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Lavender Shores #4

The Shipwreck

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Lamont Price’s romance novels have been a hit for the past few years. With his gorgeous looks, kind heart, and tender disposition, Lamont is the darling of Lavender Shores. He’s the guy everyone wants to be their best friend, the guy everyone wants to protect. But even with his success and the love of his family, Lamont feels hidden from those around him. Maybe the first step is attending a writing conference and revealing the man behind his pen name....

Tyler Dixon survives off his beauty and charm. From cover model to runway fashion to weekend arm candy, Tyler’s prices aren’t cheap. While his appearance is taking him places, his life as an artist has little more than flatlined. When an author hires him to appear as the face of her brand, Tyler thinks it’s just one more job. Little does he know another writer is going to steal all of his attention.

Escaping the conference to find some breathing room, Lamont runs into Tyler at a bar. Casual conversation leads to Lamont revealing his family’s obsession with helping him find love. It’s not a big deal to Tyler, who has played the role of boyfriend for other people in the past. Before either of them can rethink the situation, Tyler is in Lavender Shores meeting Lamont’s family. Though they’re only pretending to be in a relationship, the chemistry that ignites between them is anything but imaginary…

311 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2017

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Rosalind Abel

10 books203 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 5, 2017
~3.5~

Hey, it's immortal Grey T-shirt Guy on the cover. WITHOUT A T-SHIRT! He'll never die.

I envisioned Lamont with someone sweet and giving. I'm not convinced Tyler was that man. I wasn't a fan of Tyler's backstory. It was weirdly idyllic, and that rang false.

I felt bad for Lamont. He didn't deserve the deceit by omission.

I also wanted more one on one time with Tyler's cock.

Like the other books in the series, this one's compulsively readable and has a glorious HEA.

I appreciated the slower burn. The MCs took their time talking and flirting before doing the dirty deed.
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
October 8, 2017
Nothing much to write about. I found this one ”bland” : the MCs, their relationship developing mostly over two days, or their inner thoughts.

I kept reading it because so far, I have liked this series, but ultimately, I was bored and the ending didn’t do much for improvement
Profile Image for CrabbyPatty.
1,644 reviews179 followers
October 3, 2017
I love the symbolism of a shipwreck for this latest Lavender Shores story. In dreams, a shipwreck signifies a failure in life or a defeat. But it also means something important has not yet been realized and prompts the dreamer to reconsider their burdens and opportunities.

Lamont Price sees only the failures in his life. He's 45, single and writes M/F romance novels under a pseudonym (Ginger Peach). Lamont doesn't do hookups and hasn't had sex in years. "I saved sex for relationships. I didn’t have sex with someone I didn’t love." Tyler Dixon, on the other hand ... "I have sex with a lot of people, Lamont. A lot.” He hurried forward. “Always safe. I’m always safe. But I have sex with a lot of people.” Lamont and Tyler meet at a romance book convention when he sees Tyler doing a striptease for fans of the romance author who features Tyler on each book cover. Tyler is
... "walking sex [...] He strutted and gyrated around as if he was the hottest man to ever walk the earth, yet he smiled and laughed from time to time at something one of the closer fans said. He looked friendly and approachable. And like he was having just as much fun as all the women were.
Turns out Tyler gets paid to attend social functions, parties, etc. As he says “Lots of people need to have a boyfriend for the weekend." Lamont's extended family in Lavender Shores has been trying to set him up for years and rather than suffer yet another family gathering of well-meaning matchmakers, Lamont hires Tyler to be his pretend boyfriend for Andrew and Joel's baby shower; he'll make the family happy and then break-up with Tyler a few weeks afterward.

I love the premise of this story and boy, does The Shipwreck deliver in every way. Lamont and Tyler's story is sweet and oh, so very sexy but it's also very emotional and affirming. Without giving away too much, I love how Tyler isn't a stereotype of shame or poor choices and I admire Lamont for his willingness to open his mind and make an opportunity for himself and Tyler (cryptic, I know - but you just gotta read this book!). I loved The Shipwreck and give it 5 stars!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,438 reviews153 followers
August 16, 2022
Reread 2022-08-16
I still love this book.

Reread 2020-07-21
Man oh man. I thought I would be able to get through this one a second time without bawling my eyes out at the end. I was wrong. So very wrong.
I love, love, love Lavender Shores. I think the author have made a truly spectacular work creating this world and these people. I think I even might go as far as calling this my favorite book series... always.
And The Shipwreck is my favorite book in the series.
Seriously.
I love Lamont. Tender, sweet Lamont.
And Tyler. Tyler's just wow.
Excuse me for a blabbering mess kind of review, but it's just so... Wow.

Original review:
I adored Lamont and Tylers story. It’s beautiful, heart warming and just so amazingly written. BUT, I have read a lot of comments about Tyler being bad for Lamont, or not good enough. Tyler was my favorite person in this book, have to be honest.
Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 80 books2,585 followers
October 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this fake-relationship-to-real-romance story. Lamont has been a favorite character (no, not because he's a romance writer - in fact that occasionally gave me a twinge of over-familiarity) but because he's quiet, kind, shy, and can't do sex without having it mean something. But he's not some caricature - he's had a few relationships and encounters, he has family and friends, he's just self-sufficient with a tinge of lonely. The kind of guy primed to fall hard.

And Tyler, for whom he falls, is sweet and funny, self-confident and sexy. As a cover model a decade younger, Lamont sees him as out of reach, but Tyler has been around the block enough to value Lamont's basic kindness. Unfortunately, going into their relationship planning on an end date means not addressing some harder issues. And that's not a recipe for happy ever after.

This book was perhaps the most atmospheric and internally emotional of the series. Despite mixing two classic M/M tropes, it had a low-key realism I enjoyed. It could very easily work as a stand alone. Sweet escape reading for a long trip for me. And I appreciated the no-sin no-shame attitude to sex work.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
November 29, 2017
Another sweet romance - I enjoyed Lamont and Tyler and it was nice that they got their HEA. There’s a typical format to these stories and while I can almost plot the story after the first 20% I’m still a sucker for a light easy angst free read !
Profile Image for Debra.
2,103 reviews254 followers
October 2, 2017
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.

The pretend boyfriend is always a fun trope for me and if anyone can use one it’s Lamont. When he meets cover model Tyler at a romance author convention and they get to talking, Lamont thinks that bringing Tyler home for a party is the perfect plan to get his overbearing, but well-meaning family off his back for a while. The last thing he wants is his family to set him up with someone again. The fact that Tyler is the most beautiful man he’s ever seen doesn’t hurt anything. For Tyler, he is struck by Lamont the first time he sees him. The insecure, somewhat shy writer really doesn’t see himself as anything special and Tyler hopes he can show Lamont just how beautiful he is.

We’ve met Lamont before. A successful romance writer who now seems to be struggling with his career path and with the constant family pressure for him to find someone. Lamont has plenty of insecurities and abandonment issues (that issue with a good, heartbreaking reason). He may be lonely but a relationship is not worth it. He’s tired of his family and really, the town, treating him like he’s fragile and pathetic so it seems like he has the perfect solution. The fact that Tyler made it clear that this is a one-time arrangement makes things all that much easier… until they aren’t.

Tyler’s modeling and other jobs are all in order for him to fund his photography shows, so hopefully he will someday be able to make his living that way. Tyler is fascinated not just by Lamont’s good looks, but by his nature. He both wears his heart on his sleeve but is otherwise hard to read, projecting an innocence that belies his 45 years. Tyler hopes that their deal for him to play the part of boyfriend for a party will include a bit more. Tyler is outgoing, fun and pretty blunt about things and that makes it easier for Lamont to open up. There is a connection from the start, both men feeling attracted to and comfortable with the other. As long as they both know it’s just a few days of fun what can the harm be?

Lamont doesn’t have sex without love and doesn’t have relationships, but he finds himself breaking all kinds of rules with Tyler. When they do give into wanting each other I loved seeing Lamont let loose. He and Tyler have wonderful chemistry and they are very good for each other. The photography scene at the titular shipwreck was incredibly sexy and piques an interest in Lamont that he didn’t expect. The two men form a fast bond over the few days and when it comes time for Tyler to leave, both men realize that they are not ready to say goodbye. This thing between them felt right from the start and both are angsting about having to say goodbye, eventually deciding to see each other again after a few days apart for Christmas.

This is a series of straight-forward romances that happen over a very short period of time. In fact the majority of this story takes place in about a week and a half. Certainly not enough time build enough trust to share all your stories and secrets, but enough time to fall in love. Of course there has to be a bump in the road for the men and when one of these stories comes out at an inopportune time the insecurities Lamont was just starting to push through, come rushing back to the surface, resulting in a knee-jerk reaction and forcing him to eventually face up to what’s been holding him back all these years. I understood where Lamont’s emotions were, but the way he pushed Tyler away seemed a bit out of character and really, it’s not a personal favorite device of mine. It did make for a good reason for both men to step back and evaluate how they are living their lives though.

All the families, not just in Lavender Shores, but Tyler’s family as well are incredibly supportive of both men. It’s always fun to watch the families in town interact although I agree with Tyler’s observation that they are a bit intense. To this end, we do get a little more detail about Robert’s past and although he’s a bit over the top for my taste, at least there’s a little more clarity to his sexuality. We also get a lot of information about the previous couples and a hint of things to come in the next story.

The Epilogue was a sexy surprise. There were hints dropped throughout the book that I never saw come to fruition, but then Bam! There it was. I absolutely loved it, but I think it may be something that not everyone will enjoy. I don’t want to spoil it, but you’ll know the scene when you read it. Keep forging past it if you’re one of those not thrilled, because there is another wonderful moment there that I’m sure everyone will adore.

Another sweet, romantic and sexy winner for me that hit on a number of emotions. You can read each story as a standalone, but will be missing out on some of the dynamics of the families and the stories of the secondary characters that we keep getting updates on. I will admit I have very high expectations for the next book’s couple so I’m very glad we won’t have to wait long to get it.

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Profile Image for BWT.
2,193 reviews237 followers
September 10, 2018


I love returning to Lavender Shores with it's interesting characters, but I've been particularly interested in Lamont's story since listening to him agree to hiring Tyler as his fake boyfriend at a family gathering rather than face his family's awkward, but well-meaning, attempts to get him matched up from the excerpt at the end of The Veranda.

From the moment I heard the plot I was sold. I love a good fake boyfriends turning to something real trope and I just had to know how quiet, almost-melts-into-the-background Lamont dealt with trying to fool not only all of Lavender Shores, but his father, Robert, especially. I thought Tyler and Lamont fit well together and was really interested in seeing how it all played out.
His hand traveled up my spine and came to rest on the back of my head.
I had no thoughts, nothing concrete. Just the kiss, the warmth and hardness of his body against mine, the cradle of his hand against my head. I felt his stiffness against my own, but even that arousal was far away. I didn’t know Lamont, and he most definitely didn’t know me, but for just that moment, he was… everything. And from the protective strength of his embrace, I knew I was his everything too.

The Shipwreck does not disappoint. It's got a strong cast of characters, and interesting premise, a bit of a twist, and a very happy ending.
There were countless details Lamont didn’t know about my life or about me. And there were just as many I didn’t know about him. But he knew me. In a way, more than anyone else ever had.
And I knew him.

I liked both Tyler and Lamont, together and as characters. I figured out Tyler's secret after a few very heavy clues were dropped and I thought it was interesting (good interesting, not bad) the way their romance plays out. Added to how much I love getting to visit with past favorites from the previous books, and The Shipwreck definitely ranks in my top favorites of the series.

Kirt Graves performs well, delivering a narrative style that's easy to listen to without being over the top and featuring easy to follow character voices and a good pace.

Recommended for those who love the fake boyfriend trope and are looking for a romance with hot sex, not too much angst, and a truly lovely happy ending.

P.S.: I'm really looking forward to listening to Connor's story!

Audio copy of The Shipwreck (Lavender Shores #4) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Elaine White.
Author 42 books255 followers
July 16, 2018
Book – The Shipwreck (Lavender Shores #4)
Author – Rosalind Abel
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 311
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, dual POV
Would I read it again – YES!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Romance


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine


I was so thrilled to finally get Lamont's story in my hands that there aren't even the words for it. What the story did to me, however, is another matter entirely. I was totally not prepared for the snot-fest sobbing that came with the second half of this novel. Not in the least!

I love how the story started, with Lamont at a book convention, 'coming out' as a male author of straight romances, with a female pen-name. I loved the authenticity of his fear, of the reactions, even the talk about trending on Twitter and how the viewers were divided between supporting him and vowing never to read his books again. It's so like the cruel reality of the publishing world that it's probably happened exactly like this in real life, somewhere.

I love how, even after Tyler is introduced as this cocky, flirtatious person in Chapter 1, during Lamont's POV, we still got to see a side of him that is his natural element, a part of him that has fallen out of love with the attention, even just a little. It's all through Lamont's eyes, which it the genius of the writing, because you can see it even without having to know it from his POV.

Speaking of which, the writing is the same top class, five star, unmistakable style and level of talent that I've become used to when reading Rosalind Abel books. If they can't make me cry at least once, they're not Rosalind Abel. If I can't connect with a main character by the end of Chapter 1, it's just not authentically Rosalind Abel. That's how I've come to view this series and, though I would never want Lavender Shores to stop telling its stories – we still have Paulie, Seth and the book store guy, and so many others to read about – I would absolutely read anything else, in any genre, that Abel wanted to write. I'd be there, money in hand, willing to fork out any amount for a book that I just knew was going to be gold standard.

Okay, so I'll be upfront – there were some moments that had my ugly crying from here to Sunday, and some that were just so awkwardly brilliant and funny and cringe-worthy that I could barely contain myself. To not give too much away, here's the run down of what happened:

The baby food tasting game was almost too much for me and I can guarantee that I snorted at least once.
It made me cry that Tyler was the first one to ask for a wish – that they could pretend with each other, even when they were alone – that they weren't two people who didn't do relationships, out of fear.
The palisade conversation is heart-breaking. Hearing about Tyler's past, lost love, and the whole story, then hearing how Lamont thinks himself broken, just because he doesn't sleep around and only has meaningful relationships, was gut-wrenching.

Now, these are the quotes that I can't explain and that gutted me for so long that it was hard to read through the tears:
“I broke. Utterly broke.” ← and so did I. After holding it together pretty well, with only small instances of tears, for nearly 74%, this was what broke me. All I can say is God Bless Debbra and thank you for that chapter. That is all.
“That is my shame. And you are my loss.” ← I'm not even going to explain what this one did to me.
“I didn't know reality could feel like this.”
“I wrote them a happily ever after.”
“I let out a long breath, maybe the one I'd been holding for the past forty-five years.”
“The only foolish thing about Lamont was him allowing himself to fall for me.”
and, finally,
“We were on the cliff in our own little snow globe.
We were saying goodbye.”


While it doesn't need a 'warning label' per se I do want to mention that the book contains exhibitionism, porn enactments and themes of depression, isolation, step-family anxiety, polyamory, a slight May-December romance, and therapy. But I only mention it because there are so many ways that these issues are dealt with, brought up and respectfully handled that it needs to be talked about. Not enough authors are comfortable having vulnerable older men as their lead characters, but Abel shows time and again that it can not only be done, but with style, class and sensitivity.

I really love that Tyler doesn't hate his work or think it something to be ashamed of. I really love that his family knows the truth, that he's proud of his ability to love his job, do it well and work hard to reach his dreams. I love that when the truth comes to light, Lamont doesn't say the one word Tyler is afraid of hearing. I just hate that Lamont rushes straight into self-doubt, although visiting Donovan is an excellent idea.

There was so much story in the first half that, because I was so engrossed in my reading, I fully expected around the 55% to be close to the end, until I checked and saw how much more there was to come. When those two idiots accosted Tyler on his way home from Christmas, it nearly killed me, but it promised so much – that it absolutely 100% delivered – for the second half of the book.

The title always perfectly encapsulates the most romantic thing about the story, or where the most important moments take place, and it kills me every time I figure out the significance while I'm reading. When Lamont and Tyler are at the shipwreck for the first time, every word out of Lamont's mouth not only destroyed my heart, but proved why this book had the title it did. In that way and in so many others.

As usual, the ending is utter perfection, the Epilogue broke me in new ways and helped heal me before 'the end', and with the addition of so many of the previous characters from previous books, there was nothing about this book that I would change. Ever.

I know I said in my review of the previous book that I wanted Connor and Paulie to hook up, but I'm thrilled to read the sneak peek of The Hideaway and know that my original hopes were right. I really thought they never would be, considering the situation, but I am beyond happy to find out I was right to begin with and then wrong to doubt myself. Something only Rosalind Abel can do, to this extent.

~

Favourite Quotes

“I didn't know Lamont, and he most definitely didn't know me, but for just that moment, he was...everything. And from the protective strength of his embrace, I knew I was his everything too.”

“The earth didn't tremble, the sun neither, and I was still a man who didn't do relationships. But as we kissed, some fragment of Lamont's soul took root in my heart.”

“I'd seen lots of eyes. Looked into countless eyes. I'd seen admiration, attraction, lust. Lots and lots of lust. I've even seen love at times.
I'd never seen myself before.”

“This was happening. I was falling in love. Maybe had fallen, who knew? And Andrew was right. Who cared if it was fast? Who cared if there were a million things we didn't know about each other yet. That was the fun of it. There'd be time. Maybe it was insane to think, but perhaps Tyler was the reason I'd been waiting all those years. Part of the reason I felt something was missing. I'd been my own romance novel the entire time, I just hadn't known it.”
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,713 reviews
September 25, 2017
4.5 Stars Okay, I promised myself I wouldn’t start gushing over Lamont and Tyler, no matter how much I felt for them, particularly how I wanted to hug Lamont, and very possibly shedding tears. I said I wouldn’t fangirl over Rosalind Abel and my love for this series of erotic romances they’ve written. I swore I wouldn’t be all starry-eyed over yet another romantic setting; the weathered boat set above the rolling waves, and the mood-setting fogs. I lied! I totally did all that.

