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Local Beats #2

Ex-Daredevil

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When there’s no way to prepare for love, will they be daring enough to earn it?

Eliott
When a cute guy literally fell out of the sky and into my world, I couldn’t resist the challenging glint in his eyes. Gavin was the opposite of the kind of man I thought I was looking for, but maybe there was something more to him than just a daredevil who worked for a rock star.

Gavin
The last thing I expected was to be curious about the stuffy lawyer whose car I nearly crashed into during a skydiving mishap. There was no way a man like Eliott would ever be able to take me seriously. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to find out if we had anything more than mutual attraction in common, so I bet Eliott that I can get him to love something dangerous. 

This is an opposites attract MM romance featuring banter and a bet. It is the second book in the Local Beats series, which can all be read as standalones, and has a guaranteed HEA.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2020

3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Lee

14 books123 followers
Zoe writes contemporary romances and believed everyone will get extraordinary love stories since before she ever fell in love. She lives with her family near the mountains in Colorado, where she writes while listening to music, never drinks coffee, reads books in one sitting, and watches too many movies and tv shows. She’s been writing since she was a kid, but luckily she knows how grown-ups work now. Mostly.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
823 reviews39 followers
December 9, 2020
4.5 Stars

Opposites are things that shouldn’t work, but sometimes do. These two men couldn’t be more different. One’s a daredevil, one’s risk-averse. One’s a ball of sunshine, and one’s a bit uptight. But...what if they do have some things in common? As they get to know each other, they discover that, underneath the surface, there are things that connect them, and allow them to deepen the connection.

Despite trying to go on with life, after meeting, these gentlemen can’t stop thinking about the other, and that makes little sense to them. Yet, they don’t put up much of a fight, after a while. Their chemistry is explosive, and they seem to balance each other out. After one get together, they make a bet, and things get really interesting.

This was a great follow up to Ex-Bandmates. It was really nice seeing some familiar faces, and catching up with Lucas and Asher. We first met Elliott in their story. The storyline was thought out and well written. I felt connected to the characters in this story, and absolutely loved Elliott and Gavin. They were fun to watch. While it’s part of a series, it isn’t necessary to have read book one first. Although, it was equally enjoyable, but you should have no issues following along. The author tells the story in such a way that you catch up on the necessary info within this book.

Overall, I enjoyed their love story. I would definitely recommend it.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Madhu MaBookYard -.
1,320 reviews29 followers
December 28, 2020
This book follows our two main characters: reserved, stoic and slightly shy Elliot; and adrenaline lover, unexpected with a heart full of weight Gavin. It's an unexpected meet and love story with lots of supportive character moments, contrasting personalities and great chemistry.
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[🌟🌟🌟.5]
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First, I absolutely loved Gavin and his recklessness. I mean the character portrayal of him was in such a way, that it made me want to try some of the things he did. And Elliot was such a sweetheart with so much in him, it made my heart hurt reading about his character an his past. Second, I really loved the gang Elliot had. Even though Gavin showed himself a different way, he craved what Elliot had in his life and the contrast between the two characters and them having exactly what the other needed? Oh my my heart melted.
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Coming to the Character portrayal and story, I think Gavin was my favourite of the two. Not because of his daredevil personality, but his character arc as well. He grew so much as a character and we got to see how he let Elliot in and fought for him as well. I loved that growth and wouldn't mind reading more from his pov. The only thing I didn't like was the way Elliot's past was handled. I know it was quite realistic, but I wanted more for him and wanted him to live life like how he wanted. But it was still a good ending.
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Overall, such a good storyline with great Characters and good character development. I really liked the writing as well!
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Thank you @gayromancereviews for the review copy!
Kindle/ Arc/ December 2020
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
924 reviews16 followers
November 24, 2020
The blurb sounds awesome but I struggled to read through the first half, it just seemed long BUT after reaching maybe the half way point the 2nd half of the story starts to flow and is easier to read.

The characters are likeable but again I didn't fully connect with them and I'm not really sure why.

I did read an ARC and believe it was a final proof copy but there was a few errors still throughout the book. They didn't detract from.tje story at all.

I read this as a standalone not having read book 1 and had no issues with any connections etc.

Overall 3.5 stars for Gavin and Eliott
Profile Image for Sadonna.
2,706 reviews47 followers
August 27, 2021
4.5 starts

This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews

Gavin and Eliott meet in the most unusual way – with Gavin nearly landing on Eliott’s car! Eliott is incensed at Gavin’s lack of concern over the near disaster, but boy is he intrigued. Despite his effort to keep himself apart from Gavin, he gives in to his carnal desires immediately 🙂 Gavin, for his part, loved pushing Eliott’s buttons and so he’d like to maybe do it again 😉

The second time Eliott and Gavin are together, under a rather trumped up pretext, there are fireworks again. And thus begins a sort of hook-up with maybe the potential for more? And then there is the bet 🙂 A sort of date-off where each guy picks the date and after 3 dates each, a winner will be declared and the loser has to attend a boring work party or jump out of an airplane 😀 Then the games really begin.

Amidst the date planning, Eliott and Gavin’s lives also intersect when Gavin’s boss, a rock star, is getting a divorce and uses Eliott’s law firm. After a brief misunderstanding, Eliott and Gavin continue to text and talk and dare we say it? Date! This is sort of new for both of them and they both have some adjusting to make. Along the way Gavin meets Eliott’s friends and coworkers and of course they all love him 🙂 And Eliott meets the rock stars that Gavin works with – much to his chagrin. But they are both enjoying something totally new – even if they are both a bit scared! Things aren’t easy for them and both have to navigate a lot of discomfort and trying this relationship stuff on for size. There are stops and starts and a few misfires. Gavin has to prod Eliott a few times, too. But with help and good advice from friends, both continue to work on their insecurities and figure out what they really want.

Oh this story was so good! Eliott’s issues are deeply embedded in the way he presents himself to the world. It takes some time before we understand just what happened that has caused him to build such high walls to protect hiimself and his heart. Gavin, on the other hand, isn’t looking for more than a good time really because nobody has taken him seriously. Except that he senses he can have more with Eliott – but it’s WAY outside his comfort zone 🙂 Everything about their relationship and the way they fall into something that’s definitely more than sex, but neither wants to put a label on it, pushes each of them into more than they’ve ever thought they could have. Gavin has not seen himself as “enough” for someone to want him long term – he’s about the experiences and he’s not even let himself think about anything more permanent. Eliott’s convinced that no one would want to put up with his “boring” self and anyone worth having will lose interest and leave him. Luckily for both of them, that’s not the case at all and they bring out the best in each other – when they can get out of their own way and communicate! I loved how their friends helped each of them “see the light” as it were about how they would really be missing out if they didn’t figure out how to make their relationship work. This story is about having the courage to be yourself in front of another person and trust that you’ll be enough, as you are. So easy to say, so difficult to do! Well done and highly recommended!
251 reviews8 followers
December 6, 2020
I have officially fallen in love with Zoe Lee's Local Beats Series. Ex-Daredevil is the second book in the series, following the story of the small in stature but huge in personality, Gavin Sycamore, and straight-laced, buttoned-up Eliott Navarre.

Gavin and Eliott meet in the perfect way for them, when Gavin almost crashes into Eliott's sensible station wagon during a landing while skydiving. The attraction between them is intense from the start, but they could NOT be more different. Even down to their looks. Eliott is the all-American, tall, handsome young lawyer while Gavin is a slightly androgynous, tiny person with violet eyes and long hair. Neither one of them can really understand why they are SO into each other. But it turns out to be irresistible.

Eliott starts out appearing to be a prissy, snobby jerk, and Gavin appears to be a flighty, irresponsible twink. But they really are both so much deeper than they first appear. They decide to challenge each other - Eliott will think of 3 "boring" dates and try to get Gavin to enjoy them, while Gavin will plan 3 "daring" dates and try to get Eliott to enjoy those. Through their challenge they both discover new things about themselves, and about each other. Gavin learns to appreciate being still sometimes, while Eliott learns that sometimes being spontaneous is absolutely worth the risk.

Both Gavin and Eliott have plenty of doubts, in themselves and in each other, but they are both able to work through everything and realize how much they care about each other. I also loved the relationship between Gavin and his boss, Barley. He's a legendary rock star who's slightly older than Gavin and Eliott, but who has been around the block enough times to see how they feel about each other even before they do.

It says something that as soon as I finished the book, I immediately started re-reading it - I NEVER do that. I've read both books in the series so far, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the third!
Profile Image for Kat.
665 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2020
What is the perfect way to spend your afternoon—if you’re a straight-laced and practical lawyer? Having an uneventful drive might be a good start. However, Eliott’s car ride takes a turn for the worse, when a skydiver nearly lands on him. Missing him by a small margin totally freaks out, and infuriates, Eliott.
Gavin, the wayward diver with the streaked purple braid, finds the whole incident amusing, and loves the adrenaline rush caused by the near-miss. Eliott can’t believe this guy! Who takes such ridiculous chances with their life, and has a good time doing it?  Anger quickly morphs to surprising attraction, on Eliott’s part. Gavin has a much more casual attitude about relationships, and Eliott intrigues him. The two begin to send some texts and casually meet up. Soon Gavin realizes Eliott is different than any guy he has met before. This adrenaline junkie may be up against one of his greatest challenges, taking a chance with his heart.
The connection that both men have is an intense hatred of cheaters, due to childhood trauma. That seems to be the end of their similarities. They dare each other to enjoy new experiences. Gavin goads Eliott to try wild, and perhaps slightly dangerous, dares, while Eliott’s challenges will make Gavin have fun doing more common, or boring, things together. I really grew to love this couple, and that they bring out the best in each other. There are bumps along the way, but their intense connection is always there.
I highly recommend this special and unique love story. It teaches us that differences can make you stronger. This can be read as a stand alone, but I know you will enjoy the previous story from her Local Beats series. I eagerly await Ms. Lee’s next book. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure,a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *
Profile Image for Pat.
1,602 reviews19 followers
December 8, 2020
Just a few pages in that’s all it took for me to feel a strong connection with these two lovable men.

Quietly driving his car minding his business Elliott happens to see a person barreling through the air towards him, towards his windscreen.
What happens after is one of the best stories I have read .
Elliott a lawyer who takes no chances in life , until he meet Gavin who parachutes into his life .. They have complete differences not only in dress , their view points are poles apart .
As you read on , you get to know them, thinking at one time they are mismatched , incompatible , how wrong was I .
Together they seem as one even from the beginning you could feel a warmth radiating from both and not only in the bedroom or the desk!
I have a warm glow while reading doesn't often happen .

Learning how to trust and talk to others isn't easy especially as you know it is not one of your strengths. Elliott found that so confronting..
Gavin with his casual take on life is wonderful just the right person for Elliott , how they get there is perfect a few ups and downs but they get there .
I absolutely loved this book , a book when life gets in the way your constantly thinking about “ what will happen next “.
Great banter between them with such colorful secondary characters so much more than a five star read.
Did I want to finish ---- Definitely not but at least I am left with great memories as I think of long hair draped over a lawyers body ..
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,154 reviews521 followers
December 3, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars


Ex-Daredevil follows Ex-Bandmates in the Local Beats series, but works fine on its own. The book opens with Gavin and Eliott meeting in an unexpected way and the attraction is heated from the start. Even though Eliott isn’t one for random hookups, he can’t say no to the most beautiful man he has ever seen. Gavin then leaves abruptly, maybe a little too abruptly, but his thoughts on the initial meeting do get worked into the story.

The guys are opposites with Eliott being a lawyer and Gavin a free-spirited, adventurous assistant to a rock star, and both men think they aren’t good enough for the other for a variety of reasons. I liked these characters, but the overall story didn’t flow as well as I would have liked. The book is told in dual POV and, while the chapters are labeled, as the conversation went on, it was not always clear who was speaking and for two different characters, their voices were too similar.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2020
Perfectly Perfect for each other

When Eliot had started his drive home from his sister's he'd not imagined for one minute nearly having a skydiver crash land on his car! It was a near miss and Eliot was relieved the person managed to land safely on land next to the road. He pulled over to the side of the road and went over to the person, he wasn't in the best of moods as it was after having to spend all his time at his sister's birthday party stopping them arguing with each other!
He thought at first it was a slender young woman but it was a gorgeous man with long dark hair with purple highlights, it seemed as though he had landed off course and Eliot ended up driving him to a nearby diner to wait for a cousin to collect him.
This was only the first of their meetings, neither have alot of experience or luck with dating but there's always a first time!
Absolutely loved this story, page turning and not a book I wanted to put down lots of humour and heat.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2020
Ex-Daredevil by Zoe Lee is the second book in the Local Beats series. I have not read the series before and I was not lost starting here. This story is written in Dual POV and for me was just okay. It is not really pulling me in emotionally. But it is not a bad read either.

Eliott likes to be in control of himself and his environment. Having a skydiver almost land on his car, more than shakes him up. He can be uptight, but he is a good kind caring person.

Gavin can come off as uncaring about the risks he takes. He has a long purple braid slender build and a huge spirit of adventure. I liked how he loosens up Eliott.

I liked these two together. They each have what the other needs. They are seemingly opposites but when they get together, they find more in common than they thought.

This was a good fun read. I would like to read more from this series in the future.

Four Twinkling Stars
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,298 reviews26 followers
December 9, 2020
3.5 Stars

I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I had a hard time connecting to Elliott and Gavin. I just didn't quite like like either of them from the start and the story didn't flow like I would've liked. It felt... forced, maybe? *shrugs* I don't know, I can't really put my finger on it.

The story had all the elements that should have made it a great read for me. Opposites-attract, instant attraction, hot sexytimes... unfortunately, as I said before, the fact that I didn't like either of the main characters might have affected my overall enjoyment of the story. That doesn't mean that others might not like it, because this could very well be a case of me not being in the right mood to enjoy this book. 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Anna Torres.
385 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2020
Total opposites attract in this tale of two men whose idea of fun is so different you'd wonder how they could agree with each other, but they do. Their chemistry when they are together is totally awesome. Gavin brings out the "daredevil" attitude from Elliott who never takes risk with DANGER in it. Even falling in love.

Elliott brings the best out of Gavin. After an instant hookup right after Gavin nearly crashed into Elliott's car, the times they come together just makes it more sweeter and more appealing in more ways than one.

Zoe Lee has a unique style in writing her stories and it is refreshing, a new take on tropes that are out there. I would recommend her stories, you might love it!
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,349 reviews31 followers
November 30, 2020
This is book 2 in the Local Beats series. You can read it as a stand alone though. The characters in book 1 are just mentioned a little bit and are friends of one of the MCs. The common theme running through these books is the name of the bar where the guys hang out, Local Beats. This book was a lot of fun! Gavin is a major adrenaline junkie and he dares straight laced lawyer Eliott to do things that he never would have on his own. They are such complete opposites. These two are introduced in one of the most ultimate meet-cutes I have ever read: Gavin almost crashes into Eliott’s car while trying to land skydiving. Both of these guys have personal issues that make them hesitant to be in a relationship but neither one of them can deny their instant chemistry. I loved how they just kept coming back to each other and kept getting involved in each other’s lives. This book was so good and I loved it just as much as the first one!
Profile Image for SandyB.
380 reviews
December 3, 2020
3.5 stars

An enjoyable opposites-attract romance from a new-to-me author. I loved watching prickly straight-laced Elliott and flashy daredevil Gavin learn to open up and trust each other, in spite of their differences. And the secondary characters were a blast - I plan on keeping an eye out for their stories.

But I just couldn’t connect with Elliott and Gavin for the first half of the book. Their banter was fun, and the boring date/daring date setup was a great idea, but the writing style tended to leave me feeling distant instead of engaged. I think this was just me, though - my attention wandered quite a bit, but something clicked for me about halfway through, and the emotionally satisfying ending left me wanting to try this author again.

Copy received for honest review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,579 reviews48 followers
December 8, 2020
This is about as "opposite" as an opposites attract story can get. Elliott never takes risks and Gavin seems to do nothing but. Their meeting definitely fits Gavin's style more than Elliott's but they recognize their attraction even if they don't understand it. Their bet which leads to different styles of dates teaches them not just about each other, but about themselves. This is a book about self discovery and learning to see things from a different point of view. The author has done a wonderful job with the character development and this story continues a winning streak for the series.
Profile Image for RACHEL REED.
950 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2020
This is book 2 in the Local Beats series and can be read as a standalone.

This was aan adorable and fluffy opposites attract.

Gavin and Elliott are poles apart in their personality. One is grumpy and straight laced and theoyher is an ecstatic ball of sunshine and sweetness.

This story swept me up and I absolutely adored reading to Gavin and Elliott getting along.
The slow build towards their relationship was delightful and enjoyable.

If you like a sweet low angst contemporary grumpy versus sunshine, opposites attract. Look no further.
379 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2020
Like with the first book it starts good, slows down, but then picks up at the end. Just stick with this and you will not be disappointed. I liked Eliott and Gavin together, I think that they were a good fit. I loved watching them discover that they weren't as different as they first seemed and learning new things about themselves along the way. I really enjoyed the story line and the first time that they meet each other when Gavin literally falls out of the sky in front of Eliott's car. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rock N Read.
253 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2020
I just love the dynamic of opposites attract stories, even more so when the author chooses something other than physical appearance to write about.

Adrenaline junkie, Gavin meets conventional Elliot in the most ridiculous of ways; and it sets the tone for the book.

I struggled with the start of the book, after the first chapter, it was a bit more slow-going for me than the first in the series. HOWEVER, as the book went on, and picked up speed towards the sweet ending, I was glad I pushed through.

I really enjoyed their dynamic, their chemistry, and banter.

All in all 4/5 stars.
13 reviews
December 2, 2020
One of my favorites of Zoe's books! Two men who are comfortable (or at least complacent) with their own way of living, but are thrown off by meeting their opposite. It's quite enjoyable to watch them challenge each other to try their respective hobbies (daring or boring) while also learning how to develop a relationship that can flourish somewhere in the middle. You will come to love both men as well as the other dynamic, intriguing characters that overlap in the Local Beats series. Highly recommend it!
3,021 reviews46 followers
December 7, 2020
I enjoyed this opposites attract story. With Eliott being a lawyer and Gavin a free-spirited, you would think that these two would never connect. What really happens is that they bring out the best in each other.
Their connection and chemistry is off the charts. I really enjoyed the banter between these two.
2,023 reviews25 followers
December 9, 2020
An easy to read book with a great flow to it involving Gavin and Elliott. Gavin is a daredevil and Elliott is straight laced but takes a chance of being with Gavin. They are as different as night and day, but they make their relationship work. The book is funny, romantic, the snarkiness between these is great to read. The is the second book in this series and enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
December 7, 2020
Eliott nearly crashes into Gavin’s car while out skydiving. The two have instant chemistry. The author created two deep complex characters with great secondary characters. I really enjoyed this story. I‘m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received.
1,761 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2020
Let me start by saying, the second half of this story is amazing. Gavin and Eliott were great characters... I just didn't feel their connection until 30% in. And, it just gets better from there.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,256 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2020
Daredevil, Gavin turns straight-laced, Elliott's world around when he almost crashes into his car. The two men have a steamy encounter and continue to have steamy encounters throughout the whole book. Of course they fall in love along the way and bonus, the author gave us a full year of their relationship.
Profile Image for Dee.
244 reviews
November 23, 2020
This is a sweet case of opposites attract. Gavin and Eliott have so much chemistry and a fun banter that makes them so great together. Elliott doesn’t take risks and can be so serious, but he’s also very funny. I love how Gavin gets him to loosen up without trying to change him. The ending was so sweet and just right for these two guys. It was great to catch up with Asher a Lucas a bit as Gavin and Eliott found their way to a HEA.
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