A desperate young father. A lonely ranger. A race against time.Jason Kellerman’s life revolves around his eight-year-old daughter. Teenage curiosity with his best friend led to Maggie’s birth, and her mother tragically died soon after. Only twenty-five and a single dad, Jason hasn’t had time to even think about romance. Disowned by his wealthy family, he’s scrimped and saved to bring Maggie west … saved to bring Maggie west for a camping vacation. The last thing Jason expects is to question his sexuality after meeting a sexy, older park ranger.
Ben Hettler’s stuck. He loves working in the wild under Montana’s big sky, but at forty-one, his love life is non-existent, his ex-boyfriend just married and adopted, and Ben’s own dream of fatherhood feels impossibly out of reach. He’s attracted to Jason, but what’s the point? Besides the age difference and skittish Jason’s lack of experience, they live thousands of miles apart. Ben wants more than a meaningless fling.
Then a hunted criminal on the run takes Jason’s daughter hostage, throwing Jason and Ben together in a desperate and dangerous search through endless miles of mountain forest. They’ll go to the ends of the earth to rescue Maggie—but what comes next? Can they build a new family together and find a place to call home?
Ends of the Earth is an age-gap gay romance from Keira Andrews featuring sexual awakening, action and adventure, a plucky kid, and of course a happy ending. Note: Previously published as Road to the Sun.
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I started it for the drama but finished it for the romance. I loved this book sooo much. Do yourself a favor and read it!
Another great KA book (an audio review)
I have waxed poetical about Keira Andrews before and, fair warning, I’m going to do it again. Ms. Andrews always gives a stellar book while taking me to a different place every time. This time I was in the wilds of Montana.
Jason Kellerman wants to be a good dad. He gained full custody of his daughter Maggie when she was still an infant and he was still a teenager. Everyone said he couldn’t do it, but he was determined. He even had to fight off his own parents in order to keep his daughter. That meant plenty of sacrifices including working a dead-end job in a factory. But if it means he can give Maggie a good life then so be it. And she’s wanted this trip to Montana forever so he’s diligently saved to make it happen. I was glad Maggie wasn’t spoiled but also wasn’t a perfect child. Just an average eight-year-old.
Camping in Montana is cool although, uh, bears. And I can say, having spotted a few on the property where I used to live, they do give you pause. But Maggie’s determined to experience nature and Jason’s there to protect and explore. Things take a turn for the better when they meet park ranger Ben. Ben’s been doing this practically his whole life and he loves his job. His boss who is also his ex? Not so much. And the fact the man moved on to start the family Ben so badly wants? Yeah, that hurts too.
When he encounters Jason and Maggie, he searches for excuses to spend more time with them. Yeah, he adores Maggie – who wouldn’t? But he’s attracted to the much younger Jason. Spends a lot of time in his head trying to figure out how to get some alone time with the city slicker.
Then Maggie’s kidnapped by a dangerous fugitive and all bets are off. There was a moment of two when I questioned Jason’s actions, but his love of his daughter was never in doubt.
I liked how this book was a slow burn. It kind of had to be with a kid involved. But Ben and Jason do eventually find some alone time and then all bets are off. The happy ending was definitely in doubt. Ben’s never been anywhere but Montana, and Jason and Maggie’s life is back on the east coast. Obviously some kind of compromise is in order.
And since this is a Keira Andrews book, I got my happy ending. Sometimes it’s worth taking a risk to find true happiness.
I’ll also do a quick plug for Greg Boudreaux. His narrations are seamless, appear effortless, and are always a pleasure to listen to. So well done and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
3.5*
Ends of the Earth was an entertaining, suspenseful, and sweet story.
I really like single-dad romances, and I’m learning that I especially like stories when they become dads fairly young, like in the case with Jason. And what a great dad he is for Maggie, putting all her needs before anything for himself. He kind of broke my heart, with what a rough time he’s had since Maggie’s mom died, but he never gave up or gave in. After meeting Ben and falling in love he finally was able to do something for himself, without sacrificing anything when it came to Maggie and her needs.
Although I’m not a big fan of insta-love, and at times I wasn’t sure what to think when it came to Jason and Ben’s relationship, I ended up really liking them together. I think they were exactly what the other needed. And Ben was so good with Maggie, without it feeling like he was doing it to score points with Jason.
My heart was in my throat pretty much the entire time Maggie was missing. I think Keira Andrews did a great job with that part of the storyline- I could really feel Jason’s heartbreak and it made my heart ache for him. Maggie was such a fighter, a credit to Jason and the bond they share, and to Ben as well.
Ends of the Earth was a nice change of pace- I need to be on the lookout for more suspenseful m/m romances.
Well written, believable characters. Just enough suspense. Very good read.
This book was a step above what often passes for M on M romantic fiction which I often find in Keira Andrews’s books. The story is well paced and the characters are likable. You root for them to find each other by the end and hope that they find the missing child. Of course Ms Andrews always promises happily ever after, so you know it’ll be okay and can enjoy the ride getting there.
loved it!!
9/26/2020: Updated to include listening to the audio.
I couldn’t wait for this one to hit audio, so I read it. In one day!
I admit to being a Keira Andrews fan. Her writing style totally works for me, plus she consistently rocks one of my favorite tropes: May/December. Ben & Jason were great guys apart and together. This one had the adorable bonus of Jason’s 8-year-old daughter, Maggie. AND the first half is basically a thrilling romantic suspense.
Checked all my “favorites” boxes!
I wish that there would have been a bit more time spent on Ben & Jason getting to know one another outside of their harrowing ordeal, but the epilogue definitely made up for it – and I’ll definitely be purchasing the audio when it comes out.
9/26/2020: Grabbed this on audio and loved it even more the second time around.
I loved Greg Boudreaux’s narration. He does a fantastic job here with a large cast of characters, personalities and huge emotions. I especially appreciated how Maggie’s voice & inflections were appropriate for her age.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
Maggie is kidnapped. She & Jason suffer PTS after the ordeal.
A note about GFY/BFY (possible spoilers):
I’ve seen some label this “bi-for-you” &/or “gay-for-you”, and while Jason obviously had a physical relationship with a woman, it’s obvious that it was experimenting with a friend rather than an earnest hetero sexual relationship. This is more of a gay-awakening situation.