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Not Over You
Media darling Hunter Michaelson left home, and his best friend, six years ago and never looked back. He's super comfortable on the ice and in front of the cameras, but his private life is a disaster. He's tired of living a lie and even he feels bad for the women he dates because, as hard as he tries, he feels nothing.
Zach Bloom let himself fall in love, once, with his high school bestie, who ghosted him and broke his heart. He's spent the years since focused on his studies, traveling as much as possible, and living happily out and proud. He's focused on his future and not repeating old mistakes.
When a chance encounter brings Zack and Hunter face-to-face, their old attraction instantly sparks. They're totally different men now, yet so deliciously familiar. Hunter knows he screwed up in the past and he's willing to do whatever it takes to earn Zach's trust back. But Zach's days of blindly believing Hunter are long gone---been there, done that, got the scars to prove it.
Can Hunter prove he's worth trusting and earn back the love he foolishly threw away? Or will Zach choose to leave him in the past?
Not Over You is a 45,000 word MM romance featuring hockey players, a dedicated student, meddling friends, a long-overdue apology, and a second chance at love. It takes place in the same world as all of Sam’s novels but can be read as a standalone.
Zach Bloom let himself fall in love, once, with his high school bestie, who ghosted him and broke his heart. He's spent the years since focused on his studies, traveling as much as possible, and living happily out and proud. He's focused on his future and not repeating old mistakes.
When a chance encounter brings Zack and Hunter face-to-face, their old attraction instantly sparks. They're totally different men now, yet so deliciously familiar. Hunter knows he screwed up in the past and he's willing to do whatever it takes to earn Zach's trust back. But Zach's days of blindly believing Hunter are long gone---been there, done that, got the scars to prove it.
Can Hunter prove he's worth trusting and earn back the love he foolishly threw away? Or will Zach choose to leave him in the past?
Not Over You is a 45,000 word MM romance featuring hockey players, a dedicated student, meddling friends, a long-overdue apology, and a second chance at love. It takes place in the same world as all of Sam’s novels but can be read as a standalone.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2023
51 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books694 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 4, 2023
Because Samantha Wayland, because Callum and Rupert, because Travis and Barnaby ,because Zach and Hudson and because I will always love this universe. ❤️
July 7, 2023
4 Stars
Apparently, I’m on a roll.
Another great story contributing to the Wayland universe, this time featuring hockey player Hunter and Ryan, the boy he let get away.
Hunter is tired of living a lie and is ready to be honest to all those who are in his life. How fortuitous that he should run into his first love who he hasn’t seen in years. What ensues is a slow renewing of Hunter and Ryan’s friendship which naturally leads to rekindling their feelings and then some.
Once again, this has great appearances from several past characters as there’s a growing found family that just loves to get involved and meddle a teeny tiny bit.
As I’ve said every time, if you’re a fan then this shouldn’t disappoint. I could read about the characters in this hockey bubble for however long Wayland wants to continue giving us their stories!
Apparently, I’m on a roll.
Another great story contributing to the Wayland universe, this time featuring hockey player Hunter and Ryan, the boy he let get away.
Hunter is tired of living a lie and is ready to be honest to all those who are in his life. How fortuitous that he should run into his first love who he hasn’t seen in years. What ensues is a slow renewing of Hunter and Ryan’s friendship which naturally leads to rekindling their feelings and then some.
Once again, this has great appearances from several past characters as there’s a growing found family that just loves to get involved and meddle a teeny tiny bit.
As I’ve said every time, if you’re a fan then this shouldn’t disappoint. I could read about the characters in this hockey bubble for however long Wayland wants to continue giving us their stories!
May 18, 2023
Ehh, I found this underwhelming. Yet another Wayland book that I thought was a standalone but that includes so many characters and references that are clearly from other books of hers that it was confusing and distracting. The sexual dynamic here was exactly what I wanted, but I just didn't really care much about the characters or really feel the chemistry. Another author that I used to quite enjoy but whose recent releases have been meh.
March 23, 2024
2+
Wyjątkowo mi nie pyknęło 🫤
Było najbardziej nijakie ze wszystkich do tej pory przeczytanych książek Samanthy Wayland - jak przy tych krótkich się wkurzałam, że takie krótkie i że za dużo seksu, a ja bym chciała więcej historii chłopaków, to tutaj długość była w miarę przyzwoita, seksu za dużo nie było, a jednak nudnawe i zupełnie nieinteresujące 🫤 Jutro nie za bardzo będę pamiętać o tej książce 😠
Zaokrąglam do trójki tylko ze względu na to, że to ciągle ten sam świat i pojawili się bohaterowie z poprzednich tomów...
Wyjątkowo mi nie pyknęło 🫤
Było najbardziej nijakie ze wszystkich do tej pory przeczytanych książek Samanthy Wayland - jak przy tych krótkich się wkurzałam, że takie krótkie i że za dużo seksu, a ja bym chciała więcej historii chłopaków, to tutaj długość była w miarę przyzwoita, seksu za dużo nie było, a jednak nudnawe i zupełnie nieinteresujące 🫤 Jutro nie za bardzo będę pamiętać o tej książce 😠
Zaokrąglam do trójki tylko ze względu na to, że to ciągle ten sam świat i pojawili się bohaterowie z poprzednich tomów...
June 12, 2023
Dirty, quick, and sweet.
Missing Wayland’s trademark swoon,
but the gang’s all here.
Missing Wayland’s trademark swoon,
but the gang’s all here.
June 29, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Ms. Wayland’s since I read Destiny Calls back in 2013. Her entire Moncton world with the Ice Cats hockey team has long been a favorite of mine. But this book was short and underwhelming.
I liked Hunter a lot, but Zach never grew on me. Because this was so short, it really lacked the substance I wanted. I lost count how many times these two had sex. Come on! The book is only 166 pages! It was like that was the whole basis of their relationship. So, unfortunately, I found this to be a bit lacking. It was good to see Callum again, but it was too brief. Mostly we got time with Barnaby from Poetry in Motion since he is Zach’s best friend.
2.5 middle of the road stars. 3 seems too high, yet 2 seems too low.
I liked Hunter a lot, but Zach never grew on me. Because this was so short, it really lacked the substance I wanted. I lost count how many times these two had sex. Come on! The book is only 166 pages! It was like that was the whole basis of their relationship. So, unfortunately, I found this to be a bit lacking. It was good to see Callum again, but it was too brief. Mostly we got time with Barnaby from Poetry in Motion since he is Zach’s best friend.
2.5 middle of the road stars. 3 seems too high, yet 2 seems too low.
May 5, 2023
I was pretty disappointed by this. It didn’t have any of the magic I’ve found in Wayland’s past books, and the sex-to-plot ratio really didn’t work for this particular story. This is a second chance romance and there’s supposed to be tension, confusion, uncertainty, longing, hope, and so on, but instead the characters just have a lot of sex and tell the reader over and over how much it means to them because of things that happened in the past that the reader never gets to see or even hear about in much detail. It doesn’t help that the book is only 166 pages. I felt no connection to either character and both felt like cardboard cutouts with the bare minimum personality necessary to make the story work.
I still gave this a three because I liked their adult communication and how Wayland skipped the bitterness and miscommunication that other authors would have included, but I don’t know if I’d actually recommend it.
I still gave this a three because I liked their adult communication and how Wayland skipped the bitterness and miscommunication that other authors would have included, but I don’t know if I’d actually recommend it.
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October 11, 2023This mini-review is part of a discussion about second chance romance featuring both Not Over You and Light Up the Lamp that can be read in full at The Smut Report
There’s plenty to address, especially if we consider that these guys’ careers/professional goals could take them to different cities. But neither character is suffering. This story is, therefore, a drawn out courtship that begins with Hunter proving again that he can be a real friend to Zach before transitioning to something more. It’s romantic in the extreme, now that I think about it, and also exactly how someone who really messed up in the past needs to atone. We have both protagonists’ POVs in this book, so we’re pretty clear on where their heads are the whole time, but I don’t even think we needed both. If we had only Zach’s POV, I think the story could be told with Hunter clearly proving that he is sincerely sorry and wants to do better going forward because the actions Hunter needs to take are clear and measurable.
Not Over You might not have left me swooning, but Zach and Hunter had satisfactorily hashed out their past and rebuilt their relationship well enough over the course of the story that I was satisfied with the way things turned out for them.
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There’s plenty to address, especially if we consider that these guys’ careers/professional goals could take them to different cities. But neither character is suffering. This story is, therefore, a drawn out courtship that begins with Hunter proving again that he can be a real friend to Zach before transitioning to something more. It’s romantic in the extreme, now that I think about it, and also exactly how someone who really messed up in the past needs to atone. We have both protagonists’ POVs in this book, so we’re pretty clear on where their heads are the whole time, but I don’t even think we needed both. If we had only Zach’s POV, I think the story could be told with Hunter clearly proving that he is sincerely sorry and wants to do better going forward because the actions Hunter needs to take are clear and measurable.
Not Over You might not have left me swooning, but Zach and Hunter had satisfactorily hashed out their past and rebuilt their relationship well enough over the course of the story that I was satisfied with the way things turned out for them.
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June 3, 2023
The cover model reminds me of a grown up version of the guy who played the youngest son on 7th Heaven and I can't unsee it.
May 3, 2023
No drama. No made up angst. Just young adults trying to deal with past mistakes like *gasp* fricken adults. Who knew?
May 9, 2023
A novella about first love, lost love, and second chances set in the Moncton universe. Zach and Hunter shared all of their firsts when they were teens but it all ended suddenly with both of them hurt. Now years later, they are back in each other's orbit, but one still feels guilty and needs forgiveness. And the other still does not understand and has to be willing to forgive if they could ever have a chance of being friends or anything more. And there are still challenges with their lives and goals that make things complicated. But they are also more mature and more sure of who they are and what they want. It is short, cute, and full of sexy times.
This brings back some fun cameos of beloved characters, especially Callum and Barnaby, and I never get tired of being in this universe.
This brings back some fun cameos of beloved characters, especially Callum and Barnaby, and I never get tired of being in this universe.
May 6, 2023
I love how I can figure out where the books take place in the Wayland universe timeline simply by finding out how old the Smythe-Morrison kids are! Ha!
Hunter and Zach were childhood sweethearts, but when Hunter got drafted into the NHL, he ghosted Zach, FOR 6 YEARS. Look, I know being out in professional sports is dicey, but ghosting your best friend/sweetheart for 6 solid years because you couldn't man up enough to make it right? I needed way more groveling from Hunter. Loved seeing the warehouse family at yet another Christmas Eve celebration -- I could read about Callum and Rupert as many times as Wayland wants to write about them. (Hunter naming his cat Gatherer and calling her Gathy -- top-notch word play, there.)
Tropes: childhood sweethearts, second chance, grovel (needed twice as much, IMO)
Hunter and Zach were childhood sweethearts, but when Hunter got drafted into the NHL, he ghosted Zach, FOR 6 YEARS. Look, I know being out in professional sports is dicey, but ghosting your best friend/sweetheart for 6 solid years because you couldn't man up enough to make it right? I needed way more groveling from Hunter. Loved seeing the warehouse family at yet another Christmas Eve celebration -- I could read about Callum and Rupert as many times as Wayland wants to write about them. (Hunter naming his cat Gatherer and calling her Gathy -- top-notch word play, there.)
Tropes: childhood sweethearts, second chance, grovel (needed twice as much, IMO)
May 8, 2023
2.5 stars
I am a Samantha Wayland fan and whilst this was cute it just didn't hit like her other books did. I like second chance tropes and whilst there's some details revealed about their past relationship and breakup it doesn't get properly discussed apart from an apology over the phone. It probably doesn't help that this was quite a short story and that a large chunk of it was just them having sex. The communication between the two MCs was great but I couldn't really connect with them. They were kinda mediocre with little to no personality. Hunter was sweet though. I definitely think I would've enjoyed this had it been a full length novel.
I am a Samantha Wayland fan and whilst this was cute it just didn't hit like her other books did. I like second chance tropes and whilst there's some details revealed about their past relationship and breakup it doesn't get properly discussed apart from an apology over the phone. It probably doesn't help that this was quite a short story and that a large chunk of it was just them having sex. The communication between the two MCs was great but I couldn't really connect with them. They were kinda mediocre with little to no personality. Hunter was sweet though. I definitely think I would've enjoyed this had it been a full length novel.
May 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was cute and I enjoyed it. I liked the protagonists, and their low angst story was exactly what I was in the mood for. Could've done with less sex, though. And even though this is supposedly a standalone (or is it?), so many of the characters from past books show up that it would be really confusing for someone new to the author. I've read them all so it was fun, if a little forced.
Overall, a decent, and short, read.
This was cute and I enjoyed it. I liked the protagonists, and their low angst story was exactly what I was in the mood for. Could've done with less sex, though. And even though this is supposedly a standalone (or is it?), so many of the characters from past books show up that it would be really confusing for someone new to the author. I've read them all so it was fun, if a little forced.
Overall, a decent, and short, read.
May 22, 2023
This was a super sweet story about two former boyfriends who reconnect.
There was nothing dramatic or hysterical about this book. Just two kids who fell in love but life aspirations were a lot bigger than a teenage romance. As adults they’re still in their early twenties but whilst they’ve never forgotten each other they became better people as a result.
It was simple had a nice message and was written well.
There was nothing dramatic or hysterical about this book. Just two kids who fell in love but life aspirations were a lot bigger than a teenage romance. As adults they’re still in their early twenties but whilst they’ve never forgotten each other they became better people as a result.
It was simple had a nice message and was written well.
October 16, 2023
Audio: 5 stars, Michael Ferraiuolo kills it like always!
Book: 3.5 stars
This book was cute, short and sweet. They did communicate which was nice, i liked their banter. it was great to get back with all the previous couples, Callum and Rupert, and Travis and Barnaby.
I do wish this was longer, but for what it is, it was definitely adorable and would recommend it to anyone who liked Samatha Wayland's previous books.
Book: 3.5 stars
This book was cute, short and sweet. They did communicate which was nice, i liked their banter. it was great to get back with all the previous couples, Callum and Rupert, and Travis and Barnaby.
I do wish this was longer, but for what it is, it was definitely adorable and would recommend it to anyone who liked Samatha Wayland's previous books.
May 12, 2023
Not over you
I love love love all things Hockey and it was great getting glimpses of the Moncton boys in here but the real stars were incredible together, both hotter than the surface of the sun when together but also super sweet with their catchphrase prior to their declaration of love
I love love love all things Hockey and it was great getting glimpses of the Moncton boys in here but the real stars were incredible together, both hotter than the surface of the sun when together but also super sweet with their catchphrase prior to their declaration of love
June 9, 2023
Unlike other books in this series that I devoured in a single sitting this one is just - present and accounted for.
It’s not bad, it just doesn’t feel fully fleshed out. Neither character really gets a full arc and it relies too heavily on knowledge of the other books in the series to make it enjoyable.
It’s not bad, it just doesn’t feel fully fleshed out. Neither character really gets a full arc and it relies too heavily on knowledge of the other books in the series to make it enjoyable.
May 3, 2023
Young Love Grows Up
I loved this book. The connection between the two MCs, you can feel it immediately. And they have to work for their HEA. It's a sweet story about getting back to your first love and finding a future. Steamy, low angst, well worth the read.
I loved this book. The connection between the two MCs, you can feel it immediately. And they have to work for their HEA. It's a sweet story about getting back to your first love and finding a future. Steamy, low angst, well worth the read.
May 5, 2023
Part of the Moncton Ice Cats universe. Enjoyed reading about Hunter's second chance romance with Zach, and the fact that none of the Pittsburgh players were fazed by him quietly bringing his boyfriend into their orbit.
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars. A pretty cute novella, but missing the depth of a full length novel. The start of the book was quite abrupt and the past issues between Hunter and Zach were too easily forgiven in my eyes, but their strong connection was obvious.
May 8, 2023
terrific
Another score for the author, this story is delightful and positive. It inspires the reader with strong supportive and brain characters as they maneuver their way to a future of happiness!
Another score for the author, this story is delightful and positive. It inspires the reader with strong supportive and brain characters as they maneuver their way to a future of happiness!
May 22, 2023
Bleeping loved this book!
This hockey world that this author has built is just awesome and this gem of a book fits right in. Both heartwarming and slyly funny, this is a second chance love story that just hit the spot.
This hockey world that this author has built is just awesome and this gem of a book fits right in. Both heartwarming and slyly funny, this is a second chance love story that just hit the spot.
May 30, 2023
sweet heat
What a sweet story and a great 2nd chance. This is a new author to me, and I am pleased to say that I will be looking for more of her books… This was such a sweet heartwarming, a second chance romance. With just enough heat to keep you excited.
What a sweet story and a great 2nd chance. This is a new author to me, and I am pleased to say that I will be looking for more of her books… This was such a sweet heartwarming, a second chance romance. With just enough heat to keep you excited.
June 3, 2023
Loved Zach and Hunter
Always love visiting the residents of Moncton. Loved Hunter and Zach and watching them rediscover each other and settling their past was fun. Looking forward to more of the Moncton residents.
Always love visiting the residents of Moncton. Loved Hunter and Zach and watching them rediscover each other and settling their past was fun. Looking forward to more of the Moncton residents.
May 3, 2023
amazing
Love this book, fast but you don’t miss anything. Very sweet and funny. Love all the past book people showing up.
Love this book, fast but you don’t miss anything. Very sweet and funny. Love all the past book people showing up.
May 4, 2023
This was a really fun short read. I loved the characters and the story.
May 12, 2023
I really like this author and love to revisit this universe, but this novella was just ok for me.
May 28, 2023
I think I would have liked it more if I had read her other books, too.
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June 6, 2023I mean, if you want a soft hockey romance... It was fine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews