Still Waters

***5 Stars*** I swear this series, meaning the entire Compass series, always makes me happy. I love diving in and feeling like I’m catching up with old friends and Still Waters gave me that feeling and more. It was a quick read filled with sweet and smexy moments that had all the feels that had me devouring it in no time flat! I adored Vaughn. He’s all kinds of smexy tattoo artist/cowboy on the side who is comfortable in his own skin and, as he has matured, isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. His honesty, with himself and others, and how compassionate he was had me easily falling in love with him. Bryant. This man is smart, almost too smart because his brain never stops working, and while it’s a great thing when it comes to academia and work situations, when it comes to one’s personal life...not so much. I loved Bryant, I did, I wanted to give him all kinds hugs and Gibbs smack him for how he saw himself and how he felt others saw him, because they were not one and the same. It was frustrating to watch, but in the end it was absolutely satisfying to see him become the man he was always meant to be. Vaughn and Bryant’s journey to their HEA was all kinds of sweet, smexy and swoon worthy, not that it was all smooth sailing. They took their bumps, but I loved watching as they got to know each other again and found that they were able to balance each other out without losing themselves in the process. As always, the writing was seamless and I was hooked from the beginning, which had me sniffling a bit, but you’ll have to read it to find out why. The family dynamic was on point as always, and I simply enjoyed hanging out with the Compton clan and soaking up their energy. There is one more male cousin left on the chopping block and cannot wait to see what happens with him! Note: These books can be read as standalones, but they will mean so much more if you start at the beginning, at least of smaller sets, though if you go back to the very start, you won’t be sorry! ~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~

If you're a fan of M/M romance then you will love this one. To me this is a great example of the genre. It has the feels and the heat. Bryant and Vaughn have great chemistry, but they have their work cut out for them to make a go of a relationship. Bryant still has to come to terms with his past. The opening scene may be a little hard to read, but it gives the glimpse of life altering moment that it is for Bryant. Things between Bryant and Vaughn get quite steamy. While reading I could feel the connection between the two and it had me rooting for these two the whole way. I loved the last chapter. It really shows the closeness and love that the Compton family have. I can't wait for the next book.

**Received ARC for a fair and honest review** Still Waters is book 3 in the Compass Boys series and is Bryant and Vaughn's story. This book could be read as a standalone, however IMO it is best read in order. First and foremost this is an M/M book, if it isn't your thing, you might want to pass. Also, sensitive readers-- the book begins with sexual assault- if it is something that bothers you, you should pass. Vaughn begins working on the Compton Ranch when he was 18, and Bryant had a huge crush on him that he thought was unreciprocated. After an incident on the ranch, and getting spurned by his crush, as soon as he's old enough he leave's home to go far away to school. When something happens to a dear friend, Bryant comes back home, and barely pulls up when confronted with his past. I loved this book. I really enjoyed the characters, though a couple times I really wish I could have smacked Bryant. I really enjoyed their chemistry, I was surprised that Bryant was more on the submissive side and that Vaughn was the alpha male. Would have loved to have had a little more on some of the past characters, but that's just me being knit picky. It was good to see a few of the previous characters though. Overall, great story! Enjoyed the characters and the storyline! I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Hope this helps! Happy Reading!!!!