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Single Dads of Gaynor Beach
Demetrius
Hotshot architect Demetrius Johnson is too young to be starting over after divorcing his childhood sweetheart. But when you’re a dad, you learn to put your responsibilities first and feelings last.
That’s why he chose to move to Gaynor Beach in Southern California for a new job. But, unfortunately, it’s also why he has to put up with Miguel.
Miguel is everything Demetrius isn’t—reckless, careless, playful, and spontaneous. But, most of all, he’s dangerous because he’s making Demetrius feel something he’s never felt before.
Straight out of his only long-term relationship, with a ten-year-old who’s struggling to adjust, Demetrius knows he’s too old to be questioning his sexuality. But he can’t help his growing attraction to his flirtatious new coworker.
Will Miguel find a way to show Demetrius that he’s more than a good time? Or, will the pressure be too much for this young single father trying to rebuild his life?
Demetrius is a gay single dad contemporary romance set in the shared world of Gaynor Beach, featuring an age-gap opposites-attract love story where both partners share more than a few first times and a precocious tween ready to cause chaos along the way.
That’s why he chose to move to Gaynor Beach in Southern California for a new job. But, unfortunately, it’s also why he has to put up with Miguel.
Miguel is everything Demetrius isn’t—reckless, careless, playful, and spontaneous. But, most of all, he’s dangerous because he’s making Demetrius feel something he’s never felt before.
Straight out of his only long-term relationship, with a ten-year-old who’s struggling to adjust, Demetrius knows he’s too old to be questioning his sexuality. But he can’t help his growing attraction to his flirtatious new coworker.
Will Miguel find a way to show Demetrius that he’s more than a good time? Or, will the pressure be too much for this young single father trying to rebuild his life?
Demetrius is a gay single dad contemporary romance set in the shared world of Gaynor Beach, featuring an age-gap opposites-attract love story where both partners share more than a few first times and a precocious tween ready to cause chaos along the way.
Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
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162 people want to read
About the author
Sienna Sway
45 books198 followersSienna Sway is a Canadian writer living in gorgeous Vancouver BC, constantly inspired by her city and surroundings in bringing to life the most compelling m/m and het romance with interesting and real characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 14, 2022
Weird dialogues, annoying characters and stiff writing. Pretty meh, imo.
February 11, 2024
I'm shocked I didn't DNF this book. I was tempted to in the first chapter, and almost did 70% in, but I pushed through.
Things I did not like about this book (there are some spoilers here):
1) The writing style is okay, but there's often confusing word choices, punctuation marks like commas and semi-colons in incorrect places, etc. There's a lot of internal exposition by characters but often time not enough description of what's actually happening.
2) A lot of things said at the beginning of the book seem to contradict things happening at the end. Like Demetrius says he's only been divorced from his wife for a short while, then says after the divorce he tried to date other women but couldn't get his dick up, and then just before he and Miguel have sex he says he hasn't been with anyone since his wife.
Miguel from the get-go seems to be really into the idea of settling down with a family, but then around 70% in says he's always been afraid of commitment and he's shocked that he can see himself being with Demetrius.
Near the beginning of the book they go to an autumn festival, and then the next week a dress-up haunted house thing, giving the impression that it was around Halloween, and then it says the characters have been dating for a month, and now they're going to a parade that has a turkey float - seems like Halloween passed and now it's Thanksgiving. NO, because AFTER the parade they go trick-or-treating.
3) For a book with a single father trying to do a family trope, the parenting in this book is shoddy. Meech is 10 years old and walking to and from school each day, which seems like too young of an age to be walking to school to me? Especially when they've just moved to a completely new town and they don't know the area that well.
There's a point where Demetrius is waiting for Meech to come out after a soccer game to give him and his friends a lift (no idea where to) and Miguel comes and tries to makeout with Demetrius or something and Demetrius and Miguel just leave to go home and fuck, and there's no information about what happened to Meech and where he is right now. Like is he hanging out in the parking lot looking for his dad's car?? Then, before they start fucking, Demetrius's phone rings, and Miguel gets mad at Demetrius for wanting to answer it - the man is a single father. He needs to answer his phone in case his kid is in trouble????? There are TWO instances in which Demetrius's phone rings and Miguel gets mad at him for wanting to check who's calling. This kind of possessiveness is find in a dark romance but NOT for characters that are suppose to be family-orientated.
They also fuck on the couch in Demetrius's house. Like, don't fuck in communal rooms if you have kids, or even roommates, even if they aren't home! It's disrespectful! Keep the fucking to the bedroom.
