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Shady Ridge #1
Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky
Hank is happy with his life in Shady Ridge, the small town he grew up in and now works as a police officer in. And if he has to go to the Neon Sky, a gay bar a couple hours away in the middle of nowhere once every six months or so to get his jollies, well it's working for him.
At least it is until Charlie joins the force. A giant of a man, Charlie has left the big city after a nasty break-up and come to Shady Ridge for a little peace. Hank's immediately attracted, and when he runs into Charlie at the Neon Sky, finding out they're batting for the same team... well it just might turn Hank's ordered world upside down.
At least it is until Charlie joins the force. A giant of a man, Charlie has left the big city after a nasty break-up and come to Shady Ridge for a little peace. Hank's immediately attracted, and when he runs into Charlie at the Neon Sky, finding out they're batting for the same team... well it just might turn Hank's ordered world upside down.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2008
3 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Chris Owen
101 books907 followersI live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 16, 2024
A personal favorite, now re-published!
This review is of my second read of Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky. I read this book for the first time back in 2010.
This is one of those lovely, slow to build, low angst, romantic stories that catches you a bit off guard in the end. Told from the POV of MC police officer Hank, he has decided his life is as good as it is going to get, a gay man in the closet and traveling out of town twice a year for a group hookup with casual friends. Along comes new officer MC Charlie who turns his life upside down. Watching these two fall in love was a delight.
Highly recommended for folks who love M/M romance on the light side without any angst and a nice, easy simmer into lust then love.
This review is of my second read of Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky. I read this book for the first time back in 2010.
This is one of those lovely, slow to build, low angst, romantic stories that catches you a bit off guard in the end. Told from the POV of MC police officer Hank, he has decided his life is as good as it is going to get, a gay man in the closet and traveling out of town twice a year for a group hookup with casual friends. Along comes new officer MC Charlie who turns his life upside down. Watching these two fall in love was a delight.
Highly recommended for folks who love M/M romance on the light side without any angst and a nice, easy simmer into lust then love.
November 2, 2019
2.5 stars, which means smack-dab in the middle of average. It's a pleasant, lightweight romance, which is maybe another way of saying "kind of bland."
Two cops -- small-town native Hank and newcomer Charlie -- meet on the job and fall for each other in an angst-free storyline. I'm totally on-aboard with low/no angst, in theory. But because the characters were never challenged, they never changed over the course of the story. They were damned likable at the beginning, damned likable in the middle, and damned likable at the end. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But still.
The writing was good, but some weird formatting glitches (like paragraph breaks in the middle of a sentence) were annoying. My main criticism is that the sex scenes kept veering off into more sappiness than I have a tolerance for. YMMV.
Two cops -- small-town native Hank and newcomer Charlie -- meet on the job and fall for each other in an angst-free storyline. I'm totally on-aboard with low/no angst, in theory. But because the characters were never challenged, they never changed over the course of the story. They were damned likable at the beginning, damned likable in the middle, and damned likable at the end. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But still.
The writing was good, but some weird formatting glitches (like paragraph breaks in the middle of a sentence) were annoying. My main criticism is that the sex scenes kept veering off into more sappiness than I have a tolerance for. YMMV.
March 13, 2009
I'm so glad I finally got down to reading this one. I'd bought Owens' BDSM series, read part of the first title and gave up on it and never picked up another book by her.
What a huge difference SR&TNS is! Just a sweet, simple yet oh-so-satisfying romance between two cops in a small town with none of the stereotypical small-town angst thrown in. I was hooked from the first page as Hank sits in his office focusing on the dust motes flitting by and in walks six-foot five, Charlie. I could feel Hank's conflicting responses - he's skeptical about this stranger's claim that he's the new hire but he's also attracted. When he's told he has to baby-sit Charlie this weekend and show him the town, Hank is just pissed off since he's got plans that weekend.
Hank's not been in a relationship - all he has are his bi-annual get-togethers with a bunch of guys to fuck. While I could say that arrangement is a "committed" one in that it's the same guys, it's hardly romantic. When Charlie walks into Hank's life, the former's long-term relationship has just ended but there's no baggage being lugged around by either men.
While I tend to enjoy the darker, grittier romantic suspenses, I need a break in between and Owens' romance between the two cops is just the right change I needed. It was tender at parts yet the sex was so hot I was holding my breath. This made me wonder about Torquere's heat rating. SR&TNS is rated a chile pepper but I rate it hotter than the jalapenos I've read, never mind the habanero pepper. I'm thinking perhaps Torquere rates them by the number of sex scenes rather than how erotic it is. Quantity rather than quality.
In ST&TNS, there's just that first scene between Hank and Charles which doesn't even involve penetration and then there's the main love-making session. The love develops between the two cops gradually and unobtrusively yet is so obvious. No 'big mis' to mess things up, no serial killer out to get one of them, no homophobic colleagues or parents. Just the focus on how Hank and Charles come to fall in love with each other and have the expected HEA.
What a huge difference SR&TNS is! Just a sweet, simple yet oh-so-satisfying romance between two cops in a small town with none of the stereotypical small-town angst thrown in. I was hooked from the first page as Hank sits in his office focusing on the dust motes flitting by and in walks six-foot five, Charlie. I could feel Hank's conflicting responses - he's skeptical about this stranger's claim that he's the new hire but he's also attracted. When he's told he has to baby-sit Charlie this weekend and show him the town, Hank is just pissed off since he's got plans that weekend.
Hank's not been in a relationship - all he has are his bi-annual get-togethers with a bunch of guys to fuck. While I could say that arrangement is a "committed" one in that it's the same guys, it's hardly romantic. When Charlie walks into Hank's life, the former's long-term relationship has just ended but there's no baggage being lugged around by either men.
While I tend to enjoy the darker, grittier romantic suspenses, I need a break in between and Owens' romance between the two cops is just the right change I needed. It was tender at parts yet the sex was so hot I was holding my breath. This made me wonder about Torquere's heat rating. SR&TNS is rated a chile pepper but I rate it hotter than the jalapenos I've read, never mind the habanero pepper. I'm thinking perhaps Torquere rates them by the number of sex scenes rather than how erotic it is. Quantity rather than quality.
In ST&TNS, there's just that first scene between Hank and Charles which doesn't even involve penetration and then there's the main love-making session. The love develops between the two cops gradually and unobtrusively yet is so obvious. No 'big mis' to mess things up, no serial killer out to get one of them, no homophobic colleagues or parents. Just the focus on how Hank and Charles come to fall in love with each other and have the expected HEA.
June 7, 2017
D'AWWWW, YOU GUYS.
Cute. Really cute. I think the one thing about this I liked most if that these two guys communicate. Like, really well. More than most people, probably. They're really open and honest. Kind of refreshing.
I liked this a lot.
Cute. Really cute. I think the one thing about this I liked most if that these two guys communicate. Like, really well. More than most people, probably. They're really open and honest. Kind of refreshing.
I liked this a lot.
January 29, 2012
Hank is a small-town cop, not in the closet, but not waving his preferences in anyone's face. He has a job he enjoys, dealing with more drunks and pot in the school lockers than car chases and gun-play. He has a casual friends-with-benefits arrangement that allows him a couple of days of hot play with three friends twice a year or so. And things move along smoothly. Until Charlie, the new hire, walks in the door, all six-foot-five, muscles and confidence, and just what Hank likes. And it turns out Charlie is gay too.
This story is a slow easy glide of two men as they move from hot sex (lots of hot sex) to a gradual awareness that the thing between them is deeper than just attraction and affection. No big emotional moments, just a nice sweet development.
This story is a slow easy glide of two men as they move from hot sex (lots of hot sex) to a gradual awareness that the thing between them is deeper than just attraction and affection. No big emotional moments, just a nice sweet development.
April 4, 2014
i have read this. It is sweet, sweet, sweet, and despite the fact that it'm meant to be set in the U.S., I cannot get past the fact that the author is Canadian. Think "Corner Gas" with sex. Lovely, very small town, but just not quite the good ole' USA. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that, but it reads like a Canadian small town rather than a U.S. one. And that sort of unexpected falling into love? Shivers.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, open eyed, gorgeous, but above the 49th parallel.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, open eyed, gorgeous, but above the 49th parallel.
June 22, 2017
Great comfort read. A little underestimated, if you ask me. I'd love to read the stories of the other guys too.
April 14, 2012
Hank is a cop in Shady Ridge, a small town where he works as a police officer. He goes to the Neon Sky, a gay bar out of town every six months or so to meet three buddies who spend the weekend literally screwing their brains out. Charlie is a new cop, a transfer from out of town who is assigned to Hank for his orientation. After the first day together Hank confesses that he had plans to go out of town and Charlie, who had plans of his own, encourages Hank to go, while both plan to meet to work again at noon on Sunday. Imagine Hank’s surprise when he sees Charlie at the Neon Sky – with another man. And Charlie’s surprise to see Hank with another guy’s hands all over him.
Once back together on Sunday they briefly discuss the weekend and agree to move forward, not letting their personal lives effect their work lives.
