All the Way to Shore

Stories from the Shore #1

by CJane Elliott

A Stories From the Shore Book

Jonathan Vallen has never felt good enough. A gentle musician who loves to garden, he’s woefully unsuited to running Vallen Industries, the family business. When his father hires a hotshot executive, Marco Pellegrini, to save the company, Jonathan moves away and leaves his humiliation behind. A year later and forty pounds lighter, Jonathan runs into Marco on an LGBT cruise. Marco doesn’t recognize him, the sparks fly, and Jonathan pretends to be someone else for the week—Jonah Rutledge—someone good enough to be loved.

Marco Pellegrini has always been driven. He rose from poverty to the pinnacle of business success, and he’ll do anything to protect his reputation—including hiding his bisexuality. Having saved Vallen Industries, he’s weary of the rat race and ready for a more meaningful life. When Marco meets his soul mate for that new life—Jonah Rutledge—on an LGBT cruise, he prepares to stop hiding and start living.

Back on land, the romance crashes when Marco discovers his perfect man is not only a lie but the son of his boss, Frederick Vallen. Jonathan resolves to win Marco back, but Frederick takes vengeful action. Jonathan and Marco must battle their own fears as well as Frederick’s challenge to get to the future that awaits them on the horizon.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, Audiobook, Bisexual, LGBT

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2016

About the author

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, CJANE ELLIOTT finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane enjoys writing sexy, passionate stories that also explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.

CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming-out stories. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.

CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards.

Reviews

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan has a musician's heart and soul, but his domineering father has unsuccessfully forced him into the family business, Vallen Industries. When the business is on the edge of collapse, dashing, handsome, Italian hottie Marco Pellegrini is brought in to save the day. For Jonathan, it's a wake-up call to re-evaluate his life. Jonathan barely looks up from his Hush Puppies when Marco and Jonathan debrief in a few short meetings before Jonathan leaves Vallen Industries and moves to Cape Cod.

One year later, the Hush Puppies are gone and a slender, definitely more stylish Jonathan once again meets Marco on an LGBT Caribbean cruise. The only problem is, Marco doesn't recognize the new Jonathan, and thanks to Jonathan's cousin Anthony, thinks his name is Jonah Rutledge. What ensues is a shipboard romance with twists and turns on its way to a beautifully done and well-deserved happy ending.

We get Jonathan's POV throughout, and insight into Marco through his journal, as this sweet well-told romance unfolds between two men who "are it for each other." Or as Marco ponders: "Because Jonah was everything Marco had been missing, craving without even knowing it. [...] A guy who felt like home." I liked how Marco and Jonathan work to overcome a Big Misunderstanding that might have been played for high-angst drama in another romance. This is my first CJane Elliott book and I look forward to reading more!

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and this one didn't quite make it into the rounding up zone but it was definitely a solid 3+ stars listen for me.

And this time the journey is being made on the ocean...

That's right I'm still traveling and so are the MCs in my audiobooks...

This time I'm going on a cruise with Jonathan Vallen and Marco Pellegrini as each man attempts to get a break from the life they lead and maybe find a little romance along the way only to discover that the love and romance they were looking for was right there in their life all along if they were brave enough to reach out and grab it...sometime you don't need to look any further than your own back yard to find what you want.

Jonathan gave up what he truly wanted from life when he thought that it would earn him the approval of the one person who he was certain he could never please...his father. When Jonathan's father told him it was time to step up and learn how to run the family business...Jonathan did it without hesitation...his father needed him of course he wouldn't let him down. Unfortunately life just isn't that simple and when Jonathan's father brings in Marco Pellegrini to 'train' Jonathan...well, that's when Jonathan decides to exit, stage right. Clearing the way for Marco to turn things around at Vallen Industries. While Jonathan does the same with his personal life.

It's one year later and neither man is fully satisfied with where his life has gone so Jonathan grabs his good friend and cousin Anthony and heads out for the Caribbean on an LGBTQ cruise not knowing that one Marco Pellegrini and his sister are about to do the same. Jonathan's changed so much in the past year that Marco literally doesn't recognize him, but that doesn't stop him from liking and wanting the man he sees either and a shipboard romance begins.

I really enjoyed how Jonathan and Marco's relationship developed. They spent time together actually doing things...that didn't involve begin naked...not that this didn't happen, but the relationship between these two was built slowly with time and while Jonathan was the driving voice behind events as they happened we got to know Marco through his journal entries making for a slightly unusual reading/listening experience but definitely one that I enjoyed.

Jonathan and Marco made for a really adorable couple and while the disagreement that saw them separated for part of the book was inevitable I liked the resolute that brought them back together it was sweet...the kind of sweet that leaves you smiling and sighing in happiness. So overall this was fun story to listen to and surprisingly this was my first CJane Elliott story and my first time listening to a book narrated by Tim McKiernan but I'm pretty sure it's not going to be my last time for this author or this narrator. Together they gave me a really enjoyable listening experience and I'm looking forward to finding out what more they have to offer both separately and as an author/narrator pairing in the future.

