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Sutter's Bay #4
Finding Forever
For years, Nolan Young has tried to deny he's gay. With an abusive, homophobic father, who is also the mayor of Sutter’s Bay, Nolan has no choice but to ignore that part of himself.
Until he meets Leo Winthrop on the beach one day. Leo is exactly the kind of guy Nolan would want…if he could allow himself to act on his desires.
Leo has been dealing with demons of his own. His older brother brought him to Sutter's Bay hoping it'd help Leo put his past behind him. The quaint town hasn't been much help...until now. Meeting cute and innocent Nolan changes Leo's outlook and brings hope to his life for the first time in years. But can he convince Nolan to stand up to his father and take a chance on forever with him?
Until he meets Leo Winthrop on the beach one day. Leo is exactly the kind of guy Nolan would want…if he could allow himself to act on his desires.
Leo has been dealing with demons of his own. His older brother brought him to Sutter's Bay hoping it'd help Leo put his past behind him. The quaint town hasn't been much help...until now. Meeting cute and innocent Nolan changes Leo's outlook and brings hope to his life for the first time in years. But can he convince Nolan to stand up to his father and take a chance on forever with him?
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2012
2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lane
131 books310 followersShawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 6, 2012
I like the Sutter Bay Series, but this one just didn't measure up.
The OTT drama was a bit much especially for such a short story, and I really wanted to see Leo healing, and I guess there is a little of it, since at the end he hints that his talk with the therapist was good and he wants Nolan to go too, but we only ever saw him not interested in therapy.
I also understand that Nolan's Dad is the mayor, but I don't think he could have been that for all the years he lived there, so it amazes me no one had an inkling what he has been doing to Nolan for years. Scars, bruises....etc.
Nolan's dads vitriol was outrageous and HE was elected Mayor? really?
And then he does what he does at the end and that's it?
I guess I was just disappointed that two characters with such heavy issues got such a 'lightweight' story, that sort of felt unfinished, but maybe there will be more about them in the next one.
The OTT drama was a bit much especially for such a short story, and I really wanted to see Leo healing, and I guess there is a little of it, since at the end he hints that his talk with the therapist was good and he wants Nolan to go too, but we only ever saw him not interested in therapy.
I also understand that Nolan's Dad is the mayor, but I don't think he could have been that for all the years he lived there, so it amazes me no one had an inkling what he has been doing to Nolan for years. Scars, bruises....etc.
Nolan's dads vitriol was outrageous and HE was elected Mayor? really?
And then he does what he does at the end and that's it?
I guess I was just disappointed that two characters with such heavy issues got such a 'lightweight' story, that sort of felt unfinished, but maybe there will be more about them in the next one.
April 27, 2013
Originally posted at Rarely Dusty Books
Genre & Keywords:
M/M Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Coming Out, Young Lovers, Virgin, Homophobia
~~~~~
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2 out of 3 flames
~~~~~
This is the fourth story in the Sutter's Bay series and most of the heroes from the first three books make an appearance here, which was something I enjoyed. It’s the story of Galaxy’s brother, Leo, whom we met in Galaxy and Adam’s book. Leo has been abused by his stepfather and is now going to therapy. The book opens with him being reluctant at the psychologist’s office. Therapy is not really working for him so far.
I think the introduction of the main characters is done very well. They both are pictured, separate from each other, very vividly. Nolan’s character is introduced in the setting of his home. He still lives with his father, who’s mayor of the town, and it’s conveyed immediately and strongly what Nolan has to put up with every day. His father is a violent, bigoted asshole. It’s a miracle that a guy like that has been elected mayor at all.
Not only their introduction but also the initial set-up of Nolan and Leo’s romance is drawn well, it had me interested in their story. However, their issues and problems are quite heavy each on its own, and combined together in one (short) plot they felt a little too top-heavy for my taste. There was not enough room to do all the issues justice, which resulted in a rushed execution of the MCs individual stories and an inappropriate lack of romantic drama. Sure, there was drama in the events involving Nolan’s father, but the romantic relationship was almost completely angst and drama free. Which somehow didn’t quite add up with the internal struggles they should have had, given their histories of abuse.
I admit that I mostly prefer my romances to have more internal tension and less external conflicts. I love a good dose of angst too, and in that regard Finding Forever didn’t deliver what I like most, but that may be completely different for other readers. Nonetheless, I don’t think it’s just my preferences that prevented me from liking this story more, it’s also its rushed execution after that wonderful and compelling set-up. The contrast was too noticeable.
Like I said, it was very nice to see some of the couples from the first three books again. Also, the writing is clear and done well. Plus Lane’s characters are likable guys, and in this case they are adorably sweet and young and therefore pretty hot together. I love that Lane’s stories are interesting little snapshots from everyday life, which makes her characters feel like they could be your neighbors or even friends. It’s the casualness and ease with which she seems to write her stories, that makes them rather addictive. Even though I keep wishing for more lengthy novels from this author, with more room for plot and character development.
~
Genre & Keywords:
M/M Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Coming Out, Young Lovers, Virgin, Homophobia
~~~~~
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2 out of 3 flames
~~~~~
This is the fourth story in the Sutter's Bay series and most of the heroes from the first three books make an appearance here, which was something I enjoyed. It’s the story of Galaxy’s brother, Leo, whom we met in Galaxy and Adam’s book. Leo has been abused by his stepfather and is now going to therapy. The book opens with him being reluctant at the psychologist’s office. Therapy is not really working for him so far.
I think the introduction of the main characters is done very well. They both are pictured, separate from each other, very vividly. Nolan’s character is introduced in the setting of his home. He still lives with his father, who’s mayor of the town, and it’s conveyed immediately and strongly what Nolan has to put up with every day. His father is a violent, bigoted asshole. It’s a miracle that a guy like that has been elected mayor at all.
Not only their introduction but also the initial set-up of Nolan and Leo’s romance is drawn well, it had me interested in their story. However, their issues and problems are quite heavy each on its own, and combined together in one (short) plot they felt a little too top-heavy for my taste. There was not enough room to do all the issues justice, which resulted in a rushed execution of the MCs individual stories and an inappropriate lack of romantic drama. Sure, there was drama in the events involving Nolan’s father, but the romantic relationship was almost completely angst and drama free. Which somehow didn’t quite add up with the internal struggles they should have had, given their histories of abuse.
I admit that I mostly prefer my romances to have more internal tension and less external conflicts. I love a good dose of angst too, and in that regard Finding Forever didn’t deliver what I like most, but that may be completely different for other readers. Nonetheless, I don’t think it’s just my preferences that prevented me from liking this story more, it’s also its rushed execution after that wonderful and compelling set-up. The contrast was too noticeable.
Like I said, it was very nice to see some of the couples from the first three books again. Also, the writing is clear and done well. Plus Lane’s characters are likable guys, and in this case they are adorably sweet and young and therefore pretty hot together. I love that Lane’s stories are interesting little snapshots from everyday life, which makes her characters feel like they could be your neighbors or even friends. It’s the casualness and ease with which she seems to write her stories, that makes them rather addictive. Even though I keep wishing for more lengthy novels from this author, with more room for plot and character development.
~
February 22, 2014
Some things were a little over the top, like Nolan's dad outrageous behaviour, I mean the guy's a mayor and I have a hard time believing he would do such things practically in the broad daylight. Still it didn't prevent me from enjoying the story and I liked Leo and Nolan. Good book! :)
December 7, 2016
Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by JMS Books in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by JMS Books in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2012
This had SO much potential with the two characters. It seemed rushed and incomplete.
August 7, 2012
Sweet, if a little shallow. The MCs were likable enough but I didn't get to know them well enough to really feel anything for them.
June 22, 2019
I think it end a way to quickly.
La trama no me es muy interesante, sin embargo habría sido más llevadera si se hubiera escrito con mayor cuidado en los detalles. Muchas cosas quedaron en el tintero, otras eran un sin sentido y ni hablar del cambio de personalidad del padre de Nolan.
La trama no me es muy interesante, sin embargo habría sido más llevadera si se hubiera escrito con mayor cuidado en los detalles. Muchas cosas quedaron en el tintero, otras eran un sin sentido y ni hablar del cambio de personalidad del padre de Nolan.
January 11, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This books is the fourth and final book in Lane’s Sutter’s Bay Series, and though I have read them all, it works fine on its own. So feel free to start here, or with any of the books in the series, and jump right in. Quick note that this book, and the series, have been rereleased with a new publisher, and it seems that the content has not changed.
This story was short and sweet, a perfect early morning read, and I really enjoyed the characters. Leo has had some bad things happen in his past, some abuse, and he’s trying to work through it on his own. What I like here is that he’s got a fairly solid head on his shoulders, and even though he fighting therapy, there’s a part of him that realizes that. He’s also a natural caretaker and fixer, and Nolan needs that so much. After the life of abuse he’s lived, he needs someone to shelter him so he can learn to stand on his own.
These guys worked so well together, and I give the author credit for writing guys who lean on each other, and in Nolan’s case gets protected, while also giving them the ability to work on themselves. Too many times, one MC swoops in to save the other MC and then there’s magical fixing. That’s not the case here, though there is saving. Nolan gets the support he needs to stand up. And in the process, Leo gets the strength to work on himself. And they have great chemistry, so their emotions and feelings feel real and wonderful. Leo is Nolan’s first in every way, and the way Leo cares for Nolan is just lovely. But despite the newness and their young age, these guys really have me believing that they could, in fact, find forever with each other.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This books is the fourth and final book in Lane’s Sutter’s Bay Series, and though I have read them all, it works fine on its own. So feel free to start here, or with any of the books in the series, and jump right in. Quick note that this book, and the series, have been rereleased with a new publisher, and it seems that the content has not changed.
This story was short and sweet, a perfect early morning read, and I really enjoyed the characters. Leo has had some bad things happen in his past, some abuse, and he’s trying to work through it on his own. What I like here is that he’s got a fairly solid head on his shoulders, and even though he fighting therapy, there’s a part of him that realizes that. He’s also a natural caretaker and fixer, and Nolan needs that so much. After the life of abuse he’s lived, he needs someone to shelter him so he can learn to stand on his own.
These guys worked so well together, and I give the author credit for writing guys who lean on each other, and in Nolan’s case gets protected, while also giving them the ability to work on themselves. Too many times, one MC swoops in to save the other MC and then there’s magical fixing. That’s not the case here, though there is saving. Nolan gets the support he needs to stand up. And in the process, Leo gets the strength to work on himself. And they have great chemistry, so their emotions and feelings feel real and wonderful. Leo is Nolan’s first in every way, and the way Leo cares for Nolan is just lovely. But despite the newness and their young age, these guys really have me believing that they could, in fact, find forever with each other.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
August 5, 2012
I like this series and I was glad that Leo got his own story. I only wish it had been longer. Nolan and Leo have a lot in common - and most of it is not good. We get to see more of Leo on his own in this book but there are appearances from Galaxy and Adam and Rex and Jude as well. I've always liked Jude - he's probably my favorite character in the series. We also get some interaction with Jason and I hope that he and Danny will be in the next story as well. Maybe Edward's story will be next???
November 4, 2012
I had a bit of a problem with the time-jumps, as the text just flowed along without any space signaling a break. As this was the-book-I-read-in-between-to-not-finish-the-other-book-I'm-currently-reading-too-fast it was a good choice. Fast read, no highs, no real conflict, no drama, just a nice little short story. Well, perhaps a bit too short.
March 1, 2014
While I like these stories and they are feel-good reads, they always seem a bit superficial and there is the build-up to getting together, then boom, they are having a HEA and it's over. There is never really that much conflict and it all comes across as just a bit too easy, even with issues such as sexual abuse and homophobic parent/physical abuse.
August 18, 2012
2.5 stars. Sweet m/m romance about Galaxy's younger brother Leo, who meets a closeted guy with an abusive, homophobic father. Unfortunately, this felt rushed and incomplete, or maybe not fully developed. The amount of story definitely needed more pages.
August 6, 2012
2,5* upgrade because I really hope the next story will be better.
I never got any chemistry between Leo and Nolan and agree with Mandy's review
I never got any chemistry between Leo and Nolan and agree with Mandy's review
August 19, 2012
I like this series and enjoy pretty much everything I read from this author, but I feel like the characters' issues weren't handled as well as they could be, and the shortness of the story hurt the overall read. Still, looking forward to more in this series.
August 5, 2012
The book was really nice, simple and sweet; loved it
March 3, 2015
Leo had a bad life now living with his brother, and also living alone at times alone, meets nolan who is abused by his dad they click and leo needs to get nolan to get out of that life while he can.
June 20, 2017
I literally got choked up with this book. So sad how Nolan's dad was so abusive. Broke my heart. Awesome ending though.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews