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Licking Thicket #5
Peacocks
Lane’s Tips for Licking Thicket Newcomers
If at all possible, find yourself a hot and helpful landlord like Jaybird Proud who mows the lawn shirtless… and hope your grass grows quickly.
Expect the unexpected at work. If you’re a veterinarian, this might mean letter-cows, pet pigs that aren’t pets, and Butterscotch the Pomeranian, who has Strong Feelings about his glands.
Offer your help around town when needed… especially when that gorgeous landlord knocks on your door because his (pea)cock won’t stop displaying.
Learn about local customs, including: matchmaking, leaving Italian Gentlemen on the doormat, ordering tater tots, and entwining dead vines into wreaths as a sign of true love.
Get your car washed on the regular… especially when your landlord is the one doing the scrubbing.
Above all, keep things casual, even when Jay ends up at your place every night. And every morning. And the occasional afternoon.
But when you find yourself falling for someone like Jaybird Proud (and life in his weird and wonderful town), let go of everything you thought you wanted… and Entwine that Thicketeer forever.
If at all possible, find yourself a hot and helpful landlord like Jaybird Proud who mows the lawn shirtless… and hope your grass grows quickly.
Expect the unexpected at work. If you’re a veterinarian, this might mean letter-cows, pet pigs that aren’t pets, and Butterscotch the Pomeranian, who has Strong Feelings about his glands.
Offer your help around town when needed… especially when that gorgeous landlord knocks on your door because his (pea)cock won’t stop displaying.
Learn about local customs, including: matchmaking, leaving Italian Gentlemen on the doormat, ordering tater tots, and entwining dead vines into wreaths as a sign of true love.
Get your car washed on the regular… especially when your landlord is the one doing the scrubbing.
Above all, keep things casual, even when Jay ends up at your place every night. And every morning. And the occasional afternoon.
But when you find yourself falling for someone like Jaybird Proud (and life in his weird and wonderful town), let go of everything you thought you wanted… and Entwine that Thicketeer forever.
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 11, 2025
108 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,389 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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November 29, 2025
Peacocks is book five in the Licking Thicket series by Lucy Lennox and May Archer. I have loved this series so much from the start. Yesterday my dream came true when Peacocks was put into Kindle Unlimited! I grabbed it right up and started reading immediately. I loved every single word of every single page!!!
Dr. Lane Desmond is a veterinarian and moved to Licking Thicket six months ago. Living in such a small town has taken some getting used to but he’s really starting to love all the little quirks of this quaint town. He is living in an apartment above the garage of Jaybird Proud’s house. Jaybird is gorgeous and Lane especially loves it when he mows the grass with no shirt on. But even more, Jay does things like leaving him dinner by his door when he’s had an especially long day at his practice. Or bringing him morning snacks to work. In fact, Jay is one of the kindest, most selfless people he’s ever met. Too bad Lane is not the least bit interested in any kind of relationship since he was badly hurt by his ex before he moved to Licking Thicket.
Jaybird Proud has lived in Licking Thicket all his life and has no interest in ever changing that. He lives for the town’s quirky customs and festivals. He does whatever he can to make the lives of the people he cares about easier. Especially his new tenant, Lane.
When one of Jay’s newly acquired peacocks is acting strangely, there is only one person he can go to for advice. These two together is magic in every way. The whole book is swoony times a million! Times infinity!!! They are silly and fun and steamy and swoony and amazing. I can’t say enough how much I love this series. I’m so thrilled I finally got to read the final book.
Dr. Lane Desmond is a veterinarian and moved to Licking Thicket six months ago. Living in such a small town has taken some getting used to but he’s really starting to love all the little quirks of this quaint town. He is living in an apartment above the garage of Jaybird Proud’s house. Jaybird is gorgeous and Lane especially loves it when he mows the grass with no shirt on. But even more, Jay does things like leaving him dinner by his door when he’s had an especially long day at his practice. Or bringing him morning snacks to work. In fact, Jay is one of the kindest, most selfless people he’s ever met. Too bad Lane is not the least bit interested in any kind of relationship since he was badly hurt by his ex before he moved to Licking Thicket.
Jaybird Proud has lived in Licking Thicket all his life and has no interest in ever changing that. He lives for the town’s quirky customs and festivals. He does whatever he can to make the lives of the people he cares about easier. Especially his new tenant, Lane.
When one of Jay’s newly acquired peacocks is acting strangely, there is only one person he can go to for advice. These two together is magic in every way. The whole book is swoony times a million! Times infinity!!! They are silly and fun and steamy and swoony and amazing. I can’t say enough how much I love this series. I’m so thrilled I finally got to read the final book.
December 6, 2025
Dnf… Too many innuendos and puns, and ridiculous characters, and no story development. I really should stop picking up books by these authors 🙄
April 23, 2025
I'm always happy to talk a visit to the Thicket and see what the Licking folks are up to.
I don't care that the hijinks are over the top, that the jokes are cracker level or that the name play puns are corny, because what's special about Licking Thicket are the people who live there.
This book gives us Jaybird Proud's romance with veterinarian Lane and it's a doozy, both of them acknowledging the special nature of the other, but not seeing the same in themselves.
Jay must be one of the kindest people to ever set (literary) foot on earth. He's always doing things for others, has a big heart that's dying to find someone to care for, and he's utterly smitten with the guy he's renting his spare apartment to.
Lane Desmond, on the other hand, came to the Thicket after a break-up and he's still finding his feet, but he knows Jaybird is always there with a friendly hello and a hot dinner!
They stumble into a casual 'with benefits' arrangement, but really, as the rest of the Thicket knows, they're actually in a relationship that grows more sweet as time passes.
This is a delightful narrative with lots of humour, plenty of steam, and an ultimate happy ending that feels well earned.
I don't care that the hijinks are over the top, that the jokes are cracker level or that the name play puns are corny, because what's special about Licking Thicket are the people who live there.
This book gives us Jaybird Proud's romance with veterinarian Lane and it's a doozy, both of them acknowledging the special nature of the other, but not seeing the same in themselves.
Jay must be one of the kindest people to ever set (literary) foot on earth. He's always doing things for others, has a big heart that's dying to find someone to care for, and he's utterly smitten with the guy he's renting his spare apartment to.
Lane Desmond, on the other hand, came to the Thicket after a break-up and he's still finding his feet, but he knows Jaybird is always there with a friendly hello and a hot dinner!
They stumble into a casual 'with benefits' arrangement, but really, as the rest of the Thicket knows, they're actually in a relationship that grows more sweet as time passes.
This is a delightful narrative with lots of humour, plenty of steam, and an ultimate happy ending that feels well earned.
March 21, 2025
An adorable, homey story.
Small Town good people sweet.
Small Town good people sweet.
January 29, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Lane and Jay
This was a hilarious, feelgood, steamy good time. One thing I know I can always expect from Lucy Lennox and May Archer is a heartfelt romance that will make me smile, swoon, laugh, and blush. Lots of OTT silliness and crazy side characters. Smart characters with witty banter. Delicious steam that fits the characters and story. Usually, a bit of miscommunication along with some outside drama to cause the conflict.
This fits all of that. I had a great time with it, and I loved being back and Licking Thicket.
If you've followed me for a while you'll know that I'm a huge fan of both Lucy Lennox and May Archer. I've read all of their books together as well as solo. You can never go wrong with one of their books.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Lane and Jay
This was a hilarious, feelgood, steamy good time. One thing I know I can always expect from Lucy Lennox and May Archer is a heartfelt romance that will make me smile, swoon, laugh, and blush. Lots of OTT silliness and crazy side characters. Smart characters with witty banter. Delicious steam that fits the characters and story. Usually, a bit of miscommunication along with some outside drama to cause the conflict.
This fits all of that. I had a great time with it, and I loved being back and Licking Thicket.
If you've followed me for a while you'll know that I'm a huge fan of both Lucy Lennox and May Archer. I've read all of their books together as well as solo. You can never go wrong with one of their books.
July 21, 2025
I love this world. Give me all the stories here. Licking Thicket is always entertaining and each story just makes me smile. This was no exception. Jaybird Proud is just adorable. I love how driven he is to take care of those around him. He's just the sweetest most humble soul and he can see how hurt Lane is, even as Lane thinks he's fine. Lane is not used to someone doing things for him with no strings and can't wrap his head around what this guy could possibly see in him.
This is a sweet novella and I loved the opportunity to return to Licking Thicket.
This is a sweet novella and I loved the opportunity to return to Licking Thicket.
October 30, 2025
I'd never understood the sense of cutting yourself off from caring about other people just because they might eventually leave—that would be like never eating ice cream because you might someday be lactose intolerant
This sums up the story. I adored Jay. And Lane isn't bad either ;)
Thumbs up, after me disliking Turkeys :)
This sums up the story. I adored Jay. And Lane isn't bad either ;)
Thumbs up, after me disliking Turkeys :)
May 7, 2025
Every time I think the Licking Thicket world has ended I'm so glad when I get surprised with just one more book. Jaybird absolutely deserved a real love with how much he does for every one else, never thinking about himself and Lane was his perfect partner, even if he was too stubborn and jaded to see it. I actually missed a little of the Thicket hijinks with this one, they didn't really pop until the end, but I know for some people that's going to make this one a favorite. Definitely another great story by Lucy and May full of comforting sweet hometown vibes.
February 7, 2025
five stars is prob generous but i was so charmed
February 27, 2025
Super sweet und schnell gelesen zwischendurch.
April 5, 2025
This has to be my favourite in the series
April 25, 2025
3.75 stars!
This was definitely cute but a little basic! It relied a little too much on the reader being enamored with the town and background characters and not enough on a solid plot. But no major issues and the couple was cute.
This was definitely cute but a little basic! It relied a little too much on the reader being enamored with the town and background characters and not enough on a solid plot. But no major issues and the couple was cute.
March 9, 2025
A vet and a small town boy fall in love
Overall, this was a cute story. I felt like it was paced well. I didn't really connect to the characters and the peacock inclusion seemed secondary to the story which is why it's 3 stars for me
Overall, this was a cute story. I felt like it was paced well. I didn't really connect to the characters and the peacock inclusion seemed secondary to the story which is why it's 3 stars for me
May 13, 2025
an awesome series !
I have liked this wonderful series, each book building the Licking Thicket legacy.
We get witty banter, fantastic characters, hot romance, wild events and heartwarming moments.
It’s a joy to read.
=====
I have liked this wonderful series, each book building the Licking Thicket legacy.
We get witty banter, fantastic characters, hot romance, wild events and heartwarming moments.
It’s a joy to read.
=====
February 20, 2025
3.25 stars. Not my favourite Thicket book. It lacked depth and I had a hard time getting invested in the MC's. A lot of the story happened off screen.
February 7, 2025
AHHH! A brand-new Licking Thicket book! May Archer and Lucy Lennox are fabulous for revisiting this town! Here's "Peacocks."
["Lane’s Tips for Licking Thicket Newcomers:
If at all possible, find yourself a hot and helpful landlord like Jaybird Proud who mows the lawn shirtless… and hope your grass grows quickly.
Expect the unexpected at work. If you’re a veterinarian, this might mean letter-cows, pet pigs that aren’t pets, and Butterscotch the Pomeranian, who has Strong Feelings about his glands.
Offer your help around town when needed… especially when that gorgeous landlord knocks on your door because his (pea)cock won’t stop displaying.
Learn about local customs, including: matchmaking, leaving Italian Gentlemen on the doormat, ordering tater tots, and entwining dead vines into wreaths as a sign of true love.
Get your car washed on the regular… especially when your landlord is the one doing the scrubbing.
Above all, keep things casual, even when Jay ends up at your place every night. And every morning. And the occasional afternoon.
But when you find yourself falling for someone like Jaybird Proud (and life in his weird and wonderful town), let go of everything you thought you wanted… and Entwine that Thicketeer forever."]
These two were adorable as spray-painted cows in a cow field, as a freshly showered show-turkey, as a pamper pig in a dog bed. Iykyk. ;) I was obsessed with their friendships and general fluffiness. Their chemistry was easy, even if their communication could use some work. But they got there eventually, which the entire town supporting them.
I loved being back in the Thicket and experiencing so many of these traditions again!
And I looooooved being able to see so many of our precious couples still all heart-eyes and in love.
Though I’m going to need a book with Peter and his doctor soon..
#flakes #fakers #lairs #fools #turkeys #peacocks #lickingthicket #lickingthicketseries #lickingthickethornofglory #lickingthickethornofgloryseries #mayarcher #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Lane’s Tips for Licking Thicket Newcomers:
If at all possible, find yourself a hot and helpful landlord like Jaybird Proud who mows the lawn shirtless… and hope your grass grows quickly.
Expect the unexpected at work. If you’re a veterinarian, this might mean letter-cows, pet pigs that aren’t pets, and Butterscotch the Pomeranian, who has Strong Feelings about his glands.
Offer your help around town when needed… especially when that gorgeous landlord knocks on your door because his (pea)cock won’t stop displaying.
Learn about local customs, including: matchmaking, leaving Italian Gentlemen on the doormat, ordering tater tots, and entwining dead vines into wreaths as a sign of true love.
Get your car washed on the regular… especially when your landlord is the one doing the scrubbing.
Above all, keep things casual, even when Jay ends up at your place every night. And every morning. And the occasional afternoon.
But when you find yourself falling for someone like Jaybird Proud (and life in his weird and wonderful town), let go of everything you thought you wanted… and Entwine that Thicketeer forever."]
These two were adorable as spray-painted cows in a cow field, as a freshly showered show-turkey, as a pamper pig in a dog bed. Iykyk. ;) I was obsessed with their friendships and general fluffiness. Their chemistry was easy, even if their communication could use some work. But they got there eventually, which the entire town supporting them.
I loved being back in the Thicket and experiencing so many of these traditions again!
And I looooooved being able to see so many of our precious couples still all heart-eyes and in love.
Though I’m going to need a book with Peter and his doctor soon..
#flakes #fakers #lairs #fools #turkeys #peacocks #lickingthicket #lickingthicketseries #lickingthickethornofglory #lickingthickethornofgloryseries #mayarcher #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
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February 20, 2025Two men who don’t see their own worth come together in some miscommunications, but with a whole lot of feels, in this latest novella from Lucy Lennox and May Archer.
It has been far too long since I got to visit my favorite Tennessee town of Licking Thicket with all its zany characters and crazy puns. ‘Peacocks’ features Hunter Jackson’s friend’s ex, Lane Dawson, who has recently relocated to the Thicket as a veterinarian, and Jaybird Proud (finally a Proud boy), a local who seems to have his fingers in an awful lot of pots. The idea of these two had me giggling right from the get-go.
“He was silly and playful, and there was something about his freedom to be his unique self that…
Okay, fine. That attracted me to him.
Maybe we were less like a trout and a dove and more like a yappy Jack Russell terrier and a derpy golden retriever.” ~ Lane
Jaybird might just genuinely be the nicest person I’ve ever met. He loves taking care of people in all the big and little ways, and he doesn’t think any of it is that big of a deal. No, not like Lane with all his diplomas and his smarts that have Jay thinking he’s not good enough for the newest resident of the Thicket. But, there’s so much more to Jay than meets the eye, and no, I’m not telling. You’ll need to read this wonderful story if you want to find out.
It only took about six months in Licking Thicket for Lane to realize that a) he loved his vet clinic, his staff, and his patients, b) this life was what he’d been craving without even realizing it, and c) his landlord couldn’t possibly want him as much as Lane wanted Jay. Lane struggles with his own insecurities from a jerk of an ex-boyfriend and he’s convinced he’s horrible at relationships. Sigh. These two had some hurdles to overcome.
I loved every moment of this, the sweetest story from the Thicket, and truly hope there’s more to come.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.
It has been far too long since I got to visit my favorite Tennessee town of Licking Thicket with all its zany characters and crazy puns. ‘Peacocks’ features Hunter Jackson’s friend’s ex, Lane Dawson, who has recently relocated to the Thicket as a veterinarian, and Jaybird Proud (finally a Proud boy), a local who seems to have his fingers in an awful lot of pots. The idea of these two had me giggling right from the get-go.
“He was silly and playful, and there was something about his freedom to be his unique self that…
Okay, fine. That attracted me to him.
Maybe we were less like a trout and a dove and more like a yappy Jack Russell terrier and a derpy golden retriever.” ~ Lane
Jaybird might just genuinely be the nicest person I’ve ever met. He loves taking care of people in all the big and little ways, and he doesn’t think any of it is that big of a deal. No, not like Lane with all his diplomas and his smarts that have Jay thinking he’s not good enough for the newest resident of the Thicket. But, there’s so much more to Jay than meets the eye, and no, I’m not telling. You’ll need to read this wonderful story if you want to find out.
It only took about six months in Licking Thicket for Lane to realize that a) he loved his vet clinic, his staff, and his patients, b) this life was what he’d been craving without even realizing it, and c) his landlord couldn’t possibly want him as much as Lane wanted Jay. Lane struggles with his own insecurities from a jerk of an ex-boyfriend and he’s convinced he’s horrible at relationships. Sigh. These two had some hurdles to overcome.
I loved every moment of this, the sweetest story from the Thicket, and truly hope there’s more to come.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.
November 30, 2025
Jaybird and Lane
Novella
PLEASE be aware that this summary/review is meant for my own purposes in order to help me recall this book and definitely has spoilers. It is in no way a reflection of what I think anyone else will like or want out of a book. It is simply a memory aid and a rough voice-to-text which is completely unedited/reviewed for errors. Read at your own discretion.
When Lane moves to Licking Thicket to join the vet practice, he lives in the garage apartment of Jaybird Proud. He develops a crush on Jaybird, who is incredibly sweet and kind. Little does Lane know that the feeling is mutual. Jay bird always does nice things for Lane like making him dinner and taking care of his car. Eventually they hook up and decide to have a friendship benefits type situation. Of course they catch feelings. When Lane decides to tell jailbird that he feels more for him with the traditional town way of taking him to the steak and bait restaurant and ordering tater tots, his plans are thwarted when his ex-boyfriend shows up and horns in on their lunch. Things go sideways a little bit but then they declare their love at the Entwinin' in front of all the town people. In the epilogue, their surrogate, surrogate has their baby girl. Of note, Peter, who is the vet tech is SaraCate's brother and when her OB/GYN (Nolan Burch) walks in the room he recognizes Peter. That is all that is said at that time.
Novella
PLEASE be aware that this summary/review is meant for my own purposes in order to help me recall this book and definitely has spoilers. It is in no way a reflection of what I think anyone else will like or want out of a book. It is simply a memory aid and a rough voice-to-text which is completely unedited/reviewed for errors. Read at your own discretion.
When Lane moves to Licking Thicket to join the vet practice, he lives in the garage apartment of Jaybird Proud. He develops a crush on Jaybird, who is incredibly sweet and kind. Little does Lane know that the feeling is mutual. Jay bird always does nice things for Lane like making him dinner and taking care of his car. Eventually they hook up and decide to have a friendship benefits type situation. Of course they catch feelings. When Lane decides to tell jailbird that he feels more for him with the traditional town way of taking him to the steak and bait restaurant and ordering tater tots, his plans are thwarted when his ex-boyfriend shows up and horns in on their lunch. Things go sideways a little bit but then they declare their love at the Entwinin' in front of all the town people. In the epilogue, their surrogate, surrogate has their baby girl. Of note, Peter, who is the vet tech is SaraCate's brother and when her OB/GYN (Nolan Burch) walks in the room he recognizes Peter. That is all that is said at that time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Two men who don’t see their own worth come together in some miscommunications, but with a whole lot of feels, in this latest novella from Lucy Lennox and May Archer.
It has been far too long since I got to visit my favorite Tennessee town of Licking Thicket with all its zany characters and crazy puns. ‘Peacocks’ features Hunter Jackson’s friend’s ex, Lane Dawson, who has recently relocated to the Thicket as a veterinarian, and Jaybird Proud (finally a Proud boy), a local who seems to have his fingers in an awful lot of pots. The idea of these two had me giggling right from the get-go.
“He was silly and playful, and there was something about his freedom to be his unique self that…
Okay, fine. That attracted me to him.
Maybe we were less like a trout and a dove and more like a yappy Jack Russell terrier and a derpy golden retriever.” ~ Lane
Jaybird might just genuinely be the nicest person I’ve ever met. He loves taking care of people in all the big and little ways, and he doesn’t think any of it is that big of a deal. No, not like Lane with all his diplomas and his smarts that have Jay thinking he’s not good enough for the newest resident of the Thicket. But, there’s so much more to Jay than meets the eye, and no, I’m not telling. You’ll need to read this wonderful story if you want to find out.
It only took about six months in Licking Thicket for Lane to realize that a) he loved his vet clinic, his staff, and his patients, b) this life was what he’d been craving without even realizing it, and c) his landlord couldn’t possibly want him as much as Lane wanted Jay. Lane struggles with his own insecurities from a jerk of an ex-boyfriend and he’s convinced he’s horrible at relationships. Sigh. These two had some hurdles to overcome.
I loved every moment of this, the sweetest story from the Thicket, and truly hope there’s more to come.
It has been far too long since I got to visit my favorite Tennessee town of Licking Thicket with all its zany characters and crazy puns. ‘Peacocks’ features Hunter Jackson’s friend’s ex, Lane Dawson, who has recently relocated to the Thicket as a veterinarian, and Jaybird Proud (finally a Proud boy), a local who seems to have his fingers in an awful lot of pots. The idea of these two had me giggling right from the get-go.
“He was silly and playful, and there was something about his freedom to be his unique self that…
Okay, fine. That attracted me to him.
Maybe we were less like a trout and a dove and more like a yappy Jack Russell terrier and a derpy golden retriever.” ~ Lane
Jaybird might just genuinely be the nicest person I’ve ever met. He loves taking care of people in all the big and little ways, and he doesn’t think any of it is that big of a deal. No, not like Lane with all his diplomas and his smarts that have Jay thinking he’s not good enough for the newest resident of the Thicket. But, there’s so much more to Jay than meets the eye, and no, I’m not telling. You’ll need to read this wonderful story if you want to find out.
It only took about six months in Licking Thicket for Lane to realize that a) he loved his vet clinic, his staff, and his patients, b) this life was what he’d been craving without even realizing it, and c) his landlord couldn’t possibly want him as much as Lane wanted Jay. Lane struggles with his own insecurities from a jerk of an ex-boyfriend and he’s convinced he’s horrible at relationships. Sigh. These two had some hurdles to overcome.
I loved every moment of this, the sweetest story from the Thicket, and truly hope there’s more to come.
March 13, 2025
Loads of Lickin' Thicket love, with all the requisite silliness, and a sweet, quick read to boot! This was an excellent break from the far more intense and gritty vein I've been reading in recently. My happiness rejuvenated, I can dive back into the more difficult...
I'm kind of curious: Lucy and May write sublimely joyous, wonderfully ridiculous tales full of light, love, humor, and with plenty of steam. They're so good, both individually and together, at crafting their tales, that it took me a while to realize that they both spell come with three letters---a thing that makes my steam vibe curdle. It's just so... unnecessarily vulgar. All the rest of their insane tongue-in-cheek place names and innuendo are so lightly and adeptly done for fun, yet they go for the gross and disgusting when they could very well bypass the crass porn, by simply spelling come correctly.
Of course my panties are still in a twist, and my budget is crying, over the fact that apparently I'm going to have to resign myself to either going broke buying all their books henceforth, or learning to live without. I understand their beef with Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, but dang. Limited income stanks.
I'm kind of curious: Lucy and May write sublimely joyous, wonderfully ridiculous tales full of light, love, humor, and with plenty of steam. They're so good, both individually and together, at crafting their tales, that it took me a while to realize that they both spell come with three letters---a thing that makes my steam vibe curdle. It's just so... unnecessarily vulgar. All the rest of their insane tongue-in-cheek place names and innuendo are so lightly and adeptly done for fun, yet they go for the gross and disgusting when they could very well bypass the crass porn, by simply spelling come correctly.
Of course my panties are still in a twist, and my budget is crying, over the fact that apparently I'm going to have to resign myself to either going broke buying all their books henceforth, or learning to live without. I understand their beef with Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, but dang. Limited income stanks.
February 7, 2025
Hilarity and swoons
I loved, loved Jay and Lane’s opposites attract, double pining romance of all the things. This heartwarming and hilarious tale will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. I dare anyone to read a story based in Licking Thicket and not fall in love with this small town filled with all the hilarious, quirky, nosy, loving southerners who have the biggest, most interfering hearts. Lane is a vet and a recent transplant to small town Licking Thicket. Jay is Lane’s landlord and works at the local car wash. He’s also always doing nice things for Lane which makes him wonder why. There is sizzling attraction between them but the obliviousness is off the charts for both of them. There is sweet growth for both Jay and Lane on their way to their HEA as they each unpack their baggage. The story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline as shown through swoons, sweet moments, spicy scenes, hilarity, supportive friends, painful pasts, weird traditions, and all the heart squeezing love. I love this town and this series.
I loved, loved Jay and Lane’s opposites attract, double pining romance of all the things. This heartwarming and hilarious tale will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. I dare anyone to read a story based in Licking Thicket and not fall in love with this small town filled with all the hilarious, quirky, nosy, loving southerners who have the biggest, most interfering hearts. Lane is a vet and a recent transplant to small town Licking Thicket. Jay is Lane’s landlord and works at the local car wash. He’s also always doing nice things for Lane which makes him wonder why. There is sizzling attraction between them but the obliviousness is off the charts for both of them. There is sweet growth for both Jay and Lane on their way to their HEA as they each unpack their baggage. The story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline as shown through swoons, sweet moments, spicy scenes, hilarity, supportive friends, painful pasts, weird traditions, and all the heart squeezing love. I love this town and this series.
March 30, 2025
I loved this Book #5 in the "Licking Thicket" series, just as I have the previous 'chapters'.
Yet another long-term escapee from the Thicket returns to find true love and ends up married, ending up with SaraCate as their surrogate mother (Pete Winchell's sister) to give them their first baby.
.
There are, of course, the delightfully esoteric "Thicket" customs (in this case, the Entwining), along with a bunch of familiar faces from earlier in the series.
Lucy has left open the option of a Book #6 featuring Pete and his sister's ob-gyn, Dr Nolan Burch, whose first openly public meeting occurred in the final few pages, and from which Pete bolted, red faced, without a word. All Nolan added to the event is that he "didn’t know Pete's surname" when SaraCate pointed out that it was the same as hers.
She is at her wittily bantering, humorous best complete with a storyline and zinging one-liners that left this reader chuckling (even giggling) out loud.
I'll be keeping a careful eye out, including on her "Lucy's Lair" FB page, for any mention of novel #6 in the "Thicket".
Yet another long-term escapee from the Thicket returns to find true love and ends up married, ending up with SaraCate as their surrogate mother (Pete Winchell's sister) to give them their first baby.
.
There are, of course, the delightfully esoteric "Thicket" customs (in this case, the Entwining), along with a bunch of familiar faces from earlier in the series.
Lucy has left open the option of a Book #6 featuring Pete and his sister's ob-gyn, Dr Nolan Burch, whose first openly public meeting occurred in the final few pages, and from which Pete bolted, red faced, without a word. All Nolan added to the event is that he "didn’t know Pete's surname" when SaraCate pointed out that it was the same as hers.
She is at her wittily bantering, humorous best complete with a storyline and zinging one-liners that left this reader chuckling (even giggling) out loud.
I'll be keeping a careful eye out, including on her "Lucy's Lair" FB page, for any mention of novel #6 in the "Thicket".
March 5, 2025
I loved this book. I was laughing so hard at times. An excellent add to the series. I hope we get Pete's book eventually because I gotta know what was with that rush put the man did.
Lane is one of the Vets in Licket Thicket. He has a crush on his landlord Jaybird Proud. Lane has noticed all the things that Jay does, but thinks he's being nice. He doesn't realize until his friends are explaining it that he's kind of obsessed.
Jay has been sending messages since Lane moved to town. Day they met Jay said he was hot and poor Lane thought he was referring to the weather.
One night Jay needs some help with his recently required peacocks. I was in tears because the way Jay put it no one would think he was talking about a bird at all.
Things changed that night and Lane said wanted casual because of past breakup that left him second guessing stuff. However they of course fall head over heels. I loved this so much. Spands months from January to April and was perfect. Another excellent book by Lucy and May.
Lane is one of the Vets in Licket Thicket. He has a crush on his landlord Jaybird Proud. Lane has noticed all the things that Jay does, but thinks he's being nice. He doesn't realize until his friends are explaining it that he's kind of obsessed.
Jay has been sending messages since Lane moved to town. Day they met Jay said he was hot and poor Lane thought he was referring to the weather.
One night Jay needs some help with his recently required peacocks. I was in tears because the way Jay put it no one would think he was talking about a bird at all.
Things changed that night and Lane said wanted casual because of past breakup that left him second guessing stuff. However they of course fall head over heels. I loved this so much. Spands months from January to April and was perfect. Another excellent book by Lucy and May.
March 3, 2025
3.5
Jaybird Proud, works at the Suds Barn car wash as a FT "automobile cleansing artisan" (secretly owns business), loves to help folks in town, gay, friendly, silly, playful, genuine, helpful, unique, sweet, reserved, selfless, generous, kind
Lane Desmond, 30s, veternarian, recently moved to Licking Thicket to get a fresh start-ex dumped him and immediately married someone else, fussy, thoughtful, honest
first person dual POV
Licking Thicket, TN
opposites attract, small town, novella, tenant/landlord, keeping things casual, blue collar MC, class difference
This was good. I really enjoyed a blue collar MC. I also appreciated the little time jumps. They felt natural and helped make the relationship believable, as this is a novella. Nice to get glimpses of the cast of characters and laugh along. A good time.
Jaybird Proud, works at the Suds Barn car wash as a FT "automobile cleansing artisan" (secretly owns business), loves to help folks in town, gay, friendly, silly, playful, genuine, helpful, unique, sweet, reserved, selfless, generous, kind
Lane Desmond, 30s, veternarian, recently moved to Licking Thicket to get a fresh start-ex dumped him and immediately married someone else, fussy, thoughtful, honest
first person dual POV
Licking Thicket, TN
opposites attract, small town, novella, tenant/landlord, keeping things casual, blue collar MC, class difference
This was good. I really enjoyed a blue collar MC. I also appreciated the little time jumps. They felt natural and helped make the relationship believable, as this is a novella. Nice to get glimpses of the cast of characters and laugh along. A good time.
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Oh how I’ve missed the Thicket. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Licking Thicket book so I’m a bit rusty in all of the characters but this one was cute. I was slightly disappointed that it was such a short read though.
This story was between Lane and Jaybird. Lane is a transplant to the Thicket by way of Athens. Where he moved after a breakup. He moved into the overhead garage apartment of Jaybird Proud. Jaybird is one of the nicest people Lane has ever met and that’s saying something since he’s moved to Licking Thicket.
Jaybird is the guy that’s always helping someone in town. He’s always there for everyone and that’s what draws him to Lane. This was a really cute story and I enjoyed my trip back to the Thicket and can’t wait for the next book.
Oh how I’ve missed the Thicket. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Licking Thicket book so I’m a bit rusty in all of the characters but this one was cute. I was slightly disappointed that it was such a short read though.
This story was between Lane and Jaybird. Lane is a transplant to the Thicket by way of Athens. Where he moved after a breakup. He moved into the overhead garage apartment of Jaybird Proud. Jaybird is one of the nicest people Lane has ever met and that’s saying something since he’s moved to Licking Thicket.
Jaybird is the guy that’s always helping someone in town. He’s always there for everyone and that’s what draws him to Lane. This was a really cute story and I enjoyed my trip back to the Thicket and can’t wait for the next book.
November 29, 2025
4.25 stars.
I loved this so much, Lane is so sweet and deserves the world, Jay is the cutest sweetest sweetheart to ever sweet, but I do wish he'd taken charge a little bit more. I wish he'd just gone for Lane like he wanted to, and while that made me teeter between a 4.25 and 4.5 stars for those last few chapters, the epilogue just dropped it. I truly dislike what happened in the epilogue, I really don't like it when stories go that route with couples, but that's obviously just a personal preference. That said, this was still a super fun and cute read, and I'm so glad I got to hit my reading challenge for the year with such a gem.
I loved this so much, Lane is so sweet and deserves the world, Jay is the cutest sweetest sweetheart to ever sweet, but I do wish he'd taken charge a little bit more. I wish he'd just gone for Lane like he wanted to, and while that made me teeter between a 4.25 and 4.5 stars for those last few chapters, the epilogue just dropped it. I truly dislike what happened in the epilogue, I really don't like it when stories go that route with couples, but that's obviously just a personal preference. That said, this was still a super fun and cute read, and I'm so glad I got to hit my reading challenge for the year with such a gem.
March 3, 2025
How much I missed this extraordinary reality that the authors created and all the inhabitants of Licking Ticket!
I have to admit that this story didn't move me as much as the previous ones, it was a story that I would define as lukewarm, with moments of sweetness but few and short were those of pure yearning, of waiting before a happy ending.
I loved the character of Jay, but I have to say that this time I was only waiting for the moments in which the inhabitants of Licking Ticket made an appearance.
I wish this universe would never end, I can't wait to read the next story.
I have to admit that this story didn't move me as much as the previous ones, it was a story that I would define as lukewarm, with moments of sweetness but few and short were those of pure yearning, of waiting before a happy ending.
I loved the character of Jay, but I have to say that this time I was only waiting for the moments in which the inhabitants of Licking Ticket made an appearance.
I wish this universe would never end, I can't wait to read the next story.
February 26, 2025
This addition to the licking thicket series reads like so many books after the first couple of books in so many series. It's stale, the jokes are too familiar, and there is very little, if any, chemistry between the main characters. It's a continuation of the story of this town that should've ended at least one book ago. I hate that because the first couple were so funny to me. Oh, well. I'll start looking for another funny series to enjoy. Too bad it's so hard to find those.
February 4, 2025
Loved It! Loved Jay and Lane! Jay had me laughing so much, he’s so good and sweet and kind. Lane was serious and seemed like a grump, but he’s not, especially when he’s with Jay. They were perfect together and I’m so harp for them. A wonderful story with laughed, tears, steam and love, so much love! So Good! I’m hoping real hard that Pete & Dr. Nolan have a story, fingers crossed ;)
February 10, 2025
Peacocks is a hilarious and a sweet romance!! I love that Lucy and May can write this laugh out loud, silly, swoon and heartfelt romance, I love Lane and Jay, their relationship was easy and fun.
Lane is the new veterinarian in town and his landlord is just the most caring, sweet, kind and hot. Jaybird is the kind of man that likes to help everyone no matter what and helping Lane has become the most important, they enjoy time together that later become a FWB situation but both are very into each others! The things that comes out in this book are just crazy and hilarious OMG!!! This was of course a fun read, Lane and Jay were perfect for each!!
Lane is the new veterinarian in town and his landlord is just the most caring, sweet, kind and hot. Jaybird is the kind of man that likes to help everyone no matter what and helping Lane has become the most important, they enjoy time together that later become a FWB situation but both are very into each others! The things that comes out in this book are just crazy and hilarious OMG!!! This was of course a fun read, Lane and Jay were perfect for each!!
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