One screaming baby. One too many diaper disasters. One surprise shooter. One victim. One perpetrator. One blast from the past.
Having a surprise baby dropped at your doorstep has to be the worst kind of relationship buzzkill in history. Instead of dating, now Rocky and I have shifted into becoming exhausted parents with zero time for any kind of fun. Everything is moving so fast that something has to give. I just hope that something won’t be us. Then, when a shooter comes after Rocky and their aim is a little too close for comfort, important questions need to be answered. Who wants Rocky dead? How far are they willing to go to make it happen? How much luck can one person have before it runs out? And where on earth did Rocky put those spare baby diapers? With someone gunning for not only Rocky but also our relationship, one has to wonder just how many hits we can take before it all falls apart.
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Stay is book three in the In Midsummer series by Jessica Frances. This is the next chapter to Conner and Rocky’s story which starts up pretty much where the previous book left off. This is told in Conner’s POV. I wonder, is it possible to love a series too much? To love two characters too much? Is there a level of obsession that is too much? If so, then I might just be in trouble.
Conner and Rocky have just decided to make it official, to give their relationship a go. But before they could even seal it with a kiss, a four month old baby boy is literally dropped at their feet. Along with Rocky’s ten year old daughter, River, Conner, who has no experience at all with children, suddenly finds himself as head caregiver of two kids. Both he and Rocky are running on fumes since Ryder likes to keep them up all night. And don’t even talk about Conner’s diaper changing skills. It seems Ryder likes to save everything up for when his diaper is off. And he seems to have a pretty good aim!
“Surely we’ve had our share of bad luck now. Things have to start going right for us soon, don’t they?”
Everyone keeps saying how quiet and crime free Midsummer is. Well, since Conner has been there, things have been anything but quiet or crime free. The fates seem to be against them. Rocky is called out time and time again during the night leaving Conner alone with the kids. He’s exhausted, frazzled and misses Rocky. He knows it’s not Rocky’s fault. And he isn’t going to give up on him. But he has to wonder how long he can keep this up, how long both of them can keep this pace up.
“There is just something about being in Rocky’s presence, surrounded by him and his stuff, that calms me, that just feels right.”
With everything else happening, the call you never want to receive comes in, the call saying Rocky has been shot and is in the hospital. Was it an accident, or does someone want Rocky dead? And now Conner has an injured Rocky to contend with.
“Why does this have to keep happening? Just when things seem to settle, some huge tidal wave comes along and stirs everything back up.”
Of course Love and Conner decide to play detective behind Rocky’s back to try to figure out what is going on. Add in a movie star, and the reappearance of someone from Rocky’s past, and you’ve got another amazing installment to this series.
“I’ve never felt settled purely because I’m near someone before. A man has never made me feel so at ease and at home like Rocky has. Do I give him that same feeling?”
Even with everything that is happening, these two find a way to grow closer, for their relationship to become stronger. While up until now I might have leaned towards Rocky being my favorite, that’s all changed now. Being inside Conner’s head, feeling the things he feels for these two kids and for Rocky, I am team Conner ALL…THE…WAY!!! Prepare for a swoonfest! Because this book will make you feel ALL the swoons. My heart is bursting right now. My love for these two, for these kids, for everything about this series, just grows and grows.
There is no cliff hanger, things are wrapped up. But, there is still more Jessica has up her sleeve for Rocky and Conner. Their next book will be called Secrets and I have been warned that the swooning will intensify with this one. This book will be in Rocky’s POV this time. So, if you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time to do so. You don’t want to miss a single word of this series, of Rocky and Conner, Ryder and River. I hope you love them as much as I do.
“You bring everything. You are the best man I’ve ever known, and I’m the lucky one.”
This was everything I hoped and needed it to be! Book 3 Connor and Rocky are dating -ish. Well, they are trying. Between the poopy diapers and random bullets, it's a bit hard to spend some romantic time.
As told from Connor's POV, it's the overwhelming parent with a healthy helping new love all wrapped up in an adorable story. Once again author Jessica Frances brings warmth and humor to the story giving the reader entertaining escape.
If you've not binged on the first two books, now is the time!
Connor is happy in Midsummer. Rocky has been working non stop so hasn’t been around much. Conner loves River and even though all Ryder does is sleep, poo, scream, and pee all over him, he’s coming to love the baby too.
Crank calls and an attack on Rocky have Connor wondering if this is a life he can live with.
I’m familiar enough with the characters that the additional new characters fit right in. Low angst, although both Rocky and Connor have the baby blues. Love as always is a love and so is River.
Nice storytelling makes this a sweet addition to the series and the depiction of Midsummer is idyllic. It just has a few problems with someone always coming after the sheriff and his new guy.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Conner has gone from being a traveling vlogger to living in Midsummer with The Sheriff and two kids. The thing is, it's happened rather quickly and Conner has moments when it's all a whirlwind. Add to the mix constant prank calls that have Rocky racing to the department in the middle of the night, a screaming baby .... and then an accident happens and Conner is feeling unsteady.
There are some very real things going on in this installment of the series. Conner is coming to terms with the ways in which his life has changed. He was a free spirit and then suddenly he's a say at home parent. As Sheriff, Rocky is coming and going at all hours and that leaves Conner to deal with the kids most of the time. I liked that Conner questions his life choices! I mean, who wouldn't? It was refreshing to me that Conner has stayed true to himself and continues to wonder about his ability to be a part of a family.
For his part, Rocky is also questioning. Hie ex has dropped off another baby and while little Ryder is welcome, Rocky isn't sure if his small make-shift family is the right place for another baby. He's done his best with his daughter but being a single parent was difficult. Rocky also seems to be questioning whether Conner knew what he was signing up for. I think these are all pretty real issues that people might have to deal with.
There's something very endearing about Rocky and Conner and their little family. I can't really put my finger on it, but I really enjoy reading about them. They have a complicated life which is funny considering that one of the things they both like about the town of Midsummer is that it's a small town with a "simple" life. It doesn't bother me that there seems to be a lot of drama in this small town because the author doesn't over-write it. The drama is enough to keep the plot intriguing while at the same time believable.
I really enjoy this series and I'm glad to see that it's continuing.
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!! <-- understatement of the year! The storytelling of this author keeps blowing me away. With each book in this series, it keeps getting better and better. Ms. Frances makes me feel as if I’m sitting in the same room as these characters, experiencing everything right in front of my eyes. They feel so real to me. I so wish they were.
I could not wait to dive into this story. After book 2 (Separated), I was left wanting, needing, craving this continuation of Rocky & Conner’s story. Not only are they back, but so are all of the other characters I fell in love with in the previous books. Plus a new one I need more of. (we'll talk later about this character, Ms. Frances.)
My adoration of Love is still there. My lust for Rocky still burns hot. And my love for Conner is stronger than ever.
And Rocky is still grumbly and growly...but oh my gosh... he can be romantic and swoony and full of so much lovey-ness! There were times when Rocky was being his usual maddening self, but then he’d go and say something sweet & mushy to make it all better.
“You give me peace, Conner, and I know my life is complicated right now, I know I don’t bring much to the table, but I promise you that, as soon as I’m able, as soon as things calm down, I’m going to show you just how much I appreciate you. Show you how damn lucky I feel to have you in my life.”
SEE?!
Rocky and Conner’s relationship is still new, basically just getting started. They now live together and they are raising Rocky’s 10-year old daughter…and a BABY. (When Rocky holds baby Ryder? Holy pitter patter. My heart is a goner.)
Ryder is an adorable addition to this story. With the diaper blowouts, the drooling, and the stream of piddle perfectly aimed at Conner, I couldn’t get enough of him being cared for and adored by these beautiful, grown men. But with this huge change comes stress. And lack of sleep. And tension. Add in Rocky’s late nights and sometimes all-nighters down at the station, it’s understandable when some frustrations and insecurities set in.
And guess what? There’s a new mystery in town and Sheriff McHottiePants is the target. And he gets shot. GASP
The delicious, nail-biting suspense had me devouring this story and turning those pages. The sleuthing skills and expected nosiness of Love made chuckle numerous times. The loving and heartwarming moments between Rocky & Conner had me feeling all sorts of happy and delighted and smiley.
I must add: Conner caring for an injured Rocky was downright sexy and swoon-worthy and melted my heart.
More charming, small-town goodness, plenty more humor, a new character to be intrigued about (I think I’ve already fallen for him), and a new possible romance?? Oh my gaaahhhhd, I'm obsessed with this series!
I felt like I had been away for a while, and when I started reading this, I finally was back home. I just wanted to crawl into the pages and live there.
Every time I finish one of the books in this series, my heart is full, bursting at the seams with so much love and emotion. I laughed, I cried, and sometimes I gripped my Kindle a bit tighter. I cannot wait for the next book!
Stay, the third book in the In Midsummer series is another entertaining read by Jessica Frances.
The In Midsummer series starts with Stranded, which I enjoyed a lot. Now we get an updated look at Connor and Rocky's lives.
The biggest difference is that they are now raising two kids. Connor's bearing the brunt of the parenting role while Rocky is working too much, through no fault of his own.
This chapter of their lives includes another mystery when Rocky is shot, and Love and Connor are set on figuring out what's going on. Basically, the town continues to have problems since Connor arrived.
I love Connor and Rocky, as they continue to be fabulous together. The kids add so much fun to the story. The diaper moments are a hoot and Connor's inexperience with kids in general will keep you amused.
Written from Connor's 1st person pov, the reader follows along with some fun kid moments, as well as his worries about Rocky. The writing style is wonderful and the emotions are strong with this one. The men are swoon-worthy for sure. I enjoy the mystery, the way it's unveiled, and the way it's resolved.
The entire In Midsummer series is charming, intriguing, and riveting. With Stay, Jessica Frances continues the romance, the antics, and the suspense. It is a delightful series.
This is the third book in this series and these definitely should be read in order and it is a fantastic, perfect addition! I loved this book, it was everything I wanted! I really do love this entire series!
So, as the Conner and Rocky story continues, they are now officially dating while also dealing with a new baby dropped in their laps. On top of that Rocky is overwhelmed with work and is hardly ever home. It’s definitely a lot for a new couple to take on, especially when Rocky gets shot.
This was such a fun read!! I love Rocky and Conner and even though they were plagued with drama it is such a great story! There’s the mystery side of trying to figure out what happened with Rocky along with the fake calls and then there is the growing relationship. Just perfect, I loved it, Rocky, Conner, River and now Ryder so own me! I can easily say this series has been a favorite for me this year and I’m already looking forward to the next book!
A long journey for the reader, Conner and Rocky. I have been on board since the beginning of the series. These two finally open up to each other and become more connected as their family grows. I loved Conner's persistence and ability to love his new family and friends. Rocky was a big teddy bear that growled a lot, but he knew what he needed and went for it. With all the interference and attempted murder, they were best when together, and this kept me reading.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Yes! More Rocky and Conner! I’m a little obsessed with these two. If you haven’t read Stranded I suggest you start there so you get their story from the beginning.
In this installment we get to see Rocky and Conner find a new normal with everything that has fallen into their life. A baby that has taken over and changed so much for them. We also get to see how much more of their relationship develops. With some more mystery mixed in.
I'm a bit torn while rating this book. For one part, Conner, Love, Ryder, and River were all amazing and I love them so much! Conner made me laugh with his antics and having him and Love resume their amateur sleuth ways was a high point in this book for me. The kids were lovely and every single scene they were in had me either aww'ing or smiling. I even liked Reed, Rocky's brother, who we met in this installment.
On the other part, there's Rocky, with whom I've struggled since book 1. Really, I get that he got a baby that wasn't his practically thrown on his lap and that he wasn't sure if he wanted the responsibility—although let's be fair here and say it like it is, the one really taking care of both his kids was Conner. I hated how he treated Conner when he decided to go back to work so soon after getting shot and how he allowed his friends to drag him to a bar instead of going home and resting or actually helping Conner out with Ryder. I hated that he just took advantage of Conner being such a lovely, kindhearted guy and that Conner let him walk all over him. *sighs* And on top of all that, Rocky was all, I know what I'm doing, blah, blah, bloody blah. Meanwhile, Conner was feeling left out and unsure of his place in Rocky's family and I just wanted to scream through a lot of the first half of this book. Frankly speaking, even if Rocky admitted over and over that Conner was too good for him and acknowledged all that Conner did for him and his kids, I still don't fully like him or think he deserved Conner. *shrugs*
I enjoyed the book, it was fun, well-written, and engaging, but I'm unsure if I'll ever warm up to Rocky and that makes me sad because I really want to know what will happen next and I was left wondering if I should, seeing as it'll be in Rocky's POV. Anyway, even with me not fully invested in Conner and Rocky's relationship, I have no trouble recommending the book and the series, it's a good one.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
The journey of Connor and Rocky continues … I have to say, these two become more and more embedded in my heart as I read each story! My heart is full :)
I think what I love the most about this journey (now three books deep) is that it takes place in what one might consider a quiet town but in reality, it is anything but quiet and at the same time, all the shenanigans that seem to happen never come off as over the top or drama thrown in just for drama’s sake. The mystery and suspense happen naturally and realistically. It’s just that there is something amiss at every corner! And it is fantastically woven into the story! I don’t know why that’s my favorite part but there you have it LOL
I’ve enjoyed all the choices Jessica Frances has made in this series thus far and I hope it continues this way. Connor and Rocky become closer and closer and continue to grow in each book and a new level of depth is added to their journey. I’m looking forward to Secrets and seeing what shenanigans the author has up her sleeve for these guys and this town!
Conner and Rocky as a couple grew on me. This time it's Conner's POV again, and I must say I liked him more here than in the 1st book. Maybe it's because he matured in some ways due to circumstances. He was thrown into situations that, had it been anyone else, they would running for the hills, but Conner took everything in stride with a side of humor. I really liked Rocky and how much he opened up to Conner. The heartfelt words really made me see him in a new light. Rocky really loves Conner even though sometimes he has a hard time showing it, but Conner by being there for Rocky when $h*t hits the fan, restores Rocky's faith in people.
There are some baby shenanigans, a bit of amateur sleuthing (Love Fuller will not be denied), some sweet moments between Rocky and Conner and major revelations about Rocky and his family. I liked the united front both men assumed but also Conner's gentle nudging when Rocky needed it. Overall I enjoyed the steadily paced, low angst story with cute humorous moments as well as small town people with their everyday problems.
Book 3- Dealing with a baby can be very hard on a budding relationship. Ryder’s really cute, but he’s a tad bit demanding. Add in the fact that someone is trying to split Rocky and Conner up, it’s a mess. Thank goodness Love is there to help clear things up! One of these days, Rocky MIGHT be able to keep her from investigating behind his back. It’s a rough one for our guys, but it’s worth it.
This series is just adorable, I can't get enough of Rocky and Connor!
Instant family, not what Connor had in mind when he made the decision to stay with Rocky in Midsummer, but who can resist a screaming, diaper exploding baby, an outspoken little lady, and a friend who makes it her mission to solve the town's mysteries even at the express dislike of the town sheriff Rocky.
A fast-paced storyline, with a few twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I can't wait for more drama, fun, and mystery next time in Midsummer!!
This is a continuation of the last book and therefore cannot be read as a standalone.
We’re back to Conner’s point of view for this book. And Rocky didn’t start out so good in this book. I thought I was going to have to give this series up after I’ve invested so much in it. But by the end of the book, he’s better.
This book is the best of the series. The drama is much more believable. I can’t say much about it because it would give away too many spoilers. Conner and Rocky definitely have their relationship tested but they also open up more and communicate better.
Thankfully we don’t have the ridiculous deputy from the first two in this one other than a phone call from him.
I see the next book is going to be from Rocky’s point of view which helped me like him more in the last book. I hope we get a little more relationship development between them in the next book because they certainly need it.
Needless to say, I’m hanging in for the long haul with this one.
I love the new addition to the In Midsummer series. This time it's from Connors' point of view. He's dealing with a new baby, a new relationship, Rocky's daughter, and prank calls the sheriffs office keep receiving. The book is exciting as first two and with new characters and it will have your attention from start to finish. It's also romantic, funny, sweet, a very cute baby and loving friends. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I made my point in the first review but there is one thing that bothered me and I feel I needed (and now can) point out: Sophie - the ex who abandoned the kids - is unfairly vilified. Basically, Sophie told everyone she has no interest in having kids and, as society likes to do and I heard that myself, was told "it will come to her". Thus her feelings were dismissed and discounted and ignored and then, surprise, surprise, she had a kid (kind of unplanned) and, surprise, she was not suddenly delighted to be a mother! How unexpected! It¨s not like she was saying that THE WHOLE TIME! NO! She is a cold blitch because she actually predicted she is not emotionally interested in taking care of little human beings and because she has that baby making thing inside her body, she is a monster for feeling different than the society thinks she is supposed to and when she realizes she can no longer live such a lie and leaves, she is suddenly The Worst Human in ALL History because she decided to find her own happiness after trying to find those feeling everyone said she is supposed to get.
Don't we just despise those expectations? Some people are not okay with queer people and those expectations are okay to buck so it feels unfair the author completely disregarded the fact Sophie DID tell people she does not want kids and was VILIFIED when she actually did not like kids just as she TOLD THEM.
And I guess this is such a topic of tension for me because I also am not longer a kid for some years now and I am still not interested in finding a relationship (of any kind) or settling down and making a family and people around me, even younger ones, are doing that but I just don't want to and that should be an option, it should be a valid option because my feeling and desires are valid.
That is my most sharp complain on the book (and maybe even the whole series).
Go, Sophie! Don't let people dismiss you for being different and not conforming!
P.S: Speaking of Ryder, it's also nice to see a small kid in fiction who actually does the normal things like crying at inopportune times and doing a mess with his bodily functions and just generally resembles a real kid instead of just focusing on his cuteness.
One lovely family. People trying to keep them apart. A shot hitting too close. And uncertainities unsolved.
This was a great continouation of Conner and Rocky's story. This time from Conner's POV again. I always feel the one best who's telling the story so this time I felt Conner's frustation and love the strongest.
The mistery again added a little extra to the story shaking up the seemingly happy life. But it was great how love conquers all and trust means no one can keep them apart.
I really enjoy this series. It is fun and lovely and family stories always steal my heart in an instant.
Connor and Rocky are back! It was great to be back with these men as they navigate their relationship, falling into parenting an infant and once again solving a mystery.
I loved that Connor and Rocky have some great moments together defining their relationship a little more since we last saw them. Though, not alot has happened between them since we left, cause baby Ryder has taken over. Connor seemed to kinda get the baby dumped on him without much say, but he did seem ok with it eventually so I won't knock it too hard.
I loved what we saw of Love again. She is always my favorite and after her greatness in book 1, I never feel like we get enough of her. I want to know more about whats going on with her. Also, the mystery guest. I wanted more of that person. I understood all sides of that conflict and empathized with everyone, it wasn't written with too much slant. The ending though made me think it won't be happy times moving forward there.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rockys little surprise aka Ryder is definitely making his presence known in Rocky and Conners lives! A baby is definitely a lot of work but when you’re a first time parent and your partner not only is constantly needed at work but he gets himself temporarily disabled... well let’s just say by the end of this book I considered Conner to be a saint lol. As is now the norm in Midsummer there’s chaos and drama going down, nonetheless, I was definitely living for the quiet Conner and Rocky moments in which reassurances and openness brought them so much closer. With their beautifully honest declarations still on my mind I can’t wait to read the next book.
Stay is book three In the In Midsummer Series. I think you may be able to read individually and keep up as it’s well-written and has just the right amount of backstory in just the right places but you will get the full effect and better understanding if you read in order. Besides they are really good, gripping, and you will want to devour each one in one sitting! The first book is in Connors view the next Rocky’s , this one Connors and I see there will Be a 4th in Rocky’s. ( that odd cracking sound is my knees and back creaking from the happy dance) Connor has been thrown into a situation with Rocky. About the time Rocky admits he wants to date him, a baby is dropped in Rocky’s lap and calls start coming in more and more keeping them apart and Connor taking care of Ryder and River. Then Rocky is shot so Love and Connor are off trying to solve another crime.
These books are so fun! Who doesn’t like a sexy man in uniform? Cute kids? Cute dog? A nosy duo trying to solve a crime( think Grown up Nancy Drew)? And a smokin hot romance? It’s all here and more! I’m just ready for the next one!
This series is just adorable, I can't get enough of Rocky and Connor! Instant family, not what Connor had in mind when he made the decision to stay with Rocky in Midsummer... but who can resist a screaming, diaper exploding baby... an outspoken little lady and a friend who makes it her mission to solve the town's mysteries even at the express dislike of the town sherif Rocky. A fast paced storyline, with a few twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I can't wait for more drama, fun and mystery next time in Midsummer!!
Fun read, I’m binging on the series. Connor is like a dream boyfriend - he’s like the most emotionally high quotient person ever. JF, the author, does treat the line of evidence, etc and procedures for a law enforcement officer - she does give a warning about it, and I go with it. It’s like wish fulfillment on that end. Love is a better detective than most! I like her character a lot - she’s a mover and a shaker. I’m still wondering what Rocky’s friend’s deal is. Can’t remember his name off-hand, he’s married to Bell. It’s a cool place to live for a few hours.
O my goodness i could NOT PUT THIS DOWN! Everything in this story was handled so well, and not an emotional stone was left untruned. It felt so real and even the messy muddy thoughts were represented. I laughed. I cried. I pearl clutched. By far my favorite entry in a great series!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
In this third entry in the In Midsummer series, Rocky and Conner are in a steady relationship, but they are juggling a lot. At the end of the second book, Rocky's ex-wife had abandoned her new baby with Rocky and Conner, and baby Ryder is still settling in, which means no sleep and no alone time for the two men.
Then add in Rocky being shot at, constant dangerous prank calls, and some big decisions, plus of course some mysteries to solve, and life has become extremely complicated.
My one issue with the previous book in the series was I felt the solution to the main mystery just didn't work. But I though the solutions were handled much better in this book. While some people's reactions may have seemed a little extreme, they worked within the world Frances has created. I thought it was really clever how things tied together.
The supporting characters are full of life and each adds something to the story. I especially love Conner's best friend Love, a journalist, and Rocky's daughter, River (though she unfortunately wasn't in this book much).
But what keeps me coming back to this series is absolutely Rocky and Conner, both as characters and as a couple. They just completely work, and I really love them.
I'm looking forward to the fourth book in the series!
This book was pretty cute. I liked the new character introduced and I liked reading about Conner getting peed on lol What I wasn't a fan of: the mystery. Kind of missed the mark for me. Not sure I get the logic of what happened but whatever XD Will read the new books that comes out in November
Stay is book 3 in the ‘In Midsummer’ series, and we jump back to Conners POV for this one.
What should be the fun going on dates and getting to know each other they find themselves in a domestic situation that neither of them expected; Conner and Rocky’s relationship is being put to the test, a baby dropped at their door and Rocky was shot. With the reappearance of a family member that is not welcome Rocky also has to contend with Conner and Love trying to solve the mystery.
I personally enjoyed this book, as a parent myself I understand how exhausting a baby is. Everything was wrapped up perfectly by the end and I am looking forward to book 4.
This plot is... appalling. For chrissakes. It is terrible. The writing is ok, but Conner is the biggest doormat I've ever had the displeasure of reading about and Rocky has the emotional maturity of a houseplant. One of the reasons I read romance (and, in particular, MMR) is because I do not like children, I am not interested in children, and I do not want to read about children. Usually I can handle a book which sporadically features children (especially if they're older and they're not one of those "super wise and awesome beyond their years" kids) but I don't want to read a book about not sleeping, dealing with pee and poop, and a child crying. Particularly when it's all done by someone who is neither the parent nor the legal guardian. Rocky is unbelievably entitled in this one, dumping the entire parenting on Conner, who, I repeat, has no backbone at all. It's not a Romance if there is no romance between the MCs, dear authors. And someone who is always either flying off the handle or dead tired is not very interesting to read about.