People in the small town of Eagle Creek think I’m a loser. Maybe it’s my infamous mom, or my dead-end job at the grocery store, or my home in a trailer park. Their reasons for shunning me never mattered because I was content. At least I told myself that. Then Grayson Archer walked into my work and flashed a wicked smile at me. The sexy silver fox may flirt with me when he comes in the store, but I know he’s way out of my league.
I came to the tiny town of Eagle Creek to help my friends and their struggling business, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave after the dust settled. I tried to convince myself otherwise, but I know it’s Ruby McLean and her sharp tongue and dangerous curves that keep me here. Part of me wants to give up hope, but the other part of me can’t forget the way she smiles when she thinks I’m not looking.
When Ruby runs into some family problems, I take the chance to step in and help. And the more time we spend together, the more determined I am to get out of the friend zone. I know telling her how I feel would be easy but making her believe it will take more than words.
More Than Words is a full-length novel in the Eagle Creek series. This book is for readers 18+ who love HEAs, unrequited love, a sinfully hot older man, and a sassy plus size heroine.
Wow. Where do I even begin? I loved this book. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. From the beginning I had a constant smile on my face. It gave me butterflies, chills and just made me so happy.
Ruby is so fierce, funny and sweet. She is a caretaker at heart, which I really connected with. She knows who she is and definitely doesn’t give herself enough credit.
Gray is the ultimate book boyfriend. He is so supportive and appreciative of Ruby. I loved how he recognized how much she takes care of others, and then put his energy into taking care of her. He is a protector, so encouraging and just so damn sweet.
This book was so body positive it made me so happy! We need more of this in our lives, and I am always here for it.
Between the friendship budding into love, the small town drama and the added suspense storyline I could not stop reading this! I finished it in one day and can’t wait for more Eagle Creek.
Thank you @authordaphneabbott for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This one comes out May 21st and is available for preorder now!
I absolutely loved Gray in this story. Normally don't read a lot of age gap stories, but this one was done well. I felt like Gray was this big protector for Ruby and it was something Ruby needed in her life after having such a tumultuous life. Also, the bunny scene is quite possibly my favorite. That is all :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn’t get enough of Gray and Ruby. Their friends to “they don’t like me like that” to falling in love journey is so endearing! How could anyone not have total heart eyes over those two? Ruby and Gray met during her night shifts at the grocery store she works at in Eagle Creek. Ruby grew up there and Gray came to town to help out some family friends a few months prior. The attraction was real immediately so as the reader, I was begging them to seal the deal! Ruby is selfless and thoughtful, and is used to most people treating her poorly. Gray has been on his own since he got out of the service and isn’t used to showing his true self to anyone romantically. Watching these two learn to open up, break down their walls and trust one another is heartwarming and truly a reminder to stop holding back because nothing great in life is promised. Not to mention, Eagle Creek stays steamy as ever and there’s a twist that keeps your attention to the very end. Thank you so much to the author, Daphne Abbott, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m loving the series so far and cannot wait for more!
Hands down one of the best age gap romances I have ever read!!!
If you read In the Air Tonight then you were introduced to Grayson "Gray" Archer...best friend to Hunter and now deceased Jonah Mason. Gray and Hunter went to Eagle Creek to help the Mason family save their business and it has now been six months since they arrived.
Being former military and most likely suffering from PTSD Gray has a major case of insomnia so he started going to the town grocery store in the late hours of the night and it is there that he is struck hard by the beauty of Ruby McLean. He starts going in there only during the hours she is working in hopes of getting her to engage in conversation with him.
Ruby is used to keeping to herself. She has been ridiculed her entire life by the residents of her small town because of who her mother is. She isn't stupid and notices that the older handsome stranger that is new in town manages to always come in while she is working but she is such nervous girl that she doesn't know how to interact with him. That all changes one early morning.
Gray starts spending time with Ruby and lending a hand in the simplest of ways and basically integrating himself into her life. When her mom disappears and she is forced to watch after her little sisters Gray is right there to help in every way Ruby needs and then some. Soon he manages to break down her walls and work his way into her heart. Ruby starts to see her self worth through Gray's eyes and realizes maybe those of her town weren't as harsh as she always thought. The sudden turn the plot took made this book IMPOSSIBLE to put down!
Daphne has really set up so many characters already just between this book and the prequel novella. Even though there is a 16 year age difference between Gray and Ruby they are a perfect match for each other, Ruby is just "older" in maturity vs numerically. Gray is a tender and patient man he loves Ruby and her little sisters with everything he has. I really enjoyed that Ruby is written as a curvier heroine and that absolutely no difference to Gray what so ever! Daphne has really set up so many characters already just between this book and the prequel novella. I am so very much looking forward to the remaining books in the series and the path that the other characters end up on.
More than words by Daphne Abbott is such a sweet read! . I love the chemistry between Ruby and Gray. . I love how relatable Ruby is, it makes you feel like you're reading something that could actually happen. . I love how patient Gray is and how he steps in and steps up, he's sooooooo dreamy! . This book is sweet 🍭, spicy 🌶️, swoony ✨, and at times intense 🔥 . Definitely recommend giving this book a read!
Grayson Archer captures Ruby McLean’s attention the moment she sees him. Ruby and Gray were awesome characters, both strong and protective of others, extremely caring and easy to like. The author handles this older man, plus-size woman story in such a beautiful way that everyone will be smiling at the end. Grab your copy and enjoy their story!
This is book one in The Eagle Creek series and it is Gray and Ruby's story. Ruby has had a difficult life but she stays positive even when things are tough and she works as a night clerk at the junction she is also kind, loving and always there to help people but the town gossips sometimes gets her down along with her feeling that she has issues with her body and no one would ever what to get to know or be with her. Gray is staying in Eagle Creek to help Hunter with the business that they bought off Jonah's family who were in trouble and about to loose the marina and they were also like family to Gray and Hunter, Jonah was there best friend from when they were all in the military and when he was killed Gray and Hunter decided that nothing was too much trouble to help his family. Gray is a great man and he is gentle, caring and also has insomnia from his time in the military and shops at the junction at night so that he can see and talk to Ruby who was beautiful, sassy, snarky and always had something to say and he had a real crush on her and Ruby was the highlight of his night but she kept him at arm's length but Gray was determined to get to know her and hopefully break down her walls to allow him in. As Gray and Ruby spend more time together there feelings for each other gets stronger but things are not what they seem in Eagle Creek and danger is just around the corner but will everyone be safe. Gray and Ruby's relationship has not been plans sailing and there are many twists and turns along the way but will they get a happy ending or will it all be taken away from them. Wow I couldn't put this book down and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book and it was so addictive. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next and my heart went out to Ruby and everything that she had been through. Daphne Abbott is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention right from the first page until the last.
I enjoyed this book. I felt invested in the characters and I understood Ruby’s motivations. I felt that Gray was an obvious protector but his motivations could have been explored a bit more because at times he came off as paternalistic but the author hinted at there being more to it with his service background, his friend’s death and family history and I felt like if that had been addressed in more detail I could have empathized with his reactions and behaviors a bit more. I think their age difference and that surface level understanding made it hard for me to connect to Gray as a character. There were some redundancies in explanations that I felt were covered elsewhere.
It seemed like there were some loose ends that never got tied up that I hope are leading to a next book, like Pearls question about Jeff watching the girls and Hunter and Lucy’s relationship. If they aren’t leading to anything, I’m not sure why so much time was paid to them.
I really enjoyed the suspenseful element of this book, it kept me engaged and I was rooting for the family to have a happy ending. I thought it was a unique way to build a bond and I enjoyed that it wasn’t a classic trope. The ending and epilogue wrapped up too quickly for me. I wanted to know more about Pearl’s recovery and what would happen to the girls long term and that seemed to be glossed over.
If this becomes a series I will snap them all up, I am invested in the characters, even Lucy who’s obviously got a lot to unpack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Title: More Than Words Author: Daphne Abbott Hero/Heroine: Gray & Ruby Trope: Small Town/Age Gap
THE GOOD 😁
In a word - Ruby. So fierce and protective of those she loved, she spent most of this book fighting off the various jibes from the inhabitants of Eagle Creek, the small town where she lived. When she meets Gray *swoon*, she finally has someone in her corner ready to protect and fight this battle with her. As the daughter of a stripper, Ruby is a regular victim of ridicule and scorn from the locals , so when her mother mysteriously goes missing, she’s not expecting people from the town to get behind her. This was also the point in which Gray and Ruby’s relationship went from friends to so much more, and it was great to see this progression. As well as the romance aspect, there was also a decent amount of suspense in this story. When both Ruby and her mother are kidnapped (on separate occasions), I was hooked, trying to guess who the hell the kidnapper could be. When it came to light who had taken them, I was like ‘hot damn, I was not expecting this’. With romance, suspense and a great amount of drama, More Than Words was a highly enjoyable read that kept me hooked to the last page.
THE BAD 🙁
Lucy (the sister of Gray’s friend who died during their time serving in the Army) had a crappy attitude for most of this book. Thankfully, toward the end, I warmed up to her, but how she spoke to and about Ruby really annoyed me.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An enjoyable story with just the right amount of romance and suspense STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥 STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Daphne Abbott for gifting me this ARC copy!
This book had everything I’m looking in a romance and even more. Ruby and Gray’s story was sweet, swoony, intense, steamy and full of the hope only true love can give.
I loved Ruby from the very first page. She was such a gentle and loving soul, she didn’t care how much she had to sacrifice for her family or just for the sake of anyone in need. I admired her courage and her kindness even though she lived in a place where everyone had something to say about her. Even though I wanted her to give Gray a chance from the start, I understood why she was giving him a hard time, it only made me root for both of them even more.
Gray was a total dreamboat! 😍 That guy was a walking heart. His crush on Ruby was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read, I found myself blushing, squealing and biting my lower lip many times. He was so giving, selfless and understanding. He wanted to protect Ruby and make her happy, he never hesitated when she needed him, he would jump on any chance to make sure she was OK.
They had so much love to give and it was heartwarming to see them find each other. The steam? 🔥 Off the charts! The tension and anticipation was exactly what I was expecting.
The family and small town drama of this book was very intense, it had the right amount of suspense to keep me wondering and turning the pages. I loved the fact that I wasn’t expecting what was coming at the end and it really surprised me to find out what was really going on. It made the happy ending even swerter!
This was a wonderful book that will make you swoon, gasp and fall in love over and over again!
This was such a nice love story to read. I actually really liked the slow build up of Ruby and Gray's relationship. Normally I am all about the sex scenes and just want the main characters to just get to it already... but this home town feeling book had me enjoying the slow ride. The sex scenes weren't raunchy, they were sweet (again, also not really my type of read). I honestly enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I guess I need a change of pace every now and then. I assumed the MCs had an age difference, but I didn't really notice it until it was blatantly pointed out on their first date. It was also refreshing to read a book about a girl who isn't stick thin and having to hear how absolutely over the top beautiful she is all the time. I don't want to read about a Barbie doll, I want to read about real life looking girls, someone like me. I would like to note that I wish we got a little bit more of a back story on Gray, but it's alright. Maybe a book two? Lol!
Thank you to Book Sirens for allowing me to read this ARC.
Intense and satisfying: This was an enjoyable small town, romantic suspense novel. There were many sides to this story but it all came together nicely. It's the first book in the series however there was a prequel "In the air tonight" which introduced Gray and his friends and it may be beneficial to read that first as it helps set the scene. Although Gray was a lot older than Ruby, I thought they made a cute couple and I especially liked how protective and caring he was towards her. However their journey was a bumpy one and they had a number of obstacles to navigate. Ruby was really sweet and I liked seeing her personal growth. I enjoyed the elements of suspense and danger that were woven throughout the book and I found that I was intrigued to find out how it would all work out. I look forward to reading upcoming books in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel this book is aptly named. There is more to this story than just the words. It provides such a strong heroine that is truly supported by the hero. Ends with a HEA, of course and has an epilogue.
Ruby has been body shamed and treated horribly her whole life. When Grayson Archer started coming into the store she works at, she quickly develops a crush. She never expected him to be so nice, sweet and attentive.
Grayson Archer has moved to town after helping out family friends, The Masons. After buying their marina, he quickly falls into a routine of weekly grocery store visits where he can slowly break down Ruby’s walls. He is ready to settle down and he has his sights set on Ruby.
I loved Ruby! She is such a strong character throughout the entire book. I want to be her when I grow up. My only grievance with this book is the end. It felt like so much happened right at the end and then there was no detailed information behind any of it, it just ended with a quick explanation. I did receive a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More Than Words is a gorgeous military age gap romance. Ruby is the social pariah of her small minded, small Winsconsin town and is trying like hell tosimply get by unnoticed whilst caring for those she loves and helping her elderly neighbours.
Then a gorgeous army veteran named Grey, takes an interest in her and Ruby slowly has to learn how to accept help from others.
This was a beautiful slow burn romance. Grey is a gorgeous man who shows such patience and dedication to not only Ruby, but her little sisters and her elderly friend, Ida, as well.
Daphne Abbott tells a great story, overall. The only issues I had was how nasty Lucy was to Ruby throughout and towrads the end, they were suddenly paling around without there having been any confrontation or conversation towards a mutual understanding between the two, she simply got away with it.
Also would have been nice to get another chapter from the Deputy's POV to possibly show us them discovering the fate of the villain of the piece rather than a hastily written scene that told us what happened. This was a big case of show, don't tell that I had a big issue with, especially given the powerful scene right before it.
Ruby and Gray have such a sweet love story that started slow and built it’s way up into a truly spectacular age gap, friends to lovers story.
Ruby is used to keeping to herself and keeping to her own small little bubble. Gray has his work cut out for him to break down the walls she has built around her heart and to make her see that she is truly deserving of his love. Gray is open to love but at the same time has a fearful heart due to PTSD from military service.
I loved the flow of this story and it felt so realistic. I love that there was a big dilemma that they had to work through and that he was there for her no matter what. He loved her and didn’t give up on that. He just kept chipping away until she was all in as well. The dilemmas that they dealt with weren't your average relationship hurdles. Gray dove in head first, I love that it was him putting in all of the extra effort and not her. It made the story that much sweeter.
The secondary characters were sprinkled into the story at the perfect times and enhanced to the experiences that Gray and Ruby were going through. I am excited to see how this series progresses!
I was lucky enough to receive this book from BookSirens. I hope the prospective reader will read this review fully before making any prejudgments on the book. I will give the book my thoughts. These thoughts are completely my own and not swayed in any way by anyone else’s reviews or opinions.
My Rating: This book is so good. I have to rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It was such a fun read that had so much heart to it. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance and want something a little different in their reading list. I truly enjoyed reading the growth of all the characters and the understanding that they shared. This is a great example of a book that comes out of nowhere and has become one of my favorites!
Ruby's had a hard life. Her mother's supposed sins have colored her life in this little town they're from. When she sees the silver fox walk into the store on her night shift, she's mesmerized by him. Every time he comes in all she can do is watch him. That's okay. Gray wants to just watch her too. He came to town to help a friend maybe even to get away from his past. Two people who keep their pain hidden find that being together makes more sense than they ever dreamed it would. He just needs to break down a few walls to get to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first time reading about a big age gap romance novel. I thought it would be weird but Grayson and Ruby's dynamic was so adorable. Ruby's attitude was on point. I loved her character! And Grayson was just a dream! I also loved the fact that the MC was a normal woman, with curves if u knw what I mean. She was a little insecure with it but our Grayson here assured her that he loves all of her. ❤ Next book is about Olivia, Lucy's friend. I cant wait to see what Daphne has in store for us. ☺️
ARC provided by the author, Daphne Abbott. Thank you!
This was a sweet age gap romance with a dash of suspense sprinkled in to add that bit of yummy to the already delicious mix. We have silver fox Gray, sweet and eternally optimistic for everyine but himself and Ruby curvy, hard working, and generous with everyone but herself. When they finally come together they bring that optimism and generosity to one of the best relationships i've read this year. I can't wait for the next books in this series. If you like age gap Curvy girl Insane religious zealot A spunky old lady(i want to be like ida when i grow up!😂) Two sweet girls then this is the book for you.
***ARC provided by author/publisher through BookSirens***
This started as a cute, sweet, opposites attract, small-town romance. Ruby and Gray were likeable characters, their slow-burn romance was a pleasure to read, their ever-expanding circle of friends and family provided a nice background...
Unfortunately, the story meandered into suspense territory in the second half and lost the spark. I have nothing against suspense, it just didn't fit with the overall story and read more like it was put in to create conflict and possibly serve as some sort of catalyst. It felt incongruous and, IMHO, the story could and would've worked better as a straight-up romance.
This story has a little bit of everything, humor, angst, suspense, and sweet. The heroine is a small town "bigger" girl born to a stripper mom and all that entails in a small town who meets an older ex-military man who has come to town to help out his deceased friend's parents. This is a "slow burn" type of story. The story develops through small interactions between the parties at first and progresses into something more with the help of a meddling neighbor and friends. I enjoyed the progression of the story and it helped to keep my attention with the mystery of her mom's disappearance added in. Overall a good read.
A very well written book. It had all the elements of a thriller, romance and drama. Ruby and Gray make a good team. It's realistic in terms of Ruby's personality and Gray is an example of a gentleman. The reader is kept guessing what is coming next so the plot is not predictable. Looking forward to other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mom is missing. Pearl that is, Why is no one worried? The town isn't worried becasue Pearl is a stripper prone to running off. Her oldest daughter Ruby knows this isn't a simple case off Pearl running off, there was more to it this time. Caring for her two younger step-sisters, working at the grocery store and helping feed the elderly residents of the trailer park is all part of Ruby's like...until Gray shows up. He makes her realize there is more to life than helping others, she needs to pay attention to her needs once in while, too. Throw in Pearl's psychotic father and some radical religion, this book has it all...in a good way.
More Than Words is book #1 in the series Eagle Creek. This story is set in a small town, it has a bit of suspense, and romance. Ruby and Gray have an age gap but that doesn't stop their intense attraction towards one another. I enjoyed the story, the suspenseful aspect kept it interesting. I also liked Ruby's little sister's. This is my first novel, I have read from Daphne Abbott, and it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
The first story in the Eagle Creek series a well written story that I was not putting down until I had finished reading. Grayson Archer and Ruby McLean's story of suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, one very sick villain, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet little romance with some disappearance drama to keep the pages turning. Decent character development for these flawed heroes. Ruby, quite honestly, got on my nerves. I understand where her self esteem issues stem from, but they grated on me. Good authors write characters that get reactions, good or bad, so I can't count this against the book one bit. Sweet love story once Ruby got over herself. Gray is just perfect. Just enough alpha male to bring you back for more. I felt that the ending was lacking somewhat. The epilouge felt rushed and much too short. Not a bad read at all. Recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is a good, and enjoyable sweet small town romance read about an older guy and a curvy girl. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first time reading a something by this author and it was fantastic! Ruby was soooo relatable! I found myself smirking and saying, "Ugh, so me," a lot. I also found myself wanting to give her a good smack on occasion. And Grayson... omg, Grayson. He was absolutely adorable and so sweet! Every girl needs a Grayson in her life.
As a plus size lady with my own mental health issues, I could relate to both of the characters in this story so well. I loved it.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Ruby is one of my favorite people. She is stubborn, smart, sassy, and the most caring sister anyone could ask for. While she curses her extra curves, Gray worships them. I love that he is older than Ruby, she is an old soul who had to grow up well before her time. They fit together perfectly. As if their love story wasn't enough you also get a mystery and some devious characters thrown in to keep you on the edge of your seat. I truly loved the build up and subsequent story!
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Daphne Abbott; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 1st book in the Eagle Creek Series, it is a stand-alone book. Ruby has lived in Eagle Creek all her life. Grayson came to town to help out a friend’s failing business; he’s been here for over a year. Ruby has kept them as friends only but he’s determined to change that.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.