Love From a Stone

Home in Hollyridge #4

by Elle Keaton

The irrepressible Skylar Jones has arrived…

Rural Hollyridge and, more specifically, Wallace Kenton, are in for a big surprise when Sky moves to town.

Wallace has never hidden his sexuality but as an older, gay, man in a small town, he’s well aware of the haters.

Sky is who he is, with no shame. If people don’t appreciate that he’s fantastic they can look the other way. Sky does, however, have a weakness for grouchy old bears and ugly dogs.

Wallace had no idea he’d been waiting his whole life for him.

Wallace’s black and white existence turns technicolor when Sky comes to work for him. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it, Sky is change for the good.

grumpy+happy, age gap, dog wedding?, gender fluid, workplace romance, protective lover, 0 angst, high heat.

Love From a Stone is a standalone and the fourth in the Home in Hollyridge series, although previous characters make appearances. It’s dual POV following both Sky and Wallace as they work their way to their fantastic HEA.

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Gay

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2021

About the author

Elle Keaton is a writer, avid reader, and amateur cat-wrangler. Her love of romance novels has led her to a life of creating her own happy ever afters. She is the author of the best selling series' Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions. Keaton hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and cats.

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this short story about a sweet natured gender-fluid young man and his older, grumpy soon to be boyfriend. It's a cute, sweet story that made me smile. I loved the heroes but wish they'd been fleshed out a little more. I wish there had been more scenes of them truly getting to know one another. Everything is fast paced, which is fine, but sometimes I wish intriguing characters who probably have an interesting backstory, would share it.I

Their chemistry is good. There were some open ended questions I had, but all in all, it was a nice read.

I just wish there had been more of it. Plus, Skyler's mother belongs in jail. She is a wretched criminal.

3.25 stars

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy opposites attract romance between sweet and happy,Sky and gruff and grumpy,Wallace. They have a strong chemistry but will need to work through a bit to get to their HEA. It's well written,moves quickly and smoothly and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, though it was a bit too fast for my liking. It had cool characters that could've used more development. Interesting points of conflict that were either left unresolved or were resolved way too fast for it to be satisfactory. It was good, but it had all the potential to be great.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightfully adorable little book. I absolutely adored Sky and loved how he brought the grump Wallace out of his shell. I thought it was good how time progressed in the book, this way the relationship between these two didn’t feel forced or rushed at all.

Though this was a quick read, it was packed full of laughs, love and even some steam thrown in. Wallace knows how to treat his man. 🔥 Sky appeared to be exactly what Wallace needed to start living his life again. Their relationship was just delightful. Definitely a recommended read.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread 2023

3.75 Stars

I liked this one better than the previous one. Funnily enough it was shorter but I felt like we spent more time with the guys as they got to know each other.

I loved Skylar and his happy personality. He was who he was and didn't apologise to anyone for it.
Wallace the grumpy older man with the soft centre was a good match for him.

I adore the use of the dogs in this series, everyone of them is adorable.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky + Wallace + dogs? Yes!!!

Love from a Stone is one of my favorite kind of books. It’s long enough to convey a great story but it’s short enough to read in one sitting/evening. Not to mention how sweet Skylar is and how he shakes up Wallace and gets him really living again.

Skylar’s mom is a piece of crap, she ruined his credit among other things, but he didn’t let that get him down. He’s moved to Hollyridge for a new start but staying with friends is wearing on him. He can’t take much more of listening to their wild sexcapades at night. He has to find a job and a place of his own to live.

Wallace doesn’t know what hit him when Sky comes looking for a job. It doesn’t take long for him to be totally captivated by how Sky is, how he really listens to and interacts with his customers. He soon finds that he can’t resist Sky no matter how much he tells himself that he should.

There is almost no angst in this story (one tiny little scene that wasn’t really that angsty) but there is a lot of fun and good times with two dogs who fall in love with each other before their owners do. I loved everything about this story!

Elle Keaton writes fantastic romantic suspense (I’m a big fan) but the Home in Hollyridge books are equally good and a nice change of pace. The books in this series stand alone with no problem.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pre-birthday read this turned out to be an excellent choice. This Fourth book in Elle Keaton's Hollyridge series is evidence that the series has gotten better with each new release. The title was so apropos. The 40-plus year old owner of an old fashioned tavern was set in his ways. He's known far and wide as one of the grumpiest, gruff, crabby, and cranky men in Hollyridge.

Once he let someone get close and still regrets it years later. It made him question his judgment and more determined not to allow himself to be placed in that position of vulnerability and weakness again. He made sure by keeping everyone even employees and "friends" at arm's length. For company he relied on his loyal canine companion.

Then how did a gender fluid, skinny, colorful, exotic peacock catch his eye, attention, and eventually his heart? This young man was sun shining bright enough to penetrate the grumpy man's cloudiest day. Forcing smirks, smiles, and laughs unexpectedly out of him. Compelling him to experience emotions he thought he kept too deeply buried to ever see them again. And then there was his teeny yappy little dog whom his own big girl fell for and pulled him along.

This unlikely couple somehow clicked. They accepted each other for who they were and got wonderful surprises the more they got to know each other. I truly enjoyed this novella.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, amusing and romantic story. Sky moved to Hollyridge to make a new start like his friends did. Finding it hard to find a job on his own, he asked his friends if they new anyone. The Stone Hut was offered, but he was warned that the owner, Wallace, was a grouchy guy, abd not much fun to work for. Sky didn't care, he wanted his own place so that he didn't have to hear his friends in their bedroom every night, all night. He took the bus to the bar and asked Wallace if he was looking for help. A flummoxed Wallace hired him, thinking that it wouldn't last long, because Sky had too much sunshine in him for his bar. But Sky liked working at the bar, and liked Wallace even more. Wallace didn't want to get his heart broken again, so he resisted Sky's flirting. But when Sky showed up one morning late and soaking wet, everything changed. Sky is entertaining, flirty and engaging. Wallace is grumpy and stubborn, but he has a big heart. Add their dogs Bieber and Jazz, and it's a comedy show. I really loved this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/NB
Grumpy/sunshine
Workplace romance
Boss/employee

I was given a free arc copy from the author and booksprout for review.

My only complaint is I didn't want it to end. It can be read as a standalone. I have read the other books but it was so long ago I don't remember and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This was a really cute quick read story. It is very low angst, almost none. It is very sweet with a little steam. I absolutely love grumpy/sunshine books and this one is fabulous. Both characters are wonderful and complimented each other perfectly and had amazing chemistry. Wallace is certainly a grump but not a jerk and he has a secret mushy side and is protective which I love. Skylar is gender fluid and dresses femme and comes off timid but is also confident and feisty which I equally love. Due to the short length it does feel instalvove so I wish it was longer but I thought that it was a fabulous fun story and would definitely recommend it.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just What They Needed . . .

Wallace Kenton is the 40-plus-year-old owner of an old-fashioned tavern. The man was grumpy and grouchy and determined to stay that way. Having been hurt before, he wasn’t ready to ever experience that again, even with the people surrounding him, such as employees and friends. He was good to his dog, though.

Skylar Jones arrived, and Wallace’s world would be shaken up. He dresses in flashy clothing and radiates sunshine and confidence. Being around him, Wallace had a difficult time holding on to his grouch persona as smiles and occasional laughs could not be held back. Skylar had a little dog and the two pets got along very well.

The feeling of full acceptance each man generated had amazing healing potential. They really “saw” each other and liked the person they saw more as they let their guard down and became friends. Totally opposite personalities, but each provided what the other needed. Are they willing to take a chance on each other?

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good descriptiosn of Sky's outfits! Sky, was staying with his friend Rory and Brett after he moved to Hollyridge. He was anxious to find a. job and get his own place because Rory and Brett were loud when they physically showed affection while relieving their stress. Wallace, owner of Stone Hut had an accident and was in a cast. He needed help at hsi establishment. Wallace had a reputation of being a grumpy owner. The initial introduction was fun and Skylar meeting the customers was adorable. The back and forth was a hoot. They both were aware of each other and it was fun, Wallace was curious and non threatening on Skylar's gender identity. I adored the reverence to Billy Porter and am a reader for life! Good story fun flow, a few hickups thrown in and I wonder about the resolution ot those incidents. Well done, lotsa fun. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Very hot cover art!

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

OMG...Loving this series...the matchups are great...the characters are great...and the dogs...LOL are great too. Skylar and Wallace is DEFINITELY an opposites attract but with the age gap thrown in romance. I adored Skylar...he was fabulous an unashamed and Wallace...right off I liked him...yeah he was a grumpy bear but when he had no issues with Skylar being gender fluid...actually embraced it, I knew he was good peeps. Their getting together was sweet and oh so HOT. This being a novella you would think everything...the romance/story will be rushed...no the pace was good...everything flowed well and that ending was a delight...if you do anything you gotta atleast read that wonderful and entertaining ending. Loved it! Thanks Elle for this fantastic sweet and heartwarming series:)

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already a huge fan of this author, and series. Wallace and Skylar’s story is a wonderful feel good, small town, opposites attract about two men who are perfect for each other. I also loved catching up with the characters from previous books, and seeing how these two fit into the growing cast of Hollyridge.

As well as the romance between the two men, there’s a fun subplot of their two dogs finding their new best friend. I enjoyed how much in denial Wallace is, yet how his action totally belie it, despite how much he tries to convince himself that no, he’s not falling for Skylar. Skylar is wonderfully fabulous, yet has good reason to be cautious about trusting. I loved the scenes where Skylar’s mother and Wallace’s ex turn up. Very satisfying!

I loved this short, sweet, story, and I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good opposites attract vibe, and this novella gives readers a great version of this trope with a grumpy one/ fabulous one pairing in the form of Wallace and Skylar. Their dogs are equally charming and terrifying together, but Wallace and Sky are just plain charming: their chemistry is off the charts and they are so careful to see and appreciate each other for who they really are that it’s impossible not to love the idea of the two of them together. I appreciated the zero-angst vibes as well, although there were a few elements that probably *should* have been a bit angsty that were just sorted of treated as no big deal, like Sky’s mother and Wallace’s ex. Overall, however, well worth a read.

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

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and short story packs a punch. Wallace was not hiding who he was, he just did not expect to be in a position to enjoy it and to live it as enjoyably as the entrance of Skylar in his life makes possible. Wallace was settling and Skylar's presence in his life shakes that up and he does more than exist but lives in earnest. They may seem to be opposites but beneath the surface they want a lot of the same things. It was so cool that Skylar was not put off by what he saw on the surface but hung in there to get to the good guy underneath. This one was sweet and hopeful.

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love From a Stone is the fourth book in Elle Keaton’s small town romance series. It features gender-fluid Skylar who is trying to make a life for himself and recover from a financial burden his mother placed on him. His love interest is Wallace, a 40-year-old bar owner who has his own share of past hurts. Trust does not come easily to Wallace. This is a wonderful grumpy/sunshine romance. Despite the state his life is in Skylar refuses to be anything but fabulous. He is confident in who he is and what he wants. Wallace knows what he wants but thinks he can’t have it. The epilogue is absolutely adorable. I highly recommend this book and series for anyone looking for quick, low-angst romance.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable!! A quick make you feel good romance! Skylar is fabulous and gender fluid. Wallace is Grumpy!! LOL.. but he is realistically grumpy and knows it! I loved that his dog Jazz was supposedly ugly but Skylar's pup Bieber instantly loved Jazz!!! The dogs are so smitten with each other Skylar was already planning in his head their puppy wedding in the beginning chapters! The fondness and attraction Wallace felt for Skylar was so natural. I received an ARC of this book and I recommend for those who want something short, sweet, steamy and all around feel good!

