Realigned

Coming Home #1

by Becca Seymour

alternate cover edition of ASIN B07PNKMK53

(A M/M Small-town Romance)

Escape with Shaun and Mitch in outback Australia as they discover it sometimes takes time, distance, and interfering family to help them realign.

After eight years of living in America, it’s time for Shaun to return home to his family’s farm in outback Australia. He has a decision to make: continue working his dream job with NASA or move back for a corporate job and his family.

He thinks his decision is easy.

He thinks he’s going to have a fun two weeks at home catching up.

He also thinks seeing his best friend, Mitch, will finally allow him to move on from that one hot kiss they shared the day he left.

Shaun realises he’s truly screwed as what he thinks and what he knows don’t always align.

Realigned is a fun and steamy M/M short story in Becca Seymour’s Coming Home series. Stand-alone romances complete with heat, wit, and happily ever afters.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Novella, LGBT, Short Stories

62 pages, ebook

First published March 13, 2019

About the author

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek

Zone Defense

No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down


Fast Break

Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!


True-Blue 
Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us


Outback Boys 

Stumble | Bounce | Wobble


Fangs & Felons

Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone


Stand-Alone Contemporary

Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt


REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma

"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such

"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine

"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/10/2019)! 🎁

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5? didn’t really have time to go anywhere.
that said i’ve read shorts and novellas that managed to do a lot more with the same page count.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet and adorable..I like that there was no angst. No instalove but two friends who had unrequited feelings and they were finally after years of not seeing one another were going to see where their feelings took them.

Shaun was back home after eight years away. he was smart and kind and also a family guy. Even though he was away from them, he was still close to them. His family was fun and loving. Outgoing and close. Shaun was back to see them and mull over a change in his future. A decision that was very hard for him to make because he was at his dream job but missed his family. Only one more aspect got added to his decision-Mtich.

Mitch- his best friend he has always had feelings for but never acted on. Mitch who got him on that plane years ago and left him reeling after a kiss. A kiss that both never forgot. For Mitch it kept him going and for Shaun it had him never quite find the right person.

Mitch is the one that let go. He did this so Shaun could fly and have his dream come true. He is a fun sweet guy. Loyal and kind. A bit mischievous as well. We see this with how he welcomes Shaun back. He also has a agenda. One that I wholeheartedly stand behind. His is one to get Shaun to stay with him. One that involves him showing Shaun how he feels and that they belong together.

We get a story of love, friendship, loyalty and family. One where we see two men find their way to each other beyond their friendship and act on their feelings. Where two friends explore their love for one another and see they belong together. We have one that is supportive while the other has to make the decision on where to be. And the story is just precious and adoring. No angst but fun sweet intimate moments. No fighting but mischievous times that have you smile and a love that truly shines and leaps off the page.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

cotton candy sweet 😍

I was looking for a sweet read and this was it, short and straight to the point. I loved it

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You planning the days ahead or stressing about them being our last few?”
“A bit of both.” His hand clasped mine when I looped an arm around his chest and rested one of my hands there. “Time’s speeding on by. I hate it. I need it to slow down, crawl by a little.” A note of vulnerability lit his words, and while the tone made my heart constrict, the small ball in my gut relaxed a little. He was as worried as I was. Maybe even more so. I figured it would be worse to be the one left behind, rather than the one doing the leaving. Maybe. — Shaun O'Ryan and Mitch Harris

Warnings: None. Just a rock-loving scientist and his selfless idiot.

Realigned is Shaun's story. Shaun O'Ryan is an Australian country boy, a geologist employed by NASA. He's been living in America for 8 years not coming home in all that time, talking to his family by phone and occasional visits by them. Now he's in Australia for a two-week stay. The first event in the book is Shaun getting pulled over for speeding... a joke by his lifelong friend Sergeant Mitch Harris. It is kinda funny and is a perfect example of their relationship dynamic.

The novellas epigraph is Take risks.. This sets the tone for the whole story. Shaun is being headhunted by a big company, his family (especially his mum) wants him to stay in Australia for good, taking the offer and coming home. They decide to use Mitch as a weapon knowing full well that Shaun and Mitch have had a thing for each other for a decade. Honestly, it's simple enough. It is Shaun saying I can't have sex involved if I'm going to make a logical decision here. It's a premise a liked and I appreciated that Becca choose to use a single narrator to tell her story. Sometimes having both spoils the surprise for some events.

Have some of the long quotes I liked.
• Since it was midweek, there were only a handful of patrons propping up the bar. I greeted every one of them with a handshake when they declared the astronaut had returned. I simply smiled and indicated to Mitch to hurry the hell up with our drinks. There was no point even attempting to explain I wasn’t an astronaut. Yeah, I was lucky enough to work for NASA, but I was all about geology and research. It didn’t matter in a small town like this though. Six hours from civilisation in the arse of the outback, most of the residents heard NASA and decided for themselves I would be travelling the solar system at some point in the future. Who was I to spoil their fun? — I have nothing to add to this really. It just feels like he is the ultimate hometown boy made good. This quote almost said more about him than anything else we got early on. (Shaun)
• Apparently everyone knew whatever it was Mum was failing to act coy about. Even my brothers-in-law looked prepped for a reveal. I took a few moments to try to figure out what was going on before returning my attention to Mum. This time her expression was more relaxed, just too much so considering everyone else’s reaction. — Oh the pure joy of this level of this family dynamic. I love it so much. Meddling mothers are the best. (Shaun)
• “Not quite sure yet.” I indicated Mitch with a chin lift. “That’s a question for Sarge.” I looked over at him and threw him a wink.
“God help us all.” Lorna chuckled, and I glanced back to see her watching the two of us, an amused smile on her lips and a gentleness in her eyes. “You boys back together again.” She shook her head. “Not sure if it’s a good or bad thing Mitch here is now the sarge. Does that mean you’ll get away with even more, rather than not getting up to any crazy stunts?” With her brows raised high, she studied Mitch then clucked. I had no idea what she’d read on his face, but by the time I looked at him, his face was a picture of innocence. I rolled my eyes, not at all convinced. — There are several reasons I like small-town romance, particularly back home after a long-time romance, moments like this are one of them. The people who knew them as kids, the trouble making them, get the whole oh help us all vibe. It's fun and funny. (Shaun and Lorna)
• "I’m happy with weird if it means you keep looking at me the way you do.”
“What way is that?” I squeaked. “Like you want me to be yours and you don’t want me to ever let you go.”
I was done. It was time to stick a damn fork in me. — I just love that last line. I know this is a fairly common quote but somehow it feels like home to me. I can't explain it. I also like the set-up here. (Mitch and Shaun)

I like Becca Seymour for her Australian romance. They have some angst, a whole lot of sweetness and Australian linguistics. Realigned is no exception to this. Better yet it is free on both amazon and Prolific Works (likely other platforms as well), giving this broad access option if a reader wants to try her writing for the first time. I'm giving this 4 rather than 3⭐ because it is free, yes it is short. But it is a HFN, not a HEA and I'm more than okay with that. This does have a follow-up Amalgamated, I will be reading that as well I think. It follows the same sort of ideas.

Heat spread over every inch of my skin. Wicked tongue. My brain had short-circuited at some point in the last thirty minutes or so. I didn’t know if it had started when he admitted his feelings for me or at the mention of seduction. I knew one thing for sure, though: my addled brain could not shake the thought of his tongue. — Shaun O'Ryan

A representative gif:

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

A short, sweet story about Shaun and Mitch in Australia.

After being sent to the U.S. to work for NASA by Mitch, Shaun returns home for 2 weeks after a few years away. His main purpose? To uncover the truth as to why Mitch sent him away.

Now the sheriff of his and Shaun's small town, Mitch is determined to convince his best friend to stay in Australia and work for a mining company. And become the lover he's always wanted him to be.

This short story explores the two men's hopes, pitfalls and emotional turmoil as they reveal the truths in their lives.

[fishreads (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second chance for best friends to lovers set in outback Australia. I liked the idea of the story, but the execution left me feeling unsatisfied. There should have been around 10 years of longing between Shaun and Mitch, but I did not really feel any of it in the writing. The ending felt rushed culminating with a sex scene for which I could have cared less.

Themes: single POV, second chance, best friends to lovers, small towns, Australia

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly wonderful.

Well written, well paced and great characters. The angst, the recovered love and the heat were intense. Would love more.

[➳ johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was shocked by how good this was. i picked it up because it’s super short and i ended up wishing it was longer. it’s very well written, cute, funny AND it’s friends-to-lovers 💗

[Julie Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So swoony, so sweet - I loved everything about this story, from Shaun and Mitch as characters, their backstory, how Mitch was always putting Shaun first, their communication once they got to know each other again, their banter and playfulness, and even Shaun’s somewhat meddling family, which was adorable! This story tugged on my heartstrings from beginning to end, was incredibly sweet, with a splash of spice towards the end! This is the second Becca Seymour story I’ve read, and I’m definitely sold on her as an author and want to read more of her stories!

[Natalina Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super quick read but long enough for me to fall in love with the two main characters. It's a sweet and steamy friends to lovers story (my favorite trope) and my only complaint is that it was so short, lol. Mitch's and Shaun's friendship and love for each other comes through loud and clear and I got to say I loved the fact that they didn't rush into bed together as soon as they revealed their feelings to each other. Instead they "realigned" themselves and their relationship after being away from each other for years until there was no doubt in their minds they wanted to stay together for life. Great first novel by Becca Seymour. Loved it.

[peach · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was fine, but too short and choppy to get me invested.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, hot and sweet!

Such a good, short story! It manages to include family, a tiny bit of past hurt/comfort, humour and 2 lovable MCs. Really enjoyed reading this. Will look for more by Ms. Seymour 🤗

[Sallie Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Well this was a quick little read, I guess short but sweet. I would have enjoyed a bit more depth in the story, though it was well written and enjoyable

[Janis Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances!

The thought of going home, after years of being away, is terrifying, especially if home means more than a place. I loved the tension of unrequited love! With the relief of finding out that it is not one-sided. I think every reader out there can relate to this story! Amazingly sweet with a touch of steam! Its perfect!

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful second chance story! My only issue is I wish there was an epilogue showing them settled and happily committed. Shaun and Mitch deserve a real HEA!!

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising start to the Coming Home series, Realigned, is my first read by Becca Seymour. A great read, I was so glad I chance reading this story. Shaun and Mitch finally have a chance to be honest with how they feel but after ten years how much has changed. I loved these characters and the support characters around them. I look forward to exploring many more stories by this author

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance is Best

Quick, sweet, and ultimately quite hot second chance romance in the Outback as Shaun returns home for what he thinks is a family visit after spending eight years in the USA as a major geek at NASA.

No sooner does he approach his town than he is pulled over by a police cruiser, and who is behind the wheel? His former best friend Mitch, now a cop, and as it turns out a bit of a spider in a web that is being spun waiting for Shaun to tumble into.

That's as much as I'm giving you except to recommend you grab this one as quickly as you can, hoist your favorite one-sitting beverage, and have a grand time.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but extra sweet second chance romance between these two Aussies .
Shaun and Mitch always had so much feelings for each, other after years apart their love and passion crash will this is enough for Shaun to stay home not go back to the States to NASA?
Will Mitch be able to convince Shaun or will Shaun need no convincing?
The outback of Australia is stunning being an Aussie I was lost in this lovely short read..

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story.

The story was short, but full of feeling with wonderful characters. I loved Shaun's family. How open, honest and loving they are with each other. Mitch was so thoughtful and selfless. I loved how they were able to pick up where they left off, plus some. I recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, feel good romance.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

Two friends finally get the chance on having a relationship. One went to the U S to work for NASA, the other stayed in Australia. Now the one is home for a visit and is being asked to stay.

[Kristin Grella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was a great quick read. Friends to lovers are some of my favorite and this one didn't disappoint. I loved Mitch and Shaun and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!

[Saffron Blu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and light read
This was a quick easy read that managed to take me away from my worries if only for a little while and come on isn't that the reason we pick up books in the first place? I loved Mitch and Shaun's story and look forward to reading more from this new author.

[Leia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The pining was great in this story. However, how do two best friends who are in love with each other go eight years without talking or texting very much? 🤔 It kind of made the rest of the story seem a tad off. Shaun said it best when he said, “it feels weird.” It did.

[Carlos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this.

Like the title says I really really wanted to like this. It was, just like a story that never grew.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun intriguing read. I would love to read more about this couple.

[cmbookdiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more. This one ended too soon.

[Devy B]

No rating ...
I didn’t like it at all. It wasn’t even an okay read.
HFN : it ends when they’re about to fuck. He just sunk into him, ready to thrust and bam .. The End 😆
It was almost a dnf though..

I didn’t like both MCs and Lance, Mitch’s ex story didn’t make any sense.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to manage a conversation of real significance with my balls feeling so huge and ready to explode.” 😒

“his eyes on me and his lowering mouth, it was quite possible I’d explode far too quickly. But what an image that would be—Mitch covered in my cum, some perhaps dribbling out of his mouth, because fuck if there wasn’t enough jizz inside me to fill him up for days” Eww dude you’ve been jerking off the night before and everyday since you came back and it’s not like you were celibate back to the USA, very far from!

“Not only did he look amazing kneeling before me, ready to suck me off, but with his mouth on my skin and my cock in his hot mouth, he’d never looked so magnificent nor in his element.” .. You’ve been friends your whole lives, you were inseparable, you claimed you’ve always been in love with him and the only time you find magnificent is when he’s on his knees to suck you off. Wow You can feel the love 🤦🏻‍♀️

I won’t be reading the 2nd book but I’ll give a try to a book or 2 from her True-blue serie.

I don’t recommend

[Kassu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into the story. It's a short one but the whole time I was just wondering why, how? These guys have been separated for 8 years basically without communication. They were best friends since childhood. Even before that it kind of seemed weird that Shaun only realised he's interested in his friend when he was 20, two gay friends living in a small town. Really? Didn't consider it before? I mean, sometimes we can be blind but usually then there's at least alternatives to focus on. Though that alone wouldn't have bothered me if the theme hadn't continued when they meet again.

I'll put the rest under spoiler tags:
Shaun is thinking how he's definitely going to give a chance since it's Mitch, and then he continues holding back. Including withholding from sex even though they're living together, but for some reason these guys only make out and then wank by themselves because...something. Seemed that the only reason for it was to end the book in sex scene - I mean it literally ends with dick going in and it being the most perfect moment ever, or something like that. Not for me.

There were some things that I liked and I would have wanted to like the whole story, but a lot of it just didn't make any sense. Shaun was wishy washy and the whole premise was odd. The few nice moments here and there couldn't save the book.