This is a love story and from that moment the story of Hank and Charlie’s growing relationship develops. That ultimately ends with their love and commitment to one another. It’s hot and it’s sweet. No angst or life threatening situations, just a slow gentle path to love.
Once back together on Sunday they briefly discuss the weekend and agree to move forward, not letting their personal lives effect their work lives.
This is a love story and from that moment the story of Hank and Charlie’s growing relationship develops. That ultimately ends with their love and commitment to one another. It’s hot and it’s sweet. No angst or life threatening situations, just a slow gentle path to love.
April 12, 2011
**4-4.5** Wonderful story about two cops from completely different worlds, both strong and independent and stubborn as hell - together they make a fabulous team in and out of the bedroom. I love Chris' writing and characters and this book was no exception. Is there more, please? :)
August 9, 2015
Great story, awesome characters, well written - just a little too much sex for me.
July 12, 2014
First read: years ago, 5 stars
Same great read as all the previous ones. Love this book, simple as that.
Same great read as all the previous ones. Love this book, simple as that.
October 1, 2012
Really good sweet and angst free story about two cops in a small town.
April 7, 2019
3.5 Stars. This was a very sweet, slow build romance that I really enjoyed.
July 25, 2013
The hell! When I started reading this I was pleasantly surprised and liked the authors writing style and humour in the book right from the start. But man! When the two main protagonist got together it was all bang him over here, over there...and I was reading On Fire again xDDD Guess I wouldn´tve found it so funny if it wasn´t for the fact I read On Fire yesterday...xD
Just to make it clear: I´m not against sex scenes in stories (the hell, I´m the one waiting for them to appear). But when it reaches the stage when it´s all almost just sex scenes I kind of miss something more there.
The first half of the book was awesome but then when Chris and Hank started testing their beds´ endurances it was mostly just about it all of a sudden. I think it has something to do with the number of pages involved to be honest. Because if the book was...like 200 pages long, all those (nicely written, thumbs up) sex scenes would fit in pretty nicely. It wouldn´t took up close to half of the book´s pages.
All considered I liked the book, nice reading for a relax-time. And on top of that those people who doesn´t mind what I did here will like the book even more.;D
Just to make it clear: I´m not against sex scenes in stories (the hell, I´m the one waiting for them to appear). But when it reaches the stage when it´s all almost just sex scenes I kind of miss something more there.
The first half of the book was awesome but then when Chris and Hank started testing their beds´ endurances it was mostly just about it all of a sudden. I think it has something to do with the number of pages involved to be honest. Because if the book was...like 200 pages long, all those (nicely written, thumbs up) sex scenes would fit in pretty nicely. It wouldn´t took up close to half of the book´s pages.
All considered I liked the book, nice reading for a relax-time. And on top of that those people who doesn´t mind what I did here will like the book even more.;D
August 6, 2013
It's probably not the best book ever but it made me feel happy. It has the same easy quality between the guys that I loved in "On The Clock". Books that aren't based on miscommunication are my favorite and these guys really do the "I don't assume" part good. So it's fun to read about two hot guys becoming a couple over the time without big drama between them but a lot of fun and hot sex.
I recommend.
I recommend.
July 6, 2014
I read this story a while ago and by re-reading it, I know this story is short and a novella, but nonetheless it's a gem. Beautiful plotted story with great characters. I liked Charlie and Hank as a characters and even more as a couple. Really recommend it to everyone!
October 14, 2013
This story was smooth and uncomplicated without any major conflicts. I was entertained by the progression of these two cops' relationship that started out as a convenience and ended up in love with tons of sex in between, as It's usually the case with Chris Owen.
January 22, 2009
Wow...I am going to have to check out more books by this author. The characters were very well developed, and their chemistry together was HOT HOT HOT!!!
May 11, 2011
2.75 stars
A simple, no conflict, bordering on boring read that I found no excitement in.
A simple, no conflict, bordering on boring read that I found no excitement in.
August 13, 2012
Really loved these guys. First 30% made me happy then there was just too much sexing for my mood. So I had to give this a 3.5 star rating
February 6, 2014
4.5stars
July 23, 2017
Charlie and Hank forever
Very easy sweet romance between 2 small-town cops. No drama, angst, or silly miscommunication...it was all about watching them fall in love. There were some hot sex scenes that went along with their blossoming relationship. No complaints about their story at all.
If I did have a niggle, it was that we never got a picture of Hank. He's the narrator so I guess that makes sense but I'm visual and wanted some kind of description. The other thoughts are there are some weird formats...New paragraphs started in the middle of a sentence at times. I also would have loved an epilogue.
Even with those fussy thoughts, I loved this romance...any niggle was because I was so invested in this couple. That is what makes this 5 stars.
Very easy sweet romance between 2 small-town cops. No drama, angst, or silly miscommunication...it was all about watching them fall in love. There were some hot sex scenes that went along with their blossoming relationship. No complaints about their story at all.
If I did have a niggle, it was that we never got a picture of Hank. He's the narrator so I guess that makes sense but I'm visual and wanted some kind of description. The other thoughts are there are some weird formats...New paragraphs started in the middle of a sentence at times. I also would have loved an epilogue.
Even with those fussy thoughts, I loved this romance...any niggle was because I was so invested in this couple. That is what makes this 5 stars.
June 23, 2017
3.5 stars. Very low angst, sweet colleagues to lovers story with a good steam level. I took off one star because there just wasn't a whole lot of story here other than the meandering relationship development and another half for editing issues. All in all, a nice read, and I recommend it for a laid back story.
December 25, 2025
4.5 stars
Wow this was so steamy and sweet at the same time.
I loved how comfortable Hank and Charlie were with each other...their relationship was effortless and it built up steadily.
Wow this was so steamy and sweet at the same time.
I loved how comfortable Hank and Charlie were with each other...their relationship was effortless and it built up steadily.
November 4, 2014
Sometimes it is just impossible to explain why a book works for me. I give Shady Ridge five stars not just because I enjoyed it on first reading, but because I read it a second time (unusual for me) and even have, now and then, picked it up and read a few pages at a time.
Needless to say Chris Owen knows how to write this kind of easy-going, not-much-going-on type of story. There isn't much conflict, but the characters are engaging, and there are some scenes that are just too sweet not to love. I never do like the group-sex-scenes that Owen insists on putting into her books (I skip the books of hers that are focused on that), so I must admit that after the first reading I just skip the one scene like that in this novel. Although it is milder than most she's written and also set-up better in terms of emotional engagement.
So for me to admit that I don't like those kinds of scenes in a big way (I also do not care for BDSM in any manifestation), and yet *still* give this little book five stars really shows how much I like it.
Needless to say Chris Owen knows how to write this kind of easy-going, not-much-going-on type of story. There isn't much conflict, but the characters are engaging, and there are some scenes that are just too sweet not to love. I never do like the group-sex-scenes that Owen insists on putting into her books (I skip the books of hers that are focused on that), so I must admit that after the first reading I just skip the one scene like that in this novel. Although it is milder than most she's written and also set-up better in terms of emotional engagement.
So for me to admit that I don't like those kinds of scenes in a big way (I also do not care for BDSM in any manifestation), and yet *still* give this little book five stars really shows how much I like it.
November 24, 2012
4 Stars ~ Charlie's the new cop in town and Hank's been ordered to show him around. Discovering that Charlie's also gay complicates their working together. While Charlie's ready to jump right in, Hank slows things down, but soon their chemistry leads them into a relationship that proves much more than just some fun time in the sack.
This is a lazy paced love story. Hank is a loner who hadn't expected to find a life partner. Charlie's 6'5" size makes him hard to miss and he has Hank's full attention. I loved that while they had incredibly hot sex they slowly let themselves fall in love. There's no drama, no big black moment, just sweet romance.
This is a lazy paced love story. Hank is a loner who hadn't expected to find a life partner. Charlie's 6'5" size makes him hard to miss and he has Hank's full attention. I loved that while they had incredibly hot sex they slowly let themselves fall in love. There's no drama, no big black moment, just sweet romance.
July 15, 2011
Totally sweet. I like that story, really. Those guys were hot and, in my opinion, adorable. Though, you should know, that it's not a children's candy. Oh, maybe a candy for these older ones.
I can't give 5 stars, because this book could be longer and more developed.
As I mentioned, I really like it, so I give it 4 stars.
I can't give 5 stars, because this book could be longer and more developed.
As I mentioned, I really like it, so I give it 4 stars.
November 26, 2018
I really enjoy this book and these characters. A sweet, true romance with love, amazing sex, and perfectly imperfect characters and not a lot of angst, all wrapped up in an interesting and entertaining story!
There are some other short stories listed but I can only find one (very short one) "After the Shift" that takes place on Halloween.
There are some other short stories listed but I can only find one (very short one) "After the Shift" that takes place on Halloween.
January 22, 2010
Good story, such a sucker for a good HEA. And ebooks are too easy.
March 17, 2010
A fairly good erotic novelette. Not much plot, but I don't think that was the point!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews