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Painted Bay #3
In Step: A Painted Bay Story
Karma. You reap what you sow, and KANE MARTIN isn’t looking for forgiveness. But the arrival of ABE TYLER in Painted Bay has Kane dreaming of the impossible. The sexy, silver fox choreographer is determined to pull Kane out from the shadows, but Kane’s life is in neat little boxes for a reason.
A past he isn’t proud of.
A family he’s walked away from.
A job he doesn’t deserve.
A secret he’s ashamed of.
But life’s dance can make for unexpected partners, and learning to trust and keep up with the footwork is the name of the game.
Two steps forward, one step back.
It takes two to Tango.
A past he isn’t proud of.
A family he’s walked away from.
A job he doesn’t deserve.
A secret he’s ashamed of.
But life’s dance can make for unexpected partners, and learning to trust and keep up with the footwork is the name of the game.
Two steps forward, one step back.
It takes two to Tango.
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2022
114 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Jay Hogan
26 books915 followersHeart, humour and keeping it real.
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
February 13, 2022
5 “You are the most important thing I can’t live without, Kane. You.” stars
Do you know I’ve never held hands with a man before?” [...] “I’ve done other things with men, but I’ve never held hands.” [...] “Then I’m honoured to be your first.”
Jesus. Fucking. Christ. That pretty much sums up my thoughts about this book. It hit all of my buttons and was just perfect for me. Even if I spent hours trying to find something that I disliked, I wouldn't be able to, because this was exactly everything I have ever wanted in a book. It was my second most anticipated new release of the entire year and safe to say, it lived up to my every expectations.
While this could be read as a standalone if you wanted to, it’s the redemption of someone who did bad things in book 1 of the series so I feel like it would be beneficial to read it in order, so you have the full picture of what the MC did previously.
When we met Kane in book one, it’s because he was one of the main character’s, Judah, bully in high school and he had kicked him really badly and left him bleeding. Which was all I needed to know to want his story. Someone who did bad things getting their redemption is my favourite book trope of all time and the way this was done gave me all of the feels.
Brief summary
Kane just turned 30 and he's living a life he doesn't really enjoy and he is working at the local muscle farm. He is lonely and all he has is his cat, Bossy. Abe, who is 44, is a choreographer who comes to town for 6 weeks to help with a dancing program there. They start hanging out, dancing and through the time they spend together, they fall in love.
First, this book is as much a journey of Kane falling in love with Abe as it is a journey of Kane falling in love with himself. We got to see Kane grow and be able to achieve the things he has always wanted in life but thought that he couldn’t have before. At the start, Kane was so lost and alone in life, but throughout the book, he found love, friends and what he wants to do with his life. It was a beautiful journey and one I loved witnessing.
”But you’re not that person anymore and you deserve to live your life. You deserve that.”
Second, I want to talk about the redemption part because it's one of the best redemptions I have ever read. I liked how the book put a focus on Kane explaining his previous actions to the people he wronged so that he could finally start moving on with his life. Plus, since the story was focused on him making friends and finding a family in a place he felt he didn't belong in, it melted my heart. I love when redemption books focus on showing what brought the character to act badly in the past and how they became a much better person, that's exactly what I want and what I found here. I must admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of Kane before, as he was shown as an evil side character, but throughout this book, I realized that I had fallen in love with him and that he might be my favourite character that Jay Hogan has ever written.
Third, Kane bullied Judah before and thats all the town could remember of him, and Abe is Judah’s friend so he was told everything that Kane did before. A lot of people in town never forgave him for that and he was so scared that he would never able to move on because of it. Yet Abe never judged Kane for what he did in the past. When Abe learnt what Kane did, he knew that Kane had changed since then and he never judged him for his past actions and allowed Kane to explain his side instead. It was just wonderful.
Abe had seen me. Me. Kane Martin. Free of my fucked-up past, the pretence, the hiding, the shame. Abe had simply seen a guy that he apparently found attractive. And wasn’t that just a fucking mind trip?
Fourth, I adored how all of the dramatic events in this book and the angst that happened during it was related to the characters and their lives and not based on outside of the relationship events. It’s my favourite kind of angst and it worked so well in this book.
Fifth, Kane is not used to sharing his emotions. He bottled up his feelings and never talked about them or about himself in the past. So it was harder for him to open up to Abe, yet he still tried so hard to do it. I appreciated how he didn’t run away because of that and how he was always honest, even if it was painful for him to do. These two communicated so well, and even made it a point to always tell each other how they felt and to listen to what the other had to say. It was a thing of beauty.
Sixth, I loved the relationship between Kane and Abe. Abe was very protective and he made sure to defend Kane and say how good of a man he was to everyone that he ever talked to. I love partners who are supportive of each other and no one is more supportive than Abe. If anyone had anything bad to say about Kane, Abe was there to defend him. They always protected each other and were such a well suited couple. Besides, we got to see all of the small moments that made their relationship what it was and that worked for me lots. I just adored everything about their relationship, it really worked for me.
He trusted me. Not just with his body, but with his secrets, his hurt, his tender places. After everything that had happened in his life to break his faith, Kane trusted me.
Side note, the banter between Kane and Abe was also just the best. Dry humour and good banter are things that I love and this book had both of these things in abundance.
Another side note, I just want to mention the sex scenes because they were perfect and so full of emotions that they made me cry my eyes out. It’s not often that a sex scene makes me cry but damn, in this book they tugged at all of my heart strings.
Seventh, just in case it wasn't clear, I adore Kane. I don't even think I can begin to try and count how many times I cried while reading because I felt for him and what he was going through. He seemed so lost and alone in the world and all he wanted was for someone to see him and care about him. It was a feeling I can really relate to, so every time Kane felt that way, I just wanted to give him the biggest hug in the world.
Side note, I also love Abe. I love how he was super fierce with a heart of gold and how much of a protective streak he had. He was the best fit for Kane I could have ever imagined and I just adored him for it.
Eight, I'm pretty sure I will have to drink water every minutes of every day for a week to make up for how much I cried here. I started crying at page 10 and I’m pretty sure I only stopped at the end. This book wrecked me and then put me back together. It was the perfect ratio of hurt to comfort for me, and not only did I cry at the angst but at the comfort too, since it was so sweet and so pure. Everything about this book made me emotional while I read. I’m pretty sure I didn't go a chapter without shedding at least one tear.
Ninth, I really liked how important dancing was to the relationship. It was how they connected and communicated. They shared a lot of quiet moments just dancing together and it was just the sweetest thing.
Tenth, It's no secret that I love everything Jay Hogan has ever written. I have read all of her books (but one) and she is one of if not my favourite writer. But I still want to comment on how good the writing is. She describes every details in a way that makes me feel like I’m there myself. It makes me want to travel to New Zealand so I can have the same experience as the characters. Plus, I also can always relate to the characters and I would love to be their friend. Honestly, I've enjoyed every second I spent reading her books and same goes for this book.
Eleventh, one of my pet peeve in books is when one of the main character has a parent who ruined their life and then forgives them for everything they ever did. I was so glad that this wasn’t the case in this one. Kane had a really bad childhood and he was scared to be gay because of his homophobic father and the book didn’t make it seem like he had to forgive him for what he did to him. That was incredibly refreshing and I just loved it so much.
Finally, this was one of the best reading experiences I ever had. Everything did it for me, the redemption, the characters, the romance, all of it. I don’t think I will be able to stop thinking about this story any time soon.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
Do you know I’ve never held hands with a man before?” [...] “I’ve done other things with men, but I’ve never held hands.” [...] “Then I’m honoured to be your first.”
Jesus. Fucking. Christ. That pretty much sums up my thoughts about this book. It hit all of my buttons and was just perfect for me. Even if I spent hours trying to find something that I disliked, I wouldn't be able to, because this was exactly everything I have ever wanted in a book. It was my second most anticipated new release of the entire year and safe to say, it lived up to my every expectations.
While this could be read as a standalone if you wanted to, it’s the redemption of someone who did bad things in book 1 of the series so I feel like it would be beneficial to read it in order, so you have the full picture of what the MC did previously.
When we met Kane in book one, it’s because he was one of the main character’s, Judah, bully in high school and he had kicked him really badly and left him bleeding. Which was all I needed to know to want his story. Someone who did bad things getting their redemption is my favourite book trope of all time and the way this was done gave me all of the feels.
Brief summary
Kane just turned 30 and he's living a life he doesn't really enjoy and he is working at the local muscle farm. He is lonely and all he has is his cat, Bossy. Abe, who is 44, is a choreographer who comes to town for 6 weeks to help with a dancing program there. They start hanging out, dancing and through the time they spend together, they fall in love.
First, this book is as much a journey of Kane falling in love with Abe as it is a journey of Kane falling in love with himself. We got to see Kane grow and be able to achieve the things he has always wanted in life but thought that he couldn’t have before. At the start, Kane was so lost and alone in life, but throughout the book, he found love, friends and what he wants to do with his life. It was a beautiful journey and one I loved witnessing.
”But you’re not that person anymore and you deserve to live your life. You deserve that.”
Second, I want to talk about the redemption part because it's one of the best redemptions I have ever read. I liked how the book put a focus on Kane explaining his previous actions to the people he wronged so that he could finally start moving on with his life. Plus, since the story was focused on him making friends and finding a family in a place he felt he didn't belong in, it melted my heart. I love when redemption books focus on showing what brought the character to act badly in the past and how they became a much better person, that's exactly what I want and what I found here. I must admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of Kane before, as he was shown as an evil side character, but throughout this book, I realized that I had fallen in love with him and that he might be my favourite character that Jay Hogan has ever written.
Third, Kane bullied Judah before and thats all the town could remember of him, and Abe is Judah’s friend so he was told everything that Kane did before. A lot of people in town never forgave him for that and he was so scared that he would never able to move on because of it. Yet Abe never judged Kane for what he did in the past. When Abe learnt what Kane did, he knew that Kane had changed since then and he never judged him for his past actions and allowed Kane to explain his side instead. It was just wonderful.
Abe had seen me. Me. Kane Martin. Free of my fucked-up past, the pretence, the hiding, the shame. Abe had simply seen a guy that he apparently found attractive. And wasn’t that just a fucking mind trip?
Fourth, I adored how all of the dramatic events in this book and the angst that happened during it was related to the characters and their lives and not based on outside of the relationship events. It’s my favourite kind of angst and it worked so well in this book.
Fifth, Kane is not used to sharing his emotions. He bottled up his feelings and never talked about them or about himself in the past. So it was harder for him to open up to Abe, yet he still tried so hard to do it. I appreciated how he didn’t run away because of that and how he was always honest, even if it was painful for him to do. These two communicated so well, and even made it a point to always tell each other how they felt and to listen to what the other had to say. It was a thing of beauty.
Sixth, I loved the relationship between Kane and Abe. Abe was very protective and he made sure to defend Kane and say how good of a man he was to everyone that he ever talked to. I love partners who are supportive of each other and no one is more supportive than Abe. If anyone had anything bad to say about Kane, Abe was there to defend him. They always protected each other and were such a well suited couple. Besides, we got to see all of the small moments that made their relationship what it was and that worked for me lots. I just adored everything about their relationship, it really worked for me.
He trusted me. Not just with his body, but with his secrets, his hurt, his tender places. After everything that had happened in his life to break his faith, Kane trusted me.
Side note, the banter between Kane and Abe was also just the best. Dry humour and good banter are things that I love and this book had both of these things in abundance.
Another side note, I just want to mention the sex scenes because they were perfect and so full of emotions that they made me cry my eyes out. It’s not often that a sex scene makes me cry but damn, in this book they tugged at all of my heart strings.
Seventh, just in case it wasn't clear, I adore Kane. I don't even think I can begin to try and count how many times I cried while reading because I felt for him and what he was going through. He seemed so lost and alone in the world and all he wanted was for someone to see him and care about him. It was a feeling I can really relate to, so every time Kane felt that way, I just wanted to give him the biggest hug in the world.
Side note, I also love Abe. I love how he was super fierce with a heart of gold and how much of a protective streak he had. He was the best fit for Kane I could have ever imagined and I just adored him for it.
Eight, I'm pretty sure I will have to drink water every minutes of every day for a week to make up for how much I cried here. I started crying at page 10 and I’m pretty sure I only stopped at the end. This book wrecked me and then put me back together. It was the perfect ratio of hurt to comfort for me, and not only did I cry at the angst but at the comfort too, since it was so sweet and so pure. Everything about this book made me emotional while I read. I’m pretty sure I didn't go a chapter without shedding at least one tear.
Ninth, I really liked how important dancing was to the relationship. It was how they connected and communicated. They shared a lot of quiet moments just dancing together and it was just the sweetest thing.
Tenth, It's no secret that I love everything Jay Hogan has ever written. I have read all of her books (but one) and she is one of if not my favourite writer. But I still want to comment on how good the writing is. She describes every details in a way that makes me feel like I’m there myself. It makes me want to travel to New Zealand so I can have the same experience as the characters. Plus, I also can always relate to the characters and I would love to be their friend. Honestly, I've enjoyed every second I spent reading her books and same goes for this book.
Eleventh, one of my pet peeve in books is when one of the main character has a parent who ruined their life and then forgives them for everything they ever did. I was so glad that this wasn’t the case in this one. Kane had a really bad childhood and he was scared to be gay because of his homophobic father and the book didn’t make it seem like he had to forgive him for what he did to him. That was incredibly refreshing and I just loved it so much.
Finally, this was one of the best reading experiences I ever had. Everything did it for me, the redemption, the characters, the romance, all of it. I don’t think I will be able to stop thinking about this story any time soon.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
March 7, 2022
Jay Hogan has really hit her stride with the Painted Bay series, and In Step is another fabulous, heartfelt story. Even if you normally don't enjoy a bully redemption arc, you will love this age-gap, dancer romance.
I have mixed emotions about bullies getting redemption romances, but this isn't quite that as it isn't a romance between a bully and his victim, but rather that bully aspect is a side plot. There is sufficient guilt and groveling on that front, but what really takes the focus is Kane and Abe's lovely, tender romance story. Though Kane's past is painful (no spoilers here!!), it really made for a rich, emotional story, and I think Jay Hogan did a great job developing these characters.
Where I faltered a bit was in the length and some of the more dramatic elements, but that's always where Jay Hogan's books get docked a bit for me. Some of the scenes with Kane's father felt a little OTT, and the book got a little cluttered at times and the end got dragged out, but overall, the story was just very beautiful and easy to read. This story is especially good if you like a lot of side character involvement, and I highly recommend that this book be read last in the series and not as a stand-alone.
A wonderful, hard-fought romance between two very deserving guys. This series will always have a special place in my heart.
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I have mixed emotions about bullies getting redemption romances, but this isn't quite that as it isn't a romance between a bully and his victim, but rather that bully aspect is a side plot. There is sufficient guilt and groveling on that front, but what really takes the focus is Kane and Abe's lovely, tender romance story. Though Kane's past is painful (no spoilers here!!), it really made for a rich, emotional story, and I think Jay Hogan did a great job developing these characters.
Where I faltered a bit was in the length and some of the more dramatic elements, but that's always where Jay Hogan's books get docked a bit for me. Some of the scenes with Kane's father felt a little OTT, and the book got a little cluttered at times and the end got dragged out, but overall, the story was just very beautiful and easy to read. This story is especially good if you like a lot of side character involvement, and I highly recommend that this book be read last in the series and not as a stand-alone.
A wonderful, hard-fought romance between two very deserving guys. This series will always have a special place in my heart.
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March 3, 2022
5 stars ☆
I pressed my lips to his forehead and whispered, ❝I love you.❞
His eyes shot open and I jumped back. ❝Holy shit! You're supposed to be asleep.❞
He smiled and drew me in for a slow morning kiss, then said, ❝I love you too.❞
misunderstood characters and redemption stories are some of my book trope kryptonites so to have it combined in one book? even better, and that was ✨Kane Martin✨ in a nutshell. i skipped right to this book after hearing it had a redemption story (although i do plan to read the first two books as well bc both couples caught my eye, especially Leroy/Fox) and i loved how it was handled. imo, you could truly feel Kane's regret for what he did to Judah during their high school years and it was nice knowing his side of the story. i loved him so much. i felt for him bc you could see how much he wanted to make amends with everyone and that he was trying to be better. 🥺 although everyone kinda treated him like an outcast, that's where my favorite sweet silver fox, Abe Tyler, came in. i loved how respectful he was towards Kane, never going past his boundaries. the way he was understanding towards him, the way he was willing to listen to his story. Judah was hurt and in pain, so i don't blame him at all for not wanting to listen to Kane; however, reading about Abe being the one to see the good in Kane and... just being there for him had my heart going crazy with all the feels. i loved the development of their romance bc we were able to get bits and pieces of them spending time with one another and enjoying each other's presence; not to mention, their tension was hot. i absolutely adored how, every time Kane retreated bc he thought Abe deserved better than a "fuck up" like him, Abe pulled him back in and showed him reasons why they're perfect together. they had such a sweet romance, and i loved every minute of it. 🥰
✧ the way they call each other beautiful/pretty 🥺🥺
Abe to Kane:
❝The tango is a dance of passion, remember? And Argentinian tango is all about connection and being caught in the intensity of those emotions. And so—❞ He ran his lazy gaze achingly slow over me once again, then licked his lips. ❝—what did you expect, with you looking like that?❞ He smiled.
❝Looking like what?❞ I huffed, my cheeks searing at the compliment. ❝I'm wearing sweats with a hole in the knee and held up by wishful thinking, an old jersey of Fox's shirt that's three sizes too big, and a pair of way-too-expensive-for-me socks that would walk out of here on their own if they had a better offer.❞
He cupped the side of my face. ❝And you look beautiful. So damn beautiful.❞
Kane to Abe:
❝Heterochromia, remember?❞ He gave me another one of those liquid smiles that turned my knees to jelly.
❝Or just fucking pretty,❞ I answered in all seriousness. And to my shock, he blushed. There and gone in a flash, but I hadn't been mistaken.
✧ this Leroy/Fox moment
❝Damn right.❞ Leroy slouched in his seat and Fox pressed a line of kisses down his cheek. ❝You missed a spot.❞ Leroy pointed to his lips when Fox was done.
Fox obliged. ❝Better?❞
❝For now. But you owe me big time, and I intend to collect.❞
Fox waggled his eyebrows. ❝I can't wait.❞
I HAVEN'T READ THEIR BOOK YET AND I'M ALREADY IN LOVE. 😭
this was my first Jay Hogan book, but definitely won't be my last. i loved her writing style and how it immediately pulled me in and i'm looking forward to reading more of her books! 😌✨
I pressed my lips to his forehead and whispered, ❝I love you.❞
His eyes shot open and I jumped back. ❝Holy shit! You're supposed to be asleep.❞
He smiled and drew me in for a slow morning kiss, then said, ❝I love you too.❞
misunderstood characters and redemption stories are some of my book trope kryptonites so to have it combined in one book? even better, and that was ✨Kane Martin✨ in a nutshell. i skipped right to this book after hearing it had a redemption story (although i do plan to read the first two books as well bc both couples caught my eye, especially Leroy/Fox) and i loved how it was handled. imo, you could truly feel Kane's regret for what he did to Judah during their high school years and it was nice knowing his side of the story. i loved him so much. i felt for him bc you could see how much he wanted to make amends with everyone and that he was trying to be better. 🥺 although everyone kinda treated him like an outcast, that's where my favorite sweet silver fox, Abe Tyler, came in. i loved how respectful he was towards Kane, never going past his boundaries. the way he was understanding towards him, the way he was willing to listen to his story. Judah was hurt and in pain, so i don't blame him at all for not wanting to listen to Kane; however, reading about Abe being the one to see the good in Kane and... just being there for him had my heart going crazy with all the feels. i loved the development of their romance bc we were able to get bits and pieces of them spending time with one another and enjoying each other's presence; not to mention, their tension was hot. i absolutely adored how, every time Kane retreated bc he thought Abe deserved better than a "fuck up" like him, Abe pulled him back in and showed him reasons why they're perfect together. they had such a sweet romance, and i loved every minute of it. 🥰
✧ the way they call each other beautiful/pretty 🥺🥺
Abe to Kane:
❝The tango is a dance of passion, remember? And Argentinian tango is all about connection and being caught in the intensity of those emotions. And so—❞ He ran his lazy gaze achingly slow over me once again, then licked his lips. ❝—what did you expect, with you looking like that?❞ He smiled.
❝Looking like what?❞ I huffed, my cheeks searing at the compliment. ❝I'm wearing sweats with a hole in the knee and held up by wishful thinking, an old jersey of Fox's shirt that's three sizes too big, and a pair of way-too-expensive-for-me socks that would walk out of here on their own if they had a better offer.❞
He cupped the side of my face. ❝And you look beautiful. So damn beautiful.❞
Kane to Abe:
❝Heterochromia, remember?❞ He gave me another one of those liquid smiles that turned my knees to jelly.
❝Or just fucking pretty,❞ I answered in all seriousness. And to my shock, he blushed. There and gone in a flash, but I hadn't been mistaken.
✧ this Leroy/Fox moment
❝Damn right.❞ Leroy slouched in his seat and Fox pressed a line of kisses down his cheek. ❝You missed a spot.❞ Leroy pointed to his lips when Fox was done.
Fox obliged. ❝Better?❞
❝For now. But you owe me big time, and I intend to collect.❞
Fox waggled his eyebrows. ❝I can't wait.❞
I HAVEN'T READ THEIR BOOK YET AND I'M ALREADY IN LOVE. 😭
this was my first Jay Hogan book, but definitely won't be my last. i loved her writing style and how it immediately pulled me in and i'm looking forward to reading more of her books! 😌✨
February 20, 2022
4.5 dancing stars🕺🕺 ⭐️
Hot, sweet, sexy, emotional. The tango. OMG THE TANGO. The first tango set my skin on fire.
Heaven and hell. The salt on his skin prickling my tongue. I hovered close enough to keep the plush of his lips just a heartbeat away, his rough stubble a siren song to that deep fucking need in my chest, and I brushed my cheek against it.
Abe. Pure male sexiness. Not what I expected from the ballet choreographer.
Kane. Sweet. Vulnerable. Funny. Not what I expected from the backstory.
I loved the push and pull between them. I loved how they fell for each other even though it had a time limit. Even though Abe would be gone soon.
This was my favourite of the series. I especially appreciated that the other characters didn’t go (completely) crazy dramatic and selfish (Leeroy and Judah, I’m looking at you).
Hot, sweet, sexy, emotional. The tango. OMG THE TANGO. The first tango set my skin on fire.
Heaven and hell. The salt on his skin prickling my tongue. I hovered close enough to keep the plush of his lips just a heartbeat away, his rough stubble a siren song to that deep fucking need in my chest, and I brushed my cheek against it.
Abe. Pure male sexiness. Not what I expected from the ballet choreographer.
Kane. Sweet. Vulnerable. Funny. Not what I expected from the backstory.
I loved the push and pull between them. I loved how they fell for each other even though it had a time limit. Even though Abe would be gone soon.
This was my favourite of the series. I especially appreciated that the other characters didn’t go (completely) crazy dramatic and selfish (Leeroy and Judah, I’m looking at you).
January 23, 2022
While book two still just shades it as my favourite in this series, I have to say, Kane and Abe ran them close to take over at the top.
This book is nothing like I thought it would be. Kane is nothing like the image we've been given of him in the previous stories, although he is also the first to tell people that he does not deserve their pity, or their friendship.
His one act of violence while still a schoolboy has had a lasting effect on Judah, Leroy and the rest of the Madden clan but as he slowly opens up to Abe, you find out more about the life Kane was living at that time.
While it never excuses what happened, it explains it. There was so much more going on than just a bully hitting out at an easy target.
I think Jay dealt with the whole journey, from the tentative friendship which arises between Judah's choreographer friend Abe, through to the final ending, with supreme skill.
There are some very painful elements which tug at the heartstrings, but also a whole lot of hope and thoughts for a renewed life.
Heed the trigger warnings, there's plenty to go at with this book, Kane has had a life that really wasn't pleasant and he's affected by his experiences in a multitude of ways.
But also, take joy from someone finding out that mistakes made, and one act of impulse, doesn't have to be the thing that defines the rest of your life.
As someone who used to dance, that element of this book worked so beautifully for me. Jay uses the vehicle of the Argentine Tango in which to express the changes that Kane goes through as he opens up to Abe and then to the wider Madden family.
it's a dance of passion, of emotion, it's intimate and connected, it mimics the acts of both sex and love, and it draws you into a world in which two men can dance together and no-one blinks (AT's roots are as a same sex dance in the ghettos of Buenos Aires where men would dance together to attract the attention of the local prostitutes).
I utterly adored everything about the dance elements which anchor this book, from the work Judah and Abe are doing with the young kids to show them that life with a disability doesn't have to be limiting, to the growing love between Abe and Kane.
So, while Leroy and Fox still take first place in my heart, I will also have a space for Abe and Kane, and a relationship they worked so hard to reach.
There's no ridiculous dramady in this one, the angst isn't from misunderstanding or miscommunication, tensions arise from outside plot events and there is never a sense that things are being played out for plot's sake.
It's a beautifully organic romance that develops through two people finding a connection and then working at it when it becomes clear there's far more than just a lustful attraction involved.
Kane is a complex and vulnerable man, and in Abe he finds someone who can help shoulder his load, for Abe, Kane is somewhere to come home to. I adored everything about this book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This book is nothing like I thought it would be. Kane is nothing like the image we've been given of him in the previous stories, although he is also the first to tell people that he does not deserve their pity, or their friendship.
His one act of violence while still a schoolboy has had a lasting effect on Judah, Leroy and the rest of the Madden clan but as he slowly opens up to Abe, you find out more about the life Kane was living at that time.
While it never excuses what happened, it explains it. There was so much more going on than just a bully hitting out at an easy target.
I think Jay dealt with the whole journey, from the tentative friendship which arises between Judah's choreographer friend Abe, through to the final ending, with supreme skill.
There are some very painful elements which tug at the heartstrings, but also a whole lot of hope and thoughts for a renewed life.
Heed the trigger warnings, there's plenty to go at with this book, Kane has had a life that really wasn't pleasant and he's affected by his experiences in a multitude of ways.
But also, take joy from someone finding out that mistakes made, and one act of impulse, doesn't have to be the thing that defines the rest of your life.
As someone who used to dance, that element of this book worked so beautifully for me. Jay uses the vehicle of the Argentine Tango in which to express the changes that Kane goes through as he opens up to Abe and then to the wider Madden family.
it's a dance of passion, of emotion, it's intimate and connected, it mimics the acts of both sex and love, and it draws you into a world in which two men can dance together and no-one blinks (AT's roots are as a same sex dance in the ghettos of Buenos Aires where men would dance together to attract the attention of the local prostitutes).
I utterly adored everything about the dance elements which anchor this book, from the work Judah and Abe are doing with the young kids to show them that life with a disability doesn't have to be limiting, to the growing love between Abe and Kane.
So, while Leroy and Fox still take first place in my heart, I will also have a space for Abe and Kane, and a relationship they worked so hard to reach.
There's no ridiculous dramady in this one, the angst isn't from misunderstanding or miscommunication, tensions arise from outside plot events and there is never a sense that things are being played out for plot's sake.
It's a beautifully organic romance that develops through two people finding a connection and then working at it when it becomes clear there's far more than just a lustful attraction involved.
Kane is a complex and vulnerable man, and in Abe he finds someone who can help shoulder his load, for Abe, Kane is somewhere to come home to. I adored everything about this book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 23, 2022
*** 3.5 stars ***
It started good, the middle dragged, but I loved the last 15% or so.
It started good, the middle dragged, but I loved the last 15% or so.
February 14, 2022
4,5 stars
Absolutely fabulous!
On so many accounts!
What Kane did to Judah in High School is inexcusable. And we have seen how badly it effected Judah in the earlier books of this great series. I was intrigued to see whether Jay Hogan would be able to ‘turn him around’ and redeem him.
Of course, she did, and as you can detect from my rating, in a most spectacular way.
Kane’s wrong-doing in the past is not shoved under the carpet by any means. It is discussed and not taken lightly. I loved the honesty and the common sense that’s applied here. And mostly, how it is resolved eventually.
While Abe and Kane are attracted to each other instantly, their romance develops slowly and organically. No wonder, considering what hurdles they have to jump to even get to that first kiss. The angst, the worry, the fact that Kane doesn’t think he can be out, like ever, in the vicinity of Judah and his homophobic father … just to mention a few.
Mainly this is Kane’s anguished journey of finding himself and being who he is. The character development is huuuuge! And I loved that. So many feels! I even shed a tear at one crucial point.
I also like that the author gave the two men time at the end to really consider their relationship. 6 weeks is not a long time and changing your whole life after that wouldn't have felt right. What we get is so much more sensible than a quick fairy-tale ending.
The only thing overdone a little bit, imo, is the storyline concerning Kane’s father, but that’s on me.
Great addition to this highly entertaining series!
Absolutely fabulous!
On so many accounts!
What Kane did to Judah in High School is inexcusable. And we have seen how badly it effected Judah in the earlier books of this great series. I was intrigued to see whether Jay Hogan would be able to ‘turn him around’ and redeem him.
Of course, she did, and as you can detect from my rating, in a most spectacular way.
Kane’s wrong-doing in the past is not shoved under the carpet by any means. It is discussed and not taken lightly. I loved the honesty and the common sense that’s applied here. And mostly, how it is resolved eventually.
While Abe and Kane are attracted to each other instantly, their romance develops slowly and organically. No wonder, considering what hurdles they have to jump to even get to that first kiss. The angst, the worry, the fact that Kane doesn’t think he can be out, like ever, in the vicinity of Judah and his homophobic father … just to mention a few.
Mainly this is Kane’s anguished journey of finding himself and being who he is. The character development is huuuuge! And I loved that. So many feels! I even shed a tear at one crucial point.
I also like that the author gave the two men time at the end to really consider their relationship. 6 weeks is not a long time and changing your whole life after that wouldn't have felt right. What we get is so much more sensible than a quick fairy-tale ending.
The only thing overdone a little bit, imo, is the storyline concerning Kane’s father, but that’s on me.
Great addition to this highly entertaining series!
November 9, 2023
Reread/Relisten: November 2023
The more I read this series the more I love Kane and strongly dislike Judah lol. Judah holds this grudge for so long on not only Kane but his brother Leroy that it's annoying and the world doesn't revolve around him... haha as you can tell I am not a fan of Judah anymore haha.
I love Kane and Abe though, they are so cute together and I loved seeing Kane's transformation from quiet outcast to part of the "family".
I do hope there are more books in this town in the future, but probably not haha.
Original Read/Listen: August 2022
Audio: 5 stars (on Everand-aka the new Scribd)
Book: 4.5 stars
Kane my sweet misunderstood boy, you were my favorite since book two and kinda in book one with the brief introduction we got of you. I know you were seen as a bully but I am so glad we got your side of the story. And what a heartbreaking side it was.
Abe you brought Kane out of his shell and showed him what it meant to be loved. That was the perfect.
I did agree with Abe at one point when he asked why it’s all about Judah.. and yeah it was pretty much all about Judah and how he’d react to things even 2 books later haha. That was annoying but I understood.
I loved Gary Furlongs narration his accents 😘 chef kiss! They are perfection! Ahaha
I was hoping to get Patrick’s book.. maybe that’s another series, but who knows. Overall a great series and so glad I decided to give this try. This is making me rethink reading the Auckland Med series.
The more I read this series the more I love Kane and strongly dislike Judah lol. Judah holds this grudge for so long on not only Kane but his brother Leroy that it's annoying and the world doesn't revolve around him... haha as you can tell I am not a fan of Judah anymore haha.
I love Kane and Abe though, they are so cute together and I loved seeing Kane's transformation from quiet outcast to part of the "family".
I do hope there are more books in this town in the future, but probably not haha.
Original Read/Listen: August 2022
Audio: 5 stars (on Everand-aka the new Scribd)
Book: 4.5 stars
Kane my sweet misunderstood boy, you were my favorite since book two and kinda in book one with the brief introduction we got of you. I know you were seen as a bully but I am so glad we got your side of the story. And what a heartbreaking side it was.
Abe you brought Kane out of his shell and showed him what it meant to be loved. That was the perfect.
I did agree with Abe at one point when he asked why it’s all about Judah.. and yeah it was pretty much all about Judah and how he’d react to things even 2 books later haha. That was annoying but I understood.
I loved Gary Furlongs narration his accents 😘 chef kiss! They are perfection! Ahaha
I was hoping to get Patrick’s book.. maybe that’s another series, but who knows. Overall a great series and so glad I decided to give this try. This is making me rethink reading the Auckland Med series.
February 13, 2022
5 gold stars of praise for incredible writing in this 3rd book of the Painted Bay series. I adored book 1 (Off Balance), felt a little flat about book 2 (that was on me - I’m not a fan of angry men), but this one has been the best of the series. 100%.
Absolutely stellar storyline, character development, and emotional expression. The dance scenes were explained in such vivid detail it literally took my breath away. Putting you into a dance scene with such descriptiveness that you feel like you’re there… that’s incredibly skilful writing.
The passion between the two was heart-pounding. The emotional development of the relationship between Kane & Abe was just beautiful. The passion, the longing, the desire, the empathetic understanding…. GAH… many sad AND happy tears. And the HEA was just perfect.
Lastly I was really impressed with the authentic & accurate way living with HIV was represented. It’s not a death sentence anymore, and people can live long & happy lives with the right treatments & precautions. Great to see it represented as such, instead of doom & gloom.
Is this it for Painted Bay? I hope not. There are other side characters I’d love to see get their HEAs.
Absolutely stellar storyline, character development, and emotional expression. The dance scenes were explained in such vivid detail it literally took my breath away. Putting you into a dance scene with such descriptiveness that you feel like you’re there… that’s incredibly skilful writing.
The passion between the two was heart-pounding. The emotional development of the relationship between Kane & Abe was just beautiful. The passion, the longing, the desire, the empathetic understanding…. GAH… many sad AND happy tears. And the HEA was just perfect.
Lastly I was really impressed with the authentic & accurate way living with HIV was represented. It’s not a death sentence anymore, and people can live long & happy lives with the right treatments & precautions. Great to see it represented as such, instead of doom & gloom.
Is this it for Painted Bay? I hope not. There are other side characters I’d love to see get their HEAs.
May 27, 2024
Well deserved 5 stars!! This book was for me the best of this series I mean I adores book one so so much (book 2 wasn’t really a hit for me) but the third one here was definitely my favorite!
Back in the previous books my interest for Kane was perking up and I wanted to know his story. And damn his story hit …I mean I had my conjectures but i definitely got slapped with unexpected things. And I loved it.
The storyline and the character development was absolutely incredible all the scenes carried so much emotional deepness that my heart really arched from time to time.
The understanding, longing, desire, love and trust Abe had for Kane and Kane for Abe absolutely sold me! They both were so beautiful together, they immediately clicked and both just couplet go of watch other it was heartwarming, so that I really didn’t wanted to let them go.
And one other thing I have to point out here were the dancing scene! Uff they were so beautifully written I enjoyed them immensely.
Back in the previous books my interest for Kane was perking up and I wanted to know his story. And damn his story hit …I mean I had my conjectures but i definitely got slapped with unexpected things. And I loved it.
The storyline and the character development was absolutely incredible all the scenes carried so much emotional deepness that my heart really arched from time to time.
The understanding, longing, desire, love and trust Abe had for Kane and Kane for Abe absolutely sold me! They both were so beautiful together, they immediately clicked and both just couplet go of watch other it was heartwarming, so that I really didn’t wanted to let them go.
And one other thing I have to point out here were the dancing scene! Uff they were so beautifully written I enjoyed them immensely.
March 3, 2022
Once in a while you stumble upon a book that's pure magic.
And I'm happy to report that this is one of those books.
So. Worth. The. Hype.
I'm still too overwhelmed for words, that's why I'll just post the link to the review Florence wrote, because she captured perfectly what I feel about this book:
Florence's review
To make it short: I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, and I've probably witnessed one of the best kisses ever described in a book. I'm all over the place emotionally, and I'm sure it's one of the books I'll revisit from time to time.
It's standalone, but you should start with the first book from this series to enjoy every single bit, and to appreciate the character development.
And now I really feel the need to plan a trip to Painted Bay, New Zealand and to meet all these wonderful people, take a dance lesson from Judah under Morgan's watchful stare, eat Cora's terrible stew, watch grumpy Leroy melt under Fox's gaze. I want to watch Abe and Kane dance a tango in the sand, and I want to see Bossy the cat chase Prue and Tank, the now-slim cat. I want to see Hannah dancing with her crutches and see in there's a thing going on between her father, Terry and Jam.
All the stars for this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
And I'm happy to report that this is one of those books.
So. Worth. The. Hype.
I'm still too overwhelmed for words, that's why I'll just post the link to the review Florence wrote, because she captured perfectly what I feel about this book:
Florence's review
To make it short: I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, and I've probably witnessed one of the best kisses ever described in a book. I'm all over the place emotionally, and I'm sure it's one of the books I'll revisit from time to time.
It's standalone, but you should start with the first book from this series to enjoy every single bit, and to appreciate the character development.
And now I really feel the need to plan a trip to Painted Bay, New Zealand and to meet all these wonderful people, take a dance lesson from Judah under Morgan's watchful stare, eat Cora's terrible stew, watch grumpy Leroy melt under Fox's gaze. I want to watch Abe and Kane dance a tango in the sand, and I want to see Bossy the cat chase Prue and Tank, the now-slim cat. I want to see Hannah dancing with her crutches and see in there's a thing going on between her father, Terry and Jam.
All the stars for this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 6, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
I wish I could say the same for my own range of emotions regarding my last foray with Jay Hogan that failed to leave a favorable impression. Perhaps the fault lay mainly in Kane's tragic backstory, which bore much resemblance to another author's work, which I also did not have many fond words to say about it. I think I have difficulty with a bully redemption arc, one which mainly concerns a homophobic one, who sadly is also suffering from internalized homophobia, or in Kane's case, a painful traumatic childhood that paints him as a poor tragic soul that makes it impossible for the reader and citizens to forgive and forget. 😕 And if you don't, you're the asshole. Rather than having it feel as an emotional revelation, as a reader, I feel manipulated, instead; why can't we let someone carry a grudge? 🙎🏻♀️
It feels like we're coerced by a pity fest, followed by a guilt trip, whereas compared to Judah who had all the support, here's Kane, all by his lonesome. The deliberate comparison feels unfair, rather than fairly earned. 😐 Like, because no one in Painted Bay was aware of Kane's whole story and how he suffered, so let bygones be bygones... I guess, it's part of letting anger go and being the bigger man and all, but a part of me can't swallow it as easily as others... I am in no way disparaging or diminishing the unfortunate circumstances in which he faced; the sudden revelation certainly strikes a nerve. But as the drama continued, it felt forced and unnecessary and then, unrealistic. Too much trauma fails to then land a punch and just induces eye rolling instead. 🙄
“The ache in my chest, Abe’s kind words, the want, the loneliness, the emotion of the day, and the hopelessness of the hunger pouring through my veins.”
Thirty-year-old Kane Martin's relationship with forty-four-year-old Abe of the soft smile, breath-taking eyes, and delicious body did not stir my heart in the way that it may have been intended. There was no heat to their yearning, no charm to their desire, because somehow they were doing everything right to make it work! Kane's life did take a turn for the better with his arrival, in more ways than one, but even when they fell In Step of a dance as sensual as the tango, no butterflies were dancing in my heart. It was a soulless tune...🥱 Both were saying the right thing at the right moment - everything was so perfect and understanding between them - how they both knew their romance would be a short-lived one due to Abe's six weeks time limit - their chemistry still fell flat.
Despite Abe's own personal concerns, the author did not dive deep enough into it, so I never really cared enough about his own pressing issues with his ailing mother or his commitment to his talent. The fact that even their long-distance dynamic did not play much of a setback to their relationship also felt too comfortable for my angsty heart. 🤷🏻♀️ Even Kane's issue with his father wasn't resolved quite in the way that felt appropriate; mainly off-script, rather than one moment where all his found family rallied together for him, which disturbingly made me laugh uncomfortably at how wild wild west it felt. 😐
“Abe had walked into my lonely life and brought music and dance and joy and courage and love along with him, and I’d never be the same.”
I might say it was the writing; at times, I was told of their affection and heat, rather than shown it. I also honestly don't understand why Jay H.'s writing feels so drawn-out; it's not even that daunting of a length, but maybe it's the way it packs in so much. 😮💨 That so many characters are pushed together with various scenarios playing out that it takes me out of the main romance. Maybe it's the small town curse of being too cozy that I find myself stifled by, instead. Or everyone being so mushy and lovey-dovey along with the main couple that I was struggling. As much as it pains me to admit, I was skimming towards the end; I was that bored. 😴
Knowing how authors have a tendency of creating crossovers of their side characters, I was curious about two of the supporting cast here - Jam and Patrick; however, taking a look at their already extensive backlog, I'm surprised that there does not seem to be any book dedicated to their future development - yet... 😢 Or maybe I missed it. Terry has one, but just looking at the friendliness of the cover is making me wary of what I'll be getting myself into, so I'd rather not take the risk of future disappointment. 🏃🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️
“It’s exciting, stressful, exhilarating, rewarding, hair-tearing-out frustrating, and I love every freaking minute of it.”
I wish I could say the same for my own range of emotions regarding my last foray with Jay Hogan that failed to leave a favorable impression. Perhaps the fault lay mainly in Kane's tragic backstory, which bore much resemblance to another author's work, which I also did not have many fond words to say about it. I think I have difficulty with a bully redemption arc, one which mainly concerns a homophobic one, who sadly is also suffering from internalized homophobia, or in Kane's case, a painful traumatic childhood that paints him as a poor tragic soul that makes it impossible for the reader and citizens to forgive and forget. 😕 And if you don't, you're the asshole. Rather than having it feel as an emotional revelation, as a reader, I feel manipulated, instead; why can't we let someone carry a grudge? 🙎🏻♀️
It feels like we're coerced by a pity fest, followed by a guilt trip, whereas compared to Judah who had all the support, here's Kane, all by his lonesome. The deliberate comparison feels unfair, rather than fairly earned. 😐 Like, because no one in Painted Bay was aware of Kane's whole story and how he suffered, so let bygones be bygones... I guess, it's part of letting anger go and being the bigger man and all, but a part of me can't swallow it as easily as others... I am in no way disparaging or diminishing the unfortunate circumstances in which he faced; the sudden revelation certainly strikes a nerve. But as the drama continued, it felt forced and unnecessary and then, unrealistic. Too much trauma fails to then land a punch and just induces eye rolling instead. 🙄
“The ache in my chest, Abe’s kind words, the want, the loneliness, the emotion of the day, and the hopelessness of the hunger pouring through my veins.”
Thirty-year-old Kane Martin's relationship with forty-four-year-old Abe of the soft smile, breath-taking eyes, and delicious body did not stir my heart in the way that it may have been intended. There was no heat to their yearning, no charm to their desire, because somehow they were doing everything right to make it work! Kane's life did take a turn for the better with his arrival, in more ways than one, but even when they fell In Step of a dance as sensual as the tango, no butterflies were dancing in my heart. It was a soulless tune...🥱 Both were saying the right thing at the right moment - everything was so perfect and understanding between them - how they both knew their romance would be a short-lived one due to Abe's six weeks time limit - their chemistry still fell flat.
Despite Abe's own personal concerns, the author did not dive deep enough into it, so I never really cared enough about his own pressing issues with his ailing mother or his commitment to his talent. The fact that even their long-distance dynamic did not play much of a setback to their relationship also felt too comfortable for my angsty heart. 🤷🏻♀️ Even Kane's issue with his father wasn't resolved quite in the way that felt appropriate; mainly off-script, rather than one moment where all his found family rallied together for him, which disturbingly made me laugh uncomfortably at how wild wild west it felt. 😐
“Abe had walked into my lonely life and brought music and dance and joy and courage and love along with him, and I’d never be the same.”
I might say it was the writing; at times, I was told of their affection and heat, rather than shown it. I also honestly don't understand why Jay H.'s writing feels so drawn-out; it's not even that daunting of a length, but maybe it's the way it packs in so much. 😮💨 That so many characters are pushed together with various scenarios playing out that it takes me out of the main romance. Maybe it's the small town curse of being too cozy that I find myself stifled by, instead. Or everyone being so mushy and lovey-dovey along with the main couple that I was struggling. As much as it pains me to admit, I was skimming towards the end; I was that bored. 😴
Knowing how authors have a tendency of creating crossovers of their side characters, I was curious about two of the supporting cast here - Jam and Patrick; however, taking a look at their already extensive backlog, I'm surprised that there does not seem to be any book dedicated to their future development - yet... 😢 Or maybe I missed it. Terry has one, but just looking at the friendliness of the cover is making me wary of what I'll be getting myself into, so I'd rather not take the risk of future disappointment. 🏃🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️
June 18, 2025
✨Infinite stars for these babies ✨
This is definitely my favorite of the series. Kane’s been around, and I kind of always knew he had been hurt badly. This book caught me by surprise, and when I saw it would be like this, I left my usual devouring reading method and started savoring the words because I didn't want it to end.
Trope List
Age Gap (about 15 years)
Hurt/Comfort (so much of it!)
Redemption Arc
Grumpy/Repressed x Flirty/Confident
Found Family (plus actual family healing)
Small Town Romance
Bossy Top Energy (Abe, respectfully)
Dance as Metaphor
“I’m broken, don’t love me” x “Watch me try anyway”
Healing Through Touch (and tango 👀)
This is about healing old wounds, finding a home and a future. They both break their own rules and together find the right rhythm, the right dance for each other. This was beautiful. I love both MCs immensely—Kane with his eternal guilt (boy, he has packed so much pain and shame), and finding Abe, the older, more experienced, and steady hand he needed. This was pure perfection. His redemption was so raw and real—I forgave him, and I hope his father rots in hell when he gets there.
Seeing Kane come out was incredible, and him putting his father in his place? A thing of beauty. Watching him come out of that thick shell was the best.who would had thought that lane, with his head always down, pushing people away, hiding from the world, living in guilt and regret had an adorable sexy and sassy side 😍😍😍😍😍
I loved their talks, their banter, their flirting, and oh boy, their dancing and them together—explosive and so, so romantic. This is a slow burn done right. I've read a lot of first kisses, but this one? Special. Intimate, soft, tender, but with so much meaning I felt it in my bones! But… BUT when they burn? You have no idea. Just their kisses are enough to fuel a freaking town, gods. Their chemistry is so acute it practically crackles off the page—like static electricity you want to touch, even if it singes. Every glance, every brush of fingers, feels like foreplay. And when they finally gave in, I cried. It was beautiful and emotional AF. Still recovering!!!!!
The found family in this one just exceeds my expectations. Leroy and Fox are so important to Kane, and obviously Cara with all her “excessive” food 😀 Wonderful character. Even Judah grew on me—he was insufferable in the last book, and he took his time in this one too, but it was real and worth it. Best redemption arc I've read 👏 Made me soooo happy!
Also, incredible side characters. The way they welcomed Kane to the family and helped with his disgusting father was incredible. And saving Possum??? I thought my heart couldn't melt any more, but it did!
The twist—god, I was so shocked. Poor baby. On top of everything. This book is too intense and raw. If I loved them already, after this… I will never recover. Never! Abe hugging Kane immediately was just balm to my hurting soul, never judging, always supportive. Those tears were my tears.
I know Abe’s career was important, but honestly I wished he had put Kane first soner, I also know he got incredible opportunities but I didn't like that he left. Maybe it’s more realistic and I’d made his decision more final and in this way he would never resent Kane, but well poor baby Kane alone in Painted Bay when he finally found love and freedom… he took his sweet time 😑 but In the end I liked their arrangement of Abe’s work, it felt like a decision made with a reality check, with a commitment for a future.
I loved the end, and this book will stay with and in me for a long time ❤️
A few seconds later, the band launched into the opening guitar and violin combination of “Tango Cancion” by the Gotan Project, and Kane and I were given the floor.
I pulled Kane into my arms, and he melted against me, strong and fluid, confident and sexy, and so far from the man I’d held in my arms almost a year before, it took my breath away.
I put my lips by his ear. “Are you ready to dance, baby?”
He turned his face, bringing us eyelash to eyelash. “With you? Always.”
I wish Patrick got his own book with Kelly 😢
This is definitely my favorite of the series. Kane’s been around, and I kind of always knew he had been hurt badly. This book caught me by surprise, and when I saw it would be like this, I left my usual devouring reading method and started savoring the words because I didn't want it to end.
Trope List
Age Gap (about 15 years)
Hurt/Comfort (so much of it!)
Redemption Arc
Grumpy/Repressed x Flirty/Confident
Found Family (plus actual family healing)
Small Town Romance
Bossy Top Energy (Abe, respectfully)
Dance as Metaphor
“I’m broken, don’t love me” x “Watch me try anyway”
Healing Through Touch (and tango 👀)
This is about healing old wounds, finding a home and a future. They both break their own rules and together find the right rhythm, the right dance for each other. This was beautiful. I love both MCs immensely—Kane with his eternal guilt (boy, he has packed so much pain and shame), and finding Abe, the older, more experienced, and steady hand he needed. This was pure perfection. His redemption was so raw and real—I forgave him, and I hope his father rots in hell when he gets there.
Seeing Kane come out was incredible, and him putting his father in his place? A thing of beauty. Watching him come out of that thick shell was the best.who would had thought that lane, with his head always down, pushing people away, hiding from the world, living in guilt and regret had an adorable sexy and sassy side 😍😍😍😍😍
I loved their talks, their banter, their flirting, and oh boy, their dancing and them together—explosive and so, so romantic. This is a slow burn done right. I've read a lot of first kisses, but this one? Special. Intimate, soft, tender, but with so much meaning I felt it in my bones! But… BUT when they burn? You have no idea. Just their kisses are enough to fuel a freaking town, gods. Their chemistry is so acute it practically crackles off the page—like static electricity you want to touch, even if it singes. Every glance, every brush of fingers, feels like foreplay. And when they finally gave in, I cried. It was beautiful and emotional AF. Still recovering!!!!!
The found family in this one just exceeds my expectations. Leroy and Fox are so important to Kane, and obviously Cara with all her “excessive” food 😀 Wonderful character. Even Judah grew on me—he was insufferable in the last book, and he took his time in this one too, but it was real and worth it. Best redemption arc I've read 👏 Made me soooo happy!
Also, incredible side characters. The way they welcomed Kane to the family and helped with his disgusting father was incredible. And saving Possum??? I thought my heart couldn't melt any more, but it did!
The twist—god, I was so shocked. Poor baby. On top of everything. This book is too intense and raw. If I loved them already, after this… I will never recover. Never! Abe hugging Kane immediately was just balm to my hurting soul, never judging, always supportive. Those tears were my tears.
I know Abe’s career was important, but honestly I wished he had put Kane first soner, I also know he got incredible opportunities but I didn't like that he left. Maybe it’s more realistic and I’d made his decision more final and in this way he would never resent Kane, but well poor baby Kane alone in Painted Bay when he finally found love and freedom… he took his sweet time 😑 but In the end I liked their arrangement of Abe’s work, it felt like a decision made with a reality check, with a commitment for a future.
I loved the end, and this book will stay with and in me for a long time ❤️
A few seconds later, the band launched into the opening guitar and violin combination of “Tango Cancion” by the Gotan Project, and Kane and I were given the floor.
I pulled Kane into my arms, and he melted against me, strong and fluid, confident and sexy, and so far from the man I’d held in my arms almost a year before, it took my breath away.
I put my lips by his ear. “Are you ready to dance, baby?”
He turned his face, bringing us eyelash to eyelash. “With you? Always.”
I wish Patrick got his own book with Kelly 😢
March 14, 2022
I really liked the first book, but somehow I hated almost everyone in the second book. I thought Judah, whom I loved before, was harsh and too rigid in his thinking. I started to loathe them all, so when this book came out I wasn’t sure I should read it.
But I’m glad I did!
I loved Kane from the first moment I met him, and I was glad he was still as wonderful in this book. I also really liked Abe for him.
But I was still hesitant about the whole Kane/Judah thing. Would Judah finally see the real Kane? And the answer to that is, yes, he did. I thought it was actually pretty well done. Judah had been seeing the real Kane for a while, even though he tried to still keep onto his anger. So when he found out the truth and everything that happened, he was finally ready to listen. Not at first of course, but he came around quick enough.
I also liked Leroy in this. I hated him in the first book, he annoyed me in the second book, but here I finally started to like him.
Still didn’t like Cora though. She was way too meddling, even though she got put in her place a couple of times.
Overall I’m really glad I read this.
But I’m glad I did!
I loved Kane from the first moment I met him, and I was glad he was still as wonderful in this book. I also really liked Abe for him.
But I was still hesitant about the whole Kane/Judah thing. Would Judah finally see the real Kane? And the answer to that is, yes, he did. I thought it was actually pretty well done. Judah had been seeing the real Kane for a while, even though he tried to still keep onto his anger. So when he found out the truth and everything that happened, he was finally ready to listen. Not at first of course, but he came around quick enough.
I also liked Leroy in this. I hated him in the first book, he annoyed me in the second book, but here I finally started to like him.
Still didn’t like Cora though. She was way too meddling, even though she got put in her place a couple of times.
Overall I’m really glad I read this.
February 11, 2022
What a book! It was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
May 17, 2023
Beautiful romance ❤
OMG! This lady kills me every time! So much emotion in this one. Kane knocked me for six, and beyond. As the story unfolds, it's full of humour, drama, relationship issues and very romantic scenes. It is beautifully written and well edited, and the characters are all so vibrant. I loved seeing Leroy and Fox again. Fox is amazing and handles grumpy Leroy, (not really), magnificently.
There is denial, self chastising, and also realisation that all decisions are not the best for all. However, love conquers all, and a wonderful story finishes just the way you want it to. It is easy to read, emotional, but not dark. It has two adorable feline characters, which show where Kane's heart really lies. Abe is like a fairy godfather, sent to save Kane from himself. What a wonderful love story! In my opinion, it most definitely is not a stand alone, must be read as part of a series , not one to be missed. Must add that this is the best cover ever!
OMG! This lady kills me every time! So much emotion in this one. Kane knocked me for six, and beyond. As the story unfolds, it's full of humour, drama, relationship issues and very romantic scenes. It is beautifully written and well edited, and the characters are all so vibrant. I loved seeing Leroy and Fox again. Fox is amazing and handles grumpy Leroy, (not really), magnificently.
There is denial, self chastising, and also realisation that all decisions are not the best for all. However, love conquers all, and a wonderful story finishes just the way you want it to. It is easy to read, emotional, but not dark. It has two adorable feline characters, which show where Kane's heart really lies. Abe is like a fairy godfather, sent to save Kane from himself. What a wonderful love story! In my opinion, it most definitely is not a stand alone, must be read as part of a series , not one to be missed. Must add that this is the best cover ever!
June 19, 2022
2.5 rounded up. Unpopular opinion but I know it's me not the book. This author and me don't gel I'm afraid. I found the book draggy and a few scenes (not sex scenes) were way longer than they needed to be IMHO. I really liked Kane and the way this book shows how someone who was bullied can then become a bully to others. The redemption was successful (even though, let's be honest, I don't remember hating Kane that much). I liked the MCs but quite a bit was missing to me, especially for Abe who was kind of inconsistent, even though I loved how he stood up for Kane. I don't really get why they fell in love and was really not a fan of the "OMG I'm falling in love after 2 weeks and he is leaving in 4 what am I to do" angst. Who thinks like that? I didn't like Judah in this (I did not really love him in his own book and hated him in book 2 that I DNFed so you know 🤷♀️). I'm not sure how I feel about the way Kane's "relationship" with his dad was resolved. All in all I can see why people love this book and I really liked the end but it was just OK for me overall and I just think it's because this author is not for me. Oh well 🤷♀️
February 26, 2022
❝are you ready to dance, baby?❞
he turned his face, bringing us eyelash to eyelash. ❝with you? always.❞
in step is the story of love, dance, redemption, and becoming the truest version of yourself ✨
𖤐𖤐𖤐𖤐
October 29, 2022
I've given this an A at AAR.
Note: Readers are advised to read Off Balance (Painted Bay book one) before In Step, so as to gain a fuller understanding of important backstory. It’s impossible to review In Step without reference to that backstory, so please be aware that there are spoilers for Off Balance and On Board ahead.
I’ve been reading Jay Hogan’s books since 2018 when I picked up Digging Deep , and was sufficiently impressed to want to read more of her work. Since then, she’s published a dozen more books, and is going from strength to strength as an author, as evinced by the fact that I’ve given six of her more recent books DIK status. On Board - the second in her Painted Bay series set in New Zealand’s Northland - made my Best of 2021 list, and was always going to be a tough act to follow, but I’m pleased to report that In Step (one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2022) is a worthy successor. Like the previous book, it’s powerfully emotional romance coupled with an extremely well-crafted tale of redemption and forgiveness, but it has a very different feel despite those similarities.
We’ve only really known Kane Martin as the bully who made Judah Madden’s life a misery when they were at school, and who viciously assaulted him when they were sixteen. Kane was living and working on his family’s farm until six months previously, and when Judah’s mother Cora found him living out of his car, she offered him a job working for the Madden’s mussel farming business. Judah’s brother Leroy wasn’t best pleased – he and Judah have only recently begun to repair their fractured relationship and Leroy wasn’t about to do anything that would throw a spanner into the works, but he also didn’t like the idea of going back on Cora’s promise. He offered Kane a job, but made it very clear that coming to work for him was conditional on Judah’s giving the okay.
Judah agreed on the proviso that Kane keeps well out of his way and doesn’t attempt to approach or speak to him – and Kane has obeyed that condition to the letter. He now lives in the bedsit over the garage at the Madden homestead and keeps very much to himself, accepting as his due the fact that he’ll never be anything but an outsider in Painted Bay. The heartache Kane feels at being permanently on the outside as he watches the large, fond gatherings of Madden family and friends from which he’s deliberately excluded is superbly articulated and really tugs at the heartstrings (they got quite the work-out reading this one!)
Still, he’s grateful to have a job he enjoys, a roof over his head and space to work out what he wants to do next. But his quiet existence on the fringes of life in Painted Bay is suddenly up-ended by the appearance of an old friend and colleague of Judah’s, choreographer Abe Tyler, who has come to town to help with the performance Judah is putting on to showcase the hard work of the kids in his dance therapy classes.
Abe is forty-four (to Kane’s thirty) and has worked hard to carve himself out a career as a freelance choreographer. He loves the work and all the travel it entails; it’s a somewhat nomadic existence but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Until, that is, he meets Kane and starts to think the impossible – that he might want to put down roots in the sort of small town he’s vowed never to live in.
Abe and Kane are drawn to each other from the start, but Kane isn’t out and tries hard to keep his distance, years of hiding his homosexuality helping him to keep his attraction to the other man very much under wraps. But it’s not easy. It’s been years since Kane has felt – or allowed himself to feel – a connection with anyone, and the sizzling chemistry thrumming between him and the gorgeous silver-fox choreographer eventually becomes too much to ignore. Kane and Abe agree hook-up secretly for the remainder of Abe’s visit to Painted Bay; neither of them is looking for anything permanent and it’s good that they both know where they stand. After he leaves Painted Bay, Abe has a three-month gig booked in the US, then one in Europe, and Kane doesn’t plan on sticking around either, knowing he needs to move on and to somewhere where he’s not constantly judged for something he did as a desperate and scared teen. They both have plans, and a relationship doesn’t figure in any of them. Except… what they’re doing and what they are to each other very quickly stops feeling like a fling and starts feeling like… well, something else.
I said in my review of On Board that I hoped the author would write a story for Kane, as I was sure there was one there worth telling, and she’s done him proud. He’s complex and vulnerable, likeable and endearing, and he’s been through a lot, but never, ever does he try to use that as an excuse for what he did to Judah. I appreciated the explanation for what happened and learning there was much more to it than a queer kid desperate to conceal his queerness by lashing out at an easy target, and it’s very clear that Kane lives with what he did every day, sure he doesn’t deserve forgiveness – even his own. It’s only when Abe makes clear his interest in spending time with him and getting to know him that Kane, for the first time in his life, starts to feel truly seen and realises just how much he’s longed for that. To Abe, he’s not the stupid kid who did a terrible thing, and he realises it’s time he stopped defining himself by that one act of violence, that he’s a good person and that he deserves to be happy. The scenes in which he and Judah finally come face to face and address the past are painful and deeply emotional but also very real, and watching Kane come into his own and start to live an authentic life is wonderful and uplifting.
There’s a learning journey for Abe, too, as he starts to think that perhaps the life he’s led so far – a life he loves and which has been good to him – is perhaps not the one he wants for his future.
The romance between these two very different men is passionate, sexy and beautifully written, and I loved the way their growing emotional connection is reflected through their dancing the Argentinian Tango together, and the way Kane’s growing confidence in the dance mirrors the personal changes he’s going through as he opens himself up to Abe, to life and to possibilities. Even though In Step is very much Kane’s show, Abe is a strong presence in the story, being exactly the supportive, generous and insightful partner Kane needs. There are no silly misunderstandings or contrived conflicts here; instead we’ve got two grown men acting their ages and not their shoe-sizes who recognise that what they have is special, are willing to take a risk, to admit they want more and are prepared to work at it.
In Step is a gorgeous romance full of insight and genuine emotion that will bring a tear to the eye and a lump to the throat in the best of ways. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable , the relationships – both familial and friendship – are expertly written, and the chemistry between the leads leaps off the page. It’s a marvellous way to close out the Painted Bay series and I’m happy to recommend it unreservedly.
Note: Readers are advised to read Off Balance (Painted Bay book one) before In Step, so as to gain a fuller understanding of important backstory. It’s impossible to review In Step without reference to that backstory, so please be aware that there are spoilers for Off Balance and On Board ahead.
I’ve been reading Jay Hogan’s books since 2018 when I picked up Digging Deep , and was sufficiently impressed to want to read more of her work. Since then, she’s published a dozen more books, and is going from strength to strength as an author, as evinced by the fact that I’ve given six of her more recent books DIK status. On Board - the second in her Painted Bay series set in New Zealand’s Northland - made my Best of 2021 list, and was always going to be a tough act to follow, but I’m pleased to report that In Step (one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2022) is a worthy successor. Like the previous book, it’s powerfully emotional romance coupled with an extremely well-crafted tale of redemption and forgiveness, but it has a very different feel despite those similarities.
We’ve only really known Kane Martin as the bully who made Judah Madden’s life a misery when they were at school, and who viciously assaulted him when they were sixteen. Kane was living and working on his family’s farm until six months previously, and when Judah’s mother Cora found him living out of his car, she offered him a job working for the Madden’s mussel farming business. Judah’s brother Leroy wasn’t best pleased – he and Judah have only recently begun to repair their fractured relationship and Leroy wasn’t about to do anything that would throw a spanner into the works, but he also didn’t like the idea of going back on Cora’s promise. He offered Kane a job, but made it very clear that coming to work for him was conditional on Judah’s giving the okay.
Judah agreed on the proviso that Kane keeps well out of his way and doesn’t attempt to approach or speak to him – and Kane has obeyed that condition to the letter. He now lives in the bedsit over the garage at the Madden homestead and keeps very much to himself, accepting as his due the fact that he’ll never be anything but an outsider in Painted Bay. The heartache Kane feels at being permanently on the outside as he watches the large, fond gatherings of Madden family and friends from which he’s deliberately excluded is superbly articulated and really tugs at the heartstrings (they got quite the work-out reading this one!)
Still, he’s grateful to have a job he enjoys, a roof over his head and space to work out what he wants to do next. But his quiet existence on the fringes of life in Painted Bay is suddenly up-ended by the appearance of an old friend and colleague of Judah’s, choreographer Abe Tyler, who has come to town to help with the performance Judah is putting on to showcase the hard work of the kids in his dance therapy classes.
Abe is forty-four (to Kane’s thirty) and has worked hard to carve himself out a career as a freelance choreographer. He loves the work and all the travel it entails; it’s a somewhat nomadic existence but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Until, that is, he meets Kane and starts to think the impossible – that he might want to put down roots in the sort of small town he’s vowed never to live in.
Abe and Kane are drawn to each other from the start, but Kane isn’t out and tries hard to keep his distance, years of hiding his homosexuality helping him to keep his attraction to the other man very much under wraps. But it’s not easy. It’s been years since Kane has felt – or allowed himself to feel – a connection with anyone, and the sizzling chemistry thrumming between him and the gorgeous silver-fox choreographer eventually becomes too much to ignore. Kane and Abe agree hook-up secretly for the remainder of Abe’s visit to Painted Bay; neither of them is looking for anything permanent and it’s good that they both know where they stand. After he leaves Painted Bay, Abe has a three-month gig booked in the US, then one in Europe, and Kane doesn’t plan on sticking around either, knowing he needs to move on and to somewhere where he’s not constantly judged for something he did as a desperate and scared teen. They both have plans, and a relationship doesn’t figure in any of them. Except… what they’re doing and what they are to each other very quickly stops feeling like a fling and starts feeling like… well, something else.
I said in my review of On Board that I hoped the author would write a story for Kane, as I was sure there was one there worth telling, and she’s done him proud. He’s complex and vulnerable, likeable and endearing, and he’s been through a lot, but never, ever does he try to use that as an excuse for what he did to Judah. I appreciated the explanation for what happened and learning there was much more to it than a queer kid desperate to conceal his queerness by lashing out at an easy target, and it’s very clear that Kane lives with what he did every day, sure he doesn’t deserve forgiveness – even his own. It’s only when Abe makes clear his interest in spending time with him and getting to know him that Kane, for the first time in his life, starts to feel truly seen and realises just how much he’s longed for that. To Abe, he’s not the stupid kid who did a terrible thing, and he realises it’s time he stopped defining himself by that one act of violence, that he’s a good person and that he deserves to be happy. The scenes in which he and Judah finally come face to face and address the past are painful and deeply emotional but also very real, and watching Kane come into his own and start to live an authentic life is wonderful and uplifting.
There’s a learning journey for Abe, too, as he starts to think that perhaps the life he’s led so far – a life he loves and which has been good to him – is perhaps not the one he wants for his future.
The romance between these two very different men is passionate, sexy and beautifully written, and I loved the way their growing emotional connection is reflected through their dancing the Argentinian Tango together, and the way Kane’s growing confidence in the dance mirrors the personal changes he’s going through as he opens himself up to Abe, to life and to possibilities. Even though In Step is very much Kane’s show, Abe is a strong presence in the story, being exactly the supportive, generous and insightful partner Kane needs. There are no silly misunderstandings or contrived conflicts here; instead we’ve got two grown men acting their ages and not their shoe-sizes who recognise that what they have is special, are willing to take a risk, to admit they want more and are prepared to work at it.
In Step is a gorgeous romance full of insight and genuine emotion that will bring a tear to the eye and a lump to the throat in the best of ways. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable , the relationships – both familial and friendship – are expertly written, and the chemistry between the leads leaps off the page. It’s a marvellous way to close out the Painted Bay series and I’m happy to recommend it unreservedly.
April 13, 2024
We learn a few things in this fascinating age-gap story. We are informed on HIV, PrEP, anal douching, and past bullying.
It all starts with a dance. Our guys have complicated lives, we learn about the pasts, and Kane's is heartbreaking, because his childhood affects today's relationships. We do not like his Dad, and the distant siblings have issues. Kane has inherited half of the family farm from his Mom, but Dear old hate-filled Dad makes it difficult.
* Kane is 30, longer blonde hair and blue eyed,
is slim, HIV, and had bullies classmates, but now we hear why. He's working on the mussel farm, after he left his Dad's.
* Abe, 44, a dancer/teacher has dark hair with silver,
and has heterochromia. He's come to the small town to help Judah, (teaching kids, some handicapped to learn what they can accomplish.)
Abe teaches Kane the tango, and they are forming a friendship.
We see Kane overcome his failures and grow into his new self, strong and standing up for himself all the way.
We see Abe, the world traveler, an extraordinary dancer, with his giving heart, begin to feel more emotions than he ever had previously, plus it's Kane who has charmed him. Kane has changed since childhood.
Abe only sees the man Kane is now, while Kane finds acceptance.
They are sizzling together, and that leads to first times for Kane, and super hot sexy times.
The characters are realistic, with the hurt, forgiveness, banter, understanding and struggles. It's a serious tale and has big revelations.
We are then treated to an ending and epilogue that thrills us.
ENJOY !
=====
It all starts with a dance. Our guys have complicated lives, we learn about the pasts, and Kane's is heartbreaking, because his childhood affects today's relationships. We do not like his Dad, and the distant siblings have issues. Kane has inherited half of the family farm from his Mom, but Dear old hate-filled Dad makes it difficult.
* Kane is 30, longer blonde hair and blue eyed,
is slim, HIV, and had bullies classmates, but now we hear why. He's working on the mussel farm, after he left his Dad's.
* Abe, 44, a dancer/teacher has dark hair with silver,
and has heterochromia. He's come to the small town to help Judah, (teaching kids, some handicapped to learn what they can accomplish.)
Abe teaches Kane the tango, and they are forming a friendship.
We see Kane overcome his failures and grow into his new self, strong and standing up for himself all the way.
We see Abe, the world traveler, an extraordinary dancer, with his giving heart, begin to feel more emotions than he ever had previously, plus it's Kane who has charmed him. Kane has changed since childhood.
Abe only sees the man Kane is now, while Kane finds acceptance.
They are sizzling together, and that leads to first times for Kane, and super hot sexy times.
The characters are realistic, with the hurt, forgiveness, banter, understanding and struggles. It's a serious tale and has big revelations.
We are then treated to an ending and epilogue that thrills us.
ENJOY !
=====
June 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Gah! This one gave me all the feels!
This is my first book by Jay Hogan but it’s certainly not my last.
With a backdrop of knowledgeable dance, Abe and Kane were the perfect spotlight. Seriously, the chemistry between these two was off the charts.
Not only were they amazing together but each individual character was wonderful. From Kane’s almost broken soul with a past he can’t escape. To Abe being effortlessly charismatic and sweet natured.
Abe took one look at the misanthrope that Kane seemed to be and he saw a man worth knowing. While everyone else kept him on the fringe, Abe wanted to know everything about this beautiful man.
And as he made Kane bloom like a goddam flower you saw how lovely he was inside and out. A tortured soul weighed down with regrets with a giant soft spot for animals.
The heat simmered between them beautifully, as Abe taught him how to tango until their mutual desires overflowed.
The tango was the third main character and like I said before it was described perfectly. Either Ms Hogan has a ton of dance experience or she did some excellent research.
I regret not reading the two books prior first because the entire cast of characters was a hoot. I adored all the lusty shenanigans that went down. I just couldn’t wait to meet Abe and Kane and there’s nothing holding me back from getting to know the other two couples.
Gah! This one gave me all the feels!
This is my first book by Jay Hogan but it’s certainly not my last.
With a backdrop of knowledgeable dance, Abe and Kane were the perfect spotlight. Seriously, the chemistry between these two was off the charts.
Not only were they amazing together but each individual character was wonderful. From Kane’s almost broken soul with a past he can’t escape. To Abe being effortlessly charismatic and sweet natured.
Abe took one look at the misanthrope that Kane seemed to be and he saw a man worth knowing. While everyone else kept him on the fringe, Abe wanted to know everything about this beautiful man.
And as he made Kane bloom like a goddam flower you saw how lovely he was inside and out. A tortured soul weighed down with regrets with a giant soft spot for animals.
The heat simmered between them beautifully, as Abe taught him how to tango until their mutual desires overflowed.
The tango was the third main character and like I said before it was described perfectly. Either Ms Hogan has a ton of dance experience or she did some excellent research.
I regret not reading the two books prior first because the entire cast of characters was a hoot. I adored all the lusty shenanigans that went down. I just couldn’t wait to meet Abe and Kane and there’s nothing holding me back from getting to know the other two couples.
July 12, 2022
4.25 stars
“Kane trusted me.
I drove into his mouth again and again as he held me close.
He trusted me. Not just with his body, but with his secrets, his hurt, his tender places. After everything that had happened in his life to break his faith, Kane trusted me.”
I’m several weeks removed from reading this, but I still remember the things I loved about it. I loved Kane in all his heartbreaking hard-knock life. Gawd this guy made me want to make me cry! What with his asshole abusive father, losing his mom as a kid, crippling guilt over his bullying past, humbling dependency on his victim’s family (plus a huge secret I’m not going to spoil).
And then Abe, a sexy silver fox choreographer, comes to Painted Bay for the summer and shakes up Kane’s world. He’s a breath of fresh air, passionate, kind, and dances a wicked tango. He sees past Kane’s reputation as a former bully and can’t reconcile it with the gentle, shy man he’s come to know. Abe takes the time to get to know Kane; he’s interested in him and cares for him. He stands up for Kane when people don’t want to give him a second chance. I love that Abe is even willing to risk his long-standing friendship with Jude to defend Kane.
And talk about some lovely relationship development! Kane’s and Abe’s relationship starts out as a friendship revolving around tango lessons. There’s an immediate attraction between the two men yet Kane is wary about it given Abe’s close friendship with Jude. So Abe in his desire to get to know Kane draws him in under the pretext of giving him tango lessons. But the lessons soon heat up and only serve to fuel their undeniable attraction. Kane eventually throws caution to the wind, deciding that he too is worthy of a slice of pleasure and gives in to a whirlwind romance.
I love how the book does a great job of handling Kane’s redemption. Kane was undoubtedly a nasty bully when he was younger. He beat up Jude so badly he landed in hospital. There’s no way you can excuse this. But the author sensitively builds a case for the circumstances which led Kane to become a bully. And for his part, Kane was incredibly remorseful afterwards and has been racked by crippling guilt ever since. He’s been trying to repent for his sins since then. He repeatedly tries to apologize to Jude, but Jude doesn’t want to hear him out.
Jude’s bitter feelings toward Kane and the long, fraught road towards forgiveness was realistically portrayed. One of my pet peeves is when authors make forgiveness seem like an easy thing. It’s not. It’s hard and painful and often takes years to achieve. It’s tough to overcome such hurt and resentment, especially for something as deeply traumatic as bullying. Growing up as the only out gay kid in small-town New Zealand must have been bad enough, but to be a flamboyant, in your face dancer must have been doubly tough.
Minor Quibbles
— The tango sometimes felt overused/gimmicky.
— Abe was a bit too perfect of a boyfriend. This seems to be a thing in the series.
“You are the most important thing I can’t live without, Kane. You.”
Series Ratings
Off Balance: 4.5 stars
On Board: 4 stars
In Step: 4.25 stars
“Kane trusted me.
I drove into his mouth again and again as he held me close.
He trusted me. Not just with his body, but with his secrets, his hurt, his tender places. After everything that had happened in his life to break his faith, Kane trusted me.”
I’m several weeks removed from reading this, but I still remember the things I loved about it. I loved Kane in all his heartbreaking hard-knock life. Gawd this guy made me want to make me cry! What with his asshole abusive father, losing his mom as a kid, crippling guilt over his bullying past, humbling dependency on his victim’s family (plus a huge secret I’m not going to spoil).
And then Abe, a sexy silver fox choreographer, comes to Painted Bay for the summer and shakes up Kane’s world. He’s a breath of fresh air, passionate, kind, and dances a wicked tango. He sees past Kane’s reputation as a former bully and can’t reconcile it with the gentle, shy man he’s come to know. Abe takes the time to get to know Kane; he’s interested in him and cares for him. He stands up for Kane when people don’t want to give him a second chance. I love that Abe is even willing to risk his long-standing friendship with Jude to defend Kane.
And talk about some lovely relationship development! Kane’s and Abe’s relationship starts out as a friendship revolving around tango lessons. There’s an immediate attraction between the two men yet Kane is wary about it given Abe’s close friendship with Jude. So Abe in his desire to get to know Kane draws him in under the pretext of giving him tango lessons. But the lessons soon heat up and only serve to fuel their undeniable attraction. Kane eventually throws caution to the wind, deciding that he too is worthy of a slice of pleasure and gives in to a whirlwind romance.
I love how the book does a great job of handling Kane’s redemption. Kane was undoubtedly a nasty bully when he was younger. He beat up Jude so badly he landed in hospital. There’s no way you can excuse this. But the author sensitively builds a case for the circumstances which led Kane to become a bully. And for his part, Kane was incredibly remorseful afterwards and has been racked by crippling guilt ever since. He’s been trying to repent for his sins since then. He repeatedly tries to apologize to Jude, but Jude doesn’t want to hear him out.
Jude’s bitter feelings toward Kane and the long, fraught road towards forgiveness was realistically portrayed. One of my pet peeves is when authors make forgiveness seem like an easy thing. It’s not. It’s hard and painful and often takes years to achieve. It’s tough to overcome such hurt and resentment, especially for something as deeply traumatic as bullying. Growing up as the only out gay kid in small-town New Zealand must have been bad enough, but to be a flamboyant, in your face dancer must have been doubly tough.
Minor Quibbles
— The tango sometimes felt overused/gimmicky.
— Abe was a bit too perfect of a boyfriend. This seems to be a thing in the series.
“You are the most important thing I can’t live without, Kane. You.”
Series Ratings
Off Balance: 4.5 stars
On Board: 4 stars
In Step: 4.25 stars
September 9, 2024
Reread September 2024:
God this book is perfect. I reread the entire series and I love all three books, but this book is SPECIAL.
Original Read February 2022:
I just took 24 hours off between finishing this book and writing this review, which is not something I normally do. I needed time to digest how much I was absolutely taken over by this book and how wonderfully emotional and romantic it was.
I liked book one, and book two was amazing. This book is even a step above that. This is largely about Kane who is in need of some serious redemption and does he ever get it. I had tears so many times while reading this I lost count. Obviously we feel closer to Kane in this story, since we know him, but Abe is also an absolutely delightful surprise. He’s definitely his own character and he is such a kind, warm, and loving MC.
This is emotional right from the start. Kane was pretty shitty in high school to Judah, and definitely caused one especially horrible experience for Judah that was violent. We learn what drove Kane to doing that, and why he was the way he was. Kane doesn’t expect any excuses for his behaviour and fully owns up to everything he did in the past. When the book starts, Kane is incredibly lonely and incredibly in love with animals, two things that immediately told me this would be a character I fell in love with. Watching how his character grew from a child who was the product of his environment to the exact opposite was such a treat.
Abe was immediately interested in Kane and went out of his way to get to know him AND make him feel comfortable being who he was. Kane felt like Abe really saw him for who he truly was and those emotions jumped off the page at me. Abe was warm and compassionate with Kane, and patience and understanding were top qualities of his. Kane gave Abe everything he had been missing in previous relationships that lead to falling in love. That was something I really appreciated about this story - it was heading towards love right from the first meeting. We never really took side roads into delusional fuck buddies or denial ridden temporary conveniences. The relationship grew naturally from attraction to love and nobody tried to deny any of it. Aside from the usual “we should take things slow,” both Abe and Kane allowed themselves to feel their feelings and communicate their feelings which was just super wonderful.
The dance aspect was shockingly sensual and emotional, and such a wonderful way for Abe and Kane to connect. The sex scenes were incredibly intimate, vulnerable, and loving. There was a ton of romantic scenes that provided the base of their relationships - small touches, compliments, kind words, strangely touching hand holding - and that is something I crave in romance novels. Abe was the driving force in a lot of this.
I loved how Kane’s family issues were resolved, and how all the angst in the story was external to the relationship. I didn’t love how Judah was kind of made out to be a bad guy yet again, when he’s really not if you see him in his own book. His feelings I think were amplified in this book to create tension and the initial confrontation was a bit over the top, but easily looked over because the resolution was perfect and the rest of the book was as well. I do have to say Leroy and Fox were an absolute delight in this book.
The found-family here for Kane and Abe both was really touching. They do both have family elsewhere, but created a close knit one in Painted Bay.
I can’t really put this more into words to explain how much I loved it, but I definitely don’t think this should ever be read as a stand-alone because a lot of the emotional fulfillment here comes from the backstory provided to us in previous books. I would love to read more from these two.
Lastly, HUGE wow to a beautiful cover!!! More of these types of covers in romance please.
God this book is perfect. I reread the entire series and I love all three books, but this book is SPECIAL.
Original Read February 2022:
I just took 24 hours off between finishing this book and writing this review, which is not something I normally do. I needed time to digest how much I was absolutely taken over by this book and how wonderfully emotional and romantic it was.
I liked book one, and book two was amazing. This book is even a step above that. This is largely about Kane who is in need of some serious redemption and does he ever get it. I had tears so many times while reading this I lost count. Obviously we feel closer to Kane in this story, since we know him, but Abe is also an absolutely delightful surprise. He’s definitely his own character and he is such a kind, warm, and loving MC.
This is emotional right from the start. Kane was pretty shitty in high school to Judah, and definitely caused one especially horrible experience for Judah that was violent. We learn what drove Kane to doing that, and why he was the way he was. Kane doesn’t expect any excuses for his behaviour and fully owns up to everything he did in the past. When the book starts, Kane is incredibly lonely and incredibly in love with animals, two things that immediately told me this would be a character I fell in love with. Watching how his character grew from a child who was the product of his environment to the exact opposite was such a treat.
Abe was immediately interested in Kane and went out of his way to get to know him AND make him feel comfortable being who he was. Kane felt like Abe really saw him for who he truly was and those emotions jumped off the page at me. Abe was warm and compassionate with Kane, and patience and understanding were top qualities of his. Kane gave Abe everything he had been missing in previous relationships that lead to falling in love. That was something I really appreciated about this story - it was heading towards love right from the first meeting. We never really took side roads into delusional fuck buddies or denial ridden temporary conveniences. The relationship grew naturally from attraction to love and nobody tried to deny any of it. Aside from the usual “we should take things slow,” both Abe and Kane allowed themselves to feel their feelings and communicate their feelings which was just super wonderful.
The dance aspect was shockingly sensual and emotional, and such a wonderful way for Abe and Kane to connect. The sex scenes were incredibly intimate, vulnerable, and loving. There was a ton of romantic scenes that provided the base of their relationships - small touches, compliments, kind words, strangely touching hand holding - and that is something I crave in romance novels. Abe was the driving force in a lot of this.
I loved how Kane’s family issues were resolved, and how all the angst in the story was external to the relationship. I didn’t love how Judah was kind of made out to be a bad guy yet again, when he’s really not if you see him in his own book. His feelings I think were amplified in this book to create tension and the initial confrontation was a bit over the top, but easily looked over because the resolution was perfect and the rest of the book was as well. I do have to say Leroy and Fox were an absolute delight in this book.
The found-family here for Kane and Abe both was really touching. They do both have family elsewhere, but created a close knit one in Painted Bay.
I can’t really put this more into words to explain how much I loved it, but I definitely don’t think this should ever be read as a stand-alone because a lot of the emotional fulfillment here comes from the backstory provided to us in previous books. I would love to read more from these two.
Lastly, HUGE wow to a beautiful cover!!! More of these types of covers in romance please.
February 14, 2022
Where do I even start? I don't want to say too much because I believe this book is better left experienced than explained, but I have so much to say! If anyone reading this review is new to this series, I implore you to read Off Balance and On Board first. All of the characters and their stories are woven together with such precision that you'd be doing yourself an injustice by starting anywhere other than the beginning. I adored both of the other Painted Bay books and couldn't wait to learn the backstory of the enigmatic and controversial Kane.
From what I knew of Kane, I figured this would be a story about redemption and I guess it was in some respects, but not in others. Kane did something unforgivable when he was in high school and the shame he felt from his behavior forced him to accept his place in the shadows of Painted Bay, always on the fringes of life and convinced that it was where he deserved to be. His story was a startling reminder of the power of pain and fear and the spiraling repercussions of experiencing both.
And then there was Abe - oh god, Abe. His wise words. His staunch defense of Kane. His calm demeanor juxtaposed with his fierce protectiveness that made everything he said pack such a powerful punch. It was nice to read about a character in his 40's who had obviously benefitted from those extra years. The way he impacted Kane's life was so freaking beautiful. And he was a dancer. It's like this book was written specifically for me.
I loved spending time with Judah, Morgan, Leroy and Fox again. Those Madden men needed partners who could reign them in as much as love them and Morgan and Fox were their perfect foils. I don't know if this was the last Painted Bay book, but I hope not because I will truly miss all of these characters and I'm not ready for that yet.
There were some sensitive topics covered in this book that I felt were handled with a considerable amount of care and consideration. I felt such a wide array of emotions as the pieces of Kane and Abe's story fell into place that I think I shed at least four different kinds of tears throughout. There was absolutely nothing I didn't love about this book and I can't recommend it or the other books in this series highly enough.
From what I knew of Kane, I figured this would be a story about redemption and I guess it was in some respects, but not in others. Kane did something unforgivable when he was in high school and the shame he felt from his behavior forced him to accept his place in the shadows of Painted Bay, always on the fringes of life and convinced that it was where he deserved to be. His story was a startling reminder of the power of pain and fear and the spiraling repercussions of experiencing both.
And then there was Abe - oh god, Abe. His wise words. His staunch defense of Kane. His calm demeanor juxtaposed with his fierce protectiveness that made everything he said pack such a powerful punch. It was nice to read about a character in his 40's who had obviously benefitted from those extra years. The way he impacted Kane's life was so freaking beautiful. And he was a dancer. It's like this book was written specifically for me.
I loved spending time with Judah, Morgan, Leroy and Fox again. Those Madden men needed partners who could reign them in as much as love them and Morgan and Fox were their perfect foils. I don't know if this was the last Painted Bay book, but I hope not because I will truly miss all of these characters and I'm not ready for that yet.
There were some sensitive topics covered in this book that I felt were handled with a considerable amount of care and consideration. I felt such a wide array of emotions as the pieces of Kane and Abe's story fell into place that I think I shed at least four different kinds of tears throughout. There was absolutely nothing I didn't love about this book and I can't recommend it or the other books in this series highly enough.
February 12, 2022
A heartbreaking story about Kane (yes Judah’s bully) and at the same time a breathtaking story about Abe and Kane, how they find their way to each other hearts.
Abe’s nomad way of living as a choreographer, makes him feel lonely, watching the circle of friends and family at Painted Bay, makes him realize what he’s missing.
Kane is convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness, he has to suffer for the person he was.
He’s working hard, staying low and almost invisible. Trying hard to stay out of Judah’s way.
He’s utterly lonely and alone.
When Abe and Kane find something special with the other, they know it’s just for a few weeks. Abe will leave like he always does. They know this, but knowing and feeling are two different things.
The hurt will be unbearable, but they want to enjoy their time together. Kane is opening up like a delicate flower, Abe his head over heels.
Watch them, oh my goodness, watch them, how they danced and danced.
“I was falling so fast I was gonna need a parachute.”
We get to know the circumstances Kane was in, fifteen years back, that doesn’t make things better or less horrible, absolutely not. Still, it was good to know!
What a stunningly, sensitive story this was, beautifully written, with the most wonderful characters.
An absolutely stunning story!
Abe’s nomad way of living as a choreographer, makes him feel lonely, watching the circle of friends and family at Painted Bay, makes him realize what he’s missing.
Kane is convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness, he has to suffer for the person he was.
He’s working hard, staying low and almost invisible. Trying hard to stay out of Judah’s way.
He’s utterly lonely and alone.
When Abe and Kane find something special with the other, they know it’s just for a few weeks. Abe will leave like he always does. They know this, but knowing and feeling are two different things.
The hurt will be unbearable, but they want to enjoy their time together. Kane is opening up like a delicate flower, Abe his head over heels.
Watch them, oh my goodness, watch them, how they danced and danced.
“I was falling so fast I was gonna need a parachute.”
We get to know the circumstances Kane was in, fifteen years back, that doesn’t make things better or less horrible, absolutely not. Still, it was good to know!
What a stunningly, sensitive story this was, beautifully written, with the most wonderful characters.
An absolutely stunning story!
April 21, 2022
This third book continues a very good series - while this is a new couple, it will mean most if read in order. We met Kane before, as one of the people who bullied Judah when he was the lone out and flamboyant gay kid in school. Judah still holds a justifiable grudge. Here we discover Kane's difficult past with his abusive father, and we meet Abe, an older choreographer friend of Jude's who can see the damaged, good-hearted man inside Kane.
There are a lot of smaller details that make Kane relatable, in his past and as a guy who is finding his hidden strengths at last. It's a bit insta-love (especially on Abe's part) but if you grant these guys that moment of connection that burns so brightly it changes their lives, then it's a lovely story of self-discovery and redemption on Kane's part. And of reassessment of what truly makes him happy now in his forties on Abe's. The dancing was a good vehicle to give them a space for both physical closeness and for working out how to partner each other.
I appreciated that the interactions between Kane and Judah weren't over the top, and liked the way they dealt with each other when they happened. The plot with Kane's father was a bit dramatic, but reinforced the pressures a young Kane had been under years earlier. And I liked that the bully-redemption arc here was not with his victim, but with someone new, with less baggage and a clearer understanding of who he is and was. Another fast-reading enjoyable story from this author, who has become an auto-buy for me.
There are a lot of smaller details that make Kane relatable, in his past and as a guy who is finding his hidden strengths at last. It's a bit insta-love (especially on Abe's part) but if you grant these guys that moment of connection that burns so brightly it changes their lives, then it's a lovely story of self-discovery and redemption on Kane's part. And of reassessment of what truly makes him happy now in his forties on Abe's. The dancing was a good vehicle to give them a space for both physical closeness and for working out how to partner each other.
I appreciated that the interactions between Kane and Judah weren't over the top, and liked the way they dealt with each other when they happened. The plot with Kane's father was a bit dramatic, but reinforced the pressures a young Kane had been under years earlier. And I liked that the bully-redemption arc here was not with his victim, but with someone new, with less baggage and a clearer understanding of who he is and was. Another fast-reading enjoyable story from this author, who has become an auto-buy for me.
March 26, 2023
I was underwhelmed, the first time I listened, because I could not tell the voices apart and had no sense of the characters. Something made me restart the recording and it was great. So many details I did not pick up the first time! I was fascinated by Kane. Abe was less developed. The voices were slightly different. Abe had an amused tone.
I love this novel!
Follow my reviews at http://HemmelM.blogspot.com
I love this novel!
Follow my reviews at http://HemmelM.blogspot.com
February 13, 2022
No dancing round it:
They’re all gay in Painted Bay.
Swoony redemption.
They’re all gay in Painted Bay.
Swoony redemption.
May 7, 2022
Esta serie es muy buena, muchos sentimientos.
February 10, 2022
* 4 stars *
The third book of the Painted Bay series is a story of redemption and second chances.
Kane had been through a lot in his life when a kind soul found him and offered to help him get back on his feet. He grew up with an abusive and mean father who never had anything good to say, which impacted his life. It shaped his teenage years and affected some of his actions, which he regretted strongly but couldn't change. He can only be a better person now and try to mend the relationships he lost in the past.
Kane stays in the studio above Fox and Leroy's house, but despite living so close and working together every day, he remains in the shadows of that social circle. He keeps out of Judah's way, as was the original agreement, and does everything he can to stay out of everyone's way in general. He tries to make his presence known as little as possible, and he's always on the outside of everything going on.
Abe is a famous choreographer, always on the move and never at one place for long. He had to assume a leading role in his family, out of necessity, when he was still too young to have that much responsibility on his shoulders, so once he graduated and his mother was able to resume her role in the family, he fled his hometown and stayed away for a good while, trying to avoid every and all responsibility and just live his life the way he couldn't for the last few years. That decision impacted his relationships with his mother and brother, but they're taking steps to fix all that.
He's fourteen years older than Kane, but that doesn't matter at all in the face of the connection they share. Abe is the first person who sees Kane for who he really is and doesn't just judge him based on the person he was in high school. They form a connection based on mutual attraction and tango lessons, and as they spend time together, their relationship deepens. Abe is the first to defend Kane when the rest of the group takes the easy way out of leaving him out of their plans to keep the peace with Judah. He's very vocal about his opinion of their behavior, and he doesn't let anyone dictate who he spends time with. Not even Judah, who's the reason he's in Painted Bay to begin with.
I liked the whole story except maybe for a few chapters near the end of the story, but it picked up again soon enough, and I loved the last few chapters of the book. There were many emotional scenes that I'm sure will stay with me for a while yet, and I'm sure will stay with me for a while yet, as well as many funny ones. I also liked the scenes with the cats. Kane gravitated toward animals, which was evident in his actions and decisions.
The dancing scenes were interesting to read, and it was nice to see Kane discovering something new that he liked with Abe's help.
My opinion of Judah hasn't changed from what it was after reading the second book. I haven't read the first one, which is his story, and I don't plan on doing so as I don't like him as a character. There are plenty of other side characters to like, though, so it's all good.
I liked this story every bit as much as I liked the second one and, even though I hadn't read this author before, I plan on picking up more of her books in the future.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
The third book of the Painted Bay series is a story of redemption and second chances.
Kane had been through a lot in his life when a kind soul found him and offered to help him get back on his feet. He grew up with an abusive and mean father who never had anything good to say, which impacted his life. It shaped his teenage years and affected some of his actions, which he regretted strongly but couldn't change. He can only be a better person now and try to mend the relationships he lost in the past.
Kane stays in the studio above Fox and Leroy's house, but despite living so close and working together every day, he remains in the shadows of that social circle. He keeps out of Judah's way, as was the original agreement, and does everything he can to stay out of everyone's way in general. He tries to make his presence known as little as possible, and he's always on the outside of everything going on.
Abe is a famous choreographer, always on the move and never at one place for long. He had to assume a leading role in his family, out of necessity, when he was still too young to have that much responsibility on his shoulders, so once he graduated and his mother was able to resume her role in the family, he fled his hometown and stayed away for a good while, trying to avoid every and all responsibility and just live his life the way he couldn't for the last few years. That decision impacted his relationships with his mother and brother, but they're taking steps to fix all that.
He's fourteen years older than Kane, but that doesn't matter at all in the face of the connection they share. Abe is the first person who sees Kane for who he really is and doesn't just judge him based on the person he was in high school. They form a connection based on mutual attraction and tango lessons, and as they spend time together, their relationship deepens. Abe is the first to defend Kane when the rest of the group takes the easy way out of leaving him out of their plans to keep the peace with Judah. He's very vocal about his opinion of their behavior, and he doesn't let anyone dictate who he spends time with. Not even Judah, who's the reason he's in Painted Bay to begin with.
I liked the whole story except maybe for a few chapters near the end of the story, but it picked up again soon enough, and I loved the last few chapters of the book. There were many emotional scenes that I'm sure will stay with me for a while yet, and I'm sure will stay with me for a while yet, as well as many funny ones. I also liked the scenes with the cats. Kane gravitated toward animals, which was evident in his actions and decisions.
The dancing scenes were interesting to read, and it was nice to see Kane discovering something new that he liked with Abe's help.
My opinion of Judah hasn't changed from what it was after reading the second book. I haven't read the first one, which is his story, and I don't plan on doing so as I don't like him as a character. There are plenty of other side characters to like, though, so it's all good.
I liked this story every bit as much as I liked the second one and, even though I hadn't read this author before, I plan on picking up more of her books in the future.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
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