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Wingstead #2
Forgiveness Runs Deep
Spiralling so far down after my wife’s death has messed up the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Will this hot-looking guy ever forgive me?
Elijah
Grief can make a mess of things, and that’s saying it mildly.
My wife lived a devout life. I thought opposites attract and that going to church and being everything I am not would be enough. I pretended and lied about who I am.
I had never loved her wholly, I couldn’t, but she had her secrets as well.
Out of the blue, an overconfident man showed up. He showed me how to be my authentic self.
Lane
I never struggled to be me, I’m proud of who I am. What I struggle with is to find someone who loves me, someone who will create a life with me.
After my reason for coming to Wingstead went bust, I needed money fast. I could see the bar I stopped in was short-staffed. Perhaps I could make some fast cash until I figure out my next move … and move on.
What I didn’t expect was to find the handsome bartender and owner who needed me. He’s a hot mess. But is he worth risking my mortal life over?
Forgiveness Runs Deep is a sexual awakening, hurt/comfort, small town M/M adult romance. You can expect some fun antics between two hot guys. This standalone novel has a HEA ending, is intended for 18+ readers and delves into alcohol abuse.
Elijah
Grief can make a mess of things, and that’s saying it mildly.
My wife lived a devout life. I thought opposites attract and that going to church and being everything I am not would be enough. I pretended and lied about who I am.
I had never loved her wholly, I couldn’t, but she had her secrets as well.
Out of the blue, an overconfident man showed up. He showed me how to be my authentic self.
Lane
I never struggled to be me, I’m proud of who I am. What I struggle with is to find someone who loves me, someone who will create a life with me.
After my reason for coming to Wingstead went bust, I needed money fast. I could see the bar I stopped in was short-staffed. Perhaps I could make some fast cash until I figure out my next move … and move on.
What I didn’t expect was to find the handsome bartender and owner who needed me. He’s a hot mess. But is he worth risking my mortal life over?
Forgiveness Runs Deep is a sexual awakening, hurt/comfort, small town M/M adult romance. You can expect some fun antics between two hot guys. This standalone novel has a HEA ending, is intended for 18+ readers and delves into alcohol abuse.
- GenresM M Romance
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
19 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 30, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was my first book by Caleb Marks and I will be back for more as this was a great book. I enjoyed Lane and Eli together with their wonderful connection and chemistry. Both Eli and Lane are drawn to each other but because of their pasts, it takes a little bit to get them together and finally get an HEA that they both deserved.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book by Caleb Marks and I will be back for more as this was a great book. I enjoyed Lane and Eli together with their wonderful connection and chemistry. Both Eli and Lane are drawn to each other but because of their pasts, it takes a little bit to get them together and finally get an HEA that they both deserved.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
This was another beautifully written and executed novel from Caleb Marks. The characters were so fleshed out and the experiences believable. Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2023
3.75stars- FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP is the second instalment in Caleb Marks’ contemporary adult WINGSTEAD MM series focusing on a community of LGBTQ members in Wingstead Wyoming. This is twenty-six year old Lane Montgomery Young, and bar owner Elijah Moore’s story line. FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP focuses on same-sex relationship and alcohol abuse.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Elijah and Lane) FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP follows twenty-six year old Lane Montgomery as he searches for the man who owes him money. Arriving in Wingstead Wyoming, Lane will discover said man is dead but the moody and often drunk bar owner Elijah Moore knows more than he is willing to tell. When Elijah disappears for hours at a time, Lane makes himself at home, working the bar until the owner returns. Lane suspects Elijah is struggling with his sexual identity but the death of his best friend, and his wife, have made Elijah a man he no longer recognizes. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Elijah and Lane, and the potential fall-out as Elijah continues to struggle with who he is, and his attraction to a man he knows little about.
Lane Montgomery Young is a flamboyant , twenty-six year old, gay man who finds himself attracted to a man who had yet to come to terms with who he is, and what he wants. Elijah lost his best friend, lost his wife, and may lose his bar but Elijah refuses to admit his attraction to Lane, a young man who is willing to stand by the man who is destroying his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied-there are no explicit or graphic sexual scenarios.
The secondary and supporting characters include Toby and Mac (Letting Him In 1), Landon, Malcolm and Finn, as well as the introduction of Elijah’s former in-laws, and several ‘queer’ members of the LGBTQ community. Malcolm and Landon’s story is next.
FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP is a story of love and loss, rejection, denial and acceptance, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking; the romance is captivating; the characters are colorful but broken and struggling.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP focuses on same-sex relationship and alcohol abuse.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Elijah and Lane) FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP follows twenty-six year old Lane Montgomery as he searches for the man who owes him money. Arriving in Wingstead Wyoming, Lane will discover said man is dead but the moody and often drunk bar owner Elijah Moore knows more than he is willing to tell. When Elijah disappears for hours at a time, Lane makes himself at home, working the bar until the owner returns. Lane suspects Elijah is struggling with his sexual identity but the death of his best friend, and his wife, have made Elijah a man he no longer recognizes. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Elijah and Lane, and the potential fall-out as Elijah continues to struggle with who he is, and his attraction to a man he knows little about.
Lane Montgomery Young is a flamboyant , twenty-six year old, gay man who finds himself attracted to a man who had yet to come to terms with who he is, and what he wants. Elijah lost his best friend, lost his wife, and may lose his bar but Elijah refuses to admit his attraction to Lane, a young man who is willing to stand by the man who is destroying his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied-there are no explicit or graphic sexual scenarios.
The secondary and supporting characters include Toby and Mac (Letting Him In 1), Landon, Malcolm and Finn, as well as the introduction of Elijah’s former in-laws, and several ‘queer’ members of the LGBTQ community. Malcolm and Landon’s story is next.
FORGIVENESS RUNS DEEP is a story of love and loss, rejection, denial and acceptance, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking; the romance is captivating; the characters are colorful but broken and struggling.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
December 27, 2022
Obviously gay Lane shows up in a small Wyoming town looking to collect on a debt. When he finds out the one owing him money is dead, he starts working in a bar to get enough money to move on.
Eli is the owner of the bar, grumpy and not really happy that Lane is there, but he grudgingly allows him to stay and lets Lane use the apartment over the bar.
Both men are attracted to each other, but Eli especially resists, insisting to himself he is straight. As Lane becomes more of a fixture in the bar and with the townspeople, business at the bar picks up and Lane’s influence is more obvious. Lane and Eli have personal insecurities and previous relationship issues to deal with while they are making a positive impact on the gay community in the town as they work to find what their long term relationship will be.
As I read this book, I became aware that there were secondary characters here that tied into one or two previous books from this author I had read before, and those connections gave me an “aha moment” and added another layer to the characters and the town.
Characters were interesting and the events unfolding kept me going and reading the book in one sitting. I do want to read the other books that delve more deeply into some of the other character duos in this book, and would like one with more of a back story about Lane, as we learn more about Eli’s life before than we do Lane’s.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eli is the owner of the bar, grumpy and not really happy that Lane is there, but he grudgingly allows him to stay and lets Lane use the apartment over the bar.
Both men are attracted to each other, but Eli especially resists, insisting to himself he is straight. As Lane becomes more of a fixture in the bar and with the townspeople, business at the bar picks up and Lane’s influence is more obvious. Lane and Eli have personal insecurities and previous relationship issues to deal with while they are making a positive impact on the gay community in the town as they work to find what their long term relationship will be.
As I read this book, I became aware that there were secondary characters here that tied into one or two previous books from this author I had read before, and those connections gave me an “aha moment” and added another layer to the characters and the town.
Characters were interesting and the events unfolding kept me going and reading the book in one sitting. I do want to read the other books that delve more deeply into some of the other character duos in this book, and would like one with more of a back story about Lane, as we learn more about Eli’s life before than we do Lane’s.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2022
Forgiveness Runs Deep is set within the small gay community in the small town of Wingstead. A small town that probably hadn’t realised it had a gay / LGBT+ community and won’t be the same again. It concerns an extra grumpy bar owner Eli and an out and proud ‘debt collector’ Lane. Both are going to be brought together by a double death and not to help heal broken hearts as such. It’s more a case of healing damaged guys who hide how incomplete they are.
There are a host of interesting characters who mostly provide the support Lane is going to need when he is faced with the total mess that is Eli. There are lots of warm episodes but these are separated by some quite dark moments concerning Eli, his past and his reaction to the possibility of a better future if he puts himself out there.
This is a great read not without some anxious moments. There are some loose ends that I hope are addressed in the Wingstead series as it develops.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are a host of interesting characters who mostly provide the support Lane is going to need when he is faced with the total mess that is Eli. There are lots of warm episodes but these are separated by some quite dark moments concerning Eli, his past and his reaction to the possibility of a better future if he puts himself out there.
This is a great read not without some anxious moments. There are some loose ends that I hope are addressed in the Wingstead series as it develops.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
In some small towns, there is a single event or person that shapes the town for generations. In Wingspread, Wyoming, that single person is Damon, a charmer who was everyone's best friend, champion, and hero until he betrayed, backstabbed, and blackmailed everyone who ever cared for him. I am not giving away a spoiler. Damon has been dead for months before this book opens. The previous book dealt with the anger and sadness Damon inspired. This book deals with the grief and the havoc that Damon's disregard for anyone but himself left behind. Eli can't help thinking that if his wife had not been thinking about ending their marriage, she wouldn't have been killed in the car crash that killed Damon. Lane could finally get his life back on track if he could have the $16 thou Damon died owing him. Throw in some small-town stuff like everyone knowing your business (even if you haven't admitted it to yourself), and Marks delivers another great story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2022
Emotional angst
Lane arrives in Winstead, Wyoming a small town trying to recover a sizeable debt.
In his dazzling, shining OTT fashion he immediately runs afoul of Eli, the grumpy bar owner.
Now, granted, he has reason to be a curmudgeon seeing as his wife has just died.
Being in dire straits, Lane basically hires himself to work at the bar.
Meanwhile Eli is questioning his sexuality which results in some scorchingly hot UST until Eli finally caves and their subsequent encounters melt the pages.
Eli has a lot of unresolved issues that spill over and take aim at Lane.
Lane, meanwhile isn't innocent either.
He's got plenty of emotional baggage as well and constantly flees at the first sign of trouble in order to protect himself.
Eli's former in-laws are causing some difficulties and everything leads to a horrific decision as a result of Eli's problems with alcohol.
These two had a lot of terrain to Wade through both individually and as a couple.
Thankfully they did for a very hard earned HEA.
Lane arrives in Winstead, Wyoming a small town trying to recover a sizeable debt.
In his dazzling, shining OTT fashion he immediately runs afoul of Eli, the grumpy bar owner.
Now, granted, he has reason to be a curmudgeon seeing as his wife has just died.
Being in dire straits, Lane basically hires himself to work at the bar.
Meanwhile Eli is questioning his sexuality which results in some scorchingly hot UST until Eli finally caves and their subsequent encounters melt the pages.
Eli has a lot of unresolved issues that spill over and take aim at Lane.
Lane, meanwhile isn't innocent either.
He's got plenty of emotional baggage as well and constantly flees at the first sign of trouble in order to protect himself.
Eli's former in-laws are causing some difficulties and everything leads to a horrific decision as a result of Eli's problems with alcohol.
These two had a lot of terrain to Wade through both individually and as a couple.
Thankfully they did for a very hard earned HEA.
December 30, 2022
Lane and Eli are a hot mess! Their journey to their HEA is chock full of stumbling blocks.
When Lane rolls into town, he isn’t looking to stay. He wants to get the money owed him then head to New York. Eli owns the bar that Lane lands in looking for information. Eli is not what you would call friendly. That is the start of their journey.
I enjoyed seeing both Lane and Eli begin to come into their own as the story progressed. Many issues came to light during the course of the book; with each one presenting an opportunity to make a choice. It was difficult at times when the choices made were the wrong ones, but that simply made the ending more satisfying.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and would recommend giving this book a read.
Dark Scale rating: 3 for alcohol abuse, mentions of suicide, and homophobia both internal and external
I received an ARC courtesy of the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
When Lane rolls into town, he isn’t looking to stay. He wants to get the money owed him then head to New York. Eli owns the bar that Lane lands in looking for information. Eli is not what you would call friendly. That is the start of their journey.
I enjoyed seeing both Lane and Eli begin to come into their own as the story progressed. Many issues came to light during the course of the book; with each one presenting an opportunity to make a choice. It was difficult at times when the choices made were the wrong ones, but that simply made the ending more satisfying.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and would recommend giving this book a read.
Dark Scale rating: 3 for alcohol abuse, mentions of suicide, and homophobia both internal and external
I received an ARC courtesy of the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 30, 2022
Lane is a sparkly newcomer to the area and invades Bar None with all of his wit and charm. Does Elijah like this, um that is a big fat NO! To say that both men have a past they need to put behind them permanently or accept and move on. But Eli has a more difficult time due to his alcohol consumption. He needs Lane to help him but finds it so hard to ask for it and accept it. There are some moments in this book that are hard to get through if you have ever known someone with addiction of any kind, but it is so worth it to keep going to the end. Can these two broken souls find redemption for and within themselves with help from each other and their friends? Will Lane's fabulous influence make Bar None a fun place for anyone regardless of orientation? Read this book and find out. It is a great follow-up and brings you a little more knowledge of the @##&*(#! that was Damon.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2022
The story of Eli and Lane is book 2 in the Wingstead series. You don’t have to read the first book or the prequel to the series to enjoy this book, although I do recommend reading them since they add to the background. Eli owns a bar but is a shell of a man after hiding his true self and losing his wife. Lane comes into his bar to look for someone who owes him a lot of money and how he starts there as a bartender is actually quite a hilarious story. Eli and Lane find that they have great chemistry, but each of them brings a complicated past, and their path to HEA is full of challenges that are really enjoyable to follow. There were times when I wanted to just shake Eli, but overall, a very nice read and addition to this series. I’m looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2022
This story was intense and packed full of emotions, it kept me captivated and eager to read.
Bar owner Eli is a grumpy man who is a wreck emotionally and in his life. Lane is the sparkly, sassy man with a few issues of his own who walks into the bar and changes both their lives. Both of these men have endearing qualities and flaws that make them genuine, realistic, and likeable. Their journey is full of bumps and struggles, but by the end, their lives are enriched by being together and so are the lives of many others in their small town.
This book has some angst, deals with homophobia and alcoholism, stressful family situations, high emotions, found family, secrets, steamy sexy times, being your true self, heartfelt love, and ends with a sweetly satisfying HEA.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bar owner Eli is a grumpy man who is a wreck emotionally and in his life. Lane is the sparkly, sassy man with a few issues of his own who walks into the bar and changes both their lives. Both of these men have endearing qualities and flaws that make them genuine, realistic, and likeable. Their journey is full of bumps and struggles, but by the end, their lives are enriched by being together and so are the lives of many others in their small town.
This book has some angst, deals with homophobia and alcoholism, stressful family situations, high emotions, found family, secrets, steamy sexy times, being your true self, heartfelt love, and ends with a sweetly satisfying HEA.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2022
Healing and Acceptance . . .
Lane arrives in the town of Wingstead to collect a large debt owed to him by Damon, whom he finds has died. So Lane needs to get a job before he can move on and get a fresh start. Elijah (“Eli”) is the grumpy bar owner who hires Lane and lets him live in the apartment over the bar. Eli denies his attraction to Lane, but the town’s residents seem to like Lane and the increase in business proves that.
Both characters have their own issues and insecurities. Will they be able to work those out and give each other a chance to be together? Will Lane be able to help Eli get over his alcohol addiction? Things won’t be easy, but working to achieve what you want can make them worthwhile. The characters may be frustrating, but they are also likable. Grab your copy and see if there is a HEA for them this time around.
Lane arrives in the town of Wingstead to collect a large debt owed to him by Damon, whom he finds has died. So Lane needs to get a job before he can move on and get a fresh start. Elijah (“Eli”) is the grumpy bar owner who hires Lane and lets him live in the apartment over the bar. Eli denies his attraction to Lane, but the town’s residents seem to like Lane and the increase in business proves that.
Both characters have their own issues and insecurities. Will they be able to work those out and give each other a chance to be together? Will Lane be able to help Eli get over his alcohol addiction? Things won’t be easy, but working to achieve what you want can make them worthwhile. The characters may be frustrating, but they are also likable. Grab your copy and see if there is a HEA for them this time around.
January 7, 2023
Elijah is a widower who realizes that he is gay and living a lie as a bartender in a small Wyoming town. Lane is an out and proud gay man who is passing through town seeking to recover money owed to him. When that does not pan out, Lane ends up in Bar None, owned and tended by Elijah. Opposites attract as the grump bartender and the sassy Lane clash and then connect.
Although there are some deeper moments that deal with hard issues like addiction and being closeted, I really enjoyed this story. There were times when my heart was in my throat and other times when I was cringing at some of the things happening, it was still a really good read. Even though they both have a lot of baggage, the MC's have a great connection and awesome chemistry.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although there are some deeper moments that deal with hard issues like addiction and being closeted, I really enjoyed this story. There were times when my heart was in my throat and other times when I was cringing at some of the things happening, it was still a really good read. Even though they both have a lot of baggage, the MC's have a great connection and awesome chemistry.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2022
Lane finds himself in a dive bar in a small town in Wyoming. He is in search of Damon, a guy who owes Lane a large sum of money, only you find out he had died. With very little money left, Lane needs to find a job. So he took it upon himself to start serving drinks at Eli's bar.
Eli is a grumpy bar owner. He was married until his wife passed. Eli never had feelings for her as he should. Poor Eli burned the person he was. Until Lane entered his life. They had to work through some issues to get their HEA.
I am so in love with Lane. I want him as my best friend.
What a fantastic story. This is my first from this author. With this being book 1 in the series, I am going back to read the first books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eli is a grumpy bar owner. He was married until his wife passed. Eli never had feelings for her as he should. Poor Eli burned the person he was. Until Lane entered his life. They had to work through some issues to get their HEA.
I am so in love with Lane. I want him as my best friend.
What a fantastic story. This is my first from this author. With this being book 1 in the series, I am going back to read the first books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2022
You can't avoid your truth forever. Damon and Eli's wife, Lily died in a car accident together. Eli, is a bit bitter, confused and standoffish. He seeks comfort or forgetfulness in bottles. Lane comes to town looking for money Damon owes him. He's put off learning Damon is dead, but he resiliently finds a solution, of sorts. Eli and Lane, both drag some heavy baggage behind them. Eli, gives Lane a job and Lane brings flash and relaxing joy to the bar. Eli faces a bit of conflict and some serious decisions. Can these men find a way to communicate and save themselves? Can they find peace and trust each other? Good story, pulls at your heart, as real as it can get. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2022
Lane went to Wingstead looking for a guy that took 16,000. was in a bar where the owner would serve someone then disappear. People wanted drinks so Lane started making and serving drinks until Eli kicked him out of behind the bar counter. Eli’ wife was killed and his best friend died so he was drinking to forget but he did hire Lane to bartend. His wife’s parents kept trying to sell the bar to give them the money. Lane turned the bar around and started making money and they were developing feelings for each other but Eli fought it. Then he found out things his wife had hid from him and made things right. Good book!
December 28, 2022
Lane and Eli seem so very different, and that makes them so right together. At least, once they get past their issues from their pasts. I enjoyed reading their story, even through the tears when the story would be heartbreaking. They come through in the end, very happy. Really, they are better for meeting each other. Even the people around them are happier with them together. At least, the people that matter to them.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
December 29, 2022
Lane comes to town to try and collect money owed. He finds out he won't get the money and works his way into a job at Eli's bar. Eli has suppressed his feelings for men and is desperate to be with Lane who has a sparkling personality. Both men have issues and although crazy for each other, Eli doesn't want it publicly known. They have to work through their conflicts to be together. Although a stand-alone book, now I want to read any others in this series. I enjoyed them together. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 30, 2022
Caleb Marks presents us with another outstanding story about Lane - my heart bled for this guy. I enjoyed my journey with him as he discovered new things in a new area. New experiencces not expected for him or me as the reader.
Highly recommend this author.
Highly recommend this author.
December 31, 2022
This is the first book I've read in this series and by this author but I will definitely be looking out for more. I loved these two together, not so much insta-love as two men who heal together and find love.
January 28, 2023
HEA
I remember the other two books before this one the author did another great job but alcoholism it a very real thing and most die of it this another did a great job portray that hardship
I remember the other two books before this one the author did another great job but alcoholism it a very real thing and most die of it this another did a great job portray that hardship
January 31, 2023
3.5 stars
There are improvements from the previous prequel and book but still I find reasoning behind the plot lacking. Why did Damon owe Lane money? How did the cars Damon & Lily were in crash? So many questions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are improvements from the previous prequel and book but still I find reasoning behind the plot lacking. Why did Damon owe Lane money? How did the cars Damon & Lily were in crash? So many questions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2023
But not nearly fast enough as far as I’m concerned. DNF
August 11, 2023
DNF. Too much was linked to the previous stories in this series, it got confusing for me having not read them and at only 30% I gave up. Not disrespect to the author intended.
January 6, 2023
When Lane walks into a bar in a small town in Wyoming, he notices the bartender Eli, who just happens to be the owne, keeps disappearing. He jumps behind the bar and starts serving drinks. Eli comes across as homophobic, but he is deeply closeted. I had a hard time putting down this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews