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Ashley James’s novel, Hollis, is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap romance that delivers a spicy and heartfelt story about finding love when you least expect it. Narrated by Brandon Francis and Alexander Cendese, this book follows two very different men who are drawn together by an anonymous connection.
Book Description
When the universe hands me a hot, older, recently divorced man on a silver platter, who am I to turn down such a generous offer?
Big deal if he also happens to be my best friend’s boss.
Ford Wesley, Captain of the Wolf Creek Fire Department, is the whole package, with hair that’s a delicious mix of dark and silver strands, and deep brown eyes that hold a touch of mystery.
He’s also always been off the market… Until now.
When he gets caught in a bind and has to temporarily stay on my family’s property, I know it’s my chance to get closer to him, but I never expected it to be so easy.
One night, I match with an anonymous stranger on an app, and it doesn’t take long for things to go from innocent and flirty to raunchy and scorching.
Then when I catch a glimpse of my new neighbor shirtless one day, it becomes clear Mr. Tall, Broody, and Off Limits is the mystery man sending filthy messages to me every night online.
The best part? His profile may be anonymous, but mine isn’t… He knows exactly who he’s talking to.
The chemistry on the app morphs into a reality in the sheets…and at the firehouse, and what starts out as a secret, no-strings arrangement quickly becomes so much more. Before I know it, it’s not just his body I crave, but everything he keeps close to his heart as well.
But I’m not the settle down type, and he’s fresh out of a long marriage. When push comes to shove, will this turn into something more, or are we destined to crash and burn?
About Ashley James
Ashley James is a romance author who enjoys writing (and reading) LGBTQIA+ books. She is from Washington State—and no, not Seattle—and currently resides in South Carolina with her two kids and hairless kitties, Goose, Maverick, and Houston. Ashley is introverted and slightly (okay, majorly) awkward. She refuses to make this section sound like a tacky dating app profile, so she won't be telling you how much she enjoys music, how she thoroughly enjoys dancing and singing in her kitchen, despite not being able to carry a tune, and she won't be telling you about her love of toxic and broken fictional men.
My Thoughts
Ashley James’s novel, Hollis, is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap romance that delivers a spicy and heartfelt story about finding love when you least expect it. Narrated by Brandon Francis and Alexander Cendese, this book follows two very different men who are drawn together by an anonymous connection.
Hollis, a 28-year-old bisexual cowboy, is the younger brother of Finn (from the previous book in the series). He works on his family’s ranch and has no plans to settle down. When Ford Wesley, the captain of the Wolf Creek Fire Department, suddenly finds himself in need of a temporary place to stay, he lands right on the family’s property.
Ford, a gay man in his late forties, is fresh out of a two-decade marriage. Encouraged by Hollis's best friend Remi, who is also one of his firefighters, Ford reluctantly downloads a dating app. He creates a profile that is completely anonymous—something Hollis is unaware of when they match. Hollis, on the other hand, uses his real profile, so Ford knows exactly who he's talking to from the start.
This hidden-identity dynamic creates a delicious tension that makes the first half of the book so engaging. The sexting between them is frequent and scorching, and the chemistry is off the charts. The real fun begins when Hollis figures out that the man behind the filthy messages is his new, broody neighbor.
Although the two agree to a secret, no-strings-attached arrangement, it quickly becomes clear that their connection is more than just physical. While the book is full of explicit, open-door scenes, it's the quiet, tender moments that truly make the story shine. Hollis's golden-retriever energy and sweet, supportive nature beautifully balances Ford’s gruffness and vulnerability, making them a perfect match. The authors handle the age gap with care, making it a non-issue and focusing instead on how the characters naturally grow and open up to each other.
Fans of the series will appreciate that Remi’s reaction to their relationship is one of unwavering support, and the book avoids a forced, high-drama conflict. Instead, the emotional weight comes from the characters’ internal struggles and their journey toward admitting their feelings. The climax of their relationship, while nerve-wracking for both of them, is a testament to how they’ve both grown. It’s a beautifully simple, natural progression that proves it’s never too late to find love.
Hollis is a story about two people who were not looking for love but found it anyway. It’s a delightful read that is both incredibly spicy and wonderfully sweet. It will leave you with a happy heart and a desire to pick up more books by Ashley James.
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