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On the Rocks #2

Ima-GIN-ation

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This is the second installment of the "On The Rocks" series and is actually Leo and Cam's interesting love story...

Can an architect and a bar owner build a strong relationship? Not without a strong foundation and ImaGINation!

Leo Anderson is about as confused as a guy of twenty-eight can be. All his life he’s been denying a part of himself, and now, with the appearance of a dashing architect in Leo’s simple life as a bar and restaurant owner, that side of him—the side that is attracted to men—comes exploding from the closet like a battering ram.

Cameron March, a forty-something architect, discovers his attraction to men and women—after he’s married with a family. Being a responsible father, he buries those feelings deep inside himself for the sake of his two sons until one-day, his wife decides she’s done with the marriage… nearly fifteen years later.

When Leo contacts Cam about expanding On the Rocks, the beach bar Leo owns with his singer-brother and best friend, Cameron’s immediately attracted to the barman—and the timing couldn’t be worse. Cam’s divorce is final, but he’s still fighting his ex-wife to keep her from taking his younger son to live in the Pacific Northwest where she wants to begin her new life.

How can Cam and Leo explore the possibility of a relationship without Cam losing his son?

It’ll take a lot of ImaGINation…

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2022

53 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

Sam E. Kraemer

88 books227 followers
I grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!

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5 stars
84 (46%)
4 stars
57 (31%)
3 stars
31 (17%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,033 reviews108 followers
February 5, 2022
4,5 stars for this well written love story. I enjoyed Leo and Cams story ... although I managed to read the books in the wrong order 🙈
Which may be one reason for the missing half star.
Another is, that I had troubles with Leo at the beginning and at the end ... but he managed to redeem himself both times.
I congratulate the author to the story. They could have done what a lot of authors do, and let Cam be the one to bring additional problems at the end. But they did not and I am really happy about that.

I enjoyed reading this book and will now read the first one immediately ... and after the short insight into the next one, I am looking forward to Cords story.
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,646 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2022
What are you doing..... you cant finish with that teaser for the next book and its not out yet!!!!

Anyways, going back to Cam and Leo, they were sooo cute, and I loved that we had previous characters return. I really detested Cams ex, until I found out her motive. Im still not her supporter, but I understand her better.
I didnt like Cams assessment of himself, I believe he thought he waa happy as he had his small family. But I think the man he is, with Leo, Cord and his boys at his side, will prove happier.

As for Leo, its not that he chose a label or box for himself, except to be happy. He gets to have that, he has Cam and his sons, his brother, Tanner, Cord, as well as an unoffical adoptive mother. His life changed and became fuller, the day he reached out to Kelso.
209 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2022
I enjoyed Whisky Dreams, the first book in the On the Rocks series, but Ima-GIN-ation was even better and had me captivated from page one. I finished this book in one day and completely fell in love with Leo and Cam.

The chemistry between Leo and Cam was HOT and with the exception of a small step back in their relationship, they worked out their problems and communicated like adults. They both complemented each other and Leo was patient and wanted what was best for Cam.

Leo's brother Kelso and best friend Tanner and Cam's sons Grayson and Archie were awesome and supportive side characters in this book (I'm pretending Jessica didn't exist) and Cam's brother Cord made me laugh out loud several times.

This was a great book and I am eagerly anticipating book 3 in the series which features Cord.

Profile Image for Madhu MaBookYard -.
1,318 reviews29 followers
February 5, 2022
An architect with a mid-life crisis, and a bar owner with an attraction. When they are unable to stay away from each other, it gets messy, steamy and drama filled.
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My Rating : 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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"Falling in love with him had been quick as lightning. Getting him to love me back was the challenge. The man had a lot of hurt that needed to heal before he could trust his own feelings, I was sure, but I could love for the both of us in the meantime."
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This book follows our main characters : Leo, a confused bar owner with a crush on the architect doing his bar renovations, and , Cameron, a responsible father with a mid-life crisis and an attraction that might take everything he loves away. I think the meet scene between the characters, the consecutive misunderstanding, then the pining and attraction flowed really well and the background story made a lot of sense when combined together. Cameron was an idiot sometimes, but his fears were justified and its doesn't hurt that his kids were adorable and understanding. The drama involving the ex-wife and the twin brother was hilarious (even though the situation was quite serious).
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Coming to the story and the character development, I really loved the way the characters started their relationship after the 'Tour'. It made for a humorous conversation and I absolutely loved Cord!! His character honestly made the story so much better and the tone became so much lighter even though the plot was dealing with quite a lot.
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Now, even though I loved the characters, the author tended to use the book title puns a lot. I mean A LOT. Enough that I kept noticing it and it felt repetitive. And that misunderstanding towards the end could have been explored better. Other than that this was a solid read, and I'm definitely picking up Cord's book next because that sneak peak was amazing!
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Thank you so much GayRomanceReviews for the gifted review copy!
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Book 30 - January 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : Bisexual leads, Single Dad, Family Drama, Feel good Romance
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
January 17, 2022
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.  Dang, Sam E. Kraemer takes the reader on twist with this book, it was an overwhelming read in the best of ways! It was good to read Kelso and Tanner are stilling going strong, which I had know doubts. Tanner quirky thinking, because that is one way to make sure a growing body eats their veggies!
Wow this is another one those emotional books, as you just can't help but fall in love with both Leo and Cam. Even with the age agap between them, there is just to much working in their favor to be together as Cam runs to a getaway vacation to hide his shame over Cam's over the top reactions to him showing up at his job. Never dreaming on his tour to meet Cameron's  double.
Is Cam going to be able to explain his bad behavior to Leo was all due to his inner fears of losing his sons because of his ex wife? Fate or Destiany is interesting to see in the works of these two as they both are fighting struggle of their attraction, only neither had been in this position before. 
If Cam doesn't pull his head out of the denial sand he is living in his brother just very well swoop in a latch Leo up. Oh what a wicked woman Jessica was using Cam's caretaker nature against him and I just loved Cord! It just warms the heart that those boys have Miss Yvonne to be a momma to them, as Leo so needed that extra bit of moral support.
1,647 reviews15 followers
January 17, 2022
M/M first-times between sweet guys with little angst, some humor and a super HEA
Anyone who follows me knows that my favorite subgenre in M/M romance is first-times or gay-for-him. This story is about two nice guys, Leo and Cameron who are just coming to realize that maybe they are Gay or Bi. Leo is the 28yo co-owner and operator of On The Rocks a beach bar who plans on renovating it and needs an Architect. In steps Architect Cameron March, recently divorced from his wife, father of two young boys/men and coming to grips with his newly acknowledged bisexuality...and 45yo. He and Leo are too passive to take the first step. They need help. Oh. My. Word. You won’t believe the next bits. Loved this story and all the many characters, except one maybe. You’ll see...Every story needs a villain.
This series is so entertaining. The author allows us to see how Kelso and Tanner from the previous book are faring in their new relationship. Kelso is Leo’s brother and Tanner is Leo’s BFF. Love Archie! What can I say? I truly enjoyed getting to know these guys; and seeing them finally succeed was priceless. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and recommend it to readers of M/M fiction who enjoy low steam but lots of romance.
3,559 reviews38 followers
January 22, 2022
As the second book in the 'On the Rocks' series by Sam E. Kraemer, this is a perfect blending of characters and a continuation of the 'gang' in the South Padre Bar. You'll want to travel down to south Texas, sit on the deck and watch the bartenders and surfers. Throw in some music, food and romance and you have the perfect vacation spot.

Maybe the best thing will be all the information you'll gather on distilling craft gin!

Cam Marsh is looking for love, while keeping Archie and Grayson as his top priorities, while he haggles with his ex wife over custody issues and tries to keep his bisexuality from being an issue. When his attraction to Leo Anderson comes under scrutiny, he goes on a trip to gain some much needed time away from the bar. The surprises he finds on the road further stoke his ambitions for the bar.

Prepare to spend some time in jail, be entranced by a 13 year old boy's zest for life, and the vindictiveness of a woman who doesn't know what she wants in life. By the end of the story you'll have another 'Marsh' to fall in love with and lot of questions that still need answering for secondary characters.

I'm sure book three will be a perfect sequel!
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,016 reviews
January 19, 2022
After the first book in the series, I couldn’t wait for Leo’s story and this certainly didn’t disappoint. If it’s possible I think I liked it even more than the first.
Both Leo and Cameron are wonderful characters and amazing together so it wasn’t hard to feel invested in their relationship. Leo is rediscovering himself and Cameron is fighting a vindictive ex-wife, and together they discover their true selves and who they are meant to be. I especially liked that the author builds their relationship slowly and with a story that felt real to what each was going through.
Cameron’s two sons, Grayson and the delightful Archie add much to the story as does his brother Cordon who is another interesting character. We also get to catch up with Kelso and Tanner from the first book and see how their relationship is continuing.
This was a great story full of emotions, first times, some humour, heat and a satisfying ending.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
389 reviews
January 22, 2022
I picked up this book because I thought the title was cute and the blurb sounded interesting (I’m a big fan of bi-awakening stories). This was a new-to-me author and I had not read the first book in the series. I will say, the character of Leo was quite well-developed and enjoyable, as was Cam’s son Archie. The overall premise (adding a small-batch distillery to Cam’s bar) was fresh. The family (and found-family) dynamics were well crafted.

But still I struggled. A lot of the dialogue felt choppy and unnatural and there wasn’t a great flow to the story. Some of the situations characters found themselves in felt quite contrived. And a whole subplot involving an identical twin brother just . . . fizzled out. Some of the characters were flat while another (the ex-wife) was an angry caricature.

Overall, the story structure was sound (romantic plot, subplot about child custody, over-arcing theme of the bar) but I can only give this one 3 stars.
Profile Image for Monica.
485 reviews
February 10, 2022
Interesting. I was shocked when I recognized the locations that take place in this book, Brownsville and SPI, Texas. Cam is an architect who is newly divorced with 2 sons. Leo is part owner of "On the Rocks" a beach bar in South Padre Island. Leo is expanding his bar with the help of Cameron March and his business partner Lance. With some sort of misunderstanding/embarrassment Cam and Leo end up on the wrong foot and aren't speaking to one another. Leo's I ther business partner is to now deal with Cam and Leo goes on a vacation and ends up doing a distillery tour. There he ends up meeting Corden March. Cams twin. With some melding Cord gets Cam and Leo to make up. Both of them are newly bi sexuals, Leo having never even kissed another man. They start messing around but do so hidden due to Cams ex wife trying to fight for custody of their 13 year old, Archie. Lots happens. It was a good read. Slight drama with the ex wife. There is an age gap. Leo is 28 while Cam is in his early 40s.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,540 reviews47 followers
January 20, 2022
*4.5*
Ima-GIN-ation sees Leo, brother of Kelso from book one, and Cameron overcoming some hurdles to be together, each in their first relationship with a man.
Leo has only recently discovered that he may not be 100% straight and Cameron is one of those men that helped him to come to that. Cameron is on the far side of a bad divorce, needing to keep things calm to not rile up his ex any more than needed but his attraction to Leo cannot be helped. A misunderstanding and confrontation leads to a minute of upset but things seem to fall into place for them with a little help from meddling family an the sweetest teenagers.
I enjoyed how the story unfolded. Both men have a lot going on in their lives, personally and professionally, so it takes some talking and understanding before they know where each other are coming from. They definitely have good chemistry and I enjoyed the twist and entertainment that came with Cordon. It's a little bit of a slow burner but that felt natural for the story as they take their time to get back on track whilst not upsetting the status quo when it comes to Cameron's ex wife. His son, Archie, is just adorable and I felt for him in regards to his mother's exploits, not a woman I'd want to meet!
There's a great cast of characters here, some we met in book one and some new. Cordon I found especially entertaining as a larger than life personality and not afraid to butt in to situations to "help". It's good getting to catch up with Kelso and Tanner again too. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series after the taster in the epilogue!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Shirley Frances.
1,798 reviews119 followers
January 24, 2022
The second book in the ON THE ROCKS series was a sweet, yet steamy and at times emotional romance between Cam and Leo as they struggle to overcome the obstacles along their journey into finding a HEA.

Although the story was as insta-lovey as I expected, I appreciated the author’s effort in bringing an array of elements to the page. Thus resulting in an engaging and enjoyable read with a wide range of emotions, humor and steamy moments.

I had no trouble following the story even though I hadn’t read the first book in the series, mainly because the author made sure to give enough background into the key players while still keeping Cam and Leo’s story in the foreground.

I will be looking for more from this author, especially since that epilogue that left me anticipating what’s in store for Cordon March, Cam’s brother.
1,671 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2022
Leo and Cam hit a pebble right in the beginning of their friendship. Leo decided to go on a tour of Gin distilleries in the DC area for a few weeks to get away.
The author held by attention from the first page. Wonderful characters and I must question when last you heard a teenager ask for broccoli? Kelso and Tanner are still featured in book two and support Leo and Cam in finding solutions.
Thankfully I read Ima-GIN-ation in the On The Rocks series shortly after Whiskey Dreams and am now left with a dilemma of having to wait for Absinthe Minded, book three in the series. Will you be as excited to find out who will be joining the On the Rocks crew or also frustrated because of the wait?
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
929 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2022
Sam E. Kraemer is quickly becoming one of my one click authors. They have this ability to draw me into their stories. i enjoy the balance of storytelling, humour and some not so great things.
Leo and Camden, after a bump fairly early on, create a relationship that works for them and both of Leo his children Archie and Grayson. Of course it is not as easy as that, but I don't want to spoil to much. The author creates these wonderful characters for the mc's and especially Archie. The others such as Tanner and Kelso, who already have their story told in book one of this series and Cam(den) who will be one of the main characters in book 3. Which I can't wait to read
I was given arc by the author to leave an review.


4,5*
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
January 25, 2022
This is the story of Kelso’s brother Leo from Whiskey Dreams and Cameron, an architect who he hired to redesign his bar. They have chemistry and a connection, but Cam is frightened by it and unintentionally drives Leo away with his rudeness. I loved getting an update of Kelso and Tanner! The author wove a phenomenal story that hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end and I still think about the story. This will be one that I re read over and over. Overall, phenomenal! The story is really well written with complicated and complex characters, highly recommend it!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy I received. This was solely based on my honest thoughts and opinion.
772 reviews7 followers
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February 1, 2022
I did not think book two would be more fun than book one, but this one raises the bar. Leo and Cameron are the bomb! This one fills the heart and left me smiling. Leo, the bar owner, hires Cameron, the architect, and soon romance begins. Of course it is not so simple as chemistry they share as both me are new to their feeling and afraid to accept them, much less act on them. I love how this book is about remodeling a bar but it is really about remodeling one's life. It is fun, but also has an emotional wallop. I loved the continuation of some of the characters from book one. It gives this series such a family feel. I want to know them, hang out with them, and see what happens next. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
745 reviews34 followers
February 9, 2022
3.5 stars

Enjoyed this one a lot more than the first book. I’m a sucker for bi awakening books and loved that the trope was included in this story. The pacing in this story was bit better than the first, and more attention to detail regarding characters was apparent. There were points in the story though that resembled stereotypes of characters like the angry ex wife. I’m tired of reading things like that when they are written in a too familiar way. I was confused about the secondary plot of the story because it built up momentum in the story only to fall flat? There’s gotta be more to that—surely.

Sadly, I was left wondering about a few things that felt open ended.

*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
697 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2022
The second book in the series. And is just as good as the first.
This book concentrates on Leo and Cameron.
Architect Cameron is a divorced father of two boys. He and his wife, Jess, are struggling to compromise on custody of the boys. Jess shows she will stop at nothing to win.
Leo is a part owner of a beach bar and loves his job, what he struggles with is his feelings toward his new architect, Cameron.
After a tense meeting at Cameron’s office Leo decides not to deal with him again. Instead he goes on a trip visiting distilleries. That’s where he meets Cordon who is Cameron’s identical twin brother.
When Leo comes back home he can’t hide his feelings and neither can Cam

I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.

Profile Image for Pat.
1,592 reviews18 followers
January 27, 2022
IMA-GIN-ATION  BY SAM E. KRAEMER.
 
This stunning book has so many wonderful characters that II was overcome with emotions , hardly any angst and extremely well written this book is a well deserved five stars .
Leo and Cam have a journey that sees them grow in understanding and then in love
Their attraction was not immediate, it grew slowly.
 Leo is 28, single and runs a bar. C is recently divorced and has  two boys .
 Cam is 45 years old.
 They have a connection but need a push to get together, in steps Cam’s twin brother!
This is a wonderful story of two men who have a lot going  on in their lives but along the way find time for themselves .
 
Profile Image for Sue Milkovich.
1,740 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2022
WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!!!!

This is ON THE ROCKS Book #2. Whiskey Dreams was also a wonderful Book I highly recommend. Leo is the part owner of a beach bar. They are renovating and expanding. Cam is the architect who is drafting the expansion. These two have a instant chemistry and become friends. They quickly go off the rails. Life has a way of gut punching anyone. I'm getting more acquainted with SAM E KRAEMER'S writing style and I really enjoy it. I love the flow of these books. Great characters and a story that plays out with real life clarity. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS ON THE ROCKS SERIES!!!!!
Profile Image for MommyCelia.
281 reviews
April 25, 2023
Cam happened and DNF

I liked the first book and was looking forward to reading Leo’s book….and then Cam March happened. I disliked him from the prologue when he was nasty to Leo and I was hoping there would be saving grace as the story progresses. Nope. He let his ex-wife walked all over him all these years but he was questioning Leo’s motive when Leo was just being kind and considerate. I stopped at 40% because I couldn’t bear seeing Leo fall in love with the ass****. I refuse to be aggravated so I’m skipping to Cord’s book, who is a much more interesting and lovable character.
Profile Image for Mary Vitrano.
437 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
This the perfect example of how to improve your already very good series.
Leo and Cam are super sweet and cute. They are a match made in heaven.
It really is wonderful their journey.
Everything they have to get through to finally became their true selves is absolutely reliable.
And we have some very hot scenes too!😉
This story really talked to my soul.
Another thing that amazes me is the epilogue, I really am looking forward to Cordon and Bailey's story, On The Rocks, book 3.
1,914 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2022
I absolutely loved this story! The depth of these characters is just off the charts! You really feel like you know these characters and feel the depth of their emotions! My heart just broke for everything Cam was going through! He and Leo are just the sweetest and so perfect for each other! This was a very enjoyable story and very well written! This author never disappoints with all the fantastic stories and amazing characters and has definitely become one of my favorites! I can’t wait for Cord’s story! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
608 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2022
This is the second book in the On the Rocks Series. It continues on after the Whiskey Dreams book and we get to learn more about Kelso's older brother Leo Anderson as he discovers who he is after years of denial. It is a low angst age-gap story of Leo finding love with Cameron, an older architect hired to redesign and renovate his beach side restaurant/bar. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which can be read as a stand alone but much more fun to see what is happening with everyone from the first book.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy
391 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2022
This book follows Whisky Dreams and focuses on Kelso's older brother Leo. Leo is just realizing that he is not as straight as he thought he was and is attracted to the architect, Cameron, that is overseeing the renovation of his bar. Cameron is going thru a custody battle with his ex-wife and is afraid of her finding out that he is attracted to Leo. This book focuses on the need for communication between Leo and Cameron and also between Cameron and his ex-wife especially when children are involved. I look forwards to the next book.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,092 reviews66 followers
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January 30, 2022
I read this as a standalone book from this series. I grabbed this because of the emenies to lovers theme.
This is not a smooth book to read which the chapter endings cutting out with an abruptly at a important point ending the flow. I got confused between the characters and figured out Leo was straight and Cam Bi with children.
An okay sarga for Cam and the Ex-wife fighting over the kids custody rights. This one was holding my attention which I'd skimmed parts of the book to see what happens.
DNFD chapter endings where abruptly ended hangers before switching povs.

Leo 28 yrs was co-owner of On The Rocks beginning explantion revolutions.
Cam had two teenage children from his divorce. A straight Cam didn't plan on his reactions to Leo.
1,721 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2022
This book picks up directly after the previous one in this series. Characters flow beautifully as Cam and Leo finally get their chance to figure things out. Another good story with exes, children, fears and eventually happiness marking these pages. The combination of the two books, though reading the first isn’t completely necessary, makes the story flow and nicely. Cam and Leo are great characters as are Cam’s boys, Cord and the people from On The Rocks so add these to the Kelso and Tanner and what’s not to enjoy? I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
1,293 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2023
Leo & Cameron

I think I enjoyed this book more than the first. I liked the characters just as much but I enjoyed the story a bit more. Leo was coming to accept himself as somewhere on the rainbow and when he saw Cam, he was a goner. Cam was coming out of a divorce, rediscovering his suppressed bisexuality and now was battling the devil herself for custody of 14 year old Archie. Jess got off easy if you ask me, she was pretty unhinged. The side characters really are fun in this series. Cord was a fun addition to this crew of beachside residents.
571 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
Finding an unlikely Allie in Love

When Leo met Cameron March, he was unsure of what he was feeling. Cameron was having these same feelings. They had a misunderstanding and Leo went on a short stay vacation.meeting some very interesting people.
Leo and Cameron had a lot to work through and they mostly do.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one, it was loving and had a little bit of relationship angst.
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
January 20, 2022
I have been waiting for Leo’s story ever since I finished the first book. I enjoyed watching Leo and Cameron navigate their relationship, though they both have stumbling blocks they eventually find a way to work through them. I think once they committed to making it work they did very well on that front, I was still confused about the ex-wife because it felt like she couldn’t make up her mind but she suddenly didn’t have a problem with his sexuality once he was able to relieve her worries on what to do with her life (it just didn’t make sense to me). I think Leo and Cameron worked well to build a nice life and family and I look forward to more stories in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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