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Julian is content with great friends, close family, and a job he loves. While his love life has been a bit lackluster, he’s not one to complain. He might not be actively looking for love, but if the right man happens to come along, Julian wouldn’t pass up a potential romance.

Shaw has single-handedly pulled himself up from the depths of a traumatic past and he’s ready for the next step. The moment he finds himself on Cravenwood Block, Shaw knows his situation is about to change for the better.

Julian’s world shifts the moment he spies his very own angel on earth. Shaw has learned to take care of himself, but he’s not going to turn down Julian’s protective support. Despite an irritating threat from the past, Shaw dives head first into experiences he’s missed out on and replacing ugly memories with happier ones. With Julian by his side, Shaw faces his past and charges right into a promising future.

*Julian & Shaw: On Cravenwood Block is a steamy, hurt/comfort, roommates-to-lovers, age-gap M/M romance featuring an apartment manager with a heart of gold and a younger man doing his best to heal from a traumatic past.*

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2022

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About the author

A.D. Ellis

92 books751 followers
Escape into addictive, sexy, emotional queer M/M romance.
A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing teens, and wondering how she and her husband of over two decades haven't driven each other insane yet. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.
She loves chocolate, hot tea, sweet wine with friends, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.
A.D. uses she/they pronouns.
Sign up at http://www.subscribepage.com/ADEllisN... for a FREE male/male romance book.

A.D. Ellis does not use generative AI to create books or covers.

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5 stars
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73 (38%)
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19 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,202 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was a really sweet book. I really enjoyed Shaw and Julian together. Shaw has overcome so much and now he is ready for a fresh start. Julian is content with his life but said life becomes so much for when he meets Shaw. These two are drawn to each other and while Shaw's past still haunts him, these two are able to get a really sweet and much deserved HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
588 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2022
In this sweet M/M romance, Shaw is looking for a fresh start. Having suffered loss and abuse, he made some unsavory choices to survive. Determined to build a better life for himself, he fought for an education and has come to Cravenwood Block looking for a new home and new job. When he stumbles across two residents of Cravenwood Block, he finds both. Already excited about his fresh start, it gets even better when he meets his new apartment building's manager, Julian.

Julian is a bit older and has been looking for the right person to build a life with. When he meets Shaw for the first time, Julian sees an angel fallen to earth. He is immediately attracted to the handsome younger man, but realizes that Shaw is dealing with a traumatic past. He's willing to be anything Shaw needs him to be (friend, guide or boyfriend), just so he can have Shaw in his life. Julian is kind, patient and protective of young Shaw. He helps him to work through the trauma of his past with his steadfast support and by creating a safe space for Shaw to build new and better memories.

When Shaw's past catches up with him, he fears he will lose his newfound friends, his job, and most importantly, Julian. What he doesn't expect is unconditional acceptance from his found family.

Cravenwood Block is inhabited with a cast of unique and colorful characters that add moments of levity to the story, lightening some of the more somber parts of the narrative. They, too, provide the support Shaw needs along with doses of fun that he so sorely needs in his life.

Physical and emotional abuse are mentioned as past events in the book. Although not described in detail, they may be triggers for some readers.

Four stars for this sweet M/M romance.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
518 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2022
Julian and Shaw are a fantastic couple and quite possibly my favorite from the whole series. This is the third in the Cravenwood series. These are quick reads and although I think you can definitely read on your own, the other books have some overlapping timelines and characters from prior books are heavily mentioned in this book. It gives a better feel for the book and those involved having met the characters before.

Shaw’s character in particular was so well done and really enjoyed the character development for him in this book. He’s had a very troubled life but is such a fighter having been on his own and finding his own way. Meeting Julian and the rest of the residents in the apartment is the found family that he didn’t know he needed but the support from all of the them, particularly Julian is so welcome. Julian is a very caring character without being overbearing and intrusive into Shaw’s past. Their dynamic is sweet and enjoyable to read. This book more so than the previous gave such a good feel for a found family as an entire group for these characters especially Shaw.

The bonus scene epilogues were fantastic. A mix of spicy and unbelievably sweet. Definitely check out the series and I’m looking forward to Dean and Lucas next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
509 reviews12 followers
December 14, 2022
A wonderful 3rd book in the “On Cravenwood Block” series. We got to know Julian and Shaw from reading the other books in the series but this one gives us more depth into who Julian and Shaw are.

The story focuses on Shaw, who was looking for a job and a place to live after going through traumatic events in his past. He happened to stop at that lil’ coffee shop where Leighton (from the 1st book) was working. Leighton noticed that Shaw could use a bit of help and started chatting with him. Shaw told him he was looking for a place to live and a job. Leighton recommended he contact his brother, Julian who was the apartment manager of the apartment tower. He also recommended checking out the small hospital where his other roommate works at. Shaw contacted the hospital and got an interview. He also contacted Julian who immediately went into his “caregiver” mode when they met to discuss the available room. Shaw was able to get the job and the room. However, Shaw’s past was catching up to him and it caused some distress for him. However, I’m going to stop right there and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happens! A wonderful reading with wonderful characters!
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
5,434 reviews48 followers
February 8, 2023
Apartment manager Julian has great friends, a close family and a job he loves although his love life has been lacklustre and while not actively looking he won't pass up a potential if it happens. Shaw has singlehandedly pulled himself up from his traumatic past and is ready for the next step. As soon as he arrives on Cravenwood Block he knows everything is going to change for the better. Julian's world shifts when he spots his own angel on earth and although Shaw is used to looking after himself he is not going to turn down the protective support Julian is offering. Shaw has a threat from the past but with Julian's help, he faces it and moves forward to replace ugly memories with happy ones.

I really enjoyed this story with the steady and comforting Julian and the strong and determined Shaw who wanted to move on from his past and build a new life and a new future somewhere else with a much happier focus. I liked that Julian tried to offer support and not mix it with pleasure although, in the end, they morphed into something together that transformed into love. I just wanted to hug Shaw. Easy to read, feel and understand. This MM story contains mature content in a steamy roommate-to-lovers age-gap romance.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,015 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2024
MM - Age-Gap

I'm loving this series. It's so good. Each couple is unique but works as a friendship group—so much so that you want to be part of it.

We meet Julian, the manager for the Cravenwood Towers, who has a huge heart and will help everyone.

Shaw is new to the area and has a traumatic past, but he has worked hard to get to where he is and is determined to work even harder to stay here.

The story's sensitive handling of past trauma and current issues is handled well. This is an age gap, hurt comfort, and a beautiful story part of a lovely series. Although they are linked, they can be read as stand-alone.

Oliver Young-Apstein's narration was very good and very easy to listen to. I didn't need to speed him up like most other narrators, so I got a full four and a half hours. I would listen to this audio again and recommend it.


Julian & Shaw
On Cravenwood Block
By: A.D. Ellis
Narrated by: Oliver Young-Apstein
Series: On Cravenwood Block Series, Book 3
Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚 📚📚 Story
Read at 1.00 on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - nor did the author influence my opinion.
Profile Image for Claire Louisa.
2,202 reviews131 followers
January 1, 2023
Just as with the rest of this series I adored the guys from Cravenwood Block and am loving seeing them all pair up.

I've been waiting to find out more about Shaw and his background which has been hinted at being possibly traumatic in the previous two books. As Shaw opens up to Julian, learning to trust him and the other Cravenwood men who are becoming a tight-knit found family, I was saddened by all he'd been through and what he'd endured to get by. I'm so glad Lucas and Dean decided to make him part of their group when he wandered into the bar Lucas works in.

Julian and Shaw hit it off straight away, feeling a pull towards each other that they can't ignore, nor do they want to, it's just a matter of timing.

Shaw has to deal with someone who is trying to ruin him by outing his past to his new friends and threatening the same with his new job. It was a surprise who it actually turned out to be in the end. I hate that there are so many horrid people walking around out there.

Julian and Shaw were perfect for each other and I loved getting to see Julian's caregiver nature with someone he cared for romantically, he is just so sweet, loving and supportive towards Shaw.

I'm looking forward to the final couple's book Dean and Lucas.

Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,638 reviews53 followers
October 30, 2022
I found this to be a really heartwarming romance as we get to see Shaw get his much deserved HEA with Julian after a traumatic childhood followed by a few choices taken from him and a bad relationship. Now, he has the chance to take all of that and spin it in his own positive way after he gets the chance of a lifetime to live and work on Cravenwood.
Things seem to slot together for Shaw when job and home prospects come up within hours of each other, both what he wants and needs right now. An extra special perk is Julian, a most caring man who only wants Shaw to see how special he is. Julian is such a sweetheart and while we had glimpses of the two men in the previous books of this series, it's so great to get to know them both better whilst also having more time with the group as a whole, see more aspects of the strong bonds of friendship and found family that they've built. Ollie and Leighton again provide support equaled with comic relief.
We do hear about what Shaw has gone through though not in great detail but please be sure to read the content warning, just in case.
Another wonderful and enjoyable read in this series. Not necessary to read in order but it does help give more details on the other couples in the shared apartment. I'm really looking forward to the last in the series, Lucas and Dean.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2022
Do you believe in love in first sight? Well, that’s what happened to Julian when Shaw walked in to the Cravenwood Apartment Tower. His heart skipped a beat the first time He saw Shaw’s smile. Shaw hasn’t had much luck in life, with losing his only parent at the age of 8, losing a loving foster family at the age of 13, and bad things happening to him until just recently. Julian does not know what hells Shaw has been through, but he knows he wants to hold him close to protect Shaw and keep him safe.

I really enjoyed getting to know Julian better as he was a character in the first two books of the series. I just fell in love with Shaw; he is such a sweet soul who deserves all the love and affection that Julian has been destined to give him.

I loved reading this book and I just can’t wait until the fourth book comes out. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this awesome author. You will be happy you did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
750 reviews49 followers
July 16, 2023
My goodness!! This one had me wrapped up in so many feels! I am wiping tears from my eyes and I’m typing!! I LOVE and am obsessed with this group of friends!!

I honestly was so excited the next book was Julian because the build up of watching him during other books just fall for Shaw was so dang cute!! I couldn’t help but already love the protector that Julian was and see him just fall more and more each moment!

Shaw was a bit different and had a little baggage but who doesn’t have some type of baggage. I loved him so much though because he’s a survivor and taking back control! His growth from beginning to end is breath taking!

The last bonus scene just made my tears flow more than they already were and it was just so perfect! I had hopes it was something else but my goodness was this so much better! I am beyond giddy to read about the best friends but I know Shaw will stick with me for a while!
954 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2022
This series is always a joy to read . I enjoy getting to see the same or similar time periode through another couple (to be) their perspective and to learn more about their dynamic. This time Shaw and Julian get their time in the spotlight and boy is Julian a sweetheart from the word "go'. I must say I was completely surprised to find out who Shaw his stalker was, thar came out of left field for me.

This was a sweet mm age gap in which Shaw gets to have a few first which he missed growing up. And ofcourse the whole gamg is there to help him achieve those.

I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
Profile Image for nic✨.
341 reviews18 followers
Read
December 12, 2022
Julian and Shaw stole my heart from the very first time they appeared in the first book in this series. I was so curious on what their relationship dynamic would be and I am so happy I found out finally. Shaw needed a caretaker like Julian to truly show him how to be himself. Julian accepted Shaw from the very beginning and even after learning about his past which was so tough and he helped replace bad memories with good ones. Watching them accept their feelings for each other was a dream and I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess.
262 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2022
So, love this series, but unfortunately not so much this book. Of course I love these men of Cravenwood Block Leighton and Ollie make me laugh like few characters I've read. All of them are wonderful.
I'm not sure what happened with this book. Everything felt very rushed. Perhaps it's because most of the book was going over a timeline readers already knew from the first two books?
The story is quite sweet and has almost no angst and I'm not upset I read it. I'm just really looking forward to the Lucas and Dean now!
1,723 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2022
This book delivers not just a romance but one that’s laced with trauma and a bit of excitement. Visiting Cravenwood Block is an adventure every time. The guys there all are warm and welcoming. Julian and Shaw find themselves perfect for one another and their journey is one of sweetness, some frightening moments, not too many but enough to add an element to the book of trepidation, and a HeA that’s well deserved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AL.
1,837 reviews14 followers
September 6, 2024
A story of healing and new beginnings in what sounds like an absolutely amazing community. A.D. Ellis created a pair of MCs that give off all the good vibes with their outlook on life and approach to people. There's lots of healing and growth, right along falling in love, which makes for a wholesome and very enjoyable story.
Narration (audio): Very good fit for both the MCs and the secondary characters, Their unique characteristics came through in the performance, which always enhances the experience. Very good job.
Profile Image for DJ McCready.
571 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2025
This is the third book in this series I have read and while the Cravenwood gang appeal wonderfully, I found the Ollie and Bash story to hold more emotion than this book. That is NOT to say this book is poor. It is very much a book of growth and pulling oneself out of a tragic past as Shaw has done. Julian, who was in the prior to books is more likable in this book too. I also feel this is the first in the series where the eight of them are all important (we saw a hint of that in the Ollie/Bash story but this one runs throughout.
5,156 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2022
Stay open to new things. Julian, is in a good place in his life. He is not stressing and he is ready if his one shows up. Shaw, has learned a few life lessons where's he's absolutely independent and sustainable. Life wasn't easy, but he's ready to find his happy. The found family of Cravenwood Block provides a good support structure and a place to heal and grow. Good story. Shaw and Julian are delicious! Good story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lori Dunn.
947 reviews24 followers
January 27, 2023
Sweet story

I like Julian And Shaw. Love the interaction with all the other characters. For some reason their relationship did not feel as real. It felt forced and it was so fast that at times it seemed unrealistic. Shaw handled his past a lot better than I would expect given his situation. Overall a good story with likable characters. Not my favorite of the series so far.
3/5 stars
Profile Image for Kristi.
506 reviews
January 3, 2023
This is my favorite of the series so far! Shaw is just the most precious little cinnamon roll, and Julian is so protective and loving. Working on the list of things Shaw missed out on? *chef’s kiss* Sweet, steamy, low angst, heartwarming bonus scenes….it’s a must-read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,385 reviews20 followers
January 6, 2023
Part 3 of a solid series. Shaw is probably my favourite of the 6 characters so far (the most hurt and uses books to escape). What I did miss here is the focus on two MCs which was far more evident in the first 2 books - aside from being a wonderful caretaker for Shaw there was very little Julian to be found. Still good reading.
157 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2022
I have loved all of the Cravenwood Block stories so far, but I have to say that this one is my favorite. I love sweet MM stories, and Julian and Shaw are just such a wonderful couple. Julian manages the Cravenwood Apartments, and he’s a natural caretaker. Shaw lost his mom when he was ten, had a rough time in the foster care system, and did what he needed to survive and forge a future for himself. He meets Lucas and Dean, lands the perfect job opportunity, and ends up rooming with Julian at Cravenwood Apartments. In the midst of crazy antics from over-the-top friends and family, a bit of drama from the past, and some incredible chemistry, Julian and Shaw fall in love and find their HEA. This author weaves such heartwarming stories, and the bonus chapters for this one provided such satisfying closure. I highly recommend this one and can’t wait to read Lucas and Dean’s story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
710 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
This is a great book to read! reat page turner, hard to put down! A gThe next book in the series. This is Julian and Shaw's story. Shaw is trying to start over after getting to town. Shaw gets a job at the Cravenwood Health Center at the Front Desk and enjoys it. Shaw gets Julians name from Dean and Lucas and goes to look at the apartment and loves it. After spending time with Julian, Shaw feels safe and agrees to live in the apartment. Julian is happy that Shaw is around and they become friends. When Shaw's past comes back to threaten his present what will he do??? Will Julian get what he is looking for??? Will Shaw finally get what he needs???.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,789 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2022
This had a heavier emotional feeling than the previous two books but that was expected from the overlapping timeline between the series and it was a shorter book with uplifting bonus scenes to contrast at the end. Originally I thought we didn't get much detail about Julian as Shaw was very much the focus but reflecting I think Julians character was revealed in his actions and responses to Shaw. Now for the dreaded wait until the crescendo of the series where Lucas and Dean will hopefully see their chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
954 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2022
This series is always a joy to read . I enjoy getting to see the same or similar time periode through another couple (to be) their perspective and to learn more about their dynamic. This time Shaw and Julian get their time in the spotlight and boy is Julian a sweetheart from the word "go'. I must say I was completely surprised to find out who Shaw his stalker was, thar came out of left field for me.

This was a sweet mm age gap in which Shaw gets to have a few first which he missed growing up. And ofcourse the whole gamg is there to help him achieve those.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Altivo Overo.
Author 6 books20 followers
May 27, 2023
Another good one

These things are almost real, especially the focus on each character's fears that his chosen doesn't share the same feeling he has.As usual, humorous and serious at oncef.
Profile Image for Mary Dunlap.
1,226 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2024
Sometimes things happen for a reason

Sometime the things that happen for a reason and reasons are always happy ...as in this story... But if you can live thru your nightmares there might be a rainbow at the end
1,795 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2022
I don't think we can ever get too much of Cravenwood Block. The guys find their soul mates and work through the history to bring them to this point.
This time Shaw is the troubled person who needed to find himself and his forever partner. Julian, the perfect carer and soon to be protector has all the patience to give Shaw time to heal.
This story is so easy to read, with all the couples on the block. Dreams can come true.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,945 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2022
This was a good read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters are perfectly matched. This has a little hurt/ comfort but with a good feeling and a good ending.
312 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2023
Great!

This one stars Julian and Shaw. They have been dreaming of one another since they met. All of the guys are here and they are all interesting, adorable and totally steamy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews