Waylon's Awakening

Heart of Harmony Grove #1

by Quinn Ward

A divorced teacher. His former student. Are they about to be taught a lesson in love?
I’ve always been the nurturing type. I mean, I’m a teacher, I’ve got three kids – the very model of responsible, mentoring manhood, right? Well, now my wife has divorced me and my mother needs surgery, so I guess I’m moving back home in my forties.

It’ll be a good chance to figure out what comes next.

I wasn’t expecting the answer to that question to be Jasper.

He’s a former student running his own salon, and apparently thanks to me, he’s so far out of the closet he’s not even in the house anymore. Mom is one of his favorite customers, and after her surgery, she suggests I rent the apartment over his studio. It seemed like a good arrangement.

But things start happening.

When we clean out the place, we grow close. It’s obvious he needs someone to take care of him. And I’m feeling things I never believed I could.

I can’t do anything about them, though. He’s half my age. What would my children think? And to the outside world, I’m straight.

What will the citizens of Harmony Grove say when they find out I’ve been keeping a secret most of my life?

Waylon’s Awakening is the compelling first book in the Harmony Grove M/M romance series. If you like tender characters, bisexual discovery, and finding love in unexpected places, then you’ll adore Quinn Ward’s soulful, steamy story.

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

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2022

Reviews

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and low angst.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a sweet, loving, slightly kinky, very steamy book. It was a really great story where one man gets to reimagine his life and figure out how to make himself happy, not just everyone else.

Though they have a lot of possible obstacles, ex-student/teacher, age difference, one is straight…but they fit together so effortlessly. They are sweet and kind to each other, giving each other the attention they hadn’t received in the past.

Thanks also to a host of lovely town characters and friends, whom I’m sure we’ll get to know better, this was a lovely and sexy story.

< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >

[_booklover_mamas_tomgirl_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, swoon worthy, little kinky (alot for me who doesn't normally like kinky books), law-against, age-gap , former teacher/student book.. I loves it ❤️❤️

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waylon is in his mid-40's and going through a divorce. He's got 3 kids all college aged or older and after a long, increasingly loveless marriage he's ready to start anew by moving back to his hometown. Jasper is over a decade his junior, but he's been crushing on Waylon since he was a teen. Now an adult with his own business, he can't believe Waylon would look at him twice -but he does and sparks fly!

Fast paced and a quick read, this book was very sweet! Both MCs were people you could easily root for. I would have loved to have seen more character development as it seemed like the relationship started very quickly- but I'll happily read the next book in the series!

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it feels like everything is falling apart, but everything falls into place . . .

Waylon’s marriage is over, his children are grown, so he heads back to his small town to help his mom recover from surgery. There, he runs into his former student, Jasper, and his whole world just shifts and falls into place. This was a great low-angst, bi-awakening age-gap romance with a nice, light D/s BDSM plot. I enjoyed Jasper and Waylon and how they just fit so well. The small town atmosphere, the side characters, and little bit of kink were all delightful. It was a great start to a new series.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a low angsty read with with the MC almost having a insta connection.

Loved Waylon's family dynamics, the ups and downs of different family members and well its kinda student/teacher but NOT :) Jasper and Waylon are sweet and its a heart warming small town MM read.

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC but this was sweet and kinky whixh is always a win in my book. I really enjoyed this one. It was just so cute and it really worked for me.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Autumn Winchester · Rating 2 out of 5]

The start of this was great. Low angst, flowed well. But then about 30 percent in, the two characters are all over each other. There was no build up, no emotions that kept me connected to the story. Yes, it's steamy and slightly kinky.
I've been a huge fan of Quinn's books for a long while, and this one just didn't match the connection as the other books that have published. I was disappointed.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I stopped at 27% in. I’m not a BDSM fan and no where in the blurb is D/s mentioned. Story started out interesting, until kink was mentioned then I was done. Maybe someday I’ll try to finish reading it.

[Jess Gabriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt completely disjointed. It's like the sex was written and then the story was written around it. Other readers have mentioned the surprise BDSM and they're completely right. On paper, this one ticks all of my boxes, but the execution just wasn't there.

[Tessi4M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally liked Waylon and Jasper and I am already in love with Harmony Grove, so I will definitely continue the series. But I do hope the next ones go through a proper editing process - it was bad enough in this book to be annoying.

[Xanthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good age gap, bi-awakening romance, especially later in life and while I can say I did for most of the book, it lost me at around 30% which kind of took the shine off.
Waylon has moved back to Harmony Grove after his divorce and to help his mum post surgery. What he doesn't expect is running into his ex student, Jasper, being so attracted to the younger man or them being so well suited. Jasper always had a crush on his history teacher and now he's back in town, single and as hot as ever. When Ms Ruth guides them together, what's a man to do but happily go along with it. This is the point where it lost me as it just felt, to me, like there was a chunk of story missing as they go from 0-100 after only meeting twice. There's no reconnecting or lead up to the kinky talk they end up having nearly straight away. Yes, it's hot to read but I felt lost for a couple of chapters. After that it settles and it goes back to comfortable reading, like instalove but with that connection and feelings you would expect. They do work well together as a couple, balancing out their kinky needs, Waylon taking care of Jasper whilst also being sure his independence isn't taken over. I like that they take their time before letting those in their small town know, making sure they're what the other wants but it's clear after not much time together how much they men's to each other.
I would say it's a fairly low angst romance, the only part coming close to the end when family gets involved. There's a great cast of characters in the town, some I'm hoping have their own stories coming up soon.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It was very easy to read and follow. Love the fact that it was a former student/former teacher type of trope which happens in a small town. I’m a huge sucker for small town type of m/m stories. This one didn’t disappoint me at all. Waylon’s Awakening is the first book in the Heart of Harmony series and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
This story focuses on Waylon, a divorced man who moves back to the small town he grew up so he could look after his mother and get a fresh start as a single father of 3 adult children. While back in town, his mother happened to talk with Jasper, the hairstylist while doing her hair. Jasper mentioned that he is trying to renovate one of the two apartments above the hair salon so he could rent it out. Waylon’s mother mentioned that Waylon could renovate since he had lots of time on his hands. Jasper wasn’t sure because he had a major crush on Waylon when Waylon was his teacher in high school. I think I’ll stop right there and let you find out whether the age gap stop/doesn’t stop them from exploring further, whether Waylon renovates the upstair apartment or not, and whether Waylon’s children accepts/does not accept the fact that Waylon really likes Jasper who is pretty much their age.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a lot! It was sweet, loving, steamy and there was a little kink thrown in. It kept me on my toes and I just didn’t want to stop reading. We have Waylon, a divorced ex teacher and father of 3, who moves back home to help his mom after her surgery. We also have Jasper, an out and proud salon owner who is unapologetically himself. Jasper used to b e one of Waylon’s students and according to Jasper, Waylon is the reason he is 100% his true authentic self. Jasper and Waylon develop this intense and deep connection upon meeting again. Waylon had always assumed himself straight, that is of course until he meets Jasper again. There was no denying their connection. They just knew from the start. This book had a lot of fun characters in this quirky town of Harmony Grove. I am very excited to read more in this new series!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 1st Person Dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Heart of Harmony Grove series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next phases in a life is self affirming! Waylon, had a checkpoint in his life where he realized his life was a lie. He lived as he thought he should and not as he wanted. Katie, gently guided him into looking for his happy while she pursued hers. His twins Anthone and Ashley were willing to trail him back to Harmony Grove, if he needed the support. Alex was busy preparing for his wedding to Morgan. Waylon, plans on staying with his Mom until she recovers from her surgery. His Mom encourages him to rent from her stylist, Jasper who is loud, out and proud. Waylon fixing up the other apartment is a boon for Jasper. Jasper and Waylon form an attachment, but Waylon is hesitant to come out. He's afraid of how everyone will take this new phase of his life. He digs into his closet. Is he more afraid of others' opinion, or his own? How patient will Jasper be? Shiloh, is Jasper's bestie with his bakery next door to Jasper's salon. Jasper and Waylon, make an interesting couple and as they get to know each other and grow, we enjoy how they compliment each other. Fun story. Fantastic friends and family characters. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited when I read the blurb for this new series. The story started out so well. It tells us a bit of background on both MCs and how they are coping with events in their respective lives.

Waylon just got divorced, sold his house and upon learning that his Mom will undergo surgery, decided to go back home. He married early and has been focused on his children ever since. This will be the first time he is on his own, totally. He wants to savor his newfound freedom.

Jasper has always been out and proud, he doesn't really care what people in his hometown think of him as a gay man. He just wants to be his real self.

Jasper has always had a crush on one of his high school teachers, which happens to be back in his hometown. Meeting him again rekindled all his feelings when he was a little younger.

The story started out really well but then it went fast. I am an angst lover, I like my stories with a build up, more background. This one was a little too fast for me. I didn't also know that there is a D/s kink included.

[Alison Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving Quinn Ward's new books set in Harmony Grove so much! They are a true master at creating diverse and interesting characters with the most beautiful storylines! As a big fan of a nice long series, I hope there will be many more books to come set in the Harmony Grove world and I am hoping the crossover with the Mavericks that was hinted at will be happening soon! 😁 Jasper was such a sweet and fun character, you couldn't help but want him to get everything he wanted! I loved how kind Jasper was to literally everyone he interacts with but he also isn't afraid to stand up for himself and what he believes in. Waylon seems very standoff-ish at the beginning of the book but as you got to know him more as a character I loved how open he seemed to finding what made him truly happy, even if that is something totally new for him. There were so many great side characters in this story and I can't wait to see what other lovely residents of Harmony Grove will be getting their HEA in the future!

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waylon is a teacher, father of three children and now recently divorced and returning home to help care for his mother and figure out where his life is now headed. While there he reconnects with Jasper, his mother's hairdresser and his landlord when he rents a room over Jasper's shop. Jasper is also younger and gay. In fact, Jasper is out and proud. As they spend time together Waylon realizes that he likes Jasper as more than just a former student and someone he is getting to know as an adult. Waylon likes spending time with Jasper, in fact he develops feelings for Jasper that move beyond friendship. But he is hesitant as he wonders what his children will think and others if he is not straight. Waylon does figure out what comes next, it was not what he was expecting but he found a good partner in Jasper who was a character I liked. Good start to a new series.
I received an ARC from GRR for a voluntary review.

[Nedra81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet treat, with low-angst and minimal kink. Definitely was not expecting such an enjoyable experience with this one, but so glad I took a chance. The obstacles set in place for these two were well warranted, but was handled effortlessly and with care.

“ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ᴍᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪ’ᴍ ᴀ ᴛᴀꜱᴛʏ ᴅᴇꜱꜱᴇʀᴛ, ɪ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴘᴜꜱʜ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀᴡᴀʏ.”

Waylon and Jasper were absolutely perfect for each other. Their connection was instant once Jasper was of age, and the chemistry was so hot!! But, this was more than just smut, it was receiving the attention one another so desperately needed and found in each other.

ꜰᴏʀ ᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴄᴋʟᴇꜱꜱ ᴀꜱ ʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ᴀᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ, ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍʏ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴏʏ.

The dynamics of Harmony Grove was absolute perfection, even with the little gossiping grannies. Everyone helped each other survive, even if you weren’t raised there. Cannot wait to read Teddy and Shiloh’s story!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waylon is returning home after he and his wife divorce. He’s taking care of his mom after her surgery. When he takes him mom to her get her hair done, he runs into one of his former students Jasper. Jasper owns his own salon now and had always had a crush on Waylon, one of his teachers, when he was in school. Waylon is offered an apartment above the hair salon. As they clean out the place, things progress between Waylon and Jas. This was seriously fantastic, it hooked me, I couldn’t put it down! Overall, a phenomenal read! The story was really well written, the pacing was fast and flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new series with a fantastic first book. I feel in love with Waylon and Jasper and wanted to be friends with them. I love how Waylon, the dad of three who moves home to take care of his mom always does the right thing. Of course he is thrown when he meet (or remeets) his former student Jasper, who is living live out and proud! Soon Waylon is questioning his own identity, worrying about what others might thing, but also knowing that we must be true to ourselves (and our hearts) to find happiness. This book reminds us we all need to love and need to give love. i can't wait for book two in this series as it had some great secondary characters that intrigued me and left me wanting more. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Amanda Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
Another good MM romance. Two individuals coming together to show their community that their love can be accepted by all. While the book itself was good, I cannot give it a five star unfortunately.

If you want to include BDSM no matter if it’s on the lighter side, a note should be included for readers ahead of time. I don’t mind reading BDSM books but when it was brought up in the story it came as a complete surprise. I also wish their was more build up to the relationship between Jasper and Waylon. The only time you really saw their connection to each other was when they were intimate, otherwise it just wasn’t there. Also the ending felt very rushed and didn’t fully close out on their story.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, low-angst read

Waylon moves back to his childhood home to help his mother following his divorce and whilst reacquainting himself with the town he meets Jasper, a former student of his. Jasper always had a crush on hood former teacher and nothing has changed when he moves back into town. Can they both overcome the age difference and their fear of societies view to make a go of things?

This was a sweet and low-angst story with a hint of kink. I liked how both Waylon and Jasper worked through their issues and hang ups and how they adapted to their new dynamic. I loved the introduction to the town and there are a few side characters that I hope we get to learn more about as the series progresses.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and devoured it in under 4 hours in one read. I couldn't put it down. It was such a sweet, steamy quick burn, fun, light, no angst read with a Dom/Sub trope and light kink. It was well written with fabulous characters. I love age gaps in general and I loved the fact that they had a prior teacher/student relationship even more. Their chemistry was flawless from the start. It did feel like instalove. That didn't ruin my enjoyment of it though. Even though I did take note that the love was sudden and quick I still loved it just the same. This was a wonderful read that I absolutely would recommend. Also loved hearing about Shiloh and am looking forward to reading his story.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waylon is divorced and moving back to his hometown to take care of his mother. Jasper runs the hair salon and once was his pupil. He rents an apartment out to Waylon in return for remodeling it. They immediately fall into a Dom/Sub relationship even though Waylon has never been a Dom, let alone been with a man. I found the lack of hesitation on his part unrealistic even with life changes. Quinn writes a good story with little angst and a lot of sexy times but it all falls into place a little too perfectly and smoothly. This book is part of a series, though standalone and has a HEA. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Cody James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute…but I think that it crossed a line from cute into cheesy that it couldn’t recover from. The storyline is a great trope: teacher and former student, age gap, sexual awakening…however, none of those are in any way deferents for the couple. They progress from Indifferent fondness to full blown rom/sun dynamic in the blink of an eye. I like my romances with a touch of angst, and there was a small amount I’ll give it that. The storyline with Waylon’s daughter and her reaction to him dating a man was a close as we got to any real conflict, but that resolved in the span of ten pages. There wasn’t really and meat to this story which could of been a fantastic read about the trial and tribulations of an age gap gay couple, but unfortunately it just felt like most of this story was filled with no real substance behind it .

[Amy Voce · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded tup to 4

An age gap, ex student/teacher romance. Waylon is going through a divorce from a loveless marriage and on returning to his home town is reacquainted with Jasper. Jasper has always crushed on the former teacher since a young age. Waylon is straight but the chemistry between these men is undeniable and explodes in a passionate romance, these two get real kinky and all for it.

This is a sweet, steamy romance! Their romance came across a bit prematurely and I would have loved a bit more character building but still really enjoyed this read and definitely will be reading the next in this series.

[Beate Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great opening in a new series.

This book is the perfect mix of a no angst romance, steamy scenes, great main characters, lovely side characters and some light dom/sub relation ship.

The story is about Wayson and Jasper. Wayson is coming back to his home town after his divorce cause his mom need help after a surgery and Jasper is the hair dresser of the town. Once thy meet they have a crush a each other.

Quinn has a gift to put all these emotions in words and getting a perfect romance, I couldn’t put away.

I had the luck to get an ARC and I’m looking forward to read the next books in this series.

[Claire Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waylons Awakening is a hot and Sweet m/m age gap romance.
Jasper and Waylon reconnect after Waylon moves back to his hometown to look after his mother.
Considering they are ex teacher/ student the chemistry is undeniably clear. They fall hot and fast and bring out certain passions in each other.
It’s a kind of insta love even though bi-awakening. I wouldn’t say it’s typical of the stories you would normally read for this trope but that’s always a good thing to have something new.
For me I thought it was a great read, new and exciting and can devour quite quickly.
Would I recommend? Absolutely 🌟🌟🌟🌟