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Love in Eden
Tempting Fate
Jackson
Everyone says what a lucky guy I am. I've got a great kid, an amicable relationship with my ex, and a job working cattle on one of the largest ranches in Eden, Wyoming. Only problem is that "everyone" has no clue that I'm living a half-life.
Because the other half is a closeted gay man who's got it bad for the young ranch hand he works with day in and day out.
But the very straight Travis isn't an option. And even if he were, my sexy co-worker isn't exactly committed to commitment.
So it's time for a change and since gay guys aren't exactly falling off trees in Eden, I'm going to need a little help...
Travis
It was supposed to be a Friday night like any other. Me and my best friend heading into town to find some female company for a few hours. And even though Jackson usually goes home alone, he's still a great wingman.
Unfortunately, between my impatience to get the night started and my bad habit of snooping, I've learned two things about Jackson in the space of five minutes that have left me all kinds of confused.
Jackson's gay.
And he's placed a classified ad to try and hook up with some guy he can't get his mind off after a brief run-in at a hardware store in the city.
Now I can't get my mind off Jackson.
Don't get me wrong, I like the ladies, but why can't I stop thinking about my good-looking best friend and the faceless stranger he's ready to start something new with? Jackson doesn't need some random guy right now. Not when he has me...
Oh hell.
Author's Note: Please note that this story was previously published as part of a charity anthology (Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 3) so it was intended to be a certain length. Although it is a complete story with an HEA, if you don’t care for short stories, Jackson and Travis’s tale may not be for you.
Everyone says what a lucky guy I am. I've got a great kid, an amicable relationship with my ex, and a job working cattle on one of the largest ranches in Eden, Wyoming. Only problem is that "everyone" has no clue that I'm living a half-life.
Because the other half is a closeted gay man who's got it bad for the young ranch hand he works with day in and day out.
But the very straight Travis isn't an option. And even if he were, my sexy co-worker isn't exactly committed to commitment.
So it's time for a change and since gay guys aren't exactly falling off trees in Eden, I'm going to need a little help...
Travis
It was supposed to be a Friday night like any other. Me and my best friend heading into town to find some female company for a few hours. And even though Jackson usually goes home alone, he's still a great wingman.
Unfortunately, between my impatience to get the night started and my bad habit of snooping, I've learned two things about Jackson in the space of five minutes that have left me all kinds of confused.
Jackson's gay.
And he's placed a classified ad to try and hook up with some guy he can't get his mind off after a brief run-in at a hardware store in the city.
Now I can't get my mind off Jackson.
Don't get me wrong, I like the ladies, but why can't I stop thinking about my good-looking best friend and the faceless stranger he's ready to start something new with? Jackson doesn't need some random guy right now. Not when he has me...
Oh hell.
Author's Note: Please note that this story was previously published as part of a charity anthology (Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 3) so it was intended to be a certain length. Although it is a complete story with an HEA, if you don’t care for short stories, Jackson and Travis’s tale may not be for you.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
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782 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
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September 19, 2020
Tempting Fate: A Love in Eden Short is book #1.5 in the Love in Eden series by Sloane Kennedy. This is a very short, M/M, sexy story of two best friends who finally realize just how much they really mean to each other.
Jackson Doyle is in his mid thirties, divorced, a father and works at the Broken Tree Ranch. He has a great relationship with his ex wife. It took Jackson a long time to accept his sexuality, that it was men he is attracted to, not women. But it’s been harder having his very straight best friend being the one man he wants, the man that lives in his thoughts every day.
Travis Rush is about ten years younger than Jackson. His best friend, Jackson, is his wingman on their weekly visit to the local bar, only Jackson usually just sits at the bar. While Travis is waiting for Jackson to get ready for their night out, a little snooping changed everything when he saw something on Jackson’s laptop.
I loved this, I just wish it was longer. I would just love to know what happened in their future. But, if you want a quick happy ever after and enjoy sexy cowboys, then this is definitely for you.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Jackson Doyle is in his mid thirties, divorced, a father and works at the Broken Tree Ranch. He has a great relationship with his ex wife. It took Jackson a long time to accept his sexuality, that it was men he is attracted to, not women. But it’s been harder having his very straight best friend being the one man he wants, the man that lives in his thoughts every day.
Travis Rush is about ten years younger than Jackson. His best friend, Jackson, is his wingman on their weekly visit to the local bar, only Jackson usually just sits at the bar. While Travis is waiting for Jackson to get ready for their night out, a little snooping changed everything when he saw something on Jackson’s laptop.
I loved this, I just wish it was longer. I would just love to know what happened in their future. But, if you want a quick happy ever after and enjoy sexy cowboys, then this is definitely for you.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 10, 2020
4 Stars
Travis: "Everyone else viewed me as the young hothead who liked taking risks and pushing boundaries. I was always the first one to jump off the cliff and into the murky depths without knowing what was beneath the choppy waters. Only Jackson knew that it was fear that drove me to the edge of that cliff, not excitement."
Jackson: "I'd been a lie from day one.
And it seemed like I’d have to continue the lie because…"
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s "Love in Eden" novella but it can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, angsty and a bit emotional. Loved both characters. It’s really short and I would love it if it was a full story. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Travis: "Everyone else viewed me as the young hothead who liked taking risks and pushing boundaries. I was always the first one to jump off the cliff and into the murky depths without knowing what was beneath the choppy waters. Only Jackson knew that it was fear that drove me to the edge of that cliff, not excitement."
Jackson: "I'd been a lie from day one.
And it seemed like I’d have to continue the lie because…"
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s "Love in Eden" novella but it can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, angsty and a bit emotional. Loved both characters. It’s really short and I would love it if it was a full story. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
February 9, 2020
Friends to lovers...
Awesome sexy short story on the Broken Tree Ranch. Jackson, 35, tender when delivering calves, a great Dad, and once Travis saw Jackson in the shower, an immediate obsession, but he’s straight, right?
Travis, 25, the hardest worker Jackson had ever seen, but he was off limits. We learn their back stories, and then after a typical night out, Jackson ghosts everyone. Travis goes to him. Hot sex, deep passion, and a secret.
Enjoy !
======
Awesome sexy short story on the Broken Tree Ranch. Jackson, 35, tender when delivering calves, a great Dad, and once Travis saw Jackson in the shower, an immediate obsession, but he’s straight, right?
Travis, 25, the hardest worker Jackson had ever seen, but he was off limits. We learn their back stories, and then after a typical night out, Jackson ghosts everyone. Travis goes to him. Hot sex, deep passion, and a secret.
Enjoy !
======
February 13, 2020
Well dammit.. why did it have to be so short??
March 27, 2020
OK, there are short stories, and there are SHORT, unfinished stories. This was unfortunately one of them. It was way too rushed. Un-well-formed. And ended at an incomplete edge. Not a fan.
February 24, 2021
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed reading this friends-to-lovers story. I just wish it was longer...
May 16, 2020
A quick short story of how SUDDENLY Travis turns gay and falls for his "in the closet" gay friend Jackson.
SK has got better short stories in her collection.
SK has got better short stories in her collection.
June 7, 2020
3 Stars!! Liked it.. but it felt a little rushed and too short🤔. There were too many fillers with the drinking and owner and the backstories of the MCs.. If SK would have just concentrated on the GFY and the friends-to-lovers trope.. the hows and the whys.. then the ending wouldn't have seemed so abrupt. 😳 🙄
It was enjoyable; sure.. but honestly speaking, I don't think I'll remember the story, characters or even whether I have read this one a couple months from now. 🤷♀️
It was enjoyable; sure.. but honestly speaking, I don't think I'll remember the story, characters or even whether I have read this one a couple months from now. 🤷♀️
March 25, 2021
sloane kennedy knows how to get me.
'tempting fate' checked all the boxes. straight-to-gay, sexual awakening, friends-to-lovers, FUCKING COWBOYS. yes all around the table.
'tempting fate' checked all the boxes. straight-to-gay, sexual awakening, friends-to-lovers, FUCKING COWBOYS. yes all around the table.
Read
June 9, 2021Rating: ✮✮✮
A decent short story in its own right, with great characters written from their own first person views. I liked how the different characters had distinctive voices in their own designated chapters, and it was easy to follow along despite the POV changes.
The only downside to this story is the shortness of it, not only in page count but in actual time passed within its pages. Some elements ended feeling a little forced and unbelievable, such as the "suddenly gay"-element.
The ending also felt a bit abrupt.
However, as I liked the romance and emotional aspects she brings into her characters, I might give this author another go with some of her other, longer novels.
A decent short story in its own right, with great characters written from their own first person views. I liked how the different characters had distinctive voices in their own designated chapters, and it was easy to follow along despite the POV changes.
The only downside to this story is the shortness of it, not only in page count but in actual time passed within its pages. Some elements ended feeling a little forced and unbelievable, such as the "suddenly gay"-element.
The ending also felt a bit abrupt.
However, as I liked the romance and emotional aspects she brings into her characters, I might give this author another go with some of her other, longer novels.
November 7, 2022
More from Clean Out The Kindle…
Sigh.
This short reminded me why I shelved Sloane many books ago. This was 85% internal dialogue and there was way too much packed into 52 pages. If she had just focused on the MC’s and the two of them actually speaking to each other instead of all of it being inside their own heads, it would have been fine. And the “bi awakening” was rather sudden and unbelievable.
Eh. Moving on.
Sigh.
This short reminded me why I shelved Sloane many books ago. This was 85% internal dialogue and there was way too much packed into 52 pages. If she had just focused on the MC’s and the two of them actually speaking to each other instead of all of it being inside their own heads, it would have been fine. And the “bi awakening” was rather sudden and unbelievable.
Eh. Moving on.
February 8, 2020
I've read lots of M/M romance before but I think this was my first by this author and it was EXCELLENT. Very enjoyable, I will definitely check out more by her!
December 22, 2022
Can't give it more than 4⭐, because it's too short.
💚💚💚💚
Don't give me this amazing story and then finish it off before it even starts.
This was a GREAT story.
So great in fact, that I was literally pissed when it ended.
I was invested in Jackson and Travis in a microsecond and I was pumped, I was hoping we'll get to read at least them making love, the story was amazing, short, sweet, hot, all the feels.
We sadly didn't get to that part, we don't even know if they ended up together, how did it work out?
Travis is a straight, 25 years old, blonde, great looking cowboy with a troubled past, who lives and works on a Broken Tree Ranch in Eden with Jackson, a 35 year old divorced dad who's been hiding his whole life that he's gay.
Travis and Jackson are best friends, but plot twist, Jackson's in love with Travis since the day he's met him.
When Travis finds out that Jackson's gay and is reaching out for a hook-up, he's starting to realise that he's maybe feeling more for Jackson than just friendship.
I cannot tell you how much I loved this short story. So, so much. ❤️
I am begging, humbly, for their own book.
...And the continuation of the series.
💚💚💚💚
Don't give me this amazing story and then finish it off before it even starts.
This was a GREAT story.
So great in fact, that I was literally pissed when it ended.
I was invested in Jackson and Travis in a microsecond and I was pumped, I was hoping we'll get to read at least them making love, the story was amazing, short, sweet, hot, all the feels.
We sadly didn't get to that part, we don't even know if they ended up together, how did it work out?
Travis is a straight, 25 years old, blonde, great looking cowboy with a troubled past, who lives and works on a Broken Tree Ranch in Eden with Jackson, a 35 year old divorced dad who's been hiding his whole life that he's gay.
Travis and Jackson are best friends, but plot twist, Jackson's in love with Travis since the day he's met him.
When Travis finds out that Jackson's gay and is reaching out for a hook-up, he's starting to realise that he's maybe feeling more for Jackson than just friendship.
I cannot tell you how much I loved this short story. So, so much. ❤️
I am begging, humbly, for their own book.
...And the continuation of the series.
February 4, 2020
Good story. She should’ve made this a full novel instead of a short story.
March 12, 2020
I've never read Sloane Kennedy before but this was free, short, and sounded like something I could easily read right now. And it was. It was just what I needed.
I really enjoyed these characters. Even though the wordcount was against them, the author gave them enough depth for me to read all the way through in one sitting. But I won't lie, I would have loved more on Jackson and Travis.
Travis is an angry ant and spent a lot of this novella in an angry, defensive state.
Jackson is a nice guy, a counterbalance, who wants the decade younger Travis. Desires him. Is prepared to just be his friend... until that becomes impossible.
There is nothing new here but the author's writing made it flow well, and it was interesting and absolutely necessary to keep on reading.
Based on this novella I'll look closely at more books by this author now.
February 11, 2020
3.5 for a sweet novella ... look forward to a full story with these two !
April 23, 2022
These two MCs couldn’t be more opposite, yet they complimented each other perfectly. And their personalities had a level of depth usually only found in a novel, which made this short story even more enjoyable. From the start, my chest ached for these guys. I was so happy when they got together and found their version of a happily ever after.
August 12, 2023
Nie, tym razem czuję jedynie niedosyt. To było tak szybkie, że w ogóle tego nie kupuję. Nie znam bohaterów, nie widzę chemii między nimi. Nie można z hetero zrobić geja w pięć minut. Poczułam się, jak w tunelu podprzestrzennym, wskoczyłam w jednej rzeczywistości i wyskoczyłam minutę później w innej. Szkoda 😕
December 24, 2022
I know I was warned in the Author's Note that this was only a short story. And I know - intellectually - that you can only fit so much detail and romance into the pages of an anthology, but holy moly! I felt the deep connection between these two characters even in this short amount of pages. I would have LOVED a full-length novel to watch them get everything the two of them deserved together.
February 10, 2020
It was an okay love story. I wanted more though. I know it is an Eden short and I know there many other books in these series, but I expected so much more. It was a cute romance nothing else. It was cringe at some points. It was a quick read to pass the time.
August 28, 2020
This book was 52 pages of heaven. There was a surprising amount of detail for how short it was. But man, I did not want it to end! I wanted to know more about Travis and Jackson's lives before they were at the ranch. I wanted to know how they were going to handle coming out to a conservative small town. I wanted to experience their HEA.
It certainly left me wanting, but I loved it all the same.
It certainly left me wanting, but I loved it all the same.
February 19, 2020
Closer to 2.5 ⭐️
These two were hot together, and I totally believed that they belonged together. This was just WAY to short and rushed. I think it was a disservice to this pairing to give them a short instead of a full length story. Disappointing.
These two were hot together, and I totally believed that they belonged together. This was just WAY to short and rushed. I think it was a disservice to this pairing to give them a short instead of a full length story. Disappointing.
February 7, 2020
Quick, sweet read. Would love to have more about them ❤
February 7, 2020
Cowboy
I loved the story of Travis and Jackson. When I met them in past stories I was hoping we would learn more about them, and I still want more!
I loved the story of Travis and Jackson. When I met them in past stories I was hoping we would learn more about them, and I still want more!
February 12, 2020
Cortito y muy dulce.
May 13, 2020
Good read. I think it was a novella off of a series I haven't read so I was probably missing some eastereggs but it was fun all the same.
May 20, 2021
Sweet short
November 5, 2024
That was a tease.
March 11, 2025
lovely short read
This is a beautiful romantic short read. Unrequited love for his best friend, lovely storyline cute characters romance and steam, a great lunch time read
This is a beautiful romantic short read. Unrequited love for his best friend, lovely storyline cute characters romance and steam, a great lunch time read
May 1, 2023
The only claim I had on him was the one in my heart. And while I couldn’t have claimed him publicly even if he’d been interested in me, I silently considered myself his.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews