Simplicity

Oakley's Crew #1

by Nicole Dykes

Walker
There are several principles of landscaping, but my favorite has always been simplicity.
I’m a go with the flow and keep it simple kind of guy. Always have been. Always will be.
It’s how I do my job and how I live my life.
Of course, as luck would have it, it only takes one job and one indescribably hot stranger to change everything for me.
Because one thing Dutton Collins is not . . . simple.
Dutton
I should have sold the house. I shouldn’t be here in the middle of nowhere Kansas.
My grandmother didn’t care for me when she was alive, something she made sure I knew. So now I’m struggling to understand why she’d leave me her home and all her possessions when she died.
I miss the city and was heading back home, ready to give up, when Walker Murphy barreled into my life and complicated the hell out of it.
How am I supposed to leave this all behind when he’s showed me the beauty in the simple life?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Found Family, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplicity is book one in the brand new series, Oakley’s Crew, by Nicole Dykes. It’s also my very first book by this author! I fell in love with the cover and thought this would be the perfect one to start out on. It was sweet and steamy and pretty much angst free. And I loved the setting. An adorable small town that celebrates every season and holiday in such a big way.



Walker Murphy is thirty years old and has lived in this same small Western Kansas town his entire life. He works for a successful landscaping company called Oakley’s Crew Landscaping and loves his job. Walker has never really had a serious relationship but not because he doesn’t want one. He’s just never met anyone he cared for enough. But everything changed the day he knocked on the door of the farmhouse out in the country for a new landscaping job. As soon as the owner opened the door, Walker was smitten.



Dutton Collins is a well known photographer in Los Angeles. But out of the blue, he was told he inherited a farmhouse and property in W. Kansas from a grandmother that told him in no uncertain terms when he was a kid, that she didn’t want anything to do with him due to his sexual preferences. Her words hurt him deeply. So why did she give him the house and it’s contents in her will? Dutton isn’t feeling very optimistic about staying. He really should just put the house up for sale and go back home. But then the landscaper from the firm he hired to clean up the place knocked at the door and everything changed.

“Okay, so maybe I have a teeny tiny little crush on my landscaper. It’s totally fine. I’m not worried. Not at all.”



Dutton and Walker are both instantly smitten with the other. But one of them is a city boy who has no experience living out in the country. And the other is a country boy with no interest at all going to the city. But these two soon discover that none of that matters. That they just enjoy each other’s company. They talk, they laugh, and their chemistry is crazy awesome! The town itself accepts Dutton like he was always there. But can he even consider giving up the business he worked so hard to establish in California? Could he be happy in this small town in a house that was owned by a woman who scorned him?



These two were so cute together. And I adored this town and all their festivals. The people were all so warm and friendly. If you want a heart warming story of finding the home you were always meant to have, the life you never knew you wanted, then you should grab this.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty short but it was also about a whirlwind romance so the pacing mostly felt right. I loved the visit back to Kansas and the way this explores each season definitely had me wanting to go visit, especially if the people were as nice as this! I would LOVE to live somewhere where my nearest neighbour is three miles away though, it honestly sounds ideal because I live in high density housing and I can't escape my damn neighbours if I tried 😂😂😂

Walker and Dutton were into each other immediately and they felt like magnets being attracted to each other, which I really enjoyed, and I loved how everyone welcomed Dutton into the fold. I honestly smiled the entire time I was reading this and it is pure feel good fun.

My only gripe is the time jumps as usual! For me, I would prefer if there was a subheading for the chapter when there's been a time jump of more than two weeks, because often it's not even mentioned until you're already into the chapter - for someone with dyscalculia it is really jarring to think you know when the story is taking place but then actually it's MONTHS later! If it was clearly indicated i.e. chapter 20 is January, chapter 21 is July for example, then this would be much easier to follow.

I like how the relationship was really well paced up until the end of winter because everything flowed really well, and I did like what was occuring in the time jumps after that, I just needed those jumps to be more upfront.

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: small town, opposites attract, found family
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: lacy knickers
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobic grandmother who is now dead

Dutton's grandmother lived in a small town in the country, when he came out to her at age 13, she disowned him and it caused a divide in the family. Dutton's parents chose Dutton and stayed out of the grandmother's life too. The grandmother has recently passed away and she left her house and money to Dutton, but with no explanation, and no apology. So Dutton is a little confused. Dutton lives in California and works as a professional photographer. he comes to the small town intending to fix the house up and sell it. He hires the landscaping crew that Walker works for. They're both attracted to each other.

Walker is 30 years old and comes from a loving family and a tight knit friend group. He wants a Dutton to see the town in a more positive light, to love the life the way he does. He's hoping that Dutton will want to stick around. Showing him around town quickly turns into dating and they quickly become serious about each other because they fit well together. But can their goals in life be compatible, can they be happy wherever they end up?

This was pretty short. It was a sweet lighthearted small town romance. There was a good amount of steam in it. I like the supportive friend and family Network. I liked the humor the interactions with the side characters brought. I love a little trash talk! And there were some surprisingly deep and wise moments. And yes, as a Canadian who has to deal with a lot of snow, I can confirm that winter is bullshit. LOL


Some notable moments:

"“We’re going to watch football with Dad,” I say, starting to tug Dutton with me. “Hold on. You know I don’t do the sports.” Jackie looks far too pleased. “Oh my God, yes. Finally, another person who doesn’t think football is the best thing that ever happened.”"

"She’s assessing him and whistles. “Phew. You’re really slumming it with my brother, huh? Thank you for taking pity on him. I know he’s not much to look at, but he is a pretty okay guy.” I flip her off. “Thanks, sis.” She cackles, so proud of herself"

"“No sex stuff unless you’re gonna turn on the light and let me watch,” Archie says sleepily. “Shut. Up,” Walker says, pitching a pillow at Archie, who just cackles happily."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is exactly the same as Red Zone. Both books are the start of two new series connected to Kensley, but it's almost like reading the same thing. 2.5⭐

The idea was good I guess and the characters too, but the writing again leaves me wanting so much more for these guys. It's boring, the whole thing, nothing much happens and even the sex is very repetitive and goes by the same formula as in Red Zone, it's like the author rewrote that book and added two new guys.

🔵 Landscape worker/photographer
🟣 Both around 30 years old
🟢 Both gay
🟡 Small town, some new characters plus Oakley and Trevor
🌶️ Smut is descriptive and repetitive, boring; lace panties thrown in there to make it more interesting; both vers

Oakley and Trevor from Kensley Panthers have their new landscaping company and a few hired guys, so this is what this series is about.

Walker is a fun loving guy that gets a project working for Dutton, a professional photographer from California that inherited his grandma's house in Hayes.

Timespan of the story is about a year and talks about all the seasons in Hayes, the small town these guys live in. Dutton is here to experience all the town has to offer and Walker wants him to stay because you're half way into the story with just a hook-up or two and they already love each other, so there's that.

It starts out interesting enough but then you just get pages and pages of cheesy dialogues and boredom. They're serious about each other soon enough, they move in together, the end. Same old, same old.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are, Dutton. Inside and out. I’m kind of obsessed with you, if you didn’t know.”

“Uh- oh,” I tease, “Do I need a restraining order?”



There was absolutely zero inspiration for these guys.

I don't know, it wasn't a good story. Nothing bad, nothing terrible, just completely uneventful and boring.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay this is cute but there’s really nothing much going on.
i usually love how nicole expresses her character’s feelings and things just weren’t here. it didn’t help that it was so short.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and fun book! I absolutely loved Walker and Dutton so much!!! If you’re in the mood for a short but sweet, small town romance, give this one a shot. This was a great start to the Oakley’s Crew series and I can’t wait for the other books in the series.

[Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet uplifting story and a hot manly man in panties what more could i ask for?

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

This was a nice, sweet read. I do like this authors books because I usually always like the characters. That was no different here. I definitely liked both of the characters though I wish their POVs were a little more personalized because I kept forgetting which one I was reading since they sounded very similar.

They were really sweet together though. Something else I like about this authors books, or the ones I’ve read, is the characters are together during the book and not in the very end. Loved their dates and interactions but I did feel like there were waaay too many sex scenes for a book this short. It felt like there was a sex scene every other chapter and I found myself skimming them after a few. Also it seemed like there should have been a point where the book was done and then we would get an epilogue but instead of that it’s like 4 extra chapters of stuff that I felt was a little overkill.

Other than that I liked the book. It was easy to read and it was very low angst. No drama at all really.

I didn’t realize a lot of the side characters were all from a different series so I may go and read those books. I’ll definitely continue this series though even though Archie is a little bit of a ho but I’m interested in Gabe’s story if he has one.

NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
1ST PERSON DUAL POV
NO VIRGINS OR MANWHORES
HFN/HEA (living together, talk of having kids)

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplicity is the first book in a brand new series, Oakley's Crew, in, what I suppose you could call, the Nicole Dykes Universe. If you've read Nicole's Kensley Panthers series, then you'll see some familiar faces ♥.

In this book we follow Walker and Dutton. Walker is a landscaper at Oakley's crew, and he's sent on a job for Dutton Collins. Dutton is from California, and he's temporarily living in Hayes, Kansas - where the book takes place. His grandmother had left him her house, which isn't in the greatest shape, so a bit of landscaping might make it easier to sell. But when Walker and Dutton meet, they're instantly attracted to each other, and Walker convinces Dutton to stay a little longer, just so he can experience everything Hayes has to offer.

Walker is such a sweet and laid back small town guy with a positive outlook on life. He has everything he needs, he's happy, he's not missing anything in his life. That's until he meets the handsome Dutton, who's like a fresh breath of air, he's a real city boy and there's no way a guy like him will stick around in Hayes, but maybe Walker can change that?

Dutton's character is a bit more complex with his family history and all, also the fact that he relocated and he's experiencing so many new things. It's not his first time in Hayes, he has a lot of great childhood memories from the place, but those great memories have been replaced by negative ones because of his grandmother, and he's not sure if it's something he can overcome, not even with a hunky landscaper showing him how great Hayes can be - ok maybe a little.

I absolutely adored Walker and Dutton. I loved their story and their HEA, and if you're looking for something short and sweet, something that will make you smile and make your heart happy, then this book is for you ♥.

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Small Town
❥ Opposites Attract
❥ Country Boy x City Boy
❥ Strangers to Lovers

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

❊ Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook ❊

Since I knew the Kensley Panthers series would have not one but two spinoffs, I was eagerly waiting for them. The first spinoff began with Dallas’s story in Red Zone, which I really enjoyed, and I couldn’t wait to see how the spinoff focusing on Oakley’s coworkers would turn out.

So, as soon as this title was announced, it went straight onto my priority reading list. And just as I expected, it turned out to be a delightful, quick read, with fun characters full of mutual chemistry who fall in love in a cozy, small-town setting.

Now, while the title fits perfectly because this is a simple, uncomplicated story—and this is a key point for the romance between Dutton and Walker—for me, it ended up being a bit too simple.

The story is under 200 pages, and it doesn’t exactly feel short, since it has just the right length for what little happens in the novel.

The issue isn’t so much that it’s short, but rather that hardly anything really happens. Everything is very straightforward, and I missed a spark of tension or intensity that would make everything feel more vivid and engaging. Something that would give the plot an extra touch of excitement.

Dutton, on of the MCs, moves to the small town where Walker lives after his grandmother passes away, leaving her inheritance to him, including her house. Being a city guy with bad memories of his grandmother, he decides to give small Kansas town a shot without expecting much from that kind of environment. Then he meets Walker, the landscaper doing some work on his house, and Walker helps him see the charm of small towns and how that lifestyle might suit him.

Really, the only point of conflict between them is whether Dutton will adapt to that lifestyle or if he’ll want to return to his glamorous city life, leaving Kansas—and Walker—behind. But, realistically speaking, we’re reading a romance novel, so as readers, we know that’s not going to happen… which means it’s not a source of tension for the plot because from the start, we know Dutton will fall in love with the little town and stay with Walker.

Everything between the two of them flows easily and smoothly. As I said, this is part of the author’s intent, and it aligns with the title, but for me, it ended up feeling a bit too flat. I like to read simple, uncomplicated romances now and then, where we focus on the characters' good vibes and love for each other, but I can’t deny that I missed that extra spark here.

That said, it’s not a boring read—there’s no time for boredom. It’s very short, so it wraps up quickly, and on top of that, the author’s style is always fresh and very light, making her stories fly by as you read them.

I’m excited to discover Archie’s story with his guy, whom we briefly meet in this book, and even more so for Gabe’s story, the single and divorced dad who I’m sure will give us a very interesting romance.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Nicole's mastery of small-town romances shines brightly in this captivating tale. Her vivid descriptions transported me to the charming world of Oakley's Crew, making me yearn to meet the characters and experience life in this idyllic town.

This first book in the series focuses on Walker, a passionate country boy dedicated to his job at Oakley's Crew. His loving nature and devotion to his community stole my heart. Enter Dutton, a city boy who inherits his grandmother's small-town house, harboring reservations about staying. Their paths cross when Dutton hires Oakley's Crew to renovate his property.

The chemistry between Walker and Dutton is undeniable, and their sizzling attraction had me hooked. Nicole skillfully weaves sweet moments, romantic dates, and heartfelt confessions, crafting a beautiful love story. Despite Dutton's initial hesitation, Walker's patience and kindness gradually win him over.

The final chapters are pure delight, filled with warmth and smiles. We're also treated to a glimpse of future characters, heightening anticipation for the next installment.

Revisiting Oakley, the happy-go-lucky hero from a previous story, was a joy. His growth into an exceptional leader and boss is truly inspiring. The surprise twist involving Oakley and Travis added an exciting layer to the narrative.
Archie, Walker's best friend, stole the spotlight with his charming personality. I eagerly await his story.

In conclusion, this small-town romance series is off to a fantastic start. Nicole's writing is engaging, and her characters are relatable and lovable. I highly recommend diving into this heartwarming tale.

* I received an ARC copy from GRR and this is my honest review *

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was the simplest thing...falling in love with you. I think I started to fall in love with you the second you told me about the street dance and the way your eyes lit up when I showed up there."

This book is aptly named for this low ansgt and sweet as sugar romance. Dutton and Walker just get each other. From their first meeting where both of them felt the attraction, but were too nervous to say anything. They were just so cute! I loved how Walker decided to make it his mission to convince Dutton to fall in love with the small town, even before the two of them had even started their romantic journey. Walker loved his hometown so much and he wanted everyone else to love it too.

"I like simple. I love the simple life. I love it here, and loving you was the easiest thing I've done, even if I was afraid to admit how much I love you already."

There was very little drama in this story if you could even call it that. It centered around the fact that Dutton was only in town to check out the house he inherited from his estranged grandmother. He hadn't planned to make it a permanent move. He was a gay man and a city boy. Dutton couldn't imagine a small town would welcome him with open arms, yet that is exactly what most of the town did. And that is why the title of this book is so perfect. It's simply a romance between two sweet men who didn't expect to find the love of their life, yet they did.

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's my first book by Nicole Dykes and it won't be my last. It's a sweet small town romance between a landscaper (with himbo vibes and who is an absolute sweetheart) and a city photographer who inherits a house from his homophobic grandma (she had cut ties with him when she learnt he was gay). They develop a very soft, gentle and loving relationship. And the books is basically us witnessing their love grow and their dreamlife become their life. It introduces us to a few other characters which will get their book, ofc. I enjoyed the found family aspect and the enjoying of the different season in Kansas.
Short and sweet.

[briannasbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker & Dutton

This book was like a big warm hug that had me squealing and kicking my feet 🥰 Literally so cute but also had the perfect spice - it just made me happy which is what I need right now. It was also the perfect book to fix my craving for the lacy panties 🙇‍♂️ (or make me want more😂) I can't wait to read more of Oakley's Crew!🫶🏻

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short, super sweet, I have nothing bad to say about it. It was a really great read. I read it in one sitting while I was at work and I absolutely loved all of the full vibes. I absolutely love this author, so I’m not shocked that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Amberly Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute,sweet and feel good read!! I loved Dutton and Walker together and having no drama was so refreshing! I loved all the guys in Oakleys crew so can’t wait for the next one!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spotkali się , zakochali się w sobie , żyli długo i szczęśliwie.Koniec

[Daryn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplicity ARC Review:

Walker and Dutton were so wonderfully sweet and so was this story! From their first meeting, these two are drawn to each other. I loved seeing previous characters from other series, and getting to know new ones all in this lovely small town! I spent my time reading this book wrapped in all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Just completely heartwarming watching these two build their relationship. I loved watching Dutton fall for the town as he falls for Walker as well.

This was a sweet and caring romance, a great start to a new series, and I'm excited for the future of these characters!

4/5🌟

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

This book is really fun and sweet. It’s a great start to Dykes’ new series, Oakley’s Crew. Walker works for Oakley’s landscaping company. Dutton is a professional photographer that has recently relocated to Kansas from California, after his grandmother passed away and leaves him her house as well as an inheritance. Dutton has mixed feelings about what his grandmother has bequeathed to him, because she wasn’t a nice woman when she was alive, and he is still dealing with trauma from her rejection of his sexuality as a pre-teen.

Walker talks Dutton into staying in Hayes, Kansas for six months, so he can see all the town has to offer. I love how the book cycles through various seasons and traditions/activities for Dutton to experience. Dutton and Walker are drawn to each other almost immediately. It was really cute watching them figure out if the time they were spending together were dates or not. Once these two make things official, it’s clear how smitten they are with one another. It’s just a matter of figuring out whether or not Dutton is staying in Kansas for good, or going back to California once the six months is up.

This book is pretty low angst, even though Dutton does struggle with the fallout of his grandma’s reaction to his coming out, and the pair understand that their time together may be cut short. Walker and Dutton have a lot of chemistry. Oh my gosh, the lace! (IYKYK). I loved meeting Oakley’s Crew, especially Archie. I’m excited to read their future books in this series. Obviously it was great seeing glimpses of Oakley and Travis again (as well as nods to Bates, Dixon, Kingston, and Camden). Walker’s family is a fun bunch as well. They bring Dutton into the fold effortlessly and it’s really nice to have their support while the MCs work everything out in order to enjoy their HEA.

The big message from this book is all about how love is simple and pure. It’s a really sweet way to view the concept.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I didn’t know happiness like this existed until I met him”

Y’all this book..
The way I felt at home while reading, it’s the best feeling in the world.
You did that Nicole, you hit it out of the park ❤️

I wasn’t sure how this one would play out for me since I haven’t read the other books from before but I definitely didn’t miss anything or feel like anything was left out to not know what was happening.

Walker & Dutton kept me going all throughout and left me wanting more. I am glad they are book 1 because I definitely need more from them throughout the rest of the books to come.
Walker never thought himself the settling down type until he sees him opening the door.
Dutton doesn’t know what to expect from the small country town he used to visit, definitely wasn’t planning on the hot landscaper that shows up at his door.
Can you make a home that you used to love a long time ago but being hurt has made you hate it?

Hot Apple Cider on a front porch, yes please!
Tractor rides to a pumpkin patch, sign me up!
Best friends who are really family, give me more!
A photographer trying to figure out life’s dealings, say less!
And normal guy working a normal job tries to show a stranger the joys of seasons to make him stay, swoon!

I truly haven’t felt like I was home in a book in a long time but everything about Walker & Dutton was just that, home.
The cute little moments sprinkled throughout from Walker made me swoon just that bit more and love him.
Dutton had me at photographer 😉 there is without a doubt hesitation on his part of this town but it’s justified. I wanted to hug him so badly but alas Walker was there.

You can expect all the best vibes and yumminess in this book..
Spice is 👌🏼🥵 (that one scene with the flip 🔥)
Cutesy moments are plentiful 🥰
Lace panties 🫠
But above all the declarations.. those were ✨PERFECT✨

I cannot wait for the next one to see exactly what or who gets up to in this town or into 😏

[Noa Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He makes me want things I never thought I would." - Dutton

"I want to show him just how loved he can be because he deserves that." - Walker

I love small town books so much, they just make me feel so safe, there is something about the found family in small town books that always does it for me! And I'm glad to be back in this universe, Travis and Oakley build up a business and this Serie is about the people they hired. (Oakley and Travis have their own book in the Kensley Panthers Serie "Defender") They really made a business that feels welcome and peaceful. They created a safe space where people can work with people that become their friends and family along the way.

"Love is just love."

Dutton is a photographer, a city guy who inherited a house and that house needs some fixing so he hires Oakley's Crew and Walker really wants to show Dutton how fun this place is. Later in the book Dutton even gets asked to photograph a wedding from characters from the Kensley Panthers Serie, it's good to read that Travis and Oakley are still friendly with the people they went to high school with. You follow the characters in every season of the year and they do activities that correlate to that season. And that was really fun! It is a fun loving town with warm people. I'm so excited to read more books in this serie, and to read more about Walker's family because they welcomed Dutton and Archie with open arms!

Nicole's books are just so easy to read, they are hopeful and makes me forget about the world around me for a few hours. I simply just love her books and writing style, aways with sweet caring characters.

I received an ARC copy of this book and is my honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

*

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This was an adorable story, Dutton and Walker are so very sweet!
Dutton comes back to Hayes, Kansas, for the first time after several years, because his grandmother left him her house in her will. Dutton used to love that small town, but when he came out as gay, his grandmother rejected him and forbade him to visit her again.
Walker has been given the task of working at Dutton's house by his boss Oakley.

They have a huge adorable crush on each other and start spending time together as friends: they're completely enthralled by one another and they're adorable together.

I really really loved that they didn't start a sort of friends with benefits arrangement, but they actually decided to date, even if Dutton, who is a successful photographer, is still unsure about his future, if he will sell the house and return to LA or if will settle in his new home.

Walker is a great guy, he never pushes Dutton, he never asks if he made a decision, he never wants for him to leave his job.
Thanks to Walker, Dutton will rediscover his love for the small town simple life.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The last chapters are a little anticlimatic, the time passes more quickly and nothing major really happens.
It seemed weird that in a small town like Hayes, when everyone knows each other, no one ever mentioned Sutton's grandmother or her family.

I liked so much to see the guy of Kensley Panthers series again, I love those guys.

Next book will be about Archie, I'm definitely curious to see how the he will fall in love too.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 7/10 🌶️: 2,5/5 😭: 1/5 🤣: 1/5

Relationship dynamic: Male - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual

Tropes:
💐 Opposites
❤️ Strangers to lovers
💐 Small Town

“I was a whole person before him, but now, everything is just better.”

(ESP) Primer libro de una nueva serie en un “mundo” que aquellos que leímos Kensley Partners ya conocemos y amamos. De igual modo, quiero aclarar que no es necesario haber leído esa serie para disfrutar plenamente de esta historia.
Dutton llega al pueblo al heredar la casa de su abuela y allí conocerá a Walker quien será el encargado de renovar su jardín. Los opuestos siempre se atraen y en este caso es algo instantáneo.
La trama transcurre a lo largo de las cuatro estaciones y de este modo la autora logra un ritmo que nos permitirá ver cómo se va desarrollando la relación entre ellos que es muy dulce y bella.
Una historia corta, haciendo honor al título simple y aún así sumamente disfrutable de leer.

(ENG) This is the first book in a new series set in a world that those of us who read Kensley Partners already know and love. I just want to clarify that it is not necessary to have read that series to fully enjoy this story.
Dutton arrives in town after inheriting her grandmother's house and meets Walker, who's in charge of renovating her garden. Opposites always attract, and in this case, it is instantaneous
The plot takes place throughout the four seasons, which gives the story a lovely rhythm. We get to see how their relationship develops, and it's so sweet and beautiful.
This short story is a real treat.

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The super sweet, spicy, all good vibes story of Walker and Dutton. These two were perfect Strangers to Lovers, Insta- Attraction, Small Town, City Boy x Country Boy, and I loved every minute of their story.

I love Nicole’s books for a non-toxic, fun, playful, spicy, good time and she never disappoints for me. Always comes through with the surprises and the swoon worthy love between two characters.

Walker is a landscaper who is sent out to a new property to spruce it up. This is Duttons home. The city boy who isn’t planning on staying in town long.. until Walker makes it really easy for him to want to stay.

These two go on some fun dates, and their first kiss was just so sweet. It quickly turned spicy with some memorable moments and my all time favourite, secret sexy lingerie. Yep. Walker has a secret under his cargo shorts and Dutton is OBSESSED. Like CANT GET ENOUGH. Me too, Dutton. Me too.

No third act breakup. No sadness. No hurt. No pain. All good vibes from this book and all the side characters. I can’t wait for more from this series, and I didn’t want these two to end !

[Bookloversofantastic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how cute and simple this story was, we could see the passage of time, the season coming and going.
Dutton inherited a house from his grandmother but he has absolutely no idea if he wants to keep it or to sell it, stay or leave.

Well Walker came to his rescue, after signing a landscaping job at the house, he’s a real coup de foudre for the city boy, and suggests that he stays at least 6 months because he has to see the spring here.
Then come Autumn, winter and at the end of Spring, will he want to stay afterwards?

Dutton and Walker are cute together, it’s simple as it is, we can see all the stages of their relationship and the support of the townspeople is awesome.

When two people meet and just click, when a city boy moves to the middle of nowhere and can’t fight his attraction to the sexy man doing the landscape at his house.
Also please, Oakley’s crew they’re just funny and amazing. Can’t wait to read the next one.

I received an ARC Copy of this book from Gay Romance Review, this review is from my own thoughts 😍

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do really love reading a Nicole Dykes book because I always know they are shorter and fun and just so easy to read. Sometimes I just love having a low angst and lighthearted book to pass the time and that’s what we get with Simplicity. Dutton and Walker are super cute and I really enjoyed how even though it seemed like they fell in love fast it was actually over a handful of months and the book lasted a whole year within their relationship. It’s always nice to see the cameos from previous books or to hear how some of the other couples are getting along in their lives. Looking forward to the other guys from Oakley’s crew and possibly even seeing how Walker and Dutton get on in their relationship down the line.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dutton inherits his grandmother’s house, the same woman who refused to accept him as gay. Unsure about moving away from the city and keeping the house of someone who refused his truth. He starts making changes to the property and that is where Walker comes in. Part of Oakley’s crew, he is put on the job to do the landscaping. Walker also takes it upon himself to show Dutton how amazing their small town can be, he asks Dutton to give it 6 months. Soon enough they find themselves hoping 6 months will turn into forever.

This is just the cutest story ever, nice and light. Small town perfect and simple, just as the title suggests. Low angst just a lot of small-town moments, great characters and some spicy fun. A short but fun read, you’ll fly through it!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

ᔑᑭᏆᑕᗴ: 🔥🔥
しᗩᑌᏀᕼᔑ: 🤣
Ꭲᗴᗩᖇᔑ: 😐
ᗰᑕᔑ: Walker, Dutton
ᑭᝪᐯ: 1st dual
Ꭲᖇᝪᑭᗴᔑ: Small Town, Stranger to Lovers.


4 porque es Nicole pero esperaba más de este libro, corto,ligero, Walker es adorable pero hasta ahí lo demás pasa sin gran efecto no se aburrido quizá? Pero es Nicole la amo se lo perdono, solo que por favor dame conflicto, drama no tanta dulzura y escenas bien 🔥🔥🔥 no algo como te toque y fin de cap Bais no puedo con algo tan ligero y corto quiero más Nicole dame más como lo fue Hostile, Backslide, o Kensley...

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I enjoyed it so much, it's a cozy read.
A low angst, sweet and short story.

“He makes me want things I never thought I would”

Walker is pure sunshine, I loved him so much! Dutton was also really sweet, they were so cute together 😍

“I know deep in my soul that no matter what, we are going to make this work”

It was so funny to read about Oakley and Travis again, Oakley's crew is a big family 💞

"Some of the prettiest things in the world are the most simple”

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and simple small town romance, low angst, quick read. HEA guaranteed!