REVIEW: Cake & Cocktails – Book 2 The Men of Haven Grove – A.D. Ellis

by
Cake & Cocktails Book Cover Cake & Cocktails
Book 2 The Men of Haven Grove
A.D. Ellis
MM, Age-gap romance, LGBTQ, Gay romance
A.D. Ellis Publishing
3/26/25
Kindle
324
Amazon

Amazon Link: Amazon

Henry is well-aware he’s a bit of a grump. Outside of his passion for running the Riggs Family Roadhouse, and a precious few close friends and family, Henry doesn’t need anything—or anyone—else. But when a mysterious young man walks into the bar, Henry finds himself obsessed with making sure the blue-eyed beauty is taken care of.

Determined to get far, far away, Jack fled his nightmarish home life with barely a hint of a plan. Five hundred miles later, the small town of Haven Grove might just hold the perfect recipe for healing Jack’s wounded heart. Maybe he’ll stay a while, especially if the cuddly bear of a man behind the bar keeps plying him with food, kindness, and sweet smiles.

Henry just wants to help the newcomer get back on his feet. Instead, for whatever reason, his interfering heart is mixing up a different plan. Jack doesn’t know how he could leave when Haven Grove has all the ingredients for his happily ever after, but do Jack and Henry have what it takes to bake up their very own perfect slice of love?

Review By Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

Amazon Link: Amazon

Henry Riggs runs the family bar and restaurant, and he has his brother Hudson and his father CJ. His life is lonely until a stranger walks into the restaurant. Jackson (Jack) Garner is twenty-five and has recently left his home taking a bus and stopping in Haven Grove.
Henry is struck by Jack’s blue eyes and handsome face when they first meet, though he thinks Jack looks young. Henry doesn’t realize that the person he saw dumpster diving is Jack, who was sleeping on an old booth behind the bar. Henry ensures that food is safely put out each night and a tarp, blanket and pillow are also left. Henry doesn’t know who the stranger is but will do everything he can to protect someone needy.
Before long Jack admits to needing a job and a place to live never revealing he is the stranger Henry is looking after. Henry offers him his couch and the two become friends.
When Jack reveals the truth and explains what led him to Haven Grove Henry is angry over the life he lived since he was six years old.
Jack’s mother died, and he was placed under the care of his aunt, her husband, and their son. His aunt frequently used drugs, and his cousin and uncle did not treat him well. Jack did not experience affection after the age of six when he lost his mother. Upon leaving, he found himself at a new place where the people around him offered him what he was missing.
Jack’s love is baking cakes and when he bakes two of them the only thing left are crumbs. Henry decides Jack is the answer to their dinner dessert menu and that was the beginning of an entirely new life for Jack and Henry because they both realized they were the missing pieces in their lives.
Henry’s father, brother Hudson, and Hudson’s partner Lance welcome Jack, who now has a father figure, a brother, and friends. His life is improving. The first book narrates Hudson and Lance’s story, providing sufficient context about their relationship even if you haven’t read it. Lance was CJ’s best friend and struggled with his feelings when he found out about Lance’s relationship with his son. Time heals all wounds, but will the wound felt by Hudson’s father ever heal?
Then the idea of Cakes and Cocktails comes up and it is publicized and becoming a huge success until it brings the past back to Jack’s doorstep. What happens with everyone is not something I will share in this review.
Another wonderful story by A.D. Ellis and a story that proves age is just a number.
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