518 Hope Ave.

Cherry Falls #18

by Megan Wade

Ezra is a proud man. After giving up his dreams of college to take care of his siblings, he knows what Struggle Street looks like. But as a resident of Hope Avenue, Cherry Falls, he does his best to cling to the thought that things will get better...one day. If he can manage to hold down two jobs, run a house, replace the washing machine and keep his siblings alive long enough to see that happen...

That's when Quinn steps in.

As the receptionist at Cherry Hills elementary school, Quinn knows firsthand how hard Ezra's life is. Not only can she see it in his face, but she lived a similar past herself and empathizes more than he knows. So when the end of year school events cause Ezra and his siblings to struggle, it's a generous tip from Quinn that is the difference between financial ruin and the ability to survive another week.

Accepting the help is hard for a man like Ezra. He's always gone it alone and struggles letting other people in. But if he can just take a chance, maybe he'll find that the curvy school receptionist with the infectious smile is exactly the kind of help he needs.


Cherry Falls is filled with returning characters and iconic destinations that will begin to feel like family. When you leave the city, and drive into Cherry Falls, it’s like you’ve finally come home.

The cherry on top? Each book delivers a swoon-worthy, sexy romance!
So welcome to Cherry Falls, we hope you stay awhile!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Novella, Fiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2021

About the author

Megan Wade is a USA Today Bestselling Author of curvy billionaire romance featuring confident plus-size heroines and alpha heroes who adore them. With 70+ books published, she's known for steamy love stories with guaranteed happily ever afters. Her signature style: high heat, low drama, and heroines who never have to shrink to find love.

Reviews

[Lori [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had the potential to be a 5* I loved Ezra so much 😭😭
But my main complaint was about Quinn. I loved her from Ezra's perspective, but didn't like her own point of view.
She had such low self esteem and she had to constantly bring up how fat and curvy and how much of a big girl she was. After the first few times it started grating on my nerves and took out the enjoyment of the book as a whole.

Safety: safe, dual virgins, older woman/younger man. Quinn is around five years older than Ezra

[*CJ* · Rating 2 out of 5]

"518 Hope Ave." is the story of Quinn and Ezra.

Our heroine is a teacher with a soft spot for the hero, the hardworking man working 2 jobs to take care of his multiple siblings. He barely makes ends meet, and that's where she swoops in and decides to help him bear the burden.

I mean it's reverse fairy tale with a reverse v card, and had some sweet moments in it. I found it average!

Safe
2.5/5

[Birdie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super sweet (heat level = mild), no om/ow drama at all, and it's pretty mild on the angst. It's not a pretty story though, it's still got some grit and darkness because of the realistic circumstances that both Ezra and Quinn are living with. I just really didn't feel the chemistry between them at all. They've known each other forever, even though Quinn is a little older than Ezra and he was so young when his parents are killed, it would have been more believable if they had always had a connection and an attraction to each other, at least an awareness of each other, and I would understand that they couldn't act on it because of what happened to Ezra's parents and him needing to take care of his siblings, and then a few years later they connect again and BOOM. But that's not the setup we get at all. They have no history with each other and then magically we're told that they've always been attracted to each other, and then they're together and in love. Most of the story was Ezra being stressed out about money, which is a huge part of the story, but it didn't need to be the whole story.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

This book was such a sweet and sexy read. Quinn is a ray of sunshine. She has a big kind heart - she is beautiful inside and out. Then there’s Ezra. My heart broke for this sexy man. Left alone to raise his siblings, he is struggling on every level. Money is tight as is everything else. I wanted go reach into my kindle and hug him hard. Quinn and Ezra try and fail to fight their attraction to one another and end up being exactly what the other needs. I adored 518 Hope Ave and give it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

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

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional read with lots of heartache. Ezra has been looking after his siblings trying to make ends meet. He had to grow up too fast. Quinn works at the local elementary school and is a sweetheart. These two have chemistry but a misunderstanding might ruin everything unless both are willing to compromise. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[MandyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

I loved this story! It’s a little different with a tragic backstory bonding Ezra and Quinn. It is very sweet and low drama.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read . . .

Ezra is struggling to raise his younger brother and sister. He already is working two jobs and money still is short. Quinn the receptionist at Cherry Falls elementary school, understands perfectly what he is going through. She also had a rough childhood with her grandmother having to raise her. Money was always tight and a struggle.

The two so have feelings for each other, but Ezra is very sensitive about his lack of money. And Quinn is a generous and giving person who wants to help. She has to walk a fine line between helping him and offending him. Will the two of them come to an understanding? Can they move forward with each other? Or will they let pride force them apart?

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Ezra and Quinn knew each other in high school but she's four years older than him, so they never hung around. Quinn is the secretary for the school and has to let Ezra know he needs to pay a bill for his brother and sister. Ezra's parents passed away in a car accident when he was eighteen, so he took on the responsibility of taking care of his brother and sister. Ezra is working two jobs, and they can't afford a lot. When their washing machine breaks Ezra goes to the laundry mat, he mets Quinn there and they talk. Quinn invites Ezra to her book club if he's ever free. When they both leave the laundry mat, something happens to Ezra's car and it won't start. Quinn offers him a ride home, she tells him they can share the pizza she has. When Ezra walks her to her car and he leans in to open her door, she mistakes it for a kiss. Quinn offers to make him dinner at there place the next time he is free, they agree on Friday. Quinn gets ready for there date with Ezra, she's made the best meal she knows how to. When it's time for Ezra to come he doesn't show up, Quinn heads to her bedroom and cries all weekend long. Ezra gets stuck working an extra shift at the diner, and doesn't have Quinn's number to call her. Monday at work Ezra comes to tell Quinn he's sorry and gives her a bouquet of wildflowers. He explains what happened, and then asks her if he can take her out this time, on a proper date. Ezra and Quinn meet at the Kissme Bay beach, and he has a picnic basket, they enjoy while talking. Ezra invites Quinn to ride the Ferris wheel with him, then they head to see Madame Lovehart. While Ezra gets Quinn some cotton candy, she asks him if he wants to go back to her place, he tells her he's a virgin. After they get to Quinn's he asks her to tell him what to do, he strips off her clothes then pleasures her, then they make love. Ezra ask Quinn if she'd like to go see a movie with him. They make out while everyone is leaving, Quinn asks Ezra if he's embarrassed to be seen with him, he tells her no. When they grab a hot dog before heading home, Ezra doesn't realize he doesn't have the cash. Quinn goes to pay for them and leave a huge tip, Ezra gets upset, he tells her he can pay. Ezra tells her he made him look foolish by paying and leaving such a big tip. Quinn tells him she's going to go home before he says something he'll regret. Quinn stays home all weekend crying her eyes out. Quinn decides she needs to talk to Ezra to clear the air, when she heads out she finds him walking out of her building. She asks him what he's doing there and he reminds her what Madame Lockhart told them. He apologies to her and she invites him to her apartment. Quinn tells him she wants to be someone he can lean on, rely on. Ezra tells him he know that now and he's sorry for how he treated her. Quinn tells him she loves him, then he tells her he loves her too. The next day Ezra wakes up with Quinn, she asks him if he'd like some coffee, but then ends up making a big breakfast. Quinn confess to Ezra that she was a virgin before their first time together too, Ezra is shocked. Quinn tells him she wants everything with him, he tells her he wants the same. Ezra tells her when he has enough money saved he'll buy her a ring, she tells him she doesn't need an expensive ring he could make it out of tin foil. Ezra does just that, then he goes down on one knee and asks her to marry him, she tells him yes. Two years later, they get married, and Ezra tells his brother he's going to be an uncle. While Quinn tells Ezra's sister she's going to be an aunt. Quinn moved in with Ezra not long after he proposed, he even started taking online classes after she convinced him to share some of his burden. Ten years later, they have a son names Stephen, and a daughter Laura, they named their children after their parents.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - this book had me tearing up! This was such a sweet loving story about Quinn and Ezra. Both have struggled with the loss of their parents at a young age, but Ezra became a legal guardian of his two siblings after the unexpected death of his parents. He struggles to make it because he has two kids and he wants to make sure his mom and dad are proud of him. Talk about growing up soon - this was what this book was about. A young man becomes somewhat of a dad to his younger brother and sister. Quinn might have lost her parents early on too, but she had her Nana taking care of her and allowing her to live somewhat of a life and not have to figure a way to provide for herself on her own like Ezra had to do. Although she did not need to provide for herself or others, she remembered the struggles her own Nana went through and enjoys helping others that may need it.

This story touches your heart and makes you realize how great you must have it if you are not working two jobs and still doing a good job with raising children. Being selfless in a situation that you are forced upon is a hard thing to do especially for a young man who is just starting out life, but being raised right is all it should take to doing what is right. I loved this story! Thank you Megan for such a wonderful story.

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

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to make ends meet Ezra has taken on the responsibility of raising his two siblings after their parents were tragically killed. Ezra is approached by Quinn who works for the school the kids go to for end of the school activities 're kids owe for. He has to work extra shifts to make the money, already running on steam he makes the money. Not wanting the kids to miss out he makes sure their school is covered.
Quinn can understand what he's going through because she was raised by her grandmother and they always pinched pennies. One night at the diner Quinn saw how busy and tired he looked and gave him a very large tip that made Ezra feel like it was a hand out. Quinn said it was not a handout and it was a tip for a job well done.
Quinn invited him to her place for dinner unable to show because he got stuck at work and didn't have her number to call so the next day he went to the school to apologize. Apology accepted and then they started seeing each other and because they lived in a small town the saw each other at night so their private life was just that private. They decided that they wanted everyone know they are a couple. Things got better for the two of them. She moved in with I'm and his siblings and ended going back to school. Even though they both worked hard in the end they both got what they wanted all along. HEA!

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

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Ezra is a twenty-two year old. He works almost constantly because his parents died when he was eighteen and he’s been taking care of his younger siblings. Sighs. Unfortunately, Ezra is almost always short of money with trying to keep his home running and his family together. Quinn is a receptionist at the school. She’s sort of an orphan of sorts as her parents died when she was a toddler. Unlike Ezra and his family, she had her grandmother to raise her.

This was a tough story at times. I completely understood where Ezra, and Quinn, were coming from. You know how when you look at a cover and read a blurb you think, ‘Ok, I’ll give this one a shot?’ Well, I did that with 518 Hope Ave. It was the story I didn’t know I needed. I’ve read other stories from Ms. Wade and liked them, but this one truly got me in the feels. Ezra and Quinn were great characters, but at times I wasn’t sure if they were going to make it. This story proves that regardless of what stresses and pain life sometimes gives you, there is such things as happy endings. For real.

I received this ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Looks around, I also borrowed it via Kindle Unlimited because I like to make sure I've read the final version.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra is a good guy that got saddled with raising his two younger siblings at the age of 18 after his parents died. He is barely keeping his head above water as he works two minimum wage jobs to keep his little family in a stable situation. He takes pride in being able to provide for his loved ones. Quinn, the h, is very likable and generous to a fault. She likes to help as many people as she can because it's her way of paying back to the universe for her happy stable life.

Quinn really likes Ezra but doesn't think he would be into her because she is 5 years older than him and a bit on the curvy side of the scale. Ezra likes Quinn but thinks she is out of his league because there is not much he can offer her. Their story was sweet and entertaining as they worked to compromise between her over-generosity and his pride.

The conflict in this story was believable. The main characters were likable. I loved the two epilogues that wrapped up the story in a tidy bow of happy. Great lighthearted five star read.

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

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heart warming story. Ezra has had a rough life, his parents died suddenly and he was left raising his two younger siblings. Having to give up his plans for college, Ezra has been working two jobs and still struggles to make ends meet with the bills. He does the school run where he runs into Quinn, the school secretary who informs him that he owes money for term activities, just another bill he can’t afford. Quinn has always thought Ezra was attractive but didn’t think he would ever be interested in her, however after Ezra has another run of bad luck Quinn is there to help. The more time they spend together the more the connection between them grows however when Ezra is caught short on a date, he loses any pride he had and takes it out on Quinn leaving her heartbroken. With both Quinn and Ezra devastated over the fallout, they both remember the words of wisdom from a tarot reader. Such a lovely story. Both Ezra and Quinn have experienced loss when growing up and for them to find each other was so heartwarming, they both deserved happiness. Really enjoyable book.

