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Food Truck Warriors #5
Wheels Down
Shaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more.
Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival.
He’s struggling to keep his food truck and to maintain appearances, but what Ross doesn’t realize is that Shaw Finley, the bartender from the Funky Cup, has seen right through his charade.
Shaw offers the couch in his apartment over the bar, suggesting that saving money on rent might help salvage Ross’ failing prospects.
Even though he doesn’t really consider them friends, Ross discovers that Shaw is great to talk to, easy to look at, and he likes him. Late nights and lazy mornings and evenings with only the polished wood of the bar between them lead to an attraction that Ross can’t deny—and that Shaw doesn’t even try to.
But falling in love isn’t as easy as falling into bed together, and Ross isn’t even sure what he feels is love, until he figures out that it couldn’t possibly be anything else.
Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival.
He’s struggling to keep his food truck and to maintain appearances, but what Ross doesn’t realize is that Shaw Finley, the bartender from the Funky Cup, has seen right through his charade.
Shaw offers the couch in his apartment over the bar, suggesting that saving money on rent might help salvage Ross’ failing prospects.
Even though he doesn’t really consider them friends, Ross discovers that Shaw is great to talk to, easy to look at, and he likes him. Late nights and lazy mornings and evenings with only the polished wood of the bar between them lead to an attraction that Ross can’t deny—and that Shaw doesn’t even try to.
But falling in love isn’t as easy as falling into bed together, and Ross isn’t even sure what he feels is love, until he figures out that it couldn’t possibly be anything else.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
39 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books686 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 25, 2021
Ross is kind of an outlier as far as characters go in this series. He's introverted, has trust issues that go deeper than the earth's crust, doesn't really get along with people and has a hard time figuring them out. The one person he seems to get along with swimmingly is Shaw, and that's not without work. And I think that work is what makes this book appealing.
December 11, 2025
I’m sorry but why was Ross so weird? He was so bizarre and it’s never really explained? He kept talking about his skin getting twitchy and all this other stuff but no clue? The book works much better if you imagine he is an alien and is new to having a human body.
September 20, 2021
As ever, I beta read this for Beth but this is probably the entry that I had the smallest amount of commentary on because this is, hands down, my favourite in all the Food Truck Warriors series (so far! Ren is up next so who knows :D )
Most of that is down to both Shaw and Ross being so utterly perfect for each other.
Shaw is everything you'd ever want to have not only in a book boyfriend, but as a friend too. He's kindness personified, he listens without judgement, and he's sexy as Hell!
Ross though, my poor broken Ross. Oh he needed someone to see him, to really see him, and then to hold a mirror in front of him which showed what a wonderful person he truly is, not the shattered soul he's been left after so much betrayal.
I LOVE these two individually but as a pair they own my heart. Their friendship is wonderful, but when things move between the sheets, well they light up like a bonfire on July 4th!
It's wonderful to see how Ross' begins to get his confidence and his confusion over his feelings for Shaw are so sweet, it's clear Ross knows what he feels is more than friendship, but he's not had the experience to be able to put a name to what it is.
Until the moment he realises it's love and then I just got all swoony 😁😍
It was also lovely to see the rest of the Food Truck gang go out of their way to try and include Ross more, even Tony, as they realised he'd been as much a victim of his insane former partner's actions as Ash was - (see Full Speed Ahead for details of that!
Also Ren in this book is fabulous and I can not wait now for his book which will, if all goes as expected, finally wrap up this brilliant series from Beth.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Most of that is down to both Shaw and Ross being so utterly perfect for each other.
Shaw is everything you'd ever want to have not only in a book boyfriend, but as a friend too. He's kindness personified, he listens without judgement, and he's sexy as Hell!
Ross though, my poor broken Ross. Oh he needed someone to see him, to really see him, and then to hold a mirror in front of him which showed what a wonderful person he truly is, not the shattered soul he's been left after so much betrayal.
I LOVE these two individually but as a pair they own my heart. Their friendship is wonderful, but when things move between the sheets, well they light up like a bonfire on July 4th!
It's wonderful to see how Ross' begins to get his confidence and his confusion over his feelings for Shaw are so sweet, it's clear Ross knows what he feels is more than friendship, but he's not had the experience to be able to put a name to what it is.
Until the moment he realises it's love and then I just got all swoony 😁😍
It was also lovely to see the rest of the Food Truck gang go out of their way to try and include Ross more, even Tony, as they realised he'd been as much a victim of his insane former partner's actions as Ash was - (see Full Speed Ahead for details of that!
Also Ren in this book is fabulous and I can not wait now for his book which will, if all goes as expected, finally wrap up this brilliant series from Beth.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 2, 2021
Lovely series
Lovely, low angst story. I really enjoyed the evolution of Ross and how sweet Shaw is. And I wish I could visit the Food Truck Warriors lot. :)
Lovely, low angst story. I really enjoyed the evolution of Ross and how sweet Shaw is. And I wish I could visit the Food Truck Warriors lot. :)
January 7, 2022
Great complex characters and a delightful slow build to love. This is a great series with a wonderful cast of characters and a dynamic setting. And one of the best love declarations I've read!
April 25, 2023
Really liking this series and I loved this book. Ross and Shaw are everything.
September 19, 2021
Ross has a lot of edges. He's prickly and borderline rude. He's been through a lot and is struggling not with his sexuality but sex in general. I'd think I'd label him as a grey ace.
Shaw is pure sunshine. He gently offers help, is always there for Ross, sees past the gruff exterior and was just perfect.
That isn't to say they don't have their issues, but they are worked out quickly because they communicate even when it's hard.
A slow burn but I loved it. I rooted for them and I loved the separate stories they had. Ross and recovering his business and Shaw with the bar.
"With Shaw, love wasn’t effortless, but he had no issue making the effort, because he was the best thing that had ever happened to him." So sweet.
Shaw is pure sunshine. He gently offers help, is always there for Ross, sees past the gruff exterior and was just perfect.
That isn't to say they don't have their issues, but they are worked out quickly because they communicate even when it's hard.
A slow burn but I loved it. I rooted for them and I loved the separate stories they had. Ross and recovering his business and Shaw with the bar.
"With Shaw, love wasn’t effortless, but he had no issue making the effort, because he was the best thing that had ever happened to him." So sweet.
July 24, 2023
Wheels Down; Rating: 4.5/5
Wow, I was not expecting to see this side of Ross and Shaw, they were an unlikely pairing at first glance but ended up being what each other needed.
Shaw is Jackson's brother, co-owner of The Funky Cup, the bar that both the brothers co-own. Shaw is an impeccable bartender, he loves bartending and chatting up customers, and Jackson handles the business side of their operation, something that's worked well for them. Until Jackson wants to switch things up and wants to open a new location, which Shaw is firmly against.
But Shaw isn't worrying about that, instead he's worrying about his friend Ross. Who has been having a difficult time running his food truck by himself after his ex copartner not only tormented and injured the other food truck owners, but who also was stealing from their business, consequently leaving Ross to try to figure out how to keep Basket open. When Shae offers Ross a place to live where he wouldn't have to pay rent Ross isn't eager to accept it, but after thought... He realizes it might be a good thing. He didn't expect to end up developing not only such a close friendship with the exuberant Shaw, but he definitely wasn't expecting to fall for the man.
I loved this book! It definitely has grumpy/sunshine elements to it that were done so well. Even though Ross can be grumpy outwardly, Shaw knows that inside Ross is a big ol' softie. Shaw takes him time to learn, listen, and understand Ross. He's supportive, and doesn't judge Ross about things that so many others have judged him for. He likes him because of who he is, not despite.
The contrast between Shaw and Ross was incredible! They were different in such a great way! Shaw was more down to earth, more relaxed; whereas Ross was more high strung, and grumpy. But these two balanced the other out beautifully. I loved how their relationship slowly grew and developed, both men not wanting to scare the other. They made sure communication and trust was prioritized. My favorite part of this whole book was when Shaw and Ross were working on the dessert waffle idea, it made me want their creation so bad! And there are no good trucks around me!! It's almost torturous to read Beth's series about food trucks and then not be able to actually try what she's having her characters make... It's safe to say I really enjoyed this book, and I'm now on to the next one!
Wow, I was not expecting to see this side of Ross and Shaw, they were an unlikely pairing at first glance but ended up being what each other needed.
Shaw is Jackson's brother, co-owner of The Funky Cup, the bar that both the brothers co-own. Shaw is an impeccable bartender, he loves bartending and chatting up customers, and Jackson handles the business side of their operation, something that's worked well for them. Until Jackson wants to switch things up and wants to open a new location, which Shaw is firmly against.
But Shaw isn't worrying about that, instead he's worrying about his friend Ross. Who has been having a difficult time running his food truck by himself after his ex copartner not only tormented and injured the other food truck owners, but who also was stealing from their business, consequently leaving Ross to try to figure out how to keep Basket open. When Shae offers Ross a place to live where he wouldn't have to pay rent Ross isn't eager to accept it, but after thought... He realizes it might be a good thing. He didn't expect to end up developing not only such a close friendship with the exuberant Shaw, but he definitely wasn't expecting to fall for the man.
I loved this book! It definitely has grumpy/sunshine elements to it that were done so well. Even though Ross can be grumpy outwardly, Shaw knows that inside Ross is a big ol' softie. Shaw takes him time to learn, listen, and understand Ross. He's supportive, and doesn't judge Ross about things that so many others have judged him for. He likes him because of who he is, not despite.
The contrast between Shaw and Ross was incredible! They were different in such a great way! Shaw was more down to earth, more relaxed; whereas Ross was more high strung, and grumpy. But these two balanced the other out beautifully. I loved how their relationship slowly grew and developed, both men not wanting to scare the other. They made sure communication and trust was prioritized. My favorite part of this whole book was when Shaw and Ross were working on the dessert waffle idea, it made me want their creation so bad! And there are no good trucks around me!! It's almost torturous to read Beth's series about food trucks and then not be able to actually try what she's having her characters make... It's safe to say I really enjoyed this book, and I'm now on to the next one!
July 17, 2023
Rooooooossss! Poor Ross is set up to be the "bad guy" (at least in Tony's narrative) in previous books, and I'm glad we finally get to know the real him in this fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series. It's never explicitly spelled out, but it's heavily implied that Ross is on the autism spectrum (difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, his super intense interest in making his recipes "perfect" [which, let's be honest, is what makes him the best], getting upset at changes in routine, being more sensitive to sensory input). I tagged this book as ace spectrum/demi rep, but I'm not totally sure it is... If Ross is actually grey-ace or something to that effect, or if he's just sort of gun shy about sex because of his past experiences.
Ross comes off as very gruff, and then in comes Shaw, who is definitely the sunshine to Ross's grumpy. They're such a perfect pairing, especially because Shaw is excellent at reading people after years working as a bartender, and Ross struggles to express his feelings. Shaw's able to read Ross - and actually cares enough to try - better than most people, though they do still have their miscommunications and misunderstandings.
I also really liked the development of the relationship between Ross and Harmony, as well as between Ross and the rest of the Food Truck Warriors folks (especially Ren). This was hands down on of my favorite books of the series.
This is the fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series. While it can be read as a standalone there are spoilers for the previous books, especially for book 4, Full Speed Ahead. I'd recommend reading at least book 4 first, but really the entire series is awesome and you should just read the whole thing in order, haha.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
Ross comes off as very gruff, and then in comes Shaw, who is definitely the sunshine to Ross's grumpy. They're such a perfect pairing, especially because Shaw is excellent at reading people after years working as a bartender, and Ross struggles to express his feelings. Shaw's able to read Ross - and actually cares enough to try - better than most people, though they do still have their miscommunications and misunderstandings.
I also really liked the development of the relationship between Ross and Harmony, as well as between Ross and the rest of the Food Truck Warriors folks (especially Ren). This was hands down on of my favorite books of the series.
This is the fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series. While it can be read as a standalone there are spoilers for the previous books, especially for book 4, Full Speed Ahead. I'd recommend reading at least book 4 first, but really the entire series is awesome and you should just read the whole thing in order, haha.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
October 3, 2021
I absolutely love this series. It has all the feels and these guys, all so very different but all loveable, bring love and laughter, with a little angst, into every book and food, lots of delicious food. I am permanently hungry reading these books and usually end up in the kitchen trying to create something wonderful!
This was Ross and Shaw’s story and although we found out all about Ross’s best friend and business partner Aaron in the previous book which ended with his arrest, in this book we find out just how effected Ross is and how traumatic it has all been for him. We find out the extent of Aaron’s betrayal and the awful financial hole Ross is struggling to find his way out of. Ross was a very quiet and introvert character anyway and Aaron has made it difficult for him to trust another person but just as Ross is completely overwhelmed by his problems along comes Shaw.
Shaw is a sweetheart, the complete opposite of Ross. Where Shaw always has a smile on his face and is a people person Ross doesn’t smile and doesn’t know how to relate to people. Shaw has secretly, well maybe not so secretly, been attracted to Ross for ages and he throws Ross a lifeline. Little do they realise it will change the course of their lives forever.
Ross was so vulnerable and I loved the way Shaw dealt with him, with patience and understanding and watching Ross finding his smile and new friends was heartwarming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and throughout the series I have always been curious about the man-whore Ren. I think there is a lot more to him and so I am pleased to find that the final book in the series will be Ren and Seth’s story. Can’t wait for that one!
This was Ross and Shaw’s story and although we found out all about Ross’s best friend and business partner Aaron in the previous book which ended with his arrest, in this book we find out just how effected Ross is and how traumatic it has all been for him. We find out the extent of Aaron’s betrayal and the awful financial hole Ross is struggling to find his way out of. Ross was a very quiet and introvert character anyway and Aaron has made it difficult for him to trust another person but just as Ross is completely overwhelmed by his problems along comes Shaw.
Shaw is a sweetheart, the complete opposite of Ross. Where Shaw always has a smile on his face and is a people person Ross doesn’t smile and doesn’t know how to relate to people. Shaw has secretly, well maybe not so secretly, been attracted to Ross for ages and he throws Ross a lifeline. Little do they realise it will change the course of their lives forever.
Ross was so vulnerable and I loved the way Shaw dealt with him, with patience and understanding and watching Ross finding his smile and new friends was heartwarming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and throughout the series I have always been curious about the man-whore Ren. I think there is a lot more to him and so I am pleased to find that the final book in the series will be Ren and Seth’s story. Can’t wait for that one!
October 3, 2024
Bartender and food truck owner turned roommates, then lovers.
Shaw is the co-owner of Funky Cup with his brother and has been crushing on the anti-social, grouchy Ross for some time now.
Ross is even more closed off now, after everything that happened with Aaron. Basket, their food truck, is struggling to keep its window open as the extent of Aaron's betrayal comes to the surface.
His only bright spot of the day is when Shaw stops by the truck for a meal.
Ross, to me, feels like he may be neurodivergent or on the edge of it. A lot of the ways that he processes and/or misses social cues reminds me a lot of my daughter who was diagnosed with Asperger's. I understand and see that struggle in him and am glad to see Shaw gets him, too.
Readers just coming across WHEELS DOWN will greatly benefit from reading the series in order. There are underlying events throughout the series that will make a more comprehensive story if read from the start. Each book features its own new couple but the FTW group are intricately entwined.
This, I think, is the first time that I'm disappointed in an author's proofreaders.
Not only were characters referred to by the wrong name (twice that I noticed) but there were other very noticeable errors as well.
1) after exiting the shower and toweling dry, he lead the other to the bedroom. Once in the bedroom, he removed the other's shirt?
2) hiding on the back patio, the intruder orders a buffalo chicken salad and was served a buffalo chicken sandwich.
Shaw is the co-owner of Funky Cup with his brother and has been crushing on the anti-social, grouchy Ross for some time now.
Ross is even more closed off now, after everything that happened with Aaron. Basket, their food truck, is struggling to keep its window open as the extent of Aaron's betrayal comes to the surface.
His only bright spot of the day is when Shaw stops by the truck for a meal.
Ross, to me, feels like he may be neurodivergent or on the edge of it. A lot of the ways that he processes and/or misses social cues reminds me a lot of my daughter who was diagnosed with Asperger's. I understand and see that struggle in him and am glad to see Shaw gets him, too.
Readers just coming across WHEELS DOWN will greatly benefit from reading the series in order. There are underlying events throughout the series that will make a more comprehensive story if read from the start. Each book features its own new couple but the FTW group are intricately entwined.
This, I think, is the first time that I'm disappointed in an author's proofreaders.
Not only were characters referred to by the wrong name (twice that I noticed) but there were other very noticeable errors as well.
1) after exiting the shower and toweling dry, he lead the other to the bedroom. Once in the bedroom, he removed the other's shirt?
2) hiding on the back patio, the intruder orders a buffalo chicken salad and was served a buffalo chicken sandwich.
April 23, 2023
Ross and Shaw were such different personalities, and I loved seeing how they fit together. Ross is much more introverted and far less social than the other food truck owners, and I really enjoyed seeing this version of how life and a relationship could work for him. I liked how the book played to his strengths—not forcing him to change to completely, but to, for example, get a competent coworker who could handle the social interactions with the customers (and then more aspects of the business that he wasn’t as skilled at).
It was lovely to see Shaw simply be a genuinely nice human being and help out someone in need, and I appreciated so much how respectful he was of Ross’s needs. I really felt for Ross and how the world had taught him that he was different/abnormal in a bad way, and Shaw just didn’t accept any of that crap. I liked that the other food truck owners really were decent here, and it was more Ross’s own perception of guilt-by-association to Aaron that was part of what was tripping him up. I was rooting so hard for these two and loved seeing their relationship play out.
It was lovely to see Shaw simply be a genuinely nice human being and help out someone in need, and I appreciated so much how respectful he was of Ross’s needs. I really felt for Ross and how the world had taught him that he was different/abnormal in a bad way, and Shaw just didn’t accept any of that crap. I liked that the other food truck owners really were decent here, and it was more Ross’s own perception of guilt-by-association to Aaron that was part of what was tripping him up. I was rooting so hard for these two and loved seeing their relationship play out.
May 2, 2022
Wow.
Loved everything about this gentle strangers to acquaintances to friends/roommates to lovers story.
Ross Stanton has always been kind of a loner; he’s not entirely comfortable with the social thing, and it’s just easier and safer to hang back and not insert his brand of awkward places where he won’t be welcome.
Shaw Finley is a great bartender, and he is a friend to Ross when he needs it most. When their friendship expands into more, it is the rightest thing either has ever experienced.
Beth Bolden’s story is a beautiful read. Loved everything about their growing friendship, the friendships between the guys who run all the food trucks, and the sibling relationship between Shaw and his brother Jackson. She excels at bringing all these to life, and their conversations are warm and funny and awkward and perfect.
This is a fantastic book in this not-to-be-missed series.
Loved everything about this gentle strangers to acquaintances to friends/roommates to lovers story.
Ross Stanton has always been kind of a loner; he’s not entirely comfortable with the social thing, and it’s just easier and safer to hang back and not insert his brand of awkward places where he won’t be welcome.
Shaw Finley is a great bartender, and he is a friend to Ross when he needs it most. When their friendship expands into more, it is the rightest thing either has ever experienced.
Beth Bolden’s story is a beautiful read. Loved everything about their growing friendship, the friendships between the guys who run all the food trucks, and the sibling relationship between Shaw and his brother Jackson. She excels at bringing all these to life, and their conversations are warm and funny and awkward and perfect.
This is a fantastic book in this not-to-be-missed series.
October 12, 2021
It’s pretty ok
It would probably be better if I’d read the rest of the food truck books so all these other guys made more sense. I’m a little confused about Ross. Is he supposed to be just a grump or autistic or something? It sorta seems like she’s trying to say something like that but never says it. But it seems like it’s this big deal except it really isn’t cause Shaw is shiny and friendly and
that fixes everything. 🤷🏻♀️
It’s an alright story it just seems weird that she makes such a big deal about Ross being so difficult and grumpy when he never really is and everything works out so easily.
It would probably be better if I’d read the rest of the food truck books so all these other guys made more sense. I’m a little confused about Ross. Is he supposed to be just a grump or autistic or something? It sorta seems like she’s trying to say something like that but never says it. But it seems like it’s this big deal except it really isn’t cause Shaw is shiny and friendly and
that fixes everything. 🤷🏻♀️
It’s an alright story it just seems weird that she makes such a big deal about Ross being so difficult and grumpy when he never really is and everything works out so easily.
April 28, 2022
Shaw and Ross!
As soon as I realized there was more to Ross than what meets eye, I needed his story. I'm so glad he found love... and Shaw is just so perfect for him. Shaw is patient and kind while Ross is awkward, introverted and determined. He is food perfectionist and chef and he excels at it. But Ross isn't looking for love, let alone a friend. So when he realizes friendship and love has found him he slowly starts to live life and see that it's worth living. This story was sweet and beautiful.
As soon as I realized there was more to Ross than what meets eye, I needed his story. I'm so glad he found love... and Shaw is just so perfect for him. Shaw is patient and kind while Ross is awkward, introverted and determined. He is food perfectionist and chef and he excels at it. But Ross isn't looking for love, let alone a friend. So when he realizes friendship and love has found him he slowly starts to live life and see that it's worth living. This story was sweet and beautiful.
October 1, 2021
Hidden Crush and Helping Hands.
MM, Friends to Lovers Romance. Best read as part of the series due to characters mentioning things and people from previous books, but could be read as a stand-alone. Easy to read and a page-turner with a guaranteed HEA and great characters. Ross has been left in a bad place financially and his morale is about to hit rock bottom when bartender Shaw steps in and makes him an offer that will change their lives. Fantastic story, deserves more than 5 stars. This is my personal favourite in the series, a great read.
MM, Friends to Lovers Romance. Best read as part of the series due to characters mentioning things and people from previous books, but could be read as a stand-alone. Easy to read and a page-turner with a guaranteed HEA and great characters. Ross has been left in a bad place financially and his morale is about to hit rock bottom when bartender Shaw steps in and makes him an offer that will change their lives. Fantastic story, deserves more than 5 stars. This is my personal favourite in the series, a great read.
July 27, 2023
Oh my Ross and Shaw are just too sweet for words even with how awkward could be at times. Despite everything he has been through Ross finds it in heart to let Shaw in a little at a time and watching these two fall in love was beyond amazing. Shaw knew from the beginning there could something great between them but never believed it would actually happen, these two plus the love a of their friends all around then made this book just amazing. 😀❤️
August 9, 2023
When Shaw brother decides to open new location for their bar, he didn’t like it at first. He was worried about his friend Ross. He is has some problems keep Basket afloat. So Shaw offers him a place to stay while he gets back on his feet. At first Ross refuses but he gives and moves in. But neither expected to fall for each other. Their journey will have bumps in road but they will get through them.
October 7, 2021
Another amazing addition
It’s no shock that I am a huge fan of Beth’s books. She is an amazing write who’s passion for the words makes it an absolutely pleasure to read what she’s written. Ross and Shaw are adorable together. Both awkward and so unsure of each other, when they finally do find love it’s atomic.
It’s no shock that I am a huge fan of Beth’s books. She is an amazing write who’s passion for the words makes it an absolutely pleasure to read what she’s written. Ross and Shaw are adorable together. Both awkward and so unsure of each other, when they finally do find love it’s atomic.
November 1, 2023
I think this is my favourite of this series (so far as there's still book 6 to go). I just loved Ross so much and Shaw was just this amazing person, doing everything he could to help Ross along the way but never overwhelming him. My favourite bit? The bathroom scene hands down. It was funny, sad, hot and beautiful at the same time.
October 2, 2021
So much romance on a food truck lot. So much understanding between characters. I loved how they grew as individuals and as a couple.
When you have so many 'guys' working in close proximity, things are bound to heat up and competitions keeps the blood flowing all the time!
When you have so many 'guys' working in close proximity, things are bound to heat up and competitions keeps the blood flowing all the time!
August 7, 2023
Wheels Down, Food Truck Warriors book five by Beth Bolden. Fantastic story! Loved the storyline and all the characters. This book and this series has some wonderful characters! Ross & Shaw’s story was wonderful! Can’t wait to read the next book!
April 5, 2022
This might be my favorite book in this series yet!
I wanna love on Ross so hard and Shaw is plain adorable and these two together made me feel all gooey inside. Perfect feel good book for me!
I wanna love on Ross so hard and Shaw is plain adorable and these two together made me feel all gooey inside. Perfect feel good book for me!
May 26, 2024
First read: November 17, 2021
Second read: May 26, 2024
Second read: May 26, 2024
January 17, 2026
**4.5 rounded up to 5
October 13, 2021
“Sometimes, someone comes into your life, so unexpectedly, takes your heart by surprise, and changes your life forever.” ~ unknown
Ross, of ‘Wheels Down’ by Beth Bolden, has been down since Aaron, his former partner, stole all their money. Now, Aaron is in prison terrorizing, stalking, and eventually assaulting Ash, a fellow food truck owner, and attempting to shoot him. When Shaw offers to help Ross, he is suspicious. Ross is not someone who trusts easily, but Shaw seems sincere, and he is in no position to refuse.
Ross has always felt awkward. Besides his grandmother, everyone in Ross’s life has treated him as if he were different and not in a good way. Ross doesn’t always pick up on social cues. Also, he has trouble being intimate. The negative reactions of Ross’s infrequent hookups in the past caused Ross to decide it wasn’t worth it to try. After what Aaron did, Ross is sure that everyone on the lot resents him because of what Aaron did, so he avoids them and doesn’t ask for help.
Shaw has had his eye on Ross since he first saw him. Other than having the best food on the lot, eating at Ross’s truck gives him a chance to see the man. As a bartender, Shaw has a knack for reading people. Through the brooding, complex facade Ross presents to the world, Shaw can see the sensitive and creative man underneath. Without asking, he knows that Ross is struggling. Also, Shaw knows that there is no way Ross will ask for help. Taking a risk, Shaw offers to let Ross stay at his apartment while he gets back on his feet. Ross is shocked by the offer; they aren’t even friends. However, accepting his help presents Ross with an opportunity to hire Harmony, who has also offered her help. Ross soon realizes that living with Shaw is going to involve a lot more than he expected.
I fell in love with Shaw right away. Ross took a little longer, but once I realized what his issues were, I was sympathetic. Together, they were fantastic. My only “complaint” was that the story had me drooling, wishing I could have some of the food they kept discussing! Thanks, Beth! I look forward to Seth and Ren’s story.
Ross, of ‘Wheels Down’ by Beth Bolden, has been down since Aaron, his former partner, stole all their money. Now, Aaron is in prison terrorizing, stalking, and eventually assaulting Ash, a fellow food truck owner, and attempting to shoot him. When Shaw offers to help Ross, he is suspicious. Ross is not someone who trusts easily, but Shaw seems sincere, and he is in no position to refuse.
Ross has always felt awkward. Besides his grandmother, everyone in Ross’s life has treated him as if he were different and not in a good way. Ross doesn’t always pick up on social cues. Also, he has trouble being intimate. The negative reactions of Ross’s infrequent hookups in the past caused Ross to decide it wasn’t worth it to try. After what Aaron did, Ross is sure that everyone on the lot resents him because of what Aaron did, so he avoids them and doesn’t ask for help.
Shaw has had his eye on Ross since he first saw him. Other than having the best food on the lot, eating at Ross’s truck gives him a chance to see the man. As a bartender, Shaw has a knack for reading people. Through the brooding, complex facade Ross presents to the world, Shaw can see the sensitive and creative man underneath. Without asking, he knows that Ross is struggling. Also, Shaw knows that there is no way Ross will ask for help. Taking a risk, Shaw offers to let Ross stay at his apartment while he gets back on his feet. Ross is shocked by the offer; they aren’t even friends. However, accepting his help presents Ross with an opportunity to hire Harmony, who has also offered her help. Ross soon realizes that living with Shaw is going to involve a lot more than he expected.
I fell in love with Shaw right away. Ross took a little longer, but once I realized what his issues were, I was sympathetic. Together, they were fantastic. My only “complaint” was that the story had me drooling, wishing I could have some of the food they kept discussing! Thanks, Beth! I look forward to Seth and Ren’s story.
October 6, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is such a fun series and I really enjoyed this addition – Ross and Shaw are great characters and such an unlikely but great match for each other! There’s a wonderful slow burn romance that develops between these two combined with the fun of the food truck creations, it really caught my attention and kept reading and wanting more.
Ross is dealing with the aftermath of what his business partner did (we get that in the previous book) and he’s struggling. Financially, he’s in the weeds, just trying to make ends meet and be able to pay the debts that Aaron left him with, and emotionally, well that’s a whole other struggle. He’s not an overly outgoing person to begin with, now he’s dealing with the guilt of what Aaron did, which has led to a complete lack of trust in others. He’s kind of a grump. Enter Shaw, charming, easy-going bar tender/owner who loves Ross’ food and just wants to help him out, sure he finds the man attractive as well. Shaw offers to help Ross get back on his feet by giving a free place to stay, with him.
These two are so stinking sweet together, even with Ross’ grump tendencies, they are just wonderful. Shaw has a big heart and really does his best to show he cares and support Ross. He definitely made me swoon. Ross grows and opens up a lot too, realizing that he has friends around him. I absolutely adored the food truck challenge happening, it was such a great part of the story and I don’t know if a book has ever made me that hungry while reading! Overall, I really loved this book, it was very touching and I loved seeing Ross happy!
This is such a fun series and I really enjoyed this addition – Ross and Shaw are great characters and such an unlikely but great match for each other! There’s a wonderful slow burn romance that develops between these two combined with the fun of the food truck creations, it really caught my attention and kept reading and wanting more.
Ross is dealing with the aftermath of what his business partner did (we get that in the previous book) and he’s struggling. Financially, he’s in the weeds, just trying to make ends meet and be able to pay the debts that Aaron left him with, and emotionally, well that’s a whole other struggle. He’s not an overly outgoing person to begin with, now he’s dealing with the guilt of what Aaron did, which has led to a complete lack of trust in others. He’s kind of a grump. Enter Shaw, charming, easy-going bar tender/owner who loves Ross’ food and just wants to help him out, sure he finds the man attractive as well. Shaw offers to help Ross get back on his feet by giving a free place to stay, with him.
These two are so stinking sweet together, even with Ross’ grump tendencies, they are just wonderful. Shaw has a big heart and really does his best to show he cares and support Ross. He definitely made me swoon. Ross grows and opens up a lot too, realizing that he has friends around him. I absolutely adored the food truck challenge happening, it was such a great part of the story and I don’t know if a book has ever made me that hungry while reading! Overall, I really loved this book, it was very touching and I loved seeing Ross happy!
September 20, 2021
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden is the 5th book in her Food Truck Warriors series. It is the story of Ross and Shaw. Ross is one of the best chefs on the food truck lot but his life has taken a down turn. His partner had gone crazy and stalked one of the other food truck owners and then caused him to burn his truck down. He had been arrested and jailed but it was only then that Ross figured out he had been stealing money from the business to the point of there being very little left. He was also “different” in that he didn’t have many friends and was somewhat socially awkward and he put everything he had into his food truck so that left him little time for anything else. Shaw was part owner of The Funky Cup, a bar that the food truck guys frequented and was also the head bar tender there. He was a genuinely nice guy and a very kind person who was always helping others out. He was also a good reader of people and what they were going through. And he loved Ross’s food at his food truck, Basket. Shaw showed up at his truck on a particularly bad day when things were going wrong and offered to help him with prep and serving. He grudgingly accepted it and Shaw saw how bad things actually were for Ross. Because of this he offered to let him become his roommate which would help him save money. Several days pass and more things happen to Ross so he finally accepts the offer and moves in. Shaw had felt “something” towards Ross from the beginning and Ross felt “itchy” around Shaw and as time goes on they realize they like each other. The spend time together after work and Ross slowly lets his guard down. He had lost any trust he had in other people when his partner stole from him but over time he learned to trust Shaw implicitly.
Shaw could tell what Ross was going through by his actions and took things at Ross’s pace. Eventually their relationship changes from friends to much more. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. There was a lot of angst in what was happening to Ross and how he was trying to get through the hard times and I liked how Shaw was able to go slowly and help him out in many ways. The characters were well developed and the situations they were in were realistic. I also liked how the characters from previous books in the series played a part in what was happening. One of the things I liked best was that Tony, the head of the Food Truck Warriors, decided to have a contest for all the food trucks to see who could develop the best recipe using a waffle maker and sell the most of what they made. This led to some interesting recipes and also let Ross shine. My favorite part of the story came at the end when Ross and Shaw got their HEA and Ross learned that he could trust other people and that he was the hero in his own story. There is one more book in the series and I can’t wait to read it.
Shaw could tell what Ross was going through by his actions and took things at Ross’s pace. Eventually their relationship changes from friends to much more. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. There was a lot of angst in what was happening to Ross and how he was trying to get through the hard times and I liked how Shaw was able to go slowly and help him out in many ways. The characters were well developed and the situations they were in were realistic. I also liked how the characters from previous books in the series played a part in what was happening. One of the things I liked best was that Tony, the head of the Food Truck Warriors, decided to have a contest for all the food trucks to see who could develop the best recipe using a waffle maker and sell the most of what they made. This led to some interesting recipes and also let Ross shine. My favorite part of the story came at the end when Ross and Shaw got their HEA and Ross learned that he could trust other people and that he was the hero in his own story. There is one more book in the series and I can’t wait to read it.
October 1, 2021
Shaw is a guy that likes to help, Ross just wants to be left alone.
Shaw sets out to try to help and, hopefully, put a smile on Ross' face after the shitty rollercoaster his life has lately been. Ross has so many battles to overcome, poor guy, he needs someone like Shaw, to take him on and just teach him to trust and have faith in himself.
Initially, they become good friends, and unknowingly helped each other overcome obstacles that were preventing each of them from fully living life.They support and challenge each other to go above and beyond. I loved how their friendship just blossomed and grew. How they ultimately made each other stronger.
I totally fell in love with Shaw and Ross! They are so well thought out, not to mention the detail in the story. My favourite of the series so far. Can't wait for Ren's story.
Merged review:
Friends to Lovers Romance
Shaw is a guy that likes to help, Ross just wants to be left alone.
Shaw sets out to try to help and, hopefully, put a smile on Ross' face after the shitty rollercoaster his life has lately been. Ross has so many battles to overcome, poor guy, he needs someone like Shaw, to take him on and just teach him to trust and have faith in himself.
Initially, they become good friends, and unknowingly helped each other overcome obstacles that were preventing each of them from fully living life.They support and challenge each other to go above and beyond. I loved how their friendship just blossomed and grew. How they ultimately made each other stronger.
I totally fell in love with Shaw and Ross! They are so well thought out, not to mention the detail in the story. My favourite of the series so far. Can't wait for Ren's story.
Shaw sets out to try to help and, hopefully, put a smile on Ross' face after the shitty rollercoaster his life has lately been. Ross has so many battles to overcome, poor guy, he needs someone like Shaw, to take him on and just teach him to trust and have faith in himself.
Initially, they become good friends, and unknowingly helped each other overcome obstacles that were preventing each of them from fully living life.They support and challenge each other to go above and beyond. I loved how their friendship just blossomed and grew. How they ultimately made each other stronger.
I totally fell in love with Shaw and Ross! They are so well thought out, not to mention the detail in the story. My favourite of the series so far. Can't wait for Ren's story.
Merged review:
Friends to Lovers Romance
Shaw is a guy that likes to help, Ross just wants to be left alone.
Shaw sets out to try to help and, hopefully, put a smile on Ross' face after the shitty rollercoaster his life has lately been. Ross has so many battles to overcome, poor guy, he needs someone like Shaw, to take him on and just teach him to trust and have faith in himself.
Initially, they become good friends, and unknowingly helped each other overcome obstacles that were preventing each of them from fully living life.They support and challenge each other to go above and beyond. I loved how their friendship just blossomed and grew. How they ultimately made each other stronger.
I totally fell in love with Shaw and Ross! They are so well thought out, not to mention the detail in the story. My favourite of the series so far. Can't wait for Ren's story.
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