Stronger Than Longing

Chesapeake Days #3

by Katherine McIntyre

Return to small-town Chesapeake and fall in love with the single-dad bad boy who keeps breaking hearts, and the adorable geek who can't help but fall head over heels for his brother's best friend.

For one night with the man of his dreams, Taran's willing to break all his rules.....

Taran's always been the reliable one. Safe. Which is why he keeps getting dumped by the assholes he dates. And after the latest round of "too boring," he's ready to drink his blues away. That's until Silas King shows up - the gorgeous guy he'd swooned over through high school.

Silas wants one more night of distraction before his new reality sets in, and he sets his sights on Taran, his friend's little brother who's looking sexier than ever. It's not like he can get in any more trouble than he's already found himself in.

After Taran and Silas spend one unforgettable night together, feelings emerge, ones quickly stamped out when Silas confesses why he's back in town. He's returned to meet his three-month-old daughter.

With that chaos in his life, Silas can't pursue anything further with Taran, and having longed for Silas his whole damn life, Taran isn't sure he'll survive the aftermath. Yet the more they try to avoid their connection, the more they keep colliding...until the passion between them detonates.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Childrens, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

ebook

First published October 22, 2022

About the author

Geeky Queer Romance.

Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series that I have been fortunate enough to be able to read and review for Early Reviewers on LibraryThing. I loved this series from book #1 Stronger Than Hope. One of the things that I especially liked about it, other than the hot guys, is that the characters reappear in all the books. This one featured Silas and Taran's story...and what a sweet perfect story it was. All the characters had attended high school together. Silas wasn't a popular guy then and he grew up a loner. Taran knew him from school, but he ran with a different crowd. After Taran had unceremoniously been dumped by his boyfriend, he met Silas in the bar where he was either drowning his sorrows or celebrating the good luck after the breakup from the creep, Kevin. Taran and Silas hit it off from the start. Now Silas knew he had reasons to celebrate. Here was a man that loved him warts and all. Silas got another surprise when a onetime encounter presented him with a sweet baby daughter, Fiona. Silas fought to keep his daughter when her mother ran away and left her. After a brief walk-out by Taran when he learned that Silas was going to let his baby girl go to her grandparents to raise because he didn't think he was good enough for her...they gave it another chance and came together to form, perhaps not a perfect family, but a family that had love to spare and friends that supported them. This was something that was new to Silas as his mother was his only support for most of his life. Stonger Than Longing was just as beautiful and heartfelt as the other two books were. I'm going to be sorry to see this series end, but I know that Katherine McIntyre will give us more, sweet, loving, hot guys in future series. Thank you, Ms. McIntyre and Hot Tree Publishing, for giving me the opportunity to visit with the guys of Chesapeake Days.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hot Tree Publishing and Katherine McIntyre in exchange for an honest opinion. The views expressed by this reviewer are entirely my own

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart breaks for Taran and for Silas, both so damaged in their own ways with issues that ping off the other's own insecurities. Gah, the DRAMA! I don't feel like we got much of Taran's character in the first two books, so I was glad to get to know him better this time around.

The chemistry between Taran and Silas is just... explosive. I love that Taran has all these hidden depths that just keep surprising Silas over and over. Somehow they manage to be a slow burn despite (sort of?) starting out as a one night stand. EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THAT CAN BE?! It's like, "Hey, we banged right out of the gate, but now this romance is a slow burn - enjoy the torture." And what sweet, sweet torture it is.

This book deals with some really hard topics, like death of a parent, abandonment by a parent, unexpected fatherhood... And yet it's so soft and sweet. I love that Taran, when confronted with Silas' emotional damage, instead of having some cliched miscommunication to throw a wrench in the romantic storyline just calmly and firmly says exactly the right thing and stands with the person he loves. Nate does this in the first book in the series, Stronger Than Hope, and it is just so beautiful and refreshing to see characters in a romance actually communicate with each other in a healthy way. And don't be fooled by all this mushy stuff - the chemistry between Silas and Taran is SUPER HOT, and Taran is (surprisingly for Silas, haha) way more adventurous in bed than his outward demeanor might lead someone to believe!

This is the third book in the Chesapeake Days series, and while it could technically be read as a standalone I really recommend reading the other two books first.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter

[Shellfish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series by Katherine McIntyre. Book three might just be my favorite. They are all stand alone’s but I highly recommend reading them in order. It really enhances the story’s. Especially when in the first books first couple of pages was a very clear description of one of the Mc’s crossing the bridge to lead to the Chesapeake town that stayed with me through each book. I love how the festival is in each story and each time I wish I could go to the festival.

I really loved Silas. He was dealing with some abandonment issues for a very long time and kept everybody at a superficial length, Only have quick hookups and one night stands, Never been in a relationship. He also practically becomes a parent overnight. Then Taren who was the complete opposite, going from one failed relationship to the next. Desperately needing something to hang on to. Gets right in Silas’s path. My heart twisted for these two. I’m so glad they figured it out.

Overall just a sweet and sexy story. Definitely give it a read.

I have received an ARC from gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Than Longing is book three in the Chesapeake Days series, it should be read in order but it does read as a standalone. Silas has returned home to meet his three-month-old daughter, to be part of her life. Taran had a crush on Silas in high school and was friends with Silas’s brother Nico. Taran is dumped for being boring, he goes to the local watering hole and ends up having a one-night stand with Silas. These two share a fantastic connection, but on the flip side it was a sweet slow burn while they navigate life, getting to know one another, insecurities and taking care of a baby. I loved the character development! Overall, a fantastic story that was well written with wonderful pacing that kept me engaged.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Taran ❤️

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I adore this series....this book....SWOON!! Hands down, the best of the series.

This book had everything,

Bad Boy ✔️
Single Dad ✔️
Brother's Best Friend ✔️
Sexy Shenanigans 🔥
Swoon Worthy Moments ✔️

And two perfectly imperfect men that were perfect for each other. Silas and Taran's story was a fun, snarky, sexy and sometimes bumpy road to the sweetest HEA, I'd most definitely recommend...it was fantastic!

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that I wanted a book that started hot and then turned to a slow burn/slow simmer until I read Silas and Taran's story. And then, this book went and checked off boxes I didn't even know I had on my list.

This book dives right into the action, with Taran's boyfriend dumping him for being boring and predictable - something that happens fairly often to the poor guy. And then, he goes to drink away his sorrow and instead finds himself in bed with his brother's best friend/his high school crush. Its meant to be a one night stand but the two have a real connection. One that is almost immediately burned when Silas says he's meeting his daughter for the first time, leading Taran to believe that he was just a homewrecker. (Not Really A Spoiler: he was not.)

While that miscommunication is pretty quickly cleared up, it does cause the two men to put some distance between them for awhile - physically at least. And during that time, they find a real friendship and a deep connection that you can feel coming off the page. This connection helps both of them grow as people and helps the insecurities they both have, insecurities that made me want to reach through my kindle and pull them off the page and into a giant hug. Seriously, both of these two boys were cotton candy marshmallows and I adored them so much.

This book has more than just two very lovable MCs. It has an amazing found family vibe, which becomes especially important to Silas while he tries to get a handle on being a father to a newborn. I love the times we see this and almost wish that we could've seen more of it - which is a testament to the characters that Kat has used to populate Chesapeake.

This book is a dual POV with a decent amount of heat, a low to middle level of angst, great communication with the MCs (what? that's important to me), and a super fuzzy happily ever after. The only bad part is its the end of the Chesapeake Days series. I'm glad she's doing Chesapeake Nights soon, because there are other characters that I want more information on. Oops.

** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advanced copy from the author and this is my fair and honest review. **

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series

This series has been a joy to read. While you might be able to read this book as a standalone, I think you will enjoy it more if you’ve read at least Stronger Than Passion (Taran’s brother’s book). I can’t believe how quickly I read this one. It’s about 76,000 words and I just blew through it (I am not really a very fast reader). That’s an indication to me of not only how much I enjoyed the story but also an indication of how well it is written and how the writing just flowed.

I’m kind of a sucker for single-dad stories; throw in a reformed bad-boy, high school crush, brother’s best friend and I kind of feel like I hit the book lottery. The blurb for this story is right on the mark so take a look at it. Stronger Than Longing is smoking hot. When Taran and Silas get together the sexy time is off the charts. Silas pushes Taran’s limits by introducing him to the fun of outdoor sexy time.

Stronger Than Longing is also full of feels. Both Taran and Silas end up surprising themselves with how they handle their relationship. Silas has always been a one-and-done type of guy and now he wants something more with Taran. Taran has let his past boyfriends walk all over him because he wants a relationship so much; but he stands up to Silas when he needs to.

I can’t say it enough, I loved this book and this series. I was so happy to learn that a spinoff series is planned called Chesapeake Nights; I can’t wait!

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Chesapeake Days series, and while not necessary to have read books one, Stronger Than Hope and two, Stronger Than Passion before this one, I personally recommend you do. I loved them.

And while I enjoyed this one, it didn't grab me quite as much as those two books and (insert whining noise) I don't know why!

Taran pops up in the previous 2 books, but Silas does not, as he returns to town to meet his daughter.

I liked that Taran had Silas as his high school crush, and Silas had no clue. I liked that they both started into that first encounter with open eyes, but very quickly they both realised that a one and done was not going to work for them. Silas did not want a relationship but Taran does.

It's relatively lower on the angst scale, with all the drama revolving around Silas' daughter and the stoopid decision he makes that pushes Taran away. I found it lower on the emotion scale, and lower on the explicit scale. Passion and love, yes but smexy times were on the lower scale. Not a bad thing, I'm just trying to write out why I didn't love this one, so needs a mention.

Both Taran and Silas have a say, and baby Fi steals the show. We get to catch up with Nico and Hudson and with Nate and Linc and I did LOVE that we did.

I can't work out why this one didn't connect with me the way the previous two did, but it was still a very VERY good read.

4 solid stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

After their initial tryst this turns into a slow burn romance while they not only get to know each other, but themselves as well.

Taran needed to learn his own self worth and realize how special he truly is, and Silas had to learn how to be a dad and learning how to stay in one place.

They thought they had to learn those things separately but it turns out, they started helping each other heal. Taran helped Silas realize he wasn't a screw up, he was a talented and caring man, who yes, made mistakes but he also grew from them. And Silas helped Taran recognize his own self worth and how much he means to those around him. He helps Taran with his confidence and embrace him as is, he doesn't want Taran to change, he wants him just as he is. These two men definitely had some growing and self worth to do but they got there eventually. I loved the cute and tender moments of Silas and Taran with the baby. Those moments melted my heart and made me smile.

This book was well written, was a good pace, great characters who needed the length of this book for their development, and a wonderful storyline. Not to mention the spicy times that were involved.

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and I still really enjoyed this one.

Is there an app like the one Taran made? Cause I could use an app like Barter

I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to see a new dad figure out how to care for a baby while also figuring out how to be in an actual relationship.

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*

[Jim Freihofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the books in this series, but this one was my favorite for a couple of reasons. First of all, Kat does a great job of including the characters from the previous books (Linc & Nate, Nico & Hudson). We invest a lot of emotional capital in these guys and it's nice to keep up with them. Secondly, we have the baby's mother ditching instead of the father. There is such a stereotype that AMAB (all men are bastards) and they are the ones that run out on their responsibilities. Thank you Kat for showing that all women are not angels!

Taran and Silas are the MC's this time. Taran is Nico's younger brother. He's had a crush on bad boy Silas since high school. Turns out Silas had a one-night-stand a year ago and got the girl knocked-up. So he's returned to Chesapeake for good to accept his responsiblities, settle down, and co-parent with the baby's mother. Their paths cross at the bar the night Taran's creep b/f dumps him while Taran is drowning his sorrows. One thing leads to another and Taran & Silas hook-up. The story follows Taran & Silas's journey to a HEA. There is some angst but it's low-key, just enough to keep everything real. Plotline and character development are superior and I gobbled this one up in two sittings.

Sorry to have this series end, but there's a rumor that a spinoff called Chesapeake Nights is in the works. Looking forward to coming back and seeing what's up in the future!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved the best for last

I loved Nate and Linc in Stronger Than Hope, loved Nico and Hudson even more in Stronger Than Passion, but Katherine definitely outdid those two couples with Taran and Silas. They just shone in each other's company, from the first moment Silas sat on the bar stool next to Taran.
Silas carried years of hurt from his childhood all through his life, not believing he was good enough for anything or anyone, only having one night stands, while Taran felt invisible, always in the background, used by his co-workers and his boyfriends. I felt so sorry for both of them, hurting and alone. Their relationship wasn't easy, even though their connection was, the conversation always flowing, the silences comfortable. They both had so many insecurities, no self-belief, that it was hard for them to understand what the other saw in them.
Silas's situation took centre stage, his life upended, but Taran was his rock and his calm and his heart, grounding him while everything threatened to overwhelm him. Watching them seamlessly meld their lives together around Fiona was beautiful.
There was some angst but not too much, and I was glad about that. Taran and Silas won my heart as they won their happiness.
I loved seeing the other couples, and both mums too. I was sorry that the series seemed to be ending but Katherine has teased us with a follow-up series to come. I can't wait for Chesapeake Nights.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sad to read that this series is coming to an end because it is absolutely amazing! From book one each couple stole my heart in different ways.

Silas and Taran were my favourite of the group. I loved their dynamic and the addition of Silas’ daughter Fiona to the mix.

I loved the growth that Taran went through in this book learning to stand up for himself and what he believed in. At the beginning of the book when they kiss for the first time and Taran thought “Finally” to himself all I could think of was the scene with Marcus from the last Twilight movie! 😀 Taran also helped me learn about some new piercings! 🤯 I absolutely related to Taran when he said he wanted to go one day without a side order of anxiety!!

Silas….. I loved Silas right from the start and just loved him more and more as I continued the book. His Turn Left tattoo!!! And how one paragraph about his high school and home life just made everything so clear on why he is the way he is.

There was so much angst involving little Fiona and it hurt my heart the whole time, in tears over some conversations. However, the ending was perfect and made everything this family went through worth it!

This book is absolutely worth reading and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I am so excited for the future spin off series Chesapeake Nights!!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - 5 stars - I think I may have a new favorite in the series. ;)

Readers met Taran in Stronger Than Passion (the second book in Katherine McIntyre’s Chesapeake Days series) which I somehow missed after finishing (and loving) Stronger Than Hope. I’ve since rectified that mistake though, so stay tuned for another back-tracking review – but unlike other back-tracking, the only thing I’m doing out of order this time around is the review writing. Not great progress, but progress, none-the-less.

Readers also met Silas in Stronger Than Passion, but only briefly. Just long enough to find out that he’s one of Taran’s brother’s best friends and get a hint of things to come. Silas was one of Taran’s first crushes, but way out of his league. Silas was well known for his lack of commitment – both romantically and with life in general. He couldn’t wait to get out of Chesapeake, but fate had other plans. Taran knew better than to get involved with Silas, even as a one night stand, but he needed the distraction and evidently, so did Silas.

There were a lot of ups and downs in Stronger Than Longing. Both Silas and Taran had a lot of emotional baggage to get over. Adding a baby into the mix just added to the drama and Taran didn’t want to be used again. He was determined to find someone who loved him for who he was, not what he could do for the other person in the relationship. Silas was a mess and totally unequipped to be a parent, but equally determined not to be the failure at parenting that his own father had turned out to be. He needed Taran’s help, but he also wanted to prove to Taran that a relationship could go both ways. He appreciated Taran’s support, but he wanted to return it.

These two just about broke me more than once. They were both broken in different ways and weren’t used to depending on anyone else. Taran had his family and friends, but he never found that support in a relationship, until he thought he might find it in Silas – which was crazy… right?

This is a series that I stumbled upon and initially picked up because of the familiar local. It turned out to be much more than that as the series progressed. With each book I felt like I’d found my new favorite couple. I kinda love it when that happens. ❤

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Stronger Than Longing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger than Longing is a beautiful story about two men with self-esteem issues.

While Taran doubts himself believing that he is boring and a geek, thanks to several exes that made him feel less, Silas doubts himself believing that his whole life has been a failure and the bad boy of the town until he left.

They meet again when Silas returns to town to meet his 3-month-old daughter, just as Taran was trying to get over another ex who just dumped him.

The chemistry is immediate, but Taran walks away as soon as he finds out that Silas has a daughter, believing him to be a homewrecker. And although the misunderstanding is quickly cleared up, they decide to be just friends, building a beautiful friendship, until the attraction, the connection they feel for each other is so strong that they end up being unavoidable.

A couple of situations happen that put them to the test, and although at first they distance themselves, they soon realize that the love they feel is completely worth it and that together they can do anything.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I really like Chesapeake and all its men, and it feels disrespectful to the others, but I think Silas and Taran are my favourites.

I’m a sucker for a misunderstood tattooed bad boy, especially one now caring for a teeny tiny baby. I mean common, just picturing him holding the baby makes me a little hot and bothered.

And Taran, the quiet nice guy, who’s definitely not boring, especially once you unwrap him. He’s delightfully sarcastic and witty.

Really love them both, and they make a fantastic pairing. They have a history and an over-protective brother/best friend. Not to mention one only ever does one-night stands and the other only does relationships. But the way they make each other laugh, and support each other so beautifully. No matter what they tell themselves, they are drawn together. Even when there are bumps in the road, they know, in the end, who their ‘one’ is.

I really enjoyed the vibe and the dialogue, and of course, the adorable baby girl and some amazing friends also make this a wonderful book.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Figuring out how to parent an unexpected child and have a meaningful romantic relationship at the same time would be challenging for anyone, but for Silas, whose history is firmly in the “one and done” category, there’s an added level of complication. Taran is absolutely worth the effort, but he has his own struggles with a legacy of previous partners only too happy to walk all over him. I’ll admit that I was team Taran from the get go. Consequently, it took a bit longer to warm up to Silas— “bad boy” types are fun as tropes, but give me a sweetheart with his heart on his sleeve and I’m instantly in his corner. To both of their credits’, Taran is able to create and enforce boundaries with Silas, and Silas cares for Taran in ways he definitely deserves. They have smoking hot chemistry as well as a real emotional connection, and there are tropes galore here: brother’s best friend, high school crush, single dad, reformed rake (it’s a modern story, so I guess player is probably a better word, but I’m a sucker for the classics). Overall, a really enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taran and Silas’ story had me falling in love with them as they fell in love with each other. I utterly adore sarcasm and banter and that’s something these two have in spades.

Taran has been searching for his forever with a string of boyfriends who consider him dull and boring. Silas has moved back to his hometown to meet his daughter and be part of her life. He is also friends with Taran’s brother Nico.

Gah! These two grabbed me by the heartstrings and never let go. Seeing each man come into their own as they navigate taking care of a baby, personal insecurities, and the general chaos that comes with both, had me feeling all the feels. They’ve actually taken me to a point where I don’t even know what to say, because their story is that good. So I suggest you grab a copy and find out for yourself.

I was kindly provided an ARC by Hot Tree Press and the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this whole series is so good. This one especially got to me. Taran and Silas have chemistry but neither one really knows what to do with it. Especially with little baby Fiona in the mix. Silas is so torn with the idea of taking care of Fi and is convinced anyone could do a better job than him. Taran is convinced no one can want him for when he is. Watching these two men figure out how to make everything work was so beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. These characters are amazing and make you want to stick around to see them get their HEA.This really is a heartwarming book. It doesn’t take any time at all for both men to be so completely in love with baby Fi that they can’t see anything else. Very sweet book. I love the characters that have built this found family in Chesapeake City.

[Alejandra Sonadora · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times when you come across a new author by pure luck. Boy was I lucky to have found the incredible Katherine McIntyre.

Stronger than Longing snared me from the first page. The characters are well developed and their joys, sadness, and longing was my own. If an author makes you feel all the feels, then they have a loyal fan in me.

Silas and Taran just make sense, sure Silas is the typical Wham! Bam! Thank You Sir, 🤣 see what I did there, man and to see him take a leap with Taran was just beautiful to see. I was rooting for Taran especially after all the breakups in his past, he deserved Silas, that is the to say the Silas we know now, not the playboy he was.

If you love a book so sweet that leaves you feeling all warm inside, then this is it. Just gotta get past Silas stubbornness first 🤣

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in this series is my absolute favorite and I have loved the first two. These two characters were reason as I fell in love with Silas and Taran immediately..reading their past stories broke my heart. Even though I knew they would find their HEA, it was watching it happen that warmed my heart. Both men are on different paths and journeys thinking they need to handle their situations alone, but soon realize together they can help one another (thus the fun begins). From page one, I wanted to be friends with this couple and part of this community. It is romantic, sexy, and tenderly sweet. Always fun to see characters from other books as get a sense of stability and realism to the stories. Love how these books remind us we can define our own family. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Maria E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of the Chesapeake Days series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Taran is a nerdy, quiet guy who has just been dumped (again!) for being "too boring". Silas is Taran's old high school crush, who is back in town for a purpose that will change the course of his life. He's just looking for a quick hook-up before he has to give up his carefree living ways. Taran and Silas meet at a bar in town, and end up hooking up for a one-night stand, but they can't go beyond that. Somehow, against their will and in spite of trying to avoid each other, they end up falling in love, helping each other heal from the hurts of their pasts, and forming a relationship, while learning that they are both worthy of love just as they are.

This was a great series, and I wouldn't mind reading about other characters in the small town of Chesapeake.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you are drowning your sorrows after being dumped yet again and in walks your childhood crush? Tall, dark, tatted and sexy only wants a one night stand. You follow him to his hotel, that’s what. Silas is in town to meet the baby daughter he just found about. Taran suspects if he’s only going to get one night with the man who’s starred in so many of his dreams he’s going to grab on with both hands. What neither man realizes is that what started out in a heated moment of passion will turn into something everlasting. Taran sees Silas for the man he has always wanted to be, when everyone else saw him as a troublemaker and a player. That’s not to say there aren’t bumps along the way to their HEA, but with their friends and family behind them they just might get everything they never dreamed they could have.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third book in the Chesapeake Days Series. This whole series is M/M romance. The books can be read as stand alone but I find it best to read them in order so that you get to know all of the characters. This book is about Taran and Silas, they have one wonderful night but that was all because Taran is Silas' friends little brother. Silas ends up leaving town, but Taran never stops feeling the love he has for him. Silas comes back to town to meet his three month old daughter. That is when the story really starts to get interesting and kept me reading wanting more. This book is full of romance, steamy and clean. If you don't like M/M romance novels then this series is not for you. I enjoyed this book and will read this author again. This series was the first thing that I have ever read by this author and I recommend her.- Kristina

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tattooed bad boy struggling to do the right thing? Check. Total cinnamon roll who can't help but want to support him? Check, check. Single dad, friends to lovers/best friend's brother story set in a small town? Check, check, check.

There's so much to love about Silas and Taran’s story. There's the immediate chemistry between the men that sees them leaping at the chance of a one night stand which turns into a delicious slower burn romance. There's all the emotional baggage both Taran and Silas are carrying which makes each man believe they're not meant to have the kind of relationship they might want. There are also cameos from the familiar faces around Chesapeake which just make me smile.

I really enjoyed the earlier books in the series but this is definitely my favourite. It's a great way to wrap up Chesapeake Days. 4.5*

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.

[Kate Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I really love everything I’ve read from this author, and this one might be the best yet. It’s the relationship we all kind of hope for, with Taran finally getting a chance with Silas, his high school crush. The added element of Silas being a new (and unexpected) parent was handled really well, as well as the emotional struggles both main characters had to get through.

The romance feels very realistically paced and some of their tender moments had me tearing up, but there are plenty of lighthearted moments to enjoy as well. Nico and Hudson make appearances, as well as some other side characters I’ll be keeping an eye out for, and an ex gets some just desserts. On the whole, a fantastic, well-written story that’s going straight on my re-read list.

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taran and Silas are one of those couples whose story hits everything I love in a romance - two people figuring out themselves even as they find each other, dealing with conflicts and life upheavals together. They are swoony in places, steamy a lot of times, and just so darned sweet with each other. Like the other books in the series, this features a lot of the same recurring characters (love that) and the author excels at found-family and small-town settings. Unfortunately, a few of the issues introduced seemed much bigger than their resolutions, which was just enough to keep this from being five stars for me. Still, a solid ending to one of my favorite small-town romance series this year.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first 2 books in the “Chesapeake Days” series. This one was an awesome read! The 2 MCs were wonderful! The trope of the “bad boy” and the “good boy” was delicious! Throw in the characters from the first 2 books makes for a wonderful reading! You couldn’t help but root for Silas as he tries to juggle being a “sudden” dad to his daughter. I’m sure you are tired of hearing me stating that this book or series should be made into a gay Hallmark movie/tv series but it’s true! The stories are awesome and easy to read!

The story focuses on Taran who works for a software company and has been focusing on developing a new app on the side. Taran happens to be the younger brother of Nico from the 2nd book. Taran had been pining over Nico’s best friend, Silas while growing up. That evening, Taran was at a restaurant when his boyfriend broke up with him so he was nursing his broken heart at the bar area when a guy asked him if he could join him. Taran glanced and was surprised to see Silas sitting there. That led to accomplishing Taran’s wet dream by hooking up. Taran was led to believe that Silas was in town for a short time. The reality was Silas came back to town to meet his baby daughter, a product of a drunken night romp during the Chesapeake Days festival the year before. I’m going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happens with Taran and Silas, his daughter and Taran’s app idea! Worth your time! More than 5 allocated stars for this read for me!

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taran and Silas were adorable together and when you add in an adorable baby, a dash of insecurity, a double helping of snark, a cup of jealousy, the ability to quote Theroux and an over-protective big brother you get Stronger than Longing by Katherine McIntyre...

This book was an amazing read from start to finish and it just grabbed me and held my interest from the first page to the last. It's well paced, well snarked and just when you feel like it needs more, there's an adorable baby!

I'm sad to see the Chesapeake Days series come to an end, but I hope there will be more books in the Chesapeake world so we can peek in on Taran and his brothers and their partners from time to time...

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a nice surprice! I loved this story as both Silas and Taran are great guys and I loved to see them together.

this is what a love story should look like - two (or three ...) people who make each other stronger and recognise their insecurities.
these two are perfect for each other as they complement each other and provide a home base for the other one.

I missed a bit the supportive cast as this is part of a series. on the one hand that was good as I did not read the first two books but on the other hand I would have enjoyed to see more of friends and family. especially Nico, who is not only Silas best friend but also Tarans big brother.

all in all this was a great story to read and I really enjoyed it

an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger Than Longing is book three in the Chesapeake Days series, it should be read in order but it does read as a standalone.
When a one time hook up turns into a slow burn romance I am here for it!
Taran and Silas have a hot one night together only to get derailed when Taran finds out Silas is back for his baby daughter.
These two keep finding their way back to each other. I loved the chemistry and connection between them.
Add in a cute baby and I'm a gonner.
Great addition to the Chesapeake Days series.