4) On the topic of Miguel's possessiveness - there are so many instances in this book that verge on non-consent. Miguel is constantly trying to kiss Demetrius when D seems very uncomfortable or anxious about it (the man thought he was straight and hasn't figured out he's into men yet, but ALSO he doesn't like PDA. Stop trying to make out with him in public). Miguel is extremely pushy in the first sex scene (in which D is definitely more drunk than Miguel is), and also gives D a blowjob in the morning while he's still asleep - that's somnophilia and should be discussed before hand. Then the second sex scene D tells Miguel to wait and he doesn't stop until D yells wait a second time, and then gets really mad when D's phone rings and tries to keep going while D just wants to check who's calling. Also the sex scenes use really awkward language and are just not sexy in the slightest.
5) If you dislike miscommunication trope do not read this. These men do not communicate ANYTHING. The reason they break up in the 43rd act conflict is because neither of them think the other is serious about their relationship, but then D is the one who apologises and tries to get them back together, even though Miguel still never actually gives D any kind of sign that he wants a long-term commitment. But worse than the stupid miscommunication, they don't even talk to each other in general. Miguel is said to be friendly and chatty at the beginning, but they sit in "comfortable silence" whenever they drive anywhere together. D only tells Miguel he was married like WEEKS into the book, which is when Miguel tells him he's bi.
Also they don't talk to Meech either! Like Demetrius takes Miguel's hand in public and kisses him, right in front of his son, without telling the kid first. Like, he JUST got divorced form the kid's mother, and now he's kissing a man in front of him?? TALK TO YOUR SON. And then Meech says "are you guys in love?" and they're like "yup". So they don't even talk when they tell each other they love each other for the first time! (not to mention they only know each other for a month). And even in the epilogue Meech finds a wedding ring in their bedroom and asks if they're getting married - like they don't even talk to each other when they get engaged????????
6) It felt like this was setting up Demetrius to be demisexual, but at the end he's just like "I dunno, I guess I'm bi!"
---
End of list (though I probably could keep going)
Like, usually if I make a list of things I don't like, I'll make a list of things I did like, but I have nothing. I don't hate this book enough for a one star, like it's not garbage, and maybe with enough editing it could have been a 4 star. but there's absolutely nothing about it I could recommend.
Things I did not like about this book (there are some spoilers here):
1) The writing style is okay, but there's often confusing word choices, punctuation marks like commas and semi-colons in incorrect places, etc. There's a lot of internal exposition by characters but often time not enough description of what's actually happening.
2) A lot of things said at the beginning of the book seem to contradict things happening at the end. Like Demetrius says he's only been divorced from his wife for a short while, then says after the divorce he tried to date other women but couldn't get his dick up, and then just before he and Miguel have sex he says he hasn't been with anyone since his wife.
Miguel from the get-go seems to be really into the idea of settling down with a family, but then around 70% in says he's always been afraid of commitment and he's shocked that he can see himself being with Demetrius.
Near the beginning of the book they go to an autumn festival, and then the next week a dress-up haunted house thing, giving the impression that it was around Halloween, and then it says the characters have been dating for a month, and now they're going to a parade that has a turkey float - seems like Halloween passed and now it's Thanksgiving. NO, because AFTER the parade they go trick-or-treating.
3) For a book with a single father trying to do a family trope, the parenting in this book is shoddy. Meech is 10 years old and walking to and from school each day, which seems like too young of an age to be walking to school to me? Especially when they've just moved to a completely new town and they don't know the area that well.
There's a point where Demetrius is waiting for Meech to come out after a soccer game to give him and his friends a lift (no idea where to) and Miguel comes and tries to makeout with Demetrius or something and Demetrius and Miguel just leave to go home and fuck, and there's no information about what happened to Meech and where he is right now. Like is he hanging out in the parking lot looking for his dad's car?? Then, before they start fucking, Demetrius's phone rings, and Miguel gets mad at Demetrius for wanting to answer it - the man is a single father. He needs to answer his phone in case his kid is in trouble????? There are TWO instances in which Demetrius's phone rings and Miguel gets mad at him for wanting to check who's calling. This kind of possessiveness is find in a dark romance but NOT for characters that are suppose to be family-orientated.
They also fuck on the couch in Demetrius's house. Like, don't fuck in communal rooms if you have kids, or even roommates, even if they aren't home! It's disrespectful! Keep the fucking to the bedroom.
4) On the topic of Miguel's possessiveness - there are so many instances in this book that verge on non-consent. Miguel is constantly trying to kiss Demetrius when D seems very uncomfortable or anxious about it (the man thought he was straight and hasn't figured out he's into men yet, but ALSO he doesn't like PDA. Stop trying to make out with him in public). Miguel is extremely pushy in the first sex scene (in which D is definitely more drunk than Miguel is), and also gives D a blowjob in the morning while he's still asleep - that's somnophilia and should be discussed before hand. Then the second sex scene D tells Miguel to wait and he doesn't stop until D yells wait a second time, and then gets really mad when D's phone rings and tries to keep going while D just wants to check who's calling. Also the sex scenes use really awkward language and are just not sexy in the slightest.
5) If you dislike miscommunication trope do not read this. These men do not communicate ANYTHING. The reason they break up in the 43rd act conflict is because neither of them think the other is serious about their relationship, but then D is the one who apologises and tries to get them back together, even though Miguel still never actually gives D any kind of sign that he wants a long-term commitment. But worse than the stupid miscommunication, they don't even talk to each other in general. Miguel is said to be friendly and chatty at the beginning, but they sit in "comfortable silence" whenever they drive anywhere together. D only tells Miguel he was married like WEEKS into the book, which is when Miguel tells him he's bi.
Also they don't talk to Meech either! Like Demetrius takes Miguel's hand in public and kisses him, right in front of his son, without telling the kid first. Like, he JUST got divorced form the kid's mother, and now he's kissing a man in front of him?? TALK TO YOUR SON. And then Meech says "are you guys in love?" and they're like "yup". So they don't even talk when they tell each other they love each other for the first time! (not to mention they only know each other for a month). And even in the epilogue Meech finds a wedding ring in their bedroom and asks if they're getting married - like they don't even talk to each other when they get engaged????????
6) It felt like this was setting up Demetrius to be demisexual, but at the end he's just like "I dunno, I guess I'm bi!"
---
End of list (though I probably could keep going)
Like, usually if I make a list of things I don't like, I'll make a list of things I did like, but I have nothing. I don't hate this book enough for a one star, like it's not garbage, and maybe with enough editing it could have been a 4 star. but there's absolutely nothing about it I could recommend.
October 8, 2022
Demetrius is about Demetrius, a newly divorced architect / renovation project manager, and his ten year old son Demetrius III. You have to understand that there are not enough first names out there. Let’s not forget Miguel, the foreman / carpenter for the renovation project Demetrius is managing. From the start there is something between Miguel and Demetrius (the father not the son). Maybe a spark, maybe antagonism, maybe something with the potential to become so much more. Whatever it is, it is unknown territory for Demetrius.
The story documents how the two navigate the highs and lows they have to confront. Demetrius is a mess. He has only had one relationship and that has failed. He feels like he has been cast adrift from the life he was secure in and now has to make a new life for himself and his son. What he does not recognise is the support he has around him, even from his ex-wife. At least not to begin with.
This is a lovely love story that hangs on the brink of disaster on more than one occasion. I was not sure about the amount of time we spend in Demetrius’ head as he tries and tries to process what he is feeling and what he thinks Miguel wants from him. It was an uphill struggle at times but I persevered and was well rewarded. For an unlikely romance this does not shy from the expectations of the real world. As Demetrius finds out, the real world can be more accepting than one in his head. A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story documents how the two navigate the highs and lows they have to confront. Demetrius is a mess. He has only had one relationship and that has failed. He feels like he has been cast adrift from the life he was secure in and now has to make a new life for himself and his son. What he does not recognise is the support he has around him, even from his ex-wife. At least not to begin with.
This is a lovely love story that hangs on the brink of disaster on more than one occasion. I was not sure about the amount of time we spend in Demetrius’ head as he tries and tries to process what he is feeling and what he thinks Miguel wants from him. It was an uphill struggle at times but I persevered and was well rewarded. For an unlikely romance this does not shy from the expectations of the real world. As Demetrius finds out, the real world can be more accepting than one in his head. A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2023
No offence to the cute model but I hate the cover sooo much.
This being said, I can't believe this book was free. I liked it so much ❤️😍
That's all 5🌶 3.75⭐️
This being said, I can't believe this book was free. I liked it so much ❤️😍
That's all 5🌶 3.75⭐️
October 14, 2022
Demetrius is one of the books in the ‘Single Dads of Gaynor Beach.’ Each book in the collection is written by a different author. This story stars Demetrius Johnson, a young architect, and Miguel, a construction worker. This is written in first person from both Demetrius and Miguel’s povs.
I received an ARC from the authors. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received an ARC from the authors. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 15, 2024
1.5 stars
First, the good things: I like that this was an interracial story. I don’t usually like kids in romances but this kid himself was okay, just not how he was handled (see below). The construction aspect was interesting. I wish there had been more. The festival sounded cool. I would have loved to have gone.
Now for the bad. And this is just some of it:
Miguel was totally weird at first, telling really personal stuff to Demetrius the moment he met him, not even knowing who he was. Not just random stuff but personal stuff about his family. I think the author did this so we’d get some info about him but it was bizarre.
I didn’t believe the start of the romance. There was no interest on Demetrius’s part at all. Miguel was interested and he pushed it even though he had every reason the believe Demetrius was straight. He ended up kissing him out of the blue. It would be fine if he saw any interest in the other man but there was none. This just doesn’t happen with a normal guy like we’re supposed to think Miguel is. Gay guys aren’t trying to turn straight guys gay. This isn’t just GFY, it’s “gay because you pushed me when I wasn’t interested”. (BTW, condoms are never even mentioned.)
When they started having trouble, I was on Demetrius’s side 100% and I’ve been out since I was twelve. It wasn’t about shame or being closeted really. Things change when you have a kid and have to worry about custody, not to mention their heart. It would be really hard on Meechie to suddenly lose Miguel from his life.
Demetrius also wasn’t out and people need time for that. Miguel said he understood but he didn’t and he was a hypocrite. He didn’t give Demetrius as much time as he had needed himself in his youth. It had been only a month. Getting older makes it harder, not easier. I know people who’ve been out for decades but still don’t touch in public. It’s dangerous—even just getting shouted at can ruin your day—no matter how much better things are in Western society now. I don’t like how Demetrius handled his emotions, just that he was right.
But then it became clear that the author thought Demetrius owed Miguel an apology for shutting him out and Demetrius didn’t deserve one himself, like he was the one totally in the wrong. That alone dropped my opinion of this book a whole star.
The whole book was just a little off. Like Miguel offers to drive Demetrius around so Demetrius gets rid of his rental car. Then he is hesitant to accept Miguel’s offer to pick him up in his way to work. So why did he get rid of the car then? And like he could ask Miguel who he barely knew to chauffeur them around to the grocery store, appointments, etc. Yes there are people who have to take the bus to do these things but if you already have a car and aren’t doing it for environmental reasons and don’t want to take all day, why would you say yes, get rid of your rental car and still feel awkward about your employee offering a ride to work?
How the son is handled really bothers me. He’s 10 and in elementary school but he has different teachers for all his subjects. Huh? He’s really into sports but he has to walk home with all of his gear. One time he had to do this after dark. The MCs were out watching the sunset (which was like 5:30 pm in mid-October—huh?) and they were on their way home. Miguel asked if they should pick the boy up and Demetrius said no, he could walk. In the dark. With all his gear. If it were daylight and my adult son was coming home from any activity, I would still stop by and pick him up. It’s the nice thing to do. But in this case, it’s the safest.
Yet another time they’re at a festival. The kid sees a bunch of friends going around with one kid’s mother. Demetrius doesn’t know them and hesitates to let him go even after talking with the mother. But he’ll let the kid walk home alone in the dark?
Architects are not generally project managers on job sites. They visit the sites regularly but they work in an office. I’m not sure they’re trained in the right areas to be a construction project manager, although I could be wrong.
I have no interest in reading any more of the series.
First, the good things: I like that this was an interracial story. I don’t usually like kids in romances but this kid himself was okay, just not how he was handled (see below). The construction aspect was interesting. I wish there had been more. The festival sounded cool. I would have loved to have gone.
Now for the bad. And this is just some of it:
Miguel was totally weird at first, telling really personal stuff to Demetrius the moment he met him, not even knowing who he was. Not just random stuff but personal stuff about his family. I think the author did this so we’d get some info about him but it was bizarre.
I didn’t believe the start of the romance. There was no interest on Demetrius’s part at all. Miguel was interested and he pushed it even though he had every reason the believe Demetrius was straight. He ended up kissing him out of the blue. It would be fine if he saw any interest in the other man but there was none. This just doesn’t happen with a normal guy like we’re supposed to think Miguel is. Gay guys aren’t trying to turn straight guys gay. This isn’t just GFY, it’s “gay because you pushed me when I wasn’t interested”. (BTW, condoms are never even mentioned.)
