, even if it kills me to say that.
Blaine: After eight years of military service, it’s time to do something new. Police work seems like a good transition, until I run into Eric. Of course, he hates me. Thing is, all it took was one look and I know what I’ve always known, all I ever wanted or will ever want is Eric. I don’t think I’m alone in that either, the trick is getting Eric to see it too.
Misunderstandings drove them apart. Fate has given them a second chance but will they take it? Will a near-fatal explosion and the sudden appearance of old love letters help? Love stands on a knife-edge in this story of two of Port Dale’s finest police officers."]
Second chance romances are always hard. Why didn't they work before? Why would they work now? Is what happened before forgivable? Acceptable? Is what's happening now even worth trusting? Redeeming?
These two? They were everything and more. They were able to answer all of the above questions (okay, sure, Eric needed some help--or a gentle shove...off a cliff) and more. They were able to work through things and come out on the other side stronger than before. They were glorious in their redemption, in their forgiveness (and glorious in their stubbornness).
#twostraightstoomany #hitormisskillorkiss #drawingthedoctor #unbreakmyheart #whereweleftoff #twobestmenonlyonebed #wheretheressmoke #romeoalexander #menoffortdale #menoffortdaleseries #heroesofportdale #heroesofportdaleseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 3, 2020
This is an author that I love to read. This series has been so much fun and the characters are realistic and tug at my heartstrings. Blaine and Eric were best friends in high school and discovered there was more to it than that. They lived in a small town where everybody knew everyone else and their business. Blaine went to the service and Eric was devastated. Fast forward eight years and Blaine is back from the service and trying to start a new life in a larger city not far from home. He's never forgotten Eric and how much he meant to him. Eric, on the other hand, has tried to forget anything and everything about Blaine. He took the separation hard and doesn't want to forgive or forget. Imagine both of their surprise when Blaine is the rookie cop Eric will be riding with. I was unimpressed with Eric's unwillingness to let Blaine explain, the way he is so mean and unwavering. For weeks Eric puts Blaine through hell day in and day out while they are looking for a serial arsonist. It takes an explosion to change Eric's mind and at least listen to him. The suspense surrounding the search for the arsonist is exciting and the romance is wonderful. This second chance relationship is one wild trip and if I could have I would have smacked Eric. This can be read without having read any of the others but I love them all. I requested a free advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.
September 25, 2020
I loved this story of a second chance love. Blaine has been a soldier for the last 8 years, he has quit the military and applied to become a police officer. The first day he goes into the precinct to meet his new partner and finds Eric, his high school sweetheart.
Eric is a prickly, irritable man who becomes even more angry when he meets his new partner, Blaine. Blaine who skipped out on him and abandoned him 8 years ago.
Both men must work together to find an arsonist in their city. They work through their painful past with the help of each of their brothers. Blaine will not give up on Eric, and Eric is slowly thawing.
I really loved this story because the characters I can just see. Blaine is the patient, loving one and Eric is like a feline firecracker; hissing and spitting to keep others away in fear of being hurt. Their past is brought up in parts throughout the story giving insight to what happened and why they broke up.
The arson was a good addition to the read, but I kind of missed why it seemed like someone was going after Anthony Howell. This is the first of the series I have read so maybe it is in another story or perhaps I did not read as carefully as I thought. At any rate, I will read more from this author. I enjoyed this book.
Eric is a prickly, irritable man who becomes even more angry when he meets his new partner, Blaine. Blaine who skipped out on him and abandoned him 8 years ago.
Both men must work together to find an arsonist in their city. They work through their painful past with the help of each of their brothers. Blaine will not give up on Eric, and Eric is slowly thawing.
I really loved this story because the characters I can just see. Blaine is the patient, loving one and Eric is like a feline firecracker; hissing and spitting to keep others away in fear of being hurt. Their past is brought up in parts throughout the story giving insight to what happened and why they broke up.
The arson was a good addition to the read, but I kind of missed why it seemed like someone was going after Anthony Howell. This is the first of the series I have read so maybe it is in another story or perhaps I did not read as carefully as I thought. At any rate, I will read more from this author. I enjoyed this book.
September 26, 2020
Blaine Edwards went into the military after high school and, after his 8 years of service, he’s looking for a job that will suit him. He is hired as a police officer and finds that his new partner is his high school love, Eric. Eric feels that everyone that ever mattered to him walks away. He is angry. But seeing Eric again, Blaine knows he wants him back in his life. And although Eric tries to convince both Blaine and himself that it’s over between them, Blaine thinks there is still something there.
With the combination of working together on the job, and with support from their respective brothers, they begin to work out the issues that came between them. Can Blaine convince Eric that their relationship still has a chance? Can he convince him he can trust him and that he is not going to leave him?
The characters quickly draw the reader in. Blaine is gentle and persistent, definitely giving out the vibe that he is dependable and worthy of trust. Eric is afraid to trust because of his personal history of people walking out of his life, so he is afraid to count on anyone. Now they have a second chance to clear up the misunderstandings and decide what each of them really wants. Will Eric give him a chance? Or is it too late to reconcile the past?
With the combination of working together on the job, and with support from their respective brothers, they begin to work out the issues that came between them. Can Blaine convince Eric that their relationship still has a chance? Can he convince him he can trust him and that he is not going to leave him?
The characters quickly draw the reader in. Blaine is gentle and persistent, definitely giving out the vibe that he is dependable and worthy of trust. Eric is afraid to trust because of his personal history of people walking out of his life, so he is afraid to count on anyone. Now they have a second chance to clear up the misunderstandings and decide what each of them really wants. Will Eric give him a chance? Or is it too late to reconcile the past?
September 25, 2020
This is book #4 of the Port Dale series. You don't have to have read the other to fully enjoy this story. Eric, a police officer, has had a lot of loss and hurt in his life. It seems like everyone he loves leaves him. In order to survive has has closed off his heart and just focuses on doing his job. His boss surprises him with a partner. Someone he wants him to teach the ropes. To his shock it is Blaine. The boy who he loved earlier in his life. Blaine left their small town full of closed minds to join the military. He wanted to establish something better for him and Eric. Eric just focused on his leaving and cut all ties immediately. Blaine is equally shocked to see Eric after so many years. But unlike Eric, he has continued to pine for and love Eric. Even if Eric didn't love him back anymore. This is a well written book that takes the reader along with Eric and Blaine as they try to sort out their relationship. Or if they can even have a relationship. I really enjoyed reading their story. It is a well written book and flows nicely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2020
Whew, what an emotionally packed story.
Eric is possesses the personality of a prickly porcupine; a reputation he's earned before and after he joins Port Dale's police department. And he's about to get even rougher around the edges when he finds out that the replacement for his partner Sam is none other than Blaine, his former high school bestie and now his partner. Eight years has flown under the bridge of their relationship but Eric could never forget or forgive the abandonment issues Blain's leaving ingrained in his heart. Blain's plan is to ask for and/or beg for Eric's forgiveness so their friendship can blossom again. This is a strong plot of mutual vibes gone askew but holds the promise of reconciliation. Throw in a case of arson spreading through the streets of Port Dale with insights into investigation techniques and the suprise suspect's motivations will find the reader with a satisfying final book in the Heros Of Port Dale series. My ARC was given to me via Booksprout for my honest review.
Eric is possesses the personality of a prickly porcupine; a reputation he's earned before and after he joins Port Dale's police department. And he's about to get even rougher around the edges when he finds out that the replacement for his partner Sam is none other than Blaine, his former high school bestie and now his partner. Eight years has flown under the bridge of their relationship but Eric could never forget or forgive the abandonment issues Blain's leaving ingrained in his heart. Blain's plan is to ask for and/or beg for Eric's forgiveness so their friendship can blossom again. This is a strong plot of mutual vibes gone askew but holds the promise of reconciliation. Throw in a case of arson spreading through the streets of Port Dale with insights into investigation techniques and the suprise suspect's motivations will find the reader with a satisfying final book in the Heros Of Port Dale series. My ARC was given to me via Booksprout for my honest review.
September 26, 2020
These men are carrying some serious baggage! Eric is losing the only partner he ever had, Sam who balanced him. He has trauma from his childhood and growing up which he fights every day. Blaine has just left the military because of DADT and is trying to adjust to civilian life. He worked for many years in a hostile environment. When he comes out to his conservative parents, he gets the response he expected. No matter how old you are, rejection and conditions from parents is difficult and emotionally crushing. Eric and Blaine have history from high school. Some good, ending badly. They are also, new partners. Emotions are dug up. Attitudes are riding on shoulders. But, they have a job to do and a professional personna to maintain! Can Eric pull in his claws? Can Blaine find the courage to speak up? Can they admit they still have fealings for each other? Enjoyable read. Eric and Blaine are nice guys when you consider their backgrounds. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2021
Read the Blurb and Then Hang On
This is a crushingly beautiful lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers tale which succeeds only because of a timely plot twist and a presciently intervention of the brothers of the MC's.
Eric's brother Sean basically raised him after his parents died and Blaine's twin Blake has always been there for him. Now in a smartly devised plot line Eric and Blaine are thrown back together after eight years of a heart crushing separation which happened because, of course, men are jerks and don't communicate very well.
You will not like Eric (on the cover) at all and probably feel a little shifty about Blaine, but there are reasons and they are very serious if not completely detailed until poof!, Sean reveals something he has held back from Eric and Blaine does an heroic thing that changes everything. The result is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and totally believable.
One of the things I picked up dering the plot line is that two brothers seemed to each be floating out there without a story. That has apparently been solved in Book #6 of this series which I am rushing to get because this one was sooooooo good I want to know more!
This is a crushingly beautiful lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers tale which succeeds only because of a timely plot twist and a presciently intervention of the brothers of the MC's.
Eric's brother Sean basically raised him after his parents died and Blaine's twin Blake has always been there for him. Now in a smartly devised plot line Eric and Blaine are thrown back together after eight years of a heart crushing separation which happened because, of course, men are jerks and don't communicate very well.
You will not like Eric (on the cover) at all and probably feel a little shifty about Blaine, but there are reasons and they are very serious if not completely detailed until poof!, Sean reveals something he has held back from Eric and Blaine does an heroic thing that changes everything. The result is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and totally believable.
One of the things I picked up dering the plot line is that two brothers seemed to each be floating out there without a story. That has apparently been solved in Book #6 of this series which I am rushing to get because this one was sooooooo good I want to know more!
September 25, 2020
Well written characters and a storyline that mostly focuses on the second chance for Eric and Blaine - we get snippets of their past interactions mixed with the present day actions and that allows you to feel the connection that never left them. This is an emotional journey with misunderstandings, some danger and violence, genuine feelings, healing, love, and a satisfying HEA.
Eric uses being gruff, rude, and swearing like a sailor as a wall to keep others out, to protect him from the trauma of his past, and his soft, repeatedly broken heart. Blaine wanted more than his small town offered and a secret romance so he left and joined the army. Now he is back and is unexpectedly reunited with the only man he has ever loved.
There is a lot of friction between them as they try to work as new partners in the police department and past hurts make it more difficult.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eric uses being gruff, rude, and swearing like a sailor as a wall to keep others out, to protect him from the trauma of his past, and his soft, repeatedly broken heart. Blaine wanted more than his small town offered and a secret romance so he left and joined the army. Now he is back and is unexpectedly reunited with the only man he has ever loved.
There is a lot of friction between them as they try to work as new partners in the police department and past hurts make it more difficult.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
This book is fantastic! The story of Blaine and Eric is one of love, heartbreak and redemption. The two were friends from the moment they met. When Eric's parents die, his brother Sean takes him in. Eric and Blaine's friendship turns romantic until Blaine enlists in the military and the relationship ends badly. Eight years later, Eric's partner at the precinct is retiring and he's getting a new one. Enter Blaine back into his life. The partnership isn't going well at first but soon Eric agrees to try and make it work. An arguement outside a bar will start the changes rolling but an explosion at a site they are investigating will bring things to the front. Eric will also get the letters Blaine sent that will make him see the truth. The two will finally get back to where they belong, in each other's arms, with a bit of forgiveness and understanding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
I loved this story. Full of angst, passion and love. A great second chance romance. Eric is such an angry man and afraid of getting his heart broken again. He outworldly shows everyone his anger while hiding his other emotions deep inside his soul. Blaine is just the opposite. He has more of an outgoing personality and has never stopped loving Eric. They separated 8 years ago, each of them misunderstanding the other and their relationship ended in an argument. Now 8 years later they both end up working for the same police department. Eric is pissed and trys his best to not be nice at all to Blaine. Blaine trys his best to become at least friends with Eric. The two of them argue more than they actually get along. They are given this second chance but will either of them actually give into it?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2020
This is an entertaining, intense and heartbreaking story. When Eric was 10 his parents were killed in a car accident, and he was in the back seat. And even having 11 adult siblings, he was almost abandoned to the system. Fortunately, his brother Sean took custody of him at the last minute. Eric was an angry, loner in high school until the day Blaine introduced himself to Eric. From then on they were inseparable, and then they spent the last year together as lovers. It ended badly when Blaine informed Eric that he had enlisted. Blaine wanted a better life for them, but all Eric could see was that he was leaving, and leaving Eric behind. 8 years go by and Blaine suddenly appears at Eric's police department, to be Eric's new partner. It's anything but fun for Blaine, because Eric is still lashing out at people and wants nothing to do with Blaine. There are some twists you will never see coming. I love this series and I love the stories.
Read
September 25, 2020One hard fought second chance
Eric has a metaphorical brick wall -with spikes-that is painful to the touch of anyone who tries to reach his heart. Powerful defense mechanism for a man who has been badly hurt. Now that deeply rooted pain is back in his life in the form of his ex.
Blaine left Port Dale and joined the military. After eight years, he decides to get out and join the Port Dale Police Department. Imagine running into the person whom you left heartbroken. Now you are his new partner to replace his old one.
Let the fun begin.
Glimpses of their past and witnessing their present shows you how much is still there despite the outward pain, misunderstandings, and anger.
SPOILER - Eric's brother played a role in this and caused his brother all this unnecessary pain
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Eric has a metaphorical brick wall -with spikes-that is painful to the touch of anyone who tries to reach his heart. Powerful defense mechanism for a man who has been badly hurt. Now that deeply rooted pain is back in his life in the form of his ex.
Blaine left Port Dale and joined the military. After eight years, he decides to get out and join the Port Dale Police Department. Imagine running into the person whom you left heartbroken. Now you are his new partner to replace his old one.
Let the fun begin.
Glimpses of their past and witnessing their present shows you how much is still there despite the outward pain, misunderstandings, and anger.
SPOILER - Eric's brother played a role in this and caused his brother all this unnecessary pain
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
September 26, 2020
Eric lost his parents when he was little and his older brother raised him. Blaine meets Eric in high school and they both become best friends and then boyfriends. Blaine leaves to join the military because he sees no future for Eric and himself in the small town. When Blaine leaves Eric is heartbroken and does not want to see him again. Eight years pass and Blaine shows up in Port Dale looking for a job at the Police Station. Police Chief Morgan introduces Blaine to his new partner and it turns out it is Eric. Eric is upset to see Blaine because he has not gotten over their breakup even if it has been eight years. Will Blaine be able to break through Eric's unhappiness and start over? Will Eric finally lt Blaine back in so that they can both be happy again?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2020
❤🔥🔥A good start as Eric is feeling a bit morbid about everyone leaving him. I loved their first meeting Eric and Blaine are both speechless. Tensions between them are high with their past friendship/relationship was left unfinished after 8 years. The story jumps to an fro back in time when they are 18 and at school. I liked Blake in this he definitely knew Blaine better than himself. Arsonist attacks hitting the city there set to investigate (Twist included). A great book and there’s definite fire between both characters. Drama and danger included with a HEA. Told with both POVs and lots of angst feels for them both. This is the final book of the series which I’ve loved all.
Officer Eric was about to have a new partner and didn’t know who it’d be.
Blaine 28 was a rookie cop about to join a his new station, after his military service..
Officer Eric was about to have a new partner and didn’t know who it’d be.
Blaine 28 was a rookie cop about to join a his new station, after his military service..
Did Not Finish
April 6, 2026DNF - PG 98
Why?
I am REALLY starting to think that this series isn't going to work for anywhere close to as well as Men of Fort Dale did (first book not withstanding). But, anyway, about this book:
The reason for their separation was... stupid. Like really, really stupid.
Also, I do not like their dynamic and REALLY do not like their dynamic when they get to the sex.
Why?
I am REALLY starting to think that this series isn't going to work for anywhere close to as well as Men of Fort Dale did (first book not withstanding). But, anyway, about this book:
The reason for their separation was... stupid. Like really, really stupid.
Also, I do not like their dynamic and REALLY do not like their dynamic when they get to the sex.
September 25, 2020
This was a great story about high school sweetheart reuniting, a second chance at love. Blaine returns after 8 years in the military. He joins the police force and is partnered with Eric, his best friend/boyfriend from high school. Eric has anger issues; he believes that Blaine skipped out on him. They must learn to work together to find an arsonist. I loved how patient Blaine was with Eric. This was my first story by the author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was well written, I loved how the back story was inter woven throughout the story line. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions. Thank you Booksprout!
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