The icing on the cake for this one aside from a pair of well matched MCs were the supporting characters...Jonathan's cousin, Anthony was adorable and I really liked him. He was a good and loyal friend to Jonathan and honestly, I'd be more than happy to read a book or even a story about him getting how own HEA and then there was Marco's sister Sophia...I don't read much outside of the m/m realm these days but i think for Sophia, I could be persuaded to make an exception and Jonathan's father...well, every story needs a villain, right? The guy as a total and absolute douche and he just didn't deserve to have Jonathan for a son...that's all.

'All the Way to Shore' is the first book in this authors series 'Stories from the Shore' and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next..so sign me up for the cruise...anyone care to join me?

*************************

An audio book of 'All the Way to Shore' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the author approached me with a request to read and review this book, I took a look at the blurb and happily agreed.

This book has all the elements I look for in a romance novel - well-fleshed out, complex main characters with imperfections, a believable romantic relationship, an realistic stumbling block derailing the romance for a little while, and a wonderful supporting cast. Add to that the underlying theme of figuring out who you really are, and what you really want out of life, and I was hooked.

Jonathan's love is classical music and his piano, and he wanted to attend college pursuing his passion, but was roped into a business job by his domineering and rather cold father to come work for the family business, Vallen Industries. Jonathan loathes the job, but doesn't feel that he has a choice - his older brother James who was supposed to follow in their father's footsteps passed away in a tragic accident, and Jonathan feels he owes it to his father to take James' spot.

But he hates it, and it shows. He's not business material, and while he's good with numbers and charts, he feels stifled. From the start, I felt that Jonathan was depressed and unhappy, especially in light of having to hide his sexuality from his disapproving father, and having thus no personal life to speak of.

Since the business isn't doing so well, the older Vallen hires a new temporary CEO, a young hot-shot of Italian heritage, studly and smart and ambitious Marco Pellegrini. Marco sees pretty quickly that the younger Vallen has no sense for or interest in the business, but tries to train the younger man anyway, all while planning to increase business profits by at least the margin for which he was hired.

All Jonathan sees is that he'll never compare and uses this opportunity to escape. His late mother left him a cottage on Cape Cod, and Jonathan quits the company and runs, hoping to find himself and his music again.

A year later, after having got a dog and losing quite a few pounds, after trading his glasses for contacts and his old sweats for more fashionable clothing, Jonathan is convinced by his cousin Anthony to go on an LGBT cruise in the Caribbean.

Marco Pellegrini is also on the same cruise with his younger sister Sophia, taking his first vacation in a year, but doesn't recognize Jonathan due to his rather different appearance.

And Jonathan, with help from Anthony, pretends his name is Jonah Rutledge, secretly happy that Marco doesn't recognize him.

I loved both Jonathan and Marco. They were very different in many ways, but also alike in others. Jonathan felt unlovable, and didn't think he deserved someone like Marco, where Marco was rather driven, having worked his way up from poverty to being a sought-after CEO, while not making time to find someone with whom to share his life. Both are very lonely deep down.

The romance begins on the cruise ship, with lots of UST, trips to shore and having fun in the sun, but it's clear that both Jonathan and Marco long for more than just a quick roll in the hay. They have a connection, they have similar interests and likes, and they get along fabulously. All the while, Jonathan knows he has to come clean about the lie, even if the only lie was his name and all the other things he's told Marco are true.

Even though the bulk of the book is told from Jonathan's POV, the author utilizes an interesting method to give also insights into Marco's mind by giving us diary entries. I especially liked that Marco included a section of gratitude in each entry - just things he was thankful for - and how those changed over time.

As you can glean from the blurb, things don't go smoothly all the way, and Jonathan's lie is abruptly exposed when his overbearing father shows up at the last stop of the cruise to bring Marco back to work, sees his wayward son with his CEO, and nearly ruins everything Jonathan and Marco hoped to build.

Marco initially cannot forgive Jonathan for pretending to be someone else, but as they both return to their respective homes, they both realize that if you really want something, you have to fight for it. And Marco understands Jonathan well enough by then to also realize that he has to wait for the other man to come to him, even if he's normally a go-getter and not very patient at all.

The way they work things out to get back together was ever so romantic and sweet, and it was very clear that they did want to be together. Jonathan especially had to find his backbone to go after what he really wants, and boy, does he ever.

The climactic high-point of this book takes place in a boardroom, and it was a joy to behold how Jonathan stands up for himself and for Marco, and thus finds himself to be the person he was meant to be, and the person I knew had been simmering underneath the surface all along. Fabulous!

With a satisfying HEA ending, this book is truly a grand romance, and I would definitely recommend you give it a try. I enjoyed this author's writing style, I loved the characters, including the supporting cast in Anthony/Andrew and Sophia, I would have loved to clock the older Vallen a few times, and I had a fantastic time reading this book.


** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel contains a lot of my favorite elements: realistically flawed characters, a dream-worthy romance that manages not to develop along a “standard”, straightforward path, a villain who made me want to wring his neck more than once, and some outstanding, quirky secondary characters who might have stolen the show if the two leading men hadn’t been so fabulous. Jonathan struggles with his self-confidence and how to step out of his overbearing father’s shadow, and Marco is a super successful CEO who worked his way out of poverty and for whom winning is everything. The result of these two men interacting is explosive – in more than one way!


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel contains a lot of my favorite elements: realistically flawed characters, a dream-worthy romance that manages not to develop along a “standard”, straightforward path, a villain who made me want to wring his neck more than once, and some outstanding, quirky secondary characters who might have stolen the show if the two leading men hadn’t been so fabulous. Jonathan struggles with his self-confidence and how to step out of his overbearing father’s shadow, and Marco is a super successful CEO who worked his way out of poverty and for whom winning is everything. The result of these two men interacting is explosive – in more than one way!


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon

Jonathan is not cut out to lead his family's business, no matter what his father wants so badly. Thank God his father hired Marco to come in and get the business back into shape. It means Jonathan can go out to the coast and finally start the life he wants, rather than the life his father demands. But a year later when he and Marco meet again and Marco doesn't recognize the new, fit Jonah, will Marco want him when he didn't even think twice about Jonathan? What about when Marco discovers Jonah's deception? Will it spell the end of the beautiful little story they had started together?

This is a sweet, mostly angst free story of two adorable men. I thought Jonathan in particular, stood out as having not only having grown a lot, but having stayed his same sweet self. Marco was a bit in his thoughts too often, and a little pompous, but paired with Jonathan, he came out of his snobby shell. I hope the next story in this story is as sweet as this one, am looking forward to it after having fallen in love with Jonathan and Marco.

ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.

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[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the second book in this series from IndiGo as an ARC, so I bought this one over the weekend to read beforehand. I'm glad it was a quick and fun read that made me perfectly happy to dig into the sequel.

There's a bit of a false start to this book. We meet slouchy, sad Jonathan Vallen as he's making a quick exit from his hated position at his father's company. He has failed at business acumen, even after being trained by Marco Pellegrini, a master at reviving companies in the red. The two men part ways and Jonathan heads off to his Cape Cod cottage where a year passes and he emerges fit, handsome, and ready for a new lease on life.

The story really starts when Jonathan and his flamboyant cousin Anthony board an LGBT cruise and meet Marco and his sister Sophia. Jonathan is mortified before he realizes Marco doesn't recognize him as his (soon-to-be former) boss' son. With a fake name in tow, Jonathan and Marco hit it off and quickly fall for each other.

I was dreading the moment the cat got out of the bag because I hate stories that rely on miscommunication to further the plot. But Elliott doesn't waste time with writing those long, drawn-out misunderstandings. Both characters are hurt, but their love for each other was always real, and the getting-back-together is really well done. It all ended up much better than I expected, and it left us with a nicely-plotted love story.

There's nothing spectacularly memorable about the book. The characters fall in love very quickly and we're definitely lost in Gay Dreamland for the majority of the book. But it's undeniably entertaining as a quick and fluffy afternoon read. Sometimes a sweet story between two people who are meant to be is just what the doctor ordered!

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a big dose of sweet, a nice shot of spicy, and Jonathan and Marco had me swooning over and over.  I loved Jonathan's makeover (it actually has me recommitting myself to my own) and how he's reinventing himself after so long being held back by his father.  I suppose some might classify this as a second chance story, but the two of them were never together when they first met and only knew each other for a short time then.  I'm just going to call this a sweet and swoony romance ;-)

I really liked both main characters, Jonathan in particular as I felt he was very easy to relate to, and I thought it was wonderful how he changed his life to make himself happier.  While I understand why he pretended he was someone else on the cruise, I don't agree with him doing so (and I'm lumping a chunk of blame on his cousin Anthony for it too).  Jonathan is Marco's opposite in many ways, and the attraction between them feels slow-burn even though the cruise portion of the story where they fall for each other is over a very short period of time.  But things between them feel quite intense, and almost from the start it felt like they just belonged together.

The deception on Jonathan's part of hiding who he really is, along with the repercussions of that once Marco finds out lend quite a bit of drama to the story, and between that and the chemistry between the two of them I had a difficult time tearing myself away from this book.  There's additional tension when Jonathan's father tries to be even more of a jerk as Marco is finishing his time with the company-just one more thing that kept me glued to the pages.

I got a kick out of Anthony, Jonathan's cousin, and his wildly out-and-proud attitude.  As for Jonathan's father...well, if he had been on that ship I think just about everyone would have been fine with him being forcefully shoved overboard.  But Anthony, as well as Marco's sister Sophia-these two I really enjoyed.

A truly enjoyable read, All the Way to Shore was a very solid 4-star read for me.  I definitely recommend this story to any M/M romance fan, and it is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.  Be prepared to fall for Jonathan and Marco-no matter how fast they fall for each other, they are simply irresistible together! This was my first CJane Elliott book, and I’ll most assuredly be reading more of her work in the future.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

-arc provided via Indigo Marketing and Design for an honest review-

This was an ok read. It kept my interest for the most part, although I did want to skim a little later on. I'm not a fan of Insta love, and this book was all about that. The MCs were ok, but it took way to long for them to reconnect at the end.
So anyway, the basics of the story are as follows. Johnathon has been groomed to become the CEO for his fathers company, but all isn't going well as he really has zero interest in doing it. An interim CEO, Marco is brought in to help. Neither guy particularly likes the other, and Johnathon decides to take off. Fast forward a year, Johnathon looks completely different and both MCs end up on the same cruise, but Marco doesn't recognise him so he pretends to be someone else. They fall in love after a few days, then we add in a homophobic father, and predictably Marco finds out and they break up. Then we get a huge chunk of book where they aren't together and just go back and forth waiting for the other to make a move. Finally in the end they all live happily ever after. That's basically it. As I said, it wasn't bad, just not really my type of story. If you like Insta love this is the book for you.

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 was the particular double POV. Jonathan's provides the most of the book's events but Marco's is formed as diary entries, each ending with reasons to be grateful( which I found really cute).

Jonathan and Marco first met when Jonathan's father hired Marco as CEO of his company. Thanks to the latter's arrival at Vallen Industries, Jonathan could give his resignation from a job he hated and finally make true his wish to move to Cape Cod,where he could dedicate himself to his real passion: music.

They were supposed to be passing ships in each other's lives until,fast forward a year,they meet on an actual ship,a cruise set for the Caribbean. But Jonathan has changed a lot,lost weight and a general makeover,and Marco doesn't recognize him. So why not use that and create a false identity? After all,it's only for the duration of the cruise and a vacation fling never hurt anybody... Only,they didn't take into account the fact they would have a lot in common, or they'd discover to complete each other's hearts and fill their lonely souls with love and happiness. Neither to have their rosy clouds of bliss crash hard when the truth comes out.

While I don't agree with the deceit, it does ad an extra flair to the story. And the aftermath helped both Jonathan and Marco,because,in a way,it forced them to realize things about themselves and made them stand up for what they really wanted. They both grow a lot throughout the book,neither perfect but all the more endearing because of their flaws. The author also gave them amazing supporting characters with Anthony and Sophia. They're adorable:meddling,nosy and disastrously helping lol.

There are a lot of reasons to read or listen to 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲. It's funny,sweet and it will take you to amazing, romantic locations. You'll fall in love with the characters and cheer for their happy ending, holding your breath waiting to see if Jonathan and Marco would kiss and make up.

Can't recommend it enough.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Way To Shore is the first book in the Stories of the Shore series by CJane Elliott. I liked the story of Jonathan and Marco. The story was sweet, fluffy and enjoyable.

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: All the Way to Shore
Author: CJane Elliott
Series:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: November 23, 2016
Genre(s): Male Male Romance
Page Count: 204 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Jonathan Vallen has never felt good enough. A gentle musician who loves to garden, he’s woefully unsuited to running Vallen Industries, the family business. When his father hires a hotshot executive, Marco Pellegrini, to save the company, Jonathan moves away and leaves his humiliation behind. A year later and forty pounds lighter, Jonathan runs into Marco on an LGBT cruise. Marco doesn’t recognize him, the sparks fly, and Jonathan pretends to be someone else for the week—Jonah Rutledge—someone good enough to be loved.

Marco Pellegrini has always been driven. He rose from poverty to the pinnacle of business success, and he’ll do anything to protect his reputation—including hiding his bisexuality. Having saved Vallen Industries, he’s weary of the rat race and ready for a more meaningful life. When Marco meets his soul mate for that new life—Jonah Rutledge—on an LGBT cruise, he prepares to stop hiding and start living.

Back on land, the romance crashes when Marco discovers his perfect man is not only a lie but the son of his boss, Frederick Vallen. Jonathan resolves to win Marco back, but Frederick takes vengeful action. Jonathan and Marco must battle their own fears as well as Frederick’s challenge to get to the future that awaits them on the horizon.

Review:
This is the first book that I have read by this author. After reading All The Way To Shore, I may have to rectify that. I really enjoyed this almost instant love that gave me that warm love conquers all happy ever after feeling. This story has enough sweetness to raise your blood glucose levels. After reading a few murder mysteries and military romances, this came as a very welcome change. Jonathan has been forced into a position in his father’s company after the death of his brother. A position that Jonathan’s brother was groomed for and Jonathan never wanted. Never fitting into his brother’s shoes, Jonathan leaves the company and the very hot and very efficient Marco to get his father’s company on track and returns to his safe haven. During his time at his cottage escape, insecure Jonathan has reinvented himself. Dropping 40 pounds, getting in shape and a new wardrobe, Jonathan has a new confidence that makes him pretty much unrecognizable. When Jonathan and his over the top, out and proud, funny, darling cousin Anthony book a trip on a cruise ship, they never expected to run smack into Marco. Nor did they think that Marco would not recognize Jonathan or an unstoppable attraction would develop. When Anthony and Jonathan decide to hide who Jonathan really is, (yeah you guessed it) things fall apart when Marco realizes who Jonathan is. Now with help from Anthony and Marco’s sister, Marco and Jonathan find their way back together in the sweetest, but dramatic way. Loved the chemistry between these two characters. The pacing was fast and very detailed for a shorter story. Super happy ever after ending with an added pay back to a jerk of a father. I loved the character development, Jonathan’s transformation and Marco’s softer romantic side away from the boardroom. The added bonus of reading about Anthony’s antics, make this book an absolute must read. If anyone is listening, Anthony needs his own story.


PLOT 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING:5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars



Review Copy of All the Way to Shore provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***

Marco Pellegrini has worked hard all his life to get to where he is now: the new CEO of Vallen Industries, there to help out turn the company around and help train the owner's son, Jonathan, to take over as CEO later. Dealing with Jonathan is not so bad, even if it's obvious he's not CEO material, but after the guy's disappearance and having to deal with Frederick Vallen and hiding his bisexuality have left him weary and in sore need of a vacation, so he decides to go on a cruise with his sister, Sophia.

Jonathan is a gentle soul, a musician, who is happier when he is lost in his music and his garden than in the board room or heading a company. So when his father hires Marco, he sees the chance to escape from this life he's unsuited for and go live at the cottage his mother left him in Cape Cod.

Fast forward to a year later and now Jonathan is no longer overweight, having shed 40 pounds and the thick glasses he used before, he's gotten himself a puppy, Cantata, and his hair is blonder now. He's happier than he's ever been before and now he's finally ready to start living. At his cousin Anthony's insistence, they book themselves for an LGBT & Allies cruise for the week between Christmas and New Year. Only when they get there they see Marco, who seems interested in Jonathan and after Jonathan freaks out a bit, Anthony introduces him as Jonah Rutledge.

The longer they spend together, the harder Jonathan and Marco fall for each other, but Jonathan is still hiding who he really is from Marco. What will happen when Marco finds out who his sweet Jonah really is and how will Frederick react to the news that his prize employee was with his son on a gay cruise? And is Jonathan ready to fight for the man he loves?

This book had this fairytale-like quality to it. Romantic and sweet, with some hotness and light angst thrown in for good measure. It's really well-written and while it's a bit of insta-love once Marco and Jonathan meet each other again, it's done in a way that didn't feel forced at all. You could feel the connection between them and how well suited they were for each other, having similar interests, even if they were so different. Marco could be ruthless and driven as a CEO needs to be, Jonathan was gentler, less into the rat race and more into music. It was lovely seeing Marco's defenses melt where Jonathan was concerned, but above all, I loved the growth Jonathan showed and how he stood up to his father to help Marco when he needed him.

I loved that while there was some conflict between Jonathan and Marco, it was resolved in a way that was just perfect for them. I also loved Sophia and Anthony, they were amazing and very instrumental to the plot.

I absolutely adored that Marco kept a journal in which he wrote what happened to him and what he was grateful for. I think he would've come off as standoffish at first if we hadn't been privy of the fact that he had such a tender, romantic heart hidden under all the drive to succeed. Those journal entries and Jonah's To Do list were just like icing on the cake of an already great book!

The only thing that I would've liked was having a bit more of closure regarding Frederick, but oh well, you can't have everything I guess.

All in all, a very recommendable read! Entertaining and engaging and while sweet, it was well-balanced out with the plot as to not be too over the top.

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

[Anthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Copy received from author via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for and honest review.

I realise that I'm in the minority with my opinion on this one but the story just didn't do it for me. I started it, gave up and read something else then came back to it. I can't really put my finger on why I didn't like it. I just never warmed to any of the characters individually and didn't feel any chemistry between the MC's. There was no excitement. It all felt a bit flat and unreal and the dialogue between Johnathon and Marco felt wooden. I think their 'get up and go' had already left the building.

[Paisleyrowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly well written. Realistic, emotional and joy-inducing. I was leery, as this story's been told so often, where it could have disappointed, it fully vested me in the characters--even the secondary ones.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

[Robert Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet ship-board romance, very low on the angst, no cliffhanger, HEA ... perfect for a rainy afternoon. The MC Jonathan/Jonah was charmingly awkward. The love interest Marco didn't work as well for me but I was still rooting for them as a couple. I really liked the gift-exchange sequence.

[Larissa_S · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Way to the Shore is the first in a pair of “cruise ship” romances dubbed “Stories from the Shore” that center, as you would expect, around romances that develop on or through cruise and island vacations. This one - Stories from the Shore Book 1 - is a mistaken identity, forced proximity, opposites attract romance between Jonathan Vallen, son of Frederick Vallen the owner of Vallen Industries, and Marco Pelligrini, the corporate superstar brought in as CEO to rescue the flailing company after suffering under Jonathan’s (reluctant) leadership.

Marco is a self-made business success story who prides himself on his pristine reputation and his unwillingness to be distracted by love or relationships. Jonathan is the opposite; he has no business acumen or interest and only agreed to step in at Vallen Industries when his beloved Mother and brother passed away in succession. He is a softer soul, a talented musician who was always rebuked and belittled by his father and made to feel “less” because of his sexuality and interest in non-business pursuits like flowers and music. These two opposites collide on an LGBTQ cruise where Marco (unbelievably) does not recognize Jonathan due to Jonathan’s “makeover” over the course of the prior year. Jonathan of course recognizes Marco but 1) thinks he is an arrogant jerk, and 2) is so ashamed and embarrassed over his ouster from the company, that he expects to avoid Marco, or at least try to. That attempt lasted all of about 3 seconds, because Marco immediately approaches Jonathan, but apparently doesn’t recognize him, so at his cousin Anthony's prompting, he adopts a fake name, Jonah Rutledge, not expecting his relationship with Marco to develop. Well you know what they say about best laid plans …

The romance between Jonathan and Marco is lovely. They fall into each other quickly and the author does a good job of unearthing all of the ways these two seemingly opposite people are actually quite similar - like kindred spirits. Anthony is a great, and often hysterical, wingman to Jonathan, helping him get out of his own way in order to get to know Marco (notwithstanding the perhaps ill-advised suggestion of the fake name). The story is mildly steamy in places, although most of those scenes fade to black so the details happen off page. It’s also sweet, albeit saccharine sweet, which many readers may find cloying. It’s almost too much, but if you can tolerate cotton candy romance, this is for you. The characters are very likeable and it’s easy to root for Jonathan and Marco as a couple as they move toward their inevitable HEA. Anthony is an excellent side-character who becomes the subject of the next book in this series.

This is a book I’d recommend when you are in the mood for something quick, light, low-angst and just feel-good fluff. In particular, it would be a great change of pace when coming off of a heavier, high-angst, emotionally draining read. But notwithstanding what you read before it, it’s enjoyable and it won’t stick with you when you’re done - which can be a good or bad thing depending on your view and mood.

[Devy B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read this book more than 2 months ago and I didn’t write a review. Either I wasn’t in the mood or tired or I don’t know.

Anyway I will do my best to remember everything. I didn’t like it and I was disappointed and I had high expectations.
They weren’t enemies like it’s mentioned in the blurb and Mc1 ( I don’t remember his name) wasn’t fired by Marco the man his father hired for a year to help Mc1’s father saving his company and help Mc1 to learn everything there’s to learn so he could take charge his father’s place in the company.
He left by himself and moved to another city or town or island (I don’t remember 😆) and he has been planing all this with his cousin for some time.
I would lie if I say I didn’t like the relationship but I didn’t enjoyed the way I wanted because many things really bothered me.
A year before they meet again on the cruise, Marco didn’t care about Mc1, he didn’t even liked him much and after a year it was insta lust he was attracted to him and fell for him without recognizing him because Mc1 changed. He lost weight, his worked out a lot and he had a hot body. It hated it because I didn’t want Mc1 change his looks and Marco fell for him because he had a hot body and a gorgeous ass . I wanted him to fell for who he was and not for his body and the war he looked.
Mc1 was so needy and horny as fuck, he wanted to bang Marco the 1st night after what happened a year ago and the way he treated him but I was glad Marco wanted to take things slow and were cockblocked many times 😁

I appreciate how Marco got mad, stand up for himself and pushed Mc1 away after he learned who he really was and made him grovel at his feet.

Another thing that completely put me out of the story and couldn’t believe. I was shocked !
By the end of the book when Mc1 went to his father office to save Marco from something bad his dad wanted to do to him that could’ve coasted him his carrer because he was in relationship with his son, there was a meeting with many people and Mc decided to tell them the truth about what his dad was about to do and doing there coming out to everyone. When he stood up next to Marco they both got hard and pooped bones in front of everyone including the father.
What the fuck ??? Insta boners while they were having a fight and struggling to take down Mc1’s father because they haven’t seen each other for a month !!! I know it can get up easily but not in a meeting in the middle of a big fight !!!

Anthony the cousin was funny and sweet but I decided to not read his book, I don’t remember why but I think it’s because of the bad reviews.

I don’t recommend !

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Stories From The Shore series. It's a sweet, fluffy romance which is low on angst and high on drama. 

Jonathan has had a rough ride in his 29 years: bereavement and living in the shadow of others along with constant belittling by his father have taken a toll on his confidence. At a low point, his father brings in the wildly successful stuffed-suit, Marco as CEO of the family business. Instead of being threatened or treating it as an opportunity to have a business mentor, Jonathan leapt at the chance to leave the business and focus on rediscovering himself. A year down the line the two men accidentally meet on a cruise but Marco doesn't recognise Jonathan after his transformation. Prompted by cousin Anthony, Jonathan pretends to be Jonah for the week...it's only a bit of fun - no harm no foul, right?

I've got to say, I do have a soft spot for a cruise ship romance. Because of the timeline, it's easier to accept the instalove that inevitably happens onboard and the often tropical backdrop just sweetens the deal even more. One thing I really like in All The Way To The Shore, though, is how Jonathan and Marco's relationship is cemented by their mutual love of classical music. It's clear that the author is a fan or has done some solid research. I also like the way in which the overall timeline is presented. It lends depth to Jonathan's growth as a character. Both MCs are engaging and it works well for me that, despite the drama, despite the drama at the big reveal, both men are well-adjusted enough to keep the lines of communication open and not create any unnecessary angst. There's humour in the book, too, mostly courtesy of Jonathan's cousin Anthony...so much drama from this guy!

In short, there's a lot to recommend All The Way To The Shore if you're in the mood for a light romance with a bit of heat and an opposites attract vibe, in my opinion. It's the first of this author's work I've read, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next in the series. 4*

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio review:
Narration – 4
Story – 4

I enjoyed this.

This is the second book I've read by CJane Elliott and I enjoyed it. It's the first audiobook I've listened to narrated by Tim McKiernan. I enjoyed his narration but I do think he over-emphasized in some areas. This may be a case where I just need to get used to his narration style. Oftentimes when I listen to a narrator for the first time, I have a few issues but then upon listening to another book that changes.

The blurb does a pretty good job of explaining the story but it doesn't tell you how much of a jerk/homophobe Jonathan's father is. He is horrible to his son and later to Marco who he hired to run his company.

I loved how free Jonathan is when he is on the cruise ship. He broke away from his father and made himself over into a very cool looking guy. His biggest problem now is his lack of confidence. When he runs into Marco on the ship, he is afraid of his reaction since they clashed when Jonathan still worked for his father. He knows it's not a good idea to pose as someone he isn't but he lets his cousin talk him into it anyway.

I loved the supporting characters of Jonathan's cousin Anthony, and Marco's sister Sophia. These two really added a lot to the story and I enjoyed the witty repartee between all of the characters. All in all, this was an easy book to listen to and I liked it a lot.

A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

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

[Wax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

Reading this book, I felt like it was almost fairy-tale worthy. And after reading the author’s note that she had indeed intended it originally for the Dreamspun Desires line (think Harlequin bodice rippers), it definitely makes sense.

That’s not to say I didn’t like the overall story, though. In fact it was quite easy to root for Jonathan, the sensitive second son who helps in the family business after the death of his older brother. It’s nowhere near what he wants to be doing, though, and after his father brings on a well-known businessman as the new CEO to turn the company around, he takes that chance to step aside. A year later, he’s lost weight and is seeing a therapist. When his cousin tricks him into taking a LGBT cruise, he realizes the chance to spread his wings. Almost immediately, though, he recognizes Marco, the CEO his father hired, who is also on the cruise. When Marco doesn’t recognize him, he takes the opportunity to get to know him better by creating a fake persona, Jonah. Soon enough, Jonah and Marco are hitting it off and despite the short length of the cruise, real feelings are developing.

I liked both characters immensely in addition to the secondary characters. While the premise and overall story arc did smack of insta-love, I still enjoyed the story.

[Morgan Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - it was originally a Dreamspun Desires... so remember that :)

In the prologue the author tells us that this was originally meant to be a Dreamspun Desire book – meaning high on “trope-isms” and low on steam with a fair amount of drama thrown in. If you keep that in mind and treat it as such, then you won’t be disappointed. This absolutely feels like one of those types of books.

The language is a little floofy, the Big Misunderstanding , the Villianous Father, The Makeover and even the very Exotic Setting.

What I loved: the music and it’s use in the story. The author is clearly very knowledgeable about music and loves it and it shows. I think it really added to the scenes and put the reader in the “mood” and accordingly the MCs.

I was grateful that the Big Misunderstanding (the lying about his name) was resolved fairly quickly. Marco realizes fairly soon/easily that he has to get over himself and forgive “the love of his life” without a lot of drama.

I HATE makeover stories – especially once that turn a person’s life around because they lost weight – and this walked that edge as far as making me crazy. Jon does a lot of other really important things to turn his life around and that includes losing weight/”getting healthy” so I was able to look past this.

For fans of the Dreamspun series, I think you’ll like this, for fans of the author- you’ll like this, too. If you are unfamiliar with those, maybe read a few reviews or an excerpt. I liked it a lot – for the most part – but the OTT drama, the sometimes cheesy dialog and the low steam might bug some people if you aren’t prepared for it.

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: All the Way to Shore CJane Elliott
1) What an amazing story.  This was so refreshing to read.  The plot of the story is very well thought out and kept me peeked throughout.  I loved how the author really allowed us to get to know the characters and didn't just focus on the romance aspect of the story.  The setting was very nicely development and I felt like I was there on the cruise with them.  What I liked a lot is how the setting matched the characters.  I thought those attentions to detail were perfect.  The Characters were nicely drawn out and I actually believed they were real people.  Yes, they were physically perfect, but they were more then just pretty, they all had issues and flaws which made them real to me.  What I really liked was the journey the characters took and how they actually grew durn the course of the story. Overall, the writing was spot on and I had no issues with following along. I personally loved the use of a journal for Marco it fit his personality to tee and I thought the shifts in POV were smooth and easy to follow.

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about two men not being their true, authentic self, and finding love when they finally let their guards down. I really felt for both of them; more so, Jonathon, though. His dad was awful. I don't blame him for wanting to get away. I would want to as well. I liked how the author broke it up in parts: before the cruise, during the cruise, and after the cruise. It was an interesting decision to do so, and I feel like it paid off. I enjoyed Anthony and Sophia. I felt like they added dimension to the storyline, and often comedic relief! I liked how the story flowed, and I fell in love with the real Jonathon and Marco. They deserved the love and companionship they found on the cruise. Overall, this was a feel good, low angst book, that includes a HEA. This isn’t the first book I’ve read by CJane Elliott, and it won’t be the last. I enjoy how she puts a story together, and the characters she places in them. She’s a one click author for me

***I voluntarily accepted an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this super-sweet story. I loved how Jonathan took his down-time and resurrected and improved himself. Then, he meets Marco again on a cruise and takes advantage of the fact Marco doesn't recognize him to truly reinvent himself. Why didn't he just tell Marco the truth and let him be impressed with the changes in the real Jonathan? Embarrassment? Insecurity? Revenge? Who knows? Of course, the two fall in love, but when they return to dry land, the truth comes out. I was waiting for that moment when the duped realizes the lie, because it always comes out. Will the new love survive or is it a lost cause built on a lie? The author did a wonderful job with these two characters, building their personalities and helping the reader to see who they really are, with all their gifts and flaws, strengths and insecurities. I loved the way Jonathan decided to fight for what he wanted and rebuild Marco's trust. Has he grown enough to overcome the past (and his awful father)? Read this great story to find out.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Amanda D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute simple book for a quick enjoyable read

When Jonathan runs into Marco on a magical cruise, he is surprised that the hotshot executive doesn’t recognize him. After all, he is the boss’s son. But when Marco remains clueless, Jonathan, now Jonah, decides to take a risk and have a little fun on the cruise. Unbeknownst to either, they are the missing piece to each other’s soul and end up falling deeply in love. When Jonathan’s deception is discovered, Marco is devastated and refuses to hear Jonathan’s word of sorrow. Eventually, Marco finds It I’m his heart and forgives Jonathan and they live HEA.

No, it’s not that simple. The book does have some twists and turns. It has some funny parts and also some parts that tug at your heartstrings. But it’s predictable and that made reading it very difficult for me. These thoughts are my own, given honestly and unbiased after reading an advanced readers copy. Any mistakes are my own.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jonathan wanted to be a musician and garden. But after his mother's death, his father wanted to groom him to take over the family business. He brings in big shot Marco to save the company and teach Jonathan all he knows.
Jonathan finally stands up to his father with the help of his cousin Anthony and moves to the shore in the house his mother left. A year later after a major makeover and loss of 40 pounds, Anthony convinces him to go on a gay cruise where he runs into Marco. Anthony gives the name Jonah and Jonathon goes along with it, but things get out of hand.

This is a cute story. It's flirty and fun. It is also very formulaic Boss/coworker, gay cruise type romance There's a lot going on. I never really connected to Marco or Jonathan but I loved Anthony! I hope he gets a story next!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a particular soft spot for stories where one character pretends to be someone else, falls in love and then has to deal with the consequences when their partner discovers they have been lied too. I enjoy seeing how an author regains both my trust as a reader and the trust of the character who was lied to. This story is an excellent example of this set up. It is completely believable that Johnathan would need to go off and grow into the stronger person he needs to be but then, he makes the huge mistake of not being honest with Marco when he should be. I felt for Marco, even though initially he was not the most likeable character, as intended in this type of plot. The resolution of the story was satisfying and emotionally perfect.

[Mickie Ashling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review- Survivor's guilt and his father's unrealistic expectations almost ruined Jonathan's life until he grew a pair and decided to make some positive changes. Marco was at the top of his game, career-wise, but something was missing. He couldn't figure out why he wasn't happy until he booked passage on an LGBT cruise with his sister. When he first laid eyes on Jonathan he had more questions than answers but everything slowly fell into place. Until it didn't. I enjoyed this slow burn romance from start to finish. Both MCs were engaging and secondary characters added a lot to the story. Nicely narrated by Tim McKiernan. Recommended.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying that insta-love can be a definite hit or miss with me. Unfortunately, this didn't really capture my attention as much as I thought it would. I found it difficult to connect with the characters and the dialogue came off cliche to me. It wasn't a bad read, but it was merely okay for me. I wasn't really taken with the main characters from the start, and the secondary characters didn't really offer a lot to the story for me.

I guess in the end I just couldn't buy into the main characters and their love at first sight story.

**ARC provided, and I have given my honest review**