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Collateral Connection
“Hey there, neighbor.”
Ever since Isaac’s mother was diagnosed with early on-set dementia, his life has revolved around caring for her. It’s been lonely, but he doesn’t mind as long as they’re together. Their move to Vancouver was supposed to make things better, but Isaac is having a hard time keeping himself afloat.
Then the neighbor’s tree comes crashing through his roof.
Chase should have listened to his dad about that damn tree. Should have, could have, didn’t. Of course, the tree ends up embedded in his neighbor’s bathroom, and damage control is all he can do. Things start looking up when the neighbor turns out to be the hot new librarian Chase likes to ogle.
To avoid a lawsuit, Chase convinces Isaac to let him do the repairs, but the fixtures aren’t the only things that get rebuilt along the way.
Collateral Connection is a heart-warming MM romance with a best friend with questionable fashion tastes, dumplings as a love language, and two men trying to find themselves while upholding their family duty.
Ever since Isaac’s mother was diagnosed with early on-set dementia, his life has revolved around caring for her. It’s been lonely, but he doesn’t mind as long as they’re together. Their move to Vancouver was supposed to make things better, but Isaac is having a hard time keeping himself afloat.
Then the neighbor’s tree comes crashing through his roof.
Chase should have listened to his dad about that damn tree. Should have, could have, didn’t. Of course, the tree ends up embedded in his neighbor’s bathroom, and damage control is all he can do. Things start looking up when the neighbor turns out to be the hot new librarian Chase likes to ogle.
To avoid a lawsuit, Chase convinces Isaac to let him do the repairs, but the fixtures aren’t the only things that get rebuilt along the way.
Collateral Connection is a heart-warming MM romance with a best friend with questionable fashion tastes, dumplings as a love language, and two men trying to find themselves while upholding their family duty.
- GenresM M Romance
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 30, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Isaac and Chase became friends slowly through strange circumstances, and even though the attraction was there on both sides all along, their friendship and eventual relationship evolved slowly in a way that felt natural. I've been reading a lot of obsessive instalove type books lately, so in that way it was a breath of fresh air. Both main characters are flawed enough to keep it interesting with a little tension at times. I wouldn't call it angsty, but it's not 100% angst free either, not in the relationship and not with everything external happening around these men.
One of the main sources of tension and pain comes from the situation with Lily, Isaac's mom. She has dementia, and it was quite heartbreaking to read about those instances when she was confused or didn't recognize her son. Isaac feels a lot of responsibility and wants to take care of her himself.
"Chase and Isaac hang back and watch Lily flitter around the kitchen in a rare show of clarity. While she works, Chase turns to look at Isaac, and an overwhelming desire to hug him overtakes Chase. Isaac looks like he's about to cry."
During one of the sex scenes, Isaac opens a condom halfway before lubing up his hands (and his boyfriend), and comments on the difficulty of opening a condom, which I appreciated a whole lot. I even had to message a friend and tell her about it, because even after hundreds of books with both condoms and lube involved, this is the first time I've seen someone mention how goddamned difficult opening those foils are, lmao. Applause to the authors for including that. It gave me joy.
I found the friendships that formed between both MCs family and friends incredibly wholesome and it brought something extra to the book. There were also a few humorous moments that brought a few smiles and giggles, which I appreciated. It's not an overly sad book, but it deals with a lot of heavy subjects. And of course I cried, but if you can point out the last book that didn't make me cry, I'll give you a million dollars, lol.
"Chase isn't prone to road rage, but more than once, he fantasizes about pulling over the assholes and aggressively reviewing traffic laws with them."
Such a politely raging canadian boy, lol.
There is one thing I felt was missing, and that was Isaac telling Chase about his ex fiancé. Their relationship ending definitely affected Isaac's behavior and insecurities, and was worth mentioning, if not exploring further, as it most definitely played a part in some of the MCs relationship troubles.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Isaac and Chase became friends slowly through strange circumstances, and even though the attraction was there on both sides all along, their friendship and eventual relationship evolved slowly in a way that felt natural. I've been reading a lot of obsessive instalove type books lately, so in that way it was a breath of fresh air. Both main characters are flawed enough to keep it interesting with a little tension at times. I wouldn't call it angsty, but it's not 100% angst free either, not in the relationship and not with everything external happening around these men.
One of the main sources of tension and pain comes from the situation with Lily, Isaac's mom. She has dementia, and it was quite heartbreaking to read about those instances when she was confused or didn't recognize her son. Isaac feels a lot of responsibility and wants to take care of her himself.
"Chase and Isaac hang back and watch Lily flitter around the kitchen in a rare show of clarity. While she works, Chase turns to look at Isaac, and an overwhelming desire to hug him overtakes Chase. Isaac looks like he's about to cry."
During one of the sex scenes, Isaac opens a condom halfway before lubing up his hands (and his boyfriend), and comments on the difficulty of opening a condom, which I appreciated a whole lot. I even had to message a friend and tell her about it, because even after hundreds of books with both condoms and lube involved, this is the first time I've seen someone mention how goddamned difficult opening those foils are, lmao. Applause to the authors for including that. It gave me joy.
I found the friendships that formed between both MCs family and friends incredibly wholesome and it brought something extra to the book. There were also a few humorous moments that brought a few smiles and giggles, which I appreciated. It's not an overly sad book, but it deals with a lot of heavy subjects. And of course I cried, but if you can point out the last book that didn't make me cry, I'll give you a million dollars, lol.
"Chase isn't prone to road rage, but more than once, he fantasizes about pulling over the assholes and aggressively reviewing traffic laws with them."
Such a politely raging canadian boy, lol.
There is one thing I felt was missing, and that was Isaac telling Chase about his ex fiancé. Their relationship ending definitely affected Isaac's behavior and insecurities, and was worth mentioning, if not exploring further, as it most definitely played a part in some of the MCs relationship troubles.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
July 6, 2023
Cute Story
This is a cute age gap, hurt/comfort type story. I enjoyed reading along as Isaac and Chase developed their friendship and also as it progressed to more.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is a cute age gap, hurt/comfort type story. I enjoyed reading along as Isaac and Chase developed their friendship and also as it progressed to more.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
June 25, 2023
When a tree falls onto Isaac’s house, he has to talk to his neighbour about the repairs. Chase is the neighbour who offers to do the repairs and pay for them since he’s a contractor.
The attraction between them is there, but both have complicated lives. Chase looks after his brother and runs the house because his Dad is busy running their company. Isaac has his Mom to look after due to her dementia.
When they start dating, others come to help with Isaac’s Mom, but her needs continue to increase. Isaac feels guilty about finding a home for her, just as Chase feels guilty about his Mom’s death.
They each help the other see that they deserve to live their own lives, and they support each other with making things work with their families.
I loved the way everyone looked after Lily, Isaac’s Mom, especially Jay and Shen Yi, two fun characters. Good story that leaves possibilities for a series.
I received this free ARC and am giving it my honest review in appreciation.
The attraction between them is there, but both have complicated lives. Chase looks after his brother and runs the house because his Dad is busy running their company. Isaac has his Mom to look after due to her dementia.
When they start dating, others come to help with Isaac’s Mom, but her needs continue to increase. Isaac feels guilty about finding a home for her, just as Chase feels guilty about his Mom’s death.
They each help the other see that they deserve to live their own lives, and they support each other with making things work with their families.
I loved the way everyone looked after Lily, Isaac’s Mom, especially Jay and Shen Yi, two fun characters. Good story that leaves possibilities for a series.
I received this free ARC and am giving it my honest review in appreciation.
June 29, 2023
Chase and Isaac
I’m not familiar with these authors but I didn’t see any reviews yet. So, my review is probably a 3.5. Overall, the story is good and meaningful. I felt like there was a disconnect in getting me to care about the main characters, I knew Chase was Chinese but I didn’t have much context of Isaac only that he had gray hair and that he was older. Not until over half way through the book did I know his age. There was also jumps that most authors don’t make like when the characters first have their more intimate sexual experience. I was surprised when they were going to have sex and it said they already had it a few times at least. Normally, the reader wants to read about those big firsts to feel what those characters are feeling, not just the first kiss or the first time they get off. With that said the topic is rather serious regarding the situation with Isaac and has quite a few emotions on dealing with those challenges.
I’m not familiar with these authors but I didn’t see any reviews yet. So, my review is probably a 3.5. Overall, the story is good and meaningful. I felt like there was a disconnect in getting me to care about the main characters, I knew Chase was Chinese but I didn’t have much context of Isaac only that he had gray hair and that he was older. Not until over half way through the book did I know his age. There was also jumps that most authors don’t make like when the characters first have their more intimate sexual experience. I was surprised when they were going to have sex and it said they already had it a few times at least. Normally, the reader wants to read about those big firsts to feel what those characters are feeling, not just the first kiss or the first time they get off. With that said the topic is rather serious regarding the situation with Isaac and has quite a few emotions on dealing with those challenges.
June 28, 2023
A wonderful story!
I loved this book! The story of Isaac and Chase is warm and fun and heartfelt and is an absolute must read! The two meet when a tree in Chase’s yard crashes through Isaac’s bathroom. It will lead them on a wonderful journey full of love, laughter, hard times and a few bumps and bruises. I love the way their relationship develops as Isaac struggles with caring for his ailing mother Lily. The care that Chase and his friends show Lily when they jump in to help Isaac is amazing and adds another heartwarming layer to their story. Their journey is not without issues and they have a few hurdles to cross before they can truly get their happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I loved this book! The story of Isaac and Chase is warm and fun and heartfelt and is an absolute must read! The two meet when a tree in Chase’s yard crashes through Isaac’s bathroom. It will lead them on a wonderful journey full of love, laughter, hard times and a few bumps and bruises. I love the way their relationship develops as Isaac struggles with caring for his ailing mother Lily. The care that Chase and his friends show Lily when they jump in to help Isaac is amazing and adds another heartwarming layer to their story. Their journey is not without issues and they have a few hurdles to cross before they can truly get their happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
July 6, 2023
Trees symbolize life to me and I really liked how the authors used the tree from Chase's yard to connect with the house that Isaac was in to connect them to one another and start them off on a path in life together. Isaac is caring for his mother and he needs a lifeline to help him feel connected to the world while his mother is sadly losing her sense of it. Chase is compassionate and what these two build as they get to know one another and the repairs are made to the house was so much more than just a romance. They build a friendship, a foundation and broaden each other's communities. This was an emotional read that was worth a few tears and provided some heart felt sweetness as well.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2023
This was a beautifully written book of found love, of sacrifices for family, and taking chances. The MC’s had a deep connection and their chemistry was strong and passionate. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and watching their friendship develop and then seeing their romance blossom over time. I liked how Chase helped relieve some of the stresses that Isaac had over taking care of his mom. You could tell how much they came to care for each other. Chase shows a lot of care and compassion from their first meeting and that does not wane; he is such a balm to Isaac’s heavy commitment. This was an emotional, sweet romance and I truly loved reading it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2023
This is my first book by C.S. Carver and Jana Maylin and it won't be my last. This book was so heartfelt and sweet while still dealing with heavy subject matter so many of us deal with.
Isaac has uprooted his whole life and settled into a new one with his mom, Lily, who is dealing with a complicated medical diagnosis. His life is complicated and a tree falling into his house due to his neighbor's negligence is the last thing he wants to deal with, but it may be the best thing that's ever happened to him. Especially when that neighbor is the sweet, talented Chase.
Both MCs are incredibly well fleshed out, this book is wonderfully well written and I literally couldn't put it down.
Isaac has uprooted his whole life and settled into a new one with his mom, Lily, who is dealing with a complicated medical diagnosis. His life is complicated and a tree falling into his house due to his neighbor's negligence is the last thing he wants to deal with, but it may be the best thing that's ever happened to him. Especially when that neighbor is the sweet, talented Chase.
Both MCs are incredibly well fleshed out, this book is wonderfully well written and I literally couldn't put it down.
July 4, 2023
I got an ARC of this book.
This was pretty decent fluff. The romance was slower burn than a lot of m/m seem capable of, but still felt like it was mainly physical. It was a weird combination. The number of times erections were mentioned to equate to attraction because they were close together was a bit much.
There was discussion of condoms, but only for penetration. At that point they already had oral sex without a barrier. Going to say it yet again, you can get STIs from oral sex.
I adored the side characters. I loved the parents. I could easily be happy reading more in this world.
This was pretty decent fluff. The romance was slower burn than a lot of m/m seem capable of, but still felt like it was mainly physical. It was a weird combination. The number of times erections were mentioned to equate to attraction because they were close together was a bit much.
There was discussion of condoms, but only for penetration. At that point they already had oral sex without a barrier. Going to say it yet again, you can get STIs from oral sex.
I adored the side characters. I loved the parents. I could easily be happy reading more in this world.
July 5, 2023
Phew, this was a wonderfully emotional read, Chase and Isaac are lovely together. I loved their first meeting at the library and how compassionate Chase is with Isaac when he senses Isaac is stressed. It’s pretty special how these two care not only for each other, but for the important people in their lives. I just loved their connection and the side wonderful characters which bring so much heart to Chase and Isaac’s story. Romantic, sweet, with wonderful writing, I hope there is more to come from these authors.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 3, 2023
Very enjoyable start to series !! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It shows a beautiful romance between the MC's but it also shows the closeness of family/found family - the respect and love. This book has plenty of emotions - certainly made me cry and laugh and shout out in support !!! It was an eye opener for me with regards to a parent with dementia ....just wanted to give him a hug !! Overall, fantastic book and looking forward to next in series !!
July 6, 2023
Isaac and Chase were two sweet and loving men with incredibly difficult and time consuming family responsibilities but also, with supportive and helpful friends. After the accident with Chase's tree it was lovely to see their relationship develop and strengthen as Chase works on repairs to Isaac's house. The author got the stresses of dealing with a loved one with dementia and of a tree falling on one's house correct. I know.
July 9, 2023
This is a cute age-gap and hurt/comfort trope story.
When a tree falls on Isaac's house, his neighbor Chase offers to do the repairs because he does not want to face a lawsuit. They are attracted to each other, but they both have complicated lives. They help each other see that they deserve to live their own lives. They also support each other in making things work for their families.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When a tree falls on Isaac's house, his neighbor Chase offers to do the repairs because he does not want to face a lawsuit. They are attracted to each other, but they both have complicated lives. They help each other see that they deserve to live their own lives. They also support each other in making things work for their families.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2023
An out of the ordinary beginning but one that sets up the story perfectly. Good characters tell their story and makes you smile along the way. Some mild drama plays it’s part, some sadness from the past and looking into the future but mostly a sweet love story. A happy ending completes the book leaving you feeling good. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
July 2, 2023
This very sweet and steamy book starts with a tree faking through the roof of Isaac's house. When Chase comes over to fix it, the love story begins. I have to say that I live the peripheral characters in this book. The way that friends become caregivers for Lily and the way that Tom loves his son-- they really make for a wonderful world. I highly recommend this sweet and steamy book!
July 4, 2023
His mother has early onset dementia and he will do anything for her, even moving. He is struggling to stay a float so when the neighbors tree falls and ruin his room, it makes it worse. Although he finds his neighbor hot and life may be able to take a turn for the best. Will things get better? Will life finally have meaning for him? See just how it will all go
July 7, 2023
Isaac and Chase ❤️
3.5 Stars ⭐️
✅Age Gap
✅Friends to Lovers
✅Slow Burn
This was a very heartfelt friends to lovers read, I'm becoming a fast fan of this author's stories, they are most definitely feel good, HEA books that leave you light and smiling. I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3.5 Stars ⭐️
✅Age Gap
✅Friends to Lovers
✅Slow Burn
This was a very heartfelt friends to lovers read, I'm becoming a fast fan of this author's stories, they are most definitely feel good, HEA books that leave you light and smiling. I would recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
June 28, 2023
This is such a wonderful feel-good type of romance book. The friendship and relationship between Chase and Isaac is fantastic to read. Just love the characters and the story.
July 8, 2023
Emotional and Heartfelt
A very emotional and heartfelt story, full of love, laughter, hard times and a few bumps and bruises along the way.
A very emotional and heartfelt story, full of love, laughter, hard times and a few bumps and bruises along the way.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews