I survived cancer. I started my own business from scratch. And I’ve put up with hate and small town politics. But nothing prepared me for love at first sight… Gil Steele melted my heart and set my soul on fire the first time I saw him.And, God help me, he’s caught up in a dangerous game–trying to change this town.It might get me killed. Might get us both killed.
But Gil, he might just be worth … town.
Gil: I was tired of working the police beat in Northern Cali. Exhausted–my whole body was yearning for a place I hadn’t been in years, my old home. When my mama died, I knew I had to come back, and my new job as police chief sealed the deal.
I got away from heartbreak. From being so tired. From the constant,never-ending world of crime I’d come to know.
In Abingdon, I can relax, see all my old friends from Jackson Academy. Maybe I can even change this place and make it better for all the kids like me. The ones who were different, who needed a place a little bigger and broader than a small mountain town could provide.
I always promised myself I wouldn’t come back.
But Kendall Vincent–he might get me to stay for good. When I’m in his arms, Ifeel complete, whole again, like a man reborn to the world.
Everything seems perfect, right up until the moment that it’s not.
When two gay kids get hurt bad by a gang of thugs, I realize that Abingdon needs me far more than I thought.
And I’m here to protect the town–and the man–that I’m growing to love.
Kendall: I’ve survived everything this world has tossed my way–ignorant parents, falling for men who want to play straight, and running a food truck in a town that likes its men butch and its hot dogs bland as all hell.
I even got through chemo and three bone marrow transplants when I was a kid.
But nothing prepared me for meeting Gilman Steele.
Six feet of pure muscle with eyes that shine like gold and a smile I’d like to see every morning for the rest of my life.
I know I’m crazy, but I swear to God almighty that I fell in love with that man of Steele from the first second I laid eyes on him.
There’s a secret I know that could change my relationship with Gil, a lie I’ve been hiding for over a year.
It could threaten Gil’s life here, everything he’s worked for. But justice is justice, and I believe in the Abingdon that Gil wants to create.
When the drama gets worse than I ever imagined, I realize that Gil’s not the only one in danger.
I’m toppling off a bridge and getting sucked down into the murky water of Holston Lake when I know for sure–this isn’t the day I meet my maker.
I didn’t survive everything I’ve been through just to die at the hands of an evil man with a secret far darker than my own.
I’ll make my way back to Gil. He’s mine, now and forever.
This town might not be ready for us, but I am.
And I plan to let the world know it.
Steele My Heart is the first book in the Bridge to Abingdon series. Each book focuses on one amazing couple, and each can be read as a total standalone.There’s lots of steam, a heaping dose of mystery, a dash of insta-love, and a happy ending that’s guaranteed to make your heart melt. There are a few chilling scenes and some ignorant jerks who meet justice in every sense of the word. Gil Steele and Kendall Vincent are the future of Abingdon, and the men who set up the story for the rest of our lovers. Enjoy! more
KU. Gah! I do NOT like insta-love stories and yet I’ve somehow stumbled across a continuous stream of them. That said, I really liked this story. Low internal angst ~ almost all the action/mystery/intrigue was from external sources. And this couple really worked for me. They were neither perfect nor annoying ~ the author found a great balance.
I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book to review. I believe this is my first Tatum West book and I’ll be looking to read more from this author. She paints a picture with her words and when I’m reading a book and hesitate to put it down because I “might miss something” – that tells me that the writing has completely pulled me into the author’s world. Likeable, soulful characters make me want to stay in touch with the characters introduced in this book. The story line wasn’t predictable. The romance rocked. Can’t wait for the next one! Highly recommend.
arc review For honest review. Girl is in Abingdon Virginia is now police chief . Kendall has a food truck called dirty, hot and sweet that he’s the owner of. when there is a hate crime in the lqbtq community gil needs to find out who’s doing it. Awesome story 10 stars
Gilman Steele is returning to Abingdon, VA, as the chief of police. While he’s looking for a slower paced lifestyle, he gets so much more. When he meets Kendall Vincent, local chef and owner of Dirty, Hot & Sweet, he finds something he only dreamed of having. Gil and Kendall want to explore where their attraction to each other may lead. What they didn’t expect is the impact their feelings would have.
While Gil and Kendall’s chemistry is HOT, don’t expect this to be your typical M/M love story. It is so much more! The elements of prejudice and hate that are explored in the sub-story are intense and powerful. From the prologue we get a strong sense of who Gilman Steele is and why he left his hometown behind. What he finds is not the same small town he remembers but one that needs him in more ways than one.
This tale is a roller coaster of emotions. There are feelings of profound loss and ultimate joy. The story will grab you, wreak your heart and put it back together. To paraphrase a statement from the book, it’s greater than the sum of its parts. The characters are engaging and very well developed; establishing a character tableau for the future stories of this series. I highly recommend you read this. It will be more than you may be expecting but well worth it. Be prepared to spend some time reading because once you start you will not want to put this down.
I have to say this is a wonderful first book! I absolutely loved everything about it. I live close to the area that the town in the story if based on and the author’s close attention to even small things is outstanding! I can’t wait to read more of this series!
No need to steal what I freely give
Happy tears
West is a new author to me who now will be added to my one-click must reads
This has everything suspense, mystery, a little comedy , family and romance all b wrapped up in that small town feels good aura
This was Gil and Kendall’s story
Gil returns to his home town to help his family and take a step back from the stress of big city life. Newly appointed as the town sheriff he finds himself embroiled in a string of hate crimes – can he solve the case before someone else gets hurt?
Kendall has called this town home for years and he knows first hand who the dangers are to his community. When the new sheriff catches his eye will he have the courage to go after what he wants? Or will his secrets cost him his shot at love?
Gil and Kendall are two strong, independent, vibrant characters who come to life in this book. The setting, he is try, and plot flowed beautifully. I loved it.