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Aster Valley #3
Hot as Heller
The man asked me to valet his damn car.
Look, I left LA for a reason. I’ve had my fill of big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos. I want something genuine. Something real. And it doesn’t get any realer than being the new sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado.
That is, until entitled Finn Heller appears on the scene, handing me the keys to his convertible like I’m his personal servant.
The former child star and wannabe action hero is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s also a snarky party animal with legions of adoring fans and attitude for days.
Or so I thought.
The longer the film crew stays in town, the more I begin to wonder if Finn is hiding his true self, one that’s as beautiful inside as out. He’s a star alright, but the kind that shines bright enough to light up the night sky... the kind I want to make a wish on.
A wish Finn will find a way to make things work with me, even if it means his next role is my very own leading man.
Look, I left LA for a reason. I’ve had my fill of big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos. I want something genuine. Something real. And it doesn’t get any realer than being the new sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado.
That is, until entitled Finn Heller appears on the scene, handing me the keys to his convertible like I’m his personal servant.
The former child star and wannabe action hero is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s also a snarky party animal with legions of adoring fans and attitude for days.
Or so I thought.
The longer the film crew stays in town, the more I begin to wonder if Finn is hiding his true self, one that’s as beautiful inside as out. He’s a star alright, but the kind that shines bright enough to light up the night sky... the kind I want to make a wish on.
A wish Finn will find a way to make things work with me, even if it means his next role is my very own leading man.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Lucy Lennox
91 books3,882 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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September 16, 2021
Hot as Heller is book three in the Aster Valley series by Lucy Lennox. I got a little behind on this series so am finally getting caught up. I’ve been so excited to read Declan’s book!
Declan Stone is now the sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado after they got rid of the previous sheriff and all his nefarious dealings. Now Declan is tasked with cleaning up the mess left behind. It’s been about six months since he took office. His age is stated as nearly forty so I’m going to call him thirty nine! Declan left Los Angeles for a reason. He wanted the quiet of small town life together with the beauty of Colorado. But now it seems that LA has come to him. A block buster action movie is being filmed at the local ski resort owned by Mikey and Tiller. It’s great for the town but terrible for him in keeping the town in order. And then the star of the movie arrives in town and Declan’s world was turned upside down!
Finnegan (Finn) Heller is a twenty four year old former child star who is desperately trying to be seen as an adult. This is his big chance by landing the starring role in this action thriller. Finn is an avid rock climber and this movie focuses on a character who is a climber so it’s a perfect fit, his big chance! Finn has spent his entire life as an actor, his mom and manager running his life. Finn is a people pleaser. And he feels indebted to his mom for all she did for him. But now it seems as though she has gone beyond what the mom of an adult should be doing. Where does he draw the line? Finn’s been questioning a lot of things lately. Mostly, he’s just exhausted from non stop working and from just having to be “on” all the time. Does he even know who the real Finn is any more?
“What was it about him that made my breath come faster and shallower? He was too young, too perky, too everything.”
Finn and Declan’s first meeting didn’t exactly go very well and misconceptions were made about each other. But the more they got acquainted, the more they realized how mistaken they were about the other. Declan realized just how beautiful of a man Finn really was. He fought his attraction but didn’t last long. Even if it was just for a night or two, he couldn’t stay away from him.
As Finn’s filming schedule becomes more and more grueling as well as dangerous, their personal lives become more complicated at the same time. Finn, with the help of Declan, is starting to realize just how unhappy he really is. He knows it’s time for him to take control of his own life. He only hopes that that future can include his very sexy sheriff.
I enjoyed this book and as I always do, enjoyed the crazy residents of Aster Valley. I was so happy to see Declan settle into his role there. I felt this, more than the other books, had a little more angst. What I really appreciated is that there is NO push away. Even with their age difference, these two knew what they wanted. The only obstacles in their paths were their own and they were both willing to deal with them. I have been loving this series from the start. I can’t wait for the next book, book four, Thick as Thieves, which will be the lawyer, Julian’s book. We get just a little taste of it in this one and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Declan Stone is now the sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado after they got rid of the previous sheriff and all his nefarious dealings. Now Declan is tasked with cleaning up the mess left behind. It’s been about six months since he took office. His age is stated as nearly forty so I’m going to call him thirty nine! Declan left Los Angeles for a reason. He wanted the quiet of small town life together with the beauty of Colorado. But now it seems that LA has come to him. A block buster action movie is being filmed at the local ski resort owned by Mikey and Tiller. It’s great for the town but terrible for him in keeping the town in order. And then the star of the movie arrives in town and Declan’s world was turned upside down!
Finnegan (Finn) Heller is a twenty four year old former child star who is desperately trying to be seen as an adult. This is his big chance by landing the starring role in this action thriller. Finn is an avid rock climber and this movie focuses on a character who is a climber so it’s a perfect fit, his big chance! Finn has spent his entire life as an actor, his mom and manager running his life. Finn is a people pleaser. And he feels indebted to his mom for all she did for him. But now it seems as though she has gone beyond what the mom of an adult should be doing. Where does he draw the line? Finn’s been questioning a lot of things lately. Mostly, he’s just exhausted from non stop working and from just having to be “on” all the time. Does he even know who the real Finn is any more?
“What was it about him that made my breath come faster and shallower? He was too young, too perky, too everything.”
Finn and Declan’s first meeting didn’t exactly go very well and misconceptions were made about each other. But the more they got acquainted, the more they realized how mistaken they were about the other. Declan realized just how beautiful of a man Finn really was. He fought his attraction but didn’t last long. Even if it was just for a night or two, he couldn’t stay away from him.
As Finn’s filming schedule becomes more and more grueling as well as dangerous, their personal lives become more complicated at the same time. Finn, with the help of Declan, is starting to realize just how unhappy he really is. He knows it’s time for him to take control of his own life. He only hopes that that future can include his very sexy sheriff.
I enjoyed this book and as I always do, enjoyed the crazy residents of Aster Valley. I was so happy to see Declan settle into his role there. I felt this, more than the other books, had a little more angst. What I really appreciated is that there is NO push away. Even with their age difference, these two knew what they wanted. The only obstacles in their paths were their own and they were both willing to deal with them. I have been loving this series from the start. I can’t wait for the next book, book four, Thick as Thieves, which will be the lawyer, Julian’s book. We get just a little taste of it in this one and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 7, 2021
4.5 Stars
These Aster Vallians, and their heart-warming small-town romances, continue to dazzle and delight me in every way.
When actor Finn Heller and his latest film crew descend on Aster Valley, newly appointed Sheriff Declan Stone expects nothing but trouble from the entitled Hollywood stars causing an unwanted ruckus in his town.
Thankfully, awkward first impressions don’t last long and preconceived notions to fly out the window, as Declan has the opportunity to see Finn for the hardworking, sweet-as-pie, mistreated and misused young man that he actually is off camera.
With one heated interaction after another, Declan and Finn are drawn into a passionate love affair that quickly consumes their hearts and minds, making each of them reassess their lives (and the people they allow in them), irrevocably course-correcting their plans for a future they begin to want deeply entwined.
Some of the on-set madness was grating at times, with Finn battling obnoxiousness from all fronts, first with his reckless director, and continuing on with his toxic best-friend and his emotionally manipulative stage-mother. These secondary characters brought the drama and brought it hard to poor Finn’s world, but I must say I was shaking my pom-poms and cheering him on from the sidelines as the story unfolded and he became more outspoken and determined to self-advocate with every turn of the page. (I was worried he’d be a bit too much of the doormat I found Truman to be in book two, but thankfully I was proven wrong).
When it comes to the leads and their romance, it’s all heart-eyes, fireworks and gold stars from me for Declan and Finn. I adored these two, separately and together, truly enjoying the progression their relationship took over the course of the story. They were kind of swoony together, I’m not gonna lie. The way Declan treated Finn like something truly precious made my heart grow two sizes.
As far as I’m concerned, Sheriff Sexypants and his Shakespeare adoring younger lover were just the couple I needed to kick-off a great reading month. (And, thank god, the epilogue was actually about them this time around! HALLELUJAH!!!).
These Aster Vallians, and their heart-warming small-town romances, continue to dazzle and delight me in every way.
When actor Finn Heller and his latest film crew descend on Aster Valley, newly appointed Sheriff Declan Stone expects nothing but trouble from the entitled Hollywood stars causing an unwanted ruckus in his town.
Thankfully, awkward first impressions don’t last long and preconceived notions to fly out the window, as Declan has the opportunity to see Finn for the hardworking, sweet-as-pie, mistreated and misused young man that he actually is off camera.
With one heated interaction after another, Declan and Finn are drawn into a passionate love affair that quickly consumes their hearts and minds, making each of them reassess their lives (and the people they allow in them), irrevocably course-correcting their plans for a future they begin to want deeply entwined.
Some of the on-set madness was grating at times, with Finn battling obnoxiousness from all fronts, first with his reckless director, and continuing on with his toxic best-friend and his emotionally manipulative stage-mother. These secondary characters brought the drama and brought it hard to poor Finn’s world, but I must say I was shaking my pom-poms and cheering him on from the sidelines as the story unfolded and he became more outspoken and determined to self-advocate with every turn of the page. (I was worried he’d be a bit too much of the doormat I found Truman to be in book two, but thankfully I was proven wrong).
When it comes to the leads and their romance, it’s all heart-eyes, fireworks and gold stars from me for Declan and Finn. I adored these two, separately and together, truly enjoying the progression their relationship took over the course of the story. They were kind of swoony together, I’m not gonna lie. The way Declan treated Finn like something truly precious made my heart grow two sizes.
As far as I’m concerned, Sheriff Sexypants and his Shakespeare adoring younger lover were just the couple I needed to kick-off a great reading month. (And, thank god, the epilogue was actually about them this time around! HALLELUJAH!!!).
June 10, 2021
My favourite so far
This story turned out to be nothing like I was expecting and instead gave me an absolutely delightful romance.
Finn Heller is not what our first glimpse of him presented, he isn't a Hollywood diva, he's a tired young man trying to find a new path after a life in the spotlight.
The more Sheriff Declan Stone gets to know Finn, the more he realises what a treasure is hiding under the outwardly spoiled brat shell.
I absolutely adored Finn. The more it became clear he was trying his best to move away from his child star upbringing - something he struggles with because of the complexity of his relationship with his mother - the more I wanted to wrap him up tight.
The sparks fly between the two of them as they continually butt heads and get the wrong end of the stick.
However, as time goes on, Declan realises Finn is nothing like his first impression and Finn discovers he can rely on the older man for support and encouragement.
This is such a great read, relatively low angst, sweetly steamy, funny and as Finn grows in his confidence, he starts to take charge of his own life.
The secondary characters and plot are also supportive of the main narrative. I loved Dec's best friend Tessa and her mini romance with Dec's new Deputy Sheriff.
The Epilogue is awesome and really made me smile and I'm very much looking forward to Justin's book.
This story turned out to be nothing like I was expecting and instead gave me an absolutely delightful romance.
Finn Heller is not what our first glimpse of him presented, he isn't a Hollywood diva, he's a tired young man trying to find a new path after a life in the spotlight.
The more Sheriff Declan Stone gets to know Finn, the more he realises what a treasure is hiding under the outwardly spoiled brat shell.
I absolutely adored Finn. The more it became clear he was trying his best to move away from his child star upbringing - something he struggles with because of the complexity of his relationship with his mother - the more I wanted to wrap him up tight.
The sparks fly between the two of them as they continually butt heads and get the wrong end of the stick.
However, as time goes on, Declan realises Finn is nothing like his first impression and Finn discovers he can rely on the older man for support and encouragement.
This is such a great read, relatively low angst, sweetly steamy, funny and as Finn grows in his confidence, he starts to take charge of his own life.
The secondary characters and plot are also supportive of the main narrative. I loved Dec's best friend Tessa and her mini romance with Dec's new Deputy Sheriff.
The Epilogue is awesome and really made me smile and I'm very much looking forward to Justin's book.
July 11, 2021
I don't know... I really don't.
I used to be a huge fan of this author, but lately her books haven't worked for me. Like, at all. I don't know if it's just my taste changing or something else, but I keep reading her books, hoping for a hit like before but I keep ending up feeling let down. Maybe I should stop? I bet you'll see me reviewing her next release when it's out. As you can see, this book is following that trend.
I liked Dec and Finn. I wanted their HEA. But the journey there didn't work for me. At all. There was so much drama. So many one dimensional characters that was there just for the sake of being villains. The tension kept building and building. And then we jumped off that tension and everything felt very anti climatic. Everything was solved a little too easy. I couldn't help thinking that I had been through all that drama... only for that ending? It didn't seem worth it. At times this felt like an M/F read.
I used to be a huge fan of this author, but lately her books haven't worked for me. Like, at all. I don't know if it's just my taste changing or something else, but I keep reading her books, hoping for a hit like before but I keep ending up feeling let down. Maybe I should stop? I bet you'll see me reviewing her next release when it's out. As you can see, this book is following that trend.
I liked Dec and Finn. I wanted their HEA. But the journey there didn't work for me. At all. There was so much drama. So many one dimensional characters that was there just for the sake of being villains. The tension kept building and building. And then we jumped off that tension and everything felt very anti climatic. Everything was solved a little too easy. I couldn't help thinking that I had been through all that drama... only for that ending? It didn't seem worth it. At times this felt like an M/F read.
June 7, 2021
Cute.
I usually don't like movie stars in my romance books but this one was ok. I don't know if I feel all that bad for Finn, I mean, he kept telling us he was a grown up so...I liked Declan for the most part. I'm not sure he read like the greatest sheriff in the world though. Overall it was sweet and I'm happy that Finn found someone to take care of him, he needs it.
The pregnant bestie storyline seemed like an addition that was squeezed in and I didn't really get the point of it but it ended up being fine and really unbelievable.
I would have liked to see what happened to Mom and to Kix though...
I usually don't like movie stars in my romance books but this one was ok. I don't know if I feel all that bad for Finn, I mean, he kept telling us he was a grown up so...I liked Declan for the most part. I'm not sure he read like the greatest sheriff in the world though. Overall it was sweet and I'm happy that Finn found someone to take care of him, he needs it.
The pregnant bestie storyline seemed like an addition that was squeezed in and I didn't really get the point of it but it ended up being fine and really unbelievable.
I would have liked to see what happened to Mom and to Kix though...
June 16, 2021
~4.25~
If you hear screaming, it's me. In attempting to remove this book from a specific shelf, I accidentally deleted it from my books completely, along with my review and all the comments.
I don't even have the energy to review again, but yeah I really liked this book.
I'm going to go back to sobbing into my pillow now. 😭
If you hear screaming, it's me. In attempting to remove this book from a specific shelf, I accidentally deleted it from my books completely, along with my review and all the comments.
I don't even have the energy to review again, but yeah I really liked this book.
I'm going to go back to sobbing into my pillow now. 😭
October 23, 2022
Another good book in this series! I absolutely love the cute small town vibes we get from Aster Valley. Overall liked this story - and I liked Finn & Declan. I even really liked the side characters Tessa & Shawn.
June 3, 2021
Enjoyed...expected more though
I certainly Enjoyed this like the previous books but I guess coming from the excellence that was Truman's book, I just...expected more. I couldn't place my finger on it but it was missing something.
I don't know whether it was because I didn't get to know both characters as much as I'd have loved to, or that too much focus was placed on the shoot rather than relationship development.
Also, too much was left up in the air or simply underdeveloped. Kix?Finn's mother?Declan's brothers? All these were some of the lose ends that needed to be dealt with and left me dissatisfied at the end especially with how quickly it ended.
So yeah. I needed more and it just didn't give it to me.
I certainly Enjoyed this like the previous books but I guess coming from the excellence that was Truman's book, I just...expected more. I couldn't place my finger on it but it was missing something.
I don't know whether it was because I didn't get to know both characters as much as I'd have loved to, or that too much focus was placed on the shoot rather than relationship development.
Also, too much was left up in the air or simply underdeveloped. Kix?Finn's mother?Declan's brothers? All these were some of the lose ends that needed to be dealt with and left me dissatisfied at the end especially with how quickly it ended.
So yeah. I needed more and it just didn't give it to me.