[RandomHeart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my definite favorite of the four in the series! I loved Sky from book one and very much wanted his story most I was worried because these are novellas so it’s quick and fluffy and the connection between to MCs can feel forced especially how opposite they are. But it’s sweet and steamy well done for how short it is. The climax of the book where Wallace’s ex boyfriend showed up was the only part I felt could’ve been left out! It also seems there may be a set up for more stories in a couple of key characters added should be fun!

* I received an arc this is my honest review*

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure about this one when I first started it, I don't know why because I love a grumpy man and a flamboyant man. Luckily I soldiered on and it quickly became a great read with lots of laughter as well as aww moments. It's a shortish tale but a wonderful one, just what you'd expect from this author. Skylar is a fun, carefree young man but he has a sad side, knowing he's too much for some and having been dumped a few times for it, he loves being him but it comes at a cost. Wallace is older than Sky, a loner and a bit on the grumpy side, he has a heart he just hides it well.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love From a Stone is Book 4 in the Home in Hollyridge series. This is an enjoyable, short, light, sweet, steamy book about Skylar and Wallace, and their dogs Bieber and Jazz. It is a wonderful addition to the series. Skylar and Wallace are great together. Skylar looks beyond the grumpy exterior and discovers Wallace's smiles, and Wallace sees Skylar for the fabulous person he is. I recommend this book and series, it's one to enjoy again and again.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sara Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

All things bright and light and rainbow is Skylar and he swoops in to disrupt grumpy Wallace's ordered and predictable life. Both men have been used by people who should have had their backs and are a bit shy about their appeal though they demonstrate this is different ways. Skylar is flamboyant as ever and doesn't dim his light for anyone and it turns out Wallace wouldn't have it any other way. Love From a Stone is quick and delightful and I'm so glad Sky got his story! ***ARC review***

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh my this is the book for dog lovers romance dog and its human! LOL

When you feel down on your luck - know someone always has it worse. This is the book to help you appreciate the best things in life. This is a MM romance with humor, worry and sweet romance. It will be hard to out the book down. More book reviews please check out @my2centsbookler, we be happy to have you join book lovers team "BLT" Thanks

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just too fun. Skylar may be a little over the top but he’s Wallace’s over the top. Together sweet meets gruff and soon the sweetness rubs off. Great characters. Great story and I can’t even imagine anyone not smiling as the conclude this book.

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

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two men, one younger, one older, both with their own insecurities, end up working together and then sharing a house and then fairly quickly sharing their lives. A couple of interesting dogs, some slightly unpleasant characters (barely appear)
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky is unabashed and very proud of who he is. Lovable, fun, and all around sweetie.Wallace is definitely a grump. A gay man in a small town, can have its challenges.

Sky descends upon Wallace like a whirlwind. When you're used to consistency, any disruption isn't welcomed. Especially a force suck as Sky.
Never have two polar opposites were so perfect for each other. Turns out, they had more similarities than differences.

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

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar and Wallace were wonderful characters and their opposites attract romance very enjoyable. I liked watching their very different personalities come together, a great feel good addition to the Home in Hollyridge series.

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

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and steamy short read from a great author. This book was just long enough for a great storyline but short enough to read in one sitting. I love that a book was written for Sky, I loved him and his attitude from the first book.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story. From a distance Sky and Wallace seem like they are just too different to make a relationship work but it’s just those differences that bring them together and they aren’t so different deep down, Wallace just hides his differences from the world. Wallace was quite stubborn but unable to resist for too long. I loved how unapologetic Sky was and how he refused to be anyone but himself.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the books. Great plot and characters.plus dogs. Interesting relationships among characters. Enjoyable quick read.

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

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read! So sweet! Wallace and Skylar were awesome and so perfect for each other! Their differences is what makes them so great together. Very enjoyable and fun read! Highly recommend!

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