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Rainbow Cove #3
Hope on the Rocks
One too many…
Doctor Quinn Strauss is beloved by his small-town patients. He almost never drinks, especially not alone on a weeknight. But he’s heartbroken over an unexpected reminder of exactly how much his bad breakup has cost him. And the sexy ginger bartender keeps making him special drinks that go down a little too easy.
Take a drunk doc home…
Bartender Adam Ringer can tell when someone’s hurting, and the heroic local doctor is practically radiating pain. Adam’s a natural caretaker and can’t help but spring to Quinn’s rescue. And when the drunk and rambling Quinn reveals a mutual sexy interest, Adam’s other instincts are intrigued. He can’t wait for Quinn to sober up.
All mixed up…
When Adam offers Quinn a chance to explore secret desires he’s long repressed, Quinn finds himself saying yes to a summer fling with the younger Daddy bear. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, but amid all their steamy encounters and intimate exchanges, a deep, emotional bond is forged. Summer is nearly over. Real life pressures are mounting. Can they grow enough to find a way to forever?
Hope on the Rocks is a brand-new, full-length Rainbow Cove novel featuring a younger Daddy and a doctor convinced he’s too old to follow his secret desires. Contains a lot of sexy exploration, opposites attract, loads of feels, and a guaranteed happy ending. No age play or cliffhangers!
Doctor Quinn Strauss is beloved by his small-town patients. He almost never drinks, especially not alone on a weeknight. But he’s heartbroken over an unexpected reminder of exactly how much his bad breakup has cost him. And the sexy ginger bartender keeps making him special drinks that go down a little too easy.
Take a drunk doc home…
Bartender Adam Ringer can tell when someone’s hurting, and the heroic local doctor is practically radiating pain. Adam’s a natural caretaker and can’t help but spring to Quinn’s rescue. And when the drunk and rambling Quinn reveals a mutual sexy interest, Adam’s other instincts are intrigued. He can’t wait for Quinn to sober up.
All mixed up…
When Adam offers Quinn a chance to explore secret desires he’s long repressed, Quinn finds himself saying yes to a summer fling with the younger Daddy bear. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, but amid all their steamy encounters and intimate exchanges, a deep, emotional bond is forged. Summer is nearly over. Real life pressures are mounting. Can they grow enough to find a way to forever?
Hope on the Rocks is a brand-new, full-length Rainbow Cove novel featuring a younger Daddy and a doctor convinced he’s too old to follow his secret desires. Contains a lot of sexy exploration, opposites attract, loads of feels, and a guaranteed happy ending. No age play or cliffhangers!
Audible Audio
First published August 5, 2021
174 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,753 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
August 16, 2021
Oh, I really enjoyed Hope on the Rocks by Annabeth Albert, and not JUST because it has daddy kink (though that helped!).
I am a huuuuuge fan of the Rainbow Cove series, and I always view it as a little low-key passion project for Annabeth Albert. She gets to write these little sexy, somewhat kinky books and self-publish them, and they usually end up being fantastic. Hope on the Rocks was no different.
It's not a secret that I have a special place in my *ehem* HEART for daddy kink books, but this story will appeal to you even if you are squeamish about daddy kink. The daddy kink is sweet and loving and pretty tame, IMO. Enough to satisfy the kinky among us but not enough to make it hard to read for those who are more vanilla.
I adored the doctor MC (I'm also, obviously, in the medical field), and the younger, bearded daddy. There is a little age gap here, but it's small, and there is no age-play, for those readers who don't enjoy that sort of thing.
Hope on the Rocks is an easy-breezy, low-angst highly enjoyable read. A little kinky, a little sweet, and deliciously satisfying. I love the Rainbow Cove series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I am a huuuuuge fan of the Rainbow Cove series, and I always view it as a little low-key passion project for Annabeth Albert. She gets to write these little sexy, somewhat kinky books and self-publish them, and they usually end up being fantastic. Hope on the Rocks was no different.
It's not a secret that I have a special place in my *ehem* HEART for daddy kink books, but this story will appeal to you even if you are squeamish about daddy kink. The daddy kink is sweet and loving and pretty tame, IMO. Enough to satisfy the kinky among us but not enough to make it hard to read for those who are more vanilla.
I adored the doctor MC (I'm also, obviously, in the medical field), and the younger, bearded daddy. There is a little age gap here, but it's small, and there is no age-play, for those readers who don't enjoy that sort of thing.
Hope on the Rocks is an easy-breezy, low-angst highly enjoyable read. A little kinky, a little sweet, and deliciously satisfying. I love the Rainbow Cove series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
August 18, 2021
My favourite one in the series
I do like a bit of Daddy/boy, especially when it's mixed up with a younger Daddy.
This latest entry in Annabeth's Rainbow Cove is a lovely uncomplicated romance with two people who are absolutely perfect for each other.
It's sweet, steamy, has some excellent communication and no stupid drama. I loved it.
I do like a bit of Daddy/boy, especially when it's mixed up with a younger Daddy.
This latest entry in Annabeth's Rainbow Cove is a lovely uncomplicated romance with two people who are absolutely perfect for each other.
It's sweet, steamy, has some excellent communication and no stupid drama. I loved it.
August 6, 2021
Did anyone say Daddy Kink?
Actual footage of me reading this book...
What I loved:
1. Quin: The town doctor is heartbroken over his love life and craves something in his life. But what could it be? A sexy ginger perhaps? #ISpyWithMyLittleEyeSomethingThatIsRed
2. Adam: The sexy younger bartender who is in the right place at the right time and who proves he is just the perfect person to get Quinn out of his funk and let him explore... #LetMeBeYourHeroBaby
img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/95d56a6bd...
3. The Tropes: Friends with benefits, daddy kink, and summer fling all rolled into one. #WhatAMix
4. The Romance: Despite their FWB-summer fling status, the men bond slowly. The talk, they have dates and walks on the beach and they discover that they could be so much more. #NotEnough
5. Steam-o-meter: Extra steamy... Did I mention the daddy kink? Inside the bedroom only though.
Adam is all too happy to be Quinn's kinky guinea pig. #PleaseDaddy
6. Angst-o-meter: Low angst! These guys have better things to do than getting sad. #PutASmileOnMyFace
7. The HEA: In a word.. Sweet #Aww
Actual footage of me reading this book...
What I loved:
1. Quin: The town doctor is heartbroken over his love life and craves something in his life. But what could it be? A sexy ginger perhaps? #ISpyWithMyLittleEyeSomethingThatIsRed
2. Adam: The sexy younger bartender who is in the right place at the right time and who proves he is just the perfect person to get Quinn out of his funk and let him explore... #LetMeBeYourHeroBaby
img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/95d56a6bd...
3. The Tropes: Friends with benefits, daddy kink, and summer fling all rolled into one. #WhatAMix
4. The Romance: Despite their FWB-summer fling status, the men bond slowly. The talk, they have dates and walks on the beach and they discover that they could be so much more. #NotEnough
5. Steam-o-meter: Extra steamy... Did I mention the daddy kink? Inside the bedroom only though.
Adam is all too happy to be Quinn's kinky guinea pig. #PleaseDaddy
6. Angst-o-meter: Low angst! These guys have better things to do than getting sad. #PutASmileOnMyFace
7. The HEA: In a word.. Sweet #Aww
August 20, 2021
Adam is a bartender and master mixologist, and Dr. Quinn, having been seriously screwed over by an ex, is afraid to hope. So, yeah, the dual meaning of "on the rocks" in the title is quite fitting and appropriate.
Adam and Quinn's first interaction involves Quinn getting drunk, confessing he wants a Daddy, and promptly throwing up. But Adam isn't deterred. Something about the nerdy doctor and his kinks, which perfectly mirror Adam's own, calls to him.
The story is low on the angst and high on the steam. The kink is mild (some spanking and Quinn calling Adam "Daddy" while being Adam's "good boy").
The plot is fully relationship focused, with Adam's family playing a fairly prominent role in the story. While I think his mom and sister meant well, I think they relied on Adam far too much, to the point that helping them became his second full-time job.
The men have to figure out how to make time for each other. I was perilously close to calling Adam a pushover, but he redeems himself. His love for Quinn trumps his need to please his family.
The ending is the perfect dessert to a satisfying meal. I hope this isn't the end of this series.
Adam and Quinn's first interaction involves Quinn getting drunk, confessing he wants a Daddy, and promptly throwing up. But Adam isn't deterred. Something about the nerdy doctor and his kinks, which perfectly mirror Adam's own, calls to him.
The story is low on the angst and high on the steam. The kink is mild (some spanking and Quinn calling Adam "Daddy" while being Adam's "good boy").
The plot is fully relationship focused, with Adam's family playing a fairly prominent role in the story. While I think his mom and sister meant well, I think they relied on Adam far too much, to the point that helping them became his second full-time job.
The men have to figure out how to make time for each other. I was perilously close to calling Adam a pushover, but he redeems himself. His love for Quinn trumps his need to please his family.
The ending is the perfect dessert to a satisfying meal. I hope this isn't the end of this series.
September 17, 2021
In Rainbow Cove, Adam's bartending when the cute doctor comes in to get drunk and bury his heartache, so Adam flirted, enjoyed the company. He'd make sure to take care of him and be sure he gets home safely.
Adam, Mason, Logan and Curtis are co-owners of the bar, and have a safe place to imbibe. That night the open conversation leads to an offer, and dinners and sexy times in the future.
Quinn, 35, is a doctor with dark hair,
hipster glasses, and is slim, hard working and smart.
Adam, 30, is a flannel wearing ginger bear,
broad and bearded, brash, honest and blunt.
That night, and any night, Quinn could use some looking after, because he'd never let that part of himself try his longing for his kink.
It's a smooth flowing story with marvelous descriptions, deep thoughts, fantastic personalities, and solid characters we like right away. We get great Daddy/boy play, but nothing hard core, no diapers, just a caring Daddy who takes care of his boy with deeply passionate sexy times.
Quinn is loving Adam's attention and he needed it so badly. It settles him inside. Each man benefits from the relationship, and it expands and grows. We get to see the fabulous encounters, the heartwarming reactions, and how well these men meld into their time together.
Sad stories are shared and families explained. We do see how Adam is pulled in too many directions from his family, and he needs to adjust his schedule and choices. He is over-extended. Quinn is also working too many hours, and both are in for some decision making time.
I loved their dynamic, the hot sex, the soul-melting needs and intense satisfaction they receive.
Well done, a lovely story of comfort found in another's arms.
This whole series is wonderful.
ENJOY ! :)
=====
Adam, Mason, Logan and Curtis are co-owners of the bar, and have a safe place to imbibe. That night the open conversation leads to an offer, and dinners and sexy times in the future.
Quinn, 35, is a doctor with dark hair,
hipster glasses, and is slim, hard working and smart.
Adam, 30, is a flannel wearing ginger bear,
broad and bearded, brash, honest and blunt.
That night, and any night, Quinn could use some looking after, because he'd never let that part of himself try his longing for his kink.
It's a smooth flowing story with marvelous descriptions, deep thoughts, fantastic personalities, and solid characters we like right away. We get great Daddy/boy play, but nothing hard core, no diapers, just a caring Daddy who takes care of his boy with deeply passionate sexy times.
Quinn is loving Adam's attention and he needed it so badly. It settles him inside. Each man benefits from the relationship, and it expands and grows. We get to see the fabulous encounters, the heartwarming reactions, and how well these men meld into their time together.
Sad stories are shared and families explained. We do see how Adam is pulled in too many directions from his family, and he needs to adjust his schedule and choices. He is over-extended. Quinn is also working too many hours, and both are in for some decision making time.
I loved their dynamic, the hot sex, the soul-melting needs and intense satisfaction they receive.
Well done, a lovely story of comfort found in another's arms.
This whole series is wonderful.
ENJOY ! :)
=====
April 21, 2023
“Quinn wasn’t my responsibility, and any bad decisions he wanted to make weren’t my business, yet something about him made me strangely protective, even if that meant protecting him from himself.”
A great end to the series featuring daddy kink lite with lots of emotional connection between a sexy lumberjack bartender and a small town doctor.
A great end to the series featuring daddy kink lite with lots of emotional connection between a sexy lumberjack bartender and a small town doctor.
August 15, 2021
The biggest kudos I will give this story is how MATURE Adam and Quinn when they are dealing with their relationship problem. THERE ARE COMPROMISES!!
Adam realizes that he needs to rearrange his to-do-list (which includes his family and his bartender occupation) to put Quinn in it, on top of it, and takes better care of his health. Quinn acknowledges that he needs to put a trust in Adam and work together instead of "telling" Adam what is best for the two of them. They talk about it and they DO IT. Working as partners.
I need to read more of this maturity in my romance, people *laugh*
Adam realizes that he needs to rearrange his to-do-list (which includes his family and his bartender occupation) to put Quinn in it, on top of it, and takes better care of his health. Quinn acknowledges that he needs to put a trust in Adam and work together instead of "telling" Adam what is best for the two of them. They talk about it and they DO IT. Working as partners.
I need to read more of this maturity in my romance, people *laugh*
August 10, 2021
Pleasantly surprised.
Full disclosure: Daddy Kink seldom works for me.
Why did I request it? I love Annabeth Albert, and the blurb sounded good.
The writing was solid.
The characters are loveable.
Good relationship development.
Alternating POVs
Age gap
And the Daddy Kink didn't skeeve me out. I think it had a lot to do with the characters being mature and no age play.
Great read from Annabeth Albert.
4 Stars
Full disclosure: Daddy Kink seldom works for me.
Why did I request it? I love Annabeth Albert, and the blurb sounded good.
The writing was solid.
The characters are loveable.
Good relationship development.
Alternating POVs
Age gap
And the Daddy Kink didn't skeeve me out. I think it had a lot to do with the characters being mature and no age play.
Great read from Annabeth Albert.
4 Stars
January 19, 2022
The book is better than the description makes it sound...although I have read better by this author. One of the things I like about Annabeth Albert's books is that the people almost always have a happy ending no matter how much turmoil they have to go through to get there. There is a really short, bleak, moment, but because, they are grownups, they communicate and work it out. This type of challenge is realistic, especially as it’s at that point that they have to decide if it was really a summer fling or the beginning of something more. This is part of a series, but it would work well as a standalone
August 5, 2021
This is my first book from this series. It was a sweet low angst read with a daddy kink which I probably should have looked at before hand lol. Not knocking anyone's kink...I just have never warmed up to this particular one 😆
Overall an ok read with steamy moments. I think Adam was good with helping Quinn feel comfortable with asking for what he wanted. They were good for each other.
*ARC provider by author, this is my honest review.*
Overall an ok read with steamy moments. I think Adam was good with helping Quinn feel comfortable with asking for what he wanted. They were good for each other.
*ARC provider by author, this is my honest review.*
October 30, 2021
It's been a long time since we had a RAINBOW COVE book so it was nice to be back with HOPE ON THE ROCKS. Adam and Quinn were really sweet together with a light Daddy kink and lots of gentle care between each other. I was also happy to see Adam step up on creating boundaries for his family and prioritizes his needs, health, and relationship with Quinn.
Content Warning: health concerns, pregnancy
Content Warning: health concerns, pregnancy
July 26, 2021
I liked it a lot! It's a very chill book, overall. Quinn and Adam are a very sweet couple. I really enjoyed their dynamic and how they dealt with helping the other with their problems. It's a good addition to the rainbow cove series, too!
July 31, 2021
Oh I really enjoyed this so much! This was such a natural, mature progression of an adult relationship. Adam and Quinn meet one night at the bar, Adam helps an intoxicated Quinn home, they start to talk and things just move forward from there. Adam is such a great person. He's kind, caring, always helping out his friends and family. I also really liked Quinn. Together they were perfect for each other, they just needed some time to figure that out.
The book had a Daddy dynamic I really enjoyed and that was written very well. It wasn't constant, it was what they each needed sometimes. It didn't overpower and I liked that. It was also Smoking Hot! My kindle was overheating quite a few times!
I think what I enjoyed the most though was how they communicated. They actually talked to each other about their feelings, they worked through bumps along the way together, there was no major misunderstandings...that all really worked so well for me. It was just a tender, sweet, mature romance that had me smiling along the way.
I have not read any of the previous books in the series and I was not lost at all. This totally works as a standalone. But I am definitely going back to read books 1-3 now!
The book had a Daddy dynamic I really enjoyed and that was written very well. It wasn't constant, it was what they each needed sometimes. It didn't overpower and I liked that. It was also Smoking Hot! My kindle was overheating quite a few times!
I think what I enjoyed the most though was how they communicated. They actually talked to each other about their feelings, they worked through bumps along the way together, there was no major misunderstandings...that all really worked so well for me. It was just a tender, sweet, mature romance that had me smiling along the way.
I have not read any of the previous books in the series and I was not lost at all. This totally works as a standalone. But I am definitely going back to read books 1-3 now!
August 7, 2021
Daddy kink is not my usual trope. I have read just a handful of books with this trope, maybe even less, because it's not one I actively search for. But I also like to challenge myself sometimes, reading books outside my usual comforting boxes, and since this is Annabeth Albert, I assumed I couldn't go very wrong.
And my assumptions were right. I love Annabeth's writing. She writes the most wonderful, fleshed out characters. Mature, genuine and lovable. As she did in this story.
Quinn is a doctor in the small town of Rainbow Cove. When one night he's feeling low because he just found out his ex boyfriend has reunited with his ex, he ends up on a stool in the bar where Adam is serving him sweet cocktails until he's drowned his sorrows so deep that Adam has to drive him home. Fueled by the alcohol in his blood, Quinn confesses to Adam about things he needs but never thought he should because of his age: finding a daddy who'd take care of him. It's something Adam is willing to give, but not while Quinn is too drunk to even stand on his own two feet.
A friendship develops, and they start exploring in the bedroom. Adam wants to be the Daddy Quinn needs, even though he is younger, and both men give into their fantasies. Which are HOT!! Gee, my panty's caught fire more than once while reading!! The dirty talk, the explorations, there's even some spanking involved.
But it's not just the hot sex that makes this story enjoyable. One of the things I loved was how mature these characters are. They talk about their insecurities, share their thoughts about the things they do. Even when they agreed to keep it a summer fling and both start to feel like there could be something more between them than just that, they talk about how they feel. I loved that there wasn't some unnecessary drama added in the end when there was a possible break up.
Since I'm not an experienced Daddy kink reader, I don't know how this book is compared to other Daddy Kink story's, but I enjoyed it. I loved how both Quinn and Adam needed to take care of each other, that it wasn't a one sided affair because of the Daddy role Adam had in their relationship. Quinn, being a doctor, was used to take care of others as well, and they both accepted that this was how they were together. I liked that Adam was the younger one in this, but that he was the one with the confidence and that it made their relationship feel so natural.
This was my first read in this series, but I didn't feel like I missed out by not having read the first 3, so it's perfectly readable as a stand alone.
Recommended read!
an ARC was kindly provided to me by the author and this is my honest review
And my assumptions were right. I love Annabeth's writing. She writes the most wonderful, fleshed out characters. Mature, genuine and lovable. As she did in this story.
Quinn is a doctor in the small town of Rainbow Cove. When one night he's feeling low because he just found out his ex boyfriend has reunited with his ex, he ends up on a stool in the bar where Adam is serving him sweet cocktails until he's drowned his sorrows so deep that Adam has to drive him home. Fueled by the alcohol in his blood, Quinn confesses to Adam about things he needs but never thought he should because of his age: finding a daddy who'd take care of him. It's something Adam is willing to give, but not while Quinn is too drunk to even stand on his own two feet.
A friendship develops, and they start exploring in the bedroom. Adam wants to be the Daddy Quinn needs, even though he is younger, and both men give into their fantasies. Which are HOT!! Gee, my panty's caught fire more than once while reading!! The dirty talk, the explorations, there's even some spanking involved.
But it's not just the hot sex that makes this story enjoyable. One of the things I loved was how mature these characters are. They talk about their insecurities, share their thoughts about the things they do. Even when they agreed to keep it a summer fling and both start to feel like there could be something more between them than just that, they talk about how they feel. I loved that there wasn't some unnecessary drama added in the end when there was a possible break up.
Since I'm not an experienced Daddy kink reader, I don't know how this book is compared to other Daddy Kink story's, but I enjoyed it. I loved how both Quinn and Adam needed to take care of each other, that it wasn't a one sided affair because of the Daddy role Adam had in their relationship. Quinn, being a doctor, was used to take care of others as well, and they both accepted that this was how they were together. I liked that Adam was the younger one in this, but that he was the one with the confidence and that it made their relationship feel so natural.
This was my first read in this series, but I didn't feel like I missed out by not having read the first 3, so it's perfectly readable as a stand alone.
Recommended read!
an ARC was kindly provided to me by the author and this is my honest review
August 2, 2022
my new favorite of the series
August 5, 2021
There's a reason I have been a fan of Annabeth Albert's since I first picked up one of her books in 2015 and it's because she pulls you in to each of her stories right from the very first page.
Adam is the bartender and part owner of the Rainbow Tavern with his friends Mason and Logan. He leads a very busy life with his job and helping his mom and sister out all the time, it doesn't leave much room for a relationship but that doesn't mean he hasn't noticed how hot the town's doctor is.
Quinn moved to Rainbow Cove two years ago and has been trying to start over after a bad breakup but when he sees photos on social media of his ex well, he needs a drink and more than one.
I really enjoyed the way Quinn and Adam were together, their affection towards one another went outside of the bedroom even though they agreed to only a summer fling...which usually means no feelings would be involved. Adam was protective and growly while Quinn had his stern doctors voice when needed, they really balanced each other out well, and they were hot as hell.
HOPE ON THE ROCKS is the fourth book in the Rainbow Cove series but can be read as a standalone so if you enjoy MM Romances, Daddy Kink, or are just looking for a steamy MM Romance that is fairly low on angst this is the book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewHotR
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Adam is the bartender and part owner of the Rainbow Tavern with his friends Mason and Logan. He leads a very busy life with his job and helping his mom and sister out all the time, it doesn't leave much room for a relationship but that doesn't mean he hasn't noticed how hot the town's doctor is.
Quinn moved to Rainbow Cove two years ago and has been trying to start over after a bad breakup but when he sees photos on social media of his ex well, he needs a drink and more than one.
I really enjoyed the way Quinn and Adam were together, their affection towards one another went outside of the bedroom even though they agreed to only a summer fling...which usually means no feelings would be involved. Adam was protective and growly while Quinn had his stern doctors voice when needed, they really balanced each other out well, and they were hot as hell.
HOPE ON THE ROCKS is the fourth book in the Rainbow Cove series but can be read as a standalone so if you enjoy MM Romances, Daddy Kink, or are just looking for a steamy MM Romance that is fairly low on angst this is the book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewHotR
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
August 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
The latest story from Albert’s “Rainbow Cove” series centered on Adam Ringer, the last Rainbow Tavern owner who haven’t coupled up. It’s curious that while I enjoyed the story, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would be. I guess it’s a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of issue.
HOPE ON THE ROCKS was a cute, sweet, and steamy coming together of younger daddy lumberjack, shy local doctor, and secret desires. It wasn’t exactly insta-love, considering the leading men knew one another for a few years prior to (their initial) hook-up. But it was rather heavy on the smexy daddy/boy scenes, albeit mostly vanilla. If it’s your jam, I bet you’re gonna love this book.
Both Quinn and Adam were charming characters in their own way. I loved the dynamics between the men, the way they complimented on another - Adam’s blunt straightforwardness and Quinn’s quiet and cautiousness. The alternate POVs gave insight into both’s personal issues and insecurities despite their good personalities - the traits that made them more attractive and human in my book.
All in all, HOPE ON THE ROCKS is a cracking good story. The budding romance between them developing gradually despite what life and inconveniences thrown their way. And the turning point in the story wasn’t dealt over-dramatically. It’s even safe to say it was handled quite maturely by our MCs. Like I said earlier, it’s a ‘me-issue’ or probably the case of being not at the right time or place (at the time of reading). But this book rounded up the series nicely. It’s great that the Rainbow Tavern’s men finally got their happy ever after.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The latest story from Albert’s “Rainbow Cove” series centered on Adam Ringer, the last Rainbow Tavern owner who haven’t coupled up. It’s curious that while I enjoyed the story, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would be. I guess it’s a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of issue.
HOPE ON THE ROCKS was a cute, sweet, and steamy coming together of younger daddy lumberjack, shy local doctor, and secret desires. It wasn’t exactly insta-love, considering the leading men knew one another for a few years prior to (their initial) hook-up. But it was rather heavy on the smexy daddy/boy scenes, albeit mostly vanilla. If it’s your jam, I bet you’re gonna love this book.
Both Quinn and Adam were charming characters in their own way. I loved the dynamics between the men, the way they complimented on another - Adam’s blunt straightforwardness and Quinn’s quiet and cautiousness. The alternate POVs gave insight into both’s personal issues and insecurities despite their good personalities - the traits that made them more attractive and human in my book.
All in all, HOPE ON THE ROCKS is a cracking good story. The budding romance between them developing gradually despite what life and inconveniences thrown their way. And the turning point in the story wasn’t dealt over-dramatically. It’s even safe to say it was handled quite maturely by our MCs. Like I said earlier, it’s a ‘me-issue’ or probably the case of being not at the right time or place (at the time of reading). But this book rounded up the series nicely. It’s great that the Rainbow Tavern’s men finally got their happy ever after.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2022
Lovely wrap to the series! Some nice, gentle Daddy kink as a bonus, and I'm not sure if I've ever read a sweeter lumberjack Daddy.
My one big quibble: a bartender giving someone one acetaminophen for a hangover. Not sure how many times I have to point it out, but acetaminophen is harsh on the liver and NOT what you want to use to help with a liver pickled (even slightly) in alcohol. Aspirin and B-12 for hangovers, people, never Tylenol/acetaminophen/Paracetamol, since we don't want to promote liver failure. THANK YOU!
My one big quibble: a bartender giving someone one acetaminophen for a hangover. Not sure how many times I have to point it out, but acetaminophen is harsh on the liver and NOT what you want to use to help with a liver pickled (even slightly) in alcohol. Aspirin and B-12 for hangovers, people, never Tylenol/acetaminophen/Paracetamol, since we don't want to promote liver failure. THANK YOU!