June 4, 2021
⭐︎4.5 stars!⭐︎
Loved this third installment. Finn and Declan, I have to say, are my favorite couple to date in this series. They just clicked from day one and had that perfect chemistry together.
Finn was much more than what Declan had judged him to be, and Declan was caring, protective and loving toward Finn the person, not Finn the movie star, the first person to be that for Finn...maybe ever in his life.
Finn is in Aster Valley for the shooting of an action movie. He's a former child star as he was the star of a popular sitcom when he was a kid. But in his heart of hearts, he doesn't really want to be a big blockbuster, famous actor. But he group up with a "stage mom" who got him into commercials as a baby and had him in the acting industry before he could even think for himself. Acting is all he knows.
But while Finn has an appreciated for acting, movies, tv shows, plays, etc - especially Shakespeare - he doesn't really like or want to be in the spotlight himself. But he just has to admit that to himself first.
Declan, who might be on of the first to truly see the real Finn, sees it, and helps Finn come to realize his true desire to not actually be doing what he's doing.
And as the director and other people in charge of the movie, and even his mother and agent, continually not take his safety seriously, and put his life at risk, Finn gets closer and closer to snapping and just being done with it all.
I just loved these two together. One wouldn't think they'd work, but they did. The sex scenes were on point, which they hadn't always been in the previous two (no fade to black their first time, yay!).
My only small gripe, really, is that the ending could have been wrapped up a little better.
This big climax happens, and it's all dramatic and tense, and then everything works out and Declan and Finn are with each other, and after all the events and them getting together and seeing the other is okay, etc etc, it just kinda ends after that. I wish there had just been a little more. These endings that barely have time to breathe just always feel so abrupt and leave me wanting.
At the very least, thankfully unlike the other two books, the epilogue was about these two, so that was wonderful.
Butttt I would have just liked to see the parts where they get a little more settled together instead of hear about it. It just made it feel a little bit like I was reading this really wonderful story with a great central romance and then we get cut off, a little bit. That's what abrupt endings feel like to me, anyway.
Just a stronger ending would have been nice, in my opinion.
Otherwise this was amazing and I loved it and it was one of the strongest, if not the strongest installment in this series so far.
Definitely highly recommend and give this two big thumbs up! 💗
Loved this third installment. Finn and Declan, I have to say, are my favorite couple to date in this series. They just clicked from day one and had that perfect chemistry together.
Finn was much more than what Declan had judged him to be, and Declan was caring, protective and loving toward Finn the person, not Finn the movie star, the first person to be that for Finn...maybe ever in his life.
Finn is in Aster Valley for the shooting of an action movie. He's a former child star as he was the star of a popular sitcom when he was a kid. But in his heart of hearts, he doesn't really want to be a big blockbuster, famous actor. But he group up with a "stage mom" who got him into commercials as a baby and had him in the acting industry before he could even think for himself. Acting is all he knows.
But while Finn has an appreciated for acting, movies, tv shows, plays, etc - especially Shakespeare - he doesn't really like or want to be in the spotlight himself. But he just has to admit that to himself first.
Declan, who might be on of the first to truly see the real Finn, sees it, and helps Finn come to realize his true desire to not actually be doing what he's doing.
And as the director and other people in charge of the movie, and even his mother and agent, continually not take his safety seriously, and put his life at risk, Finn gets closer and closer to snapping and just being done with it all.
I just loved these two together. One wouldn't think they'd work, but they did. The sex scenes were on point, which they hadn't always been in the previous two (no fade to black their first time, yay!).
My only small gripe, really, is that the ending could have been wrapped up a little better.
This big climax happens, and it's all dramatic and tense, and then everything works out and Declan and Finn are with each other, and after all the events and them getting together and seeing the other is okay, etc etc, it just kinda ends after that. I wish there had just been a little more. These endings that barely have time to breathe just always feel so abrupt and leave me wanting.
At the very least, thankfully unlike the other two books, the epilogue was about these two, so that was wonderful.
Butttt I would have just liked to see the parts where they get a little more settled together instead of hear about it. It just made it feel a little bit like I was reading this really wonderful story with a great central romance and then we get cut off, a little bit. That's what abrupt endings feel like to me, anyway.
Just a stronger ending would have been nice, in my opinion.
Otherwise this was amazing and I loved it and it was one of the strongest, if not the strongest installment in this series so far.
Definitely highly recommend and give this two big thumbs up! 💗
June 2, 2021
I loved the intense heat and sweet romance between Finn and Declan. This May/December romance was exactly what I needed today. Between the fast paced storyline and the sexy, feel-good romance, this book is definitely a favorite of mine this year.
November 29, 2022
Reread/Relisten-November 2022..
Yeah this is my least favorite of the series, all of my original points still stand.. it felt like the characters were too hot and cold and they couldn't make up their minds. it gave me whiplash haha.
3-3.5 stars- May 2022
This book.. had some good parts and some ehh parts. I felt like at times it was like I was reading two different books with how the characters were acting or some of their motives, either that or I just zoned out and then when I caught back up nothing made sense haha.
I am interested in Julian’s book so that’s why I read this one.
Overall this was middle of the road, but I’d say the good out weighed the not so good parts haha.
Yeah this is my least favorite of the series, all of my original points still stand.. it felt like the characters were too hot and cold and they couldn't make up their minds. it gave me whiplash haha.
3-3.5 stars- May 2022
This book.. had some good parts and some ehh parts. I felt like at times it was like I was reading two different books with how the characters were acting or some of their motives, either that or I just zoned out and then when I caught back up nothing made sense haha.
I am interested in Julian’s book so that’s why I read this one.
Overall this was middle of the road, but I’d say the good out weighed the not so good parts haha.
June 8, 2021
3.5 stars from me. Just checking quickly on here, and ALL of this series has come out in 2021 📚📚...and we've only just gotten into June!! One of the main reasons I stopped reading M/F nearly 10 years ago was the fact that some of my authors seemed to bring stories out every few weeks so, not unnaturally, it makes sense to assume that the quality goes down as the quantity goes up..
I would honestly much rather have to wait a few months for a sequel, to NOT put the author under any pressure and get a decent storyline, than have books seemingly churned out faster than burgers in a McDonald's.
Aside from Declan and Finn, Tessa and Shawn and the existing characters from the series, there wasn't a single character from the Hollywood mob that I liked...in fact, I disliked most of them [Kix especially 🤬]. The storyline to me was flimsy, with not enough substance [and to make a person with dementia a storyline wasn't cool]. I personally think it's a good job that the next story is quite a way down the line, featuring a character that makes a fleeting appearance in this one. Lucy Lennox's Aster Valley stories and I need a little break for a while. 😕
I would honestly much rather have to wait a few months for a sequel, to NOT put the author under any pressure and get a decent storyline, than have books seemingly churned out faster than burgers in a McDonald's.
Aside from Declan and Finn, Tessa and Shawn and the existing characters from the series, there wasn't a single character from the Hollywood mob that I liked...in fact, I disliked most of them [Kix especially 🤬]. The storyline to me was flimsy, with not enough substance [and to make a person with dementia a storyline wasn't cool]. I personally think it's a good job that the next story is quite a way down the line, featuring a character that makes a fleeting appearance in this one. Lucy Lennox's Aster Valley stories and I need a little break for a while. 😕
June 4, 2021
2.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is there something in the water or what because I keep finding myself in a book funk 😩 This story was regrettably a miss for me. The curse of book 3 strikes again (whispering key, nerds vs jocks and now this 😭). I’m bummed because Aster Valley thus far has been sexy, lots of nonsense fun. Most of my issues are probably just a me thing, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
First off, age-gap romances are extremely hit or miss for me, so I was already hesitant going in to this. This book was giving Daddy-lite and unfortunately that is not my bag. Outside of that, the chemistry wasn’t really vibing for me either. Everything just felt kind of dull. The movie plot? Meh. Declan’s past? Meh. Romance? Meh. Sex? Meh. I just felt like the story could’ve been more and it never quite got there. Also, I missed the fun and the comedy and the barrage of weirdos! I read these slutty Hallmark romances for the ridiculous camaraderie with the town weirdos. As for the MCs, Finn and Declan were fine but again nothing particularly exciting there. The conclusion of this book was a mess that left several plots relatively unfinished.
Again, I think this was mostly a me thing and I feel like this couple could work well for a lot of fellow romance readers. The most interesting part of this book for me was Julian, so I’ll be tuning back in for that. Despite this one not working for me, I’m not done with Aster Valley yet 😉
Is there something in the water or what because I keep finding myself in a book funk 😩 This story was regrettably a miss for me. The curse of book 3 strikes again (whispering key, nerds vs jocks and now this 😭). I’m bummed because Aster Valley thus far has been sexy, lots of nonsense fun. Most of my issues are probably just a me thing, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
First off, age-gap romances are extremely hit or miss for me, so I was already hesitant going in to this. This book was giving Daddy-lite and unfortunately that is not my bag. Outside of that, the chemistry wasn’t really vibing for me either. Everything just felt kind of dull. The movie plot? Meh. Declan’s past? Meh. Romance? Meh. Sex? Meh. I just felt like the story could’ve been more and it never quite got there. Also, I missed the fun and the comedy and the barrage of weirdos! I read these slutty Hallmark romances for the ridiculous camaraderie with the town weirdos. As for the MCs, Finn and Declan were fine but again nothing particularly exciting there. The conclusion of this book was a mess that left several plots relatively unfinished.
Again, I think this was mostly a me thing and I feel like this couple could work well for a lot of fellow romance readers. The most interesting part of this book for me was Julian, so I’ll be tuning back in for that. Despite this one not working for me, I’m not done with Aster Valley yet 😉
June 1, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Hot as Heller is the third full book in Lucy Lennox’s Aster Valley series and returns us to this small mountain town. The characters do tend to appear in each other’s books, and Declan was a prominent side character in Sweet as Honey, but the storyline here is the most independent of any of the books and it should stand alone fine. However, I do think this book will be richer if you are familiar with the town, the people, and some of the backstory.
These books are sweet, sexy, and charming, and Hot as Heller is no exception. Things start off with a little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe as Declan is annoyed by the movie filming in town and all the related trouble it brings. Things start off on the wrong foot between him and Finn, and it just brings to mind all his worst expectations for Finn. But it doesn’t take long for the men to get to know one another and for Declan to realize there is so much more to Finn than first appears. Lennox does a really nice job developing both of these characters, showing us their vulnerability and how their connection really strengthens them both.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Hot as Heller is the third full book in Lucy Lennox’s Aster Valley series and returns us to this small mountain town. The characters do tend to appear in each other’s books, and Declan was a prominent side character in Sweet as Honey, but the storyline here is the most independent of any of the books and it should stand alone fine. However, I do think this book will be richer if you are familiar with the town, the people, and some of the backstory.
These books are sweet, sexy, and charming, and Hot as Heller is no exception. Things start off with a little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe as Declan is annoyed by the movie filming in town and all the related trouble it brings. Things start off on the wrong foot between him and Finn, and it just brings to mind all his worst expectations for Finn. But it doesn’t take long for the men to get to know one another and for Declan to realize there is so much more to Finn than first appears. Lennox does a really nice job developing both of these characters, showing us their vulnerability and how their connection really strengthens them both.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 4, 2021
I’m only 12% in and this book gives me major MF vibes. It’s the reason I pretty much only read MM books. Finn so far is VERY weak willed and a push over character...Ugh. I’m not sure I’ll make it through until the end. The side characters are slimy as hell too. Kix seems very stereotypical “lead you down the dark path” side character. Blech.
Hate reading it is then...
I can’t make it past the sad sex scene that made me fall asleep at my desk at work... meh .. cannot power through.
I want Heller to drive off a mountain which Aster Valley has many of..and land on the sheriff, 2 birds 1 stone.
That’s all
Hate reading it is then...
I can’t make it past the sad sex scene that made me fall asleep at my desk at work... meh .. cannot power through.
I want Heller to drive off a mountain which Aster Valley has many of..and land on the sheriff, 2 birds 1 stone.
That’s all
May 22, 2022
4 Stars!! ❤️ I have really been all over the place with this series, I read the 1st one, then the 4th and now the 3rd. Don't know if I'll even read the 2nd. 🤷♀️ This was good.. not great. The antagonists-to-lovers was far to quick and somehow I didn't find a lot of common ground between Declan, the sheriff and Finn the TV star/former child actor. Yes, the chemistry was explosive and there was a lot of hot steamy sex.. but the hot and cold treatment that Declan kept giving Finn was a little off putting... and then suddenly Finn is his soulmate 🙄
Nevertheless, it was still a fun low-angsty read with some cameos from MCs from other books in the series. Overall, a good book.. certainly recommended for LL fans. But don't go in with a lot of expectations.. it's not a very memorable book. 🤷♀️
Nevertheless, it was still a fun low-angsty read with some cameos from MCs from other books in the series. Overall, a good book.. certainly recommended for LL fans. But don't go in with a lot of expectations.. it's not a very memorable book. 🤷♀️
May 29, 2021
Each of the Aster Valley books has been different from the others, yet they all combine sweet romance with hot sex and quirky, but interesting storylines. While Lucy Lennox specializes in supporting casts that often put the “crazy” in idiosyncrasies, Aster Vallians are not as over-the-top as in some other series, and I appreciate them all the more for it. Especially considering what the fourth book in the series has in store.
In Hot as Heller, Lucy Lennox deftly layers several tropes: age gap (about 15 years) opposites attract (the county sheriff and a former child actor). Given the emotional states of both men, there’s a nice layer of hurt-comfort involved, along with the instalove has to factor in when you’re talking about an actor shooting on location. I didn’t actually cry, but my chest did get that lovely tightness from the feelings.
I love the tenderness that seems to be the hallmark of this series. It’s sexy, of course, and romantic, but more than that, Declan (the sheriff) shows great tenderness toward Finn (the actor) without tipping over into Daddy territory.
You could probably read this book as a standalone, but I recommend starting with the novella Winter Waites, before starting with Book 1.
In Hot as Heller, Lucy Lennox deftly layers several tropes: age gap (about 15 years) opposites attract (the county sheriff and a former child actor). Given the emotional states of both men, there’s a nice layer of hurt-comfort involved, along with the instalove has to factor in when you’re talking about an actor shooting on location. I didn’t actually cry, but my chest did get that lovely tightness from the feelings.
I love the tenderness that seems to be the hallmark of this series. It’s sexy, of course, and romantic, but more than that, Declan (the sheriff) shows great tenderness toward Finn (the actor) without tipping over into Daddy territory.
You could probably read this book as a standalone, but I recommend starting with the novella Winter Waites, before starting with Book 1.
June 28, 2021
Aster Valley, CO. is home to a variety of unusual folks and this is our setting.
The Deputy is now Sheriff Declan Stone, and he gets some rowdy calls. The film crew is in town, plus we'll have the wild animal bite, the shoot out and the stolen car mystery, gosh!
Tall hunk, Declan,
dislikes Finn, (cover) because he's from Hollywood, and that's why Declan moved here, to get away from that type.
Finn is here to make a movie
that will prove he's not a child star anymore, he's an adult. Doing his own rock climbing, his hobby, he's gaining credibility. Declan and Finn are attracted.
Declan's friend he's known from childhood shows up pregnant and needy, Tessa, a terrific character, who gets wooed by Deputy Shawn. Kix is an unsavory character, but is Finn's old friend.
Yes, this story seems unlikely, but it is entertaining. We think poorly of Finn's Mom, but their story is sad.
Declan has had his own past problems.
In Aster Valley we get to see past couples pop in and out, which is fun, plus the new folks are who we are trying to figure out.
We are kept on edge with Declan and Finn's tentative feelings, but we get very hot sexy times.
Then we get the rock climbing in the thunderstorm. The cold-hearted movie crew, an explosion and more.
Declan and Finn seem to move forward and gain momentum.
Entertaining, sexy, deeply thought-filled, we see lots of questions and answers with clarity, plus misunderstandings and revelations.
A hopeful HFN/HEA, with a lovely epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
The Deputy is now Sheriff Declan Stone, and he gets some rowdy calls. The film crew is in town, plus we'll have the wild animal bite, the shoot out and the stolen car mystery, gosh!
Tall hunk, Declan,
dislikes Finn, (cover) because he's from Hollywood, and that's why Declan moved here, to get away from that type.
Finn is here to make a movie
that will prove he's not a child star anymore, he's an adult. Doing his own rock climbing, his hobby, he's gaining credibility. Declan and Finn are attracted.
Declan's friend he's known from childhood shows up pregnant and needy, Tessa, a terrific character, who gets wooed by Deputy Shawn. Kix is an unsavory character, but is Finn's old friend.
Yes, this story seems unlikely, but it is entertaining. We think poorly of Finn's Mom, but their story is sad.
Declan has had his own past problems.
In Aster Valley we get to see past couples pop in and out, which is fun, plus the new folks are who we are trying to figure out.
We are kept on edge with Declan and Finn's tentative feelings, but we get very hot sexy times.
Then we get the rock climbing in the thunderstorm. The cold-hearted movie crew, an explosion and more.
Declan and Finn seem to move forward and gain momentum.
Entertaining, sexy, deeply thought-filled, we see lots of questions and answers with clarity, plus misunderstandings and revelations.
A hopeful HFN/HEA, with a lovely epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
June 27, 2021
I am absolutely loving this series. This book was so easy to read. It just hooks you right from the start. I was instantly invested in both Finn and Declan and absolutely could not stop reading. I laughed and cried throughout this book, the emotions just lept off the page and really pulled you in. A really well paced book, fantastically written with loveable characters. Finn was absolutely adorabale and Declan was completely perfect for him. Definitely recommend.
June 14, 2021
4.5 Stars
Lucy Lennox is so reliable.
Finn and Declan were both wonderful characters. Finn’s vulnerability plus Declan’s solidity fit together so nicely. There was plenty of chemistry, passion, and romance. There were some fantastic sex scenes (although I wish the characters’ versatility and Finn’s possible praise kink were explored a bit more).
Like any of this author’s stories, there was never a dull moment. I enjoy the slight frazzled energy that comes along with her books and that is definitely found here.
One of the only side characters is yet again a pregnant woman, who’s side plot I feel like I’ve already read in a different book by this author? In her Licking Thicket series maybe? Everything there felt very familiar and I hated it. Weird comments were made. Regardless, I’m confused why there’s so many pregnancies in MM romance lately.
I really enjoyed how much of the book focused on just Declan and Finn’s relationship progression, with just the right amount of page time with previous characters. I especially enjoyed Finn’s growth over the course of the book, and Declan’s level of support he provided to Finn, who had the most “drama” in this story.
This was also relatively low-angst, with no 80% bullshit that I hate. There is an age gap, which isn’t my thing, but it’s definitely downplayed here so I could look past it.
Lucy Lennox is so reliable.
Finn and Declan were both wonderful characters. Finn’s vulnerability plus Declan’s solidity fit together so nicely. There was plenty of chemistry, passion, and romance. There were some fantastic sex scenes (although I wish the characters’ versatility and Finn’s possible praise kink were explored a bit more).
Like any of this author’s stories, there was never a dull moment. I enjoy the slight frazzled energy that comes along with her books and that is definitely found here.
One of the only side characters is yet again a pregnant woman, who’s side plot I feel like I’ve already read in a different book by this author? In her Licking Thicket series maybe? Everything there felt very familiar and I hated it. Weird comments were made. Regardless, I’m confused why there’s so many pregnancies in MM romance lately.
I really enjoyed how much of the book focused on just Declan and Finn’s relationship progression, with just the right amount of page time with previous characters. I especially enjoyed Finn’s growth over the course of the book, and Declan’s level of support he provided to Finn, who had the most “drama” in this story.
This was also relatively low-angst, with no 80% bullshit that I hate. There is an age gap, which isn’t my thing, but it’s definitely downplayed here so I could look past it.
June 4, 2021
About 15% into this book I was seriously wondering if this really was a Lennox book. The characters and their relationship development were inauthentic and one dimensional. The plot was contrived and predictable. I’m really not sure why Finn and Declan even liked each other.... and there was a REALLY icky quote about Tess and “straight men and pregnant women” that pretty much sealed the deal on how I felt about this book as a whole. I was determined to finish and when I did, I had zero attachment to either MC’s. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.
June 18, 2021
So disappointed in this. I had high hopes since I really liked Declan in the last book. But I just couldn’t deal with the whiny, poor me attitude of Finn. For someone who is supposed to be a seasoned actor he was remarkably naive and just a freaking pushover, which really didn’t ring true for me at all. This one was definitely a miss for me.
October 18, 2022
This is definitely one of the best series I have read this year and it keeps getting better (I did skip #2 because I didn`t like what I read about it). Hot as Heller is once again fabulous and an entertaining and carefree (angstfree) read.
Declan (the sherif of Aster valley) and Finn the movie star are another great couple and again the story is entertaining without being overly dramatic.
Meeting all the guys from the previous books again is an added bonus and this time getting a "real" epilogue from one of the main characters pov was satisfying- thank god we are done with the introduction of the next main character and their pov for the previous couples HEA - that really was extremly annoying.
So, this time, I have absolutely no complaints at all and the story gets my full 5 stars rating (only happened twice so far this year).
Looking forward to the next books in the series!
Declan (the sherif of Aster valley) and Finn the movie star are another great couple and again the story is entertaining without being overly dramatic.
Meeting all the guys from the previous books again is an added bonus and this time getting a "real" epilogue from one of the main characters pov was satisfying- thank god we are done with the introduction of the next main character and their pov for the previous couples HEA - that really was extremly annoying.
So, this time, I have absolutely no complaints at all and the story gets my full 5 stars rating (only happened twice so far this year).
Looking forward to the next books in the series!
July 22, 2021
It took a long time for me to get into this, but once I did it was mostly okay, though I will admit to some skimming throughout.
Dual POV, contemporary romance with a sexy sheriff and actor, some heat, some action, and a happy ending.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Dual POV, contemporary romance with a sexy sheriff and actor, some heat, some action, and a happy ending.
2.5 stars rounded up.
June 6, 2021
Wow this series is amazing and I totally loved this book!! Finn and Dec are so cute <3
Shelved as 'not-for-me-dnf'
February 26, 202254% - this is how far I made it.
I really wanted to like Finn and Declan together, but every time I saw them together I saw this old leery sheriff and the little kid film star. Usually I don't think much about an age gap like this (Declan is 39, Finn 24), but Declan did act old, and Finn childish - it did not come together for me. Also Declan being hot and cold - I mean: gushing over the kid, but then not able to pick up the phone for a text after he already hurt the kid once! See what I am doing here? Not intentionally, but I am calling Finn a kid. Just no.
It didn't help that I could not see where this story was going at this point, except adding a bunch of artificial drama.
I really wanted to like Finn and Declan together, but every time I saw them together I saw this old leery sheriff and the little kid film star. Usually I don't think much about an age gap like this (Declan is 39, Finn 24), but Declan did act old, and Finn childish - it did not come together for me. Also Declan being hot and cold - I mean: gushing over the kid, but then not able to pick up the phone for a text after he already hurt the kid once! See what I am doing here? Not intentionally, but I am calling Finn a kid. Just no.
It didn't help that I could not see where this story was going at this point, except adding a bunch of artificial drama.
March 2, 2022
*4,5 Sterne*
August 27, 2023
This was book 3 in the
"Aster Valley"
series. Sheriff Declan Stone left Los Angeles to get away from big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos and the scandal that caused his partner to go to jail. Finn Heller is a former child star who thought that Declan was the valet in the last book. Finn is in town to shoot a big budget movie. I really liked both of these characters Finn was nothing like Declan thought he was. I didn't like his so called friend Kix he was using him. Finn begins to feel the pressure of shooting a movie when the director begins making changes to the schedule adding dangerous scenes in one Finn gets hurt. These two begin hooking up and neither of them has felt the way they feel. I loved how Finn handle Kix after he threatened him. Declan gets a visit from a childhood friend Tessa who is pregnant by his former partner. When the director wanted to do another dangerous stunt Finn stands up for himself I loved it. While Declan is at the hospital with Tessa he gets a call that there as been an accident on the set the director set off explosive in a cave that caused a rock slide and Finn is missing. This was a good read this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 30, 2021
Welcome to Aster Valley....
Where a misunderstanding at first sight is guaranteed....
Followed by a lot of heart warming events with genuinely lovely people, sigh !
Declan Grumpypants is the Sheriff of Aster Valley, he is happy, well sort of, but he is pretty lonely too. Leaving behind horrid Hollywood and everything that entailed, he is enjoying life in a small town, with the personal touches he adores. Who knew that an arrogant and sexy actor would come and sabotage his peace and calm.
Finn is such a conundrum....
Having spent his childhood in front of a camera, I didn't expect this vulnerable and exploited young man. Poor Finn was being used by so many so called friends and family no wonder he was feeling trapped. He was constantly ignored and treated as a cash cow....
No wonder Declan's protective instincts tingled each time he saw Finn, he tried very hard to ignore the very tingly "other" parts of his body too.
Finn felt very drawn to the strength and confidence Declan wore daily, he never had that kind of affection his whole life, but in Declan's eyes he was a pest.
Of course Aster Valley wove it's magic, with the lovely residents old and new. With a lot of manipulation, misunderstandings and soul searching Finn and Declan find their own place among the happy couples in the valley.
Just lovely....
Where a misunderstanding at first sight is guaranteed....
Followed by a lot of heart warming events with genuinely lovely people, sigh !
Declan Grumpypants is the Sheriff of Aster Valley, he is happy, well sort of, but he is pretty lonely too. Leaving behind horrid Hollywood and everything that entailed, he is enjoying life in a small town, with the personal touches he adores. Who knew that an arrogant and sexy actor would come and sabotage his peace and calm.
Finn is such a conundrum....
Having spent his childhood in front of a camera, I didn't expect this vulnerable and exploited young man. Poor Finn was being used by so many so called friends and family no wonder he was feeling trapped. He was constantly ignored and treated as a cash cow....
No wonder Declan's protective instincts tingled each time he saw Finn, he tried very hard to ignore the very tingly "other" parts of his body too.
Finn felt very drawn to the strength and confidence Declan wore daily, he never had that kind of affection his whole life, but in Declan's eyes he was a pest.
Of course Aster Valley wove it's magic, with the lovely residents old and new. With a lot of manipulation, misunderstandings and soul searching Finn and Declan find their own place among the happy couples in the valley.
Just lovely....
June 3, 2021
The thing is, if I like an author or a series, and in this case I like both, I am easy to please. So yes, I totally enjoyed this book because I've been waiting for it and because I like the setup.
Was it perfect? No. The beginning was dragging and then the end was rushed. But I forgive it easily because the characters were amazing, I loved the dynamic, I loved seeing the other couples and I had a good time reading it.
Was it perfect? No. The beginning was dragging and then the end was rushed. But I forgive it easily because the characters were amazing, I loved the dynamic, I loved seeing the other couples and I had a good time reading it.
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