When they started having trouble, I was on Demetrius’s side 100% and I’ve been out since I was twelve. It wasn’t about shame or being closeted really. Things change when you have a kid and have to worry about custody, not to mention their heart. It would be really hard on Meechie to suddenly lose Miguel from his life.
Demetrius also wasn’t out and people need time for that. Miguel said he understood but he didn’t and he was a hypocrite. He didn’t give Demetrius as much time as he had needed himself in his youth. It had been only a month. Getting older makes it harder, not easier. I know people who’ve been out for decades but still don’t touch in public. It’s dangerous—even just getting shouted at can ruin your day—no matter how much better things are in Western society now. I don’t like how Demetrius handled his emotions, just that he was right.
But then it became clear that the author thought Demetrius owed Miguel an apology for shutting him out and Demetrius didn’t deserve one himself, like he was the one totally in the wrong. That alone dropped my opinion of this book a whole star.
The whole book was just a little off. Like Miguel offers to drive Demetrius around so Demetrius gets rid of his rental car. Then he is hesitant to accept Miguel’s offer to pick him up in his way to work. So why did he get rid of the car then? And like he could ask Miguel who he barely knew to chauffeur them around to the grocery store, appointments, etc. Yes there are people who have to take the bus to do these things but if you already have a car and aren’t doing it for environmental reasons and don’t want to take all day, why would you say yes, get rid of your rental car and still feel awkward about your employee offering a ride to work?
How the son is handled really bothers me. He’s 10 and in elementary school but he has different teachers for all his subjects. Huh? He’s really into sports but he has to walk home with all of his gear. One time he had to do this after dark. The MCs were out watching the sunset (which was like 5:30 pm in mid-October—huh?) and they were on their way home. Miguel asked if they should pick the boy up and Demetrius said no, he could walk. In the dark. With all his gear. If it were daylight and my adult son was coming home from any activity, I would still stop by and pick him up. It’s the nice thing to do. But in this case, it’s the safest.
Yet another time they’re at a festival. The kid sees a bunch of friends going around with one kid’s mother. Demetrius doesn’t know them and hesitates to let him go even after talking with the mother. But he’ll let the kid walk home alone in the dark?
Architects are not generally project managers on job sites. They visit the sites regularly but they work in an office. I’m not sure they’re trained in the right areas to be a construction project manager, although I could be wrong.
I have no interest in reading any more of the series.
March 7, 2023
Each book in this series has been so different. While there is always one single dad, biological or adoptive, there are different aspects these characters have to face. It is so interesting to see what all these different authors create about this same town and it’s residents.
Miguel is a builder/construction worker who has lived in Gaynor Beach a long time. He is friendly with his co-workers, and was super close to his previous job foreman and his family. Besides those few connections, he seems to be kind of a lonely soul. When his foreman moves away, and Demetrius steps in to take his job, Miguel is attracted to Demetrius, and sees someone who is kind of closed off and makes it his mission to bring Demetrius out of his shell. When he finds out Demetrius has a son, I feel like Miguel is hopeful that he can find a new family to be close with. It is obvious to me, what Miguel is looking for, love, sure, but definitely family.
Demetrius is a much harder character to feel for. I never really got a grasp on why he moved to Gaynor Beach. An old teacher of his recommends him for the foreman position on a house he is having renovated/built. But it doesn’t seem like a real reason to take his child further from his ex or to leave his own parents. But for whatever reason, (just needing a change?) he makes his way to Gaynor Beach but doesn’t really make himself at home. He doesn’t interact with the men he works with unless it is about work. If it wasn’t for his car breaking down he would never have gotten to know Miguel, who offers to drive him around until the insurance check comes in. While getting to know Miguel he finds he really likes the man, though he has never thought of himself as gay, and he doesn’t really seem to be attracted to Miguel physically. Still things happen between them and they enter a sexual relationship that is all over the place.
Miguel tries to find a place for himself in Demetrius’ life. He does appear to be the more aggressive of the two when it comes to making things happen. And yes, Demetrius, who is just figuring out his sexuality might not be as straight as he once thought, deserves some time to come to terms with who he wants to let know and when. Still, all the times he pushes Miguel away, while simultaneously telling himself that Miguel will never be serious about them kind of boggled the mind. It does take a little time and self-reflection for Demetrius to see that Miguel was always all in.
It took me a bit to finish this book, I think the contrariness sometimes made it difficult and because both men seemed to be stuck in their thoughts, rather than actually saying or doing things to move the story along. In the end, I got my happy ending and I liked the book well enough. I am intrigued by the owner of the house, Hiroshi, who will be the main character in a future book, and I am curious how his story will play out.
