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The Unlikely Prospect
In Prospect Harbor, Maine, lobsterman Harper Cook has always loved the sea. He and his two brothers work the harbor waters, in a fishing village of one thousand where everybody knows everybody else’s business and nobody wants to be different.
When it’s time for the annual Men of Maine pinup calendar, Harper’s brothers eagerly volunteer him. Harper isn’t thrilled to bare it all to raise money for an elementary school playground—until he meets out-and-proud Los Angeles out-a-statah Sean the highly available first-grade teacher with Hollywood heartthrob looks.
Harper has no desire to ever stand out from the crowd, but Sean persists and earns Harper’s friendship. Through Sean, Harper opens up to new possibilities. Things get steamy, but Harper still protects his heart. Though the right pressure in the right place might crack even a loner lobsterman out of his shell.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
When it’s time for the annual Men of Maine pinup calendar, Harper’s brothers eagerly volunteer him. Harper isn’t thrilled to bare it all to raise money for an elementary school playground—until he meets out-and-proud Los Angeles out-a-statah Sean the highly available first-grade teacher with Hollywood heartthrob looks.
Harper has no desire to ever stand out from the crowd, but Sean persists and earns Harper’s friendship. Through Sean, Harper opens up to new possibilities. Things get steamy, but Harper still protects his heart. Though the right pressure in the right place might crack even a loner lobsterman out of his shell.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2016
About the author
Lex Chase
16 books60 followersLex Chase once heard Stephen King say in a commercial, “We’re all going to die, I’m just trying to make it a little more interesting.” Now, she’s on a mission to make the world a hell of a lot more interesting.
Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love.
Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, she has intense emotions about Hannibal’s Hannigram, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind.
She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback.
You can find her on those Facebook and Twitter things at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LXChase
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lex_Chase
Find her blog at http://lexchase.com
Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love.
Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, she has intense emotions about Hannibal’s Hannigram, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind.
She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback.
You can find her on those Facebook and Twitter things at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LXChase
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lex_Chase
Find her blog at http://lexchase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 13, 2016
~4.5~
The blurb had me at "lobsterman" (ya know, a man who braves the wild seas fishing for those evil creatures with claws) and "pinup calendar" (Because. PINUP. Calendar.)
Lobersterman, you say? A rough, sexy, socially awkward lobsterman posing in the buff (with a lobster serving as his, um, fig leaf)?
Oh, honey, I am ALL over that.
And it gets better: Harper (said lobsterman) is a virgin (!), while the other MC, Sean, is a hot Latino boy from L.A. now teaching first grade in a small town in Maine. (I LOVE Maine in all its stark beauty; the author captures the setting perfectly.)
OMFG, be still my beating heart.
I am ever so glad I gave this book a go. The Unlikely Prospect is an opposites-attract, no angst, sexy story with the best HEA! The two MCs are adorable together, and Harper's two younger brothers, Joe and Danny, are completely hilarious with their teasing and meddling.
Joe and Danny needle Harper until he agrees to pose for a "men of Maine" calendar, the sale of which will raise money for the school where Sean teaches, the school Harper's nieces attend (one of them is even in Sean's class).
Harper is struck mute when he first meets Sean, but that's not an unusual state of affairs. Harper is a man of few words. Sean doesn't care though; he talks enough for the both of them.
The slow burn is delicious, and the way Sean takes care of Harper and introduces him to the joys of the flesh . . . hot damn. LOVED that.
The mild tension comes from Harper being a little afraid to out himself, but everyone in town already knows anyway, and his brothers are incredibly supportive and awesome!
Fortunately, Harper doesn't worry for long. He's tired of being alone with only his hair conditioner for company. He even lets Sean feed him lobster dipped in butter at a diner, which was far sexier than it had any right to be.
Harper writes fantasy stories (he scribbles notes wherever he goes), and he trusts Sean enough to let him read one. There may be an age gap between the men (I guessed Sean to be 30-ish to Harper's 40), but they get along like a house on fire. Sean is just so easygoing and brings Harper out of his shell. No pun intended. ;)
I only wish the story were longer. I blinked, and it was over. We never got to meet the nieces, and there were a couple time jumps where I was all, WAIT, back up, I want more!
The blurb had me at "lobsterman" (ya know, a man who braves the wild seas fishing for those evil creatures with claws) and "pinup calendar" (Because. PINUP. Calendar.)
Lobersterman, you say? A rough, sexy, socially awkward lobsterman posing in the buff (with a lobster serving as his, um, fig leaf)?
Oh, honey, I am ALL over that.
And it gets better: Harper (said lobsterman) is a virgin (!), while the other MC, Sean, is a hot Latino boy from L.A. now teaching first grade in a small town in Maine. (I LOVE Maine in all its stark beauty; the author captures the setting perfectly.)
OMFG, be still my beating heart.
I am ever so glad I gave this book a go. The Unlikely Prospect is an opposites-attract, no angst, sexy story with the best HEA! The two MCs are adorable together, and Harper's two younger brothers, Joe and Danny, are completely hilarious with their teasing and meddling.
Joe and Danny needle Harper until he agrees to pose for a "men of Maine" calendar, the sale of which will raise money for the school where Sean teaches, the school Harper's nieces attend (one of them is even in Sean's class).
Harper is struck mute when he first meets Sean, but that's not an unusual state of affairs. Harper is a man of few words. Sean doesn't care though; he talks enough for the both of them.
The slow burn is delicious, and the way Sean takes care of Harper and introduces him to the joys of the flesh . . . hot damn. LOVED that.
The mild tension comes from Harper being a little afraid to out himself, but everyone in town already knows anyway, and his brothers are incredibly supportive and awesome!
Fortunately, Harper doesn't worry for long. He's tired of being alone with only his hair conditioner for company. He even lets Sean feed him lobster dipped in butter at a diner, which was far sexier than it had any right to be.
Harper writes fantasy stories (he scribbles notes wherever he goes), and he trusts Sean enough to let him read one. There may be an age gap between the men (I guessed Sean to be 30-ish to Harper's 40), but they get along like a house on fire. Sean is just so easygoing and brings Harper out of his shell. No pun intended. ;)
I only wish the story were longer. I blinked, and it was over. We never got to meet the nieces, and there were a couple time jumps where I was all, WAIT, back up, I want more!
February 14, 2019
4 Yummy Stars!
Start with reticent lobsterman Harper, who likes hard work and plenty of self induced solitude until he’s forced into a situation he’s too proud to back out of - posing naked for a calendar whose sales are to benefit building a playground for the local elementary school.
Add Sean, the first grade teacher who’s spearheading the fundraiser. He’s been crushing on the manly seaman from afar and is thankful Harper’s meddling brothers love to meddle. Even though Harper and Sean are probably, most definitely, the only two eligible gay bachelors in their small Maine town, how fortuitous that they should connect!
Implausible? Perhaps. But who the fuck cares, right? Naked shy beefcake who catches the eye of the new-to-town teacher?? High five!
Flirty saucy awkward adorable funny dirty sexy.
This made me laugh and smirk and salivate.
Let me just expound on the most salient point… a virgin (and I’m not talking about the teacher) who’s just ripe for the picking. Unf.
Start with reticent lobsterman Harper, who likes hard work and plenty of self induced solitude until he’s forced into a situation he’s too proud to back out of - posing naked for a calendar whose sales are to benefit building a playground for the local elementary school.
Add Sean, the first grade teacher who’s spearheading the fundraiser. He’s been crushing on the manly seaman from afar and is thankful Harper’s meddling brothers love to meddle. Even though Harper and Sean are probably, most definitely, the only two eligible gay bachelors in their small Maine town, how fortuitous that they should connect!
Implausible? Perhaps. But who the fuck cares, right? Naked shy beefcake who catches the eye of the new-to-town teacher?? High five!
Flirty saucy awkward adorable funny dirty sexy.
This made me laugh and smirk and salivate.
Let me just expound on the most salient point… a virgin (and I’m not talking about the teacher) who’s just ripe for the picking. Unf.
December 15, 2016
3.5 Stars!
I thought this one was pretty good.
Definitely insta-lust/insta-love but it didn't bother me too bad.
Harper, bless his poor innocent soul. VIRGIN alert.
I liked the relationship between Harper and his brothers.
And Harper and Sean were cute together.
The writing was a bit choppy, and the dialogue took some getting used to. But overall I enjoyed this one.
I thought this one was pretty good.
Definitely insta-lust/insta-love but it didn't bother me too bad.
Harper, bless his poor innocent soul. VIRGIN alert.
I liked the relationship between Harper and his brothers.
And Harper and Sean were cute together.
The writing was a bit choppy, and the dialogue took some getting used to. But overall I enjoyed this one.
December 16, 2016
3.5 stars to this sweet romance with very hot moments.
Welcome to a small town in Maine where Harper is a lonely and quiet 40-year-old lobsterman. His 2 brothers decide to make him posed (naked, yeah, they have a great sense of humor) for the annual calendar. That’s how Harper meets Sean who is behind this project. And Sean is so out of character for Harper : a very sexy, smiley, fast-talking hot Latino teacher.
These 2 really burn the sheets together and they get their HEA so nicely.
A fluffy and hot read. Just look at the cover : it says it all !!
PS : thanks to “fiction addiction elf” for this sweet gift.
Welcome to a small town in Maine where Harper is a lonely and quiet 40-year-old lobsterman. His 2 brothers decide to make him posed (naked, yeah, they have a great sense of humor) for the annual calendar. That’s how Harper meets Sean who is behind this project. And Sean is so out of character for Harper : a very sexy, smiley, fast-talking hot Latino teacher.
These 2 really burn the sheets together and they get their HEA so nicely.
A fluffy and hot read. Just look at the cover : it says it all !!
PS : thanks to “fiction addiction elf” for this sweet gift.
December 13, 2016
Sweet, fluffy, cute and all things warm ❤️this was the story of Harper the 40 year old virgin / lobsterman and Sean the school teacher who had been crushing on Hap for sometime. With help from Harpers brother, Sean arranged a fundraiser photo shoot with the shy and introverted Hap which resulted in his groin being covered by a lobster. A friendship develops and Hap finally realizes what's he's been missing out on !
December 7, 2016
3.5 stars
My favorite thing about The Unlikely Prospect is how Harper, through his relationship with Sean, slowly but surely becomes more open and confident towards others. I’m a sucker for romance that has a ‘personal journey’ theme to it and this has it in strides.
Harper starts as a socially awkward 40-year-old virgin man (practically catnip for some readers, I know!) who participates for the annual Men of Maine calendar only because his younger brother signs him up for it under the reason that it’s to raise money for his niece’s school. I was proud of Harper when he was able to deal with his discomfort, powered through the photo session, as well as acted on his attraction to Sean.
I enjoyed their romance; it was sweet and pleasant … Sean finally takes Harper to explore the world of sexual pleasure although I admit that I skimmed most the sex scenes because to me, they were the same old thing. But I had fun reading about what Harper thinks about it afterward. I giggled when Harper thought that because Sean was more in control in the bedroom due to his experience that means Sean was his Dom; it was pretty hilarious.
I especially loved their times outside the bedroom. Their dates were fun, like the part where Harper shows his skill to eat lobster and guides Sean how to do it right.
Oh, and not to forget, Harper’s younger brothers are excellent secondary characters! I LOVED these siblings relationship; it was full of jest and ribbings that amused me so. Danny and Joe are wonderful and totally support their older gay brother.
What didn’t work well for me so much was the writing style. I felt that it was rather rough and clumsy – plus the Maine accent was a little bit hard for me to enjoy. As a non-English speaker, I always have a slightly difficult time to enjoy accents when written on page. I also thought the several time-jumps to be choppy and made the story didn’t flow smoothly.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Because of ya, I’m not afraid anymore… I had no expectation. I had no expectation of goin’ anywhere in my life. I had no expectation of ever amounting to anythin’. I didn’t expect you. I didn’t expect us.
My favorite thing about The Unlikely Prospect is how Harper, through his relationship with Sean, slowly but surely becomes more open and confident towards others. I’m a sucker for romance that has a ‘personal journey’ theme to it and this has it in strides.
Harper starts as a socially awkward 40-year-old virgin man (practically catnip for some readers, I know!) who participates for the annual Men of Maine calendar only because his younger brother signs him up for it under the reason that it’s to raise money for his niece’s school. I was proud of Harper when he was able to deal with his discomfort, powered through the photo session, as well as acted on his attraction to Sean.
I enjoyed their romance; it was sweet and pleasant … Sean finally takes Harper to explore the world of sexual pleasure although I admit that I skimmed most the sex scenes because to me, they were the same old thing. But I had fun reading about what Harper thinks about it afterward. I giggled when Harper thought that because Sean was more in control in the bedroom due to his experience that means Sean was his Dom; it was pretty hilarious.
I especially loved their times outside the bedroom. Their dates were fun, like the part where Harper shows his skill to eat lobster and guides Sean how to do it right.
Oh, and not to forget, Harper’s younger brothers are excellent secondary characters! I LOVED these siblings relationship; it was full of jest and ribbings that amused me so. Danny and Joe are wonderful and totally support their older gay brother.
What didn’t work well for me so much was the writing style. I felt that it was rather rough and clumsy – plus the Maine accent was a little bit hard for me to enjoy. As a non-English speaker, I always have a slightly difficult time to enjoy accents when written on page. I also thought the several time-jumps to be choppy and made the story didn’t flow smoothly.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars!! Light read, likable MCs, supportive family, insta-lust, steamy and romantic.. 💕👍
July 16, 2021
4.25 stars. Harper Cook is a man of few words, a born and bred Maine lobsterman, who finds solace in the lush beauty all around him. Which is why he is absolutely flabbergasted to find himself agreeing to pose for the Men of Maine calendar ... nude ... well, except for a rather large lobster and a strategically placed lobster trap. Sean Blackburn, the new first grade teacher in town, is the driving force behind the fundraising calendar. And before you can say insta-love, Harper and the smokin' hot Latino out-a-statah (from California) are involved in a wicked hot relationship.
With an interesting plot and sexual chemistry to burn, this story clips along at a perfect pace, and I loved how Sean and Harper have a low-angst relationship with no Big Misunderstandings or other plot contrivances. Speaking as a lobster-hating landlubber here, the chapter where Harper teaches Sean how to eat a lobster (sucking the juices from the lobster tail, tomalley, shucking off the cartilage and ribs, cracking knuckles) is all kinds of gross, but then again, it perfectly fits the Maine setting.
My only "niggles" for the book are minor. 40-year-old Harper is described as a perpetually horny teenager with his "high school hormones" far too often, and while I liked getting Harper's POV throughout the book, Sean's POV would have been good. Finally the subplot about a missing manuscript felt a bit too coincidental, but otherwise, this is a sweet, wicked hot book!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
With an interesting plot and sexual chemistry to burn, this story clips along at a perfect pace, and I loved how Sean and Harper have a low-angst relationship with no Big Misunderstandings or other plot contrivances. Speaking as a lobster-hating landlubber here, the chapter where Harper teaches Sean how to eat a lobster (sucking the juices from the lobster tail, tomalley, shucking off the cartilage and ribs, cracking knuckles) is all kinds of gross, but then again, it perfectly fits the Maine setting.
My only "niggles" for the book are minor. 40-year-old Harper is described as a perpetually horny teenager with his "high school hormones" far too often, and while I liked getting Harper's POV throughout the book, Sean's POV would have been good. Finally the subplot about a missing manuscript felt a bit too coincidental, but otherwise, this is a sweet, wicked hot book!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 7, 2016
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Some of the transitions between paragraphs and/or scenes were a bit clunky, but the original story and the characters made up for it.
Some of the transitions between paragraphs and/or scenes were a bit clunky, but the original story and the characters made up for it.
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November 15, 2016The writing was as choppy and awkward as Harper was in social situations. I just couldn't get into the story at all with the writing.
January 20, 2018
4.5 stars
March 13, 2017
Well, what a pleasant surprise! When I started reading it gave me a few problems to get into it, the writing style needed getting used to. And all this 'Ayuh' and other written slang didn't help.
But suddenly, I loved the story. The development felt natural, although it moved rather fast (and there was a rather remarkable coincidence near the end), but Sean and Harper just fit.
Yes, great story and I'm sure I'll read more from this author.
But suddenly, I loved the story. The development felt natural, although it moved rather fast (and there was a rather remarkable coincidence near the end), but Sean and Harper just fit.
Yes, great story and I'm sure I'll read more from this author.
December 30, 2016
Thanks for the gift to the Gallic cheesy elf, who's the sweetest! I can't wait to read it! xx
*edit*
Sweet, hot and sexy with a bit of humor thrown in *mostly Harper's brothers, LOL*, all my favorite things!
Thanks to my very favorite Gallic cheesy elf, better known as Christelle, for the wonderful gift! xxx
*edit*
Sweet, hot and sexy with a bit of humor thrown in *mostly Harper's brothers, LOL*, all my favorite things!
Thanks to my very favorite Gallic cheesy elf, better known as Christelle, for the wonderful gift! xxx
December 7, 2016
If you suspend your disbelief and just go with the warm and fuzzy feelings this story evokes, you’ll be highly entertained and a little touched.
First, you have to ignore the fact that Harper agrees (without good cause) to do a NAKED calendar shoot, when previously he’s been nothing more than a quiet recluse in the small fishing town.
Second, you have to ignore that the two men in this story are the ONLY gay men around for miles and have never met before.
Third, you have to let it go that though there exists the internet and cable, Harper is about as a clueless about being gay as someone from the 1900s.
Fourth, in this idyllic town in nowhere Maine, there exists no backlash or homophobia.
Fifth, miracles happen in the publishing world.
Once that is accepted – this is a really fun, sometimes amazingly sexy, and fast-paced love story with next to no angst.
All the Maine “slang” was great, Harper and his open-faced acceptance was great, Harper’s nosy brothers were great and Sean’s bossy, take-charge ways were great!
I laughed out loud several times and really did enjoy this, despite my eye rolling at some of the circumstances mentioned earlier.
All in all this was a fun addition to the series and I really enjoyed it!
(PS LOVE the cover!)
4 of 5 stars
First, you have to ignore the fact that Harper agrees (without good cause) to do a NAKED calendar shoot, when previously he’s been nothing more than a quiet recluse in the small fishing town.
Second, you have to ignore that the two men in this story are the ONLY gay men around for miles and have never met before.
Third, you have to let it go that though there exists the internet and cable, Harper is about as a clueless about being gay as someone from the 1900s.
Fourth, in this idyllic town in nowhere Maine, there exists no backlash or homophobia.
Fifth, miracles happen in the publishing world.
Once that is accepted – this is a really fun, sometimes amazingly sexy, and fast-paced love story with next to no angst.
All the Maine “slang” was great, Harper and his open-faced acceptance was great, Harper’s nosy brothers were great and Sean’s bossy, take-charge ways were great!
I laughed out loud several times and really did enjoy this, despite my eye rolling at some of the circumstances mentioned earlier.
All in all this was a fun addition to the series and I really enjoyed it!
(PS LOVE the cover!)
4 of 5 stars
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January 9, 20174.5 Hearts
Review on the blog and then here...
Review on the blog and then here...
December 6, 2016
4.5 stars
Fits all my Checkmark List people!
√ Cheesy and Fluffy Goodness
√ Adorable Older MC
√ Virgin
√ Pinup Calendar
√ A little bit of kink
√ Noisy Siblings
√ Shy MC
√ More adorableness
√ A Novelist
I loved this book!!! The right amount of swoony cheesiness and fluff for me! Harper and Sean were truly adorable together. I loved the Cook brothers. I thought they showed real camaraderie between siblings. This was my first read by Lex Chase and I really liked it. It was a bit choppy at times, and transitions were a little bad, but I was able to forget that because I was enthralled with the story.
Harper is a loner by nature, only working and hanging out with the family when he's forced to. He's the oldest of 3 boys who are all Lobster-man. This book caught me in the right mood. I loved how shy, awkward, and lovable Harper was. He was prepared to spend the rest of his life alone until his brother Joe asks him to pose for a calendar to support his niece's playground. Harper will do anything for his family at the end of the day. Forget about talking, or him being socially awkward, his family matters because Mumma said it does. He meets Sean who is completely opposite him of every way. Sean awakens a need in Harper that he didn't know he had. It was such a quick angst free love story.
The building of their relationship was magical. I liked how well they fit together. Again some of the transitions bothered me, but I was able to look passed it because the story was super good, and swoony. I couldn't flip the page fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I really wish this was a full length novel. Both guys were able to explore each other and learn what works for them. I love how tender and caring Sean was when it came to their physical relationship. It was a no pressure book, they became friends and lovers all in one go. I would have liked to meet Joe and Danny's family since they talked about them enough. Would also have liked to see Sean in his element at school. I would definitely recommend this cheesy goodness, definitely caught me in the right mood and it's a feel good favorite of mine this year!
Fits all my Checkmark List people!
√ Cheesy and Fluffy Goodness
√ Adorable Older MC
√ Virgin
√ Pinup Calendar
√ A little bit of kink
√ Noisy Siblings
√ Shy MC
√ More adorableness
√ A Novelist
I loved this book!!! The right amount of swoony cheesiness and fluff for me! Harper and Sean were truly adorable together. I loved the Cook brothers. I thought they showed real camaraderie between siblings. This was my first read by Lex Chase and I really liked it. It was a bit choppy at times, and transitions were a little bad, but I was able to forget that because I was enthralled with the story.
Harper is a loner by nature, only working and hanging out with the family when he's forced to. He's the oldest of 3 boys who are all Lobster-man. This book caught me in the right mood. I loved how shy, awkward, and lovable Harper was. He was prepared to spend the rest of his life alone until his brother Joe asks him to pose for a calendar to support his niece's playground. Harper will do anything for his family at the end of the day. Forget about talking, or him being socially awkward, his family matters because Mumma said it does. He meets Sean who is completely opposite him of every way. Sean awakens a need in Harper that he didn't know he had. It was such a quick angst free love story.
The building of their relationship was magical. I liked how well they fit together. Again some of the transitions bothered me, but I was able to look passed it because the story was super good, and swoony. I couldn't flip the page fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I really wish this was a full length novel. Both guys were able to explore each other and learn what works for them. I love how tender and caring Sean was when it came to their physical relationship. It was a no pressure book, they became friends and lovers all in one go. I would have liked to meet Joe and Danny's family since they talked about them enough. Would also have liked to see Sean in his element at school. I would definitely recommend this cheesy goodness, definitely caught me in the right mood and it's a feel good favorite of mine this year!
January 17, 2018
A sweet and sexy story with a great plot and delicious sexual tension. I do so love coastal Maine towns. I wish this book were longer!
December 5, 2016
A 40-year old virgin, a sexy non-native and a sweet HEA at the end and BAM! you have the most fun and adorable romance to completely fall in love with. I really enjoyed this book. There is zero angst, combine it with the most adorable (and sexy!!) cherry popping ever and I was totally a goner!!! And OH GOD! That poster!!! I cannot stop imagining it! (I admit it; it’s exactly what got me interested in this book!) And that part when Harper is shown the lobster with which he has to pose and he scowls and says: "Y'gunna need a bigger lobster." OMFG!!!
This story is just adorably cute but also wicked hot. Getting a shy and sexy virgin lobsterman out of his shell is hard (read sexy!!!) work and I jumped in with gusto!!! Harper Cook and Sean Blackburn made amazing opposites-attract couple. Their interactions were cute, fun and adorable!!! Harper’s brothers were great too. Their meddling does wonders for Harper’s love life and I totally loved them for their ingenious match-making capabilities!!!
Harper is a hard-core lobsterman of very few words. He is shy and mostly keeps to himself. Any relationship he has is with his right-hand and a steady supply of conditioner (Yeah, he is too shy to even buy lube!!!) So imagine his surprise when he is coaxed (read manipulated) by his naughty brothers to model in the Men of Maine Calendar, that too NUDE!!! The money it will raise will go for building a playground in the school where Sean teaches and Harper’s niece attends. So, Harper can’t say no.
He meets Sean, the main coordinator behind the calendar production, and gets tongue tied and stutters through the entire conversation before leaving abruptly. But he wants Sean, the incredibly sexy LA man with his GQ good looks and beautiful smile. Harper’s hyper libido is put to test with his increased proximity to Sean and he finally lets his desires overcome his brain and gets his cherry popped in the most adorable and sexy encounter ever!!!
Harper is naïve in most ways romantic and his stumbling and hesitant way to love was pure joy to read!!! He is 40 but so shy and cute and I loved how Sean brings him out of his shell. Harper had some reservations about being publically outed but he gets over it quickly after he realizes that loving Sean is more important than anything else. Harper’s family and his acquaintances already knew about his sexuality so there was no hate as such. Sean and Harper’s romance is pretty smooth sailing and I loved it.
Sean is amazing in how he understands Harper and gives him pleasure without being demanding. He gently coaxes Harper to act on his desires and become confident about his sexuality. Harper’s trust in Sean was well founded and I loved him for being such an awesome partner for Harper in every which way.
I just have to mention Harper’s crab eating lesson. It was gross and messy but was just the most sexiest Foreplay ever!!! Sucking crab-juices, butter-dipping, feeding each other…. OH MY, HOT DAMN!!!
So don’t wait and pick this sweet and amazing romance ASAP. You are in for some super delicious insta-love, beautiful setting and a PINUP calendar to fall in lust with!!! RECOMMENDED!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
This story is just adorably cute but also wicked hot. Getting a shy and sexy virgin lobsterman out of his shell is hard (read sexy!!!) work and I jumped in with gusto!!! Harper Cook and Sean Blackburn made amazing opposites-attract couple. Their interactions were cute, fun and adorable!!! Harper’s brothers were great too. Their meddling does wonders for Harper’s love life and I totally loved them for their ingenious match-making capabilities!!!
Harper is a hard-core lobsterman of very few words. He is shy and mostly keeps to himself. Any relationship he has is with his right-hand and a steady supply of conditioner (Yeah, he is too shy to even buy lube!!!) So imagine his surprise when he is coaxed (read manipulated) by his naughty brothers to model in the Men of Maine Calendar, that too NUDE!!! The money it will raise will go for building a playground in the school where Sean teaches and Harper’s niece attends. So, Harper can’t say no.
He meets Sean, the main coordinator behind the calendar production, and gets tongue tied and stutters through the entire conversation before leaving abruptly. But he wants Sean, the incredibly sexy LA man with his GQ good looks and beautiful smile. Harper’s hyper libido is put to test with his increased proximity to Sean and he finally lets his desires overcome his brain and gets his cherry popped in the most adorable and sexy encounter ever!!!
Harper is naïve in most ways romantic and his stumbling and hesitant way to love was pure joy to read!!! He is 40 but so shy and cute and I loved how Sean brings him out of his shell. Harper had some reservations about being publically outed but he gets over it quickly after he realizes that loving Sean is more important than anything else. Harper’s family and his acquaintances already knew about his sexuality so there was no hate as such. Sean and Harper’s romance is pretty smooth sailing and I loved it.
Sean is amazing in how he understands Harper and gives him pleasure without being demanding. He gently coaxes Harper to act on his desires and become confident about his sexuality. Harper’s trust in Sean was well founded and I loved him for being such an awesome partner for Harper in every which way.
I just have to mention Harper’s crab eating lesson. It was gross and messy but was just the most sexiest Foreplay ever!!! Sucking crab-juices, butter-dipping, feeding each other…. OH MY, HOT DAMN!!!
So don’t wait and pick this sweet and amazing romance ASAP. You are in for some super delicious insta-love, beautiful setting and a PINUP calendar to fall in lust with!!! RECOMMENDED!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
December 10, 2016
Set in Maine, one of my favorite states because of – need I say it – lobster, ‘The Unlikely Prospect’ is a sweet, heartwarming story about two men who would have never expected to be a couple, yet fall for each other almost the moment they meet. Harper, a lobsterman with writing talent, takes a long time to come out of the shell he’s been using to protect himself from being seen as different, and Sean, a first-grade teacher from LA, needs to figure out how to trust again despite the fact he has sworn never to have expectations again. These guys captured me with their combined charm from the very beginning. Then there is the wonderful setting, the charming local details of the small fishing village Harper lives in, and the fantastic supporting characters. With an authentic flavor of Maine added to the lovely story details, this quickly became one of my favorites in the ‘States of Love’ series.
Harper is all about his work as a lobsterman – well, almost. There is his love of writing stories, but that secret is better guarded than the PIN code to Fort Knox. It’s important for Harper to fit in, to be an upstanding member of the small community he has lived in all his life, and to succeed with his and his brothers’ lobster fishing business. He is gay, but not willing to admit it because it would make him stand out. But then two things happen: he notices the new first-grade teacher, Sean, who has moved to Maine from LA and then Sean asks him to participate in a calendar the proceeds of which will fund a playground for the elementary school. Posing like a model would be bad enough for someone as shy as Harper, but then it turns out the men will all be nude…
Sean, whom I unfortunately only got to see through Harper’s telling of the story, is unsure what his future holds. He’s had a bad breakup – hence the cross-country move – and doesn’t find it easy to trust again. But Harper, in all his forty-year-old innocence, is too attractive to resist. He is also scrupulously honest, and that is not something Sean is used to or takes for granted. The pinup calendar is a good “excuse” for them to have a few meetings and to start talking, but both men are clearly interested in more.
Harper’s somewhat hesitant, shy fumblings charmed me as much as Sean’s patience and determination. Watching both of them get closer and figure out their relationship was a treat! But there is more to the story as well, and all of the subplots and secondary characters who got involved made this novel come alive in the best way.
If you like stories about men who meet a little later in life, if you think that “shy” and “determined” make a good combination, and if you’re looking for a read that is as sweet and adorable as it is heartwarming, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Makes me wish for a sequel, just to see what Harper and Sean get up to next!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Harper is all about his work as a lobsterman – well, almost. There is his love of writing stories, but that secret is better guarded than the PIN code to Fort Knox. It’s important for Harper to fit in, to be an upstanding member of the small community he has lived in all his life, and to succeed with his and his brothers’ lobster fishing business. He is gay, but not willing to admit it because it would make him stand out. But then two things happen: he notices the new first-grade teacher, Sean, who has moved to Maine from LA and then Sean asks him to participate in a calendar the proceeds of which will fund a playground for the elementary school. Posing like a model would be bad enough for someone as shy as Harper, but then it turns out the men will all be nude…
Sean, whom I unfortunately only got to see through Harper’s telling of the story, is unsure what his future holds. He’s had a bad breakup – hence the cross-country move – and doesn’t find it easy to trust again. But Harper, in all his forty-year-old innocence, is too attractive to resist. He is also scrupulously honest, and that is not something Sean is used to or takes for granted. The pinup calendar is a good “excuse” for them to have a few meetings and to start talking, but both men are clearly interested in more.
Harper’s somewhat hesitant, shy fumblings charmed me as much as Sean’s patience and determination. Watching both of them get closer and figure out their relationship was a treat! But there is more to the story as well, and all of the subplots and secondary characters who got involved made this novel come alive in the best way.
If you like stories about men who meet a little later in life, if you think that “shy” and “determined” make a good combination, and if you’re looking for a read that is as sweet and adorable as it is heartwarming, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Makes me wish for a sequel, just to see what Harper and Sean get up to next!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 2, 2016
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•5 lobster preserving stars.
Harper Cook never believed in a thing like destiny.
Short, but sweet! I loved awkward Harper and Sean the fast talking, fabulous, non-native who pulled Harper out of his shell.
Harper, lobsterman, thought life would always pass him by. At 40, he was older brother, uncle, heading the family business and still an innocent. His brothers set him up citing a calendar appearance that would help the local school. A NUDE calendar appearance. I almost died when the photographer of the photo shot showed Harper the lobster he would be posing with and Harper scowled: "Y'gunna need a bigger lobster." I. Just. Can't!!!
Meeting Sean "Hollywood" Blackburn made up for it all. LA native Sean needed to get away after his life went south. Making Maine home was taking a chance, falling for Harper made it even better. And when Sean got the older man to open up to suggestions, life just got a whole bit better.
This was a book I couldn't put down. It is my first five star States of Love and just happened to be a last minute choice for which I am thankful. This book will be read again. Angst free and not even the local speak could not deter from how much I enjoyed this book.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•5 lobster preserving stars.
Harper Cook never believed in a thing like destiny.
Short, but sweet! I loved awkward Harper and Sean the fast talking, fabulous, non-native who pulled Harper out of his shell.
Harper, lobsterman, thought life would always pass him by. At 40, he was older brother, uncle, heading the family business and still an innocent. His brothers set him up citing a calendar appearance that would help the local school. A NUDE calendar appearance. I almost died when the photographer of the photo shot showed Harper the lobster he would be posing with and Harper scowled: "Y'gunna need a bigger lobster." I. Just. Can't!!!
Meeting Sean "Hollywood" Blackburn made up for it all. LA native Sean needed to get away after his life went south. Making Maine home was taking a chance, falling for Harper made it even better. And when Sean got the older man to open up to suggestions, life just got a whole bit better.
This was a book I couldn't put down. It is my first five star States of Love and just happened to be a last minute choice for which I am thankful. This book will be read again. Angst free and not even the local speak could not deter from how much I enjoyed this book.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
December 30, 2016
After Avon Gale's States of Love story that I loved, I went back through the series and tried to find one that was good value, and that I might like.
Think I did okay with this one.
Long enough for the story to develop. Two adoring men who know when they're onto a good thing (each other), and an interesting plotline (lobstermen. Sexy calendars. Virgins!)
Sometimes I wished Harper was less inside his own head, and more about living in the now, but he is such a strong character, I can't niggle.
Sean is only seen from Harper's pov, so it's harder to get close to him. But he does make a difference to Harper's life, and this above all is his best feature.
I loved this a lot.
(is this my last read of 2016? It might be)
Think I did okay with this one.
Long enough for the story to develop. Two adoring men who know when they're onto a good thing (each other), and an interesting plotline (lobstermen. Sexy calendars. Virgins!)
Sometimes I wished Harper was less inside his own head, and more about living in the now, but he is such a strong character, I can't niggle.
Sean is only seen from Harper's pov, so it's harder to get close to him. But he does make a difference to Harper's life, and this above all is his best feature.
I loved this a lot.
(is this my last read of 2016? It might be)
December 8, 2016
4.5 rounded to 5. Aww this was so sweet. I'm reading all these sweet books lately which I need and love. This was about Harper and Sean getting to know each other and falling in love. I loved how Sean brought Harper(pun intended)out of his shell, LOL. This book made me want some lobster ;-) I would have loved an epilogue, but that's just me being extra. I love epilogues. Great read!
December 12, 2016
4 stars
Cute short story.
Cute short story.
July 20, 2017
It was nice. I liked Harper, and totally identified with his shyness and social awkwardness. Sean was perfect for him. I adored Harper's brothers, they made me equally sorry AND glad I don't have any. Maine was like the third MC of the book, and the author's description of the state was really beautiful.
December 9, 2016
Full Review : THREE BOOKS OVER THE RAINBOW - BLOG ABOUT M/M NOVEL
I had so much fun reading this book! It made me giddy …
Harper is a lobsterman, if you don’t know what it is, I’m telling you, he is fishing lobsters, with his two younger brothers. The banter between the two siblings is hilarious. Why not between Harper and theme? It’s simple, Harper doesn’t talk …much… but he ends up being the butt of their joke. He is introvert and shy and he is hiding all of that behind a grumpy faces. Harper is gay, not in the open but in his village of thousand everybody knows. He knows they know but anyway … he is not out. Not that there are so many men available in that village though … until “Hollywood” arrives. Harper is experienced, don’t think he is not … uhhm watching porn counts, right?!
Sean is a teacher directly from LA. He came to lick his wounds till he is ready to make the next step in his life. He confesses as much to Harper when they have a get together, talking about the annual Man of Main calendar. The money goes for school projects. Sean brings Harper out of his shell, quite spectacularly… hot! If you know what I mean ;) …oh well of course you know …
We read the story from Harper’s POV. He is funny (I mean his thoughts are funny) and romantic. To him the harbor is his kingdom, the lighthouse is his castle, and now finally it seems that his prince has arrived … but does he have enough courage to claim him …? So let me tell you what happens … Oh my God don’t tell me you fall for that?! Of course I’m not going to tell you! But I tell you this, the book is wonderful!
**** The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book****
I had so much fun reading this book! It made me giddy …
Harper is a lobsterman, if you don’t know what it is, I’m telling you, he is fishing lobsters, with his two younger brothers. The banter between the two siblings is hilarious. Why not between Harper and theme? It’s simple, Harper doesn’t talk …much… but he ends up being the butt of their joke. He is introvert and shy and he is hiding all of that behind a grumpy faces. Harper is gay, not in the open but in his village of thousand everybody knows. He knows they know but anyway … he is not out. Not that there are so many men available in that village though … until “Hollywood” arrives. Harper is experienced, don’t think he is not … uhhm watching porn counts, right?!
Sean is a teacher directly from LA. He came to lick his wounds till he is ready to make the next step in his life. He confesses as much to Harper when they have a get together, talking about the annual Man of Main calendar. The money goes for school projects. Sean brings Harper out of his shell, quite spectacularly… hot! If you know what I mean ;) …oh well of course you know …
We read the story from Harper’s POV. He is funny (I mean his thoughts are funny) and romantic. To him the harbor is his kingdom, the lighthouse is his castle, and now finally it seems that his prince has arrived … but does he have enough courage to claim him …? So let me tell you what happens … Oh my God don’t tell me you fall for that?! Of course I’m not going to tell you! But I tell you this, the book is wonderful!
**** The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book****
December 7, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.com review
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-8XQ
From that review: "I flat out adored this story. The Unlikely Prospect (States of Love) by Lex Chase just blew me away, from the manner in which Chase got inside the character of lobsterman Harper Cook, introverted, gay and an amazing gift of a person just waiting for the right man to understand and appreciate him. From his halting Maine speech, which could sound cliche' but doesn't, to his boisterous brothers who only want the best for him, Harper strides off his boat and into our hearts almost from the first introduction. And from there, Chase proceeds to peel back even more layers to reveal someone with a vivid imagination who writes stories and has a bravery to match that of the sea he loves. Harper just continues to grow throughout this story until he's this quiet giant of a man..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, giveaways and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-8XQ
From that review: "I flat out adored this story. The Unlikely Prospect (States of Love) by Lex Chase just blew me away, from the manner in which Chase got inside the character of lobsterman Harper Cook, introverted, gay and an amazing gift of a person just waiting for the right man to understand and appreciate him. From his halting Maine speech, which could sound cliche' but doesn't, to his boisterous brothers who only want the best for him, Harper strides off his boat and into our hearts almost from the first introduction. And from there, Chase proceeds to peel back even more layers to reveal someone with a vivid imagination who writes stories and has a bravery to match that of the sea he loves. Harper just continues to grow throughout this story until he's this quiet giant of a man..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, giveaways and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Want to Read
November 29, 2016Thank you so much, Elf in Burgundy, for gifting me this book! Can't wait to read it! :)
December 10, 2016
I loved Sean and Harper. Very sweet story, that ended too soon.
I also loved the dry humour that infused the story.
Finally, Joe and Danny, best brothers ever :-)
I also loved the dry humour that infused the story.
Finally, Joe and Danny, best brothers ever :-)
December 19, 2018
Somewhere between 3.5-4* for me.
I enjoyed it. From Harper being curmudgeonly or socially inept to Sean’s sanguine response to the loss of his phone.
Harper and his brothers were good to each other.
Thought more may have come from the paper reporter, though the photo shoot was a bit too raunchy for a kids fund raiser!!
The slowish development of Sean and Harper’s relationship once they got going was nice, Harper making up for lost time like a pro!!
I enjoyed it. From Harper being curmudgeonly or socially inept to Sean’s sanguine response to the loss of his phone.
Harper and his brothers were good to each other.
Thought more may have come from the paper reporter, though the photo shoot was a bit too raunchy for a kids fund raiser!!
The slowish development of Sean and Harper’s relationship once they got going was nice, Harper making up for lost time like a pro!!
March 14, 2017
Very sweet. Low angst. High fluff
Fun to "hear" my native Maine accent in print.
Fun to "hear" my native Maine accent in print.
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