Baxter Springs Series by Avery Ford

“There’s nothing here for me.” Chase Carpenter has spent his whole life trying to get away from the small town of Baxter Springs. After eight years in the Marines, he’s only back for two weeks before he’s off on his next adventure – a new life working with his brother in New York. He’s never had a reason to stay in one place—but when he runs into his old best friend, Ben, he can’t forget what they almost once shared... more“There’s nothing here for me.” Chase Carpenter has spent his whole life trying to get away from the small town of Baxter Springs. After eight years in the Marines, he’s only back for two weeks before he’s off on his next adventure – a new life working with his brother in New York. He’s never had a reason to stay in one place—but when he runs into his old best friend, Ben, he can’t forget what they almost once shared. Will he be able to come to terms with his sexuality? “My roots are here. This is my home.” Ben Harper’s family has lived in Baxter Springs for generations. He’s openly gay, but he’s never gotten over his strong feelings for his best friend, Chase. When his parents died in a car accident, the family ranch became his responsibility. His brother helps run the ranch, but the big, comfortable house that’s seen a hundred years of love and laughter feels cold and lonely now that Ben is the only one who calls it home. A proposition from Chase is too good to refuse. “Two weeks. No Strings. No feelings. Those are the rules.” When Ben runs into Chase unexpectedly, sparks fly as they try all the things they were too shy and inexperienced to do when they were younger. This time, though, Ben wants rules and assurances that when the two weeks are up, his heart won’t be broken again when Chase says goodbye. Love doesn’t always play by the rules, and when it’s time for Chase to leave, Ben will have to choose between his keeping his family’s legacy alive and taking a chance on the only man he’s ever loved. less

“I have to believe in love. It’s all I’ve got. It keeps me going.” Ryan Turner is looking for a better life. His abusive, alcoholic father has been getting worse ever since his mom passed away twelve years ago. Struggling with his sexuality, Ryan works hard, takes night classes, keeps his head down and does his best to look after his dad, but he’s not sure how much longer he can keep it up... more“I have to believe in love. It’s all I’ve got. It keeps me going.” Ryan Turner is looking for a better life. His abusive, alcoholic father has been getting worse ever since his mom passed away twelve years ago. Struggling with his sexuality, Ryan works hard, takes night classes, keeps his head down and does his best to look after his dad, but he’s not sure how much longer he can keep it up. If he just had a little time, a little space to work out his feelings, a little money, maybe he could make things better—for himself and for his dad.   “That kind of love doesn’t happen to guys like me. It doesn’t exist in my world.” Eric Harper doesn’t believe in love. Not when it comes to finding it for himself, anyway. Not the kind of love his brother found with Chase. Or the kind of love his parents had. Maybe it’s because he lives in the small town of Baxter Springs. Maybe it’s because he hasn't really put himself out there to find the right person. Maybe it’s him.   “Sometimes love is unexpected. Sometimes it’s even inconvenient. Sometimes, you have to take a chance…” When Eric hires Ryan to work at the ranch, it’s supposed to be a temporary position. Just two or three weeks. That was the plan. The part that wasn’t planned? The sizzling chemistry between them, and worst of all…. falling in love. This is Book 2 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home first to meet the rest of the crew! less

“I don’t need any more distraction.” Preston Taylor is in trouble. In the ten years he's been a star on Broadway, he's dealt with his share of crazy. When a deranged fan starts sending death threats, Preston is forced to hire security. What he doesn't expect is that in order to protect himself, Preston has to pretend he's dating his hot new bodyguard. But when make believe starts to blur with reality, the hardest part will be to remember that none of it is supposed to last... more“I don’t need any more distraction.” Preston Taylor is in trouble. In the ten years he's been a star on Broadway, he's dealt with his share of crazy. When a deranged fan starts sending death threats, Preston is forced to hire security. What he doesn't expect is that in order to protect himself, Preston has to pretend he's dating his hot new bodyguard. But when make believe starts to blur with reality, the hardest part will be to remember that none of it is supposed to last.  “We’re going to pretend we’re dating. You just have to trust me.” Jake Carpenter has spent his entire life taking care of people. Whether in the military or as a hired bodyguard, he keeps people safe. It's his purpose in life, and he takes it seriously. From the first time he lays eyes on Preston, he is drawn to the man's beauty and surprised by his feelings. Jake has never felt this way for another man before. After all, he's straight and always has been... right? “Sometimes opposites really do attract.” Jake isn’t looking for a friend. Preston doesn’t have time for a lover. Forced to make the best of a bad situation, the last thing they expect is to bring out the best in each other. When it comes time to make a hard decision, will they play it safe or take a chance on love?   This is Book 3 from the Baxter Springs series. While it is a standalone novel, you may enjoy reading Coming Home and Coming Out to meet the rest of the crew! less