Miguel is a builder/construction worker who has lived in Gaynor Beach a long time. He is friendly with his co-workers, and was super close to his previous job foreman and his family. Besides those few connections, he seems to be kind of a lonely soul. When his foreman moves away, and Demetrius steps in to take his job, Miguel is attracted to Demetrius, and sees someone who is kind of closed off and makes it his mission to bring Demetrius out of his shell. When he finds out Demetrius has a son, I feel like Miguel is hopeful that he can find a new family to be close with. It is obvious to me, what Miguel is looking for, love, sure, but definitely family.
Demetrius is a much harder character to feel for. I never really got a grasp on why he moved to Gaynor Beach. An old teacher of his recommends him for the foreman position on a house he is having renovated/built. But it doesn’t seem like a real reason to take his child further from his ex or to leave his own parents. But for whatever reason, (just needing a change?) he makes his way to Gaynor Beach but doesn’t really make himself at home. He doesn’t interact with the men he works with unless it is about work. If it wasn’t for his car breaking down he would never have gotten to know Miguel, who offers to drive him around until the insurance check comes in. While getting to know Miguel he finds he really likes the man, though he has never thought of himself as gay, and he doesn’t really seem to be attracted to Miguel physically. Still things happen between them and they enter a sexual relationship that is all over the place.
Miguel tries to find a place for himself in Demetrius’ life. He does appear to be the more aggressive of the two when it comes to making things happen. And yes, Demetrius, who is just figuring out his sexuality might not be as straight as he once thought, deserves some time to come to terms with who he wants to let know and when. Still, all the times he pushes Miguel away, while simultaneously telling himself that Miguel will never be serious about them kind of boggled the mind. It does take a little time and self-reflection for Demetrius to see that Miguel was always all in.
It took me a bit to finish this book, I think the contrariness sometimes made it difficult and because both men seemed to be stuck in their thoughts, rather than actually saying or doing things to move the story along. In the end, I got my happy ending and I liked the book well enough. I am intrigued by the owner of the house, Hiroshi, who will be the main character in a future book, and I am curious how his story will play out.
October 12, 2022
Being the new guy sometimes is not easy. Demetrius was under a lot of personal and professional pressure. He is recently divorced from Denise, his only long term relationship. His 10yo son, Meech and he are getting reacquainted after driving from MD to CA to start over. Miguel, is 39 and feeling his age. He is an adventurous man who is a bit outgoing and used to reaching out and having a more friendly relatinship with the work crew. Miguel, had fallen into the habit of using Dan, the previous PM and his family as substitutes for his own. Miguel, realized how lacking his family life is. Then he meets Meech. Demetrius is a bit overwhelmed by responsibilities and Miguel wants someone to have fun with and care for. Their personal and professional relationship is fun to watch develop with Demetrius thinking he needs to stay straight professional. Things don't always go according to plan. Do they complete their project on time and under budget? Does Miguel find his family? Does Demetrius, lighten up? Good story. Sweet. Demitrius and Miguel are really nice men and Meech is a hoot. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
Demetrius already has a pretty full plate. Lots of changes. Divorce, single parenthood, a move to start over, an adjusting child and a new job. Add to that the chemistry that he feels with Miguel his co-worker and you have the makings of a good love story that has its moments. Demetrius adds to the mix new feelings around his sexuality. There are so many changes in this story and so many times I felt for Demetrius as he works through the many changes he is navigating. I liked them as a couple and was glad that they were able to make it through the growing pains.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
Trying to Adjust . . .
Architect Demetrius Johnson just went through a divorce and he and his son moved to Gaynor Beach for his new job. Miguel is the foreman on his new construction job. The man is playful, flirty, fun-loving, and has a reckless streak. And he has caught Demetrius’ attention.
The problem now is that Demetrius has had only one long-term relationship, the one with his wife that just ended. And he is confused at his reaction to Miguel. Will Miguel be able to show him that he is serious and not just having fun? Or is the timing wrong for Demetrius to go through another life-changing event? What will he decide?
Architect Demetrius Johnson just went through a divorce and he and his son moved to Gaynor Beach for his new job. Miguel is the foreman on his new construction job. The man is playful, flirty, fun-loving, and has a reckless streak. And he has caught Demetrius’ attention.
The problem now is that Demetrius has had only one long-term relationship, the one with his wife that just ended. And he is confused at his reaction to Miguel. Will Miguel be able to show him that he is serious and not just having fun? Or is the timing wrong for Demetrius to go through another life-changing event? What will he decide?
October 14, 2022
4,5*
It was fun and to be reading another book in the multi author ' Single dads of Gaynor Beach series'. Both Sienna & Zaria did not disappoint with this addictive age gap mm romance. I really enjoyed this sweet with heat bi/ pan awakening story for our newly divorced single dad Demetrius. I found both him and Miguel had to find their way to find space and a safe place to let their hearts truly fall for the other, after the inittial attraction which crumbled due to lack of communication. And kudos for not making the ex wife the villain of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was fun and to be reading another book in the multi author ' Single dads of Gaynor Beach series'. Both Sienna & Zaria did not disappoint with this addictive age gap mm romance. I really enjoyed this sweet with heat bi/ pan awakening story for our newly divorced single dad Demetrius. I found both him and Miguel had to find their way to find space and a safe place to let their hearts truly fall for the other, after the inittial attraction which crumbled due to lack of communication. And kudos for not making the ex wife the villain of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
Demetrius is not at all a difficult character to empathize with, as he starts this story reeling from a number of unexpected events. Divorce, parenthood, questions about his own sexuality— it’s a lot, and he doesn’t always handle things as well as he could. That said, he’s likable and interesting, and he and Miguel, who’s an interesting character in his own right, have strong chemistry on pretty much every level, so it’s easy to be invested in their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this. The start was a bit stilted, but then it settled in and the story flows. I enjoyed Demetrius and Miguel, and the progression of the relationship. I will say that the authors do a good job laying the groundwork for Demetrius' angst, and I know that his attraction to men was brand new, but he still kind of got on my nerves a little. Sir, use your words and get out of your own way, please. Still, all's well that ends well. I loved that Miguel got the family he'd always wanted. Meech was great. Also, thank you for not doing the tired, 'evil ex wife' thing.
3.5
3.5
September 8, 2024
Oh dear, this wasn't a bad story it just needed someone to catch all the things contradictory themselves. Also, was this supposed to be a slow burn or an insta-whatever or both? Unfortunately I'm left a bit confused by this one.
● Contemporary
● Small-ish town
● Age difference (about 10 years)
● Single dad
● Interracial couple
● First times
● Likeable enough MCs
● No drama with the ex-wife
● The story contradicts itself multiple times
● This wasn't a fav of the series
● Part of a Multi Author series
● Can definitely be read as a stand-alone
October 11, 2022
This was a very sweet M/M romance between Demetrius, a single father who is recently divorced and had never questioned his sexuality, and Miguel, the foreman on Demetrius's new construction project. This story is set in the fall, in Gaynor, CA, with a delightful smattering of fall festivals and fright nights. Some bits do get a little steamy, but it is a very sweet romance and a quick, feel-good read. I would definitely recommend for all fans of fall M/M romance!
October 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book and I liked the characters. Demetrius has a lot of new things in his life- recently divorced from his wife, moving to a new state with his young son, and a new job. But Miguel, the foreman at his new job, has him questioning his sexuality, too. They have great chemistry, but Demetrius needs to come to terms with things at his own pace. And these two need much better communication than assumptions and misunderstandings. 4 stars.
November 15, 2022
Demetrius is part of the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach. Demetrius is an architect and Miguel a construction worker. Demetrius is a single dad starting over. Miguel is outgoing and starting to feel his age. They have fantastic chemistry and work to navigate a new relationship. Great character development and story line. Overall, a great story, well written with nice pacing.
September 15, 2023
3* because I finished it.
There was so much tell and very little show. I barely felt the emotional connection between the two MCs. There was a point with Demetrius’s ex where I was just wtf? It felt rushed in places and dragged in others.
Not rushing to pick up anything else by these authors tbh.
There was so much tell and very little show. I barely felt the emotional connection between the two MCs. There was a point with Demetrius’s ex where I was just wtf? It felt rushed in places and dragged in others.
Not rushing to pick up anything else by these authors tbh.
August 15, 2024
This was just a really abrupt and very painful experience at times. It seemed like there was a huge info dump, especially from Miguel, then all of a sudden Demetrius was all over him with no lead up to it. Their breakup and reunion had me cringing from beginning to end. I just didn’t get any reason why these two would be together at all.
October 10, 2022
Demetrius is a part of the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series. This was a super sweet story between Demetrius and Miguel. I loved reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2022
This book is part of the 'Single Dad's of Gaynor Beach' series, which has multiple authors, this is my first book by these two authors. It has wonderful characters and a great storyline. Very sweet story about Demetrius and Miguel.
October 22, 2022
The Sexy men of Gaynor Beach are back this time it is Demetrius and Miguel story. Dem is just out of a relationship and Miguel has him feeling things that he hasn't felt before.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend the Men Of Gaynor Beach Series.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend the Men Of Gaynor Beach Series.
October 13, 2022
This is a really sweet story. Miguel is just what Demetrius needed. Following their romance as it developed was worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 25, 2023
Pleasant mm romance read bi awakenimg
An enjoyable, easy quick read of a single recently divorced father moving cities and bumping into his new foreman and the sparks fly.
An enjoyable, easy quick read of a single recently divorced father moving cities and bumping into his new foreman and the sparks fly.
September 27, 2023
Was there anything between them aside from sexual attraction and adoring Meech? Bc i don't think so
October 3, 2024
Great love story
I lived this book.. really wholesome and kept a good pace. I kept reading until I got to the end lol
I lived this book.. really wholesome and kept a good pace. I kept reading until I got to the end lol
October 10, 2023
Miguel & Demetrius and Meechie
September 20, 2024
1 star
Demetrius moves all the way across country (from somewhere on the east coast (I want to say South Carolina?) to California) with his son after he and his wife divorce. He becomes project manager on a historic refit renovation of a house in the fancy part of town. Miguel doesn’t have family in the country, so the guys he works with become that for him. When his crew gets a new project manager, Miguel isn’t too sure that how well they will work, but he is willing to try to have that camaraderie. Miguel helps Demetrius a couple of times, and then feelings start developing between them.
This was…. not good. In fact, it was bad. Miguel and Demetrius were cardboard characters and there was not even a glimmer of originality in the story. Miguel was kind of pushy, both with his friendship (I’m calling it that very loosely) and then in his pursuit of a relationship. Things happened too fast to be believable, since Demetrius hadn’t ever really thought he was attracted to men.
And then, there was Demetrius. Nothing he did made sense. I don’t understand how he had custody of his son, and why he needed to run away. He worried about money, but then kind of bragged to himself that he wasn’t a big spender, so he had money enough to get him and his son through. He worried about the cost of taxis/ubers, but didn’t want to potentially save money by letting Miguel pick him up. And, he didn’t seem concerned about any other expenses, just the vehicle situation. Why didn’t he just rent one? Plus, I kind of got the feeling that the only reason he was offered the job as project manager was because his old professor owned the house, not because he was actually more qualified over other applicants. Anyway.
I didn’t like the writing, the characters, or the story. Basically the only bright spot was Demetrius’ son and the fact that his ex was surprised but fairly supportive when she found out he was in a relationship with a man. Honestly, she was much better than a lot of exes in romancelandia. I’m not quite sure why Demetrius had to move all the way across the country to get away from her.
Demetrius moves all the way across country (from somewhere on the east coast (I want to say South Carolina?) to California) with his son after he and his wife divorce. He becomes project manager on a historic refit renovation of a house in the fancy part of town. Miguel doesn’t have family in the country, so the guys he works with become that for him. When his crew gets a new project manager, Miguel isn’t too sure that how well they will work, but he is willing to try to have that camaraderie. Miguel helps Demetrius a couple of times, and then feelings start developing between them.
This was…. not good. In fact, it was bad. Miguel and Demetrius were cardboard characters and there was not even a glimmer of originality in the story. Miguel was kind of pushy, both with his friendship (I’m calling it that very loosely) and then in his pursuit of a relationship. Things happened too fast to be believable, since Demetrius hadn’t ever really thought he was attracted to men.
And then, there was Demetrius. Nothing he did made sense. I don’t understand how he had custody of his son, and why he needed to run away. He worried about money, but then kind of bragged to himself that he wasn’t a big spender, so he had money enough to get him and his son through. He worried about the cost of taxis/ubers, but didn’t want to potentially save money by letting Miguel pick him up. And, he didn’t seem concerned about any other expenses, just the vehicle situation. Why didn’t he just rent one? Plus, I kind of got the feeling that the only reason he was offered the job as project manager was because his old professor owned the house, not because he was actually more qualified over other applicants. Anyway.
I didn’t like the writing, the characters, or the story. Basically the only bright spot was Demetrius’ son and the fact that his ex was surprised but fairly supportive when she found out he was in a relationship with a man. Honestly, she was much better than a lot of exes in romancelandia. I’m not quite sure why Demetrius had to move all the way across the country to get away from her.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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