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Pit Stop
When Isamu Miura returns home on medical discharge from the military, he finds his childhood best friend busy with a new relationship, and his father packing up to return to Japan. With only Inu, his trusted service dog, left at his side, he plans to outfit a camper van to travel across the country. There’s just one problem. The only guy in town who can help wants nothing to do with him, his dog, or his dreams.
Unlike Isamu, John Love doesn't consider himself a dreamer. A car accident took his mother way too soon, and he has all but lost his father to alcoholism. All he wants is to work his mechanic job to pay for school and leave everything else behind. Adding more work by helping out Isamu is the last thing he wants.
When a friend convinces John to take the job, will he find something, or someone, worth dreaming for?
Only if Isamu can prove that John is more than just a pit stop on everyone else’s path.
Unlike Isamu, John Love doesn't consider himself a dreamer. A car accident took his mother way too soon, and he has all but lost his father to alcoholism. All he wants is to work his mechanic job to pay for school and leave everything else behind. Adding more work by helping out Isamu is the last thing he wants.
When a friend convinces John to take the job, will he find something, or someone, worth dreaming for?
Only if Isamu can prove that John is more than just a pit stop on everyone else’s path.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 26, 2024
How are you gonna try to make a progressive book with a Trans Black Mc who speaks up about racism and trans rights and all these other stuff then have the other mc a Japanese immigrant who served in the US military.
We're never moving forwards 😃 it's fucking funny.
I also think this book tries too hard to earn a brownie points.
Also side characters were taking too much space in this book literally taking the spotlight from the main characters when we get almost zero romance by the time we reach 75% of reading.
This was for lack of a better word, boring maybe all the activism from the book would've work if it wasn't too boring to read, I'm not saying that part of the book is boring I'm saying the whole book is boring.
It tries to make us sympathize with the veterans but I just can't.
I found this book very pretentious
I'll list the only good things I enjoy about these books
-Isamu parents,
-Inu The service Dog
-John's dad
-The Art Work on Every Chapter
-How supportive everyone was.
We're never moving forwards 😃 it's fucking funny.
I also think this book tries too hard to earn a brownie points.
Also side characters were taking too much space in this book literally taking the spotlight from the main characters when we get almost zero romance by the time we reach 75% of reading.
This was for lack of a better word, boring maybe all the activism from the book would've work if it wasn't too boring to read, I'm not saying that part of the book is boring I'm saying the whole book is boring.
It tries to make us sympathize with the veterans but I just can't.
I found this book very pretentious
I'll list the only good things I enjoy about these books
-Isamu parents,
-Inu The service Dog
-John's dad
-The Art Work on Every Chapter
-How supportive everyone was.
April 12, 2024
Beautiful story of two men moving on from their past demons to a hopeful future. Isamu has returned home one limb less and a new companion to help calm him and able him to move forward with his life. John is transgender man who is having issues letting his past pain go and believe people are here to stay and support him. They don't have an easy relationship, but they have a real one with real struggles. Together, they must overcome their pasts and believe it can work even with Isamu wanting to see the world and John staying back to complete school. I would call this a hopeful HFN.
May 16, 2024
We have John, a surly student and mechanic and Isamu, an upbeat and recovering vet with his adorable service dog Inu. The book follows the two of them healing from their respective hurts and bonding as they repair Isamu's van.
Every character is written with depth and complexity. It's such a heartwarming story about soul deep connection and found family. Little layers of characters get pulled back in each chapter weaving beautiful stories and complex hearts. I enjoyed getting to know the side characters just as much as the MCs.
Sometimes parent redemption arcs can feel iffy for me but I thought the relationship between John and Martin was well portrayed and written about. I enjoyed watching them grow and work through their struggles and the years of pain and heartache. Also I liked how Isa and John stayed in their own paths despite fitting each other into their respective lives, they stayed authentic and didn't let the relationship define their goals. I will say it honestly didn't really read like a romance to me until maybe the very end. I did like Isa and John together but it felt more like a very character driven self exploration story with a little romance sprinkled in. It's pretty low angst and a sweet contemporary summer read.
Every character is written with depth and complexity. It's such a heartwarming story about soul deep connection and found family. Little layers of characters get pulled back in each chapter weaving beautiful stories and complex hearts. I enjoyed getting to know the side characters just as much as the MCs.
Sometimes parent redemption arcs can feel iffy for me but I thought the relationship between John and Martin was well portrayed and written about. I enjoyed watching them grow and work through their struggles and the years of pain and heartache. Also I liked how Isa and John stayed in their own paths despite fitting each other into their respective lives, they stayed authentic and didn't let the relationship define their goals. I will say it honestly didn't really read like a romance to me until maybe the very end. I did like Isa and John together but it felt more like a very character driven self exploration story with a little romance sprinkled in. It's pretty low angst and a sweet contemporary summer read.
May 2, 2024
I had the brilliant idea to start this book on a random free moment while on a family trip. I had to sneak my phone out at any possible moment because I couldn’t put it down.
April 17, 2024
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟- More if I could
This is the story of four young people of different cultures and backgrounds African American, Mexican and Japanese. All of them are struggling with various issues relating to their differences and families and yet they are friends. I really liked this aspect of ‘Pit Stop’.
John is a very busy loner, no time for himself. He’s a Political Science student at Duke University, works a couple of jobs, mainly as vehicle repair and restoration jobs, plus, the biggest problem of all, his alcoholic father is slowly dying from liver disease and John is his main Carer. He really resents his father because when he was 5, John’s mother died, his drank himself to the edge of an early grave at 50 years old, forgetting he had a child. Many times John wishes the man would just hurry up and die.
Aaliyah, daughter of a High Ranking Politician is John’s closest friend, she refuses to conform to her families political views or to follow the path they want for her, ‘marry and stay at home Mom’. Aaliyah is a wizard at Electronic Engineering, which she is studying also at Duke. She is politically active and both of them are working on a Transgender/Pride/LGBTIQA Event in the coming weeks. She recently started seeing Gonzalez, a Mexican immigrant guy, who is studying Psychology. Gonzales had an awful childhood and took his young sister and ran away from home. Luckily for both of them, Isamu and his family took them in and gave them a family life.
Isamu, of Japanese heritage, decided to serve in the US Army, unfortunately an IED on the streets of Afghanistan, put an end to that and also cost him a leg. Back home with only his Dad, because his Mom had to go take care of family matter in Tokyo, Isamu is struggling both mentally and physically, helped by Inu, his Service Dog. His father is such a wonderful man and father, but he is planning to sell the house and go back to Japan to be with his wife. But he is worried about leaving Isamu. So Isamu makes plans to travel around the US in a Camper van. This plan is what brings all four characters closer together, John via Aaliyah to Gonzalez, Isamu via Gonzalez to John.
When John decided eventually, after much cajoling by Gonzalez, to help Isamu convert an old van to suit his needs on the road, they kept their distance whilst working together on it, especially John. Isamu is drawn to John, but John is tight as a clam. Yes he has feelings, but he also has abandonment issues, and doesn’t let anyone get close, plus he has a secret he hasn’t shared with anyone, except Aaliyah.
It took me a couple of chapters to get a clear picture of each of these four characters but I was able to engage with each of them, especially John and Isamu. All four of them, plus John and Isamu’s fathers, made this such a beautiful, but sometimes sad read for me. But having such great friends can make another family for those who need one.
There was one small niggle for me, I don’t know if it’s the authors natural form of speech or just bad grammar, but here it is, when speaking of a character and their parent, “My father and I’s” house, dinner, whatever. This happens only twice but, just saying……. It doesn’t detract from the story in any way, it’s just a me thing.
I liked the inclusion of photographs which related to each Chapter, and the adorable photo of all the characters with Inu and Isamu’s restored van on the last page, just gorgeous.
I don’t know if this is a debut novel, but on the strength of the storyline and excellent character development, in ‘Pit Stop’, I would love to read more from Ellis Mae and would highly recommend ‘Pit Stop’ as an addition to TBR bookshelves.
Disclaimer: I received a free Advance Reader Copy via BookSirens and this is my unbiased review of ‘Pit Stop’.
This is the story of four young people of different cultures and backgrounds African American, Mexican and Japanese. All of them are struggling with various issues relating to their differences and families and yet they are friends. I really liked this aspect of ‘Pit Stop’.
John is a very busy loner, no time for himself. He’s a Political Science student at Duke University, works a couple of jobs, mainly as vehicle repair and restoration jobs, plus, the biggest problem of all, his alcoholic father is slowly dying from liver disease and John is his main Carer. He really resents his father because when he was 5, John’s mother died, his drank himself to the edge of an early grave at 50 years old, forgetting he had a child. Many times John wishes the man would just hurry up and die.
Aaliyah, daughter of a High Ranking Politician is John’s closest friend, she refuses to conform to her families political views or to follow the path they want for her, ‘marry and stay at home Mom’. Aaliyah is a wizard at Electronic Engineering, which she is studying also at Duke. She is politically active and both of them are working on a Transgender/Pride/LGBTIQA Event in the coming weeks. She recently started seeing Gonzalez, a Mexican immigrant guy, who is studying Psychology. Gonzales had an awful childhood and took his young sister and ran away from home. Luckily for both of them, Isamu and his family took them in and gave them a family life.
Isamu, of Japanese heritage, decided to serve in the US Army, unfortunately an IED on the streets of Afghanistan, put an end to that and also cost him a leg. Back home with only his Dad, because his Mom had to go take care of family matter in Tokyo, Isamu is struggling both mentally and physically, helped by Inu, his Service Dog. His father is such a wonderful man and father, but he is planning to sell the house and go back to Japan to be with his wife. But he is worried about leaving Isamu. So Isamu makes plans to travel around the US in a Camper van. This plan is what brings all four characters closer together, John via Aaliyah to Gonzalez, Isamu via Gonzalez to John.
When John decided eventually, after much cajoling by Gonzalez, to help Isamu convert an old van to suit his needs on the road, they kept their distance whilst working together on it, especially John. Isamu is drawn to John, but John is tight as a clam. Yes he has feelings, but he also has abandonment issues, and doesn’t let anyone get close, plus he has a secret he hasn’t shared with anyone, except Aaliyah.
It took me a couple of chapters to get a clear picture of each of these four characters but I was able to engage with each of them, especially John and Isamu. All four of them, plus John and Isamu’s fathers, made this such a beautiful, but sometimes sad read for me. But having such great friends can make another family for those who need one.
There was one small niggle for me, I don’t know if it’s the authors natural form of speech or just bad grammar, but here it is, when speaking of a character and their parent, “My father and I’s” house, dinner, whatever. This happens only twice but, just saying……. It doesn’t detract from the story in any way, it’s just a me thing.
I liked the inclusion of photographs which related to each Chapter, and the adorable photo of all the characters with Inu and Isamu’s restored van on the last page, just gorgeous.
I don’t know if this is a debut novel, but on the strength of the storyline and excellent character development, in ‘Pit Stop’, I would love to read more from Ellis Mae and would highly recommend ‘Pit Stop’ as an addition to TBR bookshelves.
Disclaimer: I received a free Advance Reader Copy via BookSirens and this is my unbiased review of ‘Pit Stop’.
May 28, 2024
4.5
I finished this in an afternoon. That's saying quite a bit because the only books I've been reading lately have been audiobooks and graphic novels and so for me to sit down and read a 200 page ebook in one afternoon hasn't happened for me in a while. This book will such you in. You want to root for these characters and I really loved the setup going on. I loved that they both have baggage but their best friends are dating and they end up kind of forced into getting to know each other and it's just a very heartwarming book. As much as I love Rottweilers, I think this book would have been a thousand times better with a pitbull service animal. Like the puns would just be so much better. And like pit stop makes sense in the context of these characters but pit stop with a pitbull would be even better 😂
I feel like the only thing keeping this from a five star for me is that I wanted it to be longer. I wanted more on page moments of their relationship becoming a friendship and they're a begrudging adventures together. The things I would have done for an epilogue. There were just a couple small things that would have made this book over the top but I did really enjoy it and will 100% recommend it.
Japanese-American Gay Disabled MC with PTSD with a service dog (transfemoral amputation and use of prosthetic)
Black Gay Trans MC
I finished this in an afternoon. That's saying quite a bit because the only books I've been reading lately have been audiobooks and graphic novels and so for me to sit down and read a 200 page ebook in one afternoon hasn't happened for me in a while. This book will such you in. You want to root for these characters and I really loved the setup going on. I loved that they both have baggage but their best friends are dating and they end up kind of forced into getting to know each other and it's just a very heartwarming book. As much as I love Rottweilers, I think this book would have been a thousand times better with a pitbull service animal. Like the puns would just be so much better. And like pit stop makes sense in the context of these characters but pit stop with a pitbull would be even better 😂
I feel like the only thing keeping this from a five star for me is that I wanted it to be longer. I wanted more on page moments of their relationship becoming a friendship and they're a begrudging adventures together. The things I would have done for an epilogue. There were just a couple small things that would have made this book over the top but I did really enjoy it and will 100% recommend it.
Japanese-American Gay Disabled MC with PTSD with a service dog (transfemoral amputation and use of prosthetic)
Black Gay Trans MC
June 29, 2024
At first I wasn't really sure what the tone of this book was going to be, but it quickly turned out to be such a sweet story, very much living up to the adorable cover. It was a quick read, but it never felt rushed. You get to know the main characters pretty well, but some of the side characters as well, which I appreciate, since side characters can sometimes feel pretty flat. I loved seeing the romance slowly build up, and especially the second half made me feel so soft.
January 5, 2025
Really enjoyed the characters; even the side characters were well developed and likable. The story was okay, but felt underdeveloped at times.
March 21, 2025
Really really enjoyed this one! Isamu & John really grow into a sweet friendship and later relationship. Watching them both open up is just lovely. The rep in the book is also top tier. Just a very sweet quick read!
June 4, 2024
UGHHHHHHH IM CRYING
It took a while for this book to pick up but when it did I didnt want it to END
DURING PRIDE MONTH
It took a while for this book to pick up but when it did I didnt want it to END
DURING PRIDE MONTH
April 14, 2024
Thank you so much for the ARC!!
My unbiased review is that I enjoyed this book! I give it 3.5 stars ❤️
This book was good, it features two guys: John and Isamu, as well as Inu, the service dog!
The main characters evolve from strangers, to friends and then lovers. There is also some good, forced proximity going on too.
It was a heavy read, but also a cute one.
Both main characters have kind of given up on love, and aren't really looking for anything long term. They are struggling through life, getting through it the best they can.
I liked the characters in the friend group, they all felt unique and fleshed out. I liked their banter together too!
What I wasn't the biggest fan of was all the politics, it's important, I know, but I often use reading as an escape from it. Not a huge dealbreaker, but just felt it should be mentioned!
I also would have loved to see more pining or tension, sure it builds up, but it would be perfect if you got into their minds more with it!
With a slow burn book, especially.
I would also love an epilogue that maybe checks back in on them in the future, because that could be a fun concept! See what they're up to and how their relationship has grown.
My unbiased review is that I enjoyed this book! I give it 3.5 stars ❤️
This book was good, it features two guys: John and Isamu, as well as Inu, the service dog!
The main characters evolve from strangers, to friends and then lovers. There is also some good, forced proximity going on too.
It was a heavy read, but also a cute one.
Both main characters have kind of given up on love, and aren't really looking for anything long term. They are struggling through life, getting through it the best they can.
I liked the characters in the friend group, they all felt unique and fleshed out. I liked their banter together too!
What I wasn't the biggest fan of was all the politics, it's important, I know, but I often use reading as an escape from it. Not a huge dealbreaker, but just felt it should be mentioned!
I also would have loved to see more pining or tension, sure it builds up, but it would be perfect if you got into their minds more with it!
With a slow burn book, especially.
I would also love an epilogue that maybe checks back in on them in the future, because that could be a fun concept! See what they're up to and how their relationship has grown.
April 13, 2024
I'm struggling to rate this book.
I love how real the characters feel, and how they grow throughout such a short-ish book. I love how they're open about their emotions.
The book was intense to me.
Some scenes felt rushed. At some point
The book has such good elements, but I did not love it. I didn't think about it when I wasn't reading, nor did I feel the urge to keep reading. I mostly kept going because it went by fast.
I love how real the characters feel, and how they grow throughout such a short-ish book. I love how they're open about their emotions.
The book was intense to me.
Some scenes felt rushed. At some point
The book has such good elements, but I did not love it. I didn't think about it when I wasn't reading, nor did I feel the urge to keep reading. I mostly kept going because it went by fast.
November 25, 2024
5 stars
This is probably the easiest 5 stars I have ever given. I loved everything about this book. It was so real and raw, but also comforting. This has such diverse rep that was all so well done. This is a very character driven story, and every character, from the MCs to the side characters, was so interesting and helped keep me so invested in the story. Both our MCs, Isamu and John, have so much depth and complexity. They felt so real and believable. It's so clear how much work and research the author put into creating this story. I love this book so much and the journey these characters go on will live forever in my heart. This story is amazing, the characters are amazing, and Ellis Mae is amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERYONE. Please read this book! (And please be aware of any triggers going in. The author has a very comprehensive TW list if you require it.)
This is probably the easiest 5 stars I have ever given. I loved everything about this book. It was so real and raw, but also comforting. This has such diverse rep that was all so well done. This is a very character driven story, and every character, from the MCs to the side characters, was so interesting and helped keep me so invested in the story. Both our MCs, Isamu and John, have so much depth and complexity. They felt so real and believable. It's so clear how much work and research the author put into creating this story. I love this book so much and the journey these characters go on will live forever in my heart. This story is amazing, the characters are amazing, and Ellis Mae is amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERYONE. Please read this book! (And please be aware of any triggers going in. The author has a very comprehensive TW list if you require it.)
July 25, 2024
"do you think for one second that just because something is hard, we should give up?”
tw: alcoholic parent, amputation flashbacks, PTSD attacks
this was a delightful story about trying to find yourself & belong somewhere and be heard above all the debilitating chaos of the world that tries to invalidate you. the romance, in particular, was wholesome & cozy in a way that'd remind you of wintry sunday mornings and buried under a blanket in bed while it's still foggy outside. once i started reading it, it was almost a sprint from the first page to the last one, which came too fast.
tho i was a bit uncomfortable with Isamu's being an immigrant army veteran thing, with what's beeing going on in P@lestine and other places globally. but i was relieved to find that his reason for enlisting was one of necessity — bc he needed his citizenship — and that the book never glorified war or the US army invasions or showed Afghanistan as a "war-torn" place in need of saving by the Americans.
time to make lists lol:
things i loved:
☆ the writing. it's smooth, and makes you halt in your track, feel things. it makes you ✨️think✨️ about your life (which can be both a good and bad thing lol).
☆ the book, through all the characters, explores a cesspool of significant themes that weave together intertwined, and that intersectionality, ofc, is what i loved so much. we get to see Isamu navigating life through his PTSD, w/ a prosthetic leg, helped by his service dog (who was the cutest!), both of which had elaborate portayals and all the ways disability, when invisible, can be a cue for harassment and ableist behaviors.
we see John's struggle of being a Black, trans, gay closed-off man and heard by the world that decrees his medical necessities illegal, and coping with the complexity of letting his alcoholic father be a parent a little too late, trying to forgive a parent while still holding on to rightful anger.
☆ honestly the friendships so ✨️ extremely✨️ friendship GOALS.
☆ the romance. it was toe-curlingly sweet. i loved how Isamu's sunshiny aura, through days of working on converting his van and making Japanese food boxes and showing John how to hold chopsticks, thru taking walks and picnics in uni gardens and trading secrets, just blew past John's carefully constructed grump, his wilful resistance. it was angsty, emotional and i adored it.
☆ the cast of characters were mostly BIPOC, which is so refreshing, w their own set of parental struggles.
things i didn't like so much:
☆ there was a line when Isamu was angry (rightfully) at the guy harassing him bc of his service dog and being ableist but then he tried "to remember why murking civilians is frowned upon"...which just rubbed me the wrong way. bc not killing "civilians" is not a hard concept to remember? or should be just "frowned upon"? so yeah idk what the angle was there.
☆ i still would've liked to see him not refer to his military time as much as he did, bc i felt like i was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time and made for an uncomfy reading sometimes.
but otherwise, i'd say it was pretty good as a romance!
☆ Pan Sc
☆ Gay MCs
☆ Black trans rep
☆ Japanese rep
☆ PTSD rep
☆ prosthetic leg use
tw: alcoholic parent, amputation flashbacks, PTSD attacks
this was a delightful story about trying to find yourself & belong somewhere and be heard above all the debilitating chaos of the world that tries to invalidate you. the romance, in particular, was wholesome & cozy in a way that'd remind you of wintry sunday mornings and buried under a blanket in bed while it's still foggy outside. once i started reading it, it was almost a sprint from the first page to the last one, which came too fast.
tho i was a bit uncomfortable with Isamu's being an immigrant army veteran thing, with what's beeing going on in P@lestine and other places globally. but i was relieved to find that his reason for enlisting was one of necessity — bc he needed his citizenship — and that the book never glorified war or the US army invasions or showed Afghanistan as a "war-torn" place in need of saving by the Americans.
time to make lists lol:
things i loved:
☆ the writing. it's smooth, and makes you halt in your track, feel things. it makes you ✨️think✨️ about your life (which can be both a good and bad thing lol).
☆ the book, through all the characters, explores a cesspool of significant themes that weave together intertwined, and that intersectionality, ofc, is what i loved so much. we get to see Isamu navigating life through his PTSD, w/ a prosthetic leg, helped by his service dog (who was the cutest!), both of which had elaborate portayals and all the ways disability, when invisible, can be a cue for harassment and ableist behaviors.
we see John's struggle of being a Black, trans, gay closed-off man and heard by the world that decrees his medical necessities illegal, and coping with the complexity of letting his alcoholic father be a parent a little too late, trying to forgive a parent while still holding on to rightful anger.
☆ honestly the friendships so ✨️ extremely✨️ friendship GOALS.
☆ the romance. it was toe-curlingly sweet. i loved how Isamu's sunshiny aura, through days of working on converting his van and making Japanese food boxes and showing John how to hold chopsticks, thru taking walks and picnics in uni gardens and trading secrets, just blew past John's carefully constructed grump, his wilful resistance. it was angsty, emotional and i adored it.
☆ the cast of characters were mostly BIPOC, which is so refreshing, w their own set of parental struggles.
things i didn't like so much:
☆ there was a line when Isamu was angry (rightfully) at the guy harassing him bc of his service dog and being ableist but then he tried "to remember why murking civilians is frowned upon"...which just rubbed me the wrong way. bc not killing "civilians" is not a hard concept to remember? or should be just "frowned upon"? so yeah idk what the angle was there.
☆ i still would've liked to see him not refer to his military time as much as he did, bc i felt like i was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time and made for an uncomfy reading sometimes.
but otherwise, i'd say it was pretty good as a romance!
☆ Pan Sc
☆ Gay MCs
☆ Black trans rep
☆ Japanese rep
☆ PTSD rep
☆ prosthetic leg use
May 22, 2024
"Pit Stop" by Ellis Mae was a really engaging read! The story follows Isamu Miura, who returns home on medical discharge from the military, planning to start fresh by traveling the US in a camper van with his service dog Inu. John Love is the local mechanic, focused on his job to pay for school. He's got enough to manage in his own life without taking on Isamu's dreams, too.
I'll admit, the book starts off a bit slow. It felt like we were thrown into the characters' lives without much background to understand what drives them. But once the story picked up, I found both Isamu's and John's journeys really compelling. The dynamic between them as they gradually grew to care for each other was beautifully done, and the family themes that emerged were touching. I also loved the diverse cast of main and side characters, which added richness to the story.
Overall, "Pit Stop" is a heartwarming and worthwhile read. If you're into stories about personal growth, unlikely friendships, and overcoming past struggles, this book is definitely for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Four stars!
I'll admit, the book starts off a bit slow. It felt like we were thrown into the characters' lives without much background to understand what drives them. But once the story picked up, I found both Isamu's and John's journeys really compelling. The dynamic between them as they gradually grew to care for each other was beautifully done, and the family themes that emerged were touching. I also loved the diverse cast of main and side characters, which added richness to the story.
Overall, "Pit Stop" is a heartwarming and worthwhile read. If you're into stories about personal growth, unlikely friendships, and overcoming past struggles, this book is definitely for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Four stars!
July 21, 2024
Oh my goodness, this book was so beautiful, heartbreaking, and sweet! Pit Stop deals with a LOT of tough stuff, but it does so with a ton of care and heart. A veteran struggling to deal with his above the knee amputation and PTSD and a stoic young man with a troubled past and a secret he's willing to do anything to keep somehow meet and over time fall in love. It's a story about family, finding yourself, and meeting people where they are. AND there's a sweet service dog who I MIGHT be a little obsessed with. Though you should check TWs before reading, I HIGHLY recommend checking it out!
Y'all, Isamu had me tearing up CONSTANTLY as he struggles with coming back to the world he grew up in and finding it changed. He's also dealing with significant PTSD and learning to get through life with one leg - the descriptions of both feel so vivid and real. I LOVED his service dog Inu - she's so prominent she's basically another side character. Some of the things she's trained to do, like monitor Isamu's heart rate and help him through PTSD episodes are just incredible, but then she will end up sleeping upside down with her legs in the air and you remember she's still a goofy pup. And John - this guy has been through it. He keeps his emotions closed off and rarely lets anyone in, but you can see how he wants to open up when he starts helping Isamu with his van conversion.
This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it's nice to see the progression from strangers to tentative friendship to cautious lovers. I love that Isamu and John learn that they can lean on each other a bit, after only relying on themselves for so long. I read this one in basically a day because I couldn't put it down - I hope you love it too!
Y'all, Isamu had me tearing up CONSTANTLY as he struggles with coming back to the world he grew up in and finding it changed. He's also dealing with significant PTSD and learning to get through life with one leg - the descriptions of both feel so vivid and real. I LOVED his service dog Inu - she's so prominent she's basically another side character. Some of the things she's trained to do, like monitor Isamu's heart rate and help him through PTSD episodes are just incredible, but then she will end up sleeping upside down with her legs in the air and you remember she's still a goofy pup. And John - this guy has been through it. He keeps his emotions closed off and rarely lets anyone in, but you can see how he wants to open up when he starts helping Isamu with his van conversion.
This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it's nice to see the progression from strangers to tentative friendship to cautious lovers. I love that Isamu and John learn that they can lean on each other a bit, after only relying on themselves for so long. I read this one in basically a day because I couldn't put it down - I hope you love it too!
July 10, 2024
Thank you Pride Book Tours for sending me an e-ARC of this book and having me on this tour!
I loved this book a lot. It tackles some really heavy topics in a really caring, thoughtful way. PTSD, disability, addiction, trans healthcare - all of it was so well done.
I loved Isamu so much. He’s such an unexpected sunshine character. Not always, of course. He has PTSD and has a prosthetic leg and both of these things cause him a lot of anguish at times. But he’s still so full of love and life and ambition and he’s always thinking about the people around him.
John was a bit harder to love, but I think that’s by design. He’s closed off, scared to let anyone in because he doesn’t want to lose anyone else. I loved the moment he really let Isamu in. I loved the way they came together, the way he opened up, seemed lighter after finally letting himself have something good.
The supporting characters in this book are great, too. They’re all so varied and had such distinct voices.
I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a short read that packs a punch.
I loved this book a lot. It tackles some really heavy topics in a really caring, thoughtful way. PTSD, disability, addiction, trans healthcare - all of it was so well done.
I loved Isamu so much. He’s such an unexpected sunshine character. Not always, of course. He has PTSD and has a prosthetic leg and both of these things cause him a lot of anguish at times. But he’s still so full of love and life and ambition and he’s always thinking about the people around him.
John was a bit harder to love, but I think that’s by design. He’s closed off, scared to let anyone in because he doesn’t want to lose anyone else. I loved the moment he really let Isamu in. I loved the way they came together, the way he opened up, seemed lighter after finally letting himself have something good.
The supporting characters in this book are great, too. They’re all so varied and had such distinct voices.
I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a short read that packs a punch.
August 27, 2026
“I can tell you anything because in a few months, I’ll never see you again. Anything I tell you will just disappear once you hop in the camper van. There are no repercussions. We’re just pit stops in each other’s lives.”
I am seriously torn on how to rate this book.
It was amazing, it tugged on my heartstrings, it had very well developed main characters. I absolutely adore them both so much. The side characters were also so layered and added to the story in the best way.
Loved the trans rep and queer rep in general.
However, I felt like this book could have been a little longer. It’s a slow burn and once we get to the 75% mark, everything feels a little rushed. John changed his mind about everything too quickly and opened up seemingly out of nowhere. I wish that was explored further. I would have loved a little more time spent with Isamu and John as a couple too. The book sort of ends with a vague HFN.
Inu was the best doggy ever btw.
I am seriously torn on how to rate this book.
It was amazing, it tugged on my heartstrings, it had very well developed main characters. I absolutely adore them both so much. The side characters were also so layered and added to the story in the best way.
Loved the trans rep and queer rep in general.
However, I felt like this book could have been a little longer. It’s a slow burn and once we get to the 75% mark, everything feels a little rushed. John changed his mind about everything too quickly and opened up seemingly out of nowhere. I wish that was explored further. I would have loved a little more time spent with Isamu and John as a couple too. The book sort of ends with a vague HFN.
Inu was the best doggy ever btw.
April 23, 2024
Such a fun ARC from @ellismaewriting!!
Isamu has returned from deployment with a prosthesis and a best friend/service dog, Inu, and is learning to navigate life back home and his next chapter while also managing PTSD and his new normal.
John is just trying to make it through with a sick/recovering father to take care of and what often feels like the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I connected deeply with both John and Isamu. Isamu, despite dealing with his own physical and mental health, is so sincere and emotionally mature, sharing his feelings genuinely with those he cares about. This is a foil to John’s trademark of keeping his head down and compartmentalizing to avoid heartbreak.
While some parts of the plot felt rushed, the author has clearly researched the experiences of both men, and wove a love story full of bringing out the best in each other, seeking out chosen family, and navigating real battles together.
So much fun, and grateful for the chance to experience their story.
Isamu has returned from deployment with a prosthesis and a best friend/service dog, Inu, and is learning to navigate life back home and his next chapter while also managing PTSD and his new normal.
John is just trying to make it through with a sick/recovering father to take care of and what often feels like the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I connected deeply with both John and Isamu. Isamu, despite dealing with his own physical and mental health, is so sincere and emotionally mature, sharing his feelings genuinely with those he cares about. This is a foil to John’s trademark of keeping his head down and compartmentalizing to avoid heartbreak.
While some parts of the plot felt rushed, the author has clearly researched the experiences of both men, and wove a love story full of bringing out the best in each other, seeking out chosen family, and navigating real battles together.
So much fun, and grateful for the chance to experience their story.
April 25, 2024
Oh my gosh, this book was an absolute delight! It was just so darn cute, wholesome, and downright beautiful.
And get this, it was actually my first time diving into a book with this particular trope, which totally caught me off guard but in the best way possible!
The plot was spot-on, and let me tell you, there were some seriously hilarious lines in there that had me cackling out loud. Plus, I loved how it was such a quick read, you know? And the characters? Ahh, they came from all walks of life and backgrounds, which was such a refreshing change. And can we talk about the lack of a gazillion extra side characters? Seriously, it was like a breath of fresh air!
I really do love Asian humor.
I would have loved to see more moments
I'd like to thank Booksirens and Ellis Mae for providing me with a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for leaving this voluntary honest review.
And get this, it was actually my first time diving into a book with this particular trope, which totally caught me off guard but in the best way possible!
The plot was spot-on, and let me tell you, there were some seriously hilarious lines in there that had me cackling out loud. Plus, I loved how it was such a quick read, you know? And the characters? Ahh, they came from all walks of life and backgrounds, which was such a refreshing change. And can we talk about the lack of a gazillion extra side characters? Seriously, it was like a breath of fresh air!
"You should sue him. The American way."
I really do love Asian humor.
I would have loved to see more moments
I'd like to thank Booksirens and Ellis Mae for providing me with a free Advance Review Copy in exchange for leaving this voluntary honest review.
May 21, 2024
Thank you Ellis Mae for this great read!
I want to say that the representation in this book was incredible to read! We have different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations (transgender) and a story that was well thought out. I really love reading MM romances and while most are on the spicier side, Pit Stop, hit me in all the right places with so much more emotions and depth. You can tell Ellis really made sure she was doing justice when representing the men in this book in the most authentic way possible.
The trauma, the deep rooted struggles of trying to live the life you want and having a hard time with letting the past go. Isamu and John were literally perfect for each other and just what the other person needed to find peace with their past & live a more happier life. I loved this book and can not wait to read another one of Ellis Mae's books.
I want to say that the representation in this book was incredible to read! We have different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations (transgender) and a story that was well thought out. I really love reading MM romances and while most are on the spicier side, Pit Stop, hit me in all the right places with so much more emotions and depth. You can tell Ellis really made sure she was doing justice when representing the men in this book in the most authentic way possible.
The trauma, the deep rooted struggles of trying to live the life you want and having a hard time with letting the past go. Isamu and John were literally perfect for each other and just what the other person needed to find peace with their past & live a more happier life. I loved this book and can not wait to read another one of Ellis Mae's books.
May 10, 2024
"A pit stop in life is not the same as letting someone into your life."
"How much can you know about a person based solely on the secrets they keep?"
John and Isamu meet as two very damaged young men. John's mother's death and father's PTSD leading to alcoholism has turned him into a longer, never letting anyone close enough for it to hurt when they leave him behind. Isamu is dealing with his own PTSD two years after losing a leg to an IED in the military. Now, his parents are leaving him in the US to go back to Japan, and he is struggling with a life that doesn't look like he planned. As the two start to get to know each other due to their respective best friends dating, they fall... slowly... and work through many books difficult emotions and secrets along the way.
This book is very slow burn with a lot of angst that felt handled well. (Although not being a part of any of these communities, this is only my opinion. ) I liked seeing their healing begin as their love story did.
"How much can you know about a person based solely on the secrets they keep?"
John and Isamu meet as two very damaged young men. John's mother's death and father's PTSD leading to alcoholism has turned him into a longer, never letting anyone close enough for it to hurt when they leave him behind. Isamu is dealing with his own PTSD two years after losing a leg to an IED in the military. Now, his parents are leaving him in the US to go back to Japan, and he is struggling with a life that doesn't look like he planned. As the two start to get to know each other due to their respective best friends dating, they fall... slowly... and work through many books difficult emotions and secrets along the way.
This book is very slow burn with a lot of angst that felt handled well. (Although not being a part of any of these communities, this is only my opinion. ) I liked seeing their healing begin as their love story did.
June 4, 2024
Pit Stop is a heartwarming tale of hope, healing and love. Full of strength & vulnerability this was an anbsoute emotional rollercoaster and a fantastic read.
❤️🩹 Healing
🐾 Service Dog
🧠 PTSD Rep
💪 Strength
This was my first read of a book by Ellis Mae and I am excited to check out more of their work!
Thank you so much Ellis Mae for the gifted copy!
❤️🩹 Healing
🐾 Service Dog
🧠 PTSD Rep
💪 Strength
This was my first read of a book by Ellis Mae and I am excited to check out more of their work!
Thank you so much Ellis Mae for the gifted copy!
May 22, 2025
There was such depth to this story.
I loved how John opened up throughout the book, the difference was astonishing from the beginning to the end - Isamu and Inu worked their magic eheh
All of the representation in this is amazing! And the artwork is also so cute. I just wish the book was bigger so we could spend even more time with the characters 🫶
I loved how John opened up throughout the book, the difference was astonishing from the beginning to the end - Isamu and Inu worked their magic eheh
All of the representation in this is amazing! And the artwork is also so cute. I just wish the book was bigger so we could spend even more time with the characters 🫶
May 18, 2024
4⭐️
i think god knew what he was going when he gave me a job that had no problem with me reading because now i get to catch up on all my TBRs and ARCs.
this book. this amazing, sweet and wholesome book. wow. i love the depictions of c-ptsd and found family and all of the characters and their journey. every character (even the supporting ones) felt fleshed out. and the bromance between gonzales and isa!!! be still omg. love love love.
thank you ellis for this ARC🤍
i think god knew what he was going when he gave me a job that had no problem with me reading because now i get to catch up on all my TBRs and ARCs.
this book. this amazing, sweet and wholesome book. wow. i love the depictions of c-ptsd and found family and all of the characters and their journey. every character (even the supporting ones) felt fleshed out. and the bromance between gonzales and isa!!! be still omg. love love love.
thank you ellis for this ARC🤍
June 30, 2024
That wasn’t what I was expecting…
It was tough, seeing them suffer
They’re both broken by life, hurting and struggling
Finally a true slow burn, they really learn to know each other slowly, patiently
It was tough, seeing them suffer
They’re both broken by life, hurting and struggling
Finally a true slow burn, they really learn to know each other slowly, patiently
May 18, 2024
4.5 stars. An excellent story with a wide variety of well rounded characters and lots of depth. There were enough potential issues to fill a whole series - mental health, physical disability, a problematic parent, race, trans care, political awfulness...but very impressively these weren't too much and blended together seamlessly. I loved how supportive the characters were for each other.
Did Not Finish
June 3, 2024I really wanted to love this book, but could not get past the inadequate editing. By 8% there were multiple glaring incorrect words and factual errors. I have trouble overlooking these things, but YMMV.
April 15, 2024
First off, the dog on the cover lives and is never in danger.
John is juggling everything with both hands. He’s exhausted but super focused. He and his best friend are prepping for a Trans Rights Rally during finals week. He’s trying to work, and do school full time, and care for his father who is dying of cirrhosis. He doesn’t have time for anything and doesn’t want to get close to people and in walks Isamu and his cute service dog. They end up working together on a project and becoming friends.
On one hand, this was fairly slow and I didn’t really feel their romantic connection like I was supposed to BUT John’s character growth throughout this was lovely and that’s what got this book a high rating. Just because I didn’t see the romantic relationship doesn’t nullify the extremely strong bonds of friendship that all of the characters have with each other. This book isn’t spicy so don’t expect it to be. I enjoyed the story.
The representation in this book was probably the best I’ve read all year. We have Black, Mexican and Japanese characters, trans, gay, and bisexual characters, PTSD and the fall out from two characters from time in the military, Illness of a parent, and amputee rep.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.
John is juggling everything with both hands. He’s exhausted but super focused. He and his best friend are prepping for a Trans Rights Rally during finals week. He’s trying to work, and do school full time, and care for his father who is dying of cirrhosis. He doesn’t have time for anything and doesn’t want to get close to people and in walks Isamu and his cute service dog. They end up working together on a project and becoming friends.
On one hand, this was fairly slow and I didn’t really feel their romantic connection like I was supposed to BUT John’s character growth throughout this was lovely and that’s what got this book a high rating. Just because I didn’t see the romantic relationship doesn’t nullify the extremely strong bonds of friendship that all of the characters have with each other. This book isn’t spicy so don’t expect it to be. I enjoyed the story.
The representation in this book was probably the best I’ve read all year. We have Black, Mexican and Japanese characters, trans, gay, and bisexual characters, PTSD and the fall out from two characters from time in the military, Illness of a parent, and amputee rep.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.
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