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Remember When #2
Try to Forget
After being dumped by his boyfriend, spending the weekend alone wasn't something Sam Braun was looking forward to. So, when the hairstylist that works next to his bookstore invites him to his hometown for the weekend, Sam jumps at the chance. Visiting the small town of Occident could be just what he needs to forget, at least for a few days. Erik Thorne has lived his whole life in the same town where nothing new ever happens, and any stranger who comes to town is always a big deal. When his old friend Andy brings a friend home for the weekend, Erik is drawn to the man in a way that confuses him at first. But his curiosity about the gorgeous blond from the city gets the better of him, and he can't resist spending more time with him. Sam was hoping to forget his troubles when he meets Erik. While Erik can't seem to think of anything besides the city boy with the bookstore he can't wait to visit. Distance might not be the only thing that stands between them, as they find out admitting what you want isn't always easy. #AgeGap, #MMRomance, #FriendsToLovers #OppositesAttract #SmallTownRomance #City/Country
174 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2023
17 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 12, 2023
DNF .
*shudders So bad…Feels written by a 7th grade kid .
*shudders So bad…Feels written by a 7th grade kid .
July 22, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
The title of the book is quite apt. I think my favorite part of this book was the cover.
I generally hate talking badly about books, but this one just fell short. Even with how short it was I struggled paying attention. It felt like the author had added every romance cliché there is into a very short story. Every sentence felt like something I had read somewhere before, and when you add it all into the same book, it's just too much. I have yet to read a book set in a small town where 'small town life' isn't a huge part of the book, but I think it was mentioned and referenced roughly every third sentence. Literally all the time. It felt forced and made me annoyed, which is honestly impressive. Maybe I have no self awareness, but I consider myself pretty mellow and I can usually find the good in a book, even if it's not my thing.
Maybe the thing that bothered me the most in this book is how it butchered my favorite trope: the age gap *church bells and angels singing*. I live for age gaps in romance books, yet in this one, I didn't even freaking realise there was one? And the oldest MC was 45?? He acted 25 at most, and the main 'conflict' in the book was his ex trying to get him back. The whole showdown with the ex felt like something straight outta high school, and you mean to tell me these are grown men? Nuh-uh.
I got it on audio, and it didn't do the story any favors, I'm afraid. The narrator's intonation and emphasis was quite weird at times, and he started growling (?) some words during the sex scenes?? Sir, calm way the frick down. I'm probably making it out to be worse than it was, but the things I didn't like really stuck like glue to my brain this time, and it's all I can remember, dammit.
I try to be a positive reviewer. After all, even if I didn't like it, I'm sure someone will, right? But man, I needed to get this off my chest, lol.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
The title of the book is quite apt. I think my favorite part of this book was the cover.
I generally hate talking badly about books, but this one just fell short. Even with how short it was I struggled paying attention. It felt like the author had added every romance cliché there is into a very short story. Every sentence felt like something I had read somewhere before, and when you add it all into the same book, it's just too much. I have yet to read a book set in a small town where 'small town life' isn't a huge part of the book, but I think it was mentioned and referenced roughly every third sentence. Literally all the time. It felt forced and made me annoyed, which is honestly impressive. Maybe I have no self awareness, but I consider myself pretty mellow and I can usually find the good in a book, even if it's not my thing.
Maybe the thing that bothered me the most in this book is how it butchered my favorite trope: the age gap *church bells and angels singing*. I live for age gaps in romance books, yet in this one, I didn't even freaking realise there was one? And the oldest MC was 45?? He acted 25 at most, and the main 'conflict' in the book was his ex trying to get him back. The whole showdown with the ex felt like something straight outta high school, and you mean to tell me these are grown men? Nuh-uh.
I got it on audio, and it didn't do the story any favors, I'm afraid. The narrator's intonation and emphasis was quite weird at times, and he started growling (?) some words during the sex scenes?? Sir, calm way the frick down. I'm probably making it out to be worse than it was, but the things I didn't like really stuck like glue to my brain this time, and it's all I can remember, dammit.
I try to be a positive reviewer. After all, even if I didn't like it, I'm sure someone will, right? But man, I needed to get this off my chest, lol.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
January 11, 2023
Try To Forget is the second book in the Small Town City Series. This was a wonderful read. It was an instant attraction between Eric and Sam. I loved watching the evolution of their relationship. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
August 11, 2023
4 stars
What a fine welcome back to small town Occident!
Erik, who works for the Water District of Occident, is at the bar with his friends, including Link and Drew from book one, Try To Remember. Andy (Drew), back in Sacramento, is planning a trip to see his boyfriend, Link for the weekend. He asks Sam, the bookstore owner next door to Andy, if he wants to join him. Andy knows Sam is lonely and not seeing anyone since his last relationship left him emotionally scared. Sam agrees, wanting to get out of Sacramento for a few days.
When Andy and Sam arrive at the bar to meet Andy's friends, Erik is immediately smitten with Sam, but cannot determine why, as his gender preference is unclear and he cannot risk everyone in Occident discovering his sexual proclivity. Sam is gay, but reentered the closet after his previous breakup.
Over the weekend, Erik and Sam get to know each other. Sam invites Erik, on the spur of the moment, to Sacramento for a visit. To Sam's surprise, Erik accepts.
What follows is a truly touching story of building a relationship between the two men. The author weaves a delightful world for the characters, so rich in detail I almost felt like I was there. The dialogue between the two was a little on the childish side and a bit annoying at times. The supporting characters, particularly Andy and Link, provide the humor and guidance Sam and Erik need to see their relationship bloom. Sam hasn't dated for years and Erik is afraid to "put himself out there".
I would have loved to rate this book higher, but editing missteps and the inane conversations Sam and Erik have prevented this. Overall, I did enjoy the story and look forward to revisiting Occident in a "hopefully" upcoming book three.
What a fine welcome back to small town Occident!
Erik, who works for the Water District of Occident, is at the bar with his friends, including Link and Drew from book one, Try To Remember. Andy (Drew), back in Sacramento, is planning a trip to see his boyfriend, Link for the weekend. He asks Sam, the bookstore owner next door to Andy, if he wants to join him. Andy knows Sam is lonely and not seeing anyone since his last relationship left him emotionally scared. Sam agrees, wanting to get out of Sacramento for a few days.
When Andy and Sam arrive at the bar to meet Andy's friends, Erik is immediately smitten with Sam, but cannot determine why, as his gender preference is unclear and he cannot risk everyone in Occident discovering his sexual proclivity. Sam is gay, but reentered the closet after his previous breakup.
Over the weekend, Erik and Sam get to know each other. Sam invites Erik, on the spur of the moment, to Sacramento for a visit. To Sam's surprise, Erik accepts.
What follows is a truly touching story of building a relationship between the two men. The author weaves a delightful world for the characters, so rich in detail I almost felt like I was there. The dialogue between the two was a little on the childish side and a bit annoying at times. The supporting characters, particularly Andy and Link, provide the humor and guidance Sam and Erik need to see their relationship bloom. Sam hasn't dated for years and Erik is afraid to "put himself out there".
I would have loved to rate this book higher, but editing missteps and the inane conversations Sam and Erik have prevented this. Overall, I did enjoy the story and look forward to revisiting Occident in a "hopefully" upcoming book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
Wonderful story. I loved this book, and the two men Eric and Sam were very good together. I enjoyed how they both learned to be together and still be themselves at the same time. I received this book as a free preview for my honest opinion and I loved it and recommend it to everyone who loves mm romance stories.
dnf
January 16, 2023DNF. Could not get into the writing at all.
August 1, 2023
4.25 stars
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews.
Note: This is the second in the series and does contain spoilers for Never Forget. That being said, it can be read as a standalone.
Sam Braun gets dumped by his boyfriend Gage on New Year’s Eve! What a jerk. Andy/Drew, who works at the salon next door in Sacramento invites Sam home with him to visit his family in Occident where his boyfriend Link still lives. Sam really doesn’t want to spend the weekend alone, so he accepts. He doesn’t know Drew all that well, but he’s excited and a little nervous to visit someplace new.
Drew is worried about Sam spending time alone so he’s happy to have the company on the drive to Occident. Andy as he’s still known in his hometown takes them to the local bar where he meets up with Link, his boyfriend. Everyone seems to know Andy and Sam is enjoying a pretty relaxed evening of drinks and pool. Then Erik Thorne walks in. He is a friend of Andy and Link’s also. They all went to school together along with the folks working at the bar. Everyone is very friendly. But Erik shows a lot of curiosity about Sam. He even invites Sam to join him on his round with his job with the Water District the next day to see the sights around the small town. Sam accepts.
While out on the drive, it seems that Sam has more than just sightseeing in mind. He’s never felt this kind of attraction before. He can’t put his finger on it because he’s never been into guys in the past, but something about Sam just draws him in. Eventually they kiss. And it’s clear that there is more than just friendship on the table here. But when they get to the next small town and go to a restaurant, Erik gets very nervous and stiff. They get their food to go and Erik apologizes. He’s just not sure what’s happening and he’s not sure what all the people he knows are going to think/say if they see him with a strange guy. Sam of course is worried that Erik is some kind of closet case and he definitely doesn’t need that drama.
They have a game night at Link’s place with Sam and Andy and Erik in attendance as well as a bunch of other friends. Nobody seems to bat an eye at the group. But maybe they have an idea that it’s not just friendship going on here? The test is that when Sam leaves, Erik really is sad to see him go and wants to come visit.
Erik arrives early for their planned week in Sacramento. He helps Sam and things progress. It’s clear that something is happening here, but Sam isn’t too sure what it is and he doesn’t want to jump in with both feet only to get burned. I mean, they just met. How can this guy be so right for him?
This is a really sweet story with very low angst. Sam and Erik have an instant attraction. Erik has always kept more to himself, so he’s never really dated or been seen with anyone – and never another guy. But he is just drawn to Sam for some reason. They seem to mesh really well despite having such different backgrounds. They enjoy doing the same things and despite Erik not being a reader, he really fit in with the bookstore and the neighborhood and he’s just such a sweet guy. Sam’s reluctance is understandable – especially after his breakup. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book which I absolutely adored. Is it a bit instalovey? Maybe. Did I care? Not really. Sometimes when you know, you know. Sam is a guy who has just never been lucky in relationships. Erik is a total sweetheart and just really wants Sam to be happy. I liked their relationship despite the sort of quick timeline. I was a little surprised that Erik wasn’t a little more freaked out about being with a man since he hadn’t been before and I would have maybe liked a little more of his perspective. Overall, I just really liked these two and the epilogue. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Maybe we will get more of Sam and Erik and Andy and Link 🙂 Recommended.
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews.
Note: This is the second in the series and does contain spoilers for Never Forget. That being said, it can be read as a standalone.
Sam Braun gets dumped by his boyfriend Gage on New Year’s Eve! What a jerk. Andy/Drew, who works at the salon next door in Sacramento invites Sam home with him to visit his family in Occident where his boyfriend Link still lives. Sam really doesn’t want to spend the weekend alone, so he accepts. He doesn’t know Drew all that well, but he’s excited and a little nervous to visit someplace new.
Drew is worried about Sam spending time alone so he’s happy to have the company on the drive to Occident. Andy as he’s still known in his hometown takes them to the local bar where he meets up with Link, his boyfriend. Everyone seems to know Andy and Sam is enjoying a pretty relaxed evening of drinks and pool. Then Erik Thorne walks in. He is a friend of Andy and Link’s also. They all went to school together along with the folks working at the bar. Everyone is very friendly. But Erik shows a lot of curiosity about Sam. He even invites Sam to join him on his round with his job with the Water District the next day to see the sights around the small town. Sam accepts.
While out on the drive, it seems that Sam has more than just sightseeing in mind. He’s never felt this kind of attraction before. He can’t put his finger on it because he’s never been into guys in the past, but something about Sam just draws him in. Eventually they kiss. And it’s clear that there is more than just friendship on the table here. But when they get to the next small town and go to a restaurant, Erik gets very nervous and stiff. They get their food to go and Erik apologizes. He’s just not sure what’s happening and he’s not sure what all the people he knows are going to think/say if they see him with a strange guy. Sam of course is worried that Erik is some kind of closet case and he definitely doesn’t need that drama.
They have a game night at Link’s place with Sam and Andy and Erik in attendance as well as a bunch of other friends. Nobody seems to bat an eye at the group. But maybe they have an idea that it’s not just friendship going on here? The test is that when Sam leaves, Erik really is sad to see him go and wants to come visit.
Erik arrives early for their planned week in Sacramento. He helps Sam and things progress. It’s clear that something is happening here, but Sam isn’t too sure what it is and he doesn’t want to jump in with both feet only to get burned. I mean, they just met. How can this guy be so right for him?
This is a really sweet story with very low angst. Sam and Erik have an instant attraction. Erik has always kept more to himself, so he’s never really dated or been seen with anyone – and never another guy. But he is just drawn to Sam for some reason. They seem to mesh really well despite having such different backgrounds. They enjoy doing the same things and despite Erik not being a reader, he really fit in with the bookstore and the neighborhood and he’s just such a sweet guy. Sam’s reluctance is understandable – especially after his breakup. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book which I absolutely adored. Is it a bit instalovey? Maybe. Did I care? Not really. Sometimes when you know, you know. Sam is a guy who has just never been lucky in relationships. Erik is a total sweetheart and just really wants Sam to be happy. I liked their relationship despite the sort of quick timeline. I was a little surprised that Erik wasn’t a little more freaked out about being with a man since he hadn’t been before and I would have maybe liked a little more of his perspective. Overall, I just really liked these two and the epilogue. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Maybe we will get more of Sam and Erik and Andy and Link 🙂 Recommended.
June 27, 2023
Terrific Story & Listen🎧 Sweet & Heartfelt!
Try to Forget
Small Town City Series
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Jack Watson
This is an enjoyable and sweet small town meets city romance. After a break up Sam Braun is a little lost after his boyfriend breaks up with him, so Andy, the hairstylist next door to his shop, invites him to go with him to his hometown for the weekend. Sam meets Erik Thorne In Occident, Erik is an old friend of Andy and is a straight guy, or he was always straight until he met Sam, who he was drawn to and the feeling was mutual, both felt an instant attraction. Erik was a little hesitant at first, not only it all new to him, but he had to think of what people in his small town would think, something Sam does not have to deal with living and working in the city. It was great to watch these two get to know each other and navigate a new relationship, loved how easily Erik fit in to Sam’s life, both personally and in his bookstore. This fast moving, beautifully plotted has the perfect balance of drama, heartfelt emotions, and a wonderful romance. BL Maxwell, thank you for this fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Jack Watson did a great job bringing these characters to life and story to life. He set the perfect tone for the story and captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into his performance. Jack Watson is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen.
Try to Forget
Small Town City Series
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Jack Watson
This is an enjoyable and sweet small town meets city romance. After a break up Sam Braun is a little lost after his boyfriend breaks up with him, so Andy, the hairstylist next door to his shop, invites him to go with him to his hometown for the weekend. Sam meets Erik Thorne In Occident, Erik is an old friend of Andy and is a straight guy, or he was always straight until he met Sam, who he was drawn to and the feeling was mutual, both felt an instant attraction. Erik was a little hesitant at first, not only it all new to him, but he had to think of what people in his small town would think, something Sam does not have to deal with living and working in the city. It was great to watch these two get to know each other and navigate a new relationship, loved how easily Erik fit in to Sam’s life, both personally and in his bookstore. This fast moving, beautifully plotted has the perfect balance of drama, heartfelt emotions, and a wonderful romance. BL Maxwell, thank you for this fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Jack Watson did a great job bringing these characters to life and story to life. He set the perfect tone for the story and captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into his performance. Jack Watson is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen.
January 16, 2023
I really loved Sam and Erik’s story. It’s book 2 in a series, and I haven’t read book 1 yet but that didn’t detract from the book. Sam who lives in a big city has just been dumped by his ex-boyfriend and accepts an invitation to visit his friend Andy’s hometown, one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone. There he meets Erik, and there’s an instant attraction, but Erik thought he was straight. They eventually get to their HEA, and the story of how they get there is really well written, with a good story, fun secondary characters, great chemistry, a satisfying ending, and a nice bonus story if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read book 1 which is Andy and Link’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
This is the second book in the Small Town City series and can be read as a standalone, although we do get to know Andy (Sam’s friend) and his love interest in the first book. In this book, Sam is a bookstore owner in California trying to get over a failed relationship, so he agrees to visit a friend’s small hometown for the weekend. There, he meets Erik, a tall, dark, and handsome cowboy and sparks fly.
This was a sweet, low-angst, age-gap, friends-to-lovers MM romance. The MC’s have an instant connection and their attraction helps start the relationship that grows into something really special. I loved watching the MC’s fall for each other. Their connection was very believable, and the book was well-written. They have good chemistry and a great HEA.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet, low-angst, age-gap, friends-to-lovers MM romance. The MC’s have an instant connection and their attraction helps start the relationship that grows into something really special. I loved watching the MC’s fall for each other. Their connection was very believable, and the book was well-written. They have good chemistry and a great HEA.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2023
Try to Forget
Loved this! That in the shadow of pain of being dumped on New Year's Eve, Sam crawls out from under it with help from some friends. He was invited to a small town where he met the most beautiful cowboy, Erik. Erik was straight but asked Sam out. Erik fell for Sam right away. Except at a stop at a restaurant Erik got all in his head. It hurt Sam. But they still had fun together. Erik came to Sacramento and spent over a week. They started a game night for the businesses. He really was into all the customers and their lives. Erik asked him dancing. It was that night that Erik tells him he loves him but Sam doesn't say it back.
Will he? Does he go to Occident the next week to see Erik?
Will Erik come back to help in the shop and make Sam and customers happy?
READ the book!
10/10
Loved this! That in the shadow of pain of being dumped on New Year's Eve, Sam crawls out from under it with help from some friends. He was invited to a small town where he met the most beautiful cowboy, Erik. Erik was straight but asked Sam out. Erik fell for Sam right away. Except at a stop at a restaurant Erik got all in his head. It hurt Sam. But they still had fun together. Erik came to Sacramento and spent over a week. They started a game night for the businesses. He really was into all the customers and their lives. Erik asked him dancing. It was that night that Erik tells him he loves him but Sam doesn't say it back.
Will he? Does he go to Occident the next week to see Erik?
Will Erik come back to help in the shop and make Sam and customers happy?
READ the book!
10/10
July 2, 2023
I really enjoyed BL Maxwell's books and have read a dozen and a half of them. This was one I hadn't read before, so I was looking forward to hearing it in audiobook format. I liked the story itself, but I'm sorry to say I didn't care for Jack Watson's narration. There were times the sentences were read too slowly to feel like a character was in the middle of a conversation; and I found the midsentence pauses distracting because they sounded out of place and didn't flow right. The characters also all pretty much sounded the same to me, so this book could have benefited from a second narrator. There were also several times when some of the words were either cut off or if they were spoken so low I couldn't hear them (I couldn't tell which). Strange because it would always be the last word in the sentence when this did happen.
Overall: 3 stars
Performance: 2 stars
Story: 4 stars
Overall: 3 stars
Performance: 2 stars
Story: 4 stars
January 9, 2023
It's a 3.5* rounded up.
It's a cute Insta-Love romance between a bookshop owner who just got dumped and a small town guy who discovers his bi-side.
The book is well written, Sam and Erik are likeable guys and it's great to see Andy/Drew and Link again.
But - it's also quite over the top. Erik never had indications that he may like guys and it struck by lighting when he meets Sam. I found it a bit far fetched how fast he got comfortable with the whole idea apart from a freak out in the beginning. I would have loved to see a bit more time for them to discover each other.
This one is great to curl up on a rainy day or if you feel a bit down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a cute Insta-Love romance between a bookshop owner who just got dumped and a small town guy who discovers his bi-side.
The book is well written, Sam and Erik are likeable guys and it's great to see Andy/Drew and Link again.
But - it's also quite over the top. Erik never had indications that he may like guys and it struck by lighting when he meets Sam. I found it a bit far fetched how fast he got comfortable with the whole idea apart from a freak out in the beginning. I would have loved to see a bit more time for them to discover each other.
This one is great to curl up on a rainy day or if you feel a bit down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
Sam never expected that a spontaneous trip to Occident with a friend would lead him to the man of his dreams. All he wanted was to forget the pain and hurt caused when his boyfriend dumped him. When Erik’s old friend brings a friend home to visit with him, Erik never expected the feelings that are brought to the surface and cause him to question everything. The more time he spends with Sam, the more he falls for him. Erik and Sam are drawn to each other in a way that neither can explain. When Sam returns to the city after the weekend, it’s hard to watch him go. With Erik living in Occident and Sam living in the city, can they ever be more or will the distance between them tear them apart when they have barely begun?
January 17, 2023
Sweet, fluffy, mild angst
Sam has just been dumped.
He's desperate to get away from reminders so he accepts his friend Andy's invitation to Occidental.
When he arrives he meets Erik who ends up showing him around town.
The chemistry between them was instantaneous but Erik is straight (or at least Sam thinks so)
That just makes things harder for Sam because Erik is everything he wants in a man.
Meanwhile Erik is bi but he's afraid of the reaction to that news so he's convinced himself that it's easier dating women.
Sam comes along and blows all his plans out of the water.
Ultimately Erik has to decide if it's better to play it safe or if he has the courage to risk everything for love.
Sam has just been dumped.
He's desperate to get away from reminders so he accepts his friend Andy's invitation to Occidental.
When he arrives he meets Erik who ends up showing him around town.
The chemistry between them was instantaneous but Erik is straight (or at least Sam thinks so)
That just makes things harder for Sam because Erik is everything he wants in a man.
Meanwhile Erik is bi but he's afraid of the reaction to that news so he's convinced himself that it's easier dating women.
Sam comes along and blows all his plans out of the water.
Ultimately Erik has to decide if it's better to play it safe or if he has the courage to risk everything for love.
January 18, 2023
This is book number 2 of the Small Town City series and focuses on Sam and Erik. Sam had been recently broken up with by his boyfriend when his friend Andy invited him to visit Occident with him. Sam took him up on the offer and when he got into town he met Erik. There was an instant connection between them and they both knew that they had found someone special. It took some adjustments and a bit of soul searching while spending more time together to realize they had found their forever. They fell for each other quickly and did everything they could to make sure they were each happy. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2023
Sam is upset and single for the new year and agrees to go with Drew to his small home town for a few days. Sam grew up in the city and is used to city life. Sam owns a bookstore and is happy with it. Sam agrees to go home with Andy because he does not want to sit at home alone. Sam goes to Occident and meets Drews friends. Erik walks in and up to Sam. Erik cannot keep his eyes off of Sam. Sams agrees to go out with Erik the next day. Erik is not sure how to act with Sam while other people are around. Was it a mistake to go to Occident???? Will Erik ever be comfortable in a relationship with Sam???.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
City meets country and the relationship ball starts to roll. Hurt and comfort are told, and friends lend a helping hand in the building and shoring up of this sweet story. Sam and Eric were just meant to be even with Eric's hesitation about revealing his bi-side to his small-town friends. In Eric Sam found "everything I'd ever wanted to meet in a boyfriend" even though Sam believed Eric was as straight as an arrow could be. As HEA go this was a completely ending with these two beating Andy and Link down the aisle. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
City/country, with a bit of an age gap which is not really so significant as to affect the story. Sort of insta-love and definitely a bi-awakening! These are the main features of this really enjoyable story. Erik is sort of a hurricane, he charges through and leaves a lot of disruption in his wake! When he finds himself intensely attracted to a man for the first time, he goes for it, only to then freeze thinking about the consequences of being out in his small town where everyone knows everything about everyone and leaving Sam baffled and unsure.
More sweet gestures and a genuinely kind heart are Erik’s weapons to make up for it and then hurricane Sam is all in, full steam ahead!
More sweet gestures and a genuinely kind heart are Erik’s weapons to make up for it and then hurricane Sam is all in, full steam ahead!
January 16, 2023
Sam is a bookstore owner in Sacramento. His friend invites him to go home with him to the small town where he grew up. He no sooner steps into the town bar when a tall, dark and handsome cowboy steps up and introduces himself as Erik. The two are instantly drawn to each other and spend much of the next day together, not quite sure where this is going. Plans are made for Erik to come to Sacramento the next week, and the whirlwind romance is on. This is a sweet story of two men obviously destined for each other and how they work it all out. Two lovable characters and a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
Sweet, small-town feels
Back to Occident to meet the crowd and Andy again, but this time Andy takes his work neighbour home, Sam. As Sam had been dumped over the Christmas/New Year period, Andy thought he could do with a weekend break and a small-town welcome.
He was right. It was just what Sam needed and far more.
I loved this story so much, a gay awakening, a small-town feel with a huge heart. It's all about the feelings in this book. A simple romance that's told well. Very low angst, even the s*x is off the page. It really is about the insta-romance. Makes a change.
Try to Forget
by
B.L. Maxwell
❤❤❤❤❤ Story
Back to Occident to meet the crowd and Andy again, but this time Andy takes his work neighbour home, Sam. As Sam had been dumped over the Christmas/New Year period, Andy thought he could do with a weekend break and a small-town welcome.
He was right. It was just what Sam needed and far more.
I loved this story so much, a gay awakening, a small-town feel with a huge heart. It's all about the feelings in this book. A simple romance that's told well. Very low angst, even the s*x is off the page. It really is about the insta-romance. Makes a change.
Try to Forget
by
B.L. Maxwell
❤❤❤❤❤ Story
January 6, 2023
Sam’s boyfriend broke up with before the new year so instead of sitting home alone Andy asked if he wanted to go with him, when he went to meet his boyfriend. He went and met Erik at the bar but when they were going out to eat he took the food to go so no one saw them together so Sam decided that he wouldn’t be a secret boyfriend. Erik came to Sacramento to see him and Erik decided that he wasn’t straight and they fell for each other. Good book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2023
This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Sam and Erik. The author does a great job developing their relationship as she brings them together. It's a story of one man starting over after a break up and another discovering his sexuality and coming out. She shows the emotions of both men and how Sam and Erik find their happiness. The story moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 27, 2023
This is a good story. Sam is trying to forget about a bad break up when his friend invites him to go to his small hometown with him for the weekend. He never expected to meet Erik. These two have good chemistry but Eric has to figure out what he wants out of life. It was sweet and easy to listen to. The narration was good. The narrator’s voice was a little too relaxing a couple of times but overall I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
Sam owns a bookstore in Sacramento and gets dumped by his boyfriend on New Years Eve. Instead of spending a weekend alone again, his friend Andy invites him to Occidental a small farming community. There Andy’s friends and family welcome Sam. Erik one of Andy’s childhood friends offers to show Sam around, it was instant chemistry. This is a very romantic story with a few bumps along the way, and a HEA.
January 13, 2023
This was a sweet story where country meets city. Sam and Erik were so perfect for each other even though Erik is straight country and Sam is a city boy! Instant chemistry that kind of opened Erik’s eyes to some things. This had such amazing characters and fantastic friendships that was just so sweet! A very enjoyable story that I highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2023
After being g dumped on New Years Eve , Sam goes home with his friend Andy to small town, Occident. He meets Erik and the attraction is immediate. Erik is straight , or always thought he was , until he met Sam. He struggles with this attraction and his sexuality and what it would mean , living in a small town.
I enjoyed this book. It has great characters, a believable plot and was fun to read. Low angst and drama .
I enjoyed this book. It has great characters, a believable plot and was fun to read. Low angst and drama .
January 16, 2023
After accepting an invitation from his friend Andy to visit his hometown, Sam meets Eric. Sam just got dumped by his boyfriend and he wanted a distraction and to get away. Meeting Eric was more than he or Eric was expecting. But it is the new year and both are in need of something new. And though meeting one another leads to some complications, these two have good strong chemistry. The ever after kind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2023
Sam and Erik meet through a mutual friend, and hit it off. Never mind that they're complete opposites. It's a sweet almost-instalove story. I felt bad for Erik, dealing with his reservations about coming out. I love that he names his chickens. And I also love the name of Sam's bookstore - A Page At A Time is just so clever, and he's created such a wonderful addition to his business neighborhood. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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