Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B07S9KPW3P
When an unexpected attraction occurs, what do you do?
Tucker Ozark loved having a good time. He loved women and his hardware business. He had no plans to settle down and liked his life the way it was: uncomplicated.
Until he met Rory.
Rory Doyle, the new Deputy Sheriff of Sater’s Creek had a busy life. A single father to Keegan he was fortunate to love his job and have a loving and supportive family behind him.
When he met Tucker, Rory couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was about him that gained his attention, but there was something. A connection between them—a friendship that becomes more.
Neither of them had ever been interested in a man before. One thing was trying a new unexpected relationship. Dealing with the pitfalls that came with it, was another altogether.
When Tucker’s parents give him an ultimatum, he doesn’t know what to do. Risk losing his family or the one man who could end up meaning everything to him.
This is a gay for you, first time gay romance with some angst thrown in.
What can I say about me? I have two boys who keep me on my toes and a cat who adopted us. She walked in one day and hasn’t left. We might be getting a dog too. Who knows?
I love to read about men in love. Flawed, but strong men, who need some TLC and find their happy ending. I love to write about those same type of men too, sometimes with added kink! I also love to read horrors, thrillers and crime novels.
When I’m not trying to keep my boys in line, or writing about hot sexy men, I like to work on my allotment. I also like to read, to take walks in the countryside, and visit historical places. Recently, we went to Stonehenge and Avebury. It was an amazing experience.
The double GFY drew me in. I admit it. I hadn’t read this trope for quite a while (has it gone out of fashion?) and thought, Oh yes, why not!
Now I’m more like: Oh no, why did I?
As my mind is blown in the worst kind of way, I better go and bullet point …
.) Tucker: crude, loud and quite a bit in the face. I found him difficult to warm to.
.) Rory: a good, sweet guy who works hard and plays little. A fine character, but oddly unconvincing.
Both straight, until …
Tucker and Rory become friends as they live next door, and they are simply pals. There isn’t even the slightest hint at attraction apart from Tucker mentioning Rory’s dimples twice. But that, apparently, is a sign of gay things coming. Talking about Rory a lot is a sign, too, just in case you didn't know!
Anyway, Tucker is told by a friend that he is attracted to Rory. And that’s it. Revelation of revelations! Tucker jumps on the ‘gay train’ (the author’s words, not mine) with full enthusiasm.
Rory also has no clue that he might be attracted to Tucker, until Tucker kisses him (that scene in itself is totally bonkers, sorry, because And that’s it! The Hallelujah moment! Rory ‘turns’ from one minute to the next to fancying Tucker ‘that’ way. Hurrah!
I kind of expected a growing attraction between the MCs, some pining, some worry, some heart-rending issues and sleepless nights. What I got was:
.) Yes, Let’s f***! Good idea. Let’s go and ask all the gay friends/ gay brother how gay sex works.
.) copious amounts of (repetitive) sex, mainly BJs.
.) more sex.
.) more advice from gay friends about topping, bottoming and using toys. (throw one friend’s parents into that discussion, too, just to add some weirdness)
.) more sex.
.) And suddenly there are feelings – I am pretty sure it’s because the orgasms are so good. But that's what happens, right?
It certainly seems that relationship development is a foreign concept here. And the language/writing simple never gelled with me, either.
.) between 20 and 30% the word ‘shit’ is used OVER 20 times. (I am sure ‘fuck’ is not far behind). I’m definitely not a prude when it comes to swearing, but God … it was so repetitive.
.) speaking of which. So many phrases/sentences are repeated it was driving me bonkers:
“Your mouth, Tucker.” (He swears like a trooper) “You love my mouth.”
“Rory loved his son more than anything else in the world.”
“He never expected Rory. Never expected a man …. Etc etc” (That was getting so old so fast!)
I could go on, but I think you might get the point. With no character or relationship development to speak of, with generalizations and platitudes galore, with too many friends and side stories, I really had to push myself to finish this.
This one had a slightly different twist in that both characters were straight at the beginning, and I’ve only come across this once before in a romance. Tucker was running his hardware shop and renovating a property he’d just bought when he meets his neighbour, Rory, the town’s Deputy Sheriff. What begins is a friendship that slowly evolves into something more and surprises the hell out of both men. The news is welcomed by some but not by others, and when those people are your parents, there's a hell of a lot at stake.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the way these two men had so much fun together while navigating this new side to their sexuality. They both said they didn’t know what the hell they were doing and admitted they were scared, but they were totally honest and placed all their trust in each other which was quite beautiful to see. The heat here was off the charts when they were sampling each other’s bodies and discovering what they liked for the very first time; you could sense their hesitancy—especially Rory—but also clearly see the bliss and the comfort they found in each other.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to #3 in the series, Wesley’s story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
This book didn't work for me, including the writing style. Even though I liked Rory a bit and his adorable son, Keegan, I had to let this story pass. This was the first book I read from this author, and this was a let down knowing I had to stop here. Not my cuppa. Sorry.
Tucker loves his life. Has his own hardware store. Just bought the house he dreamed of for years. It needs to be totally gutted but he knows how to do that, life is pretty good. The ladies all want to be with him and if he was to busy to notice, that’s okay too.
Rory is the new deputy sheriff. His life is full with his job. Wonderful, supportive friends and family and a three year old son who is the light of his life. The women noticed him too, but he was just to busy to care.
When Tucker and Rory meet they both sense that they will become great friends. What neither expected was the kiss they shared.
I liked that they were friends before they were lovers. Not sure if I’ve read a book where both men were straight at the start of the relationship but this one worked well. The conversations between the men and their friends was uninhibited and fairly raunchy at times. The homophobic parents brought some angst to the story but overall it was a sweet love story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
this was fun and interesting.. sexy and entertaining.. the emotions were real and interesting.. i had a lot of fun reading this. it made me smile and laugh. very good story!
Okay, this book almost got a 3 🌟 rating from me, but I am pretty sure that's due to my own personal hang-ups. First of all, this went from two completely straight strangers becoming friends, to a double GFY relationship, and one of the men involved is a single dad. And, to top it all off, neither seem to have any real issues with the sexual aspects of suddenly being with a man, other than a bit of nervousness in the beginning.
Rory became a single dad at the age of 21, I believe, and has only been with his son's mother; at least that's what I understood. Tucker is a very active player, and boy, does he have a mouth on him. They live on neighboring farms, but Tuck just bought his place. Rory shows up one day to make sure that their livestock hasn't done any damage to Tuck's property.
Eventually, they start working together and getting to know each other. Both men are close with several gay men, so when the issue comes up, they have people to talk to. Tuck's a dive right in kind of guy, where Rory has to think about Keegan, his three year old son. At first, Tucker is adamantly against the idea of kids when they are just friends, but miracles do happen, and POOF! he's getting into this whole idea of being a second daddy.
Long story short, there are almost always some family drama when a strictly straight man falls for another man. Tucker isn't completely honest with Rory about how his parents are reacting, and when Rory overhears a conversation, he makes a decision that affected all parties involved. However, they make up very quickly and forgiveness is easily given, so the MCs get their HEA. The reason I went up to 4 🌟 is because if I let go of the contemporary romance this story is meant to be, and read it letting go of my mind's rules of reality, it is a sweet romance.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
So first off lets start with this is part of a series, I didn't realize this until after I started to read. The mentions of previous characters and what's going on in their lives made me realize this was not the standalone it should have been. Doesn't really have any impact on Tucker and Rory's story, just there are some bits that make no sense and TBH I didn't really care about the other peoples drama since I wasn't privy to it from the start. Tucker has bought the place next door to Rory's family's farm, and is restoring it to the glory it once was. Tucker just took over his dad's hardware store, and making the leap on his own, so he is working when he can. When Rory comes over and offers an apology for a stray that may or may not have damaged the fence, the two make fast friends and Rory helps Tucker with some of the renovations. When it's pointed out to Tucker that maybe his friendship with Rory is taking a different route, Tucker ponders on it and then decides to take the leap and just out right kisses Rory. How can someone that had no desire to be with a man before suddenly want to? Will Rory be receptive to Tucker's affections? What will Tucker's family have to say about this sudden turn of events?
This was an ok story. I wanted a bit more of the build up from friendship to lovers, that sort of fell flat for me. The naughty times were really steamy though, and I did find it very entertaining with Tucker and all his questions he had for his friends. All in all I give this 3.5 stars.
In some ways I liked this book and in others I was irritated by it. It for a frustrating read. So Tucker and Rory start off as friends but end exploring their sexuality together as they find themselves attracted to the either. Neither has been in a relationship with another man before. Alongside this are two contrasting families with Rory's being open, welcoming and loving and Tucker's being crude, judgemental and homophobic. All of this promised a really engaging story that would be driven by the characters and them struggling to understand their feelings.
Unfortunately this is the bit that let it down for me. Yes they explored their sexuality in a very physical way that was definitely hot. However, I don't feel that we got enough of the emotions that they were feeling or what they were actually thinking. This is what I wanted more of along with impact of the different reactions of their families' on them.
Rory is an incredibly sweet character with a gorgeous little boy. I also wanted to see more of him because he was so cute and brought out a different side to Tucker that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
I feel torn on this one - if you're looking for a hot m/m read then this fits the bill, with plenty of chemistry between the characters and lots of dirty talking.
Really enjoyed the story of this book, a GFY romance of two men living different lives come together when Tucker buys the old house and plot next to Rory's family farm. A friendship is built up and they have fun together until it develops further for both of them. Time is taken for the relationship to progress but not everyone is happy about it. Megs has given us a well written story from both men's POV as they go on this journey together. What is great is the love and support that each men are given from friends and/or family, though of course there is always a bad apple or two along the way. This can be read as a stand alone story though the couple from book one do appear. Apart from the couple, my favourite character is Rory's son, Keegan, so freaking adorable and brings light to the family and story. My only niggle was that, at times, Tucker was very forthright, slightly pushy but it definitely comes across as just the way he's always been. Definitely recommend this lovely story, two men who find something in each other that they never expected. Looking forward to book 3. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Two men. Two men who thought they had everything figured out! They were so wrong, so wrong!
Navigating through new feelings, feelings for a man is new to both Tucker and Rory. Learning as they go along, all the feelings are there, both want more. The excitement of all these new feelings are giving them a lot to think about. They are becoming good friends, which I think is a solid foundation for a relationship. Rory and Tucker have that advantage, being friends first. But discovering each other in an intimate way is an adventure they never saw coming.
This love story comes with homophobia, prejudices, and how the MCs deal with it and its repercussions! A great love story of first time, first experiences, strong feelings between two people who never knew they needed each other until they met. I love it, love the two MCs and all their loving, sometimes too helpful, friends.
Congratulations Ms. Megs! Really looking forward for more in this series, I wonder who’s next? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 of the Sater's Creek series picks up shortly after Book 1 concludes, with a pair of characters who are adjacent to the first story's leads. Chase and Brad have supporting roles in this one, and I enjoyed seeing a bit of Brad and Nick from an outsider perspective. (I definitely recommend starting with Book 1.) Unlike book 1, Open Hearts features 2 men, Rory and Tucker, who have only ever dated women. Rory hasn't really been with anyone since the birth of his son Keegan (and exit of his ex) 3 years ago; Tucker is a known player, seemingly uninterested in settling down. They get to know each other as neighbors working together on Tucker's home renovations, and their easy, close bond catches them both by surprise. I can't wait to read the next book, which sounds like it will pick up around the same time as book 1 and tell Wes and Reece's story!
pen Hearts, the second book in Megs Pritchard's Sater's Creek series, is a fantastic story. It's super hot, intriguing, and riveting. If a gfy romance isn't hot enough, this one is double gfy!
It's a sweet story of two men discovering their feelings for one another, and trying to come to terms with being with a guy. The sex talks are great, and the first time moments are sweet.
I actually enjoy the display of homophobia in this story. Instead of being expected, it comes as a surprise. What I call "silent" homophobia is real yet less discussed than "obvious" homophobia.
I enjoy the journey between Tucker and Rory. As two men who never looked at a guy sexually before, their relationship stems from a strong friendship. I love the way it's developed and carried out.
Overall, I am loving this Sater's Creek series by Megs Pritchard and hope there are many more books to come.
I received an ARC copy of this and I will say that I was not disappointed to read this! Megs has a great way with words and putting them together to create a fantastic story with great, realistic character.
Both Rory and Tucker are straight, but soon realise that they have feelings for each other - which not only causes trouble for both of them, but for their friends and families.
I loved this book and it is definitely one of my favourite series by Megs. I loved how realistic she wrote it and made you feel like this could actually happen. There is a lot of drama in this story, but it has been written extremely.
Megs has definitely written a charming story that makes you want to read it in one sitting.
Open Hearts by Megs Pritchard is the second book in the Sater's Creek series. I really enjoyed this story of two men who find a new truth to their sexuality when they discover a mutual attraction to each other. They both have always been with women but there is something definitely between them that is worth exploring. I loved the interactions between Rory and Tucker, they are sexy and sweet . The supporting characters intrigue me and make me wonder who else is going to get a story in this series. We also see old friends which was great. The story is well told and kept me reading. Cant wait for next book.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Oh what can I say, apart from amazing! Two straight guys, Tucker, a player and Rory a single father, befriend each other as neighbours, Rory helping Tucker with his renovations. They become close friends , until one day Tucker realizes he's attracted to Rory. Their journey wasn't easy, neither had ever had feelings for a man before. There was a lot of confusion and soul searching. All was going well, Rory had full support from family, Tucker however did not. Tuckers parents caused a rift between them. Are these two able to sort everything out, can Rory come to terms with Tucker losing his family. I loved it. A beautiful account of two straight friends falling for one another. Looking forward to book three.
This book was fun to read. Gay for you is one of my favorite tropes and in Open Hearts both Rory and Tucker discover for the first time to be attracted to another man. Straight all their lives, being interested in each other comes with a lot of questioning, doubts and insecurities,also because Rory has his son as a priority. Their relationship is a slow exploration and discovery, with feelings gradually becoming stronger. I really enjoyed reading Open Hearts. Rory and Tucker's romance is captivating because as always, Megs Pritchard is great at relating feelings and have them transferred to the reader. Pick this up and read it,you won't regret it.
Book 2 of the Saters Creek series was good! It’s about 2 straight guys who meet and after getting to know each other realise that maybe they aren’t so straight! There are some lovely, tender and sweet moments, some laugh out loud amusing parts, some incredibly hot moments and some really sad and emotional parts! It’s full of everything! Once again in this book I felt that parts were repeated at times, it was like the author forgot she’d already told the reader things so wrote it again. It was mildly irritating but the story was still strong and enjoyable and I loved the addition of Keegan too! I was offered an arc of this book and happily leave my honest opinion.
The second book features Tucker and Rory. Both men have dated only women in the past. Rory fathering a child during his last relationship.
Tucker finds himself getting defensive when others talk about his friend. A conversation with Brad has him reflecting on his feelings towards Rory. That they maybe more than friendship.
The highlight of the book is Brad and Reece's parents. The toy conversation had me laughing.
Rory's parents are great. Tucker's parents are the opposite.
The low point, about 90% into the book. Rory was my favourite up to this point.
Rory and Tucker, oh did I like them. A slow build romance with men who have never been attracted to other men. What a surprise for both and definitely eye opening as well. I thought they were so great and I loved Tucker’s go get ‘em attitude. The way he embraces life is great. I like the melding of all the friends in Sater’s Creek and getting to see more of the other characters, I can’t wait until the next story. I definitely recommend this story.
I am quickly becoming addicted to this authors stories. I really enjoyed this storyline, I loved the fact that our two MCs Tucker and Rory became friends first and built on their relationship from there, neither having been with a man before. I loved how we could see they bond develop between them but they couldn’t. We get there back stories and my heart breaks for Tucker due to his horrid parents. Another great addition to the series and can’t wait for Lachlan’s story. I read this book on KU
This is the second book in this series, and is Tucker and Rory’s story. These two are total opposites, with Tucker being a bad boy player, and Rory is a single dad and deputy sheriff. These two have undeniable chemistry between them as they navigate the pitfalls of a new relationship and move from best friends / lovers. This is a good story which is humorous and entertaining. I was intrigued throughout and look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
Open Hearts, book 2 in the Sater' Creek series, is my first book by this author. And I was pleasantly surprised, it was well written and the chemistry between Tucker and Rory was great!
Open Hearts is a gay for you, which is a trope I enjoy. And it was well done in this story.
I liked that Tucker and Rory were friends before they were lovers. I enjoyed the way these two men had so much fun together while discovering the new side to their sexuality. Great story with excellent characters. Clearly you can see the bliss and the comfort they have found with each other.
I enjoyed this gay for you, friends to lovers story. I liked that they were friends before they were lovers. Discovering each other in an intimate way is an unexpected adventure they never saw coming.
This is a sweet love story. There is some angst when they are met with homophobic reactions from certain people.
Tucker and Rory become friends and begin to realize that there is more than friendship as they work together on the house. Add in Keegan (adorable!!) and you can see the family that they are forming. Even when ugliness hits them and they are trying to find their footing again, their family continues to bond closer. You will have all the emotions in this one and will enjoy each moment