FROM POPULAR GAY ROMANCE AUTHOR K. EVAN COLESBook one in the Boston Seasons seriesSometimes you have to start over to get love right.Luke Ryan’s life is too chaotic for romance, what with running his business and being the legal guardian to his ten-year-old niece, but he’s hopeful he’ll find the right man.Trauma surgeon Finn Thomason recently relocated from Chicago to Boston, where his focus on … relocated from Chicago to Boston, where his focus on medicine leaves him little space for a personal life. Making a commitment to find a better work-life balance, Finn hopes he’ll also find a relationship.
Caught in an evening rainstorm, Luke shelters under a sidewalk awning…and encounters a handsome stranger. The two strike up a conversation and Finn offers to walk Luke under his oversized umbrella. Charmed, Luke accepts and asks Finn out for coffee in thanks.
Luke and Finn quickly grow close, but, as the summer draws to an end, Luke struggles to keep his connection with Finn while Finn tries to come to terms with caring for a man whose attention is pulled in many directions. Both men are scrambling to get it right, but only time will tell if they’ll learn there is more than enough room in their hearts to go around.
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This was a fabulous story! Unimaginable realistic and with the most engaging personalities.
So many feelings, I loved the way this story was built, the whole plot, absolutely fascinating.
Who could ever think you meet your love under a sidewalk awning. But Luke and Finn did.
Luke has the care of his ten-year-old niece. His love life is on hold because no guy can handle a man with a ten-year-old girl to share your time with.
The start with Finn is somewhat different. Luke is clear about his situation and it seems Finn can handle it, it seems they both can handle it… like I said ‘seems’.
It’s not a light story, there is so much depth. We see both men with their awful full agendas, one of a trauma surgeon and one an owner of an IT company trying so hard to stay strong.
The connection between Luke and Finn was heartfelt and mature. Lots of conversations, they try to meet each other as much as possible and when they are together they are sensual and passionate. We meet both their closest friends, we see a lot of interaction with niece Ella, we see struggle and confusion and failure. The hurt goes deep and was all so palpable, my stomach hurt by it all.
Both men were so kind, flawed and lovable. I loved it how it all processed and progressed. It wasn’t an easy ride but oh boy, it was so worthily and precious real I wouldn’t want to miss a thing. I’d even read several parts over and over again. What a top read this was!
This is the story of two sexy single men meeting and trying to carve out a relationship around their busy, complicated lives. I’ll admit, it took me a while to warm up to Finn. He let his friends’ doubts drive his actions in his relationship with Luke too many times. That was very frustrating for me. Meanwhile, Luke was being the best brother and uncle on the planet and still bending over backward to try to keep Finn happy with him. (Luke also let his niece run over him at times, which didn’t do either of them any favors.)
Once I got a bit further in the story, I grew more attached to both Finn and Luke, and I knew they belonged together. Some of their conversations and actions made me sigh, because they were so caring toward each other. I felt really satisfied with the way things worked out, and I am glad I got to read this romance.
4.25 stars
“Third Time’s the Charm” by K. Evan Coles is the first story in the ‘Boston Seasons’ series. This gay romance features a pair of men who take their responsibilities seriously to the exclusion of pursuing a personal relationship. Each of them has past history that makes them wary of believing in the possibility of a relationship. Finding a way past the wall each has built around his heart may be almost impossible, but neither man is a stranger to working for what he believes in…they just have to learn to believe in each other.
There are some characters who just leap off the page, and the beautiful connection between Luke and his niece definitely made this story touching. The corny cow jokes (and the pterodactyl one, lol) appealed to my wacky sense of humor and that deep bond in this family that reminds us of the sacrifices contributed by the families those connected with military service all made me forge a connection with these folks. I was immediately invested in the realism of this story and enjoyed watching the relationships play out. There is love, quirkiness, a bit of danger, and normal emotions of jealousy and insecurity, and of course, a wonderful happy-every-after…what more can one ask for? I hope there are more stories that feature these engaging characters and I will be looking for more tales from this talented author.
A copy of this story was provided to me for review
Third Time’s the Charm by K. Evan Coles. This is Finn Thomason and Luke Ryan’s story.
Luke is providing day to day care for his brother’s daughter while he is fulfilling his military duty which doesn’t leave much time for a personal life.
Finn is new to Boston and works as a trauma surgeon so with being the new guy his schedule is crazy. He is getting over a bad relationship.
I loved Finn and Luke’s story and how they met. The chemistry was hot between them when they could finally work it out between their schedules. They really care for each other but neither one wants to get hurt plus between their jobs and Luke’s commitment to his niece will these two be able to take a chance on finding true love and happiness?
This was an entertaining story that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to the next books in this series.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This sweet, touching, real, and uplifting book was a delight to read, leaving me happy, fulfilled, and thoroughly charmed by the time I reached the delightfully happy end.
This story had me super entranced from the start. I am sporting a big time crush on Finn! And I’m a sucker for a good book cover and I’m in love with this one.
While standing in line for coffee with his friend, Luke turns and notices the hot guy behind him and smiles. Finn smiles back, but they both hesitate and miss an opportunity to speak. Later that night, they run into each other again under Finn’s friend’s awning and this time when the sparks fly, they take advantage of the situation.
The meet-cute in this was epically arranged and romantic as hell. I loved how both Finn and Luke paced themselves and were so adult about their blossoming relationship. There were plenty of hurdles on both sides and there were times when my throat got tight, but I loved their story. It was so charming and sweet.
This read felt so timeless to me. The characters were just so emotional and real, wanting and trying so badly to ensure the other was priority. It was refreshing to read such a deeply charged romance with two passionate MC’s. I really loved this story and felt their instant connection so deeply. Gah. Totally recommended.
Wow!!! Just wow!!! First of all this cover is an eye catcher. I love the splash of color and a huge umbrella, really fitting.
Luke and Finn see each other in a Starbucks(great choice) and they dont speak. Im sure all of us reading were like “awwww”.Later on they meet again in the rain and share an umbrella and the journey starts.
I love how real these guys are. They have real problems and emotions and talk it through. Ella is a character too, so snarky! I love snark in a book.
A great book one and I cant wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet with heat, Third Times The Charm by K. Evan Coles is absolutely a great read. I love the relationship the blooms between Luke and Finn. They have good chemistry and are adorable in their meeting. I love Ella and how sweet Luke is with her, that family interaction is perfect. I really enjoyed this romance. Definitely recommend.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my office and recommendation.
What a lovely story this was. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is flawless. It flows so easily, seemingly without any effort at all. And that had me reading it in one sitting.
Then there are the characters. Both the MCs and the side characters are deeply developed. Finn and Luke are just to die for. Both men have successful careers, content with their life. Finn is a trauma surgeon. Luke has his own business and is caretaker of his ten-year-old niece, Ella. Then suddenly the pouring rain come meddling in. What a way to meet! It’s lust at first sight when Finn holds his umbrella above Luke’s head.
If you think, it will be one sex scene after the other from then on, you’re mistaken. Of course, they have their sexy times, and believe me, the chemistry between these two men is off the charts, but there is so much more to this story. The emotions this author evokes are heartfelt and hopeful. Luke and Finn are sincere and genuine characters, who grab their chance at love with both hands but are thrown back time after time by real-life events. Growing and nurturing a relationship with busy careers and busy family is not an easy thing to do. K Evan Coles show their struggles to juggle their day-to-day lives but also their willingness to make it happen. Luke and Finn give it their all, give each other their all, but never without forgetting the important people surrounding them.
One of the most difficult things is writing about children, to get their actions and reactions just right for their age. And this author hits it right on the nail with Ella. She’s a precocious child who doesn’t hide her feelings nor minces words. Just as a ten-year-old is prone to do. So besides the developing relationship between Luke and Finn, we also bear witness of Ella and Finn growing together.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that K. Evan Coles doesn’t rush things for Luke and Finn. Despite the instant attraction, they’re given the time to know each other slowly easily finding their own space within the other man’s life. They’re good men but not perfect, full of insecurities and flaws,and it’s because of these flaws that they’re all the more relatable. Their doubts are never overlooked or ignored and the author gives them an amazing support system with the secondary characters, all of them as convincing and endearing as Luke and Finn.
Third Time’s The Charm is a captivating and sweet slow burn romance that has left me with a warm feeling of friendship, family and love.
Review: This book is so cute, guys. From that ADORABLE cover to the final kiss, I was…charmed. There’s just no other word for it. K. Evan Coles’ Third Time’s the Charm is a lovely book with a great premise and extremely likeable characters. Also, who doesn’t love a book with an adorable meet-cute?!? When Luke gets caught out in a downpour, Finn is there outside the building Luke runs to for cover, with a massive umbrella. Friendly chatting ensues, and of course Finn offers to walk Luke where he’s going so he can keep him dry under the umbrella. And Finn’s friends’ reactions when he recounted the meeting were the best. This was such a great line:
Mick reached over and tapped his glass to Finn’s. “Very nice, Finn. That is some next level chick-flick kind of chivalry, my friend.”
In fact, there was loads of great dialogue and character interaction, which you’ll come to quickly learn from reading this author’s books is one of her strengths. Along with the sweet romance between Luke and Finn, Charm had a great mix of fun banter, honest moments and genuine friendships. I loved both Luke’s and Finn’s friends—I’m dying for Luke’s friend Simon’s book!—and Luke’s relationship with his niece was also so sweet.
Coles’ style feels so easygoing and effortless. The pace and general flow of the story are excellent. There were a couple of points where things could have dragged or gone off track—not gonna lie, I hate “the big misunderstanding” as a plot device, and I was worried the story might lag there—but, Coles smoothly worked through the storyline and kept the guys heading where they needed to be. There were some bumps in their road, sure…Luke’s responsibilities as his niece’s caretaker take up a ton of his free time, and as a trauma surgeon, obviously Finn’s schedule is crazy, but for the most part the drama is realistic and short-lived.
If you guys haven’t read this author yet, do yourselves a favor and go pick this one up. It’s low-angst, sweet but not sugary, and these guys are sexy as hell. Which let’s face it, sometimes those are just the type of books we all need! I’m confident that Finn and Luke will also steal your hearts.
I really liked this book. It’s honest, and real, in a way not many romances are. We tend to get fairy-tale-like stories where everything just fits effortlessly into place, and this is not like that!.
Finn and luke struggle, their “real life” seems always to be getting in the way of their blossoming love, Luke is a stand-in parent for his 10 year old niece and Finn’s a trauma surgeon with a crazy work schedule. They struggle to find time to be together and to find a balance in their lives and relationship, but they talk about it, they get togetjer and talk about how they’re feeling and keep fighting to get into a place where they can love each other and be together without everything else falling apart!
They’ll have to try again and again… once, twice, third’s time the charm!
When someone is meant for you….
Two men with too busy lives, each occupied with jobs and family situations that sometimes get out of control. Two busy men, just like you and me, looking for that elusive someone to share a life with!
This story shows us real life situations. Men looking for someone to share life with. Men looking for that balance that would make life worthwhile. Men trying to cope with responsibilities at the same time looking for someone to share it with. It also shows us the doubts, insecurities, frailties that we each have especially when it comes to trusting another person with our heart and happiness. It tells us in realistic situations how each of the MCs try to cope with it. We can see our MCs’ struggle, think about things they want and how to go about letting the other person know how they feel. It is a very realistic tale of two people looking for “the one” amidst all the chaos in their lives.
Congratulations K. Evan Coles on a very relatable story. I just love the way you created Luke and Finn, they are so lovely and amazing in their humanity! Once again, you have shared with us a tale of two amazing characters who can be you and me!
K’s first book in the Boston Season series starts off with low angst and sweetness.
I adore Finn and Luke so much.
Finn is amazing and sweet. Their meet cute is perfection. Both times. 😉 Luke is just as fabulous. His loyalty to those he holds closest is heartwarming. He sacrifices his personal life over and over until he meets Finn. Even if it takes them a couple times to get there, Third Time’s definitely the Charm.
Ps. I want more Simon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luke and Finn were great characters, sweet and engaging. They had amazing chemistry and I loved seeing them work through the obstacles thrown in their way on their journey to their happy ending. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great book by one of the best authors I’ve read this year. To me, Third Time’s The Charm has it all: the charming MCs, very funny second characters (who I HOPE will get their own story, btw) and all those Star Wars and Marvel references <3 <3
What I really like about her books is the everyday life aspect of the stories. Finn and Luke first met on a Starbucks line and start to flirt without actually talking to each other, just stolen glances and smiles. They start to build a friendship, that evolves to feelings for both of them, in their own time, not rushing and falling on love on the seconf or third chapters. Both adults, with exigent jobs and demanding lives, and yet they work hard to find a way to make it all work. It's not all perfect, they have their share of hits and misses, and that's what kept me hooked until the very last line. The interactions between everyone around the couple was beautifully buited too: it's not just someone meeting their lover friends/familiy; they start a connection too, and we see that all throught the book that's another piece that helps Luke and Finn in the path to their much deserved HEA. In the end, Is all about second, third chances... as many as you need to be happy!
This book is emotional and a little angst, but is also funny and very captivating! I highly reccomend reading this with a nice cup of coffee... Makes it all better!
5+++ stars, for sure!
A story of two guys meeting in a coffee shop. Well, we’ve seen it before, right?
Two guys trying to fit their new relationship into their busy lifes? Yup, been there.
What we don’t see often, and this book has it in spades, is two MCs struggling to build a lasting connection among a host of secondary characters, witty remarks, life’s curve balls and complicated emotions, all described in a way that just pulls you in with every page with humor and heartfelt emotions you feel deep down :).
I love the attention given to Luke’s and Finn’s emotions, insecurities and concerns. I absolutely loved the overall plot, real life struggles and all in between. I also totally love the secondary characters, one of whom will hopefully get his own story, full of sass and witty comments 🙂
If you haven’t guessed already, yes, I loved this book a lot 🙂 No dragons, explosions and gun fights, but this story holds your emotions in a vise all the same 🙂
I received this book as an ARC, but the above review is all mine and 100% honest.
Cute romance driven story complete with romancey trope meeting, well meaning friends, and an aware kid who acts like a kid.
Really enjoyed it.