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Xander & Asher
Asher O’Grady runs O’Grady’s Garage. Fixing and selling cars to Manhattanites. Living and loving under the cover of his Grinder App, he’s a serial dater, until one late spring afternoon call brings him face to face with Xander Gatlin.
Suddenly the man’s palms are sweaty and his head is full of naughty connotations. Xander helpless against Asher’s tattooed and pierced tonged charm quickly succumbs to his lustful intentions and their hard bodies connect causing the young baker to see stars.
Can Xander break through Asher’s walls and open him up to the possibilities that await him in coming out to the family? Will Asher take the brave step toward a monogamous relationship?
Can they find where sex ends and love begins or will secrets rip them apart before they can even start?
*Trigger Warning: Violence
* *Erotic Elements
Suddenly the man’s palms are sweaty and his head is full of naughty connotations. Xander helpless against Asher’s tattooed and pierced tonged charm quickly succumbs to his lustful intentions and their hard bodies connect causing the young baker to see stars.
Can Xander break through Asher’s walls and open him up to the possibilities that await him in coming out to the family? Will Asher take the brave step toward a monogamous relationship?
Can they find where sex ends and love begins or will secrets rip them apart before they can even start?
*Trigger Warning: Violence
* *Erotic Elements
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
25 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
S.I. Hayes
94 books408 followersFrom Paranormal Drama to Contemporary Romance S.I. Hayes dips her fingers deeply into the pools of literature while supporting her fellow authors and PR Company. @ www.haneyhayespr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 13, 2024
3.5 Asher’s tongue with the snake bite piercings was the third MC, and it had hoops, not the balls! As soon as he showed Xander his tongue on their first date I ran to the internet to see what it was. How could Xander not notice hoops in someone’s tongue in their previous scenes before the date? I would be fascinated and wondering how possible kissing would go down. And, how going down would go down, lol.
Yes, Asher was a tatted up, pierced in other places, long haired fire hottie! He had a great personality and made blade metalworks, which was only mentioned in the beginning of the book and not again. He owned a mid-Manhattan garage and drove a hot, vintage T-bird, I think it was, and was a regular, blue collar guy.
Was there anyone else in this story, because I liked, Asher, a lot. Oh, yes, the other MC, Xander. A sous chef and baker extraordinaire who is on the cusp of opening his own bakery in Manhattan.
Since the book was first half very good and second half bogged down, it gave me too much time to think how these two men had all this dough to drop on renting a two story building and installing a bakery with no financial backers, dropping 18k on wedding rings, renting a swank hotel for a wedding, etc. Often, it’s the little things for me that ping while reading.
The course of their romance was very smooth, no angst, which is okay with me for the most part. Restaurant meals were never finished and cars pulled off the road for hot sex to ensue. Xander was in thrall to Asher who was like an octopus. The sex scenes were numerous and hot. A point I wondered about was Asher’s insistence on both men wearing condoms during sex when only one person topped, usually him. Asher had told Xander early on that he had a clean sexual bill of health, they both did.
I thought it was an odd practice that was never explained.
There is some late story drama about a woman scorned who comes after Asher, hard. It was all resolved with the support of Asher’s big, Italian family and Xander’s long time best friend and roommate, Emma. The book is unusual in that Emma gets her own POV along with the MCs. Each chapter heading is one of their names and is in their POV.
Luckily, Emma was invested in Xander, but not book ruining intrusive. The author gives her a romance with Asher’s cousin.
There is a lot going on in the story, many plot points. More than one would be introduced and then slide away. Maybe I did need some angst, because I found myself skimming after the middle when the romance was a done deal with marriage, surrogacy, and lots of family in the scenes. The bakery is an instant sold out success, how could it not be in such a nice book?
I had to laugh that while planning their wedding a photographer is forgotten, but Xander’s visiting father mentions that he is a photographer for National Geographic. Both of these details were silly as Xander is mentioned as being super organized and the dad being a professional photographer is a bit eye rolling.
It is not shown in the wedding scenes. There should be some follow through, which the story lacked more than once.
Yes, Asher was a tatted up, pierced in other places, long haired fire hottie! He had a great personality and made blade metalworks, which was only mentioned in the beginning of the book and not again. He owned a mid-Manhattan garage and drove a hot, vintage T-bird, I think it was, and was a regular, blue collar guy.
Was there anyone else in this story, because I liked, Asher, a lot. Oh, yes, the other MC, Xander. A sous chef and baker extraordinaire who is on the cusp of opening his own bakery in Manhattan.
Since the book was first half very good and second half bogged down, it gave me too much time to think how these two men had all this dough to drop on renting a two story building and installing a bakery with no financial backers, dropping 18k on wedding rings, renting a swank hotel for a wedding, etc. Often, it’s the little things for me that ping while reading.
The course of their romance was very smooth, no angst, which is okay with me for the most part. Restaurant meals were never finished and cars pulled off the road for hot sex to ensue. Xander was in thrall to Asher who was like an octopus. The sex scenes were numerous and hot. A point I wondered about was Asher’s insistence on both men wearing condoms during sex when only one person topped, usually him. Asher had told Xander early on that he had a clean sexual bill of health, they both did.
I thought it was an odd practice that was never explained.
There is some late story drama about a woman scorned who comes after Asher, hard. It was all resolved with the support of Asher’s big, Italian family and Xander’s long time best friend and roommate, Emma. The book is unusual in that Emma gets her own POV along with the MCs. Each chapter heading is one of their names and is in their POV.
Luckily, Emma was invested in Xander, but not book ruining intrusive. The author gives her a romance with Asher’s cousin.
There is a lot going on in the story, many plot points. More than one would be introduced and then slide away. Maybe I did need some angst, because I found myself skimming after the middle when the romance was a done deal with marriage, surrogacy, and lots of family in the scenes. The bakery is an instant sold out success, how could it not be in such a nice book?
I had to laugh that while planning their wedding a photographer is forgotten, but Xander’s visiting father mentions that he is a photographer for National Geographic. Both of these details were silly as Xander is mentioned as being super organized and the dad being a professional photographer is a bit eye rolling.
It is not shown in the wedding scenes. There should be some follow through, which the story lacked more than once.
Read
April 16, 2020I'm not a huge fan of Insta -love romances with low angst but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The characters were well-developed and the plot interesting. I also liked there were interesting female characters as one of the main characters. Usually, I find mm books lack female characters. And if they do have female characters, they tend to be lacking or villains.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2020
Xander Gatlin and his best friend, Emma, are heading home when a moose collides with them and wrecks their truck. Asher O’Grady pulls up in his tow truck to tow their wreck to the shop. Ash’s mom brings a ton of food for lunch for everyone, so Emma and Xander join them. Xander is really attracted to Ash but figures he isn’t gay, although Emma urges him to find out. Ash has a replacement vehicle to sell Xander and they go for a test-drive where Xander realizes Ash is trying to ask him out, despite his awkward stumbling. When they get back, Emma says she also has a date since Toby, Ash’s cousin and brake guy, invited her to dinner.
Xander and Ash had their dinner packed up to take to Ash’s nearby home. The two of them were perfect together. The only thing Xander worried about was that Ash hadn’t come out to his mom or anyone else besides his brothers. It would make things awkward if they wanted to have a true relationship, and it was looking as if they did. Would his mom be accepting of the man Ash was falling in love with? Would he have the family’s support when other problems arose?
This was a really good book. The interaction and dialog of the characters made them likable and personable. I also loved Emma who was a true best friend and a wonderfully feisty personality. I’m hoping we’ll get her story very soon since she deserves it! Nothing is every easy, so you can be sure Xander and Ash will have to work for what they want if they want to be together. Grab your copy and see what they decide and if they can get past the stumbling-blocks that might come their way.
Xander and Ash had their dinner packed up to take to Ash’s nearby home. The two of them were perfect together. The only thing Xander worried about was that Ash hadn’t come out to his mom or anyone else besides his brothers. It would make things awkward if they wanted to have a true relationship, and it was looking as if they did. Would his mom be accepting of the man Ash was falling in love with? Would he have the family’s support when other problems arose?
This was a really good book. The interaction and dialog of the characters made them likable and personable. I also loved Emma who was a true best friend and a wonderfully feisty personality. I’m hoping we’ll get her story very soon since she deserves it! Nothing is every easy, so you can be sure Xander and Ash will have to work for what they want if they want to be together. Grab your copy and see what they decide and if they can get past the stumbling-blocks that might come their way.
September 20, 2022
Fixing and selling cars to Manhattanites, Asher O’Grady runs O’Grady’s Garage. He lives and loves under the cover of darkness as a serial dater using Grinder. Then late one Spring he has a call which brings him face to face with Xander Gatlin. Xander is helpless against Asher’s tattooed and pierced-tonged charm and quickly succumbs to his lustful intentions causing the young baker to see stars. Can Xander break through Asher's walls and will Asher take the brave step towards a monogamous relationship? Can they move past sex to love or will secrets rip them apart?
I enjoyed this story which tried to cover relationships, love and more practical things as well as copious amounts of sex. I did like the role of Xander's best friend and who doesn't love Asher's family? Easy to read and understand, it was great to see them both happy and able to live life how they wanted to. There is a lot of explicit sexual content and I feel that might detract a little from the story even though I accept that some of it is necessary.
I enjoyed this story which tried to cover relationships, love and more practical things as well as copious amounts of sex. I did like the role of Xander's best friend and who doesn't love Asher's family? Easy to read and understand, it was great to see them both happy and able to live life how they wanted to. There is a lot of explicit sexual content and I feel that might detract a little from the story even though I accept that some of it is necessary.
April 19, 2020
Unconditional love, trust and faith is the best! Xander was in the Hamptons for the weekend with his best friend & room mate, Emma. They both saw a really hot man that had them both panting. They had a car accident on the return and the same man, Asher was the tow truck driver. He owns the garage to which Xander's car is towed. Once they clear up Ash's sexual preference, Xander asks him out. Their interest in each other is hot and intense. Slight problem, Ash is not out to his Mom. She keeps trying to set him up with an Italian girl, Felicity Moretti. Xander is hoping to open up a bakery, so the car repair expense adds complexity. The characters are lively and in depty. The story flows and Ash's family is fun. Ash has an unexpected challenge thrown at him. The family rises up and shows unconditional support. It would be nice to read stories about his brothers' relationship and his cousins. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2020
Asher O'Grady runs O'Grady Garage and works on fixing cars. Asher personal life has slowed some because he is tired of the one nigh stands. Asher gets a call to tow a vehicle that has broke down on the side of the road. Xander is moving some stuff to town and his truck starts having problems. When Xander meets Asher it leaves everyone one with butterflies in their stomach. Asher finally admits that he is gay to his family when he brings Xander to a family dinner. There is trouble and Asher gets taken to jail. Will Asher bee able to prove he is innocent? Will Xander and Asher find the love they are both looking for?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2020
Great relationship from the very beginning. Perfect together with romance, chemistry and a tad bit of drama to keep the story flowing. The story was charming in places and intense in others. Friendships play a nice part in this book adding another piece of sweetness. Acceptance from loved ones while jealousy and animosity from others adds drama but the HEA, with a bright future ahead, brings it nicely to a close. A book easy to read and well worth the time as it leaves you feeling good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
This was a cute story by S.I. Hayes, who is a new author to me. It was a quick and enjoyable read about a M/M relationship, with interesting secondary characters. The characters were likeable, with great interactions between them. Lots of fun along with lots of hot sex scenes. It was a sweet romance, and I loved how Asher and Xander just seemed to click. There is also a few challenges along the way to a HEA. I would definitely read this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2022
So, silly me thought I was downloading a free short story, turns out it was a sample and right as I hit a good spot it ended. I was fooled as my kindle said there was still lots of time left, turns out it was all odds and ends. What's a girl to do!!! It's a bloody good story, so even though my kindle is fairly full of other downloads I get one more. Sooooo glad I did, what a delightful read this is. The romance is cozy enough but then we get quite an exciting turn of events in the second half of this tale, adds spice and drama to the sweetness and love. A lovely read.
August 25, 2019
I really did enjoy this book. The relationship that grows between these two builds on love, honesty and true connection. You never know what a chance meeting can bring into your life, or how it might change you. The storyline kept me turning pages, to the point where I had finished it in one evening. This well-written romance is one you’ll need to read, so I won’t tell you more details about it. Just know that it’s a wonderful read.
April 4, 2020
I've read a lot of books written by S.I. Hayes; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2020
Another great read by SI Hayes! She once again brings strong characters with a beautiful romance. There's tons of emotions flowing through the pages with both humor and serious moments. Add in the steamy sex scenes and you have one entertaining romance. It's well written,moves fluidly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 21, 2020
Asher is used to being carefree and moving from person to person. Until he meets Xander. This was a classic lightning struck when Asher met Xander and although he thought he was about variety and being footloose and having fun he but now he wants something more. Asher's mother wants him to find someone. Surely she was not expecting Xander, but this is what works for him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2020
I fell in love with this couple right from the beginning. Xander and Asher seem so different but they don’t let that affect their love story. Even when someone tries to destroy the life they have built. This story was amazing, sweet, and I loved every bit of it. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2020
This is a fun, romantic story with some surprises in it. When Xander's car gets hit by a moose, Asher tows it to his shop. Both Xander and his best friend Emma are hot for Ash, but Emma decides to push Xander and Ash together. They hit off, and get serious quickly. Ash is romantic, energetic and sweet. Xander is easy going, dedicated and caring. The relationship is steamy and entertaining, and extended family provides the drama and laughs.
June 13, 2021
I really liked this storyline and am drawn into the characters, BUT I was left with too many unanswered questions to give it a higher score. This was just how Asher and Xander met and their 1st date. I wanted much more. I want to see them dating at least. Did Xander open a bakery nearby? Did Emma and Toby get together? How did Asher's mom take the news her boy is gay? Did Ash and Xander commit to being in a permanent relationship?
April 26, 2020
I so loved Asher and Xander's story. Their connection was immediate and their quick. They had a bump in the rode, but rode it out and came out the more stronger and better. I really enjoyed Xander's BFF and her story and how it was woven in. Really good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2017
Tears of pure love.
Thank you again S. I. Hayes for an exceptionally loving read. These two men really pull at the heart strings and show that love, faith, and trust can concur anything.
Thank you again S. I. Hayes for an exceptionally loving read. These two men really pull at the heart strings and show that love, faith, and trust can concur anything.
April 26, 2019
A sweet romance
S.I. Hayes is new to me. This tale is a sweet romance of boy meets boy and girl meets boy. In this book all four have an HEA. I’m hoping Ms Hayes will do Emma and Toby’s story to fill in the details missing in this story.
S.I. Hayes is new to me. This tale is a sweet romance of boy meets boy and girl meets boy. In this book all four have an HEA. I’m hoping Ms Hayes will do Emma and Toby’s story to fill in the details missing in this story.
April 26, 2019
Asher family but his mom knows that he is gay but his mom is always trying to fix him up with women and Asher hates to let his mom down but after meeting Xander he shows up at family dinner night with Xander and his mom is better then Asher though she would act
March 16, 2020
Awesome Book...
by and1515
I'm over the moon crazy for S.I Hayes' Xander&Asher this book is simply charming and absolutely phenomenal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
I'm over the moon crazy for S.I Hayes' Xander&Asher this book is simply charming and absolutely phenomenal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2020
Loved this fun instant love adventure. The storyline was interesting and keeps you going the characters Asher and Xander are so sweet together a great adventure for all the romance lovers. Sweet fun and amazing.
August 31, 2020
I absolutely loved this book so much! Started it today and couldn’t put it down so it was also finished today. Such a GREAT romance! If only things went like this in real life. Going to search for book 2!
February 10, 2022
beautiful couple
I really enjoyed,these two men were made for each other’s,,,the love they show in this book is wonderful and to turn around and make a baby in the end is icing on the cake.
I really enjoyed,these two men were made for each other’s,,,the love they show in this book is wonderful and to turn around and make a baby in the end is icing on the cake.
March 24, 2023
A pleasant love story.
This is a love story of two guys that are opposite of each other but find a common bond. How they meet and how they put through some rough spots is what love is all about.
This is a love story of two guys that are opposite of each other but find a common bond. How they meet and how they put through some rough spots is what love is all about.
April 16, 2020
HOT!!! Not my typical read, but loved the story & characters, even if there was a bit more drama than necessary to keep the story going.
August 22, 2021
DNF this just left me feeling meh and it was too predictable. Too many books, so little time.
October 3, 2023
Oh what a ending!!!
Just a perfect read. Wonderful characters full of ups and downs which we can all relate to.
But with a wonderful ending.
Just a perfect read. Wonderful characters full of ups and downs which we can all relate to.
But with a wonderful ending.
April 2, 2017
S.I. Hayes has done it again with another well written novel. She knows what her readers want to see and how she wants her characters to sound. This isn't any book that I would normally read but I enjoy the books written by her. It is love at first sight between two unlikely people living in New York. Through the love and hardships they still stay together and don't let nothing come in the way of love.
March 12, 2017
To have the guts to write a book is something I greatly admire and as I write this review I am conscious of this. That being said I love to read and as such I use my hard earned money to buy books. This book was awful and a total waste of money.
The writing was disjointed. The plot was 'lets get a kitchen sink and throw everything in'. We had tatted & pierced MC's, a straight female BF who was upset her male BF was gay as he was 'the one that got away' and 'oh I know I'll snog him too'!, an ex-con, an interfering mother, bareback sex, insta-lust, false accusations of rape, pregnancies, marriage proposal and wedding, the word 'cunt' used to describe the 'pscho' straight girl....the list of tropes and corniness is endless. I fought to read it until the very end and its 2hours of my life that I will never get back.
By all means write books if that is your passion, but I will never buy another book by this author.
The writing was disjointed. The plot was 'lets get a kitchen sink and throw everything in'. We had tatted & pierced MC's, a straight female BF who was upset her male BF was gay as he was 'the one that got away' and 'oh I know I'll snog him too'!, an ex-con, an interfering mother, bareback sex, insta-lust, false accusations of rape, pregnancies, marriage proposal and wedding, the word 'cunt' used to describe the 'pscho' straight girl....the list of tropes and corniness is endless. I fought to read it until the very end and its 2hours of my life that I will never get back.
By all means write books if that is your passion, but I will never buy another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews