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Hot Takes #2
Full Load
When recent widower Leo de Baldaserri’s rented Porsche breaks down in the middle of nowhere Kansas, he’s rescued by a handsome, sexy-as-hell tow driver who turns out to be none other than rising-star stockcar driver, Rafe “Lucky” Turner. But when one night of passion becomes a complicated affair, will they back off the race to forever or ride desire all the way to the checkered flag?
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
16 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Ankney
22 books24 followersT.S. Ankney read her first romance novel at age twelve, when she snuck a book with a risqué cover out of a relative’s cabinet and read it at night under the covers with a flashlight to avoid getting caught relishing the “good parts." She is a tiny blue dot in a big red state in the Midwest US and she loves a sad song, a happily ever after, and believes representation matters. When not writing, you can find T.S. streaming documentaries, reading new books by her favorite authors, or indulging in reality TV competition shows like Project Runway or Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 26, 2023
i struggle w books about one of the mcs struggling over a past relationship whether they're alive or dead doesn't make a difference to me idc if that makes me a bad person 💀 it just tinges everything in frustration that i have a hard time dealing with so this was a flop for me. i just couldn't get endeared to Leo because of it and that's that on that i guess
April 19, 2022
That Leo was a piece of work..
May 8, 2022
Fast pace insta-connection/love novella. They may not understand what’s happening, but they can’t deny it.
Luca is lost after becoming a widower. Feeling alone, unsure how to move forward. Along comes Rafe, who makes him feel alive again and wanting a future, even when he thinks he shouldn’t be ready to move on.
These two have great chemistry and certainly know how to steam up a room!
< ARC provided by BookSprout and this is my honest review >
Luca is lost after becoming a widower. Feeling alone, unsure how to move forward. Along comes Rafe, who makes him feel alive again and wanting a future, even when he thinks he shouldn’t be ready to move on.
These two have great chemistry and certainly know how to steam up a room!
< ARC provided by BookSprout and this is my honest review >
April 29, 2022
Insta-Love, Feel Good, MM Romance
I loved these characters!!! Luca was heart broken after losing his partner and Rafe swept in and stole his heart. Well they stole each other’s hearts! This short steamy novel was a page turner filled with a great story, fabulous characters and lots of steam! I would have loved to hear more about Rafe’s past and I think there is a great opportunity for a sequel about this couples next steps.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved these characters!!! Luca was heart broken after losing his partner and Rafe swept in and stole his heart. Well they stole each other’s hearts! This short steamy novel was a page turner filled with a great story, fabulous characters and lots of steam! I would have loved to hear more about Rafe’s past and I think there is a great opportunity for a sequel about this couples next steps.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2022
Leo was just trying to grieve and figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life after his partner had passed. He was traveling around the US when his car broke down. Ryan gave him a tow, but also helped him start living.
Great book. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great book. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
February 15, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/15/2023)! 🎁
May 16, 2022
A Story of Love . . .
Recent widower, Leo de Baldaserri was driving aimlessly in Kansas when his rental car suddenly breaks down with no help in sight. This was supposed to take his mind off his grief at the death of his beloved partner, Luca Santorillo. That plan wasn’t working very well. His phone had only one bar of service. He walked a short distance and finally got a second bar on the phone to call for help. The rental company sent tow truck driver Rafe “Lucky” Turner, a rising-star stockcar driver. Leo followed closely behind as the driver checked out the car. But when Leo almost got knocked over when the driver stood up, he sent Leo to his truck where he would be warm while he waited… out of the way. When the car still would not start with a jump, he loaded it on the flatbed to take it to the garage.
The driver was charming and seemed to say the right things to heal a little of Leo’s aching heart. Leo kept watching for somewhere to stay for the night, but there was nothing at all. He wondered if the man would let him sleep in the garage for the night. He looked at a picture on the wall of a race driver – it was his tow truck driver! The man said his name was Rafe, then explained “Lucky” was a nickname. Since he was in town, he was helping his cousin Rusty who owned the garage. With the motel 50 miles away, Rafe offered a spare room at his house for Leo. He wanted to find out what caused the pain in Leo’s eyes, to remove it and take down the walls Leo kept around himself.
Exhausted, they both went to their rooms until a horrible nightmare made Leo scream out in grief. He woke to find Rafe’s arms around him, calming him, telling him he was safe. But he couldn’t stop shaking. Leo asked if Rafe would stay until he fell asleep again. Leo woke and Rafe was still asleep in the bed with him. He could no longer deny himself as he turned and kissed Rafe who was now waking and verifying this was what Leo wanted from him. But when Leo woke again, he knew he had to get on the road again, away from the guilt he felt at wanting Rafe. So learning that the battery cell problem would take 3 more days before the part came in was not good news – and the nearest car rental was a 6-hour drive away and had no cars available until the end of the week! So Rafe took him with him to a friend who might have the part he needed and who also had asked Rafe to be the guest of honor at a charity event for homeless kids in Denver. Mikey Hudson showed Leo pictures of Rafe, as they were both involved in racing, and told him last year Rafe had anonymously given funds to open a new pediatric cancer research ward at the local hospital, including the equipment to fill it. Rafe had tried to keep Mikey quiet about that. Leo was astonished, and realized there was more to Rafe than he had known. Then Rafe took Leo to buy him a new tuxedo for the evening’s big event.
The two were getting closer all the time. Both thinking about how little time was left to be together. And then a message came from Milan that Leo had to return for a legal problem with Luca’s estate. Rafe wanted to come with him, to support him. But Rafe has not professed his love for him and Leo did not want to fall even harder for a man who didn’t love him. It was time to break it off. But is Leo ready to move on? Rafe makes him feel alive again. But he couldn’t be selfish. He has to do this alone. Heart breaking, Rafe told him he would drive him to the airport.
Recent widower, Leo de Baldaserri was driving aimlessly in Kansas when his rental car suddenly breaks down with no help in sight. This was supposed to take his mind off his grief at the death of his beloved partner, Luca Santorillo. That plan wasn’t working very well. His phone had only one bar of service. He walked a short distance and finally got a second bar on the phone to call for help. The rental company sent tow truck driver Rafe “Lucky” Turner, a rising-star stockcar driver. Leo followed closely behind as the driver checked out the car. But when Leo almost got knocked over when the driver stood up, he sent Leo to his truck where he would be warm while he waited… out of the way. When the car still would not start with a jump, he loaded it on the flatbed to take it to the garage.
The driver was charming and seemed to say the right things to heal a little of Leo’s aching heart. Leo kept watching for somewhere to stay for the night, but there was nothing at all. He wondered if the man would let him sleep in the garage for the night. He looked at a picture on the wall of a race driver – it was his tow truck driver! The man said his name was Rafe, then explained “Lucky” was a nickname. Since he was in town, he was helping his cousin Rusty who owned the garage. With the motel 50 miles away, Rafe offered a spare room at his house for Leo. He wanted to find out what caused the pain in Leo’s eyes, to remove it and take down the walls Leo kept around himself.
Exhausted, they both went to their rooms until a horrible nightmare made Leo scream out in grief. He woke to find Rafe’s arms around him, calming him, telling him he was safe. But he couldn’t stop shaking. Leo asked if Rafe would stay until he fell asleep again. Leo woke and Rafe was still asleep in the bed with him. He could no longer deny himself as he turned and kissed Rafe who was now waking and verifying this was what Leo wanted from him. But when Leo woke again, he knew he had to get on the road again, away from the guilt he felt at wanting Rafe. So learning that the battery cell problem would take 3 more days before the part came in was not good news – and the nearest car rental was a 6-hour drive away and had no cars available until the end of the week! So Rafe took him with him to a friend who might have the part he needed and who also had asked Rafe to be the guest of honor at a charity event for homeless kids in Denver. Mikey Hudson showed Leo pictures of Rafe, as they were both involved in racing, and told him last year Rafe had anonymously given funds to open a new pediatric cancer research ward at the local hospital, including the equipment to fill it. Rafe had tried to keep Mikey quiet about that. Leo was astonished, and realized there was more to Rafe than he had known. Then Rafe took Leo to buy him a new tuxedo for the evening’s big event.
The two were getting closer all the time. Both thinking about how little time was left to be together. And then a message came from Milan that Leo had to return for a legal problem with Luca’s estate. Rafe wanted to come with him, to support him. But Rafe has not professed his love for him and Leo did not want to fall even harder for a man who didn’t love him. It was time to break it off. But is Leo ready to move on? Rafe makes him feel alive again. But he couldn’t be selfish. He has to do this alone. Heart breaking, Rafe told him he would drive him to the airport.
May 19, 2022
This was a short and steamy story which I wish could have developed more. I would have loved to get to know the characters more. Nonetheless, it was a good story. I enjoyed reading what was there. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
This story takes place out of nowhere in Kansas where Leo de Baldaserri was traveling to California in a rented Porsche which broke down. He contacted the rental place and they were going to send someone to town the car. It was Rafe “Lucky” Turner, a famous car racer who was helping his cousin with the auto shop during his “downtime” who towed the rented Porsche. Leo wasn’t thrilled about being stuck in the small town for a week because not surprisingly the auto shop doesn’t carry foreign car parts and they had to special order it which takes time. During the time, Leo had a night stand with Lucky despite his guilt because his husband had passed away. Things developed during the time. This is a good place to stop and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happened!
This story takes place out of nowhere in Kansas where Leo de Baldaserri was traveling to California in a rented Porsche which broke down. He contacted the rental place and they were going to send someone to town the car. It was Rafe “Lucky” Turner, a famous car racer who was helping his cousin with the auto shop during his “downtime” who towed the rented Porsche. Leo wasn’t thrilled about being stuck in the small town for a week because not surprisingly the auto shop doesn’t carry foreign car parts and they had to special order it which takes time. During the time, Leo had a night stand with Lucky despite his guilt because his husband had passed away. Things developed during the time. This is a good place to stop and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happened!
May 2, 2022
Right place, right time. Recent widower, Leo breaks down in the middle of Kansas. His tow truck driver is Rafe/Lucky, a rising stockcar driver. Leo, is driving around deep in his grief over loosing his partner. Rafe, shows up to take care of the car and maybe rescue Leo as well. They have a one nighter that keeps on going. They are in the right place at the right time, exactly when needed. Is Leo, ready to say goodby, let go and move on? Are they now emotionally ready for the next phase of their lives? Good story. Leo and Rafe are good men to step up as needed. They are funny, sassy, strong and are there when needed. I did not want this story to end. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2022
For a short story, this book has a lot going on. Leo is grieving the lover who died six months ago. Rafe just happens to rescue Leo after his car breakdown in Kansas, while Leo is taking some time for himself and driving cross country. With no hotels in the little town he breaks down by, he spends the night with Rafe. The chemistry between these two is fierce, fast and causes Leo to doubt it. Rafe is actually a race car driver and was only he!ping his family tow Leo's car. A few days together finding car parts, sleeping together, talking and finding that each man gas something the other needs.
Sweet story with a HEA. Now to look for Mitch's story!
Sweet story with a HEA. Now to look for Mitch's story!
April 18, 2022
Second book in series and since I enjoyed the first one so much I had to read this one too. Glad I did...Leo was somewhat of a tragic character and he gave me the feels. Rafe/Lucky was there at the right place and time and with these two the sparks flew. I loved that Leo was a "drama queen" and their banter made this a very entertaining read along with all the steamy scenes they had. That ending is what I love about romances and just like the last book, I would love to revisit them in the future.
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.
May 8, 2022
Everything happens when you least expect it.
After Luca lost his partner, he probably didn't think he had room in his heart for another love. Turns out, he was so wrong. Rafe wasn't part of the plan. Well they weren't part of the plan for one another, but once it's right, it's right.
Definitely on the sweet side and thoroughly enjoyed.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
After Luca lost his partner, he probably didn't think he had room in his heart for another love. Turns out, he was so wrong. Rafe wasn't part of the plan. Well they weren't part of the plan for one another, but once it's right, it's right.
Definitely on the sweet side and thoroughly enjoyed.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
May 15, 2022
Leo is fortunate that when his car breaks down in the middle of Kansas his tow driver is Rafe, aka Lucky, who is also a stock car driver. Leo is a widower who is grieving and not expecting that love will come his way again. They have a one night stand but there is more there. Leo needed an assist not only with his car but also with his life and Rafe came into his life at the right time.
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.
May 11, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Leo while traveling to get over the last of his grief breaks down. Rafe is driving the tow truck that rescues him in more than one way. Rafe is the key to Leo finding a new love and realizing that he can take the chance again.
May 16, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I loved the story and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future but sadly it was written in the third person which is a deal breaker for me so I gave it four stars.
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.
May 17, 2022
3,5
For me it was hard to connect with the story. I could go along both the mc's lust and insta attraction. However the whole stay, not stay, come along part felt wrong to me. I think a not together end, at least for now would have been better. But this just my take on this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me it was hard to connect with the story. I could go along both the mc's lust and insta attraction. However the whole stay, not stay, come along part felt wrong to me. I think a not together end, at least for now would have been better. But this just my take on this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2023
Leo and Rafe
Leo took a good friend’s advice after his partner died but his car quit in Kansas. Rafe was on vacation from the racing scene for a month so he drove the tow truck and picked up Leo’s car. Rafe helped Leo when he was having a nightmare but things continued to fast forward. Good book!
Leo took a good friend’s advice after his partner died but his car quit in Kansas. Rafe was on vacation from the racing scene for a month so he drove the tow truck and picked up Leo’s car. Rafe helped Leo when he was having a nightmare but things continued to fast forward. Good book!
June 27, 2023
Enjoyed book two a lot better than book 1. The characters are easier to engage with and easier to root for. Leo is struggling to get over the death of his husband, but then on a road trip , when his car breaks down, I'd rescued by Rafe. The chemistry is strong, thanks to a determined Rafe, Leo's pain and barriers are broken down.
May 3, 2022
This is another good story in this series. This one was more on the sweet side and still worth the read. Looking forward to the next book.
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.
May 15, 2022
T. S. Ankney is a new to me author. I enjoyed reading Fully Loaded. This was insta-love done right. I was glad Leo found a new HEA.
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.
May 16, 2022
The story of Leo and Rafe is actually better than the first one of this series from my perspective. I love reading Leo's struggle and angst and Rafe's determination to fight for him. It is a solid 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.
May 22, 2022
Leo can't get over the death of his partner Luca. His car breaks down and Rafe is the one to help him. Leo is attracted to Rafe and feels guilty about it. I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews