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Haven Hills #1
New Tricks
When a relationship with the boss's son goes wrong, and Jefferson Carter is left outed and kicked out of the only place he’s ever lived or worked, he heads to Haven Hills, hoping to find a job and forget all about his old life. What he finds is a gorgeous, sweet, funny and patient man... with a penchant for tricks and manipulation... but in a good way. Of course, he falls for the sexy older man. The thing is, Haven Hills is a small town, and he knows all too well how hard a small town can kick you when you’re down. Could he ever feel comfortable coming out to Byrum? To the town?
Byrum Rodgers knows there is joy to be seen under the dark cloud of gloom that weighs Jefferson down when they first meet, and he makes it his mission to bring it to the surface. He knows it’s a bad idea to bring someone into his home that he is so attracted to and completely inappropriate for, but he can’t just leave the guy hanging in the wind. Their friendship comes easily, and Byrum loves that Jefferson seems to be trusting him more and more with each day that passes, and he’s not surprised at all to find himself in love with the young man.
Acting on their attraction is scary because they both value what they have already, but spending so much time together... something’s got to give.
Byrum Rodgers knows there is joy to be seen under the dark cloud of gloom that weighs Jefferson down when they first meet, and he makes it his mission to bring it to the surface. He knows it’s a bad idea to bring someone into his home that he is so attracted to and completely inappropriate for, but he can’t just leave the guy hanging in the wind. Their friendship comes easily, and Byrum loves that Jefferson seems to be trusting him more and more with each day that passes, and he’s not surprised at all to find himself in love with the young man.
Acting on their attraction is scary because they both value what they have already, but spending so much time together... something’s got to give.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2019
99 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 16, 2020
Really liked this couple and their story! Brought me to tears a number of times... mostly happy ones!
December 26, 2019
this is adorable... so well written and fun start toa new series.. plus we got to see a couple old friends. lol i laughed and smiled.. i teared up and the emotions were everywhere. it was amazing
May 25, 2021
"don't let anyone ever tell you when it's time to tell your truth."
content/trigger warnings; ableism, mentions of past assault, homophobia (homophobic hate speech, recounting past homophobia), coming out, outing (as well as recounting past outing), mentions of bullying, mentions of animal abuse, explicit sexual content, mspec erasure (the assumption that sexuality is gay/straight binary),
rep; jefferson (mc) is gay. byrum (mc) is bi/pan (says he's "bi, possibly pan") and black. cutter (sc) is gay.
this is cute and made me laugh, very gay, and has no angst, conflict, or big contrived breakup, which i very much appreciate. could've used some more editing, but whatever. two things i don't like are byrum describing the difference in holding hands with a man and holding hands with a woman; he says a man's hands are thicker and stronger. stop having mspec characters compare the differences between being with men and women, because it's always some transphobic, gender-essentialist nonsense. and the other things is jefferson making a comment about how byrum isn't "fully, completely gay" because he's been with women. aside from being mspec erasure (he doesn't know at this point that byrum is mspec, he's assuming he's gay), it's queerphobic as fuck to say any queer man is less gay because he's been with women. get outta here with that gold star shit.
quotes about byrum being bi/pan:
"though not many people knew, because i'd never really had any relationships over the years, i myself was bi, or possibly pan."
"we didn't have openly gay people in town back then, and… bi? i didn't know what that word meant until i was in my early thirties. pan? just heard that one last year, actually. i'm a forty-three-year-old ranch owner who lives in a small town and doesn't do social media. i've been trying to learn a little more about the lgbtq community, but this old dog is struggling."
content/trigger warnings; ableism, mentions of past assault, homophobia (homophobic hate speech, recounting past homophobia), coming out, outing (as well as recounting past outing), mentions of bullying, mentions of animal abuse, explicit sexual content, mspec erasure (the assumption that sexuality is gay/straight binary),
rep; jefferson (mc) is gay. byrum (mc) is bi/pan (says he's "bi, possibly pan") and black. cutter (sc) is gay.
this is cute and made me laugh, very gay, and has no angst, conflict, or big contrived breakup, which i very much appreciate. could've used some more editing, but whatever. two things i don't like are byrum describing the difference in holding hands with a man and holding hands with a woman; he says a man's hands are thicker and stronger. stop having mspec characters compare the differences between being with men and women, because it's always some transphobic, gender-essentialist nonsense. and the other things is jefferson making a comment about how byrum isn't "fully, completely gay" because he's been with women. aside from being mspec erasure (he doesn't know at this point that byrum is mspec, he's assuming he's gay), it's queerphobic as fuck to say any queer man is less gay because he's been with women. get outta here with that gold star shit.
quotes about byrum being bi/pan:
"though not many people knew, because i'd never really had any relationships over the years, i myself was bi, or possibly pan."
"we didn't have openly gay people in town back then, and… bi? i didn't know what that word meant until i was in my early thirties. pan? just heard that one last year, actually. i'm a forty-three-year-old ranch owner who lives in a small town and doesn't do social media. i've been trying to learn a little more about the lgbtq community, but this old dog is struggling."
January 3, 2020
With virtually no angst or conflict, this could remain a very short, very sweet story bringing two men together who could really be what the other needed. I liked their slower simmering feelings and attraction because it felt far more believable than a forever love immediately following an intense jump in the sack. While those stories can work, the beauty of this author's work is that even though the attraction is often intense, it's not the only thing holding the MC's together so the ending feels so much more real and desirable.
Jefferson seemed so very jittery when we met him, and understandably so given his circumstances and the sheer amount of caffeine flowing through his veins. I liked that Byrum and Jefferson's father had a connection that provided a small thread to give them a more solid footing for their beginning. They're still essentially strangers, but there's something deeper that engenders trust rather than suspicions. There were moments where Jefferson began feeling a little young and stereotypically "twink", but those moments weren't long-lasting and I'm glad of that. He and Byrum had great chemistry and while their little "display" in town was a bit silly, it was cute and totally fit their vibe.
This was a very sweet story that was full of warmth, self-acceptance, support, and finding home. While the promise of an HEA is there, the ending is a bit abrupt and I wish it had a softer landing, if you will, for all the feelings, revelations, and the expectations I had of getting a more complete ending. And all the characters we were introduced to in periphery gives me awesome feelings for what's coming in this series!
Jefferson seemed so very jittery when we met him, and understandably so given his circumstances and the sheer amount of caffeine flowing through his veins. I liked that Byrum and Jefferson's father had a connection that provided a small thread to give them a more solid footing for their beginning. They're still essentially strangers, but there's something deeper that engenders trust rather than suspicions. There were moments where Jefferson began feeling a little young and stereotypically "twink", but those moments weren't long-lasting and I'm glad of that. He and Byrum had great chemistry and while their little "display" in town was a bit silly, it was cute and totally fit their vibe.
This was a very sweet story that was full of warmth, self-acceptance, support, and finding home. While the promise of an HEA is there, the ending is a bit abrupt and I wish it had a softer landing, if you will, for all the feelings, revelations, and the expectations I had of getting a more complete ending. And all the characters we were introduced to in periphery gives me awesome feelings for what's coming in this series!
December 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
JD Light's New Tricks, the first book in the Haven Hills series is a steamy boss/employee romance with an age gap.
Jefferson's new in town and is instantly smitten with the older, hot cowboy.
Byrum takes in Jefferson, giving him a place to live and a job as his new ranch hand. The chemistry is there, and they can only fight it so long.
Both men are struggling with their sexuality, making for a fun read. Jefferson's closeted, and his fear of coming out is a large part of who he is. Byrum is an older, closeted man who's just discovering his sexuality, figuring out he's probably pansexual.
My favorite quote is "Nobody should have to feel alone, ever." A beautiful thought, if only the world was so kind.
Their story has some good humor, and they are certainly hot together. The writing is quick, the pace is even quicker, and the storyline skims a lot. With just 108 pages, the characters aren't very developed, and I constantly felt like I was missing something from a prior story. But, what was there is sweet and tender. The alternating 1st person pov is well done.
New Tricks is a light hearted, easy read. It's fluffy and doesn't dig very deep. But it's perfect when you're in the mood for a short, fun read.
JD Light's New Tricks, the first book in the Haven Hills series is a steamy boss/employee romance with an age gap.
Jefferson's new in town and is instantly smitten with the older, hot cowboy.
Byrum takes in Jefferson, giving him a place to live and a job as his new ranch hand. The chemistry is there, and they can only fight it so long.
Both men are struggling with their sexuality, making for a fun read. Jefferson's closeted, and his fear of coming out is a large part of who he is. Byrum is an older, closeted man who's just discovering his sexuality, figuring out he's probably pansexual.
My favorite quote is "Nobody should have to feel alone, ever." A beautiful thought, if only the world was so kind.
Their story has some good humor, and they are certainly hot together. The writing is quick, the pace is even quicker, and the storyline skims a lot. With just 108 pages, the characters aren't very developed, and I constantly felt like I was missing something from a prior story. But, what was there is sweet and tender. The alternating 1st person pov is well done.
New Tricks is a light hearted, easy read. It's fluffy and doesn't dig very deep. But it's perfect when you're in the mood for a short, fun read.
December 28, 2019
Finding and being yourself is a challenging road when you have suffered betrayal. Jefferson arrives in town needed a break and someone to believe in him. I was so glad that they ran into each other and formed a friendship. They worked together and found a flow in their lives. Their attraction simmered a bit before they explored it and i think for this story that worked really well. I liked the story-line and the pacing seemed perfect.
Jefferson and Byrum become friends and learn to trust each other before they become lovers. I really was amazed at Byrum's reserve and his desire to have Jefferson comfortable and secure.
These guys forge a connection that is passionate, loving and based upon their friendship so there is so much respect and care in them for each other. i really did enjoy the meeting when the past came to town.
This is book one of the Haven Hills series. There are several characters that i would love to see have their own story! Looking forward to more!
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Jefferson and Byrum become friends and learn to trust each other before they become lovers. I really was amazed at Byrum's reserve and his desire to have Jefferson comfortable and secure.
These guys forge a connection that is passionate, loving and based upon their friendship so there is so much respect and care in them for each other. i really did enjoy the meeting when the past came to town.
This is book one of the Haven Hills series. There are several characters that i would love to see have their own story! Looking forward to more!
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review
December 19, 2019
I lost my job after my somewhat boyfriend's father discovers we were having a fling, and of course he blamed it on me, so Jefferson catches a bus out of town and ends up 300 miles away. Totally exhausted he tried to perk up with coffee at the town Cafe, there he meets Byrum and is offer a place to stay, then a job. After everything that had happened being attracted to his new boss was not a good idea and coming out in a small town could be traumatizing, but maybe this time it would be different, and maybe I could get lucky and maybe even find love. I have to admit I really enjoy reading books by JD Light, they are well written, fast reading entertaining love stories that just brighten your day.
December 20, 2019
Cowboy finds haven with an older rancher: sweet and 🌶spicy😉
;-) This cowboy romance had plenty of emotion and 🔥heat. Young Jefferson is adrift and fearful that others will reject him. Byrum, an older man with a generous nature, takes him in and it's the beginning of a great friendship with urges suppressed until ...😌😉
This was the second book I'd read by this author who very ably mixes sweet emotion with raw passion. I enjoyed it and found the length just right, the writing solid, and character development good for the main protagonists.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
;-) This cowboy romance had plenty of emotion and 🔥heat. Young Jefferson is adrift and fearful that others will reject him. Byrum, an older man with a generous nature, takes him in and it's the beginning of a great friendship with urges suppressed until ...😌😉
This was the second book I'd read by this author who very ably mixes sweet emotion with raw passion. I enjoyed it and found the length just right, the writing solid, and character development good for the main protagonists.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 2, 2020
Great start to new series!
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read of JD Light’s, and this is no exception-just in a different way. It still had a great flow, and still had touches of humor though not as many endearing but hilarious moments as in others, especially the Chosen series. It also had more character development, emotional exploration, and overall depth.
I liked Byrum & Jefferson and really liked this overall. The setting was great as well as secondary characters that we’ll see more if I hope (or have, in the case of Wilder & Welston).
Great read & Looking forward to book 2!
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read of JD Light’s, and this is no exception-just in a different way. It still had a great flow, and still had touches of humor though not as many endearing but hilarious moments as in others, especially the Chosen series. It also had more character development, emotional exploration, and overall depth.
I liked Byrum & Jefferson and really liked this overall. The setting was great as well as secondary characters that we’ll see more if I hope (or have, in the case of Wilder & Welston).
Great read & Looking forward to book 2!
December 19, 2019
I loved J.D. Light's Training Days series and you meet Byrum in his son's book. In this book, you meet the elusive Jefferson and you soon realize why Byrum was so protective and quickly developed feelings for the young man. Jefferson is closeted, worried about what his parents and other people might think about him coming out, and yet Byrum knows and makes him comfortable enough to come out in his own time. I loved how Jefferson blossomed under Byrum's care and attention. Byrum cares for him from the moment they meet, and this is a sweet romance. I loved every word! A great read!!
January 3, 2020
Jefferson ranger into some trouble at the last ranch he was working on.
He's new in town and looking for work.
Fortunately for him, Byrum just happens along and offers him help with the intention of talking him into a job.
It doesn't help matters that they're both attracted to each other.
Jefferson is leery of people finding out he's gay and Byrum, who has a son Jefferson's age, has never really let anyone know he's attracted to men as well.
I loved how fiercely protective Byrum was of Jefferson and his sweet nature.
Jefferson really gained confidence with Byrum.
He's new in town and looking for work.
Fortunately for him, Byrum just happens along and offers him help with the intention of talking him into a job.
It doesn't help matters that they're both attracted to each other.
Jefferson is leery of people finding out he's gay and Byrum, who has a son Jefferson's age, has never really let anyone know he's attracted to men as well.
I loved how fiercely protective Byrum was of Jefferson and his sweet nature.
Jefferson really gained confidence with Byrum.
October 22, 2019
Loved this
This was a phenomenal read. I loved Byrum and Jefferson; the attraction was instant but they took their time to get to know each other and build trust. And the steamy chemistry was absolutely perfect. I loved that Byrum stood up for and defended him to Ray, and that he truly felt comfortable and came out. I can't wait to see more of Cutter, Sam, Ryder , and hopefully Branson.
This was a phenomenal read. I loved Byrum and Jefferson; the attraction was instant but they took their time to get to know each other and build trust. And the steamy chemistry was absolutely perfect. I loved that Byrum stood up for and defended him to Ray, and that he truly felt comfortable and came out. I can't wait to see more of Cutter, Sam, Ryder , and hopefully Branson.
December 19, 2019
Cute story, low angst, likeable MCs, and interesting side characters. I have to suspend my disbelief a bit that a small ranching town would be so accepting of members of the LGBTQ+ communities, or that there would be so many in one small town, but that's why it's fiction. There are several structural and grammatical errors the editor or proofreaders should have caught before publishing, but overall I enjoyed this novella and am looking forward to the next.
December 21, 2019
I am new to the series but not to this wonderful writer. The story of Jefferson and Byrum is sweet and endearing, it has some angst to make the plot a little bit more interesting but it is really not necessary: Jefferson sweetness and Byrum protectiveness while trying for a romantic future is enough to get your attention during every chapter until the very end. A nice reading!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
May 23, 2020
Loved these guys!
So it took me a minute for it to click that Byrum is Wellston's dad from the Training Day series. It was really just a huge brain fart on my part. I don't know if it matters which one you read first but if you read this one first prepare for spoilers.
I really liked Byrum and Jefferson. They seemed like a really cute couple. Didn't notice any huge errors in this book. I am hoping that the character Branson comes into a future book. Can't wait to read more!
So it took me a minute for it to click that Byrum is Wellston's dad from the Training Day series. It was really just a huge brain fart on my part. I don't know if it matters which one you read first but if you read this one first prepare for spoilers.
I really liked Byrum and Jefferson. They seemed like a really cute couple. Didn't notice any huge errors in this book. I am hoping that the character Branson comes into a future book. Can't wait to read more!
November 28, 2019
Daddy
Sweet and great! Jefferson has to leave the only home he knew because of a bad choice he made. Running to another state. Byrum sees Jefferson in the cafe alone and jittery from drinking too much coffee. Gets his story and offers to help but then finds his attraction growing. Needing to take care of Jefferson. Loved the story cute can’t wait for the next one.
Sweet and great! Jefferson has to leave the only home he knew because of a bad choice he made. Running to another state. Byrum sees Jefferson in the cafe alone and jittery from drinking too much coffee. Gets his story and offers to help but then finds his attraction growing. Needing to take care of Jefferson. Loved the story cute can’t wait for the next one.
December 19, 2019
New Tricks is the first book in the Haven Hills series by J. D. Light. This is a contemporary m/m romance with an age gap. I laughed, I smiled... this book was fantastic. Definitely a treat to read - I love the dynamic between Jefferson and Byrum.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 2, 2020
Great romance
This was a very sweet kind of friends to lovers story.
I love J.D. Light's writing and this was another great start to a new series.
I loved the dynamic and story of Jefferson and Byrum. It was sweet and in a way slow burn (for me). I loved all the characters around and hope to read their stories as well.
Very sweet book that I really recommend
This was a very sweet kind of friends to lovers story.
I love J.D. Light's writing and this was another great start to a new series.
I loved the dynamic and story of Jefferson and Byrum. It was sweet and in a way slow burn (for me). I loved all the characters around and hope to read their stories as well.
Very sweet book that I really recommend
January 3, 2020
I enjoyed this May/December romance. I found it easy to connect with the main characters, Jefferson and Byrum . What starts out as friendship grows into so much more. THere is plenty of heat and humor to be found in New Tricks. The story flowed and I found myself turning page after page until I finished the book.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
October 23, 2019
I love it
I am so happy these to got their own book it was such a sweet story. I can not wait for the other characters to get their own books. The sneak peek at them in this book makes me excited for the rest if the series.
I am so happy these to got their own book it was such a sweet story. I can not wait for the other characters to get their own books. The sneak peek at them in this book makes me excited for the rest if the series.
October 24, 2019
New series
I love all your books I've read every book in every series as I see this is a spin off if training days.
I like a lot of author's but not everyone of there books.
Your the only one that I can't wait for new books to come out and have loved everyone of them
I love all your books I've read every book in every series as I see this is a spin off if training days.
I like a lot of author's but not everyone of there books.
Your the only one that I can't wait for new books to come out and have loved everyone of them
December 19, 2019
Byrum and Jefferson!
I absolutely love Byrum and Jefferson, they were adorably sweet for two cowboys. Byrum was so patient with Jefferson and Jefferson was so cute with his antics and his quick love for Byrum. I can't wait to read more from this world!
I absolutely love Byrum and Jefferson, they were adorably sweet for two cowboys. Byrum was so patient with Jefferson and Jefferson was so cute with his antics and his quick love for Byrum. I can't wait to read more from this world!
January 2, 2020
This was such a sweet, tender, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, charming, engaging, slow burning, and totally awesome tale of age gap, insta-love, and cowboys is the start of a fantastic new series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 15, 2021
This was an age difference, interracial romance that really had no angst. I liked it but it seemed like the characters stayed fairly surface level. Both characters are closeted but even with that there wasn't any conflict. Not a bad story but nothing I'll remember.
October 28, 2019
Love
Short, sweet, sexy, and adorable with a smidge of angst thrown in. This one had some serious heat. I definitely reccomend it and cant wait for the next.
Short, sweet, sexy, and adorable with a smidge of angst thrown in. This one had some serious heat. I definitely reccomend it and cant wait for the next.
November 20, 2019
Really good story
Really good story. More detailed and filled. Really enjoyed this ranch and town. Very interesting characters would like to meet
Really good story. More detailed and filled. Really enjoyed this ranch and town. Very interesting characters would like to meet
January 4, 2020
Slow burn but so worth it. Great story. Makes you want to move right into Haven Hills. I'm already to pack up and go lol. Great story by this author.
July 16, 2020
So Good
I truly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down, I’m a lil sad it was over lol but I can’t wait to read the others .
I truly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down, I’m a lil sad it was over lol but I can’t wait to read the others .
September 24, 2020
Small towns
The cover caught my eye and than than the name of the author so I read the blurb, so glad I did. Great story
The cover caught my eye and than than the name of the author so I read the blurb, so glad I did. Great story
December 19, 2020
This is a new to me author, and I will look at other books by this author in the future. I enjoyed this story. It's a light-hearted read with tender love scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews