Six-Packs and Snowshoes

Hearts of Snow Lake #5

by Ashton Cade

Max:

They say it happens when you stop looking.

The last thing I expected on this trip was to meet anyone, but now, Aspen is all I can think about. How his ears and neck flush when he’s embarrassed and how it highlights the dark freckles he has hiding here and there. How sexy he is, in this innocent way that makes me want to just ruin him. No matter how hard I try, I can’t turn it off. Even if he is my best friend's brother, and I know focusing on Aspen will ruin that friendship.

Sure, I tell myself that a true friend would never stand in the way of true love, but Grant needs me right now. I'm all he has.

I have to let someone down. I just didn't expect that person to be me.

Aspen:

I was already freaking out when I found out my brother, who I never even knew existed, was coming into town. Turns out my mom gave him up for adoption when she was fifteen, and it was only after she passed that I found her secret. But I got the shock of my life when Grant walked in with the sexiest man I've ever come across, his best friend Max—the brawniest of all Brawny Men. I want to bond with my brother, but it's hard when my head is full of fantasies of me defiling his best friend. Or his best friend defiling me.

Before I know it, Max and I are having clandestine meetings, secret rendezvous... but if I've learned anything from my mom's actions, it's secrets that drive people apart. Still, coming clean is going to ruin everything.

We're on a collision course, and I don't know how to turn this thing around.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2019

Reviews

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread December 2021

I love Snow Lake.
I love the people in Snow Lake.

And this story was great. Aspen is such an amazing character and I wanted all the best for him. So is Max. Just great.

However, Maybe I shouldn’t read the whole serie in a big row Because there are all following the exact same path. MC’s meet. They fall in love, there’s a big drama just for the sake of drama and then boom everything is forgiven and They live happily ever after. And im getting a bit tired of it. Most likely because i’m reading them in a row.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no elses*

4 stars

I’ve read and enjoyed several books in this series and this one was no exception.

The spark between Max and Aspen ignited from the moment they meet. The author built up the the thick sexual tension perfectly. I loved it when Max got all growly during their steamy moments - it was so damn hot.

I felt sorry for Aspen; Grant didn’t make much of an effort to get to know to him. Grant was more excited about the house than his own brother which didn’t sit well with me.

Grant got on my nerves with his lack of backbone. He was older than Aspen yet he didn’t act like it.

Poor Max had to make a difficult choice between friendship and his heart. Which one did he choose? Read it and find out!

A fantastic addition to the series! Can’t wait for the next one.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book with such an original premise, but somehow the main plot became a tangled mess along the way. When you meet Aspen (a great character name by the way), he's nervous about meeting his older brother which he knew nothing about until his mother passed recently. He's expecting to meet Grant, who's he's video chatted with, but when a man comes in with him who he's instantly attracted to, his attention is diverted. While the attraction between Max, Grant's best friend, and Aspen is palpable, Grant kept getting in the way throughout the entire story. Max and Aspen keep their developing relationship from Grant, which leaves Max feeling guilty, but more often than not, Grant is the non-likable secondary character you wish would go away. And although I would love to have more relationship development between the two men without Grant involved, I couldn't ignore the huge elephant in the room. A great premise, but misses with its constant attention on a secondary character.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story & Narration🎧 💖Snow Lake💖
Six-Packs and Snowshoes
Hearts of Snow Lake, Book 5
By: Ashton Cade
Narrated by: Cam Walker

I enjoyed this book immensely, the story drew me in immediately grabbing my attention and captivating it the entire book. Ashton Cade is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, the characters and storylines she created are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. Aspen runs “Perfect Phitness”, the gym in Snow Lake, he got his inspiration for fitness after watching his parents healthy decline because of the unhealthy choices they made. After his mother passed away he found adoption papers for the son she gave up for adoption, he tracked down his older brother and he agreed to visit him in Snow Lake. Grant, his adoptive brother, brings his best friend, Max, for emotional support. Max had just gotten out of a long-term relationship and was not looking to get involved with anyone, but he felt an instant attraction to Aspen and Aspen felt it, too. Grant is a bit of an arsehole and was not my favorite person, he did not want Max to get involved with Aspen but that did not stop Max from getting to know him better. Grant who flips houses saw one that interested him, it was the main reason why he stayed in town. Max, an outdoor enthusiast and guide wanted to check out the area more to see what it offered, he could easily move and do his job there. The chemistry between Max and Aspen was electric, but when a problem arises for Grant, Max feels the need to be there for him. Once again Grant and his antic pissed me off, that man needs to grow a pair or may he just needs another pair, one who will take charge of him. This is a fabulous small town romance, the story contains plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and some steamy romance. Ashton Cade, thank you for another wonderful story and emotion rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Ashton Cade cast the perfect narrator to bring her story and characters to life. Cam Walker is a talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. He had a complete understanding of the characters he portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. You could hear how much heart he put into his performance as he captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are we starting to get more and more characters in these books who are suppose to be in their 30s and beyond that act as mature as a damn teenager?!?

Both the brothers in this book (Grant and Aspen) act so immature in different ways and because of different reasons that honestly have me wanting to strangle them!
For Aspen, he's recently discovered after his mother died that he is no longer alone in the world. He has a brother that was given up for adoption. Through the week that Grant and his friend Max are in Snow Lake, supposedly trying to discover why Grant was given up for adoption, he manages to insult his brother and his lifestyle habits, apparently falls in love with Max (but for some reason wants to keep it a secret), and never once do they actually get to know each other. And once push comes to shove, rather than be a man and fight for the man he loves, he decides to be a baby and give up on their relationship, even though Max is trying to put forth the effort to make things work.
Grant, the brother given up for adoption, takes EVERYTHING to heart. Whether you are trying to suggest something that could help him or making a joke, Grant is the guy who will react negatively to every comment as if you're insulting him. He reminds me of of being about as emotionally stable as my 6 year old daughter.
Then you have poor Max who is stuck in the middle. On the one hand he has his best friend Grant, who he's known since he was 10, calling him out for flirting with his brother and making it known that he doesn't want him involved with Aspen. Well...if Max had balls he would've strapped them on and flat out told Grant that while they are best friends, he (Max) is an adult and can very well make adult decisions involving who he gets involved with and not. On the other hand he has Aspen, the man he is apparently falling in love with, but honestly doesn't get to know him (in my opinion) beyond the chemistry they have in the bedroom.

I wanted to like this story.
But when you have "adult" (and I use this term loosely) characters who are so immature it takes away from what could've been a good story.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engulfed in a toxic ⚠triangle: get Grant some empathy and a backbone, please!
3.5-4🌟stars
I have read every story in this series so far and, though I like the way the author has built up this small Upper Peninsula, gay-friendly community couple by couple, this story was not as successful for me, largely due to a major character who I really disliked.

👥The main, new couple, local health enthusiast/gym owner Aspen, and visiting ecotourism guide Max, had to constantly jockey around Grant, Aspen's newly-found halfbrother and Max's longtime best friend. Grant had so many issues and just expected everyone else to fall in with his desires after letting his own adoptive parents run roughshod over his life. I just could not warm to this guy even after he seems to turn aboutface and think how others feel. He was so integral to the couple's relationship that he soured it for me every time he appeared, sneer and/or pout at the ready.

Aspen is the most sympathetic of the three and I was really rooting for his HEA, complete with loved ones to replace those he had lost. In Max he has a flirty, hot partner who seems to share his values, but for now long and at what expense? This couple has problems outside of their stellar steam between the sheets and Max disappointed me more than a few times in the way he handled them. Other than his work and his connection to Aspen and Grant, I did not feel I really knew or understood him.

Did I mention the🔥heat?! There was plenty. 🎭Drama? That too, largely provoked by Grant and his parents and overimbibing at the lone local watering hole. 😨Angst? Definitely. 😊Happy ending? Assuredly. Will I continue with the series? Most probably because the writing's good and I really like Snow Lake and its friendly neighborhood atmosphere, plus I am a pushover for a good romance and this series has had some great ones.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Packs and Snowshoes is the fifth installment to the Hearts of Snow Lake series by author Ashton Cade. I loved this story. This book I feel can be read as a standalone and understood just fine. But I have read the series in order. After all Aspen has been through, I was very glad to have his story told. This story is told in dual pov. I liked that and I also loved the story of Aspen’s brother Grant. I hope there is a separate story that we can dive more into his mind. I liked him a lot. He has a ton to deal with in this story and I felt he really deserves a book of his own one day.
Aspen has found his long-lost half-brother. He found out he had said half brother by finding his adoption papers. His parents had kept this adoption a secret. No one knew he had a brother. Now this brother is Aspen’s only family he has left. He really wants to know him. So, they meet. His brother brings his best friend Max. Having an attraction to Max was not part of the deal.
Aspen has watched his parents die from neglecting their bodies and not doing what it took to stay alive. Aspen is not going down that road ever. He owns the local gym and loves being outdoors. He is a man who takes care of himself. He has a great heart and is very forgiving.
Max is Aspen’s brother’s best friend. He is here for moral support. He is an outdoor guide and sees Snow Lake as the perfect place to set up a business. It doesn’t hurt he wants Aspen for his own. He is torn though between his friendship and life in the city, and what his heart truly wants.
I loved this book. It is a wonderful addition to the series and has two really great storylines going. I think fans of the series will love Aspen’s story and those who are just joining the series will love the love that Max and Aspen have. I cannot wait for more from this series in the future. I am loving it so far.

Five Shooting Stars

[Xanthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5**
Wasn't too sure on the speed of connection between the MC's though enjoyed the over plot of the story.
Aspen discovered that he has a brother, Grant, who is coming to visit Snow Lake for them to meet. He brings his best friend, Max, for support. There's a spark straight away between Aspen and Max but things are tense with the new relationship between Aspen and Grant. Loyalties are tested for both as Aspen is desperate to to forge a relationship with his new brother and Max loves his best friend, here to support him in meeting a member of his birth family and under enormous pressure from his adoptive parents. It's not long before secret meetups happen, only a few days from their first meeting.
I'm unsure about the pacing of the story and how things evolve for the two men, and then how things develop for Grant and his relationship with both men. Grant does seem quite standoffish and brusque which makes it hard for a bond to form between him and Aspen.
Things heat up quickly and it's clear how much Aspen and Max think of each other, regardless of how long they've known each other. It's cute and romantic with how they think of each other, even when in denial of deeper feelings.
Aspen is an adorable character though has feelings of loneliness after the recent death of his mother and no real close relationships with others. Once Max comes to his senses regarding friendships and a romantic relationship, the story is full steam ahead to a HEA.
I think that fans of the series will enjoy getting to know more characters from Snow Lake but it's a little bit hit and miss for me in relation to the book overall.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Edga · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK addition to the series

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Six-Packs and Snowshoes by Ashton Cade
Six-Packs and Snowshoes (Hearts of Snow Lake, #5)
by Ashton Cade
Read
This book was so hard for me to rate, because parts I really liked and some others not so much. I really liked Aspen, and I love the community of Snow Lake. It's made up of, honest people with quirky personalities. A good community of caring people.

The connection between Aspen and Max is immediate. Initially, I really liked Max for Aspen, but it didn't take long for doubts to emerge. One of my dislikes was the way in which Max treated Aspen when Grant was about, he constantly distanced himself from Aspen, due to Grant's sulky behaviour.

Also, Grant. Now I realise that Grant has a ton of insecurities, but my god, he went on and on, talk about self absorbed! I've known people like Grant, you can do nothing to please them and they literally suck the life out of you. It felt, at times, that whenever he was on the page, he sucked the life out of the story.

At times, what with Max's attitude and Grant's toing and froing, my head was spinning! Got to say though that when Max comes to his senses, he does the right thing near the end of the book. He made Aspen happy, and that raised him in my estimation. I loved the ending. Also, the next book is introduced. I'll definitely read it, cos it's Jasper's story, and I've been waiting for his story.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aspen didn’t realise he had an older brother, Grant, who was given up for adoption by their mother, until after her recent death. When Grant comes to Snow Lake to meet Aspen and find answers, Aspen is smitten with Grant’s best friend, Max, much to Grant’s annoyance. This plot had a lot of promise, I thought Grant’s hunt for answers would be fascinating, but it didn’t really feature. Instead we got a LOT of unpleasant drama. Ashton Cade has a way of writing that balances the sweet with angst that usually brings a welcome depth to the story. Here Grant provides all the angst and, unfortunately, that makes him painfully hard to like. While Grant has a complete set of (controlling) adoptive parents, Aspen now has none, and yet Grant’s hurt over being adopted entitles him to continually behave badly, uncharitably, and as we discover, hypocritically. Aspen doesn’t do himself any favours by lecturing people on living a healthy lifestyle, it’s well-intentioned but anyone would find it annoying. Max constantly martyrs himself to Grant’s ruffled feelings and I kept wondering why he bothered. To top it off, Aspen and Grant’s instalove relationship was steamy but they hardly ever communicated, even when reconciling after the inevitable disagreement. I really think this could have been a lot better. Series narrator Cam Walker performed extremely well, he has a calm understated voice which is lovey to listen to.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixpacks and Snowshoes is the fifth book in Ashton Cade's Hearts of Snow Lake series.

Max and Aspen meet when Max arrives in town with his best friend, who happens to be Aspen's newly discovered brother, Grant. What follows is a story of romance mixed with family tension. Friendships are tested. Attractions are explored. Decisions need to be made.

The attraction between Max and Aspen is hot as the two begin a friends-with-benefits arrangement. They make for a hot couple, but the sneaking around makes for some complications. I definitely enjoy them together.

The friendship issues in this one are well developed, as Max is torn between his attraction to Aspen and being loyal to his friend Grant. And the family issues are strong, as Aspen and Grant struggle to see eye to eye.

Honestly, I didn't love Grant at all. He wasn't invested in getting to know Aspen, despite their estrangement not being Aspen's fault.

Their story also includes controlling parents, which is a difficult thing to read. Basically, strict parental control is at the root of this tale and I found myself wanting to yell at someone.

Sixpacks and Snowshoes is a good friends to lovers romance, as these two friends with benefits long for more. But the heart of the story revolves around choosing love or loyalty.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

Great read - more romance in Snow Lake.

Another wonderful instalment in the Snow Lake series. This is another well written, easy to read small town romance with minimal angst, likeable main characters with lots of chemistry and lots of heat.

Aspen is the owner of the local gym. His mother recently passed and he became aware that he had an older brother, Grant, that was put up for adoption. When his brother comes to visit, he brings his best friend Max with him.

Max is an outdoor ecotourism guide and is thinking of starting a business in Snow Lake after the end of his 7 year relationship. He and Aspen feel an instant connection to each other but Grant lets Max know, in no uncertain terms, that he’s not supportive of any relationship ideas Max has with Aspen.

This leads to Max and Aspen sneaking around to be together (heat factor set to high) so they don’t upset Grant’s fragile emotional state. Unfortunately this doesn’t work out too well. After navigating through some twists and turns, Max and Aspen do find their HEA.

I highly recommend this book if you like a small town romance with some feels. This is book 5 in the series but can be read as a standalone.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. 
Aspen is meeting the brother he just found out that he had. Meeting his brothers best friend was more in between a blessing and a curse after all he and Max couldn't act on their mutatal desires could they? Grant is being torn apart on the insides by his adopted parents for even being in Snow Lake, Max is there for him even when he has to remind himself he just got out of break up. Keeping secrets from his best friend wouldn't end well..right.  Will Grant forgive the sneaking or could Max have to choose between his best friend or his heart? Can all three live with the decision that come from this. A beautiful reunion of brothers that was one was lost and never known about, Grant feels indebted to his adopted parents willing to put his happiness on hold just for the guilt they sway him to their way. One brother losing two people  that has come to meet so much to him. And poor Max in the middle of this with love for his best friend and Aspen. Snow Lake is filled with love with so many wonderful and enjoyable characters. 

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the Snow Lake series. This story starts out with resident gym owner, Aspen, looking forward to meeting the brother he never knew about until after his mom died. Aspen and Grant have only video chatted up to this point. But it’s the man Grant walks into the diner with that instantly gets his attention. Max is exactly the type Aspen would go for, but they both keep the chemistry in check d/t Grant. Grant’s adoptive parents have kept him under their thumbs his whole life and they are not happy Grant decided to meet his sibling. This control has also made him very insecure and loathe to stand up to them. It also has him lashing out when he finds Max and Aspen flirting. Will Max find a way to keep his best friend and the man he is beginning to fall for? Or will his need to keep Grant on even footing cost him the best thing to come into his life? I really wanted to smack Grant, a grown man, upside the head a lot, but when it came down to it he pushed Max in the right direction and even ended up finding a HEA for himself as well as a renewed relationship with his brother. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns aplenty in this 5th book. To discover a brother neither knew they had. This is a roller coaster ride through the emotional turmoil of all three characters involved.

Aspen learns of a brother in Grant that his deceased mother never revealed to him. Aspen's has lost his family's last connection in her needless death but now he has a chance to connect with the last of his unknown family. As for Grant he carries the emotional baggage of his adopted parents and he needs to escape their overbearing influence so he comes to Snow Lake with the backup support of his life-long friend Max to also discover what he's been missing. Though Aspen and Grant have video chatted they have never met face-to-face. But from the first sight each has Aspen and Max are the ones who connect. Is it wrong for their attraction to grow while leaving Grant on their periphery (out in the cold) since their meeting was to help Grant emotionally. This is the 5th in the Snow Lake series and was one powerful story; full of angst, heartache for all involved, and hard fought resolve. A hard fought HEA with many revelations. I did get an ARC for my honest review.

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks Flying!

Aspen had no idea he had a half-brother till his mother passed away. His older brother was adopted. He reached out and they agreed to meet in his hometown, Snow Lake.

Max accompanied his best friend to meet his half brother, not expecting a hot man in the person of Aspen. Career-wise, he wants to branch out on his own by scouting out areas for tours and he thinks Snow Lake has a lot of potential. He is a guide.

Both men are attracted to each other but sneaking around behind Aspen’s brother and Max’s bestfriend is leaving a bad taste to them both. Aside from the fact that nothing is definite whether Max is staying behind or leaving after the visit.

This a low-angst love story between two men who are mutually attracted to each other, but both are still reeling from recent hurts, so they are navigating slowly. It is a sweet story overall, as all Snow Lake stories are so far. I am loving the series, and if you are into zero to low angst stories, then this series is definitely for you!

[Mary Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
Where exactly is Snow Lake and how can I get there ASAP??

I love this series so, so much! It's soooo sweet and lovely! It seems like all citizens of little Snow Lake will find the happy ever after they deserve and it is AWESOME. These stories are incredibly relaxing and entertaining. Everything is happening very fast and with every book I just feel like I am back to visit "my friends".

This time we have a great book about Aspen (i loved his name!), a gym owner who recently lost his parents and found out he has a brother. Both MCs (or should I say all three of them?) are absolutely LOVABLE, but their relationships (as lovers, friends, family) are difficult and complicated. The story is super sexy and believable, but also kind of predictable. On the other hand, that is exactly what I wanted - to see a HEA and another happy couple (or two).

I can't wait for Jasper's book!

* I voluntarily read an ARC copy for an honest review *

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes your family relationships can be unhealthy.
Grant's parents are borderline toxic so when he comes to town to meet his brother, Aspen it sets off a chain reaction.
Grant's best friend Max comes along for moral support.
Aspen and Grant are awkwardly trying to figure out how to have a relationship and Grant's parents treatment of him has not been conducive to him truly knowing himself.
When sparks fly between Aspen and Max, they try keeping it quiet because they don't want Grant to have an issue with it.
He does, and I really didn't want to like him.
I understand that his parents didn't exactly provide the healthiest upbringing, I really wanted to smack him upside the head and tell him to grow up.
Luckily, he redeemed himself and Max came to hear s senses and realized he couldn't live without Aspen.
Another great addition to the series and then can't wait for the next installment.

[Jacey Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this latest story in the Hearts of Snow Series!!! Aspen is meeting his long lost brother, the one he never knew about. He is super excited yet nervous to meet him and hopes that it goes well. Meeting his brother's best friend Max is something that Aspen didn't bargain on. He makes him feel things that he wasn't expecting. Falling for Max was never in the plans. Max came to Snow Lake to support his best friend not to fall for his brother. Can Max and Aspen have what they both desire or will the best friend/brother stop what could be the best thing that ever happened for them?
I loved this story so much....right now hands down my favorite in the series. I laughed, swooned, and cried while reading their story. I highly recommend this book to all and I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series. Well done!!!

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying this series from book 1. I love Snow Lake and the community there

Aspen (which I love this name) is now alone with no family until he finds out he has a brother his mother had given up. His brother comes to town so they can meet and brings along his best friend Grant

Aspen and Max have an instant connection to each other and a lot in common. However they feel they need to sneak behind grants back as Grant has been warned to stay away from Aspen. Sometimes I felt this book was more about Grant and his issues than these two guys.

Max and Aspen were great guys and Max was out in a tough spot. Best friend or man he’s falling for? How can this work out? Check it out.

I look forward to the next book

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a little different from the others in this series quite unique. Aspen’s mother passed away, so when going through documents he finds he has a half brother who was given up for adoption. Aspen reaches out to Grant who comes to Snow Lake with his BF Max to find out why he was given away. So a main part of this story is naturally about Grant with Aspen and Max secondary, I loved this storyline. Grant’s adoptive parents were controlling, did not like them at all, Grant had to learn to be more assertive and I loved Max and Aspen together there were sensual hot steamy intimate scenes which I loved. This is a must buy to see how this ends.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I honestly recommend this book.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen is excited to meet his brother. He didn’t know he had one till his mother died. Grant isn’t very impressed with Snow Lake. Along with Grant comes his best friend Max, Aspen is very, very excited to meet him. They begin a secret relationship, both afraid Greg won’t react well.
As they get closer to falling in love, life tears them apart.

I liked Aspen and Max. Two strong men who let their brother/ best friend take over their life and thoughts. Grant was not a sympathetic character. He hijacked the story in places. Which I think means he was well written.

It’s set in a small town so people from the other books show up fairly often. Even though Grant and his parents weren’t likable I did like the story. The whole series has been good.

I received an arc of this book.

[Elle Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still love the town of Snow Lake (& there’s a funny quote late in the book from Max that says people don’t want to leave) and adore most of the characters I have met there. But I really struggled with Grant. He’s not one of the characters in this love story but drives the plot a lot. His insecurity and the control he allows his family to have over him were difficult to read. But the way he doesn’t treat Max like his best friend for most of the book made it hard to like him. They kept saying they were best friends but he rarely acted in ways that proved that. However, there is redemption and the author pulled everything together beautifully into a satisfying ending. So even though I struggled with Grant, I finished the book happy and appreciating Max and Aspen’s story.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the small town of Snow Lake. Everyone is so friendly and the characters are likable. Aspen recently lost his mom, and when cleaning out her house he found out that he had a brother that she gave up for adoption before he was born. Grant came to visit and brought his best friend Max. Max and Aspen hit it off right away and were a great couple. Grant was a little standoffish and unlikable for most of the book. He warmed to to me a little by the end luckily. I enjoyed seeing Max and Aspen get together even though most of the book seemed to be about Grant and his drama. I’m looking forward to more books and couples in this series.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[jennrubenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book but wanted more!

Another solid chapter from the Hearts of Snow Lake series! I enjoyed seeing Aspen and Max come together, what they shared in common and where their differences were well matched. (I’ve never heard of a vegan who couldn’t eat yeast, though?!) But I especially loved Grant’s evolution as he dealt with a massive change in his life, from meeting his brother, learning about his birth mom, buying the old Victorian house, meeting Josh. Much of his story is off the page, though, and I wanted more details! Especially more about his relationship with his parents, which we only hear second- and third-hand.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow Lake is working it’s magic again, in this really good addition to the series.

I really liked Aspen, how kind and considerate he is, he is so hopeful when meeting his brother for the first time. The attraction between him and Max was instant and developed in a way I could see as actually happening even all the sneaking around. There is a fair amount of sexual tension which gets very steamy. There was plenty of this book that made me smile, but Grant did annoy me with his immaturity he’s the older brother for heaven sake. Overall though I did really enjoy this one and would possibly re-read it.

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This series has been so good. This book was just as good as the rest. Aspen and Max have this awesome connection.
They are thrown together by unfortunate circumstances,Aspens family is gone ... or so he thinks. Grant is his long lost brother that he didnt know about. Take Max,Grant, and Aspen and some not so wonderful parents and it feels like the whole thing will blow up at any moment.
This book had good chemistry, I do wish I could learn more about some parts in the book,(dont want to give anything away). There were some parts I wasnt sure if they could have been explained better but overall I really liked and enjoyed the book!

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storyline in this book, but there was alot going on. I loved the hear and chemistry between Aspen and Max, and I could understand how Max could be torn between Grant and Aspen. I just felt that too much of the drama was focused on Grant and how he would feel about them being together. He got in the way of a great romance, for me. There was just a tad too much emphasis put on him for him to be a secondary character, unless he's going to be in an upcoming book of his own. I still enjoyed it, and it was well written just like the other previous books.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen is meeting his brother for the first time. His mother gave Grant up for adoption when she was fifteen. Grant is not very friendly at first because he doesn’t understand why she gave him up and he’s been having problems with his adoptive parents. Max is his best friend and his attracted to Aspen. There’s an attraction for Max and Aspen from the moment they meet but Max knew Grant will have a problem with it and keep their relationship from him. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Snow Lake series and I’m glad they found their HEA.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 5 in the series is just as good as the previous ones. Now is the story of 2 brothers reunited after being given in adoption to different families, and how they struggled to get to know each other even against family. Of course, love is in the air, and while Aspen was falling in love with Max, his brother's BFF, Grant was starting a relationship with a realtor. What starts well, finishes well, so all of them found love and family in Snow Lake. Great reading, some angst situations but with an amazing HEA.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.