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Hell on Wheels

(Bluewater Bay #3)

Z.A. Maxfield (Goodreads Author)

3.87 · Rating details · 1,204 ratings · 178 reviews

Nash is the reliable one in the Holly family, the guy everyone counts on to keep things going. His genius twin brother is off at university, so Nash runs the family’s auto repair business and cares for his partially-paralyzed little sister while his crackpot father invents. His life seems mapped out for the foreseeable future, however much that might chafe.

So when Wolf’s L ...more

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ebook, 225 pages

Published December 1st 2014 by Riptide Publishing (first published November 25th 2014)

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· 1,204 ratings · 178 reviews

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Nov 14, 2014 ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ rated it it was ok

Shelves: m-m, british-boys, no-low-steam

2.5 stars

I usually enjoy ZAM's stories. I'm gaga for her Cowboys series.

But this one? This one didn't work for me. Not in the slightest.

I never felt the spark between Nash and Spencer. The two were worlds apart, and the author didn't make me believe that they could cross that barrier.

The story focused on many things: Spencer's bitter divorce and his ex wanting to reconcile (maybe); Nash's little sister being bullied and wanting to be independent; Nash's dad and his surprise girlfriend.

There ...more

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Dec 08, 2014 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m, romance, contemporary, read-to-review-arc

*3.5 stars*

I enjoy Z.A. Maxfield's writing so much. I think she specializes in writing really complex characters. No one is 100% good or bad, and they all have issues about something. She never makes it easy on anyone! The characters in this story were no different.

Nash was my favorite of the two MCs. By far. I really related to him wanting to protect his family and being self-sacrificial for the good of the whole. Also, I mean, who can resist a biker dude? Just the thought of all that leather. ...more

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Aug 25, 2020 annob rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, fiction, m-m-romance, contemporary-romance, mm-contemporary, romance, m-m, family, skimmed

Thoroughly entertained by the first third of this book, loved the spontaneous hook-up scene.

Unfortunately for me, the romance shifted out of focus in favour of family drama. Even on the rare occasion the main pair spent time alone together without being shadowed by family members or nosy PAs, their dialogue revolved around the side characters. That's not the balance I look for in a romance novel, and I ended skimming the second half of the book just to finish it. ...more

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Nov 23, 2014 Ami rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm-contemporary, mm-romance-or-erotica

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Z.A. Maxfield’s ability to create characters that are not just cookie-cutter is what makes me return to her current stories over and over again. In this third installment of the Bluewater Bay series, her writing in Nash brought the satisfaction for me almost single handedly and it was totally easy to love this story for him alone.

Nash is the constant in his family – the rock, the reliable one. His father is quite an inventor, but easily distracted. His smart twin brother is the one leaving to fu ...more

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Jul 06, 2014 Karen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mm-read

'Hell On Wheels' is the 3rd book in 'Bluewater Bay' and again it's by an author whose books I absolutely love reading Z.A. Maxfield. So I am very happily and unapologetically sticking with my Hellyeahthisbookwasawesome!!!!! 5 stars!

In general I love that each book is written by a different author it's just so much fun. I feel like I've been turned loose at the all you can eat buffet and I get to sample a little of everything but without the calories. These authors range anywhere from I haven't r 'Hell On Wheels' is the 3rd book in 'Bluewater Bay' and again it's by an author whose books I absolutely love reading Z.A. Maxfield. So I am very happily and unapologetically sticking with my Hellyeahthisbookwasawesome!!!!! 5 stars!

In general I love that each book is written by a different author it's just so much fun. I feel like I've been turned loose at the all you can eat buffet and I get to sample a little of everything but without the calories. These authors range anywhere from I haven't read their stuff yet to 'auto-buy' so honestly I am excited to read each book, either because it's a chance for me to read a new or rarely read author such as L.A. Witt or Aleksandr Voinov or to spend time with an author whose books I will buy in a heartbeat such as L.B. Gregg, Z.A. Maxfield or Amy Lane.

I loved 'Hell On Wheels' Nash and his family were so messed up and yet at the same time such a strong family unit. I loved that Spencer saw what an amazing person Nash was and that he had such a warm and loving heart to share with the right person and Nash...he saw Spencer not the actor but the person. I feel like he understood Spencer in a way that others just didn't. Certainly not Peter, the ex.

Speaking of Peter, the ex...he was one of two characters in this story that for me were less than likeable but saying more than that is delving deeper into the story than I want to. Also having said this had these two characters not been in the story it would have been less interesting than it was. As much as we love our protagonist we need our antagonist to keep the balance and these two characters combined with the paparazzi filled that role nicely.

There was a lot going on in this story besides Nash and Spencer. Nash's family was heading into a time of family transition. Things were changing and changes for a family unit often brings about changes for each individual member.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Nash and his father. Their conversation about the Saavy Sandwich Maker was not only a laugh out loud moment but it was a 'honey, honey I just need to read this to you.' and bless my honey he listened and he had his own laugh out loud moment...we're all going to hell.

I still have books 4, 5 & 6 to go and I am looking forward to all of them but tomorrow I'm jumping into book 7 The Deep of the Sound by Amy Lane with my buddies Eleftheria, Jewel, Renee & Sandi for a buddy read. I am so excited 'it's Amy Lane and I know this is going to rock'. ...more

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Nov 29, 2014 DaisyGirl rated it it was ok

Shelves: genre-romance, pissed-me-off, m-m, angsty, romance-contemp, i-dont-own

2.5 Disappointed Stars

I'm a ZAM fan and, with a few exceptions, thoroughly enjoy her books. Sadly, this one falls in the exception category. It wasn't a bad book per se but it left me feeling somewhere between huh and meh ... so, muh. The problem for me was I didn't feel a deep connection between Nash and Spencer. They were f*ck buddies and pseudo friends. They came together pretty casually and parted ways just the same. So the longing and angst were nonsensical as was the you must accompany us ...more

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Nov 13, 2014 Heidi rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m, part-of-series, biker

I might be in the minority with this one, I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. ...more

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Nov 08, 2014 Catherine rated it it was ok

Shelves: romance, contemporary, lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous, blue-collar-babes, artistic-heroes-or-heroines, mm, arrogant-jerks

*** 2.5 Stars ***

I didn't think this was a bad book, per se, but it just wasn't for me.

I thought the author did a good job of creating characters with depth and back story - really flushing them out and making them feel messy and real. Without question, this level of detail would have paid off in a longer novel. Unfortunately, in a book only slightly over 200 pages, it seems like too much energy was expended on secondary characters and extraneous drama (the baby mama could have stayed entirely ...more

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Nov 24, 2014 Leanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: made-me-cry, romance, lovely, mm, sweet, hurt-comfort, series, slow-burn, opposites-attract, bittersweet

4.5 stars

I really, really loved this. I've enjoyed the Bluewater Bay series so far, but this one really resonated. It ticked all the boxes...a slightly melancholic feel to it for most of the book, hurt comfort, some well fleshed out and interesting supporting characters... and Nash. I loved Nash.
Some lovely writing too...

“I mean,” Nash clarified, “they’ll still need me.”
“Of course they’ll need you. You’re the drums....Rhythm makes instruments work together.” Spencer’s voice was a little too ...more

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Aug 07, 2014 Bev rated it liked it

Shelves: part-of-a-series-or-serial, lgbtq-mm

Disappointing for me. I didn't want to hear about Pop's latest invention and how successful it was going/not going to be, I wanted some HEAT!! Nash was too nice for his own good and Spencer, well he should just have kicked that cheating *a-hole* of an ex to the curb...permanently, no if's, but's or maybe's. 3 stars. ...more

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Jul 29, 2014 Kristie rated it really liked it

I love a sweet, charming book. That's what this is. 100% charming. 100% sweet. A great addition to the Bluewater Bay series. ...more

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Sep 01, 2014 Chris, the Dalek King rated it really liked it

Shelves: blue-collar, mc-pairing-mm, contemporary, hollywood, shops, love-bytes, owned-ebook-or-audio

Though this book is third in the Bluewater Bay series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t got around to reading the rest of the series (and some haven’t even been published yet), but I had no problem fully enjoying this book. So read them in what ever order strikes your fancy. I just chose to review this one because I love Z.A. Maxfield (each book was written by a different author).

Nash has built his whole life around his family and he doesn’t even really mind. He is not a genius like his ...more

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Dec 01, 2014 Christi Snow rated it really liked it

My Review:
Spencer is the character in this book whose life is filled with upheaval, but this is really Nash's story. And every time the book really delved into his life, my heart just broke for him. And it's not even that his life is bad...it's not. His life just revolves around his family and they are all at the point where they are ready to move on from what has been the norm for so long. For Nash, he's never considered anything else besides the life that he lives so all of this change is a bi My Review:
Spencer is the character in this book whose life is filled with upheaval, but this is really Nash's story. And every time the book really delved into his life, my heart just broke for him. And it's not even that his life is bad...it's not. His life just revolves around his family and they are all at the point where they are ready to move on from what has been the norm for so long. For Nash, he's never considered anything else besides the life that he lives so all of this change is a bit disturbing to him. He doesn't know his place anymore.

On the other hand, Spencer has had nothing but change and havoc over the last year. So when he gets around Nash, that solid force that Nash provides anchors him and settles him.

It was an interesting book just in that the story moved in a way that I didn't expect it to. With the set-up I would have thought that Spencer would be the focus, but I love that Nash was instead. Because Nash is the person who takes care of his family. His father Ace is an inventor, but he hasn't done the best for his family. He's left that to Nash. Nash has taken over running his father's auto-shop and home. Nash is a twin, but his brother has always been the brilliant one...bound for better things that can be offered in Bluewater Bay. And then there is Shelby...the younger sister who's required extra care ever since she was in a bad car accident as a child. Nash has been the one who's held them all together. But in this book, they are all moving in different directions which leaves Nash floundering for his purpose. And honestly, that's my one complaint about this book and why it didn't get a full-on A/5* rating. While Nash does get his HEA, I didn't walk away from this book with a feeling of resolution about where he goes in his life from here...except into Spencer's arms.

But regardless of that, the book was a great read. I felt for these guys...both of them, although I definitely loved Nash more. This series is one of those that I just love. All the books are written by different authors so they each definitely work as stand-alones, but the premise of this little Northwest town serving as the site for the werewolf TV show is fabulous. And I will readily admit I would LOVE to see another book featuring Nash's twin brother!
...more

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Nov 16, 2014 Julia ♥Duncan♥ rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed, own-ebook-copy, m-m, source-are

I thought this was a very nice story. I really liked both Nash and Spencer and I thought they were very cute together. It was lovely to read about two guys who are both just genuinely nice and caring people. I also thought they both had a good sense of humor. Nash's family was great as well, I liked the support and the teasing he got from his dad, sister, and twin.

I did occasionally get a bit tired of the plot with Nash's sister though. I didn't think it merited the page space it took up, it fe ...more

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Nov 30, 2018 TJ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, audiobook, boys-who-like-boys

LOVED THIS

I got
- A romance to root for
- Great characters
- Character development
- Romance build up
- Many LOL moments
- A stupid smile on my face

and a satisfying HEA what more can I ask for?

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Nov 01, 2014 Wart Hill rated it liked it

Shelves: lgbtq, riptide

Another feel good Bluewater Bay story

There are a few things that bothered me, but overall it's a nice, sweet read. ...more

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Dec 30, 2014 dbbks3 rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-contempory, m-m, made-me-think, mc-to-love

I liked Nash, but never got an inkling of his dreams. He must have put aside some dream in order for his twin to follow his dreams. (view spoiler) What made him think he was not smart? He repeatedly made that comment even though he obviously was far from dumb. I wanted to know these things. Nash was a nurturer. Taking care of his family was what he did.

I like this series and I am glad I have returned to it. The chara I liked Nash, but never got an inkling of his dreams. He must have put aside some dream in order for his twin to follow his dreams. (view spoiler) What made him think he was not smart? He repeatedly made that comment even though he obviously was far from dumb. I wanted to know these things. Nash was a nurturer. Taking care of his family was what he did.

I like this series and I am glad I have returned to it. The characters are worth spending my reading time with. Nash was responsible. He stayed home taking care of his sister and humoring his father while his brother, "the smart one", went off to college.

Nash was different. He wasn't driven. He thought of himself as content. He wanted to stay home and be there for the people he loved. People he could trust with his heart. In the end, he was better off with the things he knew and he was reasonable certain that even if there were greener pastures they'd come with just as many cow pies.

Nash had an adorable relationship with his sister. I loved her. Spencer was not a good personal time in his life. The scene of their initial meeting was sensuous. Spencer was a commanding presence who hid his sorrow.

The sheer force of Spender's personality had nearly knocked Nash over. He'd had to lean against the wall to keep from being blown off his feet by an unseen crackle of energy, like static electricity just before a storm.

Spencer's very presence filled a room with heavy tension, a pressure that hung in the air. It made Shelby swoon. It drove Nash's blood straight to his dick. People noticed when Spencer walked into a room. That kind of poser was something to behold, even if it wasn't entirely comfortable.

Nash Holly prided himself on keeping his cool, but Spencer had blown his composure all to hell. Even now, thoughts of that lean, elegant and handsome face had him thinking about reaching for his dick.

I liked the relationship between these two MCs. It had ups and downs and problems, just like any real relationship. It didn't hurt that they were also hot.

I understood why Spencer, after being with Peter for years, was heart broken and still got emotional when he talked with or saw his ex. I still thought he was too easy on Peter. For someone in the public eye who even had friends sign a confidentiality agreement, it seemed out of character for the BJ from a stranger.

Still I liked the story. I like this series. ...more

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Dec 25, 2014 Christy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, arc, on-my-kindle

I love the fact that the 'Bluewater Bay' series is written by different authors. It gives me a different feel for each book, and not just new main characters. As a big fan of ZA Maxfield, it was a no-brainer that I would enjoy 'Hell on Wheels'. Particularly after I read the blurb - I do love a bit of the bad in my boys.

“It’s probably good to get it out, though.”
“Is it?”
“Well. Sure. You can’t keep this stuff bottled up inside forever.”
“I’m English. We pride ourselves on doing exactly that. Stiff I love the fact that the 'Bluewater Bay' series is written by different authors. It gives me a different feel for each book, and not just new main characters. As a big fan of ZA Maxfield, it was a no-brainer that I would enjoy 'Hell on Wheels'. Particularly after I read the blurb - I do love a bit of the bad in my boys.

“It’s probably good to get it out, though.”
“Is it?”
“Well. Sure. You can’t keep this stuff bottled up inside forever.”
“I’m English. We pride ourselves on doing exactly that. Stiff upper lip, eh? Don’t ever let them see you flinch.”

Spencer is the epitome of an English gentleman, even though his husband left him for a woman he got pregnant, and the tabloid media is insane. Luckily for him, he meets Nash who doesn't believe in bottling anything up, and somehow they become friends. With benefits, of course, because they're wildly attracted to each other. But, it's the friendship that is really wonderful to watch. Spencer doesn't have any friends, although his bodyguard and personal assistant are pretty close to him (and, hysterically funny), but they're employees so it's not the same thing.

Nash is just a down-home, family oriented, grease monkey who figures "what the hell", he'll be friends with benefits with this gorgeous man and teach him how to let loose a little. Nash doesn't need to worry about his feelings getting involved because Spencer is way out of his league and would never look at Nash for anything long-term. Plus, the guy is going through an ugly divorce - everyone is safe from getting too involved. Right?

"Nash kept him off-balance in the best possible way. Nash aroused him and challenged him and left him breathless. Nash exhausted him. Nash was good for him, too. He was funny and frank."

I was very pleasantly surprised to see the author focus just as much on Nash, his family, and his worries over losing them to their own lives, as she did on Spencer and Nash's relationship. I very much enjoyed this addition to the series, but my heart will always go with the underdog and nobody deserved a happy ever after as much as Nash and Spencer did. Great job, ZAM!

NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review. ...more

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Sep 20, 2014 Keveen rated it really liked it

3.5 Stars

I actually am confused with this one. I liked it better than There's Something About Ari (that's the only reason I rated it 3.5 stars) but nothing has beaten Starstruck Bluewater Bay 1 for me. Also, even though I liked this one, I wasn't nearly attached to it. I almost skimmed some parts.

Spencer was a nice British gentleman. I had a love and hate relationship with him as sometimes, his thoughts were dumb, to be quite honest. (view spoiler) ...more

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Nov 22, 2014 Simon rated it really liked it

Really liked it. A couple of things put me off giving this novel a five star rating.
1) Picky and very, very minor....Eggs Benedict. Well done Nash for making Spencer his most favourite meal at the end of the novel. It sounded delicious, but although you mention all the ingredients and how it was layered and served, you forgot the second most important ingredient in an Eggs Benedict, which means it wasn't an Eggs Benedict at all.
2) Spencer I am quite frankly shocked that within the first few page ...more

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Jun 18, 2014 Heller rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm-series, mm-actors, mm-blue-collar

3.75

This worked for me right up until the end. I'm still not sure what I think about it. The rest of the story? I pretty much loved it. Nash and Spencer worked well together. Hot and bantery. Great secondary characters, really great secondary characters.

About the ending. (view spoiler) ...more

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Oct 24, 2014 Tina rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, hurt-comfort

My first 4 stars rating in the Bluewater Bay series! Yay! This one is a full novel and it was easy to fall for Nash and Spencer, they make a sweet couple.

I really enjoyed getting to know Nash's dad and his sister Shelby, they support Nash when he needs it. It would have been nice to meet Nash’s twin Healey in person, though. He seems to be a cute guy. Maybe he gets his own story? Now on to book four… ...more

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Dec 02, 2014 Sunny rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, made-me-laugh, favorite-collections-series, sweet

I enjoyed this so much!

Sweet, funny, sexy...*sigh*

A great addition to the series, and one I'll read again :) ...more

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Nov 08, 2014 Shirley rated it really liked it

I received Hell on Wheels in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I’m really enjoying my time in Bluewater Bay ;)

I do have to kind of admit that I wasn’t really sure about Nash and Spencer at first. Things happened kind of quick. I usually lose respect for characters when things happen that fast, but the more I got to know them, the less it bothered me.

Spencer had a history and was still reeling from what his ex had put him through. He had a l I received Hell on Wheels in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I’m really enjoying my time in Bluewater Bay ;)

I do have to kind of admit that I wasn’t really sure about Nash and Spencer at first. Things happened kind of quick. I usually lose respect for characters when things happen that fast, but the more I got to know them, the less it bothered me.

Spencer had a history and was still reeling from what his ex had put him through. He had a lot of realizations to come to in Hell on Wheels. Nash had a family that he needed to be needed by. It sounds a lot more complicated than it was… or maybe not.

I think my favorite aspect of Hell on Wheels was the family dynamic between Nash, Healey, Shelby and Ace. The banter between them and the obvious love and respect that they had for each other was real. It provided the perfect contrast to the Hollywood craziness that their small town had was surrounded by. Of course, Spencer had his own pseudo family that was comprised of his body guard and assistant. Tick and Bast definitely kept things interesting.

There were some rough spots, times when odds were against them and some moments of doubt, miscommunication and crazy madness of the ex-lover variety, but there were just as many heart felt moments, like these….

“Of course they’ll need you. You’re the drums.” Nash didn’t think he’d heard correctly.
“I think that cold water got to you a little, Spencer, I could swear you just said—”
“Rhythm makes instruments work together.” Spencer’s voice was a little too patient for Nash’s liking. “Rhythm is steady. It gives a framework to all the melodies going on around it. Without rhythm, it’s impossible for all the other instruments to shine.”
“Spencer.” Nash barely breathed the word.
“You’re the drums in your family. You’d be the drums in anyone’s life. I hear it when I’m with you, strong and steady. Like the beat of a very warm heart.”

I loved that quote so much I just had to share it. *sigh* In case you’re curious, you don’t have to read the rest of the series before picking up Hell on Wheels. Other than a little bit of background, you won’t be missing anything. I still recommend reading them all though. Each author has added their own little twist on life in Bluewater Bay, and it would be a shame to miss any of it. The next book in the series, Lone Wolf by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt, (one of my favorite writing duos) promises to be interesting. I can’t wait ;) ...more

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Dec 01, 2014 Debra rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, artists-dancers-actors-writers, part-of-series-or-serial

This was just what I was expecting it to be; a sweet, fun, opposites attract romance.

Nash's life has revolved around the needs of his sister and father, working at the family business, with no room for him to move on or settle down. Spencer is an actor recovering from a nasty break up with his husband, who he had been with for the past six years. The two waste no time hooking up and that's the beginning of a friends with benefits relationship. After all, Spencer is moving on shortly and appears ...more

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Jul 04, 2014 Jewel rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm, four-stars, time-period-contemporary, z-2014-200-299

Hell on Wheels is the third book in the Bluewater Bay series, and might just be my favorite, so far.

We have Nash, a mechanic who also helps take care of his little sister and runs the family business and Spencer, a British actor who is going through a rather public divorce.

They seem a bit unlikely, on the surface, but I liked them together. Nash still knows how to let go while Spencer is all buttoned up and British. But no one needs to learn how to blow off some steam more than Spencer. So while ...more

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Dec 28, 2014 OJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: bought-to-read

What a nice read! I have to admit this was such a nice change of reading themes for me and ZA Maxfield is just the one to deliver, you can't help but enjoy her writing.

Nash and Spencer's story is just the right amount of sweet for me, not diabetes inducing but savory and enjoyable. The hunky car mechanic, Nash, is such a natural draw for a gear head like me and his unwavering love and support for his family shines through in the writing. Spencer's broken heart at the hands of his self-centered e ...more

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Jun 30, 2014 Amy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobook-finished

***Audiobook***Narrated by Nick J. Russo***4.5 stars! I've seen mixed reviews on this book, but I really liked it. I liked Nash. He has a big heart and needs to be needed. He's loyal to his family, especially his sister who's in a wheelchair. It should also be mentioned that Nash has an identical twin brother, Healy, who's also gay. I found that interesting. Makes me wonder how common that is. Also makes me wonder if we'll be getting Healy's story at some point.

Spencer is a British actor with a ...more

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Nov 26, 2014 Max rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Maybe it was the mood I was in when I read this book, maybe it was the lame excuses Peter gave for screwing everything that walked, maybe it was Spencer's lame acceptance of, "his share of the blame," that put me in a foul mood, but I just didn't like this volume of Blue water Bay. I didn't like Peter, of course, I didn't like Spencer either. I did like Nash, although I hated that the wrong guy bottomed! (or rather I didn't buy Spencer as a top.)

It started out nice enough but just didn't keep m ...more

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Oct 31, 2014 Barb ~rede-2-read~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: angst-a-lot, for-review, part-of-a-series, to-re-read, sweet, favorite-couples, favorites, read-2014

ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

I am totally hooked on this Bluewater Bay series! Each book is better than the previous one, and that’s saying a lot, considering the amazing list of authors Riptide has engaged for this series. In this story, Spencer Kepler-Constantine comes to Bluewater Bay to renew his recurring role in the Wolf’s Landing television series being shot in the town. He arrives on the heels of the sensati ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

I am totally hooked on this Bluewater Bay series! Each book is better than the previous one, and that’s saying a lot, considering the amazing list of authors Riptide has engaged for this series. In this story, Spencer Kepler-Constantine comes to Bluewater Bay to renew his recurring role in the Wolf’s Landing television series being shot in the town. He arrives on the heels of the sensational breaking news that his husband of six months, Peter Kepler-Constantine, has impregnated a famous Hollywood actress and left him for her. To make matters worse, his rental Mercedes has broken down outside of town.

Nash Holly is out riding his Ducati, enjoying the speed and the feel of the breeze along the Washington coast when he comes upon the parked car. Aside from nearly crashing into it, he’s intrigued by what it’s doing there. Nash happens to be the manager of his dad’s auto repair shop, a shop that specializes in foreign cars so he decides to step up and offer assistance. One look at Spencer and he’s lost in those gorgeous gray eyes. Convincing Spencer that he’s not a maniac, Spencer invites him in out of the rain and while sitting together, waiting for the tow truck Spencer had called, the two find themselves immediately attracted. Nash decides to help the uptight guy relax with a quick handjob. Thinking no more of it, he takes off when the tow truck driver arrives.

To make a long story short, the attraction between the two men develops further, and during the time that Spencer is in town filming, it escalates. But it’s more than just sex for both of them, and despite the fact that Spencer is estranged from his husband, Nash and Spencer create a safe space for each other while the beginnings of a relationship form without them even trying.

During this same time, other events in Nash’s life seem destined to throw him into upheaval. First, he finds out his widowed father has been seeing someone, and it’s getting serious. Then, his sixteen-year-old sister, Shelby, who has been wheelchair-bound since she was three, decides that she wants to exert her independence by applying to the Students Abroad Program. It’s bad enough that his twin is away at college and Nash already feels the hole in his life, now Nash finds it harder to cope with the fact that both his father and his sister don’t seem to need him anymore, and taking care of them has been his primary purpose for years. How can a caretaker exist without someone to take care of?

When Peter pulls a spectacular stunt to get Spencer back during Spencer’s late night television interview, Nash happens to be watching. He’s disgusted by Peter’s grandstanding, but he also knows in his gut that Spencer is going to allow him back into his life. Just what Nash needed—one more hole to fill.

The author gives us a wonderful wrap-up to this story and provides Nash with a perfect HEA. But before we get there, we get to know a man with so much character, so much life, that I became immersed in his story and invested in his future happiness. I loved Spencer as well, but my emotional investment was with Nash. And somewhere around the 75% mark in the story, it occurred to me that the feelings I was having were the same feelings I experienced when I read “St. Nacho’s” for the first time. I was left with that same warm emotional attachment to the character as I was in that original story, one that I read nearly three years ago. I haven’t felt that with any of Ms. Maxfield’s other works since then, and I’m so happy to have found it again because she was one of the authors who originally hooked me on this genre.

I highly recommend this series to lovers of M/M romance. Each author is uniquely talented and brings a new perspective to the series. This one is perfect for those who enjoy a hero with a heart of gold. As Spencer put it when describing Nash’s role in his life: “You’re necessary because you make my heart lighter and my mind clearer and my work meaningful, as long as I get to come home to you at the end of the day.” Aww, what more could I ask for than that?

Buy this book. You won’t be sorry. Oh, and it’s not necessary to read the others in the series. Each can be read as a standalone, though you’d be missing out on a great series.
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