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The Beach House
Beautiful model and actor Mason Adams rents a beach house for the summer in a seaside town to get away from his fast-paced, partying lifestyle in Los Angeles. After Mason nearly died from a drug overdose and served time in rehab, his agent is convinced the quiet life is the perfect way to get Mason’s life and career back on track.
Mason, however, isn’t sure the sedate life is for him—until he meets his neighbor, crime fiction author John Harding. Forced to retire from the fire department after a career-ending injury, John has found a new life in a modest beach house as a best-selling novelist. Life is good, but quiet and not exactly exciting, until Mason comes to stay next door for the summer.
Unable to resist the allure they feel for each other, Mason and John begin a torrid affair. But once the summer comes to an end, Mason knows he’ll have to face a monumental decision—choosing between exciting new career opportunities and his new life with the man who has stolen his heart.
Gay / Contemporary / Exhibitionism / Public Places
Mason, however, isn’t sure the sedate life is for him—until he meets his neighbor, crime fiction author John Harding. Forced to retire from the fire department after a career-ending injury, John has found a new life in a modest beach house as a best-selling novelist. Life is good, but quiet and not exactly exciting, until Mason comes to stay next door for the summer.
Unable to resist the allure they feel for each other, Mason and John begin a torrid affair. But once the summer comes to an end, Mason knows he’ll have to face a monumental decision—choosing between exciting new career opportunities and his new life with the man who has stolen his heart.
Gay / Contemporary / Exhibitionism / Public Places
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2010
3 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lane
133 books309 followersShawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 7, 2010
The Beach House by Shawn Lane was a deeply moving, sexy book about two men, who probably under normal circumstances would never find their way to each other.
Mason is a well sought out model that has just come out of rehab. Since the model industry has a reputation of being attached with drugs and booze, he is taken by his friend and agent to stay at a beach house in Morro Bay, so he can continue his recovery.
Bored and alone, Mason fills his time running on the beach and exploring his new temporary home. One day, Mason spots a very handsome man at the grocery store. Just when Mason thinks he's going to approach him, the man is approached by a young woman, and Mason believes that the man is probably straight and taken.
John was once a firefighter who truly loved his job. Unfortunately, he was injured on the job site, and now is a best selling author. Even though he loves his house by the beach, he sometime misses his life before his injury. When he spots Mason walking on the beach he’s immediately captivated by the man’s beauty. As fate would have it, John’s dog intervenes and the two men meet and soon fall in love. But, when the summer is over, and Mason is asked to return to the limelight, will his feelings for John be enough to choose to stay with John, or will he return to the spotlight?
I loved this book, although I admit I love all of Shawn’s books. As usual, her characterization is amazing. Both Mason and John are broken heroes in their own way, and they must work through their own demons so they can have a loving and fulfilling relationship. I loved both heroes and both were easy to identify with. Even though Mason is uber gorgeous, he is still a likeable and wonderfully lifelike character. I thought both he and John brought out the best in one another and I was truly amazed at the love they found in each other’s arms.
Mason is a well sought out model that has just come out of rehab. Since the model industry has a reputation of being attached with drugs and booze, he is taken by his friend and agent to stay at a beach house in Morro Bay, so he can continue his recovery.
Bored and alone, Mason fills his time running on the beach and exploring his new temporary home. One day, Mason spots a very handsome man at the grocery store. Just when Mason thinks he's going to approach him, the man is approached by a young woman, and Mason believes that the man is probably straight and taken.
John was once a firefighter who truly loved his job. Unfortunately, he was injured on the job site, and now is a best selling author. Even though he loves his house by the beach, he sometime misses his life before his injury. When he spots Mason walking on the beach he’s immediately captivated by the man’s beauty. As fate would have it, John’s dog intervenes and the two men meet and soon fall in love. But, when the summer is over, and Mason is asked to return to the limelight, will his feelings for John be enough to choose to stay with John, or will he return to the spotlight?
I loved this book, although I admit I love all of Shawn’s books. As usual, her characterization is amazing. Both Mason and John are broken heroes in their own way, and they must work through their own demons so they can have a loving and fulfilling relationship. I loved both heroes and both were easy to identify with. Even though Mason is uber gorgeous, he is still a likeable and wonderfully lifelike character. I thought both he and John brought out the best in one another and I was truly amazed at the love they found in each other’s arms.
October 5, 2010
The Beach House is Fabulous! Jack and I have been anxiously waiting its release for WEEKS! So you can imagine our complete happiness when we finally got to read it.
Mason is one of my favorite heroes. That says a lot because we all know that I'm crazy about Kevin from Car Wash (He'll always be my ultimate favorite) but there is something very sweet and humanly flawed about Mason that made me adore him. He's recovering from substance abuse and has been told to stay in this gorgeous beach house in Morro Bay for weeks, so he can refect on his life, and get past his substance abuse addictions.
When he meets his sexy and stable next door neighbor, John, sparks fly and both men embark on a loving, nurturing and very sexy relationship that brings out the best in both men.
When the summer is over and reality sets in, will Mason return to his life in the fast lane or will he stay and take a chance on love?????
(If you know Shawn's work, that question was a no-brainer...LOL)
Mason is one of my favorite heroes. That says a lot because we all know that I'm crazy about Kevin from Car Wash (He'll always be my ultimate favorite) but there is something very sweet and humanly flawed about Mason that made me adore him. He's recovering from substance abuse and has been told to stay in this gorgeous beach house in Morro Bay for weeks, so he can refect on his life, and get past his substance abuse addictions.
When he meets his sexy and stable next door neighbor, John, sparks fly and both men embark on a loving, nurturing and very sexy relationship that brings out the best in both men.
When the summer is over and reality sets in, will Mason return to his life in the fast lane or will he stay and take a chance on love?????
(If you know Shawn's work, that question was a no-brainer...LOL)
October 4, 2010
Sweet, good m/m romance about a model who overdosed and was sent to rehab. Post-rehab, his agent rents him a quiet house on the beach for the summer, to get him away from bad influences and help him figure out how to have a more normal life.
February 23, 2013
Mason, a model and small time actor had a scary drug overdose, so his agent has set him up in a house out of the way, no Internet, TV, car....
His neighbor John is sexy and they hit it off, lots of sex and eventually love ensues, but Mason's career is waiting for him.
This is a quick, easy read, since it's pretty short so there isn't a lot of relationship development, or issues dealt with, none of Mason's thoughts of his drug use to any kind of follow up treatment, but it was cute and a nice 'snack' read.
I also ignored that the dog had my name..lol
His neighbor John is sexy and they hit it off, lots of sex and eventually love ensues, but Mason's career is waiting for him.
This is a quick, easy read, since it's pretty short so there isn't a lot of relationship development, or issues dealt with, none of Mason's thoughts of his drug use to any kind of follow up treatment, but it was cute and a nice 'snack' read.
I also ignored that the dog had my name..lol
June 25, 2016
This well written short romance really did it for me. Totally character driven, John and Mason were developed slowly as if the author was adding a bit at a time. The sex scenes were fair. It was the relationship that grew between John and Mason that made this such a feel good read.
April 21, 2012
If I were to rate this technically, I'd probably go for 2 stars, but I really liked Mason and John, so they get an extra star.
I liked that Mason was a difficult character to root for. I liked that about him, that he's really messed up doesn't have a lot of flattering qualities, except for his model beauty. But with influence of John, that slutty addict persona dropped out of the way and the motivation behind that lifestyle Mason was so much a part of was easy to see. He's very down-trodden in ways. Yes, much of it is his own making, however some people do have a difficult time looking out for themselves and I could see that Mason never really knew what it was like to take care of himself. That vulnerability that came out then worked for me, even though I suppose lots of readers would probably not like Mason as much as I did.
The only real problem I had with this story are the very large gaps in plot . I ended up feeling a little bit cheated not to get some of the story, in fact the most important part of the story where they transition from like to love.
Still, I enjoyed these characters and I really enjoyed how tied it was to the setting.
I liked that Mason was a difficult character to root for. I liked that about him, that he's really messed up doesn't have a lot of flattering qualities, except for his model beauty. But with influence of John, that slutty addict persona dropped out of the way and the motivation behind that lifestyle Mason was so much a part of was easy to see. He's very down-trodden in ways. Yes, much of it is his own making, however some people do have a difficult time looking out for themselves and I could see that Mason never really knew what it was like to take care of himself. That vulnerability that came out then worked for me, even though I suppose lots of readers would probably not like Mason as much as I did.
The only real problem I had with this story are the very large gaps in plot . I ended up feeling a little bit cheated not to get some of the story, in fact the most important part of the story where they transition from like to love.
Still, I enjoyed these characters and I really enjoyed how tied it was to the setting.
December 15, 2015
Pretty good novella about Mason and John. Mason is a model/actor who is laying low in a beach rental secured by his agent after he has left rehab for the second time after a drug overdose. John is a firefighter turned author after an on-the-job injury to his leg. They just happen to be neighbors and both gay.
Although they jump into bed pretty quickly, the real heart of the story is the development of their relationship after they have already had sex. John recognizes Mason's vulnerability and guesses at some of the stuff that Mason has been through. Even though Mason is an addict and has perhaps hasn't done things in the normal route or fashion, John values him for him for himself - not what he can get from him.
Really sweet ending.
Although they jump into bed pretty quickly, the real heart of the story is the development of their relationship after they have already had sex. John recognizes Mason's vulnerability and guesses at some of the stuff that Mason has been through. Even though Mason is an addict and has perhaps hasn't done things in the normal route or fashion, John values him for him for himself - not what he can get from him.
Really sweet ending.
June 29, 2016
Mason got too big for his britches! He had to find love for himself and change his selfish ways before he could actually have a relationship. Once he got his priorities figured out, the rest was easy!
October 7, 2010
2.5 stars. What you read in the blurb is what you'll get. Nothing much more. A very weak offering from an auto-buy. I'm disappointed.
April 28, 2011
This was a sweet and spicy read. I loved John and Mason. They were so sweet together. They were perfect for each other!!
March 2, 2012
Loved this book!
Nice and tender love story and I almost teared up over the few angsty pages ))) Heartwarming story!
Nice and tender love story and I almost teared up over the few angsty pages ))) Heartwarming story!
March 24, 2011
Aww.. Mason is such a sweetheart. I loved this story. :)
July 13, 2025
I can't really nail down what about this I liked so much. It was such a sweet, easy read. I loved the characters and the setting. It's a quiet little fantasy of two people falling in love in the little corner of the world they've built for themselves, without any outside drama or conflict. Other than the Basically my argument being that Mason wasn't this horribly broken person who was fixed; he'd just found a new purpose in life and love which made him view everything a little differently.
I find Shawn Lane a bit hit and miss, but this one was definitely a hit.
I find Shawn Lane a bit hit and miss, but this one was definitely a hit.
January 12, 2017
The Beach House was originally published in 2010. It has a new cover and has been reedited from the original but is essentially the same.
Mason Adams is beautiful…on the outside. On the inside…not so much. He’s young, pampered and spoiled and is used to acting like a child in a grown-up world. Being exiled for three months to a beach house that doesn’t even have a television set, seems like hell to him. The only one around to keep him company is himself, and with the amount of self-loathing he has, why would he would he want to do that? Not even his agent suspects that his accidental drug overdose wasn’t really an accident; otherwise, she would never have left him there isolated and alone.
John Harding used to be a fireman. After a horrible fire left him slightly crippled and in permanent pain, he retreated to his beach house and became a bestselling mystery/crime author. He loves his stories and has come to terms with the accident that gave him the opportunity to put pen to paper full time. His life is quiet now; he lives vicariously within the pages of his books. However, one good look at his new next door neighbor for the summer, and John thinks life is definitely looking up.
This is an insta-lust/love novella. These two pretty much fall hard and fast. Their first interactions are sweet and touching, with a self-deprecating humor that is endearing. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I liked Mason’s character until he was partnered with John. Knowing where Mason starts from, though, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mason and John bring out the best in one another, and that makes for a great love story, even if it’s short. Lane gives us enough backstory that we get a feel for each man, and well-rounded characterizations. It’s a good storyline, an entertaining read, not much angst, and hot sex.
In the end, Mason must decide if fresh air, small towns, and a hot boyfriend are worth more than a paycheck. And, of course, he picks the HEA. It’s sweet, well written, and a good short story for a Sunday afternoon when you need a satisfying hot read, a favorite chair, and a cup of tea.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
Mason Adams is beautiful…on the outside. On the inside…not so much. He’s young, pampered and spoiled and is used to acting like a child in a grown-up world. Being exiled for three months to a beach house that doesn’t even have a television set, seems like hell to him. The only one around to keep him company is himself, and with the amount of self-loathing he has, why would he would he want to do that? Not even his agent suspects that his accidental drug overdose wasn’t really an accident; otherwise, she would never have left him there isolated and alone.
John Harding used to be a fireman. After a horrible fire left him slightly crippled and in permanent pain, he retreated to his beach house and became a bestselling mystery/crime author. He loves his stories and has come to terms with the accident that gave him the opportunity to put pen to paper full time. His life is quiet now; he lives vicariously within the pages of his books. However, one good look at his new next door neighbor for the summer, and John thinks life is definitely looking up.
This is an insta-lust/love novella. These two pretty much fall hard and fast. Their first interactions are sweet and touching, with a self-deprecating humor that is endearing. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I liked Mason’s character until he was partnered with John. Knowing where Mason starts from, though, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mason and John bring out the best in one another, and that makes for a great love story, even if it’s short. Lane gives us enough backstory that we get a feel for each man, and well-rounded characterizations. It’s a good storyline, an entertaining read, not much angst, and hot sex.
In the end, Mason must decide if fresh air, small towns, and a hot boyfriend are worth more than a paycheck. And, of course, he picks the HEA. It’s sweet, well written, and a good short story for a Sunday afternoon when you need a satisfying hot read, a favorite chair, and a cup of tea.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
November 1, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This quick, light read is really enjoyable. Both men have kind of lost their way. Mason’s life has been easy, with people wanting to give him everything simply because of his looks or because of what they could get out of it. John has built a new life for himself after the accident, but he doesn’t realize it’s just existing. These guys really provide something for each other that they didn’t know they needed, and their chemistry works really well.
Despite there being a feel good, playful, fluffy aspect to this story, there are also some heavier themes. I think the author balanced these parts really well. It never got too heavy, but those more difficult subjects were handled with care. It really gave the story some weight without weighing it down too much.
I adored these guys and their relationship. I would have liked to see just a little bit more development of it though. There’s a bit of a time jump in the middle of things, and while it worked fine, I liked the characters so much that I wanted to see them experiencing more time together. But their chemistry sparks off the page and they just work.
So overall, I just enjoyed this read. It was quick, which is exactly what you want sometimes, and left me happy. If you’re looking for a short, nicely written book that ends in a feel good epic romance, I can definitely suggest you pick this one up.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This quick, light read is really enjoyable. Both men have kind of lost their way. Mason’s life has been easy, with people wanting to give him everything simply because of his looks or because of what they could get out of it. John has built a new life for himself after the accident, but he doesn’t realize it’s just existing. These guys really provide something for each other that they didn’t know they needed, and their chemistry works really well.
Despite there being a feel good, playful, fluffy aspect to this story, there are also some heavier themes. I think the author balanced these parts really well. It never got too heavy, but those more difficult subjects were handled with care. It really gave the story some weight without weighing it down too much.
I adored these guys and their relationship. I would have liked to see just a little bit more development of it though. There’s a bit of a time jump in the middle of things, and while it worked fine, I liked the characters so much that I wanted to see them experiencing more time together. But their chemistry sparks off the page and they just work.
So overall, I just enjoyed this read. It was quick, which is exactly what you want sometimes, and left me happy. If you’re looking for a short, nicely written book that ends in a feel good epic romance, I can definitely suggest you pick this one up.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
October 19, 2011
3 Stars
This was a short and sweet read about Mason, a model/actor who was sent to a beach house by his agent to continue his recovery from a drug overdose. While there Mason meets John, who owns a house next to his rental. John moved to the beach after a work injury forced him to retire from the fire department. John is now a successful author and spends his days writing and playing with his dog Mandy.
Although John is older than Mason, the two are immediately attracted to each other and strike up a friendship that quickly turns into having sex on the first date. Mason is used to that, but John feels more for Mason and sets out to court Mason and treat him as he deserves to be treated.
The story moves fairly quickly and there are a few gaps that I felt could have been filled in. Hence the 3 star rating as opposed to a 4 start rating. It would be nice to see how the relationship is doing now that Mason is away from the spotlight and his old partying ways. Overall I recommend this book if you're in the mood for something light, sweet and quick to read.
This was a short and sweet read about Mason, a model/actor who was sent to a beach house by his agent to continue his recovery from a drug overdose. While there Mason meets John, who owns a house next to his rental. John moved to the beach after a work injury forced him to retire from the fire department. John is now a successful author and spends his days writing and playing with his dog Mandy.
Although John is older than Mason, the two are immediately attracted to each other and strike up a friendship that quickly turns into having sex on the first date. Mason is used to that, but John feels more for Mason and sets out to court Mason and treat him as he deserves to be treated.
The story moves fairly quickly and there are a few gaps that I felt could have been filled in. Hence the 3 star rating as opposed to a 4 start rating. It would be nice to see how the relationship is doing now that Mason is away from the spotlight and his old partying ways. Overall I recommend this book if you're in the mood for something light, sweet and quick to read.
June 26, 2012
Mason and John were a strange couple for me. Mason is recovering from a drugs overdose and, although he knows he's beautiful, has a very low sense of his own self-worth and John is still coming to terms with the big changes he has experienced in his life. The two men begin to become friends as well as lovers and I enjoyed this portion of the book. Mason finally had someone who cared about him and valued him for more than the services he could provide. Then, it seemed like a part of the story was missed. The book jumped forward in time and I felt cheated that I didn't get to see the like turn to love. Still, it was a sweet story, even if I would have liked to see what happened during those missing weeks!
December 17, 2014
This was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed watching Mason realize that all could be well in his world. It was heartbreaking to see such a young, troubled kid and to know that it is realistic in the real world sucks. I still have some trepidation over the character of John. You can see he really cares about Mason but it seemed weird in the beginning and I felt like perhaps his feelings could have been better explored to give me an understanding of where he was coming from. It seemed like "yeah, Mason is hot" but didn't really show me how he progressed to feeling more for him. We see them together but not really inside John's head. That said, however, that did not ruin this book for me. I really enjoyed it and loved the relationship between them.
November 6, 2010
I found this story very enjoyable. I loved that John was able to see through to the real Mason and figure out his prior wounds and issues. He showed Mason what it really means to be a friend and lover you can count on. It wrenched my heart to hear John's plea for Mason to stay at the end of the summer and the difficulty of the decision Mason had to make. I'm glad they got their happy ending! My only critique would be about the rushed feeling throughout much of the book. I realize it was a novella, but I don't think that means it's necessary to skim over the more important elements of a story. Other than that, a great read!
August 5, 2013
3.5 stars--This was a step up from the previous books I've read by Shawn Lane. They've all been short, although this one was a bit longer, and they've all been hot but with little emotion. For the first time, I actually felt something for the MCs. For me, Lane's writing still has a way to go because I'm looking for more than just erotic scenes. After this one however, I'm willing to try another one or two to see if they continue to get better. There's definitely potential.
February 19, 2011
Sweet story about a gorgeous model trying to get his life back together post-rehab and the man he falls for. I liked both of the protags and enjoyed reading their story. On the plus side the writing is solid and the characters are likable and interesting. On the down side it's feels a bit rushed and I would have liked to see a bit of their relationship after they finally come together.
November 28, 2011
This was an enjoyable read, if really short. I would have liked to hear more about what went on in Mason's mind when he left or get to see some of the interaction between June and August. But even being so short, it still drew me in and made me care what happened to the characters. 3.5 stars.
November 3, 2011
Nice and sweet, first love, uncertainty.
The dog Mandy is so cute. I think it would have been nice for her to have a bit more of a charactor.
The charactors blend well together, but I thought that there could have been a bit more background one the charactors.
All in all though a good read.
The dog Mandy is so cute. I think it would have been nice for her to have a bit more of a charactor.
The charactors blend well together, but I thought that there could have been a bit more background one the charactors.
All in all though a good read.
April 5, 2012
What a sweet story. Mason is a gorgeous model but he is so insecure. When he meets John he discovers that he is a beautiful person on the inside as well. I loved Mason. I loved John. A wonderful story.
June 8, 2016
I couldn’t connect with the MCs, the development of their relationship felt forced and the dialogue at times didn’t flow naturally.
I did like the last 20%, but that was maybe because by that point I was used to the writing style and got a little invested in the characters and story.
I did like the last 20%, but that was maybe because by that point I was used to the writing style and got a little invested in the characters and story.
April 8, 2011
Quick, sweet read, really enjoyed Mason and John.
August 9, 2011
I love both the characters. Marcus really broke my heart and I was very glad he found John.
September 3, 2013
Mason out of rehab is told to recover in a beach house for a few months there he meet John and they hit it off and a love that is hard to stop...
July 30, 2016
Ok.
Wrapped up in a nice little package parading as a gay romance, this is definitely more erotica with a touch of story.
Wrapped up in a nice little package parading as a gay romance, this is definitely more erotica with a touch of story.
August 15, 2016
Hot, beach read
Mason and John are unlikely lovers but fate puts them together. There's initial tension in the love story that later builds to a happy ending.
Mason and John are unlikely lovers but fate puts them together. There's initial tension in the love story that later builds to a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews