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Gomillion High Reunion
Sam & Justin
Sam
I left Gomillion right after high school, and in the twenty years since, I barely went back. I'd hated that place, and it hated me just as much. Leaving was the best thing I ever did, but when I got that reunion invite, I decided to go back.
Then I saw my old tutor again. Justin caught my attention back in high school, and he captured it again now.
But the reunion's only for one weekend, and letting roots grow back in Gomillion was never part of my plan.
Justin
Gomillion has always been home to me. I was the class president. I work at city hall. I was even in charge of planning the reunion for Gomillion High's inaugural graduating class. My class. I loved the consistency of my small town, a place where things didn't change a lot.
But then Sam came to the reunion and changed everything for me. After a few hours, I know that one weekend with him could never be enough.
So, the question is: how do I make it work with someone who wants nothing to do with the town I call home, who has ghosts and scars in this town that I will never understand?
Gomillion High Reunion series is a multi-author collaboration celebrating the 20th reunion of former classmates in a charming small town. From fake dating and long-held rivalries to first loves and second chances, anything can happen when the past and present collide. Don’t miss the reunion - RSVP today!
I left Gomillion right after high school, and in the twenty years since, I barely went back. I'd hated that place, and it hated me just as much. Leaving was the best thing I ever did, but when I got that reunion invite, I decided to go back.
Then I saw my old tutor again. Justin caught my attention back in high school, and he captured it again now.
But the reunion's only for one weekend, and letting roots grow back in Gomillion was never part of my plan.
Justin
Gomillion has always been home to me. I was the class president. I work at city hall. I was even in charge of planning the reunion for Gomillion High's inaugural graduating class. My class. I loved the consistency of my small town, a place where things didn't change a lot.
But then Sam came to the reunion and changed everything for me. After a few hours, I know that one weekend with him could never be enough.
So, the question is: how do I make it work with someone who wants nothing to do with the town I call home, who has ghosts and scars in this town that I will never understand?
Gomillion High Reunion series is a multi-author collaboration celebrating the 20th reunion of former classmates in a charming small town. From fake dating and long-held rivalries to first loves and second chances, anything can happen when the past and present collide. Don’t miss the reunion - RSVP today!
- GenresM M Romance
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
10 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 25, 2025
Justin the former Gomillion High School class president is in charge of planning the reunion and with the RSVP of a man he used to tutor memories come back that he hadn’t expected. Sam couldn’t wait to get out of Gomillion when he graduated high school, in Gomillion that is where his past was and all the bad memories that come along with it. When his best friend Axel encourages him to go the reunion, he obliges and reconnects with man who was his tutor.
These two have a beautiful push and pull relationship, they may be opposites in many ways, yet they have a connection. When the reunion ends, they must decide if it’s worth the risk of more. Essie did a beautiful job in the slow building of their relationship post reunion to something lasting. Justins sheer optimism with realism tangled in helps Sam become more open with people to build lasting relationships. Essie snuck in enough easter eggs of future couples to make me interested in upcoming books from the other authors in this combined universe. Overall, a well done and fun part of this series.
I received an early copy of this story for my honest review.
These two have a beautiful push and pull relationship, they may be opposites in many ways, yet they have a connection. When the reunion ends, they must decide if it’s worth the risk of more. Essie did a beautiful job in the slow building of their relationship post reunion to something lasting. Justins sheer optimism with realism tangled in helps Sam become more open with people to build lasting relationships. Essie snuck in enough easter eggs of future couples to make me interested in upcoming books from the other authors in this combined universe. Overall, a well done and fun part of this series.
I received an early copy of this story for my honest review.
January 11, 2026
Unexpected Acceptance!
Sweet story of finding love and acceptance in the last place one would expect it. Sweet story even though it is set on a foundation of hurt and rejection.
Sweet story of finding love and acceptance in the last place one would expect it. Sweet story even though it is set on a foundation of hurt and rejection.
October 6, 2025
Back again to Gomillion High with a different perspective on the time spent there as a High Schooler, the intervening years and the joy, or not, of the reunion. This is Sam and Justin's reunion story and it is addictive!
When Sam left Gomillion he also left the town, he didn't want to look back, his memories weren't fond ones. He moved away, he might only be a few hour's drive away but it suits him. Now he has a successful counselling practice and an amazing best friend. He is also now a divorcee which is in part why, on seeing his old tutor's name on the reunion email invitation, he decides to accept. The other reason is his best friend who is convinced it will be good for Sam. And so he finds himself back in Gomillion, not quite dreading but not really excited about the reunion. He's booked the motel just out of town so he doesn't have to see everyone and their judgement. He may not have been in the best crowds, may have struggled then, but this is now, he is a different person.
Justin never left. he loved Gomilllion, loved his High School experience, never really had any reason to leave if he is honest. If he is also honest he may have taken on a little too much with planning the event and his day job which he does seem to be married to. But with his boss knowing she can reach him, the reunion needing his organisational skills and the fact that since he was Class President of their graduating year, he really does need to be there, he's there. Then there is Sam. When Justin see's Sam's name on the acceptance list, of course he is interested, curious, wants to know more about what the other man has been doing over the last 20 years. And he is about to learn just that.
Their back story, present day story, are perfect. They are interesting, from two different worlds, back then, and still with different experiences between them, yet the spark they both knew back then is still there now and once more Sam feels comfortable with Justin, he is able to be more like himself around the other man and Justin, he is falling for Sam, he really is. But how can they make it work? neither of them want it to be only for the weekend but they both have lives, one of them away from Gomillion. Events unfold, not always happily for the characters but with an outcome that will lead to positive change and plenty of future happiness for all.
Essie Sloane has perfectly captured the spirit of this co-authored High School reunion series and her characters are true to themselves, true to the spirit of change that will have taken place over 20 years. Their jobs, their lives now, these are very real and in part heartbreaking but that is also what makes this such an incredibly readable and addictive story. Oh, there are steamy scenes too and a perfectly fitting HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Sam left Gomillion he also left the town, he didn't want to look back, his memories weren't fond ones. He moved away, he might only be a few hour's drive away but it suits him. Now he has a successful counselling practice and an amazing best friend. He is also now a divorcee which is in part why, on seeing his old tutor's name on the reunion email invitation, he decides to accept. The other reason is his best friend who is convinced it will be good for Sam. And so he finds himself back in Gomillion, not quite dreading but not really excited about the reunion. He's booked the motel just out of town so he doesn't have to see everyone and their judgement. He may not have been in the best crowds, may have struggled then, but this is now, he is a different person.
Justin never left. he loved Gomilllion, loved his High School experience, never really had any reason to leave if he is honest. If he is also honest he may have taken on a little too much with planning the event and his day job which he does seem to be married to. But with his boss knowing she can reach him, the reunion needing his organisational skills and the fact that since he was Class President of their graduating year, he really does need to be there, he's there. Then there is Sam. When Justin see's Sam's name on the acceptance list, of course he is interested, curious, wants to know more about what the other man has been doing over the last 20 years. And he is about to learn just that.
Their back story, present day story, are perfect. They are interesting, from two different worlds, back then, and still with different experiences between them, yet the spark they both knew back then is still there now and once more Sam feels comfortable with Justin, he is able to be more like himself around the other man and Justin, he is falling for Sam, he really is. But how can they make it work? neither of them want it to be only for the weekend but they both have lives, one of them away from Gomillion. Events unfold, not always happily for the characters but with an outcome that will lead to positive change and plenty of future happiness for all.
Essie Sloane has perfectly captured the spirit of this co-authored High School reunion series and her characters are true to themselves, true to the spirit of change that will have taken place over 20 years. Their jobs, their lives now, these are very real and in part heartbreaking but that is also what makes this such an incredibly readable and addictive story. Oh, there are steamy scenes too and a perfectly fitting HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2025
Absolutely loved it
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm already hooked and have bought a few of her other books that I'm super excited to get into. But for this one, I can say I very much enjoyed reading about Sam and Justin's love story. They started with bad boy, (or so people thought) Sam, having a huge crush on smart boy Justin who tutored him in high school. Sam had a reputation and not the best home life so I guess it's no wonder that people from small town Gomillion still have that perception of him when he goes back for his 20-year reunion at the encouragement of his best friend Axel. He wanted to show the people of his hometown that he had changed and he's successful and has his life together except he feels much of the same way at the reunion as he did in high school especially when none of his old friends attend. People still seem to see the person he used to be. That is everyone except Justin himself. Justin went to college not too far from Gomillion and after college he moved back. The place felt like home and he was a workaholic who liked his job even when it was stressful which also contributed to his many failed relationships with partners who couldn't handle his workload. He's in charge of setting up the reunion and when he sees Sam RSVP to come he gets a blast from the past. He remembers the boy with the gray eyes who was misunderstood and that he later found out while in college that he actually had a crush on him but didn't know it until he discovered that he was pansexual. When the reunion comes along Sam and Justin finally come face to face again after all this time. Besides the bit of small talk awkwardness in the beginning they find themselves inseparable the whole reunion when Justin wasn't busy with his responsibilities. The discovery that that attraction is still there and the weekend they spent together cements the comeback of the crush they had on each other in high school. Except now they're more than willing to explore that connection that reunion weekend. What they didn't expect when the weekend came to a close was the way they didn't want to say goodbye, but with them living a few hours away from each other and having their own lives it would be hard. But when fate sets up something that could be beautiful they have to make the decisions that keep them together. This was a super sweet and spicy read that I think many people would enjoy. I know I did.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm already hooked and have bought a few of her other books that I'm super excited to get into. But for this one, I can say I very much enjoyed reading about Sam and Justin's love story. They started with bad boy, (or so people thought) Sam, having a huge crush on smart boy Justin who tutored him in high school. Sam had a reputation and not the best home life so I guess it's no wonder that people from small town Gomillion still have that perception of him when he goes back for his 20-year reunion at the encouragement of his best friend Axel. He wanted to show the people of his hometown that he had changed and he's successful and has his life together except he feels much of the same way at the reunion as he did in high school especially when none of his old friends attend. People still seem to see the person he used to be. That is everyone except Justin himself. Justin went to college not too far from Gomillion and after college he moved back. The place felt like home and he was a workaholic who liked his job even when it was stressful which also contributed to his many failed relationships with partners who couldn't handle his workload. He's in charge of setting up the reunion and when he sees Sam RSVP to come he gets a blast from the past. He remembers the boy with the gray eyes who was misunderstood and that he later found out while in college that he actually had a crush on him but didn't know it until he discovered that he was pansexual. When the reunion comes along Sam and Justin finally come face to face again after all this time. Besides the bit of small talk awkwardness in the beginning they find themselves inseparable the whole reunion when Justin wasn't busy with his responsibilities. The discovery that that attraction is still there and the weekend they spent together cements the comeback of the crush they had on each other in high school. Except now they're more than willing to explore that connection that reunion weekend. What they didn't expect when the weekend came to a close was the way they didn't want to say goodbye, but with them living a few hours away from each other and having their own lives it would be hard. But when fate sets up something that could be beautiful they have to make the decisions that keep them together. This was a super sweet and spicy read that I think many people would enjoy. I know I did.
October 5, 2025
Sam & Justin is Essie Sloane's contribution to the multiauthor Gomillion High Reunion series. Well someone had to write a story about the misunderstood bad boy and the straight arrow tutor. I'd say Essie Sloane got it right. Opposites attract. Sam's from the wrong side of town, with an alcoholic, narrowminded father. Justin has a loving relationship with his parents. Sam was thrown out of the house when he came out, Justin's parents responded with acceptance and love.
Twenty years later, Sam found his niche in the world, as a counselor to kids having a hard time. Kids like he once was. Justin works for the Gomillion City Planner. It's a thankless, not 9 to 5 job. One in which he really isn't invested in.
They both suffer from anxiety. Sam gets overwhelmed by crowds, Justin's obsession with lists, details and perfection makes his life a nightmare. Ohhhh, cue the angst. They reconnect at the reunion check-in, and spend the next 72 hours together. It's not a fling. But they live hours apart Both are relationship shy.
There were parts of the story that made me cringe. And there were sweet moments. Spicy sizzle, and one encounter darn near melted their phones. The ending was predictable.... but hey. Short of teleportation or messing with the time/space continuum, yeah.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
Twenty years later, Sam found his niche in the world, as a counselor to kids having a hard time. Kids like he once was. Justin works for the Gomillion City Planner. It's a thankless, not 9 to 5 job. One in which he really isn't invested in.
They both suffer from anxiety. Sam gets overwhelmed by crowds, Justin's obsession with lists, details and perfection makes his life a nightmare. Ohhhh, cue the angst. They reconnect at the reunion check-in, and spend the next 72 hours together. It's not a fling. But they live hours apart Both are relationship shy.
There were parts of the story that made me cringe. And there were sweet moments. Spicy sizzle, and one encounter darn near melted their phones. The ending was predictable.... but hey. Short of teleportation or messing with the time/space continuum, yeah.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
October 19, 2025
This is a story about Sam and Justin, who are reunited at their high school reunion after twenty years, despite their conflicting feelings about their hometown, Gomillion. Sam hated Gomillion, feeling the town hated him back, and left immediately after high school. He returns only for the reunion but is instantly captivated by his former tutor, Justin. Sam, however, has no intention of putting down roots. Justin is the complete opposite: he loves the stability of Gomillion, where he works and lives. Meeting Sam shatters his predictable life, convincing him that a single weekend is not enough. The central conflict is how Justin can build a relationship with a man who despises the town that Justin calls home, a man whose "ghosts and scars" he doesn't understand.
I loved this story with the two men who were attracted to each other as soon as they reconnected and could not keep their hands off each other. Whilst their relationship started as physical it was also friendship and over time it developed into something much deeper. I loved the way that everything developed over time which made their thoughts and feelings feel more real and relatable. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story with the two men who were attracted to each other as soon as they reconnected and could not keep their hands off each other. Whilst their relationship started as physical it was also friendship and over time it developed into something much deeper. I loved the way that everything developed over time which made their thoughts and feelings feel more real and relatable. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
October 16, 2025
Biscuits, TV dinner or order pizza?, black mojito, pretzel, MPREG, green disco ball, Barbie reject, 2 sunflowers, blue couch
Gomillion, SC works its magic again. Up this time is Essie Sloane with their MCs Justin and Sam.
Therapist Sam Masters lives in King's Bay, SC where his practice is. He receives an invitation to his 20th high school reunion in Gomillion. He decides not to go, but his best friend convinces him to attend. There's bad blood between his parents and him. They haven't spoken for at least 20 years.
Justin Kirkwood's job of the senior class president is to coordinate the reunions. It isn't a problem because he still lives in Gomillion. He sees Sam's name in the last minute RSVP list. Justin used to tutor Sam in the school library to help Sam actually graduate.
Justin and Sam secretly had crushes on each other back then. It seems time hasn't cooled down those crushes. Both men have built their lives in their respective towns which is across the state from one another.
This is a great addition to the "Gomillion High Reunion" collaboration. It's a feel good book which is entertaining and enjoyable. I recommend it.
Gomillion, SC works its magic again. Up this time is Essie Sloane with their MCs Justin and Sam.
Therapist Sam Masters lives in King's Bay, SC where his practice is. He receives an invitation to his 20th high school reunion in Gomillion. He decides not to go, but his best friend convinces him to attend. There's bad blood between his parents and him. They haven't spoken for at least 20 years.
Justin Kirkwood's job of the senior class president is to coordinate the reunions. It isn't a problem because he still lives in Gomillion. He sees Sam's name in the last minute RSVP list. Justin used to tutor Sam in the school library to help Sam actually graduate.
Justin and Sam secretly had crushes on each other back then. It seems time hasn't cooled down those crushes. Both men have built their lives in their respective towns which is across the state from one another.
This is a great addition to the "Gomillion High Reunion" collaboration. It's a feel good book which is entertaining and enjoyable. I recommend it.
September 29, 2025
Sam and Justin - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gomillion High Reunion: Sam & Justin is a quietly beautiful, slow-burn romance that effortlessly tugs at the heart. Sam, returning to the town he left behind, carries years of memories and scars, while Justin, grounded in the consistency of his small-town life, offers warmth, optimism, and the kind of connection that reminds you love can grow in unexpected ways.
The push-and-pull dynamic between them is tender and realistic, and their chemistry is utterly magnetic. Essie does an amazing job showing how past experiences shape the characters while still allowing room for growth, trust, and vulnerability. Sam’s willingness to face his past for Justin and Justin’s unwavering presence is nothing short of moving.
I also loved the little nods to the shared universe enough to make me curious about the other stories without detracting from this one. Overall, it’s heartfelt, charming, and incredibly satisfying. A gorgeous addition to the series and a first read from Essie I’ll be coming back to again and again.
Gomillion High Reunion: Sam & Justin is a quietly beautiful, slow-burn romance that effortlessly tugs at the heart. Sam, returning to the town he left behind, carries years of memories and scars, while Justin, grounded in the consistency of his small-town life, offers warmth, optimism, and the kind of connection that reminds you love can grow in unexpected ways.
The push-and-pull dynamic between them is tender and realistic, and their chemistry is utterly magnetic. Essie does an amazing job showing how past experiences shape the characters while still allowing room for growth, trust, and vulnerability. Sam’s willingness to face his past for Justin and Justin’s unwavering presence is nothing short of moving.
I also loved the little nods to the shared universe enough to make me curious about the other stories without detracting from this one. Overall, it’s heartfelt, charming, and incredibly satisfying. A gorgeous addition to the series and a first read from Essie I’ll be coming back to again and again.
October 3, 2025
This was my first introduction to the Gomillion universe and this author and honestly, has me ready to read more. I love a redemption story and a story of an unexplored love that presents itself again later in life. Sam and Justin both had a crush on one another in high school but one didn’t think he was good enough and the other did not recognize it for what it was until later in life. Through a late decision to attend a high school reunion, they are reunited and the proverbial sparks fly. Witnessing the relationship unfold as older men still full of insecurities, was very enduring. Following along as the men support one another through emotional times and celebrations felt authentic to the story and to life in general. Sam returning to the place that caused him so much hurt for love, knowing there were still people who still held negative views of him from high school, was commendable. Sam is gruff with a sweet core. Justin is sweet but firm when needed. Together they are exactly what the other needs.
October 7, 2025
ARC review.
Gomillion High Reunion series is such a treat. We are back to meet Justin, the class president and Sam, the one with badboy reputation. Justin used to tutor Sam back in the days. At the time he was clueless about his attraction towards men, but in later years he's had both boyfriends and girlfriends. Sam has no fond memories about his hometown and left as fast as he could. Now he's back to catch the reunion even though none of his friends is participating. That's when he'll meet his old tutor again, the one he had a major crush on. The chemistry is strong and they really get to know each other over the weekend. So much that they decide to keep in touch and see what happens.
Justin has a sunny personality, alway in the middle of things while Sam likes it more in the background. Together they are perfect for each other.
Essie Sloane have portraited their story excellently starting with their backstory and continues with their life today. The language is engaging, the plot is interesting and keeps the readers interest all through the book.
Gomillion High Reunion series is such a treat. We are back to meet Justin, the class president and Sam, the one with badboy reputation. Justin used to tutor Sam back in the days. At the time he was clueless about his attraction towards men, but in later years he's had both boyfriends and girlfriends. Sam has no fond memories about his hometown and left as fast as he could. Now he's back to catch the reunion even though none of his friends is participating. That's when he'll meet his old tutor again, the one he had a major crush on. The chemistry is strong and they really get to know each other over the weekend. So much that they decide to keep in touch and see what happens.
Justin has a sunny personality, alway in the middle of things while Sam likes it more in the background. Together they are perfect for each other.
Essie Sloane have portraited their story excellently starting with their backstory and continues with their life today. The language is engaging, the plot is interesting and keeps the readers interest all through the book.
October 24, 2025
This its another book from the Gomillion High School Reunion series and I enjoyed it as much as the others I've read. Sam was one of those kids in high school that your parents didn't want their daughters to date and their sons to hang around. Smoking and drinking, parties and girls were his crews normal things to do. He changed his ways. Getting a degree for counseling young people who are like he was, makes his life purposeful. Going to his 20th class reunion wasn't really on his radar until his friend talked him into it.
Justin stayed in Gomillion. He was liked by his classmates and being class president, he wants the reunion to be the best one ever. Seeing his old crushes name on the reunion list has him thinking about what Sam has turned into. Reuniting, both are soon spending the whole weekend together. Sparks fly and flames burn.
I really enjoyed reading Sam and Justin. I could relate to the characters and think the book is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin stayed in Gomillion. He was liked by his classmates and being class president, he wants the reunion to be the best one ever. Seeing his old crushes name on the reunion list has him thinking about what Sam has turned into. Reuniting, both are soon spending the whole weekend together. Sparks fly and flames burn.
I really enjoyed reading Sam and Justin. I could relate to the characters and think the book is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2025
I really liked this story. It was cute and I could relate to the issues and insecurities of both characters. This is always a big plus for me. I liked both Sam and Justin. The things they went through after the reunion were also believable. The happened a bit too fast in the timeline, but the reason for it made sense (very well done, author). After , things moved to a pace that I was more comfortable with and was believable.
However, it was sometimes a bit difficult to follow who was speaking. Luckily, it only took the following sentence, or the sentence after that one, to figure it out. I never had to backtrack more than 1 or 2 sentences so it didn’t pull me out of the story.
I will definitely re-read at some time to read it slower, soak up more of what is happening and when it is happening.
However, it was sometimes a bit difficult to follow who was speaking. Luckily, it only took the following sentence, or the sentence after that one, to figure it out. I never had to backtrack more than 1 or 2 sentences so it didn’t pull me out of the story.
I will definitely re-read at some time to read it slower, soak up more of what is happening and when it is happening.
September 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ - Sam and Justin are seriously the sweetest. I love how they reconnect. Even after having a terrible home life growing up Sam was able to make a good life for himself and the fact he was willing to go back to the one place he hated most for Justin proved how strong their connection was. I loved how Justin showed up when Sam needed him, not just as adults but in high school as well. Their chemistry was beautiful. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be adding the rest to my TBR as her writing is beautiful. I also cannot wait for the rest of this shared world, the stories I have read so far have been fun and filled with so much love and I know the rest will be the same!!
I received this book as an ARC and these are my honest opinions.
I received this book as an ARC and these are my honest opinions.
October 10, 2025
This is the first of the series of stories by different authors that are centered around a class reunion held in Gomililion South Carolina. It was interesting to see teenaged angst filtered through an adult's worldview. Sam was the high school loner who only had one goal. To graduate and get out. Justin was the class president and tutor who saw potential in him and helped him focus to reach his goal. Twenty years later, Sam is a divorced therapist and decides to go back for the reunion to see if anything has changed in the small town that rejected him. Even though this is a shorter story, I liked seeing the time after the HEA, seeing the men work hard at combining their lives. That and the fact that not everything was picture perfect at the end made this a great story
September 23, 2025
Sam & Justin is about Sam, who gets a invitation to the 20 years high school reunion, he doesn't want to go there and Justin who is organized the reunion.
