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Sawyer's Ferry #4
Close to Home
Witt:
I excelled at two things: systems engineering and going completely unnoticed.
The engineering took work and determination. The invisibility came naturally. Until one day, the wrong person noticed me. Battered and broken, I fled, escaping to Sawyer’s Ferry and the only friends I’d ever had.
Now, I just needed to figure out what I was going to do next.
Mason:
Life was good.
I had a great job, good friends, and a family who loved me. Even my roommate was decent. At least he was until he let his nudist brother come to visit. The opportunity to house-sit and help an injured friend couldn’t have come at a better time.
All I’d needed was to avoid an awkward situation for a few days, but I got more than I bargained for when my entire uncomplicated life flipped upside down. The last thing I’d been looking for was love, but it wasn’t until Witt that I realized just how much I’d been missing out on.
I excelled at two things: systems engineering and going completely unnoticed.
The engineering took work and determination. The invisibility came naturally. Until one day, the wrong person noticed me. Battered and broken, I fled, escaping to Sawyer’s Ferry and the only friends I’d ever had.
Now, I just needed to figure out what I was going to do next.
Mason:
Life was good.
I had a great job, good friends, and a family who loved me. Even my roommate was decent. At least he was until he let his nudist brother come to visit. The opportunity to house-sit and help an injured friend couldn’t have come at a better time.
All I’d needed was to avoid an awkward situation for a few days, but I got more than I bargained for when my entire uncomplicated life flipped upside down. The last thing I’d been looking for was love, but it wasn’t until Witt that I realized just how much I’d been missing out on.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2019
114 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Cate Ashwood
53 books504 followersCate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 13, 2019
This is yet another win for the Sawyer's Ferry series! We've met Witt and Mason in previous books, but Close to Home can be read as a standalone.
Witt is hurt at the beginning of the story, and that scene of violence is briefly described on page. Witt also has mild PTSD stemming from the attack. This is realistic and handled with sensitivity, but be aware that this may be a trigger for some readers.
While the story deals with pain, the focus is on healing and comfort. Mason is amazing at taking care of Witt. He builds Witt up, physically and emotionally, by teaching Witt self-defense and supporting him in every way. Initially, that means Mason is there to wrap Witt's cast or cook him meals, but their friendship turns to much more.
The slow burn is absolutely delicious. Witt is a virgin, and his first time is perfectly sensual and sweet. The steam level is moderate, but that fit with the pacing of the story.
The chemistry between the MCs is palpable, and the epilogue left no doubt that these two are the real deal.
Witt is hurt at the beginning of the story, and that scene of violence is briefly described on page. Witt also has mild PTSD stemming from the attack. This is realistic and handled with sensitivity, but be aware that this may be a trigger for some readers.
While the story deals with pain, the focus is on healing and comfort. Mason is amazing at taking care of Witt. He builds Witt up, physically and emotionally, by teaching Witt self-defense and supporting him in every way. Initially, that means Mason is there to wrap Witt's cast or cook him meals, but their friendship turns to much more.
The slow burn is absolutely delicious. Witt is a virgin, and his first time is perfectly sensual and sweet. The steam level is moderate, but that fit with the pacing of the story.
The chemistry between the MCs is palpable, and the epilogue left no doubt that these two are the real deal.
June 15, 2019
3 Stars!
This is the fourth book in the Sawyer's Ferry series and I have really enjoyed every book thus far. But for some reason this one just didn't click with me. I struggled a bit with it.
The story is a hard read right from the start with Witt being brutally beaten by his boss and trying to find his way to Sawyer's Ferry bleeding and broken. After a stay in the hospital Jackson and Logan take him to their place to recover. But soon Logan and Jackson are in need for someone else to stay at their place to look over Witt while they're gone on a trip they've had planned. Mason is having his own issues at home. His roommates brother and girlfriend are staying with them at the moment and don't really believe in clothes. Deciding he's seen enough of his roommates naked brother he offer's to keep an eye on Witt. Plus it's no hardship for Mason since he's caught some kind of feelings for the guy.
Witt is shy, quiet, and a bit awkward. He's lost the two most important people in his life and really has never lived his life for himself. But after his attack it has him reassessing his life and what he wants for his future from now on. And what he wants most is Mason. Mason has the protective role down without it being over the top. He wants to protect Witt but also wants to give Witt the tools to protect himself. Neither men have ever been in a relationship but are finding it easy to fall into one with each other.
I liked the story. My struggles came from how fast their relationship developed. I wanted more time. I wanted more buildup. Everything from the relationship to the scares with Silas (the boss who attacked Witt) happens within a few weeks and it all seemed very rushed for me. I wanted Witt and Mason to have more time. Maybe seeing Mason introducing Witt to his big family. Things like that.
Although this one wasn't my favorite of the series I still enjoyed seeing Mason and Witt getting their love story. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Happy reading dolls! xx
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Sawyer's Ferry series and I have really enjoyed every book thus far. But for some reason this one just didn't click with me. I struggled a bit with it.
The story is a hard read right from the start with Witt being brutally beaten by his boss and trying to find his way to Sawyer's Ferry bleeding and broken. After a stay in the hospital Jackson and Logan take him to their place to recover. But soon Logan and Jackson are in need for someone else to stay at their place to look over Witt while they're gone on a trip they've had planned. Mason is having his own issues at home. His roommates brother and girlfriend are staying with them at the moment and don't really believe in clothes. Deciding he's seen enough of his roommates naked brother he offer's to keep an eye on Witt. Plus it's no hardship for Mason since he's caught some kind of feelings for the guy.
Witt is shy, quiet, and a bit awkward. He's lost the two most important people in his life and really has never lived his life for himself. But after his attack it has him reassessing his life and what he wants for his future from now on. And what he wants most is Mason. Mason has the protective role down without it being over the top. He wants to protect Witt but also wants to give Witt the tools to protect himself. Neither men have ever been in a relationship but are finding it easy to fall into one with each other.
I liked the story. My struggles came from how fast their relationship developed. I wanted more time. I wanted more buildup. Everything from the relationship to the scares with Silas (the boss who attacked Witt) happens within a few weeks and it all seemed very rushed for me. I wanted Witt and Mason to have more time. Maybe seeing Mason introducing Witt to his big family. Things like that.
Although this one wasn't my favorite of the series I still enjoyed seeing Mason and Witt getting their love story. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Happy reading dolls! xx
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2023
This is probably the best book in this series. I wouldn't have thought so, because Witt didn't strike me as such an interesting character before. But well, it's the quiet characters that bring out the most depth. Previously, the stories were rather superficial compared to this book.
So Witt ... this is his sad story of an insecure, hurting man turning into something new.
“If people ask, just say ‘you should see the other guy.’”
“The other guy doesn’t have a scratch on him, except for the busted-up knuckles from hitting me so hard.” 😭😭😭
I was one of those china dolls my grandmother kept in a cabinet in her living room, tossed on the floor, cracked beyond repair. 😭😭😭
Enter the hero …
“I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you,” Mason murmured. “No one is going to touch you. No one is going to hurt you. And if anyone tries, I’ll fucking break them.” 😍😍😍
This is a slow burn story, the romance simply needs some time. Absolutely perfect. It all unfolds naturally and Witt and Mason take the time to get to know each other, even though I curse every time jump there is, it's still not like you miss any of the weeks the story spans.
“You’re as close to home as I’ve ever been. There’s nowhere else I’ve belonged, nowhere else I’ve felt like I wasn’t just existing, marking time, pretending to be someone else. This is the first time I’ve ever felt seen, like being who I am is enough.” 😍😍😍
So Witt ... this is his sad story of an insecure, hurting man turning into something new.
“If people ask, just say ‘you should see the other guy.’”
“The other guy doesn’t have a scratch on him, except for the busted-up knuckles from hitting me so hard.” 😭😭😭
I was one of those china dolls my grandmother kept in a cabinet in her living room, tossed on the floor, cracked beyond repair. 😭😭😭
Enter the hero …
“I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you,” Mason murmured. “No one is going to touch you. No one is going to hurt you. And if anyone tries, I’ll fucking break them.” 😍😍😍
This is a slow burn story, the romance simply needs some time. Absolutely perfect. It all unfolds naturally and Witt and Mason take the time to get to know each other, even though I curse every time jump there is, it's still not like you miss any of the weeks the story spans.
“You’re as close to home as I’ve ever been. There’s nowhere else I’ve belonged, nowhere else I’ve felt like I wasn’t just existing, marking time, pretending to be someone else. This is the first time I’ve ever felt seen, like being who I am is enough.” 😍😍😍
June 16, 2019
No doubt this book is the one with the most serious theme so far in the Sawyer’s Ferry series.
Witt goes through a traumatic experience of physical abuse and violence at the beginning, so be aware of that before you start!
Witt’s journey of healing and self-discovery is more or less the main topic of the book. And Cate Ashwood does a very good job here, showing the after-effects, the trauma, the physical and mental scars an attack like that can leave behind.
In Witt’s case it doesn’t help that he isn’t only massively shy, but a torn and deeply lost character before all this happens. He sees himself as weak, powerless and invisible, to a good part because of his upbringing and his past.
That was me …. Shattered, fragmented, splintered beyond repair.
Tbh, at times he sounds so bone-deep depressed, I was surprised he didn’t get any offers of counselling or medication for his mental health after the attack.
If you should get the idea now that this is a very heavy read – don’t worry. Yes, the topic is a serious one, but I didn’t consider this a particularly angsty book.
Mason has always had a soft spot for Witt, and his inborn protectiveness and caring side comes out in full force when he starts looking after the guy. Mason is a stellar guy, no doubt, but he acts very much like the knight in shining armour, perfect from beginning to end, blinding me a bit with his all-encompassing perfection.
And he does what always raises my hackles: He promises to keep Witt safe at all times. As we know - nobody can make a promise like that, ever! It's not sensible or practical, empty words in effect.
Although I could see the attraction between Witt and Mason, and understand why Witt falls for him, I did not quite get why Mason falls for Witt. Although they are about the same age, Mason feels much older and is much more life-savy than naïve virgin Witt. And for me that somehow (and I’m not sure why) skewed the balance of their relationship.
I would have liked to see Witt support Mason in some way at one point, rather than doing all the taking. Saying that, I did love all of Witt’s first times!
My main niggle with this book is the time frame. In the course of three weeks …
Witt seems to totally recover from the effects of his attack, mentally and physically (apart from his broken arm)
Witt learns self defence so well he can use it appropriately when needed. (How can he do that when he’s just out of hospital after being beaten up? He was unconscious for TWO days!)
Witt falls in love and makes some major, life-changing decisions.
Witt has his first sexual experience (again, unimpeded by his healing body)
That is an awful lot for 21 days, and I'm not sure why the author needed to push everything into such a short amount of time.
Did I enjoy this book?
Yes, I did. But somehow, somewhere it was missing something that made me feel deeper.
Witt goes through a traumatic experience of physical abuse and violence at the beginning, so be aware of that before you start!
Witt’s journey of healing and self-discovery is more or less the main topic of the book. And Cate Ashwood does a very good job here, showing the after-effects, the trauma, the physical and mental scars an attack like that can leave behind.
In Witt’s case it doesn’t help that he isn’t only massively shy, but a torn and deeply lost character before all this happens. He sees himself as weak, powerless and invisible, to a good part because of his upbringing and his past.
That was me …. Shattered, fragmented, splintered beyond repair.
Tbh, at times he sounds so bone-deep depressed, I was surprised he didn’t get any offers of counselling or medication for his mental health after the attack.
If you should get the idea now that this is a very heavy read – don’t worry. Yes, the topic is a serious one, but I didn’t consider this a particularly angsty book.
Mason has always had a soft spot for Witt, and his inborn protectiveness and caring side comes out in full force when he starts looking after the guy. Mason is a stellar guy, no doubt, but he acts very much like the knight in shining armour, perfect from beginning to end, blinding me a bit with his all-encompassing perfection.
And he does what always raises my hackles: He promises to keep Witt safe at all times. As we know - nobody can make a promise like that, ever! It's not sensible or practical, empty words in effect.
Although I could see the attraction between Witt and Mason, and understand why Witt falls for him, I did not quite get why Mason falls for Witt. Although they are about the same age, Mason feels much older and is much more life-savy than naïve virgin Witt. And for me that somehow (and I’m not sure why) skewed the balance of their relationship.
I would have liked to see Witt support Mason in some way at one point, rather than doing all the taking. Saying that, I did love all of Witt’s first times!
My main niggle with this book is the time frame. In the course of three weeks …
Witt seems to totally recover from the effects of his attack, mentally and physically (apart from his broken arm)
Witt learns self defence so well he can use it appropriately when needed. (How can he do that when he’s just out of hospital after being beaten up? He was unconscious for TWO days!)
Witt falls in love and makes some major, life-changing decisions.
Witt has his first sexual experience (again, unimpeded by his healing body)
That is an awful lot for 21 days, and I'm not sure why the author needed to push everything into such a short amount of time.
Did I enjoy this book?
Yes, I did. But somehow, somewhere it was missing something that made me feel deeper.
June 24, 2019
I seem to be in a bit of a slump.
As a whole I have really enjoyed this series. This particular installment didn't do much for me for some reason.
I just couldn't get in to it, and it wasn't holding my attention. I starting skimming about halfway through.
While the theme of this one was a bit heavier than the others in the series, I didn't feel like the recovery for Witt was super believable. Nor was how some of the later events played out.
The "I Love You's" came pretty quick too, so I felt some insta-love.
Thank goodness we FINALLY get the rest of Beckett and Brody's story next! Been dying for that one since Laguna!!
As a whole I have really enjoyed this series. This particular installment didn't do much for me for some reason.
I just couldn't get in to it, and it wasn't holding my attention. I starting skimming about halfway through.
While the theme of this one was a bit heavier than the others in the series, I didn't feel like the recovery for Witt was super believable. Nor was how some of the later events played out.
The "I Love You's" came pretty quick too, so I felt some insta-love.
Thank goodness we FINALLY get the rest of Beckett and Brody's story next! Been dying for that one since Laguna!!
June 27, 2019
Ι don't know what's wrong with me. I'm not loving books from my favorite authors lately:(
June 15, 2019
Close to Home is the fourth book in Cate Ashwood's Sawyer's Ferry series. I've enjoyed this series quite a lot, but I found Close to Home rather lackluster.
Witt is the sweet, shy virgin that Jackson worked with before coming to Sawyer's Ferry. The story begins with Witt trying to get to Sawyer's Ferry after having been brutally attacked by his asshole of a boss. In Sawyer's Ferry are the only friends he has in Alaska. During his recovery, Mason is recruited to stay with Witt to make sure he has someone around to help him.
Mason is our friendly neighborhood brewmaster who isn't really in the closet, but not really out of it, either. No one in Sawyer's Ferry, outside his family, knows he's gay. Mason has a protective streak a mile wide and staying with Witt after he gets out of the hospital triggers his protective streak in a big way.
The combo of sweet, shy virgin and quiet, but protective guy normally trips my trigger, but here I wasn't that invested. Mason was just a little too perfect. Also, Silas - Witt's asshole of a boss who put Witt in the hospital - was a two dimensional and cliched villian who shows up when Witt feels a little too safe to make sure he knows he's not. It just seemed ... meh. All we know about Silas is that he's a jerk. We don't know why Silas broke into Witt's room to beat the crap out of him. We don't know why he's stalking Witt in Sawyer's Ferry. He was just bad and that's really all we know.
I did enjoy Witt's shy interactions with Mason and finally deciding to do something for himself, and I loved visiting Sawyer's Ferry again, even if Close to Home didn't really keep my attention.
ARC of Close to Home was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Witt is the sweet, shy virgin that Jackson worked with before coming to Sawyer's Ferry. The story begins with Witt trying to get to Sawyer's Ferry after having been brutally attacked by his asshole of a boss. In Sawyer's Ferry are the only friends he has in Alaska. During his recovery, Mason is recruited to stay with Witt to make sure he has someone around to help him.
Mason is our friendly neighborhood brewmaster who isn't really in the closet, but not really out of it, either. No one in Sawyer's Ferry, outside his family, knows he's gay. Mason has a protective streak a mile wide and staying with Witt after he gets out of the hospital triggers his protective streak in a big way.
The combo of sweet, shy virgin and quiet, but protective guy normally trips my trigger, but here I wasn't that invested. Mason was just a little too perfect. Also, Silas - Witt's asshole of a boss who put Witt in the hospital - was a two dimensional and cliched villian who shows up when Witt feels a little too safe to make sure he knows he's not. It just seemed ... meh. All we know about Silas is that he's a jerk. We don't know why Silas broke into Witt's room to beat the crap out of him. We don't know why he's stalking Witt in Sawyer's Ferry. He was just bad and that's really all we know.
I did enjoy Witt's shy interactions with Mason and finally deciding to do something for himself, and I loved visiting Sawyer's Ferry again, even if Close to Home didn't really keep my attention.
ARC of Close to Home was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
**3.5 stars** rounded up because I enjoy this series a LOT !!
Another good addition to the sawyer’s Ferry series set up in Alaska and with usually so much hotness that I could be tempted to go up there, rwahhh.
It’s a standalone as each instalment is all about a new couple in the make, but the previous MCs make some minor appearances, so, imo, it’s better to go for the whole series…not a hardship at all, hehehe.
So, Witt has been introduced in book2. The shy and quiet engineer has just been brutally attacked by a colleague. He flees to Sawyer’s island where he has a few friends who offer to accommodate him during his recovery. And he’s having the company of an “impromptu caregiver” in the name of Mason. Mason is exactly who Witt needs : somebody solid, reliable, caring and most of all, somebody who sees him and doesn’t expect him to be other than himself.
It was sweet. Not a complain because it was the kind of mellow sweetness that I enjoy. I’m only mentioning it here because it’s a tad different from the other stories of this series. Actually, it suits the shyness of Witt and the down-to-earthness (not sure it’s a word, LOL) of Mason. It’s all about Mason and Witt’s relationship and how Witt starts to live for himself, low on angst, and sensual with Witt going with gusto into the loss of his virginity.
My niggle : as Witt has been brutally beaten at the beginning of the story and lived in the shadows of his family for a long time, his "blooming" felt rushed for me, even if of course, that’s what the MCs and I wanted, LOL.
My sappy side enjoyed this addition.
ARC of “Close To Home” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another good addition to the sawyer’s Ferry series set up in Alaska and with usually so much hotness that I could be tempted to go up there, rwahhh.
It’s a standalone as each instalment is all about a new couple in the make, but the previous MCs make some minor appearances, so, imo, it’s better to go for the whole series…not a hardship at all, hehehe.
So, Witt has been introduced in book2. The shy and quiet engineer has just been brutally attacked by a colleague. He flees to Sawyer’s island where he has a few friends who offer to accommodate him during his recovery. And he’s having the company of an “impromptu caregiver” in the name of Mason. Mason is exactly who Witt needs : somebody solid, reliable, caring and most of all, somebody who sees him and doesn’t expect him to be other than himself.
It was sweet. Not a complain because it was the kind of mellow sweetness that I enjoy. I’m only mentioning it here because it’s a tad different from the other stories of this series. Actually, it suits the shyness of Witt and the down-to-earthness (not sure it’s a word, LOL) of Mason. It’s all about Mason and Witt’s relationship and how Witt starts to live for himself, low on angst, and sensual with Witt going with gusto into the loss of his virginity.
My niggle : as Witt has been brutally beaten at the beginning of the story and lived in the shadows of his family for a long time, his "blooming" felt rushed for me, even if of course, that’s what the MCs and I wanted, LOL.
My sappy side enjoyed this addition.
ARC of “Close To Home” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2019
Ouchie. I’m still feeling this one Cate. I’ve adored this series so far and was beyond excited awaiting this release. And…I didn’t quite expect the turn of feels. Not that it was bad it was just….startling. Witt is a victim of a brutal attack. We join him as he is trying to escape his assailant. Yowza, it was a piercing start. My throat was dry and my hands clenched. I was nervous and upset. Ashwood saves the day by delivering Witt’s battered body to the very capable hands of my favorite doctors in Sawyer’s Ferry. Instantly, everything got better. I’m always happy and content in this beautiful small town. Logan and Jackson take him in and help him during his recovery. A hitch in the plans (thank you fate!) results in Mason staying with Witt for a few weeks. Family obligations (yes, I am definitely intrigued!) and a previously planned vacation take Logan and Jackson out of town for a few weeks. Which gives plenty of time for the bubble of attraction to expand into something much greater.
What's to like: I felt a spark from Mason when we met him in the previous book. I was very much looking forward to his turn in the spotlight. Witt made an impression during his introduction too. I was also eager to return to Alaska and the delightful cozy gang in Sawyer’s Ferry. Cate makes it feel as though I’m coming home (despite never actually visiting!) and I’ve grown fond of the tight-knit growing group of guys. I was slightly concerned about the timing after Witt’s attack but I think the pacing and development of their relationship progressed at a reasonable speed. I hated the villain immensely and felt Witt’s trepidation and nerves like a palpable force. I longed for his recovery and was ever so grateful that he had Mason to ease him through it.
What's to love: Most of my favorite moments were the quietest. I found comfort in their silence and even the heavy-laden scenes held the promise of healing. Essentially that’s the core of this story; the healing powers of love. There was profound intimacy in their survival. I relished in the solace they gave each other. They were swept away in their gentle friendship and it was gorgeous to watch them get lost in one another. Yes, it was a quick fall. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances. Yes, I still squeed and swooned. And the ending was everything I had hoped for and more.
Beware of: Palpable pain. Real-time recuperation demonstrates how deceiving things can be and wounds on the inside may take longer to heal. Swift and sweet swooning. And a villain you’re bound to despise.
This book is for: Yeah, you guessed it…Sawyer’s Ferry fans will want to grab this one. Just know that the vibes are different but these guys are just as grand as the rest of the gang.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: I felt a spark from Mason when we met him in the previous book. I was very much looking forward to his turn in the spotlight. Witt made an impression during his introduction too. I was also eager to return to Alaska and the delightful cozy gang in Sawyer’s Ferry. Cate makes it feel as though I’m coming home (despite never actually visiting!) and I’ve grown fond of the tight-knit growing group of guys. I was slightly concerned about the timing after Witt’s attack but I think the pacing and development of their relationship progressed at a reasonable speed. I hated the villain immensely and felt Witt’s trepidation and nerves like a palpable force. I longed for his recovery and was ever so grateful that he had Mason to ease him through it.
What's to love: Most of my favorite moments were the quietest. I found comfort in their silence and even the heavy-laden scenes held the promise of healing. Essentially that’s the core of this story; the healing powers of love. There was profound intimacy in their survival. I relished in the solace they gave each other. They were swept away in their gentle friendship and it was gorgeous to watch them get lost in one another. Yes, it was a quick fall. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances. Yes, I still squeed and swooned. And the ending was everything I had hoped for and more.
Beware of: Palpable pain. Real-time recuperation demonstrates how deceiving things can be and wounds on the inside may take longer to heal. Swift and sweet swooning. And a villain you’re bound to despise.
This book is for: Yeah, you guessed it…Sawyer’s Ferry fans will want to grab this one. Just know that the vibes are different but these guys are just as grand as the rest of the gang.
Book UNfunk
June 19, 2019
Love a good Hurt/Comfort!
After a brutal attack, Witt makes his way to Copper Creek and safety of friends Jackson and Logan. When Jackson and Logan have to go out of town, their friend Mason comes to help Witt during his recovery.
Mason and Witt have great chemistry, and the hurt/comfort here really rang my bell. This series has had great banter and plenty of heat, and so does Close To Home, but on a much quieter level.
Close To Home is a dual POV, hurt/comfort, slow burn romance, with some tension resulting from Witt's attack, and a very happy ending.
With every new installment, I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to more.
For the sticklers: There are quite a few tiny mistakes instances of the wrong word being used in a moment (i.e.: when instead of went).
After a brutal attack, Witt makes his way to Copper Creek and safety of friends Jackson and Logan. When Jackson and Logan have to go out of town, their friend Mason comes to help Witt during his recovery.
Mason and Witt have great chemistry, and the hurt/comfort here really rang my bell. This series has had great banter and plenty of heat, and so does Close To Home, but on a much quieter level.
I wanted everyone to know I belonged to him. Because I did. Witt owned me. Without doing a goddamn thing, he owned every part of me.
Close To Home is a dual POV, hurt/comfort, slow burn romance, with some tension resulting from Witt's attack, and a very happy ending.
I had been attacked. It had been senseless and violent, and I wished that it had never happened, but it also set into motion a series of events that brought me to this moment in my life, and I couldn’t regret anything that happened after...
With every new installment, I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to more.
For the sticklers: There are quite a few tiny mistakes instances of the wrong word being used in a moment (i.e.: when instead of went).
August 12, 2019
***3.5 Stars***
Cate Ashwood touched on heavier subjects in this book (hate crime and mild PTSD stemming from the attack - so please be aware of the content going in as it may be triggering. The attack is described after the fact, but you do get the details). It has a bit of a different feel than the rest of the series, but it still had two endearing characters at the center of the story.
Witt is struggling after his attack and he's at a loss of where his life goes from here. Mason is just chugging through life, neither here no there, but happy nonetheless.
Both guys find a sense of rightness and home in each other...and it's sweet and tender.
The book does feel a bit underdeveloped though. I couldn't describe either guy's physical appearance if you asked.
This book may not have grabbed me like the others, but I still enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down.
So, overall not my favorite in the series, but definitely an enjoyable read and a great addition.
***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***
June 20, 2019
Me encanta el blurb, es el tipo de historia que me gusta a mí (sí, sé que suele ser problemática y con mucho tópico, lo sé), pero esta autora siempre me da la sensación de que se queda escasa, no llega, le falta intensidad.
Pasable, pero nada más, le falta fuerza y conversaciones entre los protagonistas.
Pasable, pero nada más, le falta fuerza y conversaciones entre los protagonistas.
June 23, 2019
I absolutely loved this latest installment in Cate Ashwood's excellent Alaskan set Sawyer's Ferry series.
Both Mason and Witt stole my heart with their sweet, slow burn romance and I just wanted to wrap Witt in cotton wool to keep him safe.
I really love the small town vibe of this series, where everyone knows each other and there's a real sense of community and friendship.
Both Mason and Witt stole my heart with their sweet, slow burn romance and I just wanted to wrap Witt in cotton wool to keep him safe.
I really love the small town vibe of this series, where everyone knows each other and there's a real sense of community and friendship.
June 20, 2019
For me, the first 2/3 of this or so was more like 3 or 3.5 stars. There was nothing particularly wrong with the story, it was good writing and it was somewhat enjoyable....but that was the thing. It wasn't enjoyable enough for me.
I wasn't connecting with Witt and Mason as a couple. It wasn't because of what Witt went through so that it was slow that was the problem - I can very much enjoy slow burn if done right - it was more that their interactions just lacked a spark, a spark of chemistry and excitement and intrigue.
I was liking them together...but I wasn't loving them together, you know?
But, while the sex wasn't the most hot or passionately written between them, I did feel that spark of something between them while reading them, and the last third of the book was interesting enough and engaging enough for me to lift this up to 4 stars instead of 3 or 3.5.
So all that said, I've been waiting for Witt's story since he showed up in Jackson and Logan's - he was interesting and sweet and kind - but this didn't quite live up to what I was expecting. But it wasn't a complete disappoint either.
The last 1/3 really saved this for me. It was engaging and even had me tense and worried, wondering when the ball would drop - I liked the tension it was building up - and when it did was I was so worried for Witt.
Because this starts with Witt going to Sawyer's Ferry after he's been assaulted by his boss, Silas, for reasons he doesn't quite know for sure, and kinda get explained later, but not fully. The best I can glean from what we get of Silas is that he hates Witt for being gay, and so it was a hate crime.
Witt goes through a lot in this, but Mason is right there to help hold him up. Ashwood sets up how they come into each other's lives in a fairly conceivable way, and they both start to fall for each other fairly quickly, but also not so quickly that it was unbelievable.
So overall, I enjoyed this, although it could have been better. I wish the connection had been stronger and more apparent earlier on and that more was happening, but once we got to the end, it picked up and really moved things along.
So overall, I'd recommend this. I don't know how others would find the first 2/3's of the books, but ultimately it is worth a read, I think.
Now I can't wait for Brody and Beck's story - we're finally get their story, the guys in that 1.5 short. I hope it's awesome! :D
I wasn't connecting with Witt and Mason as a couple. It wasn't because of what Witt went through so that it was slow that was the problem - I can very much enjoy slow burn if done right - it was more that their interactions just lacked a spark, a spark of chemistry and excitement and intrigue.
I was liking them together...but I wasn't loving them together, you know?
But, while the sex wasn't the most hot or passionately written between them, I did feel that spark of something between them while reading them, and the last third of the book was interesting enough and engaging enough for me to lift this up to 4 stars instead of 3 or 3.5.
So all that said, I've been waiting for Witt's story since he showed up in Jackson and Logan's - he was interesting and sweet and kind - but this didn't quite live up to what I was expecting. But it wasn't a complete disappoint either.
The last 1/3 really saved this for me. It was engaging and even had me tense and worried, wondering when the ball would drop - I liked the tension it was building up - and when it did was I was so worried for Witt.
Because this starts with Witt going to Sawyer's Ferry after he's been assaulted by his boss, Silas, for reasons he doesn't quite know for sure, and kinda get explained later, but not fully. The best I can glean from what we get of Silas is that he hates Witt for being gay, and so it was a hate crime.
Witt goes through a lot in this, but Mason is right there to help hold him up. Ashwood sets up how they come into each other's lives in a fairly conceivable way, and they both start to fall for each other fairly quickly, but also not so quickly that it was unbelievable.
So overall, I enjoyed this, although it could have been better. I wish the connection had been stronger and more apparent earlier on and that more was happening, but once we got to the end, it picked up and really moved things along.
So overall, I'd recommend this. I don't know how others would find the first 2/3's of the books, but ultimately it is worth a read, I think.
Now I can't wait for Brody and Beck's story - we're finally get their story, the guys in that 1.5 short. I hope it's awesome! :D
June 12, 2019
Welcome back to Sawyer’s Ferry! It is so comforting coming back to visit and knowing you are going to get a beautiful love story between two boys who need it and deserve it. I love the formula that Cate uses and will never tire of it. I love being here and when it is time to leave know I can’t wait to be back and know I definitely will.
This book fit right in to an already awesome series. Although it started out painfully, what Witt endured was hard to read and but seeing his determination to get out and get safe, gave us an idea and the foundation for who he was. I hurt so much for Witt and couldn’t wait for him to heal, not realizing that healing would be so much more than just his injuries but I knew he’d be able to do it.
Mason was the perfect match for Witt. I loved how he was just who he was. I loved how he wasn’t hiding he was just living his life and never felt the need to make an announcement. I loved him. He was protective and sweet and just the perfect guy for Witt. He saw Witt when Witt felt like he just wasn’t noticed, or mostly wasn’t worthy of that notice.
It was sweet watching their dance and how they got to know each other.
Cate amped up the fear a bit in this one but I loved how it played out!!
It was great to see some old friends on this visit, especially Frankie!
Another great visit to Sawyer’s Ferry, I’m already looking forward to my next trip!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
This book fit right in to an already awesome series. Although it started out painfully, what Witt endured was hard to read and but seeing his determination to get out and get safe, gave us an idea and the foundation for who he was. I hurt so much for Witt and couldn’t wait for him to heal, not realizing that healing would be so much more than just his injuries but I knew he’d be able to do it.
Mason was the perfect match for Witt. I loved how he was just who he was. I loved how he wasn’t hiding he was just living his life and never felt the need to make an announcement. I loved him. He was protective and sweet and just the perfect guy for Witt. He saw Witt when Witt felt like he just wasn’t noticed, or mostly wasn’t worthy of that notice.
It was sweet watching their dance and how they got to know each other.
Cate amped up the fear a bit in this one but I loved how it played out!!
It was great to see some old friends on this visit, especially Frankie!
Another great visit to Sawyer’s Ferry, I’m already looking forward to my next trip!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
June 13, 2019
3.5 stars
I really enjoy this series and I liked this book. Witt took refuge in Sawyer’s Ferry after he fled his workplace after being assaulted by his homophobic supervisor. He and Mason ended up staying together, house-sitting for friends, while Witt recovered.
Witt and Mason were sweet together but I didn’t necessarily feel the connection with this couple as strongly as I have with some of the past ones. Still, I recommend reading it. Bonus -we get to see the some of the previous MC’s.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy this series and I liked this book. Witt took refuge in Sawyer’s Ferry after he fled his workplace after being assaulted by his homophobic supervisor. He and Mason ended up staying together, house-sitting for friends, while Witt recovered.
Witt and Mason were sweet together but I didn’t necessarily feel the connection with this couple as strongly as I have with some of the past ones. Still, I recommend reading it. Bonus -we get to see the some of the previous MC’s.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2019
This should have been a total winner. A small guy, attacked by his boss, recovering in a remote cabin, with the help of a friend who then becomes something more. Now that sounds like the recipe of my favorite kind of book.
And yet, it wasn’t. I kept waiting for it to grab me, to feel more emotions, but somehow it fell a little flat.
I’ve had this problem with Cate Ashwood’s books before, so I guess her writing and I just don’t click?
I was also quite puzzled as to why Witt’s boss attacked him out of the blue and was stupid enough to come after him a second time, simply because the guy was a bigot and he hated Witt because he was gay? That seemed very farfetched to me. I get it if it was a heat of the moment kind of situation, but the dude went to Witt’s room while he was sleeping and suddenly started beating him up.
And then after Witt escaped, he went back and trashed the room. He also went after him while he was already being watched by the police to finish the job. Now, that guy had to have been dumber than a box of rocks to do that since there was no way the police wouldn’t know it was him. That just didn’t make sense.
But besides that my main issue was that I felt disconnected from the characters and was therefore bored and tried to read faster to have it over with.
This wasn’t a bad book, but I might have to think before I read another Cate Ashwood book, since I’m not sure her books are for me.
And yet, it wasn’t. I kept waiting for it to grab me, to feel more emotions, but somehow it fell a little flat.
I’ve had this problem with Cate Ashwood’s books before, so I guess her writing and I just don’t click?
I was also quite puzzled as to why Witt’s boss attacked him out of the blue and was stupid enough to come after him a second time, simply because the guy was a bigot and he hated Witt because he was gay? That seemed very farfetched to me. I get it if it was a heat of the moment kind of situation, but the dude went to Witt’s room while he was sleeping and suddenly started beating him up.
And then after Witt escaped, he went back and trashed the room. He also went after him while he was already being watched by the police to finish the job. Now, that guy had to have been dumber than a box of rocks to do that since there was no way the police wouldn’t know it was him. That just didn’t make sense.
But besides that my main issue was that I felt disconnected from the characters and was therefore bored and tried to read faster to have it over with.
This wasn’t a bad book, but I might have to think before I read another Cate Ashwood book, since I’m not sure her books are for me.
June 12, 2019
4.5 stars
With a strong hurt/comfort trope, this might be my favorite book of the series so far. Witt appeared in book 2, one of Jackson’s friends from the oil rigs, although he worked in the office. Mason works with Barrett at the Brewery. After Witt is attacked, Jackson and Logan bring him to their house to recuperate but their departure on vacation means Mason moving in to help. I genuinely enjoyed both men’s characters, especially Mason with his empathy and protective nature. It’s slow burn of course, not all due to Witt’s injuries. Relationship development felt quite organic between the semi-closeted Mason and an utterly inexperienced Witt.
Witt’s background is sad as well, giving me yet another level of feelings when he realizes he now has friends and support. Mason cultivates Witt’s confidence in himself, giving him something to cling to when danger touches his life once again. The suspense element captured even more of my attention, presented very realistically and not overly dramatized. I so hope the author adds another volume or two in Sawyers Ferry as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these fresh-feeling romance offerings.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
With a strong hurt/comfort trope, this might be my favorite book of the series so far. Witt appeared in book 2, one of Jackson’s friends from the oil rigs, although he worked in the office. Mason works with Barrett at the Brewery. After Witt is attacked, Jackson and Logan bring him to their house to recuperate but their departure on vacation means Mason moving in to help. I genuinely enjoyed both men’s characters, especially Mason with his empathy and protective nature. It’s slow burn of course, not all due to Witt’s injuries. Relationship development felt quite organic between the semi-closeted Mason and an utterly inexperienced Witt.
Witt’s background is sad as well, giving me yet another level of feelings when he realizes he now has friends and support. Mason cultivates Witt’s confidence in himself, giving him something to cling to when danger touches his life once again. The suspense element captured even more of my attention, presented very realistically and not overly dramatized. I so hope the author adds another volume or two in Sawyers Ferry as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these fresh-feeling romance offerings.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
September 4, 2021
Z jednej strony to najbardziej dramatyczna ze wszystkich historia w serii, a z drugiej mimo wszystko to ciepła, pełna nadziei opowieść o tym, jak znalezienie drugiej osoby, tej jedynej i właściwej dla Ciebie, może zmienić wszystko. W dodatku jest świetnym przykładem na to, że nie samym seksem człowiek żyje. Tutaj jest go naprawdę mało - tylko wtedy, gdy być powinien i ma to swoje uzasadnienie - i to zrobiło naprawdę dużo dobrego dla tej historii, bo bohaterowie nie są płascy (zwłaszcza Witt) i wiemy o nich zdecydowanie więcej jako o ludziach po prostu. Można uwierzyć w nich i w to, co się między nimi rozwinęło - w przeciwieństwie do dwóch pierwszych części, gdzie określał to wszystko tylko stopień napalenia się na siebie i seksualnego napięcia między MC. I jak zwykle - dla niektórych to wada, że seksu jest mało - ale dla mnie to zdecydowana zaleta. Zwłaszcza, że książki z tej serii nie są długie i wypełnienie większości treści scenami seksu i wszystkim, co z nim związane (znowu dwie pierwsze części) robiło krecią robotę historiom, spłycając je, nie pozwalając im się rozwinąć i sprowadzając je właściwie do jednego. A tutaj? Tutaj brawa dla autorki, że się od tego powstrzymała i poprowadziła naszych bohaterów zupełnie inną drogą 😁
April 21, 2024
This was a cute read, but I had a hard time buying into Mason and Witt's relationship. I'm not sure what exactly it was, but I struggled with it. Seperately, I really liked these two. Towards the end I think it worked, but Witt just seemed so overly fragile, which of course was understandable with what happened to him.
But I think maybe it was all the expected things that happened. Witt being a virgin and never having done anything with another guy. And then everything with Silas. It wasn't hard to figure out he was going to come back at some point.
They had a good ending though.
But I think maybe it was all the expected things that happened. Witt being a virgin and never having done anything with another guy. And then everything with Silas. It wasn't hard to figure out he was going to come back at some point.
They had a good ending though.
August 2, 2019
I'm very disappointed with this one. I generally like Sawyer's Ferry series, but this one wasn't up to parr. I liked Witt from the previous books and wanted so much to read his story, yet here Witt was nothing more than an empty shell, broken and in no headspace to enter a relationship IMO, while Mason remained a black box; We only saw his protective side that Witt brought out but nothing else about what makes him tick. I expected a scene where Mason would introduce Witt to his family, their reactions, some gentle teasing, but this relationship (with the exception of the carnival scene that lasted 10-15 pages) developed in a vacuum, away from anyone else.
Zero character development, little to no chemistry, a villain with no motive -just like a rabid dog- and Logan's house as backdrop for 90% of the story, made this one very dull story.
Still looking forward to Brody's story and I expect it to be better this time.
Zero character development, little to no chemistry, a villain with no motive -just like a rabid dog- and Logan's house as backdrop for 90% of the story, made this one very dull story.
Still looking forward to Brody's story and I expect it to be better this time.
August 16, 2023
I am the biggest fan of hurt/comfort.
Mason and Witt? *chef’s kiss *
Did Sila’s hatred for Witt make sense outside just being a villain in the story ? Absolutely not. Did I care? Also no. I actually liked how Silas kept going after Witt and Witt was able to use what he learned from Mason to defend himself.
Ya’know what I’m also a fan of? The MC being emotionally distraught finding out their love interest is hurt in the hospital and they need to get to them ASAP and the relief after touching them and seeing they are okay. 🥰
What I hate ? Cutting to the epilogue after sharing ILYs. 😒
Although the epilogue itself was nice enough I would’ve preferred to have seen the progress instead of being told what happened after the ILYs were shared.
Oftentimes it feels like authors lose steam when nearing the end of the book making the ending seem rushed rather than purposeful and although that wasn’t exactly the case here , this ending still left me wanting more - especially since this was hurt/comfort and the danger didn’t get fully resolved until the very last chapter, this needed more time with the couple happy and settled instead of only offering that in the epilogue. For me, that’s what brought this from a 5 to a 4 star.
. . . . .
“He went willingly, wrapping himself around me, letting me hold him. We stayed like that for ages. Long enough that the coffee finished brewing and the sun had started to peek over the horizon, but I didn't let go.
And neither did Witt.
I would have held him forever if he'd
needed me to. It was strange how natural it felt, being close to him like that. There are people who enter your life who you feel as though you've known forever.
Witt was like that for me. “
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. ❀
Mason and Witt? *chef’s kiss *
Did Sila’s hatred for Witt make sense outside just being a villain in the story ? Absolutely not. Did I care? Also no. I actually liked how Silas kept going after Witt and Witt was able to use what he learned from Mason to defend himself.
Ya’know what I’m also a fan of? The MC being emotionally distraught finding out their love interest is hurt in the hospital and they need to get to them ASAP and the relief after touching them and seeing they are okay. 🥰
What I hate ? Cutting to the epilogue after sharing ILYs. 😒
Although the epilogue itself was nice enough I would’ve preferred to have seen the progress instead of being told what happened after the ILYs were shared.
Oftentimes it feels like authors lose steam when nearing the end of the book making the ending seem rushed rather than purposeful and although that wasn’t exactly the case here , this ending still left me wanting more - especially since this was hurt/comfort and the danger didn’t get fully resolved until the very last chapter, this needed more time with the couple happy and settled instead of only offering that in the epilogue. For me, that’s what brought this from a 5 to a 4 star.
. . . . .
“He went willingly, wrapping himself around me, letting me hold him. We stayed like that for ages. Long enough that the coffee finished brewing and the sun had started to peek over the horizon, but I didn't let go.
And neither did Witt.
I would have held him forever if he'd
needed me to. It was strange how natural it felt, being close to him like that. There are people who enter your life who you feel as though you've known forever.
Witt was like that for me. “
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2019
We’re back in Sawyer’s Ferry!
I was really looking forward to this one, with Mason (who works with Barrett at the brewery), and Witt, who is friends with Logan and Jackson.
We jump into the story right after Witt is viciously attacked in his bed and fleeing to get as far away from the place and the person who did it, as quickly as he can. It takes us a little bit to find out who did it and the why is still unknown, although I guess some people are just terrible people and don’t need an excuse to be that way…. but he ends up blacking out while waiting in his car to board the ferry to Sawyer’s Ferry. He’s luckily found by friends and taken to the hospital where Logan and Jackson step in to take him home with them until he gets better.
Playing hockey with Jackson, he confides in his team captain, Mason on what happened with Witt, and having met him before and having a little crush on him, Mason wanted badly to make sure that Witt was okay.
I loved how sweet and patient Mason was, and how much he cared about people, most especially Witt. When Jackson and Logan have to go out of town and then have a scheduled trip planned that’ll take them away from the healing Witt for a few weeks, they’re worried about leaving Witt alone, until Mason volunteers to stay with him and look after him until he starts feeling better. The situations at his own house, though kind of funny and kind of horrible, means he’s jumping at the chance to do it. Not only because he wants to spend more time with Witt, but also because he just doesn’t want to be around the nudists that are related to his roommate. I can’t say I blame them, that whole side story there irritated me. How rude.
Through it all though, while the men get to know each other and learn to trust each other, they’re also falling for each other. Mason wants to take care of Witt and protect him; he’s never far from Mason’s mind and he does everything he can to take things slow for Witt.
Witt has always lived his life for someone else; doing what he could to make someone else happy… so having someone like Mason in his life, who puts him first and cares about him so much, and just wants to make him happy… is exactly what he needed. Teaching him how to defend himself and showing him that it’s okay to be his own person and do what he wants for himself for a change, it was exactly what Witt needed. I loved it. They complimented each other so well, it didn’t feel like the insta-love, co-dependent thing that it could’ve been because of the situation. It felt real and authentic and genuine, and it was all just so sweet.
I loved the friends they all had and seeing everyone from the town. I liked that Mason had this huge accepting family, and I would’ve liked to have seen them get to meet Witt because if anyone needed a big accepting family, it was Witt… so that kinda sucked, but meh, that may be me just being selfish and wanting more.
I also liked the man responsible for hurting Witt, didn’t get away with. I hate hate hate reading a story and the bad people just get away with being evil, vile people. Though I’d have liked some petty karmic justice, painful and equally as evil as the hate he put out there… but I was happy he got what he did, plus a broken arm LOL so, good enough for me!
I’m really excited to see who’s next. I hope this series goes a long way, and maybe Brody’s next? Fingers crossed. Loved these two together and can’t wait to see more of them in future stories.
4 stars from me
I was really looking forward to this one, with Mason (who works with Barrett at the brewery), and Witt, who is friends with Logan and Jackson.
We jump into the story right after Witt is viciously attacked in his bed and fleeing to get as far away from the place and the person who did it, as quickly as he can. It takes us a little bit to find out who did it and the why is still unknown, although I guess some people are just terrible people and don’t need an excuse to be that way…. but he ends up blacking out while waiting in his car to board the ferry to Sawyer’s Ferry. He’s luckily found by friends and taken to the hospital where Logan and Jackson step in to take him home with them until he gets better.
Playing hockey with Jackson, he confides in his team captain, Mason on what happened with Witt, and having met him before and having a little crush on him, Mason wanted badly to make sure that Witt was okay.
I loved how sweet and patient Mason was, and how much he cared about people, most especially Witt. When Jackson and Logan have to go out of town and then have a scheduled trip planned that’ll take them away from the healing Witt for a few weeks, they’re worried about leaving Witt alone, until Mason volunteers to stay with him and look after him until he starts feeling better. The situations at his own house, though kind of funny and kind of horrible, means he’s jumping at the chance to do it. Not only because he wants to spend more time with Witt, but also because he just doesn’t want to be around the nudists that are related to his roommate. I can’t say I blame them, that whole side story there irritated me. How rude.
Through it all though, while the men get to know each other and learn to trust each other, they’re also falling for each other. Mason wants to take care of Witt and protect him; he’s never far from Mason’s mind and he does everything he can to take things slow for Witt.
Witt has always lived his life for someone else; doing what he could to make someone else happy… so having someone like Mason in his life, who puts him first and cares about him so much, and just wants to make him happy… is exactly what he needed. Teaching him how to defend himself and showing him that it’s okay to be his own person and do what he wants for himself for a change, it was exactly what Witt needed. I loved it. They complimented each other so well, it didn’t feel like the insta-love, co-dependent thing that it could’ve been because of the situation. It felt real and authentic and genuine, and it was all just so sweet.
I loved the friends they all had and seeing everyone from the town. I liked that Mason had this huge accepting family, and I would’ve liked to have seen them get to meet Witt because if anyone needed a big accepting family, it was Witt… so that kinda sucked, but meh, that may be me just being selfish and wanting more.
I also liked the man responsible for hurting Witt, didn’t get away with. I hate hate hate reading a story and the bad people just get away with being evil, vile people. Though I’d have liked some petty karmic justice, painful and equally as evil as the hate he put out there… but I was happy he got what he did, plus a broken arm LOL so, good enough for me!
I’m really excited to see who’s next. I hope this series goes a long way, and maybe Brody’s next? Fingers crossed. Loved these two together and can’t wait to see more of them in future stories.
4 stars from me
June 14, 2019
3.5/5⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Close to Home by Cate Ashwood is the fourth book in her Copper Creek series. This book brings us the story of Lawrence Witt, who escapes a violent attack at his work on the oil rig and seeks refuge with his friend Jackson and his boyfriend Logan in Copper Creek. Mason Briggs has a satisfactory life, he loves his family and enjoys his job as brew master but when he meets Witt he knows that he's been what's missing. Witt and Mason are thrown together to house-sit while Jackson and Logan go away leading them to connect in ways they could have never imagined. But the violence that initially brought Witt to Copper Creek is not done with him yet.
"There are people who enter your life who you feel as though you've known forever. Witt was like that for me."
Witt is a smart, quiet, unassuming man. He is meant to be loved and appreciated. Mason takes this job very seriously once he can break down Witt's walls of fear and rejection. Mason has an alpha personality without being too much, he knows when to step back and put Witt's well-being before his own wants. He wants to protect Witt physically and emotionally, and he does this by being sweet and attentive.
"Witt owned me, without doing a goddamn thing, he owned every part of him."
The actual story line moves at a fast rate. It takes place over the span of a few weeks. I didn't feel like it necessarily felt rushed but towards the end I definitely felt like everything was just happening back-to-back and then it was over. Atleast, since this wasn't the characters first time meeting their fast track relationship was due to Mason's immediate need to protect and cherish and kept it from feeling like insta-love.
"His smile slayed any misgivings, scattering the ashes of my anxiety to the wind, and when he looked at me like that, I was left unscathed by the insecurities that lives inside of me- I was whole, unbroken, and it felt so good."
Overall I enjoyed Close to Home and felt it was a good addition to a series the series. A sweet mm small town romance and I look forward to visiting with Copper Creek again.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Close to Home by Cate Ashwood is the fourth book in her Copper Creek series. This book brings us the story of Lawrence Witt, who escapes a violent attack at his work on the oil rig and seeks refuge with his friend Jackson and his boyfriend Logan in Copper Creek. Mason Briggs has a satisfactory life, he loves his family and enjoys his job as brew master but when he meets Witt he knows that he's been what's missing. Witt and Mason are thrown together to house-sit while Jackson and Logan go away leading them to connect in ways they could have never imagined. But the violence that initially brought Witt to Copper Creek is not done with him yet.
"There are people who enter your life who you feel as though you've known forever. Witt was like that for me."
Witt is a smart, quiet, unassuming man. He is meant to be loved and appreciated. Mason takes this job very seriously once he can break down Witt's walls of fear and rejection. Mason has an alpha personality without being too much, he knows when to step back and put Witt's well-being before his own wants. He wants to protect Witt physically and emotionally, and he does this by being sweet and attentive.
"Witt owned me, without doing a goddamn thing, he owned every part of him."
The actual story line moves at a fast rate. It takes place over the span of a few weeks. I didn't feel like it necessarily felt rushed but towards the end I definitely felt like everything was just happening back-to-back and then it was over. Atleast, since this wasn't the characters first time meeting their fast track relationship was due to Mason's immediate need to protect and cherish and kept it from feeling like insta-love.
"His smile slayed any misgivings, scattering the ashes of my anxiety to the wind, and when he looked at me like that, I was left unscathed by the insecurities that lives inside of me- I was whole, unbroken, and it felt so good."
Overall I enjoyed Close to Home and felt it was a good addition to a series the series. A sweet mm small town romance and I look forward to visiting with Copper Creek again.
July 23, 2019
POV ~> Alternating first-person
Possible Trigger Warning:
This story does contain scenes of violence/physical abuse between a main character and secondary.
This cover is a little darker. It features a casually dressed man in a white t-shirt under a black leather jacket. Synopsis interested me, bring that Witt is a former co-worker of Jackson and we briefly meet him in BISHOP RIDGE (SF #2) and we meet Mason previously as he works at COPPER CREEK for Barrett (SF #4). It seems like an unlikely pairing but Ashwood makes it work.
Witt escapes an abusive employer, barely making it to the ferry dock alive. If not for a good Samaritan taking him across to SFRH where Logan treats him, who knows what may have happened to him. Logan and Jackson take him in after he’s released but when an emergency calls them away, they need someone to housesit and help Witt with his recovery.
Mason’s roommate receives nudist company for an undetermined time and he’s determined to stay as FAR AWAY from that as possible as MUCH as possible. When Jackson mentions their situation, Mason eagerly volunteers to help out.
A slow recovery and even slower romance buildup. A restraining order and broken psyche, is Witt just imagining his attacker’s presence or was he really there? Opposites attract in this hurt-comfort, slow-burn installment of Sawyer’s Ferry. Though not my favorite, it was still pretty good. The cast was likable. The plot entertained. It was somewhat predictable. The conclusion is solid.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.075 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I borrowed a copy of this book from Amazon via my #KindleUnlimited subscription and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Possible Trigger Warning:
This story does contain scenes of violence/physical abuse between a main character and secondary.
This cover is a little darker. It features a casually dressed man in a white t-shirt under a black leather jacket. Synopsis interested me, bring that Witt is a former co-worker of Jackson and we briefly meet him in BISHOP RIDGE (SF #2) and we meet Mason previously as he works at COPPER CREEK for Barrett (SF #4). It seems like an unlikely pairing but Ashwood makes it work.
Witt escapes an abusive employer, barely making it to the ferry dock alive. If not for a good Samaritan taking him across to SFRH where Logan treats him, who knows what may have happened to him. Logan and Jackson take him in after he’s released but when an emergency calls them away, they need someone to housesit and help Witt with his recovery.
Mason’s roommate receives nudist company for an undetermined time and he’s determined to stay as FAR AWAY from that as possible as MUCH as possible. When Jackson mentions their situation, Mason eagerly volunteers to help out.
A slow recovery and even slower romance buildup. A restraining order and broken psyche, is Witt just imagining his attacker’s presence or was he really there? Opposites attract in this hurt-comfort, slow-burn installment of Sawyer’s Ferry. Though not my favorite, it was still pretty good. The cast was likable. The plot entertained. It was somewhat predictable. The conclusion is solid.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.075 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I borrowed a copy of this book from Amazon via my #KindleUnlimited subscription and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
June 13, 2019
5 Stars
I’ve been in a real rut lately when it comes to reading. Not much has held my attention or interest, but Mason and Witt’s story captured me from the first sentence and didn’t let go until the very end. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to say I didn’t want to put a book down, but I can definitely say that about Close to Home.
I absolutely adored Witt and Mason. They were both so sweet and caring and just absolutely perfect together. The chemistry between them was electric. This is a slow-burn, but the progression of their relationship felt natural and organic. There was so much UST between them and once they finally gave into it, it was sweet and passionate.
This was an amazing addition to this series and I’m glad we’ll be getting to revisit the town of Sawyer’s Ferry later this year. I can’t wait for Brody and Beck’s story.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read filled with two amazing guys who you couldn’t help but root for. The story was sweet and swoony, but with enough underlying angst to keep my stomach in knots waiting for the other shoe to drop. One of my favorites in the series so far and I can’t recommend it enough!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I’ve been in a real rut lately when it comes to reading. Not much has held my attention or interest, but Mason and Witt’s story captured me from the first sentence and didn’t let go until the very end. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to say I didn’t want to put a book down, but I can definitely say that about Close to Home.
I absolutely adored Witt and Mason. They were both so sweet and caring and just absolutely perfect together. The chemistry between them was electric. This is a slow-burn, but the progression of their relationship felt natural and organic. There was so much UST between them and once they finally gave into it, it was sweet and passionate.
This was an amazing addition to this series and I’m glad we’ll be getting to revisit the town of Sawyer’s Ferry later this year. I can’t wait for Brody and Beck’s story.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read filled with two amazing guys who you couldn’t help but root for. The story was sweet and swoony, but with enough underlying angst to keep my stomach in knots waiting for the other shoe to drop. One of my favorites in the series so far and I can’t recommend it enough!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 14, 2019
There's something about a new Sawyer's Ferry book; I'm always eager to jump in. In this one we get a glimpse of most of the other couples, and I think that's one of the things I like the most, that sense of community.
The book starts with the aftermath of an horrific attack--an attack that is never really explained as to why it happened or why the attacker proceeded to stalk Witt--but it does send Witt running to his friend Jackson in Sawyer's Ferry. And this puts him in the path of Mason (Barrett's employee). The guys are very sweet together and the developing romance balances out the hate crimes and the issues Witt has contended with all his life that have left him insecure and constantly second guessing himself.
It's a hurt/comfort story with a sort of enforced proximity.
The book starts with the aftermath of an horrific attack--an attack that is never really explained as to why it happened or why the attacker proceeded to stalk Witt--but it does send Witt running to his friend Jackson in Sawyer's Ferry. And this puts him in the path of Mason (Barrett's employee). The guys are very sweet together and the developing romance balances out the hate crimes and the issues Witt has contended with all his life that have left him insecure and constantly second guessing himself.
It's a hurt/comfort story with a sort of enforced proximity.
July 17, 2019
3.5 stars
A sweet hurt/comfort story. I had to re-opened the previous books to find out that Witt appeared in Bishop Ridge *laugh*. I guess he didn't make as big as impression as Frankie.
But yeah, like I said, it was sweet. Witt was a precious little thing, I could understand Mason wanted to protect him at all cost - especially after Witt suffered that horrible violence motivated by hatred and bigotry. The slow-burn (and mild sex scenes) is a plus.
And Frankie still amused the HELL out of me with his pom-pom hockey cheerleader thing *laugh*
A sweet hurt/comfort story. I had to re-opened the previous books to find out that Witt appeared in Bishop Ridge *laugh*. I guess he didn't make as big as impression as Frankie.
But yeah, like I said, it was sweet. Witt was a precious little thing, I could understand Mason wanted to protect him at all cost - especially after Witt suffered that horrible violence motivated by hatred and bigotry. The slow-burn (and mild sex scenes) is a plus.
And Frankie still amused the HELL out of me with his pom-pom hockey cheerleader thing *laugh*
June 28, 2019
It was great to revisit Sawyer’s Ferry. The cast of characters are great and all unique in their own way. This time we see Mason (who works with Barrett) find his true love. Witt, a friend of Jackson, got attacked at his home/job on the rig. Desperate to get away, he heads to Sawyer’s Ferry. Jackson and Logan take him in to help him heal, but they get called away. Not wanting to leave Witt alone for 3 weeks, Mason stays with him at their house. Mason was such a sweet guy, and Witt got stronger and stronger as the book went along. They were great for each other and exactly they they needed. I love this series.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
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