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Ellery Mountain #3

The Carpenter and the Actor

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Jason is hiding out in Ellery, grief-stricken and unable to trust anyone, until Kieran shows him it’s okay to let go.

Desperate to escape the relentless pursuit of paparazzi following his brother's death, actor Jason seeks refuge in the familiar embrace of his home town of Ellery. All he wants is peace and to find anonymity within the secluded tourist cabins of Ellery Mountain during its off-season, craving a respite from the unrelenting scrutiny of the outside world.

Enter Kieran, a determined man who knows precisely what he wants: the captivating actor Jason, tied up, surrendering to his desires, and pleading for more. Their passionate encounters quickly turn to love but scarred by his past and burdened by the fear of betrayal, Jason panics. Even in each other's arms, Jason can’t find the trust he needs, and all too soon it’s time for him to leave. Unless Kieran can get him to stay.

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First published April 29, 2013

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About the author

R.J. Scott

307 books2,711 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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5 stars
349 (31%)
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417 (37%)
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299 (26%)
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46 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,861 reviews1,269 followers
August 9, 2015


Whew boy. The plot inconsistencies were rampant in this one.

This one tried so hard to be something that it's not...fluff trying to be erotica. :/

I know this series doesn't require much thinking, which can be good from time to time. And it wasn't like I'm not familiar with this author's writing style. (It's 2 years old - so I'll just leave my gripe with Britishisms in an American setting that this author does a lot, here in the review because it's not going anywhere else.)

This story was like tepid tea. The hint of...kink(?) - actually you know what, it's vanilla - lots of couples strike tying their partners off their sex bucket lists. And the short guy being on top as a plot device could have been sharper to actually have an effect. It made no sense. And then having Jason stare at every gay tall man just kinda made Kienan look pitiful more than anything.

*smh* Ugh...

a) I needed a story from this state for a challenge.
b) I read something off my TBR that's been on there for nearly 2 years.
c) I'm not stressing on the weak plot. I'll save my time for something else.
d) I'm seriously contemplating reading the rest of the series.



I just don't know.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,853 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2013

Well, the Ellery Mountain series keeps improving, this time it's Kieran's turn front and centre 4 stars

The rehabilitation centre project is continuing, and Kieran is heavily involved in that as well as his other jobs....his first love - producing custom made furniture and dealing with the upkeep of the Ellery Mountain resort....he's a very busy boy!!

One morning he disturbs a very good looking guy with his drilling and hammering...needless to say, the guy is not happy!! They start talking, and Kieran discovers that the guy Jason is a big TV star back in LA...Kieran is clueless, he doesn't watch a lot of TV, but that doesn't explain why the guy is in the middle of Tennessee on his own. Matters progress, and Jason gets to meet the other guys...Finn and Max, Daniel and Luke. He and Kieran come to an arrangement...as Jason is only at the resort for 2 weeks, they'll be friends with benefits...they're both lonely, single and let's not forget, damn hot!!

One day, Finn spots Kieran in town and mentions that he has put Jason in a holding cell at the jail, the reason being Jason is as drunk as a skunk, and a danger to himself. The reason for that, and what happens afterwards, you will have to discover for yourselves.

Many thanks RJ, I haven't checked out the rest of the series yet, but I hope you've got room for that hunky doctor!!

Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,997 reviews438 followers
June 10, 2022
Another cracking good story in this series of little novelettes as I like to think of them. Although they're short, it doesn't stop RJ from really building up the characters of her men.

This one's super hot with a Hollywood actor hiding out from the world after the death of his brother and our delightful Kieran, who fills up his days with dreams of making his own furniture full time while helping out Daniel at the cabins.

Together the two of them are wonderfully sweet and also amazingly hot too as they switch up in the bedroom and bust those gay stereotypes with passionate scenes of light bondage and control.
Profile Image for Candice.
932 reviews
May 4, 2013
With each of these books, I can't figure out which story I liked better and which character I like better. They are all just so great friends and there for each other. I love that all of the characters stay involved with each subsequent book. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for romancejunkie.
390 reviews86 followers
August 16, 2019
I love this story, it is such a delight!!!
Jason goes to Ellery to escape the guilt and the terrible sadness he feels over his brother's death and to be without tabloids talking about the ups and downs of his life for a while, there he meets Kieran and falls for him and the attraction is mutual,so the two agree to have a casual relationship for the time he is there. But things start to become more meaningful as their feelings to each other escalate, so they have to make the hard choice of letting go of the love that had begun in their hearts or make a go for the relationship to last and take a more serious turn. Jason and Kieran were relatable characters, it was easy to understand their doubts and fears with the decisions they had to make.
I enjoyed their story very much and adored the personality of Kieran and Jason.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nic.
Author 44 books368 followers
May 28, 2013
There is something a little bit special about this series! Each book focuses on a new couple but couples from previous books still make an appearance as all the guys get together for their weekly beers and all help each other - one happy family!

In this story, Kieran (the carpenter) and Jason (the actor), start a 2 week relationship while Jason is staying in Ellery. Jason is a Hollywood actor (cutely nicknamed "Hollywood" by the guys) but suffered the loss of his brother the year before. He is dealing with his guilt about his brother's death. Kieran is absolutely gorgeous - kind, caring, supportive and very much a part of Ellery.

Together they make a great couple, although at first it is difficult to see what they have in common. Their lives are so very different but really it comes down to what is in the heart, not where you live or what you do for a living. I loved the way that Jason was able to give Kieran what he needed sexually.

This is a lovely story that deals with overcoming loss and moving forward - for Jason this means dealing with this grief and Kieran's Dad also finds love again after the loss of his wife. The boys also get the centre for dealing with PTSD complete.

There are no huge dramatic moments such as the fires, car crashes and lunatics that appeared in previous books. So a bit less excitement but this doesn't make Kieran's and Jason's story any less special.
Profile Image for Don Bradshaw.
2,427 reviews105 followers
April 27, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Jason is a man struggling with his own demons and guilt over his brother's death. Hounded by the tabloids and on hiatus from his successful television show, Jason finds himself in Ellery. He immediately falls in lust with Kieran, the last single guy in the Friday night beer group. The two guys go out for lunch and hit it off. Kieran is fairly insecure because he's short and fairly shy so runs off at the mouth before he thinks. Kieran doesn't run Jason off though.
This is the third installment in the Ellery Mountain series and while the book is well written, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous books. I think that the problem that I had with the story was that Jason had to fly back to Los Angeles and Kieran could not leave Ellery. I personally believe that long distance relationships work so for me the story ended as a HFN. I liked both Jason and Kieran a lot and they felt very real to me with their insecurities and problems. I especially enjoy how Ms Scott keeps the characters from the previous stories active in all of the books so that there is a smooth flow and continuity. The characters are well developed and the sex was hot. I recommend this book and maybe I am wrong about the HFN ending and other readers will find it a HEA.
Profile Image for Melissa.
861 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book in the Ellery Mountain series! I don't care what some people say... Sometimes you need a short read with hot chemistry between the MC's... I loved Kieran in the other books and am glad he found his own love.


Jason is a good guy looking for some peace after a bad year and he finds Kieran, who turns out to be exactly what he needs.


My only complaint (not the right word really but can't think of the right one at the moment) is that at one point Jason says that the one thing the papers and himself agreed on was that twenty-seven was too young for his brother to die... And when he's talking to Kieran later in the book he says the accident happened three days before his brother's thirtieth birthday... A minor thing really but had me confused and going back to look to make sure I wasn't crazy lol

Rj Scott is definitely on my list of top M/M authors as I always love her work and I am really excited for Liam's story!
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
May 19, 2017
So...I was a tiny bit skeptical with this story starting off with the same general premise as the second one did with the two main characters only having a few weeks together before moving on. Granted, the matchup is a little different and of course the characters personalities are too; it was just that "we've got a couple of weeks, let's just hook up and have fun" attitude they started off with at first that gave me pause.

BUT...Kieran and Jason's relationship developed quite differently from Daniel and Luke's. Where Daniel and Luke felt more entwined and like physical need to me, Kieran and Jason felt like comfort and familiarity...peppered with a really nice dose of spice! While the time constraint similarity between the stories still poked at me here and there while reading, I was able to overlook it in the end because Kieran and Jason worked so well together.

This series is very solid so far, and The Carpenter & The Actor gets another 4 stars from me. Again, this is still for readers 18+ thanks to the adult language and M/M sexual content. I'm looking forward to the future match-ups to come in this series, and I'll definitely be following along!
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
October 29, 2017
3.7 Stars

There were some inconsistencies that threw me out of the story (was Ben 27 or 29? I'm still not sure) and the British spelling of words for a setting squarely in the mountains of Tennessee kept grating on my nerves. BUT I did like the approach to a temporary affair turning into a tentative relationship.

Also, this one was much less dramatic than the other two...which can be good for a break but made this feel a little incomplete in comparison. Although...the lack of orientation angst was refreshing compared to some books set in the South. And I LOVED that no one gave up on their lives; Kieran is still a small town carpenter and Jason is still an LA actor. They just put in the effort to make it work. I think that alone made this story go from just around 3 stars to slightly higher.
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,615 reviews25 followers
January 27, 2018
'The Carpenter and the Actor' by RJ Scott is the third installment in the Ellery Mountain Series. This is Kieran's story, the handsome, young carpenter and friend to Finn and Max, and Daniel and Luke. Kieran is the only single guy and, although he's happy that his friends are in love, he is feeling a little like a fifth wheel. Jason is an actor trying to be reclusive and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. Kieran makes quite an impression on him when he comes by early one morning and proceeds to make a great deal of racket not realizing anyone is there. Although not the greatest start, Kiran stirs Jason's interest and wants to get to know him better. Kieran is likewise inclined and they start up what is supposed to be a no strings attached, two-week affair. Neither of them are expecting it to escalate as quickly and be so meaningful in such a short time.

I adore Kieran. He's cute, dependable, creative, a hard worker, and outwardly shy. Underneath, as Jason soon finds out, he's a tiger especially in bed. Kieran also has a temper particularly when anyone tries to imply that he can't take care of himself and it comes out when his friends, especially often Daniel, are overly protective. Although he agrees to a relationship with Jason, he's tired of one-night stands and meaningless sex. He yearns for a deeper relationship, especially since his best friends have found their soul mates. Kieran really shows his strength when Jason takes a downward spiral on the anniversary of his brother's death, and needs Kieran to carry him for a while. Kieran steps up and takes charge and does an outstanding job.

Jason is a really nice guy, especially for an actor. He's secure and in charge, but he's not a prima donna at all. He's considerate and kind to the people in town and is quickly welcomed to join Kieran and his friends at their regular Friday night get-togethers. He successfully fields their questions and concerns and ends up convincing them that he has Kieran's best interest at heart. He even wins Daniel, the toughest nut to crack, over. Underneath, Jason is not all calm and collected. He's morning his brother's untimely death and suffering from unreasonable guilt about his part in it. Kieran helps him through this which brings them closer together than ever.

This is my favorite story so far. Jason and Kieran are two very realistic characters who complement each other in a huge way. There isn't a great deal of angst, no separation to get back together, just two men facing issues as they arise, being able to acknowledge what's in their hearts, and come up with a reasonable solution as they burn their way through the mattress with their fiery passion for one another. I recommend this story to Ellery Mountain fans and to new readers as well who enjoy a strong, romantic story with descriptive, realistic characters who quickly get under your skin and in your heart. Thanks, RJ, for another great story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.



Profile Image for JR.
875 reviews33 followers
November 11, 2013
The Ellery Mountain series is as close to old fashion romance as one can get. If you want a little romance in your reading, you can't go wrong with this series.
This time the story centers on Jason, an actor, escaping the glamour and grind of Hollywood after the death of his brother. Kieran is the last in the group of friends to have any romance in his life. He's a small but feisty carpenter that has no problem putting his friends in their places or through their paces. It's love at first sight or in this case, "why are you making so much noise while I am trying to sleep?"
It's a great story, hot sex, romance and engaging characters. It's great on a cold day with some hot chocolate. I give it a tool belt full of stars.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews134 followers
February 1, 2015
BOO! I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. Maybe because I wasn't happy with how it ended?



I'm going to wait to read any more of this series, but I will be continuing on just not right away.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,467 reviews379 followers
May 1, 2013
I'm continuing to love this series, and enjoyed this as much as the last one! Great characters, and I always love getting to see the previous books' couples around too, I'm glad that they are still so involved in later books. I love Kieran, so it was great getting to read his story.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
April 17, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the third in the series - and the original Friday night gang are all moving towards their happy ever afters. I am really enjoying the job theme - as sadly we so often become bound by what we do, rather than who we would like to be. The opportunity to combine two different careers and make it work is much harder in this instance, but thankfully Ms Scott manages to pull it off.

Kieran has been an important foil in previous books, so it was good that he got his turn at love, even if he found it very difficult to believe that Jason was really looking at him that way. Actually Jason is capable of appreciating male beauty in all its forms, and the rest of the gang don't necessarily understand his appreciation is visual rather than emotional!

We get a little fun sideline in romance too - involving Daniel's Mum and Kieran's Dad, which is fun too! And the rehab centre is taking form, and no doubt opening up further opportunities for romance.

Looking forward to the next one already.


Wicked Reads Review Team
1,071 reviews
June 27, 2023
A worldwind romance but worth the time to read!

This is a modern romance, the third book in the “Ellery mountain series” and should be read in order for most enjoyment! Kieran is a gifted carpenter, a firecracker of a man; Luke is hiding out from his fame while dealing with the loss of his brother. They come together in an explosive fling but Luke must return to Hollywood and Kieran belongs to Ellery mountain. Another world wind romance befitting a hallmark movie but I loved Kieran’s cheeky personality; it was worth the read!
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
October 10, 2021
These are shorter - but easy, sexy reads. Instalove like the last one, but a unique couple. Happy Kieran found his HEA with Jason.
Profile Image for Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews.
1,206 reviews43 followers
April 28, 2013
4 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

Jason is a popular actor who suffered the loss of his younger brother, nearing the anniversary he flees to Ellery Mountain for the anonymity and peace he hopes to find. Hiding out in the cabins he comes across sexy handyman Kieran, who disturbs him more than he should, taking a chance he acts on his attraction. But, he’s an actor from LA while Kieran is a carpenter from Ellery, can he really hope for more than a fling? Kieran wants more than just a fling but will take what he can get, helping Jason deal with his past shows him Jason is more than just an actor, but can long distance work?

This third instalment to Ellery Mountain is cute Kieran’s story, and what a little spitfire he is. Jason is an actor who lost his brother to a car crash, he feels guilty and blames himself, Jason is hounded by the press as secrets about his brother come out and now with the anniversary of his death looming Jason flees to the one place where the press will never look; Ellery. Kieran is surprised to discover a guest in one of the cabins, but it isn’t long before he hits it off with Jason.

Kieran and Jason are a fantastic couple, even with them both knowing that Jason is only around for a short time, they embrace what they can in the short time they have together. Kieran has a slight complex, he’s short blond and his mouth runs away with itself. Jason is perfect for Kieran although he makes a couple of mistakes, Kieran helps Jason through a hard time and they have to admit what they really want before they both make a mistake. The sex between them is really hot and Kieran really shows us his true self in those moments, both men are incredible together. The storyline moves swiftly and smoothly, there’s no real angst except two men refusing to acknowledge what they want from each other and I thought it was really well written, I liked how they resolved their relationship and that they gave it a go even though they are both from different worlds.

I will recommend this to those who love stories of finding love in unexpected places, different worlds coming together, hot men having hot sex and a very happily ever after.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
November 6, 2019
📒 This is steamy, interesting and romantic. Jason, a sweet, sympathetic and lost man who is suffering the guilt of feeling responsible for his brother's death. He's at the resort in Ellery to get away from his public life while he tries to deal with the anniversary of his brother's death. Kieran is a timid, naive and caring man who is the handyman for the resort. They see a lot of each other in the first couple of days of Jason's stay, mostly it's Jason staring at Kieran's butt while he's bent over doing various things. As they get to know each other, they find that not only is there an intense reaction between them, but they really like each other. When Jason decides that he wants to give in to his attraction, Kieran is all for it, even if it is only for a couple of weeks. But they end up falling in love, which presents a real, agonizing dilemma, can they, and should they, try to make a relationship work when Jason's life in L.A. is too dramatic for Kieran, and Jason isn't willing to give it up to live in the middle of nowhere. These two are well suited to each other, their personalities compliment the other. I enjoyed reading this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,503 reviews239 followers
October 3, 2015
I've been frustrated with the Ellery Mountain series because the second and third were nothing like the first. The first was a thriller with lots of danger and mayhem and rescuing, etc. I eat that stuff up. The second two were good but there was no danger at all. They were typical romances, although with this one, there was at least somewhat of a plot. Within that framework it was quite good. I just think it had potential for scenes of imminent peril that weren't there. Although I enjoyed it, I'm not sure whether I'll keep reading.

A couple of things I really liked: showing that the small town is dying with boarded up shops. Very common in small towns and it's sad.

The other thing I liked was that the sweet little "twink"

3.5 stars rounded up because I honestly didn't know what the resolution would be.

Happy ending?
Profile Image for Roxy.
573 reviews40 followers
May 9, 2016
The third instalment in the Ellery Mountain series is another compelling addition. Emotionally charged, and at times intense. I love Keiran and his nervous babbling cuteness. I love the continuing character development with the previous characters. Smouldering in all the right places, I like that Keiran has a little kink to him and shows that just because he is smaller than other men in stature does not mean he is some sweet little twink that wants to be dominated. I do think it ended to fast though. The epilogue just jumps 3 months down the track with a long distance relationship and hints at a greater commitment. But realistically if Jason intends to act until he is playing old grandfatherly roles as he states, how is such a part time arrangement going to work? I would have liked a bit more body before the epilogue and a bit more of a resolution at that stage.
Profile Image for Pippii.
329 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2013
Squeeeeeee Kieran, ohhh Kieran, got his own story and his own guy♥
Kieran is this sweet guy, working at a carpenter in Ellery Mountains and one morning finding himself working just outside the cabin where Hollywood actor Jason McInnery tries to sleep and escape from the world a little. No such luck, once he cast his gaze on the cute, blonde, nervous talking Kieran, that ticks all his boxes; and vice versa.....
From lust at first sight, they agree to have a "sex with no obligations" relations ship for the few weeks Jason stays in the cabin...But, as always in Ms Scotts lovely books, love and happy endings is a part of every story, and also here..but I won´t tell you how. Go Read!!!
Profile Image for Katy Beth Mckee.
4,702 reviews65 followers
May 17, 2013
It was fun to see Jason get so flustered around Kieran. Once they other guys got over being protective they made great new friends. Wasn't sure how they'd work things out but I'm so glad they seem to be figuring it out.
Profile Image for Bogusia.
1,063 reviews28 followers
May 19, 2013
3.5 stars
I seriously could have gone straight to the next book :)
Profile Image for Sharon.
137 reviews
April 30, 2013
Love this series! Was so happy to read Kieran's story! Looking forward to the next one in the series.
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