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

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us Ezra and Quinn. After the death of his parents, Ezra does everything he can to take care of his siblings. It is not easy, and he has basically given up college and dating to make sure there is enough food on the table and a place for them to stay. It is hard to make ends meet. Quinn works at the school where his siblings go, and she knows to well the struggles that Ezra is going through. However, she also thinks he is an honorable man, and keeps her eyes on him. Ezra doesn't think that Quinn would be interested in him, but he is wrong. There is an end of the year event at the school, and Ezra knows he can't afford it, but doesn't want to disappoint. Quinn suggests something which helps him. They go on a couple of dates, but Ezra's pride gets in the way. Quinn is such a great character and she truly likes to help people. It was so nice to see the relationship between Ezra and Quinn develop. This was such a beautiful read and I highly recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Wade joins the Cherry Falls Romance multi-author series with my favourite book of hers yet, 518 Hope Ave. Ezra at twenty-two is struggling, working two jobs to supports his twelve year-old sister and fifteen-year old brother after their parents were killed four years ago by a drunk driver. Quinn, an orphan raised by her grandmother, is a few years older, working as the secretary at the school where the Taylor kids attend. In small town Cherry Falls, everyone knows everyone else, but after running into one another a few times, Ezra and Quinn connect and confess to a mutual attraction. Ezra's devotion to his family and even his pride make it very easy to empathize and relate to him, while Quinn's sunny disposition amidst her own less-than-ideal life make it impossible not to love her. Together, they have chemistry in spades, and their sweet and steamy romance is so real. This is a beautifully-written novel and a fantastic addition to this awesome series.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra and Quinn's story is on that will grab your heart from the beginning, and bring tears to your eyes as you ride their emotional journey and struggles. So yes grab that box of tissues.

Ezra is the guardian of his younger brother and sister, after the death of their parents. Only just eighteen when it happen he had to sacrifice what he wanted for them. Quinn is several years older than Ezra and has a big heart. Living in a small town, everyone knows the tragedy and fight Ezra has been going through. Quinn works at the school his sister and brother go through and see him, but of lately has seen him around more.

This is a sweet story of love and trying not overstep ones boundaries to help other. Quinn fights not over think things and Ezra is fighting his pride when others want to. I fell in love with the story,.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 20 in the Cherry Falls series and is about Ezra and Quinn. Ezra is struggling to make ends meet while trying to raise his siblings like he's been doing the last 4 years since his parents died. Quinn understands Ezra's pain and struggles since she lost both her parents too. She tries to do what she can to try and ease the weight on Ezra's shoulders the best that she can. She ends up helping Ezra stay afloat more than she knows. They are both attracted to each other and feel a genuine bond with each other. I absolutely loved everything about this story! Ezra and Quinn are absolutely perfect for each other and I could not put the book down once I started reading. This will definitely be one of my re-read books!

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

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Erza is a twenty-two year old who for the past four years is raising his two younger siblings. Their parents were killed in a hit-and-run. Erza had to put off college. He has used up all of his college fund to help keep them afloat along with his two jobs. Quinn works in the front office of a school. She has the heart of gold. How these two come together was enough to keep me reading to the end. I was sorry to see the final sentence as it was such a great story.

This was a delight story. I adored the dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts really helps me to fully understand the characters better.

This was a sexy read and I would highly recommend it to anyone over the age of 18.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is insecure because of her weight and Ezra because of his lack of money from having to work several low wage drops to pay the bills and take care of his orphaned siblings. She stresses out because they have been seeing each other at night after his siblings go to sleep and she thinks he is hiding their relationship because he is embarrassed by her. He’s stressed because he has to work so much to pay for things and wants to be the one to pay on their dates but doesn’t always have the money to. She does and is overly generous at times, which makes him feel like he’s not man enough for her. There is drama, but it’s mostly about these two issues. I felt like there was an awful lot of swearing for someone who keeps a swear jar and they jump into bed too fast after only going out a few times.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra is struggling to raise his younger siblings. Quinn sees this and wants to help some if she can. Sparks fly between them but Ezra doesn't make a move because of how down he feels about his circumstances. When Quinn finally convinces Ezra that it isn't charity to accept help from a friend they end up going out on a date. Things goes great on their date until a misunderstanding sends them going their separate ways. Will Ezra see that Quinn isn't trying to put him down with helping with money? Can they find their way back to each other?

This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Merita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra has been taking care of his brother and sister ever since his parents passed. Quinn works at the school Lucas and Cora go to and she has to be the bearer of bad news regarding payment when Ezra comes in. He’s been struggling for years to keep his head afloat and his siblings active with what camps and extra curricular activities they want to be apart of. Quinn and Ezra start going out and these two are adorable and you’ll fall in love with them. The only hard thing Ezra cannot accept is when she pays for something or is a big tipper. These two will go through a faze without each other and hope to make it work again. Definitely a book you’re not going to want to miss out on.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Cherry Falls series. The books in this series read well as standalones though you will occasionally come across previous books characters. No worries about reading them in order. I haven't read all of them and I was able to enjoy this book. It’s a quick and steamy story that hits you in the feels. I loved Quinn and Ezra's story. Ezra's been struggling for the last years to make ends meet while raising his brother and sister. He's a proud man. Quinn is the school secretary and has a kind and giving nature. They like each other but will Ezra’s pride be the downfall to something special?

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

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is a new author to me and the premise caught my attention. As, I was reading the characters made me smile and chuckle a few times. Ezra is a fantastic big brother that is just trying to do the best he can for his two younger siblings. Quinn is the sweet school secretary who knows all to well the struggles Ezra has. Quinn does what she can to help. There is a small age gap between them, Quinn is the older of the two which was a nice surprise. Quinn makes it known to the reader that she finds Ezra attractive, Ezra plays it close to the vest for awhile. This was a nice fairly fast read. I would read more books by this author again.

[Ann Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that makes you feel good inside while still getting you to well up once or twice. Ezra is a young man who had to grow up quick when his parents were killed and he has to bring up his younger siblings and gives up any idea of college. Quinn is a curvy women who's a little older than Ezra but knows first hand of the troubles he's facing after her parents were killed leaving her to be raised by her grandmother.
This pair each have to work through some issues they both have but they find a motto to live by thanks to a fortune teller.

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

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and fun book. Easy to read. I enjoyed Ezra and Quinn's story. The fact that Quinn was older than Ezra and he was so shy and reserved when it came to his lack of experience when it came to woman. His focus has been on providing for his younger brother and sister and working two jobs in order to do it. Quinn is obviously someone who wants to help Ezra. She realizes they both share a similar upbringing as she has also lost her parents. I loved how they became closer as they began to spend time together and were both able to fall in love. Wonderful HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both a happy and sad story. Ezra struggles and works so hard to take care of his younger brother and sister. I absolutely aches for him. Watching everything just pile on top of him broke my heart. I really liked that his brother recognized it. I definitely liked that his crush was reciprocated. Quinn knows better than most what he is going through as an orphan herself who was raised by a struggling grandparent and as someone working in the school office. I love how honest he is about everything, even though it hurts his pride. And he knows he screwed up, even if he had a hard time saying it out loud. Such a sweet story.

I received a free copy of this book.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an really sweet book. Ezra and Quinn were great together. I loved the connection and the chemistry between these two. Quinn and Ezra have a lot in common and are drawn together. Ezra is struggling with taking care of his younger siblings and working two jobs. Quinn feelings for Ezra and has a soft stop for him. I loved the drama, steam, love, understanding, and a wonderfully sweet HEA that these two finally got. I thought that this was an excellent addition to this multi-author series. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Megan as a must read author.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This was such a great story! My heart broke for Ezra and all that he had been through and was going through, I felt such a strong connection to him. I loved his relationship with his siblings and seeing him explore a relationship with Quinn. For one so young, he had a lot of pressure and responsibility, but being with Quinn made him reevaluate and do something for himself and only himself. They understood each other and made each other happier than they were and I loved them as a couple and the 2 epilogues showing their life together.

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

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra was 18 when his parents were killed in an accident leaving him to care for his younger brother and sister. Ezra is doing his best working two jobs but with just a high school diploma it is hard making ends meet. Then he meets Quinn the receptionist at his sibling's school. She seems to know exactly what he is going through since she lost her parents when she was little too. Quinn and her grandmother struggled to get by for a long while too. Now Quinn is comfortable and wants to pay it forward. However Ezra is very proud and wants to do it all himself instead of letting his girlfriend help.

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

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Falls is a great series with great authors. Megan Wade embraces the Hope Falls series bringing Ezra’s story to life. Losing his parents at 18 to a hit and run drunk driver causes him to grow up fast to care for his younger siblings. Quinn knows his pain because she list her parents at a much younger age. Quinn is a few years older than Ezra but the attraction between them is undeniable. This book brings the feels. The weight of loss, Ezra’s pride and being overwhelmed with responsibility and making ends meet cause problems, but like all Cherry Falls romances you will get your hea!

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