Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Here Without You
SERIES: Cooper’s Ridge #2
AUTHOR: JJ Harper
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 348 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 27, 2018
BLURB:
Archer Hawkins and Mallory Halston literally run into each other and a true love story is born. Archer pursues Mallory with absolute determination making him fall hook, line, and sinker.
“I really would like to get to know you, Mallory.” His voice husky in my ear.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, I’m sorry.” I’m already kicking myself for turning him down. “That’s okay, I’ll ask again tomorrow, and the day after, I’ll get you to say yes in the end.”
But just when they’re about to get everything they ever hoped tragedy strikes leaving Mal alone and adrift. Putting his past behind him Mal stumbles upon Cooper’s Ridge. Changing his name to Carter, he takes a chance, becoming a bartender at The Last Drop Inn, and embarking on a new life.
Local attorney, Dan Mortimer, has finally found and captured the heart of Cooper’s Ridge’s newest resident, Carter.
“I was coming in to see you, and maybe get you to agree to dinner with me. C’mon Carter it’s only dinner, I’m a nice guy I promise.”
But when Dan’s college friend comes to town to recuperate after a horrible car accident, it seems the most important men in his life may have something to answer for. And just how far will an evil, conniving, homophobic mother with a vendetta go to bring them all down?
This book can be read as a standalone
Here Without You is a gay ménage story with plenty of hot sex and strong language and is therefore suitable for readers aged 18 and over.
REVIEW:
The second I heard we were getting the story behind Carter I couldn’t wait to read it! And let me tell you, I was definitely NOT disappointed!
Carter took over as bartender for Denver when he went back into medicine. Kes knew that the sad young man who rode into town had a story but he was willing to wait patiently to find out. When Carter finally lets Dan take him out it was a pivotal moment in the young man’s life. Then Dan woos him until he finally realizes that he can have happiness again after his fiancé was killed in a horrible car crash. But Dan and Carter’s live are thrown into a tailspin when Dan’s best friend and college lover comes to visit.
I was a huge fan of the first book in this series “Denver’s Calling”. As a matter of fact it was one of my “Best of 2017” picks so I couldn’t wait for this book. What I didn’t realize was that it is also a ménage, one of my most favorite styles of books. So it was a super treat.
I usually find one character that I feel the most for. But all three grabbed hold of me. From Carter being tossed out and left basically penniless by his despicable father and spineless mother for coming out to losing the love of his life, his fiancé Archer in a horrific car crash, Carter has had it really rough. And Archer finally found the man that he could stand up to his vile, meddling, homophobic mother. I don’t want to give away any secrets but the twists and turns this book took me through were both agonizing and exciting at the same time. And poor Dan. He finally finds happiness and then has to watch to see if it slipping through his fingers.
JJ Harper takes ménage and makes it very special. I have loved her past books but this series really stepped it up. It is well written and balanced, which isn’t always easy in threesomes. I loved that we saw each of the men’s point of view so we saw their struggles when they began this unique relationship. I can’t recommend this newest book in the series. I am hoping that we will get Carter’s friend Paris’ story next. Great book in a fabulous series!
RATING: 
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