Rosalind had said there was a little bit of her in Lamont’s role as a writer. But I identified so hard with his character, not the writing, but so much of how his past had shaped him. I got emotionally attached from the first chapters, finding out what drove his loneliness and isolation. I had lots of empathy for Tyler’s character, too, and easily understood the reasons for the choices he made. In every book, the characters have gravitated to a particular place with special meaning for them. In this case it was the shipwreck that always drew Lamont, and taking Tyler there helped shape events in the story that followed. Part of the appeal of the entire Lavender Shores setting, for me, is how these places are a little bit magical in drawing people together but there’s no easy path to a happy ending and no mystical solutions.

I did have some reservations but they stem, primarily, from my personal tastes. I was not a fan of most of the sex scenes in this story, particularly the final scene in the book. I wasn’t able to reconcile it with the vision I built of Lamont in my own mind. Intellectually, I could see the author’s intent, and why Lamont would have that motivation, it just didn’t work for me. I will still recommend this book and series very highly, as gorgeous romances with thoughtful themes, genuine, humanly flawed figures and happily ever after endings.

*An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest opinion, for publication on Hearts On Fire Reviews*
Profile Image for AGandyGirl.
736 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2017
*4.5 Stars*

Well, I have to say I was rather blown away by this one. Now I will confess, I first saw the posting for this ARC in Brandon Witt’s group and was so excited to see a new Witt that I immediately went to obtain my copy. Well…it took actually getting the file for me to realize that this was actually a Rosalind Abel book and not a Brandon Witt. Yeah yeah…I know they are the same person but…I will get back to that later. Nowhere in the FB post or in the ARC Instafeebie posting did it tell me this and clearly if I had read the other books I would probably have known this. But I had not. So it wasn’t a new Witt after all. *tears up* But I was committed and I needed to uphold my end of the agreement. So I proceeded. And…

I absolutely loved this.

I commented only a week ago how very few “boyfriend for hires” I have read and how much I had wanted one...so clearly someone was looking out for me. This was the perfect “boyfriend for hire” book. And while I expected fluffy romance based on the cover and author, I was greeted with some absolutely beautifully written scenes. From the scene at the cliff to the shipwreck to the photography aspects to some of the most amazing and quite intimate sex scenes I have read in a while. The characters had so much depth and were developed just beautifully with their backgrounds unfolding in a way that had me tearing up many times. And how these characters become so open so quickly with each other is another level of brilliance. I mean I think we all can more easily open up to someone you don’t really know, or have no expectation of trying to impress. In these situations you are just more free to be yourself. And this was captured quite well.

As with other books by this author, the family dynamics were also so perfectly portrayed and I found myself chuckling out loud many times. Now as for Lavender Shores, the quaint gay loving community that acts as the backdrop for this series, it actually worked for me. Now could I read numerous books set in this, I am honestly not sure. But I think if I was going to have one land in my lap, this was the perfect one for me.

Even more than losing you, that’s what I hate the most. That I hurt you. I’ve never met another man like you. Never met one who I’ve admired as much as you. Nor one who seems to be incapable of seeing how truly wonderful he is. If there’s any reason I should feel shame, it’s that. I added to your inability to see your worth. And I do. That is my shame. And you are my loss.

Gaaahhh…I mean this was beautiful. And don’t even get me started on the jar of snow. *cries*

Now, as I mentioned above, I have not read any of the Abel books. And like with several others I know, the whole Abel/Witt author name change just honestly turned me off. I am a huge fan of Brandon Witt’s work. He has written several of my all time favorite books and when I pick one up I know I am in for an emotional journey into the love between two men. Authors write different types of books all the time. They may go from comedy to romance to paranormal to horror, lots of sex to minimal sex. Honestly it matters not to me, as there are some authors that become an auto buy for me. The name change here felt like catering to a reader group or a type of romance that wasn’t something I wanted or liked. I personally love reading MM Romance written by a gay man. Not to say that a woman can’t do it and do very well, but there is something about having an author who is actually a gay man that I like. So to see someone who I see as a well established author in the MM genre change direction to utilize a woman’s name just bothered me. So yeah, I had no desire really to read these.

Imagine my continued surprise when I found out that the main MC in this book is a male author of MF romance who goes by a female name. Sorry, but I eyerolled at the name…I mean "Ginger Peach". Seriously? Do women really pay more attention to a book with a name like this than one with a man’s name? I mean is Nicholas Sparks a woman? No. I just don’t understand this aspect (both from a character perspective and from an author perspective) and honestly this was really my only issue with the book.

For me I just found myself rather sad not to have Brandon Witt’s name on the cover. To not have the cover image be that described as part of the story. The “authenticity of the author” is something that as male or female I respect and I was extremely happy to ultimately see Lamont embrace this aspect in the book, especially in regards to him finally writing a MM Romance.

And I know I will likely be in the minority on my feelings regarding this but oh well…it would not be the first time. And as an author has every right to do what they chose with their books, I don’t necessarily need to agree.

The bottom line is that this book was absolutely lovely and I fell in love with the characters, the story and the writing. So if you are wanting a beautiful MM Romance then this certainly fits the bill and does so with the “Witt” I have grown to love.

*Highly Recommended* as part of the series or as a Standalone (as I read it).

**Note: An ARC was obtained in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Gabbi Grey.
Author 34 books218 followers
September 11, 2018
Love returns to Lavender Shores – bring tissue

When I listened to The Palisade, the first Lavender Shores book, I fell in love. This small quaint town is exactly where I would choose to live. Friendly, caring, and gay-friendly. With all the nastiness in the world, Rosalind Abel has created a safe haven with wonderful characters.

Lamont Price has been a secondary character from the beginning of the series. He watched his younger brother Andrew meet Joel, fall in love, and build a life with the love of his life. Lamont wants that. And so does every member of his loving family as well as the community as a whole – for him. But Lamont rarely leaves town, so the odds of meeting someone new are pretty slim.

He’s a famous romance author – only no one but his family knows he writes under a female pen name. To create buzz, his agent convinces him to reveal his true identity. Chaos ensues with fans having varied reactions, but somehow, in all the chaos, Lamont catches Tyler Dixon’s eye. They find themselves in a bar, away from the frenzied women fans. Tyler is a cover model – under the moniker Tate Dallas – and he’s even been on the cover of one of Lamont’s books. But once the two men start talking, Lamont gets glimpses into the man beyond the gorgeous face and hot body.

There is heat. There is lust. It is a slow burn because Lamont knows he can never attract a guy like Tyler. When Tyler learns of Lamont’s family’s matchmaking efforts, he offers to pretend to be Lamont’s boyfriend for a few days before Christmas. He’s attracted to the older man, who is not just gentle and kind, but hot as hell.

Win-win, right?

Lamont’s family will back off and Tyler gets a vacation in Lavender Shores.

Fake boyfriend is a familiar trope, but Rosalind’s take is heart-endearing. Lamont is a truly wonderful man. His insecurities are tough to read about because you just want to wrap him in a hug. He’s had a few rough times, but now he’s with his loving family and this amazingly gorgeous man who…wants him?

Tyler has been longing for a man to see him as Tyler the photographer and artist; Tyler the compassionate man. He’s also had his heart broken, so he’s not going to fall in love with Lamont…right?

Sometimes there are forces greater than insecurities, but it’s the secrets that get us every time. Those secrets threaten to keep these two endearing men from their happily ever after.

Bring tissue.

Damn Rosalind. She had me sobbing over my Kindle in a Starbucks. I think as much for myself as for these men. Because who hasn’t faced heartbreak and loss? Had moments of insecurity? Lamont and Tyler’s pain was palpable and it got to me. And for the record – I don’t cry a lot, especially not in public.

Which is why I can recommend this book without reservation. Whether you’re well-acquainted with Lavender Shores or this is your first visit, you will fall in love.

Because when Robert is handing out Penis-shaped Christmas – sorry, Holiday – suckers, you know you’re in a special place.

Updated with audio review:

For the record, Lamont Price is not THAT old. 45 is hardly washed-up in the romance department, but he’s feeling like he’s missed his opportunity. Some of the most important people in his life, are paired up, and Lamont’s been an observer for a while now. He’s happy for his family. He’s happy with his life. He’s even – for the most part – happy with his career. That being said, his agent has talked him into ‘coming out’ to reveal the man behind the woman’s pen name.

There is often a lot of debate about authors choosing pen names that clearly represent the other gender. I don’t have any problem with it. Where I have a problem is when that person puts themselves out as an expert about that gender. As for the rest…? Each to their own.

Lamont is worried about the coming out and given that his own coming out of the proverbial closet when he was a teen was so uneventful, it’s not surprising he’s worried. He grew up in Lavender Shores, the most gay-friendly town in California – possibly in all of the US. These days, that kind of haven is where many of us would love to live. Lamont being gay was not a big deal, but his status as a single man? Yeah, his family cares about that. They want him to be happy and they believe the best way for him to find fulfilment is to be in a relationship.

First, though, his desire is to survive his unveiling. Before it happens, a cover model for one of the other authors puts in an appearance. The man is a hunk, and Lamont thinks, “he looked like he could be James Bond and I wanted to be a Bond Girl”.

Oh, really?

Tyler Dixon is that proverbial James Bond and he is quite accustomed to being objectified. He has essentially traded on his good looks so that he can work a flexible schedule and chase his true passion and dream. And I have no trouble imagining Tyler at work – gorgeous and someone who ‘goes both ways’; he is able to attract and mesmerize men and women equally. He enjoys sex and is good at playing at being someone else.

The true questions are, does Tyler know himself and how will he accomplish his goal?

When Lamont and Tyler manage to escape the throngs of women fans, they find themselves enjoying a drink together. One thing leads to another and Tyler manages to convince Lamont to hire him as a fake boyfriend to get his family off their back. Tyler could use the money, sure, but he wants to help Lamont and see the fabled Lavender Shores.

I like the fake boyfriend trope because it is a way to force two characters to get to know each other and can bring a lot of humour to the situation. Often one is quicker on his feet than the other and, unsurprisingly, it is Tyler who handles the situation deftly, answering the family’s questions and accepting the adoration without too much guilt. At the end of the evening, Lamont freely admits that Tyler hadn’t oversold himself and he was good at his job.

Perhaps too good, because as the men spend more time together, the lines get very blurred. And Tyler, in getting to know Lamont, can see the man behind the pen. When Lamont says he was the “fat red-headed kid with braces and glasses”, Tyler accurately points out that “you look in the mirror and still see that fat kid”. Those moments of insight endear Tyler to me more and more because he then added, “You’re no longer a fat kid. You grew into a swan.” I loved that Tyler was able to see the real Lamont and still love him. Many single people in their forties, especially those who still desire to find a partner, know it’s not so easy. Age does take a toll. There are a few more lines, less hard muscle, and more curves. Lamont doesn’t have a paunch by any means, but he does compare himself to the younger Tyler and find himself wanting. Tyler doesn’t see the imperfections. He sees a man who has followed his dream and succeeded. He sees a man who is lonely and is willing to be there for him.

It’s not all sweet romance, though. When things get hot and heavy, Tyler edges Lamont. “I want to save this… I want to save this load for the rest of the day and then tonight I’m going to ride that big tool of yours and absolutely cover your chest hair”. Lamont then notes to himself that ‘despite having just come, my dick twitched at his words’. What really spoke to me, though was how rare this intimacy is for Lamont. He is someone who has to have an emotional connection to share himself with another man and so his willingness to invite Tyler to his bed was a clear indication more was going on, at least for him.

The Shipwreck has special meaning for Lamont – a place where he can escape to. All the books in this series have places tucked in various locations in Lavender Shores where they feel most comfortable. As with the others, when Lamont brings Tyler to the wreck, he is sharing a very intimate part of himself. I may not have a special place like that, but I do understand making myself vulnerable and risking everything by showing my true self. Lamont’s honesty was heart-rending, but it was a lack of honesty on Tyler’s part that leads to the quick demise of the relationship.

The time the men were apart was painful for me and I might have sniffed a few times. Not the outright sobbing from when I had read the book, but a tear might have escaped. My moment of levity came when Deuteronomy came to visit Donovan while he was talking to Lamont. Donovan isn’t in ‘therapist’ mode per se, but he is a willing ear. That his squirrel buddy dropped by was just the comic relief I needed. (Especially because it’s Donovan’s Spencer who loves musicals and yet Donovan chose the name for the squirrel, after the cat in the musical, of course.)

Moments when the two main characters find each other again can be moments of great passion or moments of quiet acceptance. They are moments when hurts have to be dealt with or moments when the past can be left behind and a future forged. Best line of the book? “If we get lube stains on the pool table, I’ll cut it out and frame it.”

Yep, that’s Rosalind Abel’s sense of humour, always present in these books.

The series is being narrated by Kirt Graves and, as always, I adore him. He can pull off Lamont’s deeper voice along with Haley, Andrew’s sister and the other women in the book. Oh, and Kirt’s portrayal of Robert? Lamont’s father is a favourite character of mine and Kirt gives him just the right vitality and verve. I can’t wait to hear the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,897 reviews130 followers
October 1, 2017
I’ve been looking forward the Lamont’s installment for this series. Sadly, I think I was expecting more than what we got from The Shipwreck. Not saying this was bad, because it’s not, just not what I wanted for Lamont. Listen to that, ME, what I wanted. Selfish, I know, but it’s the truth.

Lamont is a 45 year old romance writer and his parents constantly try setting him up looking for the next member of the Kelly/Price family. Lamont is content with his life and would rather not have all the setups.

When meeting Tyler, the 32 year old cover model at a convention, he offers to be Lamont’s date for the baby shower Lamont has to attend. Lamont KNOWS his parents, so he should have realized that when he brought someone home his parents were going to have them married by the end, because that’s how they are. I guess I didn’t understand why Lamont thought it was a good idea.

I actually missed the “family” feel/friends in this installment. Yeah, we saw them a few times, but I would have thought Lamont and Donovan or someone would have had some one on one time. I felt bad for Lamont. It seemed like whenever someone needed him he was always right there, but where were they when Lamont needed someone? I don’t mean his parents either.

The actual shipwreck was amazing and I loved Lamont had that space for himself.

Tyler’s secrets. This is where I have issues. He should have told Lamont up front. I don’t care if it would or wouldn’t have changed things, he should have been up front about it. Maybe it’s just that I’m getting old, but I thought Lamont should have known before anything happened between the two of them.

There were actually a couple of scenes that happened between Lamont and Tyler and they didn’t scream Lamont to me. It felt like Tyler was trying to change Lamont in ways I didn’t like. When you read them, you might know which scenes I’m talking about.

I liked how Lamont opened up in front of Tyler. I wished he could have done that with his family. They probably would have understood him better if he did.

Overall, I liked this, but it went in a direction I didn’t care for. Your mileage may vary with this one as I’m probably the odd one out.
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,299 reviews494 followers
December 3, 2018
4.5 stars!

Another win in this series for me. I'm just enjoying every book in this series. The author does such a good job of drawing you in and making you love the couple's and wanting more and more of them.

I do have to say that Lamont and Tyler weren't my fave couple of the series by far, but they were still certainly enjoyable.

Lamont Price is a 45 year old writer and son of Robert Kelly (although seeing as he's the same age as Donovan, I think he should be 43, but whatever) and is incredibly shy but kindhearted and sweet, and everyone is protective of him in Lavender Shores because of how kindhearted and sweet he is. But he's also incredibly insecure and has an almost self-hatred of himself. He used to be overweight when he was a kid, and that caused issues for him throughout his life, even when he lost weight.

I do have to say, aside from that one hiccup, the rest of the book didn't have anything close to that line of fat shaming, and I was happy because I was worried there would be. I understood Lamont's unwillingness to believe himself beautiful or good looking, even as an adult who lost weight and has kept it off, and thus anyone's potential interest him (especially someone as beautiful and stunningly gorgeous as model Tyler Dixon). Even if I lost all the weight I have, and more guys than usual started showing interest in me (And as a fat person now, it is not a lot...it's rare, lbr) it would still feel like a "wtf? me? are you serious?" type of deal. That shit very much affects me, and no doubt many other overweight people around the world.

So yeah, I understood Lamont completely in that department.

I thought the drama of the book was handled well, and what we learn about Tyler was handled well and how he decided to choose the way his career was going and what he decided to do and all that. It felt right, and like Tyler was making the decision himself and for himself, not just for Lamont or mainly for Lamont.

And thought I tag this as pretend relationship, it isn't pretend for very long. It seemed like they moved into coupledom almost seamlessly, even though in their thoughts they denied it.

The sex at first wasn't as steamy as I've come to expect from this author (at least on Tyler's side. He orgasmed and everything but I didn't get much of what he was feeling and if he felt much at all their first time) but then it definitely heated up after that and was really hot and sexy. While with the other books chemistry, for me, has come off the page right away, it kinda took a bit with these two. There was some, don't get me wrong, but crazy intense chemistry? That came later as they fell more in love.

Nothing wrong with that either, the chemistry doesn't always come right away. I was happy when it did, though. These two were awesome together.

Thumbs up from me a lovely 4th installment in this series :D And since I've already read Micah and Connor's story, onto the sixth story! <3
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,461 reviews85 followers
April 14, 2021
I had such a love hate relationship with this book. I almost walked away from it, but I just couldn’t. I hated the inner monologue, but that slowed to an enjoyable rate after the first third of the book. I also had a really hard time with Lamont. I loved him in the other books and couldn’t wait for him to find his HEA. I sure felt like I suffered immensely getting him there. I never could understand why he sufferers from such low self esteem. I realize he was a fat kid, but now he’s handsome and successful. The amount of angst was also a problem for me. This book just made me feel bad half the time.

However, Rosalind writes such beautiful stories. Her prose is incredible and her characters are enchanting. When her characters are happy they make up for the sad times. Her endings are so wonderful that I walk away and have to rely on notes to remember what I didn’t like. I’m sure I’ll keep reading them because I love my time in Lavender Shores.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,794 reviews
May 27, 2018
So this was freaking adorable. And emotional, jesus I cried

It all did happen pretty quickly but it didn't have that insta-love feeling to me. I felt the guys and I enjoyed their connection. And...I didn't like Tyler's mom. I'm just putting that out there. I don't know, maybe I understand her perspective but mostly...I wanted a quick throat-punch.

The MCs were sweet and there was some definite yumminess. Totally adored and recommend.
Profile Image for Robin Powers.
1,426 reviews31 followers
October 5, 2017
I can't tell you how much I love the Lavender Shore series. These books are about family, friendship and acceptance. It doesn't matter which couple that are featured...each one leaves me feeling warm fuzzies in my heart. You start with Lamont, a founding family member, who feels like maybe he's a bit broken because he hasn't found his "one" and isn't into casual hookups. You add Tyler who is trying to succeed in his art of photography but has to do things to make a lot of quick money to have time to focus on his work. Which doesn't really bother Tyler at the moment. I liked how much attraction there was from the first glance. As many nerves as Lamont typically feels, when the two spend one on one time together, they just seem to fit. Definitely another enjoyable book in the series.
Profile Image for DTM.
1,184 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2017
4.5 stars! I’m just in love with this whimsical series…Each story is better than the last…They are beautifully written, and the sex scenes are hot and sensuous. The Shipwreck, #4 in the Lavender Shores series, grabbed me from the get go and didn’t let go!! I’ve been anxiously waiting Lamont’s story and was not disappointed!! Now, I’m anxiously awaiting Connor’s story coming soon in The Hideaway! I can not recommend this series enough with it's lyrical tone, a fantastic cast of supporting characters and it's gorgeous setting!!
Profile Image for Jess A Jaye.
504 reviews19 followers
October 3, 2017
I love this series. I've said it before and I'll say it again but the way Rosalind creates a sense of place is amazing. Whether it's the lavender fields, a beautiful garden or an old shipwreck you are totally pulled in, swept away and can totally picture the scene and imagine yourself there.

If possible, because the others were so good, I think Shipwrecked is the best yet. And MC Lamont plays a massive part in that. As a character he really spoke to me.

After being abandoned by his birth mother as a little boy and being disappointed with a few early relationships that never went anywhere because the men just wanted him for sex and not love Lamont feels broken. But he's not, he's really not. He's sweet, generous and adorable.
He's lonely and the added pressure from his well meaning family doesn't help. Some of the things he says about himself... tissues please!

This book encompasses some great tropes here - pretend boyfriend, porn star MC. And one I'd not read before but loved -author who falls for their book's cover model. What a great premise. Wonder if that part is semi autobiographical on Rosalind's part? Lol 😉

I adored watching Tyler breaking down Lamont's barriers and helping him to realise love was for him.

Another fabulous addition to the series xx
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
October 1, 2017
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I was so happy when I found out this book would be about Lamont. In book one, we saw his brother find love and I could feel the melancholy that Lamont felt at not having someone of his own. He plays it off like he doesn’t need or want a relationship but I wasn’t getting those vibes. I have been waiting for him to find his happy since the beginning of this series and what a relief this book was.

Going into the book I trusted the author to give Lamont his happy but it was not an easy road for him and his love interest in the book, Tyler. One roadblock is that Lamont has body issues. Even though he is fit now, in the past he was overweight and will always see himself that way. As someone plus size I could feel for him. It’s hard to love your body the way it is, and I’m sure most people thin or thick can relate. Lamont also has a romantic heart. Sex for sex’s sake isn’t for him. He wants the emotions that go with the act. He’s been burned in the past and has given up on finding someone who can meet both the physical and emotional elements of sex.

Tyler has had a relationship in the past that colors the way he sees relationships. His life since has been about having fun and having sex with whoever he wants to. He’s not exactly interested in falling in love. He meets Lamont at a book convention and there is an attraction there. But Tyler isn’t only a cover model for books, or a photographer looking for his big break. He has another income source that makes him feel a relationship is impossible even if he is interested. Which he’s not. So these two men, who I was really liking already decide to fake a relationship for Lamont and the nosy/caring community he lives in of Lavender Shores. You have to guess how that will turn out, with them being in close proximity.

Now I really love Lavender Shores after really getting a feel for it in the first three books. Lamont loves it, too. The downside is how everybody is concerned with Lamont and his lack of a love life. I love that they care for him, but I also cringe with him when people try to set him up and when they try to plan a wedding for Lamont when he introduces Tyler as his boyfriend. The chemistry between these two guys is hot and before long neither of them wants the relationship to be fake even though they are resigned to it being temporary. But even those plans fall by the wayside. It’s all looking like roses until Lamont discovers something about Tyler that leaves him feeling even less worthy than he did before.

In all that, I couldn’t be mad at Tyler. I could see how the conflict in this story tore him apart just as much as it did Lamont. Both of them suffering apart from each other hurt my heart. I did tear up a bit reading parts of this. Sometimes in stories, when misunderstandings happen, a side character will make one of the main characters really consider his decision and they have an epiphany that leads to forgiveness. That didn’t happen in this book, and I like that Lamont really had to dig deeper than that. I don’t necessarily feel that what Tyler needed forgiveness, but the point was that Lamont pushing Tyler away wasn’t just about Tyler. It was about his own issues, too.

In the end, both men made some changes for themselves and they have a better and even hotter relationship than before. I loved Lamont and Tyler. I loved the side characters in the story. The people of Lavender Shores are feisty and funny. They love with all their hearts. I loved the tease going on between two men who will be the main characters of the next book. I am practically giddy for the next story in this series. I definitely recommend picking up this series of books by Rosalind Abel. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I wouldn’t want to miss a book in this series.

9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
Profile Image for W.
1,433 reviews136 followers
August 27, 2020
Lavender Shores Series Gets Better With Every New Book

Overall: 5 stars
Performance : 5 stars
Story : 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-19-19


Listening to this audiobook was fun and a pleasure. And Kirt Graves' awesome narration is half of the reason why it was so entertaining and satisfying.
description
Other half , is because Shipwreck gave me a wide range of emotions. I cried a little, laughed a lot and sweet baby Jesus , got hot and bothered; this is a smutty, deliciously descriptive hot AF story.
Lamont Price description
Lamont and Tyler are likeable and relatable characters; as individuals and as a couple.
Tyler Dixon description
Lavender Shores world building continues expanding and growing. With each new book, we get updates on the characters in the previous books. The participation and interaction the large cast of secondary characters give this series continuity and realness.
Field of lavender growing over the cliffs leading down to the ocean description
Lavender Shores Series gets better with every new book. From all the stories I listened thus far, The Shipwreck is the one I cried the most. Looking forward listening to the next book in the series.
Lavender Shores Cliffs description
Rosalind Abel never disappoints. All her stories have heart , heat and HEA. My favorite kind.
Profile Image for George.
537 reviews57 followers
October 4, 2020
'The Shipwreck' is by far the most original - and erotic - audiobook in Rosalind Abel's Lavender Shores series so far.

Lamont Price (aka Ginger Peach), the author of acclaimed romance novels, and Tyler Dixon (aka Tate Dallas), model, escort, and porn star who just happens to have been the cover model on Lamont's ‘The Alpha’s Lust’, one of his best sellers, were meant for each other.

Getting there, of course, isn't easy.

Once again, the expert narration by Kirt Graves could not have been better.

Clearly an audiobook to be savored.


Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
82 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2017
Once again Rosalind Abel has transported us back to Lavender Shores. This time for the sweetest and most romantic story yet.
It is early winter in Lavender Shores.
Lamont Price, a founding family member of Lavender Shores is reluctantly attending a romance-fiction convention. As this was the first personal appearance for the successful romance writer, his agent planned to proudly announce that bestselling author Ginger Peach is Lamont Price. Anticipating that this announcement will either shatter the illusion of their favorite author and kill his career or attract many new readers, Lamont would gladly be anywhere else.
Lamont is shy, overly nice, nervous, and lonely. Second guessing every step, he is content to stay at home writing his immensely successful novels. Though he is immensely loving, and supportive of extended family. Robert, his wonderfully, exuberant father is on a tireless quest to find the perfect lover for his unattached forty-five-year-old son. Relationships have proved so disastrous that Lamont has avoided them for seven years.
As Lamont is stealthy trying to leave the convention before his gender reveal is announced to waiting fans he is pulled away by the audience screaming for the cover model featured on a rival’s books. Mesmerized by the gorgeous man dancing, stripping and captivating the audience, Lamont and the model make eye contact.
Hours later when Lamont is finally able to escape the crowds after answering questions, signing autographs, and posing for selfies, he finds himself in a nearby conversation about surviving these conferences. Tyler Dixon introduces himself, mentioning that his working name is Tate Dallas. After an exasperating phone text from his father, regarding this weekend’s baby shower to announce the gender of the first grandchild. Lamont confesses that his father has a ‘surprise for him’ meaning that Robert is trying yet again to set him up with a date. Tyler senses Lamont’s frustration and offers to act as a pretend boy-friend for the shower. Lamont is surprised that Tyler would agree to the charade for a fee, although he is assured that Tyler often acts as a boyfriend for the weekend. Tyler is amazed that Lamont who looks ‘hot as hell’ and interesting is single. Spending a few days in Lavender Shores near the Point Reyes National Seashore would allow him to be Tyler Dixon photographer. Spending time with the nervous and attractive author is a plus and perhaps there might be an alternative to staying in Lamont’s guest room.
Rosalind begins to carefully construct a scenario of Lamont’s family falling in love with Tyler, believing Lamont has at last found a stunning and affectionate boyfriend. Tyler is enthusiastically welcomed into the family. Throughout the book we are treated to conversations and interactions with friends from previous stories. Tyler finds that this unconventional family is warm and charming and he plays his part well. There is an amazing amount of chemistry and appreciation of nature’s beauty between the two as well as a burgeoning physical attraction. The few days they spend together becomes ‘pretending to be real boyfriends’ and not simply for show. Lamont shows Tyler the haunting, mystical rugged side of the area and Tyler captures thousands of photographs understanding Lamont’s appreciation for the wild beauty. The days before Tyler leaves to join his own parents for Christmas become thick with emotion. For two people not looking for a relationship
both Lamont and Tyler wonder how can feelings become so strong so quickly?
THE SHIPWRECK, this newest addition to the Lavender Shores series is easily a favorite as Lamont is sweet and so insecure and Tyler is in awe of Lamont’s generosity, humor, and caring plus of course, the incredible handsome sexiness that Lamont doesn’t see. WELCOME TYLER DIXON to the Lavender Shores family!!
Profile Image for Amy.
362 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2017
This series is Amazing!!! Welcome back to Lavender Shores!!! I will say I’d love to live there, the charm, the warmth of love and family, that would be wonderful! Lamont Price, member of one of the founding families of Lavender Shores feels he will never find “the one”. Being an author of romance, you’d think it wouldn’t be that hard but Lamont isn’t like other people. Going to a book signing, meeting a gorgeous guy wasn’t planned nor was bringing him to Lavender Shores to keep his family from setting him up, but it happened and oh the sparks were flying

Tyler Dixon, cover model, just wanted to help Lamont out. Pretending to be his boyfriend was going to be so easy. Tyler didn’t do relationships, he was doing porn to pay bills while having time for his photography. He never thought he’d fall for Lamont, never saw those feelings coming.

Getting to know each other, talking about everything, enjoying their time together, but the one thing Tyler hasn’t told Lamont might be what tears them apart.

This book is my favorite of all of them and they are all fabulous. This book is filled with emotions, love and family. Rosalind Abel is just absolutely amazing and writes such beautiful stories!! I give this 5 stars and more if I could!!!
2,641 reviews42 followers
October 1, 2017
How does this series just keep getting better and better? It is impossible to not fall in love with Lamont. He is so sweet and loving to his family and friends. Yet he doesn't believe he will ever have an HEA with a love of his own.

THen you have Tyler, who isn't looking for a permanent love. That is until he meets Lamont. He then realizes that is exactly what he wants and needs.

I loved their journey to each other. They both have things that they need to work out within themselves. They discover their own strengths and are stronger together. I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.
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