January 29, 2022
Went from Yea to Meh
This Daddy Kink story showed great promise at the beginning.
Here’s why:
Younger daddy/older boy
Opposites
Great sex scenes
Great narration
But then it stalled out for me…
…because:
The conflict was contrived
Nothing much happened
I stopped caring about the guys
This Daddy Kink story showed great promise at the beginning.
Here’s why:
Younger daddy/older boy
Opposites
Great sex scenes
Great narration
But then it stalled out for me…
…because:
The conflict was contrived
Nothing much happened
I stopped caring about the guys
April 18, 2022
Review to come
July 19, 2021
This is a sweet and steamy low angst, light Daddy kink small town romance between two very likeable main characters.
Quinn is one of the local doctors and he’s a bit of a hot nerd, hipster glasses and all.
Adam is a bartender/part owner of the local bar, is a few years younger than Quinn and is very much a Daddy bear.
Circumstances bring Adam’s natural caretaker side to the fore when it comes to Quinn and so begins a beautiful romance as they get to know each other in both a physically intimate way and in an emotional way. There’s plenty of steamy times and the heat level is high but there’s also sweet and tender moments to balance it all out.
I thought this was a very enjoyable and engaging well written read, with in-depth main characters and a very happy longed for HEA for them both - without any major angst filled hurdles to overcome.
Quinn is one of the local doctors and he’s a bit of a hot nerd, hipster glasses and all.
Adam is a bartender/part owner of the local bar, is a few years younger than Quinn and is very much a Daddy bear.
Circumstances bring Adam’s natural caretaker side to the fore when it comes to Quinn and so begins a beautiful romance as they get to know each other in both a physically intimate way and in an emotional way. There’s plenty of steamy times and the heat level is high but there’s also sweet and tender moments to balance it all out.
I thought this was a very enjoyable and engaging well written read, with in-depth main characters and a very happy longed for HEA for them both - without any major angst filled hurdles to overcome.
August 11, 2021
Daddy Bear
I may have a thing for lumberjack Daddy bears. Especially ones who know what they want and how to take charge. This was a summer fling turned more book and I loved all the yes Daddy’s about it. Daddy’s don’t have to be mean, they can still take charge without having to be aggressive. I really like this kind oaf daddy. The caring kind, who want the best for you both in and out of the bedroom. Who can command dominance without having to be rough about it. The kind who sometimes need to realize they can’t do everything and also could use a little taking care of from their boys. I love boys who have jobs that require them to make big decisions that need to be gently taken care of by their daddy’s. Who don’t hesitate to take care of their daddy’s when he needs help. That was this book. This was not an age regression book. And thought I like age regression, I also enjoy gentle daddy boy a lot. The writing was great, the smexy was hawt and the side characters were….. is it bad that I’m still a little chafed that A’s mom never apologized to Q?
I may have a thing for lumberjack Daddy bears. Especially ones who know what they want and how to take charge. This was a summer fling turned more book and I loved all the yes Daddy’s about it. Daddy’s don’t have to be mean, they can still take charge without having to be aggressive. I really like this kind oaf daddy. The caring kind, who want the best for you both in and out of the bedroom. Who can command dominance without having to be rough about it. The kind who sometimes need to realize they can’t do everything and also could use a little taking care of from their boys. I love boys who have jobs that require them to make big decisions that need to be gently taken care of by their daddy’s. Who don’t hesitate to take care of their daddy’s when he needs help. That was this book. This was not an age regression book. And thought I like age regression, I also enjoy gentle daddy boy a lot. The writing was great, the smexy was hawt and the side characters were….. is it bad that I’m still a little chafed that A’s mom never apologized to Q?
October 26, 2023
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
Hope on the Rocks is the final book in Annabeth Albert’s Rainbow Cove series about three friends who set up a queer-friendly restaurant in a small coastal town in Oregon. It’s a low-angst, very sexy and unexpectedly sweet character-driven romance between a pair of complex, likeable individuals, and although it’s the fourth in a series, it works perfectly well as a standalone.
Bartender Adam Ringer knows very well how to recognise the signs of someone who’s had a really bad day, and local doctor Quinn Strauss is giving off all those bad-day-vibes and then some. Being observant and a good listener go with the job, but Adam is also one of life’s natural caretakers, and he’s genuinely concerned and wants to help. But Quinn doesn’t seem to want to talk, so instead, Adam – who has noticed that Quinn doesn’t seem to like the rum and coke he ordered – offers to make him a drink he’ll actually like. He concocts a chocolate hazelnut martini that definitely does the job – but it’s only after the good doctor has downed two of them that Adam realises the man is much more of a lightweight than he’d thought. It’s nearly closing time, and Adam decides he’ll drive Quinn home rather than wait around for ages for a cab, but when Quinn passes out before he can give Adam his address, Adam has no alternative but to take him back to his place to sleep it off.
Quinn, a doctor at the local Urgent Care centre, is dedicated, well-liked and well-respected. But on this particular day, a careless reminder of the break-up that cost him the life he’d looked forward to building was just too much to bear, and sent him into the Rainbow Tavern looking for… Solace? Numbness? Oblivion? He doesn’t really want to dredge it all up again, but something about the hot ginger lumberjack behind the bar – and probably, the booze – gives him the sort of courage he’s almost never had while sober, and not only does he open up to Adam a bit about why he’s so miserable, he also blurts out some of his more deeply guarded secrets and voices the desires he’s kept hidden for fear of derision. A professional man of thirty-five shouldn’t want what Quinn wants, right? To be Daddy’s ‘good boy’ and to be taken care of – should he?
Adam is surprised to hear that Quinn wants a Daddy, and angry on his behalf that in the past, he’s been made to feel that his needs are silly and/or shameful. He’s well aware that his own large frame and the whole lumbersexual thing he’s got going on attracts a certain kind of guy, but he’s getting a bit fed up with the twinks he attracts who expect him to be mean or who back off when they realise he’s only thirty. When an inebriated Quinn starts coming on to him, Adam firmly shuts him down – but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to bring up the subject again when the man is sober.
Okay, so first things first. Normally the mention of a book involving Daddy-kink is going to have me running in the opposite direction; I’m not knocking it, it just isn’t my thing. But Annabeth Albert is a favourite author and I trust her, and having Cooper North in the narrator’s chair was an added inducement, so I decided to give Hope on the Rocks a try. In the end, I really enjoyed it; it’s strongly relationship-focused and the kink exploration is skilfully ‘baked in’ to the character and relationship development in a way that feels completely organic. I think it helped that the Daddy/boy dynamic isn’t constant, so it doesn’t overpower the rest of the story; it’s something Adam and Quinn do in the bedroom sometimes, but not all the time, and the emphasis is very much on strong communication and caring, fulfilling one another’s needs and looking after each other. I particularly liked that last part; the caregiving isn’t one-sided and both men are able to recognise when their partner needs them to take that role in their relationship. I can’t say I’m going to be actively seeking out other Daddy kink stories any time soon, but this one worked for me for the most part.
The next day, when Quinn has sobered up, Adam does indeed broach the subject of what was said the night before. Quinn is ready to die of embarrassment, but then realises that Adam isn’t squicked out or freaked out and that he doesn’t find Quinn’s desire for a Daddy cause for amusement. Both of them readily admit that they’re not in the market for a relationship – Quinn’s work keeps him busy and Adam has family commitments that take up a lot of his time – so they decide on a summer fling, Adam offering Quinn a safe space and the opportunity to explore the needs he’s long repressed. But as any regular romance reader knows, flings have a habit of not staying that way, and it’s not long before Quinn and Adam are spending non-sexy time together, going on dates and walks and generally hanging out together, realising that this fling has the potential to grow into something much more. The sex scenes are undeniably hot (Cooper North is… *fans self*) but the thing I loved most about the story is how mature these two men are, how wonderfully they communicate and share things about themselves and their lives, even the difficult stuff. There’s very little conflict in the story; what there is is mostly based around the fact that, like most adults, Quinn and Adam have many other things in their lives pulling them in different directions, and they both need to take a step back to decide what’s really important and work out how to re-order their priorities.
Cooper North delivers a fantastic performance that’s full of warmth and humour and tenderness – and boy, does he know how to bring the sexy! (Seriously, I thought I’d need to go and stick my head in the freezer at least twice while listening to this!) His portrayal of the two leads is spot on; he adds a bit of gravel to his own, naturally husky baritone that works perfectly to depict Adam as a big man, and he rounds him out by projecting a lot of good-natured affection and affability into his tone. The slightly higher pitch he adopts for Quinn makes for a nice contrast, and he does a great job of realising the dichotomy of confidence and vulnerability in his personality. The sex scenes are superbly done – they’re hot, yes, but there’s a strong and clear emotional connection there, too, and the chemistry between the pair crackles. The handful of secondary characters are appropriately rendered and clearly differentiated – Mr. North’s female voices are pretty good – and the narration as a whole is well-paced and wonderfully expressive.
I’m glad I took a chance on Hope on the Rocks, even though it took me a little bit outside my comfort zone. There isn’t a lot of plot here – it’s all about the characters and relationships, things Annabeth Albert always does incredibly well – so if you’re in the market for a superbly-narrated romance that’s high on steam and low on conflict, you should definitely think about adding this to your wishlist.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Hope on the Rocks is the final book in Annabeth Albert’s Rainbow Cove series about three friends who set up a queer-friendly restaurant in a small coastal town in Oregon. It’s a low-angst, very sexy and unexpectedly sweet character-driven romance between a pair of complex, likeable individuals, and although it’s the fourth in a series, it works perfectly well as a standalone.
Bartender Adam Ringer knows very well how to recognise the signs of someone who’s had a really bad day, and local doctor Quinn Strauss is giving off all those bad-day-vibes and then some. Being observant and a good listener go with the job, but Adam is also one of life’s natural caretakers, and he’s genuinely concerned and wants to help. But Quinn doesn’t seem to want to talk, so instead, Adam – who has noticed that Quinn doesn’t seem to like the rum and coke he ordered – offers to make him a drink he’ll actually like. He concocts a chocolate hazelnut martini that definitely does the job – but it’s only after the good doctor has downed two of them that Adam realises the man is much more of a lightweight than he’d thought. It’s nearly closing time, and Adam decides he’ll drive Quinn home rather than wait around for ages for a cab, but when Quinn passes out before he can give Adam his address, Adam has no alternative but to take him back to his place to sleep it off.
Quinn, a doctor at the local Urgent Care centre, is dedicated, well-liked and well-respected. But on this particular day, a careless reminder of the break-up that cost him the life he’d looked forward to building was just too much to bear, and sent him into the Rainbow Tavern looking for… Solace? Numbness? Oblivion? He doesn’t really want to dredge it all up again, but something about the hot ginger lumberjack behind the bar – and probably, the booze – gives him the sort of courage he’s almost never had while sober, and not only does he open up to Adam a bit about why he’s so miserable, he also blurts out some of his more deeply guarded secrets and voices the desires he’s kept hidden for fear of derision. A professional man of thirty-five shouldn’t want what Quinn wants, right? To be Daddy’s ‘good boy’ and to be taken care of – should he?
Adam is surprised to hear that Quinn wants a Daddy, and angry on his behalf that in the past, he’s been made to feel that his needs are silly and/or shameful. He’s well aware that his own large frame and the whole lumbersexual thing he’s got going on attracts a certain kind of guy, but he’s getting a bit fed up with the twinks he attracts who expect him to be mean or who back off when they realise he’s only thirty. When an inebriated Quinn starts coming on to him, Adam firmly shuts him down – but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to bring up the subject again when the man is sober.
Okay, so first things first. Normally the mention of a book involving Daddy-kink is going to have me running in the opposite direction; I’m not knocking it, it just isn’t my thing. But Annabeth Albert is a favourite author and I trust her, and having Cooper North in the narrator’s chair was an added inducement, so I decided to give Hope on the Rocks a try. In the end, I really enjoyed it; it’s strongly relationship-focused and the kink exploration is skilfully ‘baked in’ to the character and relationship development in a way that feels completely organic. I think it helped that the Daddy/boy dynamic isn’t constant, so it doesn’t overpower the rest of the story; it’s something Adam and Quinn do in the bedroom sometimes, but not all the time, and the emphasis is very much on strong communication and caring, fulfilling one another’s needs and looking after each other. I particularly liked that last part; the caregiving isn’t one-sided and both men are able to recognise when their partner needs them to take that role in their relationship. I can’t say I’m going to be actively seeking out other Daddy kink stories any time soon, but this one worked for me for the most part.
The next day, when Quinn has sobered up, Adam does indeed broach the subject of what was said the night before. Quinn is ready to die of embarrassment, but then realises that Adam isn’t squicked out or freaked out and that he doesn’t find Quinn’s desire for a Daddy cause for amusement. Both of them readily admit that they’re not in the market for a relationship – Quinn’s work keeps him busy and Adam has family commitments that take up a lot of his time – so they decide on a summer fling, Adam offering Quinn a safe space and the opportunity to explore the needs he’s long repressed. But as any regular romance reader knows, flings have a habit of not staying that way, and it’s not long before Quinn and Adam are spending non-sexy time together, going on dates and walks and generally hanging out together, realising that this fling has the potential to grow into something much more. The sex scenes are undeniably hot (Cooper North is… *fans self*) but the thing I loved most about the story is how mature these two men are, how wonderfully they communicate and share things about themselves and their lives, even the difficult stuff. There’s very little conflict in the story; what there is is mostly based around the fact that, like most adults, Quinn and Adam have many other things in their lives pulling them in different directions, and they both need to take a step back to decide what’s really important and work out how to re-order their priorities.
Cooper North delivers a fantastic performance that’s full of warmth and humour and tenderness – and boy, does he know how to bring the sexy! (Seriously, I thought I’d need to go and stick my head in the freezer at least twice while listening to this!) His portrayal of the two leads is spot on; he adds a bit of gravel to his own, naturally husky baritone that works perfectly to depict Adam as a big man, and he rounds him out by projecting a lot of good-natured affection and affability into his tone. The slightly higher pitch he adopts for Quinn makes for a nice contrast, and he does a great job of realising the dichotomy of confidence and vulnerability in his personality. The sex scenes are superbly done – they’re hot, yes, but there’s a strong and clear emotional connection there, too, and the chemistry between the pair crackles. The handful of secondary characters are appropriately rendered and clearly differentiated – Mr. North’s female voices are pretty good – and the narration as a whole is well-paced and wonderfully expressive.
I’m glad I took a chance on Hope on the Rocks, even though it took me a little bit outside my comfort zone. There isn’t a lot of plot here – it’s all about the characters and relationships, things Annabeth Albert always does incredibly well – so if you’re in the market for a superbly-narrated romance that’s high on steam and low on conflict, you should definitely think about adding this to your wishlist.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
December 2, 2022
3.5 - Daddy kink is not normally for me but this is mild, reserved to pretty much bedroom only and no age play so this was easy to still enjoy the story as it didn’t take it over and kink wasn’t the main focus. Easy to skim the sex scenes if they not your thing and still enjoy the romance part of the story. I really liked how mature both the characters were and how the kink wasn’t too overbearing in the story. I think someone who really loves kink books would find this a bit boring in that department but for people new to the genre or who don’t like books focussed mainly on that it’s a nice in between. The doctor and lumberjack bartender vibe is sweet, there is some family stuff in there and a general warm, romancey vibe. Not my favourite series by Annabeth Albert but still a nice solid read.
Read
September 13, 2021DNF at ~50%
Not gonna give this one a rating, because I think if I'd been in a different mood I could have easily finished it and it probably would have been a 2.5 rating for me, so the one star I usually give books that force me to stop reading them doens't feel quite fair. There just... wasn't anything interesting about this one. It felt like a million other books I've read before, and nothing about it would have stuck with me. Even the kink was so watered down and meh that it all felt a bit forced.
Not gonna give this one a rating, because I think if I'd been in a different mood I could have easily finished it and it probably would have been a 2.5 rating for me, so the one star I usually give books that force me to stop reading them doens't feel quite fair. There just... wasn't anything interesting about this one. It felt like a million other books I've read before, and nothing about it would have stuck with me. Even the kink was so watered down and meh that it all felt a bit forced.
August 7, 2021
It was worth the wait!!
It’s been nearly 4 years since I read my last Rainbow Cove book (I somehow missed book 3 ☹) so I have to be honest and say that I can’t remember a lot of details about the series – not because I didn’t love the other books but because I’ve probably read nearly 700 books since then. That didn’t matter though, Hope on the Rocks can totally be read as a standalone book.
The story is told in first person POV, alternating between Adam and Quinn. Adam is chief bartender for the bar and grill he and a couple of friends own. Quinn is doctor at the local urgent care center. (More detail can be found in the excellent blurb.)
I loved the dynamic between Adam and Quinn. For years, Quinn has suppressed his desire to be taken care of by a Daddy. Although Adam is about 5 years younger than Quinn, he likes giving Quinn what he craves and being his Daddy. In the bedroom Adam is in charge but Quinn doesn’t hesitate to take control in other situations where needed. When they decide to explore this kink together, neither of them is interested in anything long term. Of course, it’s no surprise when they change their minds. 😊
Adam is the kind of man any woman or man would love to have as a partner. He’s caring and helpful to his family – sometimes to his detriment – and just an all-round nice guy. Quinn is also loving and caring – as is fitting for a doctor. He takes over and cares for Adam when Adam doesn’t take care of himself. Adam suffers from migraine headaches. As someone who was plagued by them way before there were medications to help, I can say that Annabeth Albert’s depiction of what Adam goes through is absolutely on target. All of the things that Quinn does to help him are remedies that I’m all too familiar with.
The biggest obstacle that Adam and Quinn have to overcome is finding time for each other and making their relationship a priority. They both have busy work schedules but Adam is also tied up helping his family which sometimes leaves Quinn feeling like he’s not a priority for Adam.
I’m one of those readers who is always craving more from a book and epilogues are often my favorite part of a story. I was a bit surprised that I was good with how this story ended; I felt very satisfied and really loved everything about this book. I know this book was a long time coming but it was so worth the wait!
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***
It’s been nearly 4 years since I read my last Rainbow Cove book (I somehow missed book 3 ☹) so I have to be honest and say that I can’t remember a lot of details about the series – not because I didn’t love the other books but because I’ve probably read nearly 700 books since then. That didn’t matter though, Hope on the Rocks can totally be read as a standalone book.
The story is told in first person POV, alternating between Adam and Quinn. Adam is chief bartender for the bar and grill he and a couple of friends own. Quinn is doctor at the local urgent care center. (More detail can be found in the excellent blurb.)
I loved the dynamic between Adam and Quinn. For years, Quinn has suppressed his desire to be taken care of by a Daddy. Although Adam is about 5 years younger than Quinn, he likes giving Quinn what he craves and being his Daddy. In the bedroom Adam is in charge but Quinn doesn’t hesitate to take control in other situations where needed. When they decide to explore this kink together, neither of them is interested in anything long term. Of course, it’s no surprise when they change their minds. 😊
Adam is the kind of man any woman or man would love to have as a partner. He’s caring and helpful to his family – sometimes to his detriment – and just an all-round nice guy. Quinn is also loving and caring – as is fitting for a doctor. He takes over and cares for Adam when Adam doesn’t take care of himself. Adam suffers from migraine headaches. As someone who was plagued by them way before there were medications to help, I can say that Annabeth Albert’s depiction of what Adam goes through is absolutely on target. All of the things that Quinn does to help him are remedies that I’m all too familiar with.
The biggest obstacle that Adam and Quinn have to overcome is finding time for each other and making their relationship a priority. They both have busy work schedules but Adam is also tied up helping his family which sometimes leaves Quinn feeling like he’s not a priority for Adam.
I’m one of those readers who is always craving more from a book and epilogues are often my favorite part of a story. I was a bit surprised that I was good with how this story ended; I felt very satisfied and really loved everything about this book. I know this book was a long time coming but it was so worth the wait!
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***
May 12, 2025
Fourth read. Skipped around a lot more this time. Doesn't hold up as well as Book 2. 3 stars.
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Third read. Still really like, but Adam's mom and sister annoyed me more this time. You're doing too much; here's one more thing I need help with. Argh! He and Quinn were still awesome together. That hasn't changed.
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I have been waiting so long for this book! The fact that the author made it a non age-play Daddy kink book is like Thanksgiving and Christmas came early, all in one. Heck yeah! Totally loved. I was slightly concerned that the Daddy was younger but the age never really factored in. It was only by 5 years and Adam was a Daddy through and through. Never really got that vibe from him in the previous books, but it worked. I loved Quinn! All in all, just a great read even if the author did overdo the 'good boy's a bit.
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Third read. Still really like, but Adam's mom and sister annoyed me more this time. You're doing too much; here's one more thing I need help with. Argh! He and Quinn were still awesome together. That hasn't changed.
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I have been waiting so long for this book! The fact that the author made it a non age-play Daddy kink book is like Thanksgiving and Christmas came early, all in one. Heck yeah! Totally loved. I was slightly concerned that the Daddy was younger but the age never really factored in. It was only by 5 years and Adam was a Daddy through and through. Never really got that vibe from him in the previous books, but it worked. I loved Quinn! All in all, just a great read even if the author did overdo the 'good boy's a bit.
August 9, 2021
Sigh. I wanted to love this one. I've really loved some of the author's past books, but the last few I've read have fell super flat for me. And this one? I liked the MCs. I liked the premise. I liked the way the plot played out, and the side characters, and pretty much everything, and yet...
I had to stop reading somewhere toward the end and think about why I kept feeling so dissatisfied with it. Was it just me, not being in the right mood for this particular story? But no. I think I figured out what it was: this author is EXCELLENT at so much of the craft of storytelling, but I just don't FEEL it. I'm not there with the characters experiencing what they are, instead, I'm stuck reading about it and being TOLD what they feel. And it leaves me... uninvested.
That was my main issue. The secondary one is that... well, she's just not a kink author. I think this is the second "kink" book I've read of hers, and it doesn't come with the... ugh, I don't have the right words. The emotional signature, or something? That makes Daddy kink (in this case) so compelling. So that part fell flat for me, too.
Anyway, I'll probably read more by her in the future because she *is* good, and I just read too damn much to pass up talented authors, but this one definitely failed to give me a book hangover, even though it was, objectively, a good book. I'm sure there are plenty of others who will adore it, but since I basically only write reviews to remind myself of what I've read and how I felt about it, I'm going to let this review stand as-is.
I had to stop reading somewhere toward the end and think about why I kept feeling so dissatisfied with it. Was it just me, not being in the right mood for this particular story? But no. I think I figured out what it was: this author is EXCELLENT at so much of the craft of storytelling, but I just don't FEEL it. I'm not there with the characters experiencing what they are, instead, I'm stuck reading about it and being TOLD what they feel. And it leaves me... uninvested.
That was my main issue. The secondary one is that... well, she's just not a kink author. I think this is the second "kink" book I've read of hers, and it doesn't come with the... ugh, I don't have the right words. The emotional signature, or something? That makes Daddy kink (in this case) so compelling. So that part fell flat for me, too.
Anyway, I'll probably read more by her in the future because she *is* good, and I just read too damn much to pass up talented authors, but this one definitely failed to give me a book hangover, even though it was, objectively, a good book. I'm sure there are plenty of others who will adore it, but since I basically only write reviews to remind myself of what I've read and how I felt about it, I'm going to let this review stand as-is.
August 5, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by the author.
This book was a reminder of everything I've missed about this small town that Annabeth Albert has created. After all, it's been more than three and a half years since I'd last "visited", and I'd had no clue that there was a novella that had been released a couple of years ago. So, having the chance to return to Albert's fictional coastal town in Oregon was something I jumped on, and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed Quinn and Adam's story, one which had a lighthearted feel to it with just enough angst to keep me satisfied. I've read my fair share of M/M romances that take on Daddy kink, so with the author having Adam, who is younger by five years, be the Daddy was a nice twist, albeit I have read a couple of books that have featured this particular reverse dynamic. With a bit of family drama on Adam's end, Hope on the Rocks was a highly enjoyable and heartwarming read. It gets 4.5 stars.
This book was a reminder of everything I've missed about this small town that Annabeth Albert has created. After all, it's been more than three and a half years since I'd last "visited", and I'd had no clue that there was a novella that had been released a couple of years ago. So, having the chance to return to Albert's fictional coastal town in Oregon was something I jumped on, and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed Quinn and Adam's story, one which had a lighthearted feel to it with just enough angst to keep me satisfied. I've read my fair share of M/M romances that take on Daddy kink, so with the author having Adam, who is younger by five years, be the Daddy was a nice twist, albeit I have read a couple of books that have featured this particular reverse dynamic. With a bit of family drama on Adam's end, Hope on the Rocks was a highly enjoyable and heartwarming read. It gets 4.5 stars.
August 7, 2021
Sweet and sexy daddy kink
Adam is pulled in all directions and it almost wrecked his relationship with Quinn. He really needed to say no sometimes. His work schedule left me exhausted just reading it and I was annoyed with his Mother most of the book. Her reliance on Adam for free labor was cringy. No wonder he could never find love for himself.
Quinn was having to compete with that. No wonder he stepped aside. BUT…It finally got Adam to make better choices. Work/life balance was definitely needed. You’d think the doctor would be the one with the crazy schedule but nope.
The sexy times were hot and the daddy kink was believable. Quinn and Adam had great chemistry and their HEA was sweet. I’m glad Adam finally found his match.
Adam is pulled in all directions and it almost wrecked his relationship with Quinn. He really needed to say no sometimes. His work schedule left me exhausted just reading it and I was annoyed with his Mother most of the book. Her reliance on Adam for free labor was cringy. No wonder he could never find love for himself.
Quinn was having to compete with that. No wonder he stepped aside. BUT…It finally got Adam to make better choices. Work/life balance was definitely needed. You’d think the doctor would be the one with the crazy schedule but nope.
The sexy times were hot and the daddy kink was believable. Quinn and Adam had great chemistry and their HEA was sweet. I’m glad Adam finally found his match.
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