In an attempt to run from his past, John has spent the last few years building walls around himself. He knows the best way to stay safe is to keep people at arm’s length or preferably out of sight. During weak moments, he might wish he had someone, but he’s not ready. After all, it takes seven years for the body to replace all its cells. He has four years to go before he even can think about … being around people.
Zachary is always on the move, always on his way to somewhere. He’s going from job to job, from country to country. Contrary to what people might think, he wants nothing more than to find a place to call home, and he knows just where. This time, he is ready. This time, he will stay in Nortown. But when he arrives to buy the log cabin he thought would be his, he finds it inhabited. When he goes to talk to the new owner, he is met by the most beautiful green eyes followed by a door slammed in his face.
John should’ve known the peace he had found in Nortown wouldn’t last. One day everything was fine, the next a mountain of a man starts showing up wherever he goes. All Zachary wants is to be close to the quiet man who has moved into his cabin. If following him around is the only way, then so be it. Sooner or later, John will get used to having him there…at least, if Zachary hangs around long enough.
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All he wanted was to have peace and quiet so he could heal and he found the perfect place. It all seems too good so he he shocked when they knock on his door, he slammed the door shut. It was not going to stop them as he knew he was meant for them. Can these two different men become a couple? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is John and Zachary’s story. John believes he’s not clean and needs to wait 7 years as that’s how long it takes for the body to replace all its cells. Zachary is ready to settle down and decides to go back to Nortown and hopefully buy the cabin from an old friend. Unique and interesting story. -Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The great character and storyline development kept me totally captivated as I read each and every page! I look forward to reading more from this author!
I love Ofelia Grand’s Nortown stories. The characters are always sweet, complex, and usually with secrets, uncertainties, and drams in their lives. I love the way Ofelia brings these wounded people together to heal and forge new relationships.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a sweet story. It was so sad at times, and made my guts hurt, but even still it was a beautiful love story.
We get so caught up in all the fantastically imagined stories today that we forget some of the greatest monsters aren’t found in fantasy or paranormal romance, but in the human psyche. This story is one that could take place anywhere in the world, and could very easily be a true story.
John, suffers from PTSD, and a few other psychological issues brought on by years of extreme trauma.
Zach, who ran away after being turned out by his parents when it came out he was gay, has been a nomad for many years. It’s been eight years since his last visit home, and upon his return he finds himself a bit enchanted by the gorgeous young man living in the cabin that he believed he would be able to have or buy one day.
The MCs in our story are as different as night and day and both are endearing and charming in their own flawed ways. You find yourself wanting to protect John and rooting for Zach as he slowly works to pull John from the darkness of his past back to the light. In so doing, Zachary himself finds home is more than a place on a map.
4.5 real-life-fairytale-stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
John has always intrigued me and his story was sweet and sad and wonderful. He’s escaped from the hell his ex had him in and lives his life in a constant state of fear. Zachary has returned home after years of running, trying to find a place where he belongs. He gets a look at John and sees the terror on his face and his only thought is to protect him. I liked his gentle pursuit. Zach is drawn to John and with small steps breaks down the walls John has up. I was amazed at the strength John gains as he opens himself up to the love that Zach is offering.
I am a massive fan of the series. I definitely love the story of Zach and John. It is complicated and full of raw emotions. But in the end they are able to find their way to each other. Well written and composed. Great reality and characters.
Petrified John & the lumberjack: angst for life?!
4-4.5 stars
A good story, with steam and tons of emotion as brawny & bearded Zachary returns to his woodsy hometown after years of wandering to find someone else has taken over the farm where he has dreamed of settling. And immediately John, the new owner, fascinates him. Meanwhile, John is petrified of interacting with just about everyone after a truly horrendous past.
Author Ofelia Grand really fleshes out John’s anxiety and low self esteem issues. But for me Zachary was the emotional core of the story, attuned to John’s fears and ready to patiently insert himself into John’s world a baby step at a time. He’s a tender giant, so even tempered and upbeat that, when he does succumb to rejection, it’s all the sadder. But no fear, Once in May ends on a happy note.
The bonus story is a steamy holiday treat, more like an epilogue to the main story, with John taking new steps to demonstrate his trust.
I read a complimentary copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.