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Love in Maplewood #5
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight
Catching feelings for my friend with benefits? Surely there’s a song about that...
When my musical mentor asked me to help his old buddy put on a music festival in Vermont, I thought it’d be a nice break from my regular life. Not that my life has been regular lately. My twin left to go be an actor, and I’m not on tour for the first time since I was a kid. Working on a project like this is just what I needed.
But I’d barely arrived in Maplewood when I almost ran over a teenager, heard about a local cryptid, and got shouted at by a fanny-pack wearing, floppy-haired, thirty-something veterinarian named Finn. Who was adorable. When he wasn’t yelling, of course.
This being a small town, I keep running into Finn no matter how I try to avoid him. Only, as much as he rubs me the wrong way, I wouldn’t mind him rubbing me the right way if you know what I mean.
Turns out he feels the same, so we agree to stop bickering and start lick...er-ing. Whatever. You get my drift. It’s all just casual, friends-with-benefits fun, a physical release. And that’s all it can be, because I’m only in town until the festival is over. Then it’s back to my regular life.
But someone should’ve warned me that Finn’s actually sweet. He’s always doing thoughtful little things for me, and he’s so supportive of his teenager. How can I keep things casual in the face of all that? But it’s way too soon for either of us to be having “feelings”. Maybe I can find an excuse to stick around a little longer....
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is a low-angst, small town contemporary MM romance with an age gap, a single parent, musical interludes, something strange in the woods, a giant tortoise, hats for every occasion, and a murder chicken.
With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!
When my musical mentor asked me to help his old buddy put on a music festival in Vermont, I thought it’d be a nice break from my regular life. Not that my life has been regular lately. My twin left to go be an actor, and I’m not on tour for the first time since I was a kid. Working on a project like this is just what I needed.
But I’d barely arrived in Maplewood when I almost ran over a teenager, heard about a local cryptid, and got shouted at by a fanny-pack wearing, floppy-haired, thirty-something veterinarian named Finn. Who was adorable. When he wasn’t yelling, of course.
This being a small town, I keep running into Finn no matter how I try to avoid him. Only, as much as he rubs me the wrong way, I wouldn’t mind him rubbing me the right way if you know what I mean.
Turns out he feels the same, so we agree to stop bickering and start lick...er-ing. Whatever. You get my drift. It’s all just casual, friends-with-benefits fun, a physical release. And that’s all it can be, because I’m only in town until the festival is over. Then it’s back to my regular life.
But someone should’ve warned me that Finn’s actually sweet. He’s always doing thoughtful little things for me, and he’s so supportive of his teenager. How can I keep things casual in the face of all that? But it’s way too soon for either of us to be having “feelings”. Maybe I can find an excuse to stick around a little longer....
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is a low-angst, small town contemporary MM romance with an age gap, a single parent, musical interludes, something strange in the woods, a giant tortoise, hats for every occasion, and a murder chicken.
With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
56 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Bix Barrow
17 books78 followersWhen Bix Barrow got an idea for her first book, it ended up turning into her second — and thus the first two stories in the Bent Oak, Texas series emerged. An aspiring author for most of her life, it took a foray into the MM romance genre to spark the steamy scenes and blazing banter Bix now weaves into her novels. Accompanying her on her writing exploits are her two dogs and multitude of cats (six at last count). An avid traveler, Bix has started to view her expeditions as interviews for her future home. Born and raised in Texas, she is eager to move somewhere with fewer politicians, hurricanes and flooding.
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July 17, 2025
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is book five in the Love in Maplewood series and is by Bix Barrow. This is a multi author series of ten books, all set in the adorable little town of Maplewood, Vermont.
Finn Hunnicutt is a veterinarian in Maplewood. He’s said to be in his mid-thirties. Finn has recently become guardian to sixteen year old Charlie who has just lost his parents. So both Finn and Charlie are going through big life changes at the moment.
Drake Derry is twenty two years old and has been a touring musician since he was young. Now that the family band has broken up, Drake’s twin brother is exploring acting. Drake no longer feels like he wants to perform publicly but is happy to write songs
Drake’s long time music mentor and friend has asked him to go to Maplewood to help his friend, Zeke, run this year’s music festival. Since he doesn’t have anything else going on at the moment, he’s happy for the change of scenery.
What first starts out as a not so great first impression, Drake and Finn can’t avoid running in to each other. Despite the age difference, both can’t deny the chemistry between them. So maybe they can enjoy a friends with benefits arrangement while Drake is in town. But, the more they get to know each other, the more those feelings begin to grow. Drake starts to wonder if maybe there might be a reason to stay a little longer in Maplewood. Or maybe even permanently?
Both of these guys are such good men. Despite his young age, Drake has an old soul. He’s overwhelmed with the sweet kindness that Finn shows him. He feels like he truly belongs for maybe the first time ever.
This was a super sweet, angst free story. I didn’t give it five stars just because I didn’t feel the overwhelming swoony feeling like I did with the others. And, even though I know it was probably harder to incorporate them in with this music themed story, I missed all the amazing maple products. It was still an enjoyable read, though. The next book will focus on the Pride Festival in Maplewood and is called Pride By the Book by Jeff Adams.
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...
Finn Hunnicutt is a veterinarian in Maplewood. He’s said to be in his mid-thirties. Finn has recently become guardian to sixteen year old Charlie who has just lost his parents. So both Finn and Charlie are going through big life changes at the moment.
Drake Derry is twenty two years old and has been a touring musician since he was young. Now that the family band has broken up, Drake’s twin brother is exploring acting. Drake no longer feels like he wants to perform publicly but is happy to write songs
Drake’s long time music mentor and friend has asked him to go to Maplewood to help his friend, Zeke, run this year’s music festival. Since he doesn’t have anything else going on at the moment, he’s happy for the change of scenery.
What first starts out as a not so great first impression, Drake and Finn can’t avoid running in to each other. Despite the age difference, both can’t deny the chemistry between them. So maybe they can enjoy a friends with benefits arrangement while Drake is in town. But, the more they get to know each other, the more those feelings begin to grow. Drake starts to wonder if maybe there might be a reason to stay a little longer in Maplewood. Or maybe even permanently?
Both of these guys are such good men. Despite his young age, Drake has an old soul. He’s overwhelmed with the sweet kindness that Finn shows him. He feels like he truly belongs for maybe the first time ever.
This was a super sweet, angst free story. I didn’t give it five stars just because I didn’t feel the overwhelming swoony feeling like I did with the others. And, even though I know it was probably harder to incorporate them in with this music themed story, I missed all the amazing maple products. It was still an enjoyable read, though. The next book will focus on the Pride Festival in Maplewood and is called Pride By the Book by Jeff Adams.
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...
May 21, 2025
I thought we might get a bit of enemies-to-lovers in this one, but I blinked and it was over. I guess that sort of angst wouldn’t fit the theme of this series.
That Maple Matters blog is creepy; all I can see is someone in camo with binoculars behind a bush, staring and reporting on everyone. 😂 The blog and the text conversation pages were a new addition and gave us extra behind-the-scenes info on what was going on around Maplewood.
As with the rest of the series, this was fun. There were a few upsetting backstories from Drake and Charlie, but it was just touched upon, and the focus was on Drake and Finn, along with Charlie, making a new family together.
It was a sweet story about grief, the death of parents, and an abusive parent, and learning to overcome those to find love, meaning, and happiness again.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
That Maple Matters blog is creepy; all I can see is someone in camo with binoculars behind a bush, staring and reporting on everyone. 😂 The blog and the text conversation pages were a new addition and gave us extra behind-the-scenes info on what was going on around Maplewood.
As with the rest of the series, this was fun. There were a few upsetting backstories from Drake and Charlie, but it was just touched upon, and the focus was on Drake and Finn, along with Charlie, making a new family together.
It was a sweet story about grief, the death of parents, and an abusive parent, and learning to overcome those to find love, meaning, and happiness again.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
July 22, 2025
This wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. Just meh. There were a lot of secondary characters, many of whom aren't on these pages, and it got confusing trying to figure out who was who. The two main characters were ok, but the author clearly spotlights Finn's fanny pack a few times in the beginning of the book, as if it's an important "prop", but we never learn why he is wearing a fanny pack in the year 2025. What's in there that a guy can't just put things in his pockets or a bag?
Drake, the youngish music star turned songwriter, is such a soyboy that he gets his feelings hurt very easily because Finn doesn't text him for a few hours. Co-dependent already, under one week? No thanks, dude.
The writing was ok, a bit cringe in parts, because the author clearly does not live among normal people or know any teenagers. Who the hell introduces themselves and states their preferred pronouns in the real world like they're in an AA meeting?
The upcoming cryptid book better be good, because I'm totally invested in Mabel now.
Drake, the youngish music star turned songwriter, is such a soyboy that he gets his feelings hurt very easily because Finn doesn't text him for a few hours. Co-dependent already, under one week? No thanks, dude.
The writing was ok, a bit cringe in parts, because the author clearly does not live among normal people or know any teenagers. Who the hell introduces themselves and states their preferred pronouns in the real world like they're in an AA meeting?
The upcoming cryptid book better be good, because I'm totally invested in Mabel now.
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June 17, 2025Super freaking cute.
May 23, 2025
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is the fifth book in the ‘Love in Maplewood’ collection by various authors. It stars Drake Derryberry, songwriter and musician, and Finn, the local veterinarian. This is told in first person from Drake and Finn’s povs.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I can’t compare this with their other stories. The blurb describes the basic action of the plot. Drake is invited to Zeke’s complex and to help with the upcoming music festival. Little does Drake know that Zeke plans on retiring and handing over the whole enterprise and property to Drake. Drake doesn’t find out about this until the end of the book. In the meantime, he must organize and meet up with everyone involved in the event. As he does this he meets more of the townspeople.
When I first started reading, I found it difficult to keep track of what was happening and all the people involved. It felt like I’d been dropped into an environment that was a continuation of other books, or a spin-off of other books. It took me at least a chapter or two to get into the story because of the number of people and what the situation was with Drake and why he was in town. At times I felt like I had caught on to what was happening, and then another chapter had me feeling lost. There’s also a lot of monologue in this story which is not something I care for. When the monologue went on for a while, I found my mind wandering so I had to put the book aside and come back to it later.
The book chapters are divided into dates and times with text messaging between various characters plus a mysterious person who posts occasionally, about what’s going on between Drake and Finn. I liked the funny texts at the beginning of each chapter; they gave a further insight into how Drake related to his friends and family who were not at the complex. Large changes of scene or characters used separators. I like when a book uses separators. It makes it much easier to understand passages of time, places, and conversations.
Drake is twenty-two, and Finn is in his forties, I think. Finn is worried about the age difference, but multiple people tell him that Drake is mature for his age. At the beginning of the story, Drale was prissy towards Finn, but mellowed as time went on. The childish attitude Drake displays at different times, Drake calls, ‘bratty.’ He’s not, he’s immature emotionally, so people telling Finn that Drake is mature is not true. Drake is responsible, which is totally different from being mature. Drake has a vengeful streak he lets lose when people don’t do what he likes. Drake’s voice also grew younger as the story progressed, so his voice wasn’t consistent. Neither was Finn’s. Finn sounded more mature at the beginning, but younger as time went on to the point that both Drake and Finn’s voices started to sound the same by the end. Finn is raising his son Charlie. Charlie is supposed to be seventeen, but he acted much younger, like around fifteen. I don’t usually like children in books, but Charlie didn’t overwhelm the story.
There is one mysterious side character that is mentioned numerous times. It’s Maple the Cryptid, a supposed giant walking, leaf-covered creature in the woods. Zeke feeds it everyday and it soon becomes Drake’s job. Charlie says he’s seen Maple. Readers never discover what or if, Maple is real. It could be an animal or what happens to the ground when it’s windy, maybe called ‘breathing trees.’ I think other books in this collection also mention Maple.
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight was an okay read. I have mixed feelings about it. There was always the feeling that I was lost as to the people and what was happening. I didn’t care for Drake that much, but Finn was nice, and Charlie was fine. I think people would like this. I’m willing to give this author another try since I can’t base their writing style on just one book. I give this, 4 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I can’t compare this with their other stories. The blurb describes the basic action of the plot. Drake is invited to Zeke’s complex and to help with the upcoming music festival. Little does Drake know that Zeke plans on retiring and handing over the whole enterprise and property to Drake. Drake doesn’t find out about this until the end of the book. In the meantime, he must organize and meet up with everyone involved in the event. As he does this he meets more of the townspeople.
When I first started reading, I found it difficult to keep track of what was happening and all the people involved. It felt like I’d been dropped into an environment that was a continuation of other books, or a spin-off of other books. It took me at least a chapter or two to get into the story because of the number of people and what the situation was with Drake and why he was in town. At times I felt like I had caught on to what was happening, and then another chapter had me feeling lost. There’s also a lot of monologue in this story which is not something I care for. When the monologue went on for a while, I found my mind wandering so I had to put the book aside and come back to it later.
The book chapters are divided into dates and times with text messaging between various characters plus a mysterious person who posts occasionally, about what’s going on between Drake and Finn. I liked the funny texts at the beginning of each chapter; they gave a further insight into how Drake related to his friends and family who were not at the complex. Large changes of scene or characters used separators. I like when a book uses separators. It makes it much easier to understand passages of time, places, and conversations.
Drake is twenty-two, and Finn is in his forties, I think. Finn is worried about the age difference, but multiple people tell him that Drake is mature for his age. At the beginning of the story, Drale was prissy towards Finn, but mellowed as time went on. The childish attitude Drake displays at different times, Drake calls, ‘bratty.’ He’s not, he’s immature emotionally, so people telling Finn that Drake is mature is not true. Drake is responsible, which is totally different from being mature. Drake has a vengeful streak he lets lose when people don’t do what he likes. Drake’s voice also grew younger as the story progressed, so his voice wasn’t consistent. Neither was Finn’s. Finn sounded more mature at the beginning, but younger as time went on to the point that both Drake and Finn’s voices started to sound the same by the end. Finn is raising his son Charlie. Charlie is supposed to be seventeen, but he acted much younger, like around fifteen. I don’t usually like children in books, but Charlie didn’t overwhelm the story.
There is one mysterious side character that is mentioned numerous times. It’s Maple the Cryptid, a supposed giant walking, leaf-covered creature in the woods. Zeke feeds it everyday and it soon becomes Drake’s job. Charlie says he’s seen Maple. Readers never discover what or if, Maple is real. It could be an animal or what happens to the ground when it’s windy, maybe called ‘breathing trees.’ I think other books in this collection also mention Maple.
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight was an okay read. I have mixed feelings about it. There was always the feeling that I was lost as to the people and what was happening. I didn’t care for Drake that much, but Finn was nice, and Charlie was fine. I think people would like this. I’m willing to give this author another try since I can’t base their writing style on just one book. I give this, 4 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased review.
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June 14, 2025This was a quick and quirky read for me! I've been loving all of the Love in Maplewood stories and this one is no exception. I appreciate the way this story goes from angry meet-cute to a "vacation" romance to something more. Like the other Maplewood stories, the town is quite invested in this romance and also in the music festival that Drake has been tapped to help run...
Between Charlie's angst and Finn's reluctance, this book feels like it's going to be slow burn, but the steam rises quickly and they eventually connect the dots and figure out their HEA...
I truly love the way this town folds people into it's circle and each of these books has been a wonderful oasis in the midst of a dark world...
Between Charlie's angst and Finn's reluctance, this book feels like it's going to be slow burn, but the steam rises quickly and they eventually connect the dots and figure out their HEA...
I truly love the way this town folds people into it's circle and each of these books has been a wonderful oasis in the midst of a dark world...
June 6, 2025
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is part of the multi author Love in Maplewood series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Drake and Finn. I did enjoy the story but it was a little hard to follow at first because of all the characters introduced. I did find this book fun and lighthearted. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 28, 2025
OMG that was sweet. I really loved that
Finn and Drake are great together. I so enjoyed how their relationship developed. I also found it great that Drake made it clear, he is no doormat - for no one and no reason
their communication was so well done and I loved how they fit together.
Bix Barrow is rapidly developing as a favorite author of mine
Finn and Drake are great together. I so enjoyed how their relationship developed. I also found it great that Drake made it clear, he is no doormat - for no one and no reason
their communication was so well done and I loved how they fit together.
Bix Barrow is rapidly developing as a favorite author of mine
August 16, 2025
There's just something about Bix Barrow's book that makes me happy every time I read them, and this one is no different. Sweet, heartwarming, low-angst and so much fun!
This is my first introduction to Maplewood, and I low-key fell in love with this hilarious, cute town. Definitely eye-ing some of the future books still to come featuring some of my favorite side-character's stories. Low-angst small town anthology series are so fun for me because I always get introduced to new authors I can fall in love with! Bix's books weren't new to me, though, so it was fun to get Drake's story! If you didn't already know, Drake is the brother of Steve, one of the MC's in Bix's book What's Santa Got To Doo With It from her Bent Oak, Texas series. (Which I definitely recommend, fyi.)
Drake and Finn story is just so sweet and wonderful. I loved watching them grow closer and the whole backdrop of the town's music festival spoke to my soul because I love music. I also really enjoyed Finn's growing bond with Charlie. Charlie recently moved in with Finn when Finn became his guardian after his parents' passing. Their relationship was absolutely heartwarming to see.
If you love Bix's books, definitely read this. If you love low angst small town stories with a sweet age gap romance, also definitely read this!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first introduction to Maplewood, and I low-key fell in love with this hilarious, cute town. Definitely eye-ing some of the future books still to come featuring some of my favorite side-character's stories. Low-angst small town anthology series are so fun for me because I always get introduced to new authors I can fall in love with! Bix's books weren't new to me, though, so it was fun to get Drake's story! If you didn't already know, Drake is the brother of Steve, one of the MC's in Bix's book What's Santa Got To Doo With It from her Bent Oak, Texas series. (Which I definitely recommend, fyi.)
Drake and Finn story is just so sweet and wonderful. I loved watching them grow closer and the whole backdrop of the town's music festival spoke to my soul because I love music. I also really enjoyed Finn's growing bond with Charlie. Charlie recently moved in with Finn when Finn became his guardian after his parents' passing. Their relationship was absolutely heartwarming to see.
If you love Bix's books, definitely read this. If you love low angst small town stories with a sweet age gap romance, also definitely read this!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2025
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight by Bix Barrow is part of the Love in Maplewood series by various authors. It is the story of two men with different backgrounds who are brought together by a music festival and find love. Finn Hunnicutt is the veterinarian in Maplewood, Vermont. He has recently taken in 15 year old Charlie after the death of his parents and they are both grieving. He is also feeling his way through being there for Charlie and trying to figure out how to make a connection and be a good father figure to him. Drake Derryberry lives in Texas. He was part of a band along with his twin, his sister, and his older twin brothers. However, his father was very demanding and emotionally distant and when he left for another country after embezzling their money the band broke up and they all went their different ways. His twin, Dirk, was becoming a well-known actor and Drake was a songwriter, writing for several important musicians, including Poppy. Drake’s friend, Jake Lord, told him that his friend Zeke in Maplewood, Vermont, was in charge of the Music Festival there and could use some help so he decided to go. When he was almost to town he saw something run from the woods and trip over the guard rail so he stopped to help him. It was Charlie. He met Finn when he took him to the vet clinic but Finn was wary and wondered if he wanted Charlie for nefarious reasons so they didn’t get off to a good start. Drake went on to the compound Zeke owns and got settled in his cabin. The Music Festival grounds are right next door so he will be able to check them out and help as needed. Meanwhile Zeke calls Finn to come and see his 90 year old tortoise, Dolores, and when he gets there nothing is wrong, but he gets to see Drake again. They end up having to feed Dolores and Mabel, the Maplewood Monster, who is a cryptid people think they keep seeing, including Charlie, and Zeke feeds her every night so she knows someone cares. Drake and Charlie make a connection over guitar playing and says he will help him if he wants to play at the Amateur Contest at the Festival which Charlie wants to do. Meanwhile Finn gets a call from the SPCA about some chickens that need a home and he thinks Zeke might take some. So he and Drake get a coop and get to work setting it up. Then Drake offers dinner and even though he doesn’t really like Finn he feels the attraction. Finn is worried because he is so much older but Drake has seen a lot in his life and it soon doesn’t make any difference. They kiss and feel a zing and have a hot scene in the shower. This starts them thinking about having a friends with benefits situation which has them seeing each other whenever they can. After meeting Finn’s friends at a D & D party they start thinking that this could turn into something real. As the Festival nears and then starts up Drake is super busy with lots of supervision since Zeke has had to go to Burlington, but Finn is there as often as possible and offers what he can with no strings attached, which is something Drake isn’t use to. They have some very hot love scenes and then start to realize that they would like to see where their relationship could go as boyfriends. Charlie is tickled with this and doesn’t have a problem with it, which concerned Finn as Charlie is his first priority. Then Drake also realizes he likes being with Finn and doesn’t want to leave when the festival is over. They finally have a declaration of love and decide to see where the future will take them. I really enjoyed this story. Finn is so worried about Charlie and also cares a lot about Drake. Drake has had a lot going on in his past but knows where he wants to go in the future and, after all they go through, that he wants to be with Finn. Zeke and their friends and family play a big part in the story and have some comic moments. The Music Festival is also fun. I really liked all of the text messages between chapters and that the Maplewood Matters Blog is giving out juicy details about their relationship, and that the Roctogenerians are back in force. We are also given a taste of Mabel, the cryptid who will be featured in a future story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like age gap stories about 2 men of different backgrounds who have some baggage but are able to fall in love over a music festival and find what they need in each other.
June 13, 2025
Can you feel the maple tonight
By: Bix Barrow
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Gotta break the ice!
Oh dear this book is so much fun. The chicken character is brilliant and Drake and Finn are adorable! But don’t tell them. For me I came into this multi author series with some pretty high expectations. I’m someone not personally part of the LGPTQ community but have 4 cousins all close to my kids age 20-28 all having very different experiences coming out. None terrible but of course much room for improvement. With that said I look for a more authentic approach, meaning the persons having the same conflict and melding of lives as any healthy couple. Yes of course outside personalities always bring conflict but I like when it’s portrayed authentically as two people melding together. This series did not disappoint.
Drake is someone that would keep his family specifically his twin close if he could. Finn and his son Charlie are a package with that includes teen angst and pain and for Finn he comes first. Will Drake open his heart to these two and create a home and a reason to stay? The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Catching feelings for my friend with benefits? Surely there’s a song about that...
When my musical mentor asked me to help his old buddy put on a music festival in Vermont, I thought it’d be a nice break from my regular life. Not that my life has been regular lately. My twin left to go be an actor, and I’m not on tour for the first time since I was a kid. Working on a project like this is just what I needed.
But I’d barely arrived in Maplewood when I almost ran over a teenager, heard about a local cryptid, and got shouted at by a fanny-pack wearing, floppy-haired, thirty-something veterinarian named Finn. Who was adorable. When he wasn’t yelling, of course.
This being a small town, I keep running into Finn no matter how I try to avoid him. Only, as much as he rubs me the wrong way, I wouldn’t mind him rubbing me the right way if you know what I mean.
Turns out he feels the same, so we agree to stop bickering and start lick...er-ing. Whatever. You get my drift. It’s all just casual, friends-with-benefits fun, a physical release. And that’s all it can be, because I’m only in town until the festival is over. Then it’s back to my regular life.
But someone should’ve warned me that Finn’s actually sweet. He’s always doing thoughtful little things for me, and he’s so supportive of his teenager. How can I keep things casual in the face of all that? But it’s way too soon for either of us to be having “feelings”. Maybe I can find an excuse to stick around a little longer.... This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: Bix Barrow
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Gotta break the ice!
Oh dear this book is so much fun. The chicken character is brilliant and Drake and Finn are adorable! But don’t tell them. For me I came into this multi author series with some pretty high expectations. I’m someone not personally part of the LGPTQ community but have 4 cousins all close to my kids age 20-28 all having very different experiences coming out. None terrible but of course much room for improvement. With that said I look for a more authentic approach, meaning the persons having the same conflict and melding of lives as any healthy couple. Yes of course outside personalities always bring conflict but I like when it’s portrayed authentically as two people melding together. This series did not disappoint.
Drake is someone that would keep his family specifically his twin close if he could. Finn and his son Charlie are a package with that includes teen angst and pain and for Finn he comes first. Will Drake open his heart to these two and create a home and a reason to stay? The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Catching feelings for my friend with benefits? Surely there’s a song about that...
When my musical mentor asked me to help his old buddy put on a music festival in Vermont, I thought it’d be a nice break from my regular life. Not that my life has been regular lately. My twin left to go be an actor, and I’m not on tour for the first time since I was a kid. Working on a project like this is just what I needed.
But I’d barely arrived in Maplewood when I almost ran over a teenager, heard about a local cryptid, and got shouted at by a fanny-pack wearing, floppy-haired, thirty-something veterinarian named Finn. Who was adorable. When he wasn’t yelling, of course.
This being a small town, I keep running into Finn no matter how I try to avoid him. Only, as much as he rubs me the wrong way, I wouldn’t mind him rubbing me the right way if you know what I mean.
Turns out he feels the same, so we agree to stop bickering and start lick...er-ing. Whatever. You get my drift. It’s all just casual, friends-with-benefits fun, a physical release. And that’s all it can be, because I’m only in town until the festival is over. Then it’s back to my regular life.
But someone should’ve warned me that Finn’s actually sweet. He’s always doing thoughtful little things for me, and he’s so supportive of his teenager. How can I keep things casual in the face of all that? But it’s way too soon for either of us to be having “feelings”. Maybe I can find an excuse to stick around a little longer.... This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
May 19, 2025
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Drake Derryberry is a famous member of the former group Melodious Moon which was made up of his siblings. He’s been invited to Maplewood to help Zeke with the local Music Festival and to judge the amateur talent contest. As he’s approaching the town, he sees major movement in the woods next to the highway, and while he doesn’t catch sight of anything large, he does see a teenager, Charles, emerge out the woods and trip over the barrier at the side of the highway. Turns out he was sure he had seen Mabel the Maplewood Monster and was running in fear. Charles is afraid that Finn Hunnicutt, the local veterinarian, will be furious. When the arrive at the clinic, Finn accuses Drake of perversion with Charles, though the latter sets him straight. Zeke invites Finn and Charles for dinner and eventually tells them that Drake is in fact a celebrity. By this time, he has agreed to practice guitar with Charles though his initial exposure to Finn (Charles’ guardian) did not leave a good impression. After a second run-in with Finn and his friend Alex, he gets angry and tells them off. Finn then feels suitably guilty and apologizes to Drake, following which they come to an accommodation. From there, they develop feelings for each other, eventually falling in love. From there they work their way to a happy ending.
This book is rather fun. It’s very light-hearted, evoking many chuckles. The plot is fairly straightforward, though it does have a few twists along the way. The two MCs are fun and do quite a bit of kidding each other. Their relationship starts as a friends-with-benefits one that blossoms into love. Drake’s decision to stay in Maplewood after the Festival can be foreseen but this does not detract from the enjoyment of the story. The small-town trope is one of my favourites and heavens there are a lot of quirky townspeople, from the Rocktogenarians to Charles in his role of matchmaker. The use of the local blog and the chats between chapters is great tool to show how the town is thinking and the chats between Drake and his siblings reinforce his decision to stay. It’s a tool that I don’t see very often but it works. The town as a character is absolutely great.
This is a book that is fun to read.
Drake Derryberry is a famous member of the former group Melodious Moon which was made up of his siblings. He’s been invited to Maplewood to help Zeke with the local Music Festival and to judge the amateur talent contest. As he’s approaching the town, he sees major movement in the woods next to the highway, and while he doesn’t catch sight of anything large, he does see a teenager, Charles, emerge out the woods and trip over the barrier at the side of the highway. Turns out he was sure he had seen Mabel the Maplewood Monster and was running in fear. Charles is afraid that Finn Hunnicutt, the local veterinarian, will be furious. When the arrive at the clinic, Finn accuses Drake of perversion with Charles, though the latter sets him straight. Zeke invites Finn and Charles for dinner and eventually tells them that Drake is in fact a celebrity. By this time, he has agreed to practice guitar with Charles though his initial exposure to Finn (Charles’ guardian) did not leave a good impression. After a second run-in with Finn and his friend Alex, he gets angry and tells them off. Finn then feels suitably guilty and apologizes to Drake, following which they come to an accommodation. From there, they develop feelings for each other, eventually falling in love. From there they work their way to a happy ending.
This book is rather fun. It’s very light-hearted, evoking many chuckles. The plot is fairly straightforward, though it does have a few twists along the way. The two MCs are fun and do quite a bit of kidding each other. Their relationship starts as a friends-with-benefits one that blossoms into love. Drake’s decision to stay in Maplewood after the Festival can be foreseen but this does not detract from the enjoyment of the story. The small-town trope is one of my favourites and heavens there are a lot of quirky townspeople, from the Rocktogenarians to Charles in his role of matchmaker. The use of the local blog and the chats between chapters is great tool to show how the town is thinking and the chats between Drake and his siblings reinforce his decision to stay. It’s a tool that I don’t see very often but it works. The town as a character is absolutely great.
This is a book that is fun to read.
June 18, 2025
A caveat before I start my review in full: I do think you will enjoy this particular Maplewood installation more if you have read the author's Bent Oak, Texas series. One of the characters is a secondary character in that series, and a LOT of people are mentioned who you won't be familiar with if you don't already know the backstory. That said, I think you could enjoy the book without it, but some of the non-Maplewood specific characters will likely confuse you.
Having said that, this book was a great time! I found myself entranced with the mix of zaniness and heart that seems to infuse all of the author's books I've read thus far.
Drake, a former child music star who is striking out in a new direction, is in town to help get the town's music festival to the finish line. Before he's even fully into town, he notices something odd in the trees--and then almost hits a teen running out of the woods. This introduction to the town (and its possible cryptid, Mabel) introduces him to Finn--the hot vet who happens to be Charlie's (the teen from the woods) guardian.
I loved seeing hints of some characters from the other books (hello to Caspian's zany bakes!) and also the interactions with all the characters. Drake and Finn, despite the age difference, definitely had chemistry, Zeke was a delightfully weird festival manager, Charlie (and his friends) was a great teen character, and of course I loved Dolores and the chickens!
This book has a good mix of zany comedy and heartfelt moments, and the way the whole town was scheming to keep Drake around was great. And, of course, in the background of it all, there was Mabel!
My major knock on the book is that the side characters Drake references/talks to probably would be overwhelming if you haven't read the Bent Oak series (which I do recommend!), but otherwise this was another great Maplewood installment!
CW: sexual content, death of parents, grief, toxic parent, death of pets (very brief mention, happened in the past)
Having said that, this book was a great time! I found myself entranced with the mix of zaniness and heart that seems to infuse all of the author's books I've read thus far.
Drake, a former child music star who is striking out in a new direction, is in town to help get the town's music festival to the finish line. Before he's even fully into town, he notices something odd in the trees--and then almost hits a teen running out of the woods. This introduction to the town (and its possible cryptid, Mabel) introduces him to Finn--the hot vet who happens to be Charlie's (the teen from the woods) guardian.
I loved seeing hints of some characters from the other books (hello to Caspian's zany bakes!) and also the interactions with all the characters. Drake and Finn, despite the age difference, definitely had chemistry, Zeke was a delightfully weird festival manager, Charlie (and his friends) was a great teen character, and of course I loved Dolores and the chickens!
This book has a good mix of zany comedy and heartfelt moments, and the way the whole town was scheming to keep Drake around was great. And, of course, in the background of it all, there was Mabel!
My major knock on the book is that the side characters Drake references/talks to probably would be overwhelming if you haven't read the Bent Oak series (which I do recommend!), but otherwise this was another great Maplewood installment!
CW: sexual content, death of parents, grief, toxic parent, death of pets (very brief mention, happened in the past)
June 12, 2025
I went into this book not knowing who one of the main characters was, so colour me pleasantly surprised to find out it was about Drake. I've met him as a side character in some of the author's previous books, and while Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is loosely connected to said other books, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
It still might feel like you're falling into a world where you should have known the characters but that is just the way it is written - even my having read the other books didn't help. Everybody is simply up in everyone's business and instantly very familiar upon meeting someone new. I found it a bit odd, to be honest, and probably wouldn't be as relaxed as Drake is when it comes to how bossy Zeke is to him without having met Drake before or having an instantly good (working) relationship with him upon meeting him. Zeke's whole scheme was a bit fishy.
Anyway, despite a lot of small things that striked me as not really natural, this was a lovely, low-angst contemporary story about a small town, lots of people, a teenager, a cryptid in the woods, and the romance between Drake and Finn.
In my opinion, teenager Charlie was making this book. He seemed to have the most fleshed-out arc.
Sure, Drake and Finn were nice, but somehow I wasn't quite feeling their connection. Even their first time together came a bit out of the blue.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, as I knew I would when it comes to this author, but I wasn't feeling it as much as some of her other works.
The town is lovely, though, and this book does a good job making the reader curious about it and thus about the other books in the series.
It still might feel like you're falling into a world where you should have known the characters but that is just the way it is written - even my having read the other books didn't help. Everybody is simply up in everyone's business and instantly very familiar upon meeting someone new. I found it a bit odd, to be honest, and probably wouldn't be as relaxed as Drake is when it comes to how bossy Zeke is to him without having met Drake before or having an instantly good (working) relationship with him upon meeting him. Zeke's whole scheme was a bit fishy.
Anyway, despite a lot of small things that striked me as not really natural, this was a lovely, low-angst contemporary story about a small town, lots of people, a teenager, a cryptid in the woods, and the romance between Drake and Finn.
In my opinion, teenager Charlie was making this book. He seemed to have the most fleshed-out arc.
Sure, Drake and Finn were nice, but somehow I wasn't quite feeling their connection. Even their first time together came a bit out of the blue.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, as I knew I would when it comes to this author, but I wasn't feeling it as much as some of her other works.
The town is lovely, though, and this book does a good job making the reader curious about it and thus about the other books in the series.
June 13, 2025
Another book about Maplewood read and enjoyed. This series if delightful, especially since it is by several authors, but the characters just keep popping up, then being woven into the succeeding books while adding new characters for this book and the ones to come. I love that it is built around the monthly festivals (next book is Pride), so there are tiny hints for that, references to the previous festival, and great world-building for the current festival. Drake and Finn started with initial dislike which quickly went to attraction to FWB to boyfriends in less than two weeks — guess they were meant to be. Charlie was a great character in his own right, helping bring Drake and Finn together, while helping Finn recognize some things about himself at the same time. Drake needed the chance to see that he could be okay without his brother and family, that he could have a life separate from what he was used to, that he could find someone to care for him and love him for himself. I loved the chickens and Dolores, and especially Mabel — the description of her as “the love child of Gumby and the Jolly Green Giant” was perfect, such a great image in my brain. I also enjoy the mix of narration and the text messages, it mixes things up and gives a chance for some great one-liners. All in all, this is an enjoyable and entertaining book in the world of Maplewood with great characters, found family, and strong families within each book. I heartily recommend the series so far, this being my fourth book. Each author’s take is unique, yet they are all a complimentary part of the whole.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
June 14, 2025
This book is part of the multi-author Love In Maplewood series. Each book is a standalone read that features another couple from the town. This is the story of Finn Hunnicutt and Drake Derryberry. Finn is the local vet and also the new guardian for teenage Charlie. A car crash took away Charlie's parents and Finn's good friend. There is a big learning curve on both their parts. Drake used to be a part of a family band. Now he is working on being a song writer. Drake is in Maplewood to help a mutual friend put on a music festival that raises money for charity. His twin brother is away on set making a movie. It is the first time that they have been separated for so long. So Drake agrees to help out. But things are running behind the scenes that move Drake from a supporting role to the lead. Thankfully he has a lot of experience and is up to the challenge. Even if he is annoyed by being thrust in charge. And then there is Finn. Drake and Finn meet when Drake brings Charlie home after nearly hitting him with his car on the highway. Finn goes into Daddy mode and threatens Drake. Why are you with my son? What did you do? Once the situation is explained, Finn does apologize. He was just worried about Charlie. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I liked how well Drake became part of the town without trying. This is a really fun story. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I found it to be a sweet story and an enjoyable read. Who couldn't use a little humor or lightness in their life?
May 21, 2025
Drake & Finn
Considering some of the initial animosity between Drake & Finn, I was surprised how quickly the two of them jumped into things. Their lust at first sight was no joke! 🙃
This book cemented even more the found family element that the Love in Maplewood series keeps presenting. Drake was missing so much of his family, especially & specifically his twin, but felt so welcomed and included in the Maplewood community. Finn's lived in the town his whole life, but had no difficulties incorporating Drake into his family and friends.
Finn's charge/son, Charlie, is a wonderful character, and I kind of hope he'll get a story for himself some day in the future. He's going through a lot at the moment, but he's a smart and strong teenager with a promising future. He's new to Maplewood too but has already made good friends and looks to thrive in his new life.
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight was a fun and beautiful story about family, the effects of small-town gossip (all Love in Maplewood hits that nail on the head), and finding your personal strengths and wishes for yourself. Drake needed his time in Maplewood to move on from his family's celebrity past. His friends/mentors could see that and recognize his value to strive to develop and grow in a community like Maplewood. Finn loves taking care of Charlie, but learned that he needed to have something for himself to be truly happy and give Charlie the future he deserves. I was really happy to see the man develop a real family unit together and with their town.
**The carryover jokes about Caspian's baking abilities is hilarious. Delores and the Chickens were a super fun tidbit of hilarity to add to the story. Gotta watch out for that Aragornette!
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Considering some of the initial animosity between Drake & Finn, I was surprised how quickly the two of them jumped into things. Their lust at first sight was no joke! 🙃
This book cemented even more the found family element that the Love in Maplewood series keeps presenting. Drake was missing so much of his family, especially & specifically his twin, but felt so welcomed and included in the Maplewood community. Finn's lived in the town his whole life, but had no difficulties incorporating Drake into his family and friends.
Finn's charge/son, Charlie, is a wonderful character, and I kind of hope he'll get a story for himself some day in the future. He's going through a lot at the moment, but he's a smart and strong teenager with a promising future. He's new to Maplewood too but has already made good friends and looks to thrive in his new life.
Can You Feel the Maple Tonight was a fun and beautiful story about family, the effects of small-town gossip (all Love in Maplewood hits that nail on the head), and finding your personal strengths and wishes for yourself. Drake needed his time in Maplewood to move on from his family's celebrity past. His friends/mentors could see that and recognize his value to strive to develop and grow in a community like Maplewood. Finn loves taking care of Charlie, but learned that he needed to have something for himself to be truly happy and give Charlie the future he deserves. I was really happy to see the man develop a real family unit together and with their town.
**The carryover jokes about Caspian's baking abilities is hilarious. Delores and the Chickens were a super fun tidbit of hilarity to add to the story. Gotta watch out for that Aragornette!
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
June 11, 2025
This is a really enjoyable book in the Love in Maplewood series. Single dad is my trope and though this is single guardian, it still stands.
Finn and Drake don't have the most auspicious first meeting but tensions are high with Finn's son, Charles, having gone ever so slightly missing. Drake is the one to come across the teen and take him back home and Finn doesn't react well to a strange man around Charles. That's pretty much it for the drama but it then gives the men a chance to try and get back on equal footing as they are going to be seeing a lot of each other, whether accidentally or by being pushed in each other's direction by well meaning folk.
Drake is only in town to help out with the local music festival but I felt bad for him as it seems he's just getting dumped with everything. Though, he takes it all in stride and seems to flourish with the responsibility. I like the relationship that he has with a couple of his brothers, still close even though they're not currently in the same place.
Finn has been focused on Charles and the grief they've both experienced but there is no denying Drake and their attraction. The age gap doesn't bother either men and Drake comes across older than his age anyway.
It's an entertaining story from the beginning, with the added bonus of a protective mother hen, meddlesome family and those who think they know best. The town folk continue to amuse, though the blog does sound a little bit weird and too involved in commenting on people's lives.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Finn and Drake don't have the most auspicious first meeting but tensions are high with Finn's son, Charles, having gone ever so slightly missing. Drake is the one to come across the teen and take him back home and Finn doesn't react well to a strange man around Charles. That's pretty much it for the drama but it then gives the men a chance to try and get back on equal footing as they are going to be seeing a lot of each other, whether accidentally or by being pushed in each other's direction by well meaning folk.
Drake is only in town to help out with the local music festival but I felt bad for him as it seems he's just getting dumped with everything. Though, he takes it all in stride and seems to flourish with the responsibility. I like the relationship that he has with a couple of his brothers, still close even though they're not currently in the same place.
Finn has been focused on Charles and the grief they've both experienced but there is no denying Drake and their attraction. The age gap doesn't bother either men and Drake comes across older than his age anyway.
It's an entertaining story from the beginning, with the added bonus of a protective mother hen, meddlesome family and those who think they know best. The town folk continue to amuse, though the blog does sound a little bit weird and too involved in commenting on people's lives.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 14, 2025
4.5 stars!
This is book five in the Love in Maplewood multi-author series—a fictional town in Vermont with the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents where everyone can find a place where they belong and this one features Drake, a former child star and Finn, the vet of Maplewood.
When Drake was asked by a friend to help out with a music festival, he left his home in Bent Oaks, TX for Maplewood, VT (I loved all of the references to previous Bent Oak characters!) with every intention of getting in, doing what he promised and getting out. Didn’t quite work out that way.
The first time our two MCs met was a bit of a disaster with Finn making wild accusations against Drake out of a sense of almost hysterical relief when Drake returned Charlie, Finn’s son, who was thought to have run away. Ultimately though, their relationship, although it started off rocky, was so amazingly good.
I loved the lighthearted feel of the book—the texts, the blog, the chickens…all of it together just made it so much fun to read. And Mabel the Monster, she added just the right note of creepiness. I tensed every time food was taken for her and then, the way it was resolved at the end was perfect!! The entire book was really, there was no angst, no drama, no third act breakup, just an amazingly good read! Check it out, you’ll be glad you did. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five in the Love in Maplewood multi-author series—a fictional town in Vermont with the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents where everyone can find a place where they belong and this one features Drake, a former child star and Finn, the vet of Maplewood.
When Drake was asked by a friend to help out with a music festival, he left his home in Bent Oaks, TX for Maplewood, VT (I loved all of the references to previous Bent Oak characters!) with every intention of getting in, doing what he promised and getting out. Didn’t quite work out that way.
The first time our two MCs met was a bit of a disaster with Finn making wild accusations against Drake out of a sense of almost hysterical relief when Drake returned Charlie, Finn’s son, who was thought to have run away. Ultimately though, their relationship, although it started off rocky, was so amazingly good.
I loved the lighthearted feel of the book—the texts, the blog, the chickens…all of it together just made it so much fun to read. And Mabel the Monster, she added just the right note of creepiness. I tensed every time food was taken for her and then, the way it was resolved at the end was perfect!! The entire book was really, there was no angst, no drama, no third act breakup, just an amazingly good read! Check it out, you’ll be glad you did. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Monsters in the woods, angst in the town, and romance blossoms.
This entry in the “Love in Maplewood” series is a gift of funny idiosyncrasies, a genuine connection between the two main characters, and a wonderful assortment of town residents who have something to say about everything.
Several significant literary mechanisms are part of this series: a blogger’s commentary on gossip and what’s happening in the town, a feud between two diners who seek to gain allegiance and public affirmation, and a reported monster in the woods who is fed daily by the townspeople. There’s also the songwriting that Drake Derry does, which frames some of the feelings expressed in this special, gay-friendly Vermont town. The text messages that fly around the narrative of the book provide key exchanges and great insight into the characters. This is a dual POV novel that can get a little confusing with the long list of characters.
There’s also a major music festival that happens every year, and that’s why Drake ends up there, being asked to help Zeek, the aging leader and founder of the music festival. Drake was suggested because he’s no longer touring, and his twin is now making movies. He comes from a musical family that raised his siblings to perform as pre-teens and teens.
Drake accepts the request to help with the festival, believing it to be a temporary arrangement while he continues his career as a songwriter for others. However, upon his arrival, he’s struck by Finn, the town’s veterinarian and custodian of Charles, who lost his parents in a tragic auto accident. He also finds Zeke, the man who created the music festival and whom he was meant to help, often stepping away from the festival but reemerging for important administrative details.
The romance—because it truly is a romance—between Drake and Finn begins with them seeing each other as less than partners, but they eventually come to envision a potential future together. Finn’s care for Charlie is sincere, and Drake offers Charlie advice regarding the talent competition that’s part of the festival. His songs—though we don’t get to see all the lyrics—represent healing and genuine affection for Finn. Charlie plays a significant role, both objecting to and endorsing the relationship between Finn and Drake.
The author deserves commendation for the continuity of characters in the town. Although this series involves multiple authors, the same town and people weave in and out of the story. My first entry into the series was "Love Me Like It’s Real" by Rhys Everly, which painted a vivid picture of Maplewood, and Bix Barrow continues that authentic feeling.
There is one outcome I could not resolve: Who won the talent contest? I’ve reread the text from the end of the competition to the end of the book and still haven’t been able to figure that out.
This glimpse into Maplewood concludes with a very happy ending, and the book's title relates both to that love and a song that Charlie and Drake perform.
I truly enjoyed the story and the work of those who created Maplewood and who tell its story.
This entry in the “Love in Maplewood” series is a gift of funny idiosyncrasies, a genuine connection between the two main characters, and a wonderful assortment of town residents who have something to say about everything.
Several significant literary mechanisms are part of this series: a blogger’s commentary on gossip and what’s happening in the town, a feud between two diners who seek to gain allegiance and public affirmation, and a reported monster in the woods who is fed daily by the townspeople. There’s also the songwriting that Drake Derry does, which frames some of the feelings expressed in this special, gay-friendly Vermont town. The text messages that fly around the narrative of the book provide key exchanges and great insight into the characters. This is a dual POV novel that can get a little confusing with the long list of characters.
There’s also a major music festival that happens every year, and that’s why Drake ends up there, being asked to help Zeek, the aging leader and founder of the music festival. Drake was suggested because he’s no longer touring, and his twin is now making movies. He comes from a musical family that raised his siblings to perform as pre-teens and teens.
Drake accepts the request to help with the festival, believing it to be a temporary arrangement while he continues his career as a songwriter for others. However, upon his arrival, he’s struck by Finn, the town’s veterinarian and custodian of Charles, who lost his parents in a tragic auto accident. He also finds Zeke, the man who created the music festival and whom he was meant to help, often stepping away from the festival but reemerging for important administrative details.
The romance—because it truly is a romance—between Drake and Finn begins with them seeing each other as less than partners, but they eventually come to envision a potential future together. Finn’s care for Charlie is sincere, and Drake offers Charlie advice regarding the talent competition that’s part of the festival. His songs—though we don’t get to see all the lyrics—represent healing and genuine affection for Finn. Charlie plays a significant role, both objecting to and endorsing the relationship between Finn and Drake.
The author deserves commendation for the continuity of characters in the town. Although this series involves multiple authors, the same town and people weave in and out of the story. My first entry into the series was "Love Me Like It’s Real" by Rhys Everly, which painted a vivid picture of Maplewood, and Bix Barrow continues that authentic feeling.
There is one outcome I could not resolve: Who won the talent contest? I’ve reread the text from the end of the competition to the end of the book and still haven’t been able to figure that out.
This glimpse into Maplewood concludes with a very happy ending, and the book's title relates both to that love and a song that Charlie and Drake perform.
I truly enjoyed the story and the work of those who created Maplewood and who tell its story.
May 31, 2025
I love romance that also has a lot of humor, and Bix Barrow never disappoints. Add in a multi-author series set in a small town with lots of fun festivals, I knew I was going to love this book!
Drake (from Bix Barrow’s Bent Oak series) comes to Maplewood to help a friend of a friend with a music festival. On his way into town, Drake meets (a.k.a. almost runs over) local teen, Charlie, which leads to meeting Charlie’s guardian, Finn. After a bit of a rough start, Drake and Finn’s relationship begin to develop.
Things that I really liked about this book - I really liked the cameos from the characters in the Bent Oak Series. I enjoyed that series, but I can see where anyone who didn’t read the series would be confused about who all of these people are and how they are connected to Drake. I also really liked the side characters, the animals, and Mabel, the cryptid.
Things that didn’t work as well for me - The attempt to set Drake and Finn as enemies at the beginning was a bit forced and out of character, but I was able to quickly get past this as their relationship started moving forward. I also had a hard time with the age-gap, it seemed like the author forgot about it for a lot of the book and then had to go back in and put in references to their ages. It just felt a little like an afterthought.
Overall, I really enjoyed Drake and Finn’s story!
Drake (from Bix Barrow’s Bent Oak series) comes to Maplewood to help a friend of a friend with a music festival. On his way into town, Drake meets (a.k.a. almost runs over) local teen, Charlie, which leads to meeting Charlie’s guardian, Finn. After a bit of a rough start, Drake and Finn’s relationship begin to develop.
Things that I really liked about this book - I really liked the cameos from the characters in the Bent Oak Series. I enjoyed that series, but I can see where anyone who didn’t read the series would be confused about who all of these people are and how they are connected to Drake. I also really liked the side characters, the animals, and Mabel, the cryptid.
Things that didn’t work as well for me - The attempt to set Drake and Finn as enemies at the beginning was a bit forced and out of character, but I was able to quickly get past this as their relationship started moving forward. I also had a hard time with the age-gap, it seemed like the author forgot about it for a lot of the book and then had to go back in and put in references to their ages. It just felt a little like an afterthought.
Overall, I really enjoyed Drake and Finn’s story!
June 14, 2025
peanut butter cookies, D&D hoarded chicken horde, Froda, chipotle snickerdoodles, Baby Finkelstein, Jolly Green Giant & Gumby love-child stuffie
Another marvelous addition to the multi-author collaboration, "Love in Maplewood" series. This one's from Bix Barrow, a favorite author of mine. I was looking forward to Ms. Barrow's contribution, and I wasn't disappointed at all. It's low angst, and high steam. Seeing the good folks of Maplewood again is always a delight!
Despite the age difference, veterinarian Finn Hunnicutt and famous songwriter/musician Drake Derryberry make a darling couple. This is even after Finn's false start. Mabel also co-stars. YAY! Oh, there's a vicious chicken attack, too. lol
Texan Drake is in town to judge the annual Maplewood Music Festival amateur contest. Somehow, he ends up taking over the event's organizing from longtime town resident Zeke Knight. Also, Drake mostly takes over feeding Mabel and Zeke's pet, Dolores.
Finn is the recent guardian of 16 year-old Seattle-ite Charles. Being single and inexperienced, Finn struggles to be whatever grieving and uprooted Charlie needs (At least there aren't any diapers to change). Charlie will tug at your heart. It's interesting to learn how Finn and Charlie are connected.
I ravenously read and enjoyed this lighthearted story. I eagerly recommend it.
Another marvelous addition to the multi-author collaboration, "Love in Maplewood" series. This one's from Bix Barrow, a favorite author of mine. I was looking forward to Ms. Barrow's contribution, and I wasn't disappointed at all. It's low angst, and high steam. Seeing the good folks of Maplewood again is always a delight!
Despite the age difference, veterinarian Finn Hunnicutt and famous songwriter/musician Drake Derryberry make a darling couple. This is even after Finn's false start. Mabel also co-stars. YAY! Oh, there's a vicious chicken attack, too. lol
Texan Drake is in town to judge the annual Maplewood Music Festival amateur contest. Somehow, he ends up taking over the event's organizing from longtime town resident Zeke Knight. Also, Drake mostly takes over feeding Mabel and Zeke's pet, Dolores.
Finn is the recent guardian of 16 year-old Seattle-ite Charles. Being single and inexperienced, Finn struggles to be whatever grieving and uprooted Charlie needs (At least there aren't any diapers to change). Charlie will tug at your heart. It's interesting to learn how Finn and Charlie are connected.
I ravenously read and enjoyed this lighthearted story. I eagerly recommend it.
May 20, 2025
Drake doesn’t realize what he is getting into when he agrees to help run a music festival in Maplewood. He also doesn’t expect how exciting his arrival is including rescuing a teenager who was running out of the woods because he say the town’s cryptid! And he really doesn’t expect to meet the teen’s guardian, Finn, and have so much chemistry between them. You know, when they aren’t bickering. Maplewood is nothing like Drake expected and the longer he is around, the more he is tempted to stay. Especially when he starts hooking up with Finn and feelings start catching. But will Finn feel the same? Can Drake really stay in Maplewood? It’s been a while few months for Finn. When his best friends die unexpectedly he finds himself the parent of a teenager. Keeping Charlie safe and happy is all he wants. But then suddenly, he meets Drake. And what may start out as just a friends with benefits situation since Drake is only here for a short while turns into so much more when feelings start catching. But is the time right? I really enjoyed Drake and Finn’s story! Their banter was fun and the town’s shenanigans just get more hilarious! I loved how these two start to fall for one another. Another fun story in this series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2025
🐣🐔🐢Romantic with nice comic bits😊
4.5🌟 stars
The romance here was cozy: strangers feeling an immediate connection and knowing there might be a very short window for anything they want to happen. Despite the risk of separation, they settle into a relaxed domesticity and caring coupledom. Charlie, the orphaned teen who recently became local vet Finn's charge, adds a nice touch to their romance, actually spurring visiting songwriter Drake and Finn's first encounter and lending some emotional moments as he adapts to life without his parents in a new town.
Though I liked the romance and the main characters were great guys, what bumped up my rating was the animals, particularly rescued chickens Aragornette and her compatriots, and Dolores the (lonely?) tortoise. And the local legendary cryptid Mabel: tall, green mysterious denizen of the Vermont woods around Maplewood and amply fed by Drake's host, festival organizer Zeke. They added the whimsy and some fun.
Although this is part of a connected Maplewood series by different authors it can easily be read as a standalone.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
The romance here was cozy: strangers feeling an immediate connection and knowing there might be a very short window for anything they want to happen. Despite the risk of separation, they settle into a relaxed domesticity and caring coupledom. Charlie, the orphaned teen who recently became local vet Finn's charge, adds a nice touch to their romance, actually spurring visiting songwriter Drake and Finn's first encounter and lending some emotional moments as he adapts to life without his parents in a new town.
Though I liked the romance and the main characters were great guys, what bumped up my rating was the animals, particularly rescued chickens Aragornette and her compatriots, and Dolores the (lonely?) tortoise. And the local legendary cryptid Mabel: tall, green mysterious denizen of the Vermont woods around Maplewood and amply fed by Drake's host, festival organizer Zeke. They added the whimsy and some fun.
Although this is part of a connected Maplewood series by different authors it can easily be read as a standalone.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 17, 2025
Mabel the Cryptid was definitely the star
There's a lot going on here, and a large cast to get your head around. I haven't read the Bent Oak, Texas series and some of those characters are included here and, while I didn't feel as though I missed out, it felt as though they were shoe-horned in. Characters from the previous books in the series also make appearances, some very fleeting, and after a little while my head was spinning. Charlie was possibly my favourite character (after Mabel!) and I liked Alex too so I'm looking forwqrd to his story in The Great Maple Mistake.
I liked Drake a lot, though Finn was a bit of a harder sell for me. There was an age gap and it was noticeable, and the 'friends with benefits' were never really friends with benefits at all. They jumped into bed very quickly and then didn't have a conversation about their situation and their feelings till very late on.
The whole 'Drake, go and help with the festival' arc was fun but I didn't like the way it played out in the end. The festival itself was great and seeing Roy and Dmitri again was a definite plus.
The whole series is sweet, like the town is, and the stories make for easy reading.
There's a lot going on here, and a large cast to get your head around. I haven't read the Bent Oak, Texas series and some of those characters are included here and, while I didn't feel as though I missed out, it felt as though they were shoe-horned in. Characters from the previous books in the series also make appearances, some very fleeting, and after a little while my head was spinning. Charlie was possibly my favourite character (after Mabel!) and I liked Alex too so I'm looking forwqrd to his story in The Great Maple Mistake.
I liked Drake a lot, though Finn was a bit of a harder sell for me. There was an age gap and it was noticeable, and the 'friends with benefits' were never really friends with benefits at all. They jumped into bed very quickly and then didn't have a conversation about their situation and their feelings till very late on.
The whole 'Drake, go and help with the festival' arc was fun but I didn't like the way it played out in the end. The festival itself was great and seeing Roy and Dmitri again was a definite plus.
The whole series is sweet, like the town is, and the stories make for easy reading.
May 18, 2025
I adored this! Unusually in a shared world, this feels fully integrated as characters from previous and future books interact with each other along with numerous side characters who pop up across the books. The town of Maplewood feels fully formed and a place I'd definitely like to visit. I am in awe of whoever planned this series.
This story transplants Drake Derry, from Bix's Bent Oak series, to help out with a the music festival in Maplewood as a favour for a friend. Here he meets Finn Hunnicutt, the local vet and new guardian of teenager, Charlie. I really enjoyed Drake and Finn together. They definitely had their ups and downs, but what started as animosity turned into something else altogether. They were fun, a bit steamy, and felt very real, which I loved. It was a fun plot about finding home in surprising places. The text message exchanges were laugh out loud funny at times and I liked reading the Maplewood Matters blog - I really want to know who's writing that. All in all a charming, funny, story that I will definitely read again.
This story transplants Drake Derry, from Bix's Bent Oak series, to help out with a the music festival in Maplewood as a favour for a friend. Here he meets Finn Hunnicutt, the local vet and new guardian of teenager, Charlie. I really enjoyed Drake and Finn together. They definitely had their ups and downs, but what started as animosity turned into something else altogether. They were fun, a bit steamy, and felt very real, which I loved. It was a fun plot about finding home in surprising places. The text message exchanges were laugh out loud funny at times and I liked reading the Maplewood Matters blog - I really want to know who's writing that. All in all a charming, funny, story that I will definitely read again.
June 8, 2025
Part of a multi-author series (Love in Maplewood), but can be read as a standalone. Age gap. Single parent. Found family. Dual POV.
Former music star and current songwriter Drake comes to Maplewood Vermont to help run the local music festival, and being attracted to the local veterinarian has no future since Drake is only there for a short time. When they first meet, Finn winds up yelling at the handsome young man that rescued his son, but he really wouldn’t mind a short term hookup until Finn realizes he can’t bear the thought of Drake leaving.
Both Drake and Finn were likable characters, although I wish we got to see more of their personal backgrounds and since their relationship quickly turned serious, some more time spent with them together and their emotional connection. There was a lot going on in this story with a multitude of interesting side characters, a mysterious local cryptid, music festival chaos and some troublesome chickens. Overall, a cute read with some cameos from the author’s previous books and some overlap of characters from the Love in Maplewood series.
Former music star and current songwriter Drake comes to Maplewood Vermont to help run the local music festival, and being attracted to the local veterinarian has no future since Drake is only there for a short time. When they first meet, Finn winds up yelling at the handsome young man that rescued his son, but he really wouldn’t mind a short term hookup until Finn realizes he can’t bear the thought of Drake leaving.
Both Drake and Finn were likable characters, although I wish we got to see more of their personal backgrounds and since their relationship quickly turned serious, some more time spent with them together and their emotional connection. There was a lot going on in this story with a multitude of interesting side characters, a mysterious local cryptid, music festival chaos and some troublesome chickens. Overall, a cute read with some cameos from the author’s previous books and some overlap of characters from the Love in Maplewood series.
June 22, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I picked it up because it was part of the Maplewood series, and I loved it. It did take me a while to get into it, and I thought Finn and Drake went from antagonists to friends with benefits a little too quickly, but I soon got into the story, couldn’t put it down and was invested in their sweet HEA.
I loved revisiting Maplewood, reconnecting with characters I knew, and meeting new ones. I hadn’t read any of the previous books about Drake and his family, but I soon picked up who everyone is, and added to my TBR.
I liked the role family and found family played in the story, with Drake’s relationship with his family, especially his twin, and Finn struggling with newly parenting a teenager. I loved how caring Finn is towards Drake, and how, although their relationship begins as physical attraction, it soon becomes so much more.
I also enjoyed the music festival and seeing it from Drake’s perspective as he works to make it a success. I loved the side plot of Mabel, and the chickens.
I loved revisiting Maplewood, reconnecting with characters I knew, and meeting new ones. I hadn’t read any of the previous books about Drake and his family, but I soon picked up who everyone is, and added to my TBR.
I liked the role family and found family played in the story, with Drake’s relationship with his family, especially his twin, and Finn struggling with newly parenting a teenager. I loved how caring Finn is towards Drake, and how, although their relationship begins as physical attraction, it soon becomes so much more.
I also enjoyed the music festival and seeing it from Drake’s perspective as he works to make it a success. I loved the side plot of Mabel, and the chickens.
May 19, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable, on multiple levels.
Story is great.
I liked the characters, getting to know them, and seeing relationships develop.
Talented author.
Obvious backstories and ties to other books, and the author finds the *chef’s kiss* perfect amount of detail to provide context.
All too often, backstory from connected books is either too much detail (blah blah boring) or not enough (made to feel like you’re missing something that’s obvious to others). I enjoyed the glimpses enough to seek out the Bix Barrow books that have some of those backstories, but don’t feel like I have to in order to “get it.”
Low angst without being unrealistic. Not everything is perfect. But the angst that does exist isn’t manufactured for plot convenience. Some people in the book have lived through shitty things. But it’s not trauma porn.
Just a thoroughly enjoyable read about finding your person and finding your place.
Story is great.
I liked the characters, getting to know them, and seeing relationships develop.
Talented author.
Obvious backstories and ties to other books, and the author finds the *chef’s kiss* perfect amount of detail to provide context.
All too often, backstory from connected books is either too much detail (blah blah boring) or not enough (made to feel like you’re missing something that’s obvious to others). I enjoyed the glimpses enough to seek out the Bix Barrow books that have some of those backstories, but don’t feel like I have to in order to “get it.”
Low angst without being unrealistic. Not everything is perfect. But the angst that does exist isn’t manufactured for plot convenience. Some people in the book have lived through shitty things. But it’s not trauma porn.
Just a thoroughly enjoyable read about finding your person and finding your place.
June 14, 2025
Love the series but hate the busybody blogger
This is another delightful addition to the Love in Maplewood series. I love how consistently the characters of the preceeding stories are portrayed as the series grows. The one evolving "character" in the series is the Maple Messenger blog... I have grown to hate that damn blogger. I am aware that part of the "charm" of these small town stories is the interest and involvement (support) of the community and its rumor mill. However, the MM blog is the worst parts of paparazzi, gossip column, and celebrity trash magazine. I cring, and not in a good way, every time that damn blogger makes pointed commentary (positive or negative) about the MCs in the stories. All I want to do is hunt down the blogger and beat them bloody for being so intrusive in other people's private lives.
I don't hate the MM blog enough to not enjoy each romance and look forward to reading the rest of these wonderful tales.
This is another delightful addition to the Love in Maplewood series. I love how consistently the characters of the preceeding stories are portrayed as the series grows. The one evolving "character" in the series is the Maple Messenger blog... I have grown to hate that damn blogger. I am aware that part of the "charm" of these small town stories is the interest and involvement (support) of the community and its rumor mill. However, the MM blog is the worst parts of paparazzi, gossip column, and celebrity trash magazine. I cring, and not in a good way, every time that damn blogger makes pointed commentary (positive or negative) about the MCs in the stories. All I want to do is hunt down the blogger and beat them bloody for being so intrusive in other people's private lives.
I don't hate the MM blog enough to not enjoy each romance and look forward to reading the rest of these wonderful tales.
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