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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
Hollis is a super confident, cocky rancher. When he sees something he wants he surely goes for it. Ford is more reserved, a strong and silent type firefighter captain. Going through a divorce, Ford signs up for a dating app at the recommendation of his coworker, Remi, who is Hollis’s best friend. They begin their back and forth and things eventually escalate to in-person shenanigans. Beginning as a casual thing, they get to know one another personally and feelings eventually develop.
This is book 2 in the Moore Men series, but you can read it as a standalone. I usually will go back and read a series in order for the best enjoyment. You don’t have to do that with this one - everything was tied in well enough that if I was a first time reader, I could read this without feeling like I’m missing something. I applaud Miss James for her ability to do this so seamlessly.
I do feel like there were one or two too many explicit scenes in this. These scenes don’t bother me in the slightest, and I definitely knew what I was signing up for, but I was looking forward to seeing them connect on an emotional level as well as physical. The emotional development was short and kind of unfulfilling. I loved seeing them bond, we just didn’t get to see much of it. I didn’t have that, “oh there’s the romance” moment until around 60, 65%, mainly because Hollis was quite flippant about falling for Ford for a large majority of the book, and Ford was never sure if he should allow himself to fall for Hollis. Eventually I was taken out of the story because I became aware of myself waiting for it to happen.
At one point the writing set us up for a dinner scene at Gentry’s (“It’s Wednesday, and both of us want to finish everything before quitting time. Every Wednesday, we gather at my dad’s house for dinner. It’s something we’ve done for years.”), then Hollis went home and cooked himself a frozen pizza. There was no mention of the dinner or the character skipping it. An earlier scene had Hollis at a bar with Remi on a Wednesday also, no mention of the weekly family dinner. Confusing moment and kind of unexpected from this author.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts in a physical sense though. The daddy trope worked for this couple a tad better than it did for Finn and Ash, book one’s main characters. The story leaned more into the best friend’s boss trope than the age gap trope, as in it didn’t focus on the age discrepancy so much as the sneaking around.
I honestly was expecting Trent to show up at some point. There was definitely an opportunity for that to happen somewhere but he is nowhere to be found. I understand that some people dislike the whole “scene with the ex” thing, but I really felt like it could have worked here to add just a little bit of angst to the story.
This is a light read, low angst, high heat, slice of life romance. If you need a quick read to take a break from some heavier material, this would work well for you. I think I had higher expectations that unfortunately weren’t met this go around. Too many things took me out of the story. I will still be returning for book 3, as from the get go I was interested in seeing more of Gentry. Thank you for the ARC, this has been my honest review.
“Knew it was you, Captain.”
I knew I would love Hollis from Finn’s book and boy was I right. Hollis the typical fun playboy that has absolutely no filter at all very different from his dad and Finn as well as Ford. Ford is the fire captain very serious a little on the grumpy side the complete opposite of Hollis. My heart just went out to Ford he had been through so much and he needed Hollis and I think in a way Hollis needed Ford as well. Hollis will have you giggling and fanning yourself in the same sentence. I enjoyed the growth and connection they had starting as strangers (for one of them) online to so much more. I cannot wait for Gentry’s book, I also hope we see much more of Remi he is Hollis 2.0. I just have to mention the hospital scene had me laughing non stop.
~~What to Expect~~
🧯Age Gap *19 years*
🧯MM
🧯Grumpy Fire Captain X Flirty Cowboy
🧯Reformed Playboy
🧯Small Town
🧯Best Friend’s Boss
🧯Secret Relationship
🧯Opposites Attract
🧯No 3rd Act Break Up
🧯Close Proximity
🧯Friends with Benefits
~~Quotes~~
💙Hollis makes me feel seen in a way I’ve felt invisible for so many years.
💙Ford wants me, and if he thinks he can keep his distance for long. He’s out of his mind.
I knew I would love Hollis from Finn’s book and boy was I right. Hollis the typical fun playboy that has absolutely no filter at all very different from his dad and Finn as well as Ford. Ford is the fire captain very serious a little on the grumpy side the complete opposite of Hollis. My heart just went out to Ford he had been through so much and he needed Hollis and I think in a way Hollis needed Ford as well. Hollis will have you giggling and fanning yourself in the same sentence. I enjoyed the growth and connection they had starting as strangers (for one of them) online to so much more. I cannot wait for Gentry’s book, I also hope we see much more of Remi he is Hollis 2.0. I just have to mention the hospital scene had me laughing non stop.
~~What to Expect~~
🧯Age Gap *19 years*
🧯MM
🧯Grumpy Fire Captain X Flirty Cowboy
🧯Reformed Playboy
🧯Small Town
🧯Best Friend’s Boss
🧯Secret Relationship
🧯Opposites Attract
🧯No 3rd Act Break Up
🧯Close Proximity
🧯Friends with Benefits
~~Quotes~~
💙Hollis makes me feel seen in a way I’ve felt invisible for so many years.
💙Ford wants me, and if he thinks he can keep his distance for long. He’s out of his mind.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️1/2 - medium to heavy spice
LOVES:
- The mysterious dating-app messaging was fun and a great way for them to get to know each other in a low pressure way (though, once in a while the sexy details they were writing seemed a little unrealistic for two men to be sending each other, but maybe that’s my preconceived notions about men’s eloquence 🙃)
- Remi was a great friend. Fun to have around, supportive, and helps a friend even when they don’t realize they need it.
- I’m not always one for a super cocky dude, but Hollis absolutely made it work. And it was exactly what Ford needed. 😏
- The whole hospital scene was an absolute joy 😁
CRITIQUE:
- The smoking was addressed, but it’s just so hard for me to read a book with it involved at all 🤢 makes me think about their yucky mouth. Personal preference for me.
When Ashley writes, everything feels important to the story/character development. There isn’t any extra fluff that feels unnecessary. She gets right to the point with each scene and I really appreciate that.
Thanks to The Author Agency for the advance copy 💝 Happy release day!
🌶️🌶️1/2 - medium to heavy spice
LOVES:
- The mysterious dating-app messaging was fun and a great way for them to get to know each other in a low pressure way (though, once in a while the sexy details they were writing seemed a little unrealistic for two men to be sending each other, but maybe that’s my preconceived notions about men’s eloquence 🙃)
- Remi was a great friend. Fun to have around, supportive, and helps a friend even when they don’t realize they need it.
- I’m not always one for a super cocky dude, but Hollis absolutely made it work. And it was exactly what Ford needed. 😏
- The whole hospital scene was an absolute joy 😁
CRITIQUE:
- The smoking was addressed, but it’s just so hard for me to read a book with it involved at all 🤢 makes me think about their yucky mouth. Personal preference for me.
When Ashley writes, everything feels important to the story/character development. There isn’t any extra fluff that feels unnecessary. She gets right to the point with each scene and I really appreciate that.
Thanks to The Author Agency for the advance copy 💝 Happy release day!
This series has me in an absolute chokehold, Ashley James is writing some of my all time favourite hot cowboy romance. This one ups the stakes by starring a hot cowboy AND a hot firefighter. Honestly, this book is downright dangerous.
I was really into the dating app plot device, and I liked that it kept the plot interesting without resulting in anything too angsty. It just served to add some cute banter and help our mc’s let go of some societal *cough* hang-ups.
Ford and Hollis are the absolute cutest, the two of them are the epitome of grumpy x sunshine. Ford is a sweetheart and deserves the absolute best - so it’s a good thing that the best in this case comes in the form of a sweet-talking, hot-as-sin, flirty cowboy who’s almost half his age. The spice between these two is 👌
I will be the first in line when the next one in this series comes out, I need daddy Gentry’s book like I need my next breath.
⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
I was really into the dating app plot device, and I liked that it kept the plot interesting without resulting in anything too angsty. It just served to add some cute banter and help our mc’s let go of some societal *cough* hang-ups.
Ford and Hollis are the absolute cutest, the two of them are the epitome of grumpy x sunshine. Ford is a sweetheart and deserves the absolute best - so it’s a good thing that the best in this case comes in the form of a sweet-talking, hot-as-sin, flirty cowboy who’s almost half his age. The spice between these two is 👌
I will be the first in line when the next one in this series comes out, I need daddy Gentry’s book like I need my next breath.
⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Happy Release Day!! ₊˚ෆ
Rating: ★★★★ (4.75)
𝜗𝜚 “It feels easy. Being with Hollis is easy. Loving him feels right. And even though I never saw myself here, there’s no other place I’d rather be.” 𝜗𝜚
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement!! I loved this book so much from the relationship down to the characters!!! I loved how Hollis paid attention to what Ford said he enjoyed doing and brought that enjoyment to him when he was upset without him asking. And let's not get on the moment that Ford realized that he was in love with Hollis! That was my favorite moment of them! I definetly see myself re-reading this book soon!
But pleaseeeeee tell me there's going to be a book for Remi and Hollis' dad?? I've been invested in their little moments since I read Finn. I can't be the only one eating up the little crumbs!
❀ "On paper, you and I make no sense. On paper, we never should’ve happened—or, at the very least, been over long before now. And yet, the more time I spent with you, the more I got to know you—the real you—and the more I let you see me too, the deeper I fell.” ❀
✦MM Romance
✦Small Town
✦Cowboy x Firefighter
✦Age Gap
✦Online Dating
✦Hidden Identity
✦Best Friend’s Boss
✦Sneaking Around
✦Opposites Attract
thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC!!
Rating: ★★★★ (4.75)
𝜗𝜚 “It feels easy. Being with Hollis is easy. Loving him feels right. And even though I never saw myself here, there’s no other place I’d rather be.” 𝜗𝜚
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement!! I loved this book so much from the relationship down to the characters!!! I loved how Hollis paid attention to what Ford said he enjoyed doing and brought that enjoyment to him when he was upset without him asking. And let's not get on the moment that Ford realized that he was in love with Hollis! That was my favorite moment of them! I definetly see myself re-reading this book soon!
But pleaseeeeee tell me there's going to be a book for Remi and Hollis' dad?? I've been invested in their little moments since I read Finn. I can't be the only one eating up the little crumbs!
❀ "On paper, you and I make no sense. On paper, we never should’ve happened—or, at the very least, been over long before now. And yet, the more time I spent with you, the more I got to know you—the real you—and the more I let you see me too, the deeper I fell.” ❀
✦MM Romance
✦Small Town
✦Cowboy x Firefighter
✦Age Gap
✦Online Dating
✦Hidden Identity
✦Best Friend’s Boss
✦Sneaking Around
✦Opposites Attract
thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC!!
emotional
funny
tense
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I loved this book!
Forbidden Romance/secret relationship
Age Gap
Small Town
Cowboy/Firefighter
Family
Dating App/sexting! 🔥
I loved the struggle they each had when it came to telling people (namely Remi) because the TENSION 🥵
I did want them to have more conversations, it was a bit sex heavy (which I’m always fine with! But I like seeing the emotional connection just as much as the physical)
Hollis is hilarious and cocky and Ford is trying REALLY hard to deny himself what he wants. Hint: it doesn’t go well for him 😉
Excellent addition to the series. I’m not sure Gentry’s book will be able to top Finn’s, but I can’t wait!!
Forbidden Romance/secret relationship
Age Gap
Small Town
Cowboy/Firefighter
Family
Dating App/sexting! 🔥
I loved the struggle they each had when it came to telling people (namely Remi) because the TENSION 🥵
I did want them to have more conversations, it was a bit sex heavy (which I’m always fine with! But I like seeing the emotional connection just as much as the physical)
Hollis is hilarious and cocky and Ford is trying REALLY hard to deny himself what he wants. Hint: it doesn’t go well for him 😉
Excellent addition to the series. I’m not sure Gentry’s book will be able to top Finn’s, but I can’t wait!!
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
Hollis is the next book in The Moore Men series by author Ashley James. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Finn, and was looking forward to the next in line and it did not disappoint.
Hollis Moore is Finn’s younger brother. He’s young, outgoing, easy on the eyes, flirty, likes women, likes men, likes to have fun. He works hard and he plays hard. He has close friends but no interest in a relationship. Captain Ford Wesley is the Chief of the Wolf Creek Fire Department, and possibly as different from Hollis as can be. Ford can be fun, he might have even been flirty at one time, but he’s recently divorced from his husband of almost twenty years. At forty-seven he’s wondering what he should do with the rest of his life. Definitely not looking for a relationship; the way he feels right now he might never be ready for another one. But Remi, his young lieutenant and good friend, convinces him to sign up on a dating app. What could it hurt? Ford could just have a little fun for a change, nothing serious, or maybe just some interesting chats. So Ford reluctantly agrees and very carefully creates a profile, being purposely vague, marking his identity private and posts a couple of photos that don’t show his face. He’ll learn later that he wasn’t actually as careful as he thought, but for now he’ll give it a shot.
Wolf Creek isn’t that big, and everybody knows everybody else. Ford knows the Moore men: Finn and his son Tucker and boyfriend Ash, Hollis, their father Gentry and their friend August and his boyfriend Tripp. Paths cross all the time. And Remi is Hollis’s best friend. As Ford is innocently scrolling through the profiles of men who want to match with him, saying no, nope, heck no and looking at the profiles of others on the app, he comes across ‘KnockinBoots’ and is intrigued by the first photo – an ab shot. As he keeps looking at ‘KnockinBoots’ a face he recognizes comes into view. He’s back to no, nope, and heck no . . . . except for some reason he can’t even explain to himself, he swipes right. It will be okay, right? Even though he recognizes Hollis whose profile is not private, Ford’s is, so Hollis won’t know who he’s talking to. Ford knows this could blow up in his face but he just cannot help himself. And their first few encounters are fun and hot and sexy – and anonymous.
Fate has a way of stepping in. No matter how careful you think you are, something can always fall through the cracks. Like the unique tattoo you have that is visible in your profile photo and also visible when your shirt rides up in front of Hollis. Oh, oh. Fun for the reader. Not so much for Ford. He’s a good guy but still shaken by the loss of a marriage he knew wasn’t working for a long time but was afraid to end. He’s embarrassed and panicked. There’s no answer he’s comfortable giving why he knew it was Hollis and swiped right anyway but didn’t reveal who he was.
Hollis is amused and enjoys making Ford uncomfortable, but it’s more than that. He’s always thought this silver fox was sexy, and their chats have been hot and fun and interesting. Since neither of them is looking for anything serious why not take this a little further and have some under-the-radar fun. Not so simple, though. There’s something between them they can’t explain. An age gap, yes, but something else that feels good and somehow right.
Author James has done another fantastic job of taking us back to Wolf Creek, spending more time with the Moore family, giving us a story that’s not only spicy but sweet and tender, filled with humor, about friends and family and taking a chance when your heart is telling you yes even if your head is telling you no. I received an advance copy of Hollis. I thoroughly enjoyed it, recommend it without hesitation and can’t wait for the next book in this satisfying series. And maybe there will be an audiobook?? I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to Ashley James and The Author Agency for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I don't know what it is about the way Ashley James writes cowboys, but goodness do I love it. Hollis had the perfect mix of steam and sweetness. I loved seeing Hollis start to care for Cap, even when he wasn't realizing it. And what he did the day of Cap's divorce becoming official? That's what we all want out of a partner. Someone who sees us and goes out of their way to comfort us in the way we need. I also loved how awkward Cap is, both at dating and when he's confronted with his own feelings, either by himself or others.
This was honestly the perfect book, even with being in a major reading slump. I flew through it because I just love the way Hollis and Cap were together. And I also can't get enough of Remi teasing Gentry, which I'm hoping all comes to fruition in Gentry's book, which I think will be next!
Tropes:
- cowboy x firefighter
- age gap
- sneaking around
- MM romance
I don't know what it is about the way Ashley James writes cowboys, but goodness do I love it. Hollis had the perfect mix of steam and sweetness. I loved seeing Hollis start to care for Cap, even when he wasn't realizing it. And what he did the day of Cap's divorce becoming official? That's what we all want out of a partner. Someone who sees us and goes out of their way to comfort us in the way we need. I also loved how awkward Cap is, both at dating and when he's confronted with his own feelings, either by himself or others.
This was honestly the perfect book, even with being in a major reading slump. I flew through it because I just love the way Hollis and Cap were together. And I also can't get enough of Remi teasing Gentry, which I'm hoping all comes to fruition in Gentry's book, which I think will be next!
Tropes:
- cowboy x firefighter
- age gap
- sneaking around
- MM romance
What can I say? I love The Moore Men and Hollis is that charismatic playboy we all love. He doesn't do relationships after his high school love and him had a terrible breakup after graduation. Ford is going through a divorce after 20+ years of marriage to a fellow firefighter. They grew apart and he learned of a meaner side of his husband that's slowly been peaking through. He downloads a dating app after his lieutenant. annoys him into doing so. Matching with Hollis was just for fun, a little harmless flirting.
Hollis finds out who he is and takes their relationship to the next level. They spend more and more time together, growing closer. Hollis is scared of these new feelings, not understanding how he can feel this way.
Together, can they figure out what they mean to each other?
Hollis finds out who he is and takes their relationship to the next level. They spend more and more time together, growing closer. Hollis is scared of these new feelings, not understanding how he can feel this way.
Together, can they figure out what they mean to each other?