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nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
4.0
With the murder mystery gaining traction, Cal is called in to find clues under the water. But this snarky SEAL does not play well with others. When an injury sidelines him and causes him to spend time in Safe Harbor he ends up as Holden's roommate. Can the extrovert who is hiding his own kind of loneliness bring Cal out of his shell? Or will the attraction the opposites feel cause more harm than good? With characters you want to hug in sections of the book while at the same time want to slap upside the head in other sections this was a great addition tot the series. I look forward to reading more not just for the other characters to get their story but to find out more of the answers to the mystery everyone wants solved.
mnhockeymomreads's review
4.0
This book blew me away, and surprised me in the best ways possible. Going into this book I thought I knew how it was going to go, and nope, nope I did not.
Holden a former officer hurt on the job and utilizes a wheelchair. He is a sought after criminal justice professor and crime pod-caster. Holden is the guy that everyone goes to for help, he is steady, consistent and there. But he hides behind his humor and doesn't let his true feelings show.
When Cal comes into town to help with a dive and a case that Holden and Monroe are working on, sparks fly. And their "meet cute" is pretty amazing! After a series of events leaves Cal in town for a bit Holden offers for Cal to stay with him as a roommate for a while. Cal is quiet, reserved, and sort of a lone wolf. I don't know if I have read a character that has guarded his heart as much as Cal. This man has not had it easy, and hasn't had someone care for him or his heart in a long while so trust doesn't come easy.
Holden and Cal embark on a journey of discovery and wow. The beginning of their sexual relationship was so hot, but also sweet....these two have a really beautiful connection to one another. And written SO WELL!!! If you enjoy reading a found family, a little mystery, small towns, and some serious feels this series is a must read for you!
Holden a former officer hurt on the job and utilizes a wheelchair. He is a sought after criminal justice professor and crime pod-caster. Holden is the guy that everyone goes to for help, he is steady, consistent and there. But he hides behind his humor and doesn't let his true feelings show.
When Cal comes into town to help with a dive and a case that Holden and Monroe are working on, sparks fly. And their "meet cute" is pretty amazing! After a series of events leaves Cal in town for a bit Holden offers for Cal to stay with him as a roommate for a while. Cal is quiet, reserved, and sort of a lone wolf. I don't know if I have read a character that has guarded his heart as much as Cal. This man has not had it easy, and hasn't had someone care for him or his heart in a long while so trust doesn't come easy.
Holden and Cal embark on a journey of discovery and wow. The beginning of their sexual relationship was so hot, but also sweet....these two have a really beautiful connection to one another. And written SO WELL!!! If you enjoy reading a found family, a little mystery, small towns, and some serious feels this series is a must read for you!
laul's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kevinscorner's review
4.0
Make Me Stay brings us back to Safe Harbor with a new central gay couple. Prof. Holden, disabled ex-cop turned true crime podcaster, has been investigating the cold case disappearance of an old friend’s mother. When clues point to a deep lake, it brings him to retired Navy SEAL professional diver Cal for help. After offering Cal a room to stay in his home, Holden accidentally discovers him in a compromising situation, leading to a proposition and romance.
Holden and Cal are both men carrying some heavy baggage. In each other, they are able to be their authentic selves as they work through their issues—Holden’s tendency to use humor as a crutch and Cal’s attachment issues after the loss of his dive partner. With the added light kink, this second book is certainly spicier and hotter, but it does remain just as charming and cozy. It’s also always refreshing to see to middle aged people finding love in this landscape where most stories are focused on young love.
*I received an early evook copy as part of its release tour
Holden and Cal are both men carrying some heavy baggage. In each other, they are able to be their authentic selves as they work through their issues—Holden’s tendency to use humor as a crutch and Cal’s attachment issues after the loss of his dive partner. With the added light kink, this second book is certainly spicier and hotter, but it does remain just as charming and cozy. It’s also always refreshing to see to middle aged people finding love in this landscape where most stories are focused on young love.
*I received an early evook copy as part of its release tour
wildfaeriecaps's review
5.0
Oh, this one was good. I really enjoyed the diving aspect of it. The push and pull of trust with Cal and Holden was wonderful, too. Also a big fan of seeing Knox in the background and the big build up of the sort of person Worth might be. Very much looking forward to the next book.
bekacrook's review
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There was a fair bit more going on in this book with both characters having interesting backstories and that influenced who they are today. They were hopeful and scared to be vulnerable at times and I liked that they didn't have the most linear of journeys with the way their relationship panned out but that it ended up being what they needed.
The disability and chronic pain representation was good, it felt honest with some days being better than others but not painting Holden as either a hero or as a weak member of society. It showed a reality and thankfully didn't become patronising or 'inspiration porn'. I liked how patient Holden was with Cal and how they complimented each other and gave the other what they needed. It was nice for them to learn that they had 'their person' who they could rely on and could care for them when they needed.
I liked Cal as well, he was scared for really valid reasons and he took a while to get to a point where he could accept the good things that were happening. It felt realistic that he didn't immediately accept it or become comfortable with praise and comfort. I wish we saw a bit more of Cal's PTSD and how he dealt with that, it was mentioned and tied with his insomnia but that was 'fixed' pretty quickly.
Loved the characters, loved the continuation of the side plot involving the murder and the ethical dilemmas they had around this. An enjoyable read.
The disability and chronic pain representation was good, it felt honest with some days being better than others but not painting Holden as either a hero or as a weak member of society. It showed a reality and thankfully didn't become patronising or 'inspiration porn'. I liked how patient Holden was with Cal and how they complimented each other and gave the other what they needed. It was nice for them to learn that they had 'their person' who they could rely on and could care for them when they needed.
I liked Cal as well, he was scared for really valid reasons and he took a while to get to a point where he could accept the good things that were happening. It felt realistic that he didn't immediately accept it or become comfortable with praise and comfort. I wish we saw a bit more of Cal's PTSD and how he dealt with that, it was mentioned and tied with his insomnia but that was 'fixed' pretty quickly.
Loved the characters, loved the continuation of the side plot involving the murder and the ethical dilemmas they had around this. An enjoyable read.
sharingthebooklove's review
5.0
I adored this book! So many emotions mixed in with an interestijg and intriguing storyline!
I mean solving cold cases and finding heart warming love unexpectedly isnt what youd expect to work together but Annabeth has nailed it!
I love grumpy/sunshine and this is defintely that with Cal and Holden, well on the surface. Being together makes both MC's stronger.
I mean solving cold cases and finding heart warming love unexpectedly isnt what youd expect to work together but Annabeth has nailed it!
I love grumpy/sunshine and this is defintely that with Cal and Holden, well on the surface. Being together makes both MC's stronger.
rachie877's review
5.0
“Let me be your return address. That’s what I want.”
I’ve waited for so long for Holden’s story and it did not disappoint. I can’t describe just how perfect Cal is for Holden and vice versa.
This is a beautiful story of two lost souls finding each other and finding unexpected joy together.
Absolutely amazing.
I’ve waited for so long for Holden’s story and it did not disappoint. I can’t describe just how perfect Cal is for Holden and vice versa.
This is a beautiful story of two lost souls finding each other and finding unexpected joy together.
Absolutely amazing.
mmromancereviewed's review
5.0
I enjoyed getting to know Holden and Cal and seeing them explore their relationship and their kinks together was great! I love how Cal started letting Holden in and breaking down some of his walls and just how patient Holden was about letting Cal set the pace of their relationship...
It was also great to see how the ongoing investigation into Mrs. Worth's disappearance got more closure and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
While Make Me Stay is a complete romance, the ongoing suspense thread would be better served by reading the first book and reading these stories in order.
It was also great to see how the ongoing investigation into Mrs. Worth's disappearance got more closure and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
While Make Me Stay is a complete romance, the ongoing suspense thread would be better served by reading the first book and reading these stories in order.