South Main and Gentry

Willow Springs #1

by A.D. Ellis, Declan Rhodes

Mitch Aiken serves up authentic small-town comfort food in Willow Springs' South Main diner. Mitch dominates the local food scene until young upstart Tanner Gentry arrives from Chicago to prove small-town foodies are aching for a contemporary approach to coffee and sandwiches. Soon, a spark is lit, and it doesn't take long to kindle it into a flame.

The battle for the hearts and stomachs of Willow Springs residents is on with one major complication - the sexual chemistry between Mitch and Tanner is off the charts and everyone recognizes it except Mitch and Tanner themselves.

South Main and Gentry is a 53,000-word gay romance with enemies to lovers, age gap, and opposites attract themes. It is the first book in the Willow Springs series. All books can be read as standalone stories, but characters from each book will reappear across the series. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary

216 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2021

About the author

Escape into addictive, sexy, emotional M/M romance.
A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing teens, and wondering how she and her husband of over two decades haven't driven each other insane yet. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.
She loves chocolate, hot tea, sweet wine with friends, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.
A.D. uses she/they pronouns.
Sign up at http://www.subscribepage.com/ADEllisN... for a FREE male/male romance book.

A.D. Ellis does not use generative AI to create books or covers.

Reviews

[Earlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was an easy read and you had to fall in love with these guys.
A May to December romance, which I really enjoy. Even the supporting case was interesting.
Mitch Diner has been in his family for generations with little changes. While Tanner moves in the small town opening an upscale Cafe. Of course friendly battle lines were drawn. However, the attraction was on both sides which could not be denied.
They finally gave in and worked on the relationship trying to get over the age gap.
The writing invited you in to their world and just wanted you to cheer for them.
Got an ARC for a honest review.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. I loved Mitch. He was the perfect older grumpy bear. I had a harder time with Tanner. He came off as snotty and a little condescending. I warmed to him as the book progressed. DeClan Rhodes is a favorite author for me. I’ve loved just about every one of his books that I’ve read. A. D. Ellis is a great story teller who sometimes put too much inner monologue in the stories. Still I keep coming back because her stories are super.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

South Main and Gentry is a sweet, small town romance. AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes perfectly combine an age gap with opposites attract and enemies to lovers aspects.

Overall, this is the story of two competitors trying to figure their way through their attraction. We see them slowly develop a friendship and then deal with their increasing feelings for each other.

The business part is well done, with ups and downs between the men. They compete, they help, they hurt. I appreciate how well both places were brought to life, with their unique and special charms.

Mitch is so damn hurt from his past; unable to move past his pain. His diner means the world to him, not just as his livelihood, but as a way of holding onto his grandfather. With Tanner's new bakery offering so much to the town, it causes a lot of issues between the men.

I love the slow burn between Mitch and Tanner. So much of this book is spent with them slowly going from rivals to friends. It takes a long time for a kiss to happen. Yay slow burn!

I definitely enjoy the men together, and my heart hurts for both of them. Mitch's anguish is well illustrated, as well as his pride. And Tanner's confusion, as he's finds himself enjoying small town life, takes a lot out of him. He came to town to start his business, planning to return to the city. Instead, he finds a new home in Willow Springs, which has a special small town feel, new friends, and the love of his life. Swoon.

The age gap is another large aspect of this tale. Mitch struggles with thinking a man so much younger would want to be with him. I love how all of this plays out.

The writing flows great and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The storyline is sweet and the men are likeable. The small town is fully brought to life and is definitely charming. Small things add up to make the town special. Even the mushroom hunting had me happy.

South Main and Gentry is a fabulous small town romance. And the authors definitely end this one on a sweet note. I am excited for AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes to continue their collaboration. I hope to revisit this town often.

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Be honest with me. This is one of the worst cases you’ve ever seen, right?”

Authors A.D. Ellis and Declan Rhodes collaborate with a new series, Willow Springs. The series opener, "South Main and Gentry," has a little bit of everything, for everybody. It's a older man/younger man, a little bit of an enemies to lovers, opposites attract, all wrapped up in a small town, called Willow Springs. Mitch's family diner has been in Willow Springs for as long as anyone can remember. They serve mainly comfort food, and their customers wouldn't have it any other way. Or would they? Tanner breezes in from Chicago, offering new, edgy, fancy foods, in his upscale, café. Pretty soon, they are competing for customers, and for each other's attention. In this slow-building, fairly low-drama and low-angst romance, we watch as Mitch and Tanner navigate through a May/December romance with a slow simmer, that builds to that rather steamy, rapid boil. ( Sorry!) The supporting characters are are well-meaning, but intrusive at times, but build interest in their own stories. With "South Main and Gentry," you can expect some drama, angst, competition, tension, humorous situations, small town appeal, meddling, steam, and romance. A fine start, with a new series, for A.D. Ellis and Declan Rhodes. Charming and endearing. I received this book as an ARC from Declan Rhodes, and I volunteered this review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrumptious. Mitch grew up in Willow Springs. Tanner visited each summer and stayed with his Grandma. Mitch's diner, South Main provided comfy food. Tanner's place, Gentry's Java provided a newer more updated menu. Basically, as the two main eateries, they were competitors. Mitch was dedicated to running his diner as his Grandpa did. This is Tanner's third business and he does very well. There is also a 20 year age gap, of which Mitch is very conscious. Barry, Mitch's best friend and Travis, Tanner's good buddy serve as foils and conscious of Mitch and Tanner. Their relationship has some ups, downs and critical decisions that affect the town and people's livlihoods. All the characters are absolutely likeable and you hope for the best. Can both Tanner and Mitch successfully exist in Willow Springs? Will the town's people have a preference of old/new eateries? Can Mitch get over his 'age' issues? Nice story. Great theme, excellent characters. Well Done!

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 5 out of 5]

South Main and Gentry is Book 1 in Willow Springs series by AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes. In this age gap romance the older, Mitch owns the South Main diner which had been in existence in Willow Springs for years. In comes the younger Tanner, a new arrival in town to open an innovative café, serious competition for Mitch! Problem is while they are business rivals they are strongly attracted to each other.

It was a very enjoyable read. The story flowed well and the dialogue was very natural. I look forward to reading further books in this series.

[GhostMMreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a long time fan of both writers and the idea of a story written in collaboration between the two of them at first surprised me. Individually their writing styles are different and I wasn’t sure if they could well mix, but I was happy that this book proved me wrong. Declan Rhodes attention to how the characters spend their daily routine and interact with friends and A. D. Ellis more romantic and sentimental touch are the ingredients for a well written engaging story set in a Midwestern small town with gossiping clients, interfering friends, a touch of magic but most of all with good old fashion values of family traditions and hard and honest work.

[Blake Allwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in my early twenties, I dated one of the most amazing men. He was 25 years my senior. No, it didn't work out, mainly because he didn't want kids but to this day I think back over our short relationship with fond memories.

South Main and Gentry hit on a lot of the positive points of a spring/winter relationship. Thanks A.D. and Declan for your fantastic novel!

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two guys running eateries in a small town, some competitiveness and plenty of attraction. I really liked the story! The characters were fun, the dialogues witty, the overall plot entertaining. It’s a low angst age gap story perfect for a relaxing read!
Willow Springs seems like a fun place, guess I’ll hang around to see what more it brings us!

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc of this book for my honest opinion

I really loved this one. This was a slow build up for the relationship between Tanner and Mitch. Tanner came to Willow Springs to open up a new restaurant; while Mitch has been in the area for all his life. When they finally started their relationship, Mitch was worried about the age gap between them. But the obstacles were overcome and a solid relationship built. I will definitely be reading more.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all age-gap, enemy to lovers, both restaurant owners. One who believes inn comfort food and has lived n Willow Springs his whole life. The other coming from Chicago and opening an upscale coffee shop.
Mitch and Tanner are sweet and really can't fight the attraction between them.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written and enjoyable small town v big city opposites-attract story. It started out a little bit slow, but once it picked up, I was invested in Mitch and Tanner’s journey. Although they don’t start out on the best foot, the attraction simmering between them is undeniable. Mitch and Tanner are both engaging and likeable characters apart, but together, they’re explosive and so right for each other. The age gap issue was addressed well and I liked that they worked on their relationship once giving in to the attraction. A great read from these two authors!

[Denise Bodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. At first it was kind of slow and I really didn't think It was something that would hold my interest long, but it did pick up and I was hooked. This is a small town big city opposite attract book. It may start out a little slower than what we are used to but keep going cause it is well worth it. Mitch and Tanner are good apart but together they are explosive.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series. The authors quickly drew me into this story of competitors who were not looking for love, but found it anyway. I enjoyed following along on Mitch and Tanner’s journey and look forward to reading what happens next.

[liz]

Really disappointing. I've been a fan of several books by this author. The MCs in this are both unlikable. I have no idea what even their attraction to one another is. Overall underdeveloped characters and story.

