A paramedic must face old wounds when his Hollywood heartthrob ex returns home and tries to win back his affections. Will he find closure or will he give first love a second chance? Coming back to Tahoe was a mistake. At least, that’s what Carson Keaton thinks the minute he returns to his hometown. When he ran away seven years ago, he left everything behind, including Brand West, the only person … including Brand West, the only person he ever loved. Not that he had a choice. But now that the danger has passed, he returns home to reclaim Brand. The biggest question is, is it too late?
Brand West is a paramedic with a broken heart. Just after high school graduation, the love of his life hopped a Greyhound to Hollywood, leaving without explanation. Now, seven years later, Brand is determined to forget about Carson by throwing himself into his career, his community, and—thanks to his best friend playing matchmaker—a hot new lover. But now Carson’s back in town, as irresistible as ever, leaving Brand with two choices: find closure and move on, or give first love a second chance.
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Tahoe Blue is everything I love in a romance and in a M/M romance! Sometimes I find the genre really oversexualizes gay men, making that the entirety of their story. But I love a book that is more than that, and this is that book.
Carson left Tahoe years ago, leaving everything behind him without a look back. No explanations, just gone. Brand was one of those left behind, left to pick up the pieces. The story is second-chance romance at its best! And the character development for both of them is fantastic. Their stories, together and apart from one another, are absoultely engrossing.
My recommendation: If you love a great romance with a lot of meat to it, Tahoe Blue is a great choice!
Brand is just now getting over his first love, the man who ran off to Hollywood without a word and hasn’t communicated with him since. But now, finally, a new guy has come into Brand’s life who is making Brand feel – but not just attraction, perhaps more too. Just his luck that his ex, Carson, chooses now to come back to town full of explanations and wanting a second chance. Where do Brand’s heart, and as important – his head, lay?
Well, of course a second chance is what these two get, and it was pretty great. I loved Brand and Carson together. Likable characters with depth, hot chemistry, and not a lot of angst – can’t ask for much more in a good romance.
I loved that fact that Brand is a paramedic and we get to see him in action in the story. He is justifiably angry with Carson for disappearing years ago and I was happy to see that there was no instant forgiveness and moving on. Both men have grown and changed over the years and the author did a wonderful job of presenting all the things they had to work through to have their second chance.
Tahoe Blue by author Eden French is an angsty, steamy, unforgettable read. This is my first time reading this author, and now I want to read more from her.
Brand is a paramedic. He has stayed in his hometown all of his life. He is finally getting over his first love. Or at least trying too with a hot new man. That is when the past decides to kick him in the gut with the return of his first love Carson.
I loved Brand he is brave, caring, and passionate.
Carson left his hometown and his first love when he graduated high school. He thought he was protecting his love from dangers his own family brought. He is successful now, but he would give it all up for Brand.
Carson grows a ton in this book. He learns to stand up for what he wants and to forgive himself for the past he cannot change.
Overall, this is a love-filled read. Giving true love a second chance. I loved the heart and soul these characters have, and I would love it if Teo the side character got his own story. I think he really needs to find his true love too.
Five Shooting Stars
I loved Carson and Brand!!Carson ran away seven years ago. He left the only person he’s ever loved, Brand. Now Carson has returned home. Brand is broken hearted but has moved on with a new relationship. Brand is angry. He needs to let go to truly be happy. This story was sooo good. There are so many feels in the story line. I liked that the story was as angsty as I thought It might be. I loved the second chance these two received. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
A great 2nd chance romance.
Brand and Carson had history, the kind that started when they were just kids. They were high school sweethearts that had to end ugly. Carson’s father was a nasty, so hasty that it literally scared Carson. With that being said his fear totally destroyed his relationship with Brand. Its been years since they had seen each other and Carson goes home for a visit. The reunion happened without surprise, but in the end they both decided to work on the relationship. Their chemistry was immediate as if no time had passed. It was slow going on Brand’s side for a bit due to insecurities and past hurt, but they finally got it right and got the HEA the both deserved. The journey may have been rocky but a crisis showed Brand that he was not going to waste the 2nd chance at having the love he and Carson deserved. A great story.
I received an ARC from GRR and voluntarily read it for an honest review.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Tahoe Blue is a second chance romance standalone.
Brand West and Carson Keaton were in love. They were young but they knew it was love. Then Carson was gone. He just up and left with no warning, no note, no phone call just gone. Carson became a big a Hollywood heartthrob and Brand was left devastated and confused thinking he had done something wrong. Being left like that had a huge impact on Brand’s life, he never really let himself go fully into another relationship. After seven years he finally let himself open up enough to let Teo in. He wanted this relationship, he like Teo and could see an easy future with him until Carson was back in town and Brand’s world is turned upside down.
Carson has a lot of explaining to do but is Brand willing to listen? Is this the closer he needs to fully move on with Teo? Will those old feelings come back when Brand is finally face to face with Carson?
I enjoyed this read. The characters were easy to connect with and there was a good pace to the storyline. The chemistry was palpable between Brand and Carson which made for a good read.
*Wicked Reads Review Team*
Holy heck, what an incredible read. Eden French pulled so many conflicting emotions out of me in Brand and Car’s journey for love. I ranted, I swooned, I was 100 percent invested, and in love with both characters.
The author has created two amazing characters and ensures their journey keeps readers gripped and entertained. The additional tension during the scenes of conflict and the characters’ emotional exchanges were so wonderful and impactful, and created the perfect level of development. Each step in their journey was absolutely needed after the emotional conflict evident.
And hot damn… the sexy-time scenes were smoking hot. The emotional and evocative connections were beautifully described and brought to life so vividly. I loved getting inside the characters’ heads and hearts.
An absolute must-read M/M romance.
Seven years ago Carson was forced to disappear from Tahoe, he left behind not only his mom
and sister but also his one and only love, Brand.
Brand’s heart never healed, now he finally tries to open up for new love and found one with a
kind, loving guy.
Just now Carson dares to come back home to Tahoe and want to reconnect with Brand.
Finding out what happened so many years ago is one thing, reconnecting with your first and only
love is another. Carefully they pick up a friendship, that’s the least Brand can offer.
Carson’s broken heart accepts everything Brand can give.
Could it be the love between Carson and Brand is indestructible.
True love, second chances, It isn’t an easy way but it’s the only.
Thank goodness for decent and mature people. They made this story impressive. A beautiful,
heartfelt, emotional story, so much hurt, and so much love. A story about second chances, so
deserved. A beautifully written narrative, emotional, with two beautiful men who never stopped
loving each other even though it was a hard road for them.
I adore true love stories very, with not too much drama, so it’s good manageable. The story was nicely developed, steady-paced, and had a good flow.
Tahoe Blue by Eden French is a contest MM lovestory following Carson and Brand as they heal from their past and forge a new forever. Its a second chance romance with emotion, pain, love, healing, angst and sweetness. Well written and interesting story, wonderful characters… Tahoe Blue made me fall in love.
Tahoe Blue is a stand alone, M/M second chance romance by a new to me author, Eden French. I was so surprised to see that this is only this author’s third released book! It was beautifully written and I completely fell in love with these two.
Brand West is twenty five years old and has lived in Lake Tahoe his entire life. He’s a paramedic and loves his job. When Brand was in high school, he fell in love with his best friend, Carson. But just after graduation, Carson left with no explanation. Brand spent years trying to put himself back together. Now, seven years later, for the very first time, Brand has started to have feelings for someone new. But isn’t fate cruel when his feelings are just beginning to grow for this new man, Carson walks back into his life.
Carson Keaton left Tahoe seven years ago and it was the hardest thing he has ever done. Brand was the love of his life. Now Carson is a huge Hollywood star but there is a writer’s strike. With nothing holding him in Hollywood, maybe it’s time to finally go back to Tahoe and face his past. One look at Brand and he knew his love was still as strong as ever. Can he get Brand to listen to his explanations? Can he even begin to hope that he will give him a second chance, that he’ll forgive him?
I loved these two. I was a little afraid that this would be too angsty but it really wasn’t. I couldn’t help but to love Carson and Brand. This is a story of true love, of forever love. No matter what had happened in the seven years they were apart, their love still could not be denied. I definitely look forward to more by this author. I’m so glad I took a chance on this!
They say life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. Brand is going to agree with that sentiment.
It took Brand 7 years to get where he is now, ready to date, after being devastated when Carson abruptly walks out of his life. Carson was his best friend, and his first love. Brand puts himself out there, and begins a relationship with Teo. It’s going well, to the point things progress in the bedroom. Cue life: Carson returns. Carson knows immediately his feelings are just as strong, but Brand is torn. This is their story of discovering if they can have a second chance, or if they accidentally got it right the first time.
This was the first book I’ve read by the author. I felt like it was well written, and the characters were likable and relatable. My heart ached for all three men, because even Teo was a good guy. No one was the bad guy. Life can be messy sometimes, and this is what life looks like. Overall I enjoyed the storyline, and I’m glad the author didn’t pursue the cheating angle that so easily could’ve happened.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This second chance romance between secret high school sweethearts, Brand and Carson was sweet. After Carson was able to confess to Brand the reason for running, the two were able to focus on each other and start to build back what they had. This was a pretty easy read with a bit of angst.
Two young lovers are torn apart by threats.
Years later, they’re given the opportunity to reconcile.
Since only one of them knew the cause of the split, it took them rebuilding their relationship.
Trust has to be renewed.
Friends and family members play important roles in this sad, sweet romance.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Carson returns home after 7 years, he hopes to reconnect with the only man he ever loved. But Brand isn’t having any of it. Being ghosted for all the time Carson was away broke Brand, and now? Now, just as he is trying to move on, Carson reappears.
I’m not quite sure, never am, to be honest, what I was really expecting from this book from the blurb, but it wasn’t THIS! I loved this book!
I loved that Carson wasn’t who he portrayed to the world. Loved that, all the time he was away, there wasn’t anyone else, despite what the press said. Loved that, quite rightly, Brand was wary of Carson and what he wanted from Brand. LOVED that once Brand knew the truth as to why Carson left and didn’t even call, he was all in to see what was left between them.
I loved the way things went down with Brand’s new beau. I wasn’t sure I was liking the way that was going, to be honest, but Once Teo and Brand had talked, and laid everything out for Teo, I was (not happy, cos people were left heart broken) but happier with the way things were dealt with.
Teo has a story to tell, I’m sure. There were comments and hints made here, and I have no clue as to what they all meant, so I do hope that Teo gets a story and we hear what it all meant. So PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE Ms French, write Teo’s tale, okay?? Please?? Pretty Please??
It’s deeply emotional in places, hawt and sexy in others. Heart breaking in places, but also so much happiness once they get their act together!
First I’ve read of this author, I like the way she spins her tales!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
ARC provided by GRR for an honest review.
Beautiful story about two boys who fall in love at a young age and find each other later in life to get their HEA.
This was a wonderful second chance romance. It was perfect. First you have Brand, who was left behind with no explanation. He is obviously still completely in love with Carson and had not moved on. Well enter, Carson and he is the same way, except he has only ever wanted Brand and did not want to try anything with anyone else. Swoon!! It is a relatively slow burn in that they do not start rekindling anything until about 50% but then it is like they never stopped. They love each other fully.
This book is so good that I kept stopping to digest the words also to listen to the story as this great book spoke to me … Second chance romances do happen but
not without some sadness , loss , forgivingness and truth.
Brand West is a paramedic, a guy who loves the gym has a toned body to die for … Many years ago his best friend just left town, no words were spoken. Why ?
During those years Brand, besides toning his body , has had hookups but no one special to date…
Carson the best friend is now back. What will happen if they connect as before or has time got between them?
Carson knows what he wants. Can he lay claim to Brand or has Brand moved forward?
Such an interesting book showing how a homophobic father ruined Carson’s life completely for years … This wonderful book shows the determination of a guy who has missed out of such a lot from his life but on the other hand he has gained monetary wisdom , he is now back to hopefully be forgiven ….
Will it be easy … No way … Will it work …. read this book to find out ….. it is so worth it …
A brilliant book , written extremely well the story flowed taking me along for a wonderful ride . This is the first book I have read o
Eden French it won’t be the last , this is a magnificent book ,congratulations Eden French.
3.5 to 4 stars
I really liked the second-chance premise and paramedic and television star set up of this one so much that it made me want to read this new-to-me author.
Brand West still lives in Tahoe and has reached his dream of becoming a paramedic. But up until recently his social life has been void since his first love left seven years ago with no reason. But he is just starting to dip his foot back into the dating pool with a man who has potential.
Carson Keaton left for California and became a television star. As far as others know, he never looked back. But his reasons for leaving were not what they seemed. And now with a hiatus and his Cali life on hold, it is time to head home and face his demons and the man he left behind at eighteen years old. He is looking for forgiveness, redemption, and maybe even a second chance. But he has no idea what he will find when he gets there.
Brand is blindsided by his sudden return, and is still bitter, angry, and hurt. He is scared of letting Carson back in and being destroyed again. He has to scramble to figure out if he wants to just get closure and move forward with his new relationship, or if he can truly forgive and rekindle things with Carson.
I liked the first-love, coming home, second-chance storyline. The reason for him leaving that caused the main conflict was unique. I liked the main character’s personalities and they were great together. They had history and a bond that had been bent but never completely severed. I even liked the “other man” although I did not like that there was some back and forth initially and on-page sexy times with him (but the author tried to carefully make it not a cheating situation). I have a feeling that character will show up again at some point since he had a mysterious backstory never fully revealed. Brand’s best friend, Ryan was unfiltered and unapologetic in her support, and Carson’s family was sweet.
Some other things did bother me. It felt more superficial in some ways. My issues mostly stemmed from the communication, ignoring possible issues, quick and reactive decisions, and drama and angst that seemed to resolve too easily. It just kept missing the mark for me at times.
So overall, despite the painful emotional situations and minor drama, it read much lighter and fluffier than I expected. But that is not always a bad thing, especially these days. If you want something quick, sweet, and more like a Hallmark movie (Heck, this one even has a winter festival), this might fit the bill.
Eden French is a new to me author and I was excited to check this one out. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and I loved that it was set in Tahoe. I enjoyed the premise and Carson and Brand’s chemistry was steamy. Very enjoyable read.