Rainier Family Series by Ashton Cade

Ryan: After my divorce to Barb, my life has been just me, my little boy and my job. Some people might call me overprotective, but as the Sheriff of Umberland, I know a lot more than they do about what can happen when you let down your guard. When my high school best friend Christian comes to visit, sure, I remember experimenting with him as teenagers, but what I can't ignore is the fierce attraction that still burns between us... moreRyan: After my divorce to Barb, my life has been just me, my little boy and my job. Some people might call me overprotective, but as the Sheriff of Umberland, I know a lot more than they do about what can happen when you let down your guard. When my high school best friend Christian comes to visit, sure, I remember experimenting with him as teenagers, but what I can't ignore is the fierce attraction that still burns between us. What's even more, Christian makes me feel safe and protected—something I do for everyone else. I've never been attracted to a man since Christian... but as soon as I lay my eyes on him, I don't think I'll be attracted to anyone else ever again. Christian: I knew I was gay forever, it seems. But my first love was the one that stuck with me all these years: Ryan Rainier. He's a big deal in the police department now, and as a man in uniform, he's every bit as gorgeous as he was in those young years. But Ryan's straight, right? So why does he keep looking at me that way, with hunger in his eyes? Am I just seeing what I want to see? And can I risk losing a lifelong friend for a shot at love? Breaking In is the second book in the Rainier Family series and can be read on its own. 62k words of trusty, lusty, second-chance love, breaking down walls, Rainiers for days, and a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA. less

Sawyer: The Rainiers are one big happy family. That is, except for me. I keep to myself mostly. When I learned that you can't always trust the people who are supposed to take care of you, I did my best never to rely on anyone. Except for my stable full of horses. They always understand. That's why I started a therapy program for kids who have issues, like me -- I know the horses can help them too... moreSawyer: The Rainiers are one big happy family. That is, except for me. I keep to myself mostly. When I learned that you can't always trust the people who are supposed to take care of you, I did my best never to rely on anyone. Except for my stable full of horses. They always understand. That's why I started a therapy program for kids who have issues, like me -- I know the horses can help them too. When Jason walks in to the paddock, all the parts of me I thought were dead suddenly come alive with a vengeance. I've never been with a man before -- never risked it -- but I want him more than I've ever wanted anyone. Whenever he's around I feel as wild and free as a young stallion, but just as easy to spook. Can I let someone in? Will he break me? Jason: I'm taking care of my sister's kid, so I'm pretty much a single dad. And that's wonderful, but it also means I have baggage. I'm just learning what it is to be the main support for someone as alone as Emily. So when moody, brooding Sawyer begins to teach us about horses, we're also learning to love. He's more man than I've ever laid eyes on, and I'm a firefighter. Over six feet of the kind of muscle you can only get by doing hard work, perfectly faded jeans and boots, and the kind of stormy eyes that make me want to never let him go. But I'm part of a package deal these days. My needs come second. Can I trust him to be the man we need? Burning Up is the third book in the Rainier Family series and can be happily read on its own. 67k words of hot loving, leaving worries behind, Rainiers saving the day, and as always, a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA. less

Trevor: My family gets the best of me. But sometimes they get on my nerves something awful. Always on my case about dating and finding someone to love, when they should know better than anyone else that I don't deserve any of that. Not anymore. Ever since I lost Gerry in the war, all of a sudden people think they can speak for him—but they're saying I should move on, forget him. That that's what he'd want. But they don't know how badly I betrayed him. How I left him when he needed me the most... moreTrevor: My family gets the best of me. But sometimes they get on my nerves something awful. Always on my case about dating and finding someone to love, when they should know better than anyone else that I don't deserve any of that. Not anymore. Ever since I lost Gerry in the war, all of a sudden people think they can speak for him—but they're saying I should move on, forget him. That that's what he'd want. But they don't know how badly I betrayed him. How I left him when he needed me the most. It was Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and when he died, I took it to heart. When it comes to love, I'll never ask or tell again. Trouble is, now Shane is in town and the way he makes me feel, it's hard to resist wanting to shout it from the rooftops. But I won't hurt another man the way I hurt Gerry—and when moving on is just another betrayal, the only way to do that is to not engage. Shane: When I left corporate life to do something more meaningful, the last thing I thought I would find is love. But along comes Trevor Rainier. He's not only gorgeous and fun, but he's deeply compelling—there's more there than meets the eye, and what meets the eye is, well, let's say, delicious. He's helping me build my retreat for veterans, but he's keeping me guessing... the guy is blowing hot and cold so much so that I end up practically chasing him around Umberland just to get some answers. But just when things finally seem to be going right, our hiking trip goes tragically wrong, and even through my pain I can see he's triggered. The situation's forcing us together, but he's keeping me at a distance. Can he ever move on from his past and see what's standing in front of him? Moving On is the fourth book in the Rainier Family series and can be happily read on its own. 63k words of sizzling heat, making it back in time for dinner, getting over the past, and as always, a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA. less

Parris: I spent a lifetime in Umberland one weekend. That's what it's like in small towns, and also why I don't come back too often. I never felt I fit in, until I left. Life as an international photographer suits me a lot better than life in this sleepy little town. But I promised to stay a few weeks to appease my mom. Things take a turn for the worse when I accidentally hit an off-leash dog, but when we get to the vet, I find out this dog's owner is a hot mechanic... moreParris: I spent a lifetime in Umberland one weekend. That's what it's like in small towns, and also why I don't come back too often. I never felt I fit in, until I left. Life as an international photographer suits me a lot better than life in this sleepy little town. But I promised to stay a few weeks to appease my mom. Things take a turn for the worse when I accidentally hit an off-leash dog, but when we get to the vet, I find out this dog's owner is a hot mechanic. While I'm stuck here, I figure I'll get to know him -- wink wink -- to stave off the inevitable boredom. Once he forgives me, things with Caleb move fast. He's tougher to let go of than I dreamed anyone or anything could be. But I'm here for a good time, not a long time. And it's time for me to fly. How come it doesn't feel so good to run off and escape my hometown? Why do I miss him so much? And how is Umberland feeling less like a jail, and more like... my home? Caleb: Umberland is my life. I'm a good son. I take care of my mom--she and her therapy dog need me. So when some playboy hotshot hits Mom's dog with his car, I'm ready to blow. But then he turns out to be really kind, and... really s*xy. He makes me feel things I haven't felt in, maybe, ever. We get close. And I start to dream of more. But like I said, I'm a good son. I'm the only one who can take care of mom, so I won't get involved with a player. But she likes Parris. And when she starts to push me out of the nest, it hurts to realize that I might be the one holding myself back. Running Off is the fifth book in the Rainier Family series and can be read on its own. 55k words of heart-warming, star-crossed, meant-to-be love, growing up and out, busybody Rainiers, and a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA. less