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Southern Jersey Shores #2
Evading Exodus
The upcoming Passover celebration is a time of joy and excitement for Darren Goldman. He’s meeting Ace’s family for the first time, but when he discovers his ex is one of Ace’s oldest friends, bitter enemies are forced to face off. With friends and family joining together for dinner to celebrate this Spring ritual, braving the plagues of Exodus, Dare has to ride out the waves of miscommunication and understanding, discomfort and pleasure, all the while praying for a miracle to save his and Ace’s future together.
Evading Exodus continues the story of Ace and Darren from Opening Day. These two books in the series focus on a few poignant days and leads towards a happy-for-now ending as their relationship progresses.
Evading Exodus continues the story of Ace and Darren from Opening Day. These two books in the series focus on a few poignant days and leads towards a happy-for-now ending as their relationship progresses.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
About the author
Alexis Woods
54 books85 followersAlways an avid reader and colorful dreamer, it was only a matter of time before taking pen to paper, oftentimes literally. A firm believer in every song tells a story and every story has a song, I sing under my breath, tap my toes and swing my hips, much to the delight of my co-workers and friends. I freely admit that becoming a romance author is the best mid-life crisis a girl could ever have.
I'm a/an: Author/Anachronist, Beta reader, Coffee Lover, Daughter/Dancer, Friend/Fighter, Jewish, Lover/Leader, Mother/Medieval enthusiast, Novice fencer, Opinionated, Pharmacist, Romantic/Reenactor, Sister/Scout, Traveler, Visionary, Wife
I'm a/an: Author/Anachronist, Beta reader, Coffee Lover, Daughter/Dancer, Friend/Fighter, Jewish, Lover/Leader, Mother/Medieval enthusiast, Novice fencer, Opinionated, Pharmacist, Romantic/Reenactor, Sister/Scout, Traveler, Visionary, Wife
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 18, 2021
This was a delightful follow-up to the Opening Day. It starts with a hilarious misunderstanding between Darren and Aaron. Aaron frets over telling Darren he is Jewish and celebrating Passover. Darren, who is unaware of how his faith had played havoc in previous relationships, doesn’t understand Aaron’s eruption into laughter (which Darren mistakenly perceives mockery) when Darren himself says he will be observing Passover.
Mix-up #1 aside, enter one of Aaron’s oldest friends, Seth, who coincidentally is an ex of Darren’s and firmly in the closet. Darren accidentally outs Seth and the sad tale of their failed tryst.
There are hard conversations, steamy love scenes, family mushiness, babies, and Seder! Mazel tov!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mix-up #1 aside, enter one of Aaron’s oldest friends, Seth, who coincidentally is an ex of Darren’s and firmly in the closet. Darren accidentally outs Seth and the sad tale of their failed tryst.
There are hard conversations, steamy love scenes, family mushiness, babies, and Seder! Mazel tov!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2021
Enjoyable read
This story is about Dare and Aces relationship growing and the problems that arise.
When Dare and Ace realise they are both Jewish, they were able to spend Passover together, still a new relationship.
Only problem is Dare comes face to face with an ex who happens to be Aces oldest best friend.
Tension is high but is their relationship strong enough!
Looking forward to the next instalment
I received an arc of this book for a honest review
This story is about Dare and Aces relationship growing and the problems that arise.
When Dare and Ace realise they are both Jewish, they were able to spend Passover together, still a new relationship.
Only problem is Dare comes face to face with an ex who happens to be Aces oldest best friend.
Tension is high but is their relationship strong enough!
Looking forward to the next instalment
I received an arc of this book for a honest review
July 17, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I will begin my review by stating that I am woefully ignorant of the practices of the Jewish religion. I grew up in a tiny town in the southern Bible belt and am unaware of there having been any Jews living in my small town, nor am I aware of their being a synagogue within a 30-mile radius – which was pretty much the extent of my world growing up. If for no other fact than that the author taught me something new, I would have found Evading Exodus to be an interesting read. Yet Ms. Woods manages to educate me and entice me at the same time as I got to spend more time with Ace and Dare and see how their relationship has progressed since Opening Day.
My only concern about Evading Exodus is that it takes places only a few weeks after Opening Day. This is a tiny issue for me because Ace and Dare seem farther into their relationship than that and it seems to be a little too soon for declarations of love (time wise). Yet Ms. Woods makes it work for these two and I found myself forgetting how brief their courtship has been – truth be told, had the passage of time not been so clearly stated in the story I would have assumed a few months had passed between installments. Setting that aside, Evading Exodus was just as enjoyable and sexy of a read as the first book in the series, perhaps even more so as Ace discovered Dare’s inner dom. I adored watching Ace and Dare together and the time they spent with family and friends. I absolutely loved how welcoming Ace’s family was of Dare and how Ace’s mom took Dare under her protective wing. The conflict between Seth and Dare was surprisingly realistic – people often forget how small the world we live in can really be – and provided an unanticipated hurdle in Ace and Dare’s relationship. I’m not sure which was my favorite part of the ending though: when Dare told Ace that he wouldn’t interfere in Ace and Seth’s friendship OR when Dare threatened bodily harm to Seth. It was a definite toss-up between the “aww” moment and the laugh-inducing scene. Either way, I enjoyed the heck out of Evading Exodus and hope to see more of Seth and Dare in future installments of the Southern Jersey Shores series.
I will begin my review by stating that I am woefully ignorant of the practices of the Jewish religion. I grew up in a tiny town in the southern Bible belt and am unaware of there having been any Jews living in my small town, nor am I aware of their being a synagogue within a 30-mile radius – which was pretty much the extent of my world growing up. If for no other fact than that the author taught me something new, I would have found Evading Exodus to be an interesting read. Yet Ms. Woods manages to educate me and entice me at the same time as I got to spend more time with Ace and Dare and see how their relationship has progressed since Opening Day.
My only concern about Evading Exodus is that it takes places only a few weeks after Opening Day. This is a tiny issue for me because Ace and Dare seem farther into their relationship than that and it seems to be a little too soon for declarations of love (time wise). Yet Ms. Woods makes it work for these two and I found myself forgetting how brief their courtship has been – truth be told, had the passage of time not been so clearly stated in the story I would have assumed a few months had passed between installments. Setting that aside, Evading Exodus was just as enjoyable and sexy of a read as the first book in the series, perhaps even more so as Ace discovered Dare’s inner dom. I adored watching Ace and Dare together and the time they spent with family and friends. I absolutely loved how welcoming Ace’s family was of Dare and how Ace’s mom took Dare under her protective wing. The conflict between Seth and Dare was surprisingly realistic – people often forget how small the world we live in can really be – and provided an unanticipated hurdle in Ace and Dare’s relationship. I’m not sure which was my favorite part of the ending though: when Dare told Ace that he wouldn’t interfere in Ace and Seth’s friendship OR when Dare threatened bodily harm to Seth. It was a definite toss-up between the “aww” moment and the laugh-inducing scene. Either way, I enjoyed the heck out of Evading Exodus and hope to see more of Seth and Dare in future installments of the Southern Jersey Shores series.
October 28, 2015
(Editor's Review)
This is the second instalment in the Southern Jersey Shores series, following the developing relationship of pharmacy manager Ace (Aaron) and pharmacist Dare (Darren).
The nicknaming is an Ace thing, and in Evading Exodus he proved himself to be a much deeper character than I first thought. In Opening Day, Dare was my definite favourite, and he still is, although his reaction to his ex seems a little over the top and I wonder if there is more to it than so far meets the eye. There's some light emotional baggage on both sides (quite possibly more revelations to come in book #3).
This is MM romance; there's a little less of the steamy stuff in this one - it's BDSM light (BD, really), but the story is predominantly about Ace and Dare meeting the family, as couples do once they decide they've quite possibly found a keeper.
These are great short reads, with distinct story arcs in each instalment, but it would be a good idea to read Opening Day first.
This is the second instalment in the Southern Jersey Shores series, following the developing relationship of pharmacy manager Ace (Aaron) and pharmacist Dare (Darren).
The nicknaming is an Ace thing, and in Evading Exodus he proved himself to be a much deeper character than I first thought. In Opening Day, Dare was my definite favourite, and he still is, although his reaction to his ex seems a little over the top and I wonder if there is more to it than so far meets the eye. There's some light emotional baggage on both sides (quite possibly more revelations to come in book #3).
This is MM romance; there's a little less of the steamy stuff in this one - it's BDSM light (BD, really), but the story is predominantly about Ace and Dare meeting the family, as couples do once they decide they've quite possibly found a keeper.
These are great short reads, with distinct story arcs in each instalment, but it would be a good idea to read Opening Day first.
July 13, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Evading Exodus is a continuation on the relationship of Darren (Dare) and Aaron (Ace). They find out they are both Jewish and are spending Passover with Ace's family and friends. Ace's oldest friend, Seth, is joining in on the festivities which is unfortunate for Darren, since he and Seth used to date. That relationship ended on a sour note. Darren still holding a grudge against Seth. The story follows the Ace and Dare and what happens during the holiday.
I'm not sure what I think about this one. I do like the characters but I spent more time learning about Passover and it's meaning than I did enjoying the story line. It wasn't bad just not what was expected.
Evading Exodus is a continuation on the relationship of Darren (Dare) and Aaron (Ace). They find out they are both Jewish and are spending Passover with Ace's family and friends. Ace's oldest friend, Seth, is joining in on the festivities which is unfortunate for Darren, since he and Seth used to date. That relationship ended on a sour note. Darren still holding a grudge against Seth. The story follows the Ace and Dare and what happens during the holiday.
I'm not sure what I think about this one. I do like the characters but I spent more time learning about Passover and it's meaning than I did enjoying the story line. It wasn't bad just not what was expected.
July 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Evading Exodus is set around the Jewish Passover holiday and continues the story of Ace and Dare (Darren) who we met in Opening Day. It is early on in their relationship and and they are still finding their feet.
Current day misunderstanding and past hurts provide drama for the story and Dare and Ace provide heat and a little romance. I enjoyed and warmth and understanding of the big family celebration.
I had a great time reading this story and I hope the author will give us more of Ace and Dare's story in the future. Make sure when you finish this book to keep turning the pages because the author tells us what all of Poppa Lark's signs said, they are quite entertaining.
Evading Exodus is set around the Jewish Passover holiday and continues the story of Ace and Dare (Darren) who we met in Opening Day. It is early on in their relationship and and they are still finding their feet.
Current day misunderstanding and past hurts provide drama for the story and Dare and Ace provide heat and a little romance. I enjoyed and warmth and understanding of the big family celebration.
I had a great time reading this story and I hope the author will give us more of Ace and Dare's story in the future. Make sure when you finish this book to keep turning the pages because the author tells us what all of Poppa Lark's signs said, they are quite entertaining.
November 2, 2015
I feel like I read a different book than everyone else. Maybe I'm in a bad mood, but I though Darren was whiny, bitchy and self-centered and that was unattractive. We don't get a whole lot of information about his relationship but Seth, but I understand that Darren was wronged by Seth. I get that Seth is not a nice person. However, I lost respect for Darren and therefore, lost interest in the story as a whole.
June 14, 2021
Evading Exodus is the immediate continuing to Opening Day, taking place only 2 weeks after Darren & Ace met. But, differently from book 1, here we have more side characters interactions and less relationship focus. I still loved the couple's bond, how they belong together and I like that the drama in the book isn't related to them as a couple, but to Darren's jerk ex, who happens to be one of Ace's best friends from childhood. And finding that out when you're face to face with the said unwelcome person is not the best way to go.
The drama was good, I liked this plot and I liked that we see two sides of Seth - the good friend he has always been to Ace and the shitty boyfriend he was to Darren. As in life, people do have different sides and can be perceived very differently by others. So, there are big issues here: can Darren see Seth's good side and forgive the past? Is Seth sorry for how he treated Darren? Where does all that put Ace? There's room for a much longer story and I would have loved it if it had been more developed. Some things felt rushed and only briefly discussed. And Darren behaving like a whiny spoiled brat in relation to Seth was so bad. Ace on the other hand was amazing, so patient and supportive, going all the way to protect his "perfect boyfriend" (his own words).
I had a problem with the abrupt shift in their sexual dynamic from book 1 to book 2. Without any talk about this, there's a sudden change in the dominance. I would have preferred to see them talk about things, explore their fantasies and kinks and then move on. As Darren said, he never thought Ace would enjoy that, which shows that there were no previous signs. I have to say that I loved their new dynamic.
The drama was good, I liked this plot and I liked that we see two sides of Seth - the good friend he has always been to Ace and the shitty boyfriend he was to Darren. As in life, people do have different sides and can be perceived very differently by others. So, there are big issues here: can Darren see Seth's good side and forgive the past? Is Seth sorry for how he treated Darren? Where does all that put Ace? There's room for a much longer story and I would have loved it if it had been more developed. Some things felt rushed and only briefly discussed. And Darren behaving like a whiny spoiled brat in relation to Seth was so bad. Ace on the other hand was amazing, so patient and supportive, going all the way to protect his "perfect boyfriend" (his own words).
I had a problem with the abrupt shift in their sexual dynamic from book 1 to book 2. Without any talk about this, there's a sudden change in the dominance. I would have preferred to see them talk about things, explore their fantasies and kinks and then move on. As Darren said, he never thought Ace would enjoy that, which shows that there were no previous signs. I have to say that I loved their new dynamic.
April 29, 2021
Braving the plagues of Exodus takes on new meaning (metaphorically speaking) in this book, as Ace and Dare approach the Passover season. First there is a rather comical miscommunication as neither realizes the other is also Jewish. It's a minor item, quickly resolved, and then the guys head to Ace's family's house to celebrate. Dare is excited to meet Ace's family for the first time, but then he sees a blast from the past and discovers another guest there, Seth, is one of Ace's oldest friends. He also happens to be Dare's ex, and they did not part amicably. Awkward. How will Dare and Seth react to each other, especially when Dare lets out Seth's secret? Will Ace be forced to choose between his friend and his lover? And how will his family react? There are definitely some uncomfortable moments, drama, and tension, but there is also family togetherness, and humor (courtesy of Ace's dad). Very enjoyable, and I look forward to the next one.
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.
May 1, 2021
Meeting the Family . . .
Aaron Lark (“Ace”) and Darren Goldman (“Dare”) are celebrating Passover together with Ace's family as they meet Dare for the first time. He is eager to meet them, but then a not so pleasant situation reveals itself. Another guest, Seth, is there, one of Ace's oldest friends who also happens to coincidentally be Dare's ex! Their breakup had not been friendly. And making matters worse, Dare accidentally reveals that Seth is gay, which he had been keeping as a closely guarded secret. With Ace caught in the middle of this now, who will he side with when the situation erupts – his good friend or his current lover? Will the family also begin to choose sides? Should Dare just turn around and leave at this point? Are he and Ace over?
I am really enjoying this series. Relationships are very key in this family, so seeing how it works out will be enlightening. Grab your copy and see how this situation resolves.
Aaron Lark (“Ace”) and Darren Goldman (“Dare”) are celebrating Passover together with Ace's family as they meet Dare for the first time. He is eager to meet them, but then a not so pleasant situation reveals itself. Another guest, Seth, is there, one of Ace's oldest friends who also happens to coincidentally be Dare's ex! Their breakup had not been friendly. And making matters worse, Dare accidentally reveals that Seth is gay, which he had been keeping as a closely guarded secret. With Ace caught in the middle of this now, who will he side with when the situation erupts – his good friend or his current lover? Will the family also begin to choose sides? Should Dare just turn around and leave at this point? Are he and Ace over?
I am really enjoying this series. Relationships are very key in this family, so seeing how it works out will be enlightening. Grab your copy and see how this situation resolves.
April 29, 2021
Evading Exodus is a great follow-up to the first book about Aaron and Darren and how they meet in Opening Day. I thought it was great that they both ended up being Jewish and going to Aaron's parents' house for Passover. I thought Seth was a bit immature considering his age, but I loved that Aaron stuck up for Darren and didn't side with his longtime best friend. It was nice to see Aaron and Darren still together and that Darren wasn't just a rebound guy when his ex dumped him. I look forward to reading the next short story in the Southern Jersey Shore series.
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.
May 1, 2021
We're now in the second book in the series. Meeting the family can be a make or break moment.
Ace's family and Dare, are meeting one another for the first time- during Passover. As if this day didn't have enough mild stress. Dare's ex, Seth, will also be in attendance. Surprise!
Secrets are revealed. How will things end up?
Delightful and funny!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Ace's family and Dare, are meeting one another for the first time- during Passover. As if this day didn't have enough mild stress. Dare's ex, Seth, will also be in attendance. Surprise!
Secrets are revealed. How will things end up?
Delightful and funny!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
April 30, 2021
This was a fantastic follow up to Opening Day! The story starts with a crazy, funny mash up with Aaron being nervous to tell Darren that he's Jewish, too funny! Then one of Aaron's oldest friends is Darren's ex! This was sooo good, lots of steamy times, and fun family! Highly recommend!
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.
May 6, 2024
2.5 stars-- their characters seemed to switch completely, and it was so wrong that Darren outed Seth twice, once on purpose.
May 14, 2015
As soon as I finished Opening Day, I rushed to buy this book. I LOVED the first one. The first book was in the POV of Aaron (Ace) and this book was written in Darren's POV. It was nice to get a little of his perspective this time around.
This book takes place two weeks after Opening Day, and the new couple is navigating through learning each other. There is some miscommunication in the beginning, but that seemed realistic considering how new they were together. Once all was figured out, the guys were good and life was bound to be happy, until Darren's ex (who was in the closet) ended up being one of Ace's oldest friends. That seemed a bit far fetched and (in)convenient to me. That story line annoyed me a little, and made me not love this one as much as the last, but it was still good.
The author had the sub titles for the chapters again, and it took a while for me to really understand how subtitles related at first, but she was very clever in the way she incorporated them into the story. I loved this about both books. I enjoyed this book a lot.
This book takes place two weeks after Opening Day, and the new couple is navigating through learning each other. There is some miscommunication in the beginning, but that seemed realistic considering how new they were together. Once all was figured out, the guys were good and life was bound to be happy, until Darren's ex (who was in the closet) ended up being one of Ace's oldest friends. That seemed a bit far fetched and (in)convenient to me. That story line annoyed me a little, and made me not love this one as much as the last, but it was still good.
The author had the sub titles for the chapters again, and it took a while for me to really understand how subtitles related at first, but she was very clever in the way she incorporated them into the story. I loved this about both books. I enjoyed this book a lot.
June 18, 2016
I enjoyed this short story in the series just as much as I did he first book in this series. Darren and Ace continue to get closer to one another despite the unexpected interference of Ace's best friend and Darren's ex Seth.
I think that Seth only tries to put a wedge between Ace and Darren because he is upset with himself that he let Darren go. I think that is why he is so nasty to him. I guess he thinks if he can't have him then he might as well be a butt to him. I also think that by Darren standing up for himself to Seth he realizes what it is that he gave up.
Ace's dad is a trip and he makes this book so funny. He comes up with different quips for everything and some of his jokes are not so funny and he literally sticks his foot in his mouth but I think it is done so innocently and no harm meant.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and again I hope it will include Ace and Darren.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
I think that Seth only tries to put a wedge between Ace and Darren because he is upset with himself that he let Darren go. I think that is why he is so nasty to him. I guess he thinks if he can't have him then he might as well be a butt to him. I also think that by Darren standing up for himself to Seth he realizes what it is that he gave up.
Ace's dad is a trip and he makes this book so funny. He comes up with different quips for everything and some of his jokes are not so funny and he literally sticks his foot in his mouth but I think it is done so innocently and no harm meant.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and again I hope it will include Ace and Darren.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
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July 15, 2021Evading Exodus has been highly edited and recovered, but the overall story remains the same.
All the books within the Southern Jersey Shores series are short stories with HFN endings with the potential for more. There's attraction and acting on that attraction. Each story takes place over only a few days time.
Each book also revolves around a theme:
Book 1 - Opening Day - baseball
Book 2 - Evading Exodus - Passover
Book 3 - Ultimate Summer - Ultimate Frisbee
Book 4 - Spin Play - games
Book 5 - Cue the Music - music
Book 6 - Say You Will - surprises
All the books within the Southern Jersey Shores series are short stories with HFN endings with the potential for more. There's attraction and acting on that attraction. Each story takes place over only a few days time.
Each book also revolves around a theme:
Book 1 - Opening Day - baseball
Book 2 - Evading Exodus - Passover
Book 3 - Ultimate Summer - Ultimate Frisbee
Book 4 - Spin Play - games
Book 5 - Cue the Music - music
Book 6 - Say You Will - surprises
May 10, 2021
This story felt fraught with angst and tension due to Darren’s ex being one of Ace’s best friends. Add that to the Ace stressing out about him needing to be with family for Passover, these characters just seemed different from before. While I was glad to see it all work out in the end I didn’t feel as much of a connection to this story.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
March 11, 2017
3.66 stars
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