[Luis Estrada · Rating 1 out of 5]

Deeply disappointed

This story was so forced that you might need some lube to get through it. Both characters are so unlikable that’s it’s had to root for them. The supporting characters were more interesting. Perhaps the author should learn how to develop characters with back stories that are relatable and sympathetic early in the story so that there’s some foundation to their behavior. The gratuitous sex scenes were also so rushed that they needed to get a ticket.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitch Aiken’s South Main diner is well-known for its comfort food. Everything is delicious. Then Luke Benson, owner and manager of Willow Springs’ grocery and specialty food shop, comes in to tell him he has some competition now as Tanner Gentry opens up his new coffee shop offering fancy specialty baked goods and sandwiches for the lunch crowd. He would also be providing breakfast and dinner meals. Luke mildly suggested Mitch should spruce up his diner since it was looking kind of old-fashioned compared to Tanner’s new place. Then the town gossip, Jenny, brought a young guy around to meet Mitch and he got his first look at Tanner Gentry.

Both men seemed to like what they saw, but Mitch was figuring Tanner was too young and Tanner wasn’t sure if Mitch was gay or not. Jenny set them both straight on that, then left them to get to know each other. With Tanner’s enthusiastic description of the items his shop would provide, it became more obvious that they were definitely competitors. And Tanner reminded himself that age aside, business rivalry and romance never mixed well.

But despite themselves, the two of them are attracted, their chemistry sizzling. Everyone else seemed aware of their budding relationship, but they were both oblivious. What would it take to prod one or the other to make the first move? Is the town big enough to keep both establishments successful?

This was an enjoyable story with likable characters once they lowered their defenses and let the other in. Grab your copy and see how the business competition plays out and whether they will finally accept each other.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe they could have everything
Mitch had his own diner South Main in a tiny little place called Willow Springs and he was content. He was openly gay and to be honest there wasn’t many gay men here, Mitch had his business so that kept him happy. Well That and his best friend Barry who drove him crazy, but he was the best best friend to have. Barry tells him that the new place opening down the street is more than a coffee shop it’s going to be offering breakfast lunch and dinner it will be in competition with Mitch‘s diner.
Tenner Gentry had moved back to Willow Springs after his grandmother died and left him her house. He decided to put one of his coffee shops here. he already had two in Chicago. Gentry Java was going on the map. He was taken down to the diner to meet the owner called Mitch and everything changing in a incident there was an instant attraction even though Mitch was an older man. Tenner didn’t think he was attracted to older man but Mitch changed all that But it seems that they were to be enemies. Can these two overcome their competitiveness that is keeping them apart??

I really enjoyed the story and the banter that they had, the chemistry that they had was explosive. They just needed to be alone and before they know the feelings was there. The passion was burning within. The chapter about poison Ivy melted my heart But they have a lot to overcome. I’m really glad that Tenner had Travis as his best friend. I really hope that we get to hear Barry's and Travis‘s stories

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

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

👥Two guys with different styles compete for the taste buds of a small town🍽🏘

This low angst MM romance pits a young, go-getter restaurateur against a middle-aged, small-town diner owner. Mitch wants to keep his local residents happy with South Main's tried and true comfort food. Tanner breezes in from Chicago and introduces an urban, updated vibe at Gentry, his coffee shop with an edge. The jockeying for the hearts, stomachs and wallets of Willow Springs customers plays their competitive characters against an immediate attraction but...

I thought authors Ellis and Rhodes did a great job setting up the character conflict, particularly Mitch's fears about failing commercially and getting serious about a much younger man. Mitch's concern for his employees and regular customers in an age when the bottom line usually wins out was touching. Mitch has a romantic history which receives brief treatment; I think more time could have been devoted to it. The main characters' best buds Travis and particularly Barry could get pushy and pesky at times.

I generally prefer romances with more angst but overall I liked the characters, the intimate, small-town feel and the positive ending for Mitch and Tanner. For those interested in the steam, the relationship builds slowly and then heats up.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. This is a sweet small town, age gap, enemies to lovers romance. Mitch is the owner of Willow Springs’ South Main Diner where he serves up old classics and comfort food. Tanner Gentry just moved to Willow Springs, where he used to spend summers with his grandmother. Tanner has two successful coffee shops in Chicago, and decides Willow Springs needs a more gourmet food option, so opens a new location of Gentry Java in town. The mens’ best friends, and several other people around town, ship them pretty much from their first meeting. But Mitch and Tanner both have a fierce competitive streak, and their age difference is another cause for concern.

Mitch and Tanner are great characters. There’s a lot of angst, but they show growth throughout the story. It’s wonderful to see them communicating with their friends and each other about their problems and concerns. Some of the wording and descriptions were very repetitive and the conclusion seems very far-fetched and unbelievable. There didn’t seem to be a lot of heat between the characters, and most of those scenes read as insert tab a into slot b. The story wasn’t quite what I’ve come to expect from Ellis, however it was the first I’ve read from Rhodes. Overall, this was a very sweet, quick read.

(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.)

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers, age gap, and opposites attract - South Main and Gentry was practically made for me. I get three of my favorite romance tropes combined with some terrific characters I really hope to see more of as this series progresses. Mitch and Tanner may be opposites in some things, but they're both crazy competitive, sometimes a little too much for their own good. That said, they have great chemistry and they love as hard as they compete. I will say the drama, that thing that brings about the angst for the couple to overcome, kind of left me on the fence about Mitch. Fortunately, I really liked him up to that point, so I was still interested to see how that particular hurdle was jumped. All things considered, this first book in the Willow Springs series is a solid introduction to the town and its colorful characters. Ellis and Rhodes make a good pair, and I'll be anxiously waiting to see what's next.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

South Main and Gentry is book 1 in the Willow Springs series. I loved this enemies to lovers, opposites attract, age gap book. Mitch owns a diner in the small town of Willow Springs. All is well until Tanner, a young twentysomething, comes to town and opens up a coffee and sandwich shop. At first the competition is fierce and so is the sexual chemistry between them. I really enjoyed the questioning about their relationship as to how it would work with there being such an age difference. Mitch doesn't want to come across to people as being Tanner's father. I loved watching Mitch and Tanner wotk out their feelings for each other, there's room for both of them in the small town. I recommend this book and can't wait for the next one.

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

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the blurb, I was expecting to read an enemies to lovers book, with the main characters both being a bit clueless about their own feelings. That’s not quite what this story delivered. Yes; Tanner and Mitch have something of a rivalry, but it’s really only Mitch who takes issue with Tanner’s business. Also, the cluelessness between Tanner and Mitch certainly didn’t last long, and the central problem between them ended up being the age gap between Mitch and Tanner more than their businesses.

Overall, I liked this story, and I’m excited to see more in Willow Springs. I rated this as high as I did, based on how much I enjoyed reading about these men, and their friends, rather than on my slight disappointment that I felt over not getting a book that quite matched the blurb.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so many things to like about South Main and Gentry by the duo authors, Declan Rhodes and AD Ellis. The first one is how real the characters are and how realistic their portrayal was. I liked how Mitch, despite being the top and being the broader of the two, he was a smidge shorter than Tanner, who was the slimmer and the bottom. I’m actually sick of stores where there’s a huge size difference between the top and the bottom, with the bottom being such a petite person. And the top a really massive guy.

I love the age gap trope and I felt the authors handled the huge age difference really well.

Overall, it was a great romantic story with great characters! All of them including the side characters.

[Lori Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

A nice story. I had a tough time getting into the two main characters. For me, they never seemed to click. Two restaurant owners in a small town compete for business. Mitch, owner of South Main, a hometown staple for decades, serving comfort foods. And now Tanner, owner of Gentrys Java, a trendy, upscale coffee shop diner. They clash in more ways than food from the beginning.

Overall story was fine, I just had a very hard time connecting with these two men and rheir friends.

3/5 stars

[Stealth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like bringing the old and the new together in more more ways than just one!

The old and new ways include an older experienced and younger schooled restaurant owners/cooks, a third generation family owned restaurant and a new coffee, sandwich and dessert restaurant. The use of tried and true old comfort food recipes compared to new wave organic recipes to be enjoyed by Willow Springs old and new townsfolk. I enjoyed this book! It brought back memories, I was a cook at a few restaurants in the past!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. The story was interesting and the characters--especially secondary ones Travis and Barry, were hilarious. Mitch, an older established chef in a small town vs. Tanner the younger trendy chef who opened a new coffee/eatery in the same town. Their difficulty trying to mesh their relationship with their businesses is the basis of the story--with frequent misunderstanding and a little angst. Fun, easy read.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. I liked the concept of the story. This was a very easy to read book. It was my first for Declan Rhodes, but I am a super fan of A.D. Ellis and I enjoyed the experience very much.

Mitch and Tanner come from 2 different worlds. However there is a strong attraction between them from the moment they meet. It takes some time to push them together, then some more time to get over some struggles they have to overcome before they come together in the end.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I felt the relationship between Mitch & Tanner was rushed/forced. The cook off came out of nowhere in order to create drama and bring these two together but it was so sudden it didn’t make sense yet to the story.

I have always enjoyed AD Ellis’ writing and sometimes co-writing is not a good thing.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

South Main and Gentry is a sweet story about two men who own different eateries in a small town who, even though they are trying to stay distanced, come together in a slow burn age-gap romance. The world building was great, the heat of this book was wonderful and the slow burn was amazing. I enjoyed reading this one quite a bit.