Justin was Sam's tutor when they were in the school. They reconnected at the reunion and realizes that they both liked each others at school.
I liked how Justin was there to help Sam, as now and as when they were at school.
This was my first book of this author, but not my last, I liked how she spaced all the chapters and how there was a timestamps.
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I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
Justin was Sam's tutor when they were in the school. They reconnected at the reunion and realizes that they both liked each others at school.
I liked how Justin was there to help Sam, as now and as when they were at school.
This was my first book of this author, but not my last, I liked how she spaced all the chapters and how there was a timestamps.
--------------------------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
September 27, 2025
A sweet read between two former high school friends, Sam and Justin, reconnect at their 20th high school reunion. Seems Sam hated his home life and the small town, leaving it to rarely come back, whereas Justin, the class president stayed in town and loves his small town life. Justin was Sam's tutor in high school and when the reconnect the chemistry and sparks are rekindled (they jump into bed immediately) and then have to figure out if relationship is worth it and how to make it work when Sam lives two hours away. A great story about resolving one's path and then deciding if love is worth fighting for. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
October 20, 2025
After meeting this author at an event over the summer, I couldn't wait to dive into her books. This was the first one, and is part of a multi-author series that I've been enjoying. I absolutely loved Sam and Justin. Sam hated Gomillion; it holds almost nothing but bad memories. However, he agrees to go to his high school reunion and reconnects with Justin, his former tutor. Despite all their differences, they feel a spark and wonder if it's possible to have more than the weekend. I enjoyed the slow build that felt authentic, and tough decisions are made. I loved their story and their HEA. I was invested throughout and I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 28, 2025
After I graduated from high school, I couldn't waited to leave my home town of Gomillion. After twenty years, my best friend talks me into going back for my high school reunion. When I get there, I see the one person who helped me graduate and who I had a crush on. Justin stayed in Gomillion and had a career in the small town. When he sees Sam the bad boy he helped to graduate, he realizes that he might of cared more for Sam then he realized. The two are attracted to each other but know they only have the weekend. I love the book and characters. This series is by multiple authors and I plan on reading more from this series.
October 8, 2025
This one literally takes place over a weekend....but the amount of feelings packed into the story telling makes it seem like more time !! Couldn't put the book down - Sam really turned his life around but it's hard to shake those old ideas. Justin - he knows how special Sam is .....it's getting others to see that as well ..... just loved the vibe of the story, low angst, not over the top drama (other than getting that outfit right !!! bahahahaha) and the sweetest connection that does become sooo much more. And I loved the added timelines at the end .....so we get to see the whole picture.
September 23, 2025
This was my first book by this author. I rate it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I really enjoyed Sam's snarky internal voice, and Justin's sweet demeanor that was leavened with some anxiety. They were very sweet together and I rooted for their HEA. However, there were some continuity breaks (timing that was out of synch, and a MC misnamed) and quite a few typos, which detracted from my experience.
September 24, 2025
Justin and Sam reunite 20 years later at the high school reunion, sparks fly immediately, and they jump into bed together the first night. They spend the 3 day reunion together, then Sam goes back home (2 hours away) to his job (therapist). They spend 2 months going back and forth via texting and seeing each other on weekends before Sam decides to move his practice to Gomillion to give being with Justin a real chance.
Cute romance, lots of spice, interesting side characters.
Cute romance, lots of spice, interesting side characters.
October 6, 2025
This is the third book from this multi author series called Gormillion High Reunion which is based around a twenty year high school reunion, this is Sam and Justin’s story. Sam couldn’t leave town fast enough but Justin has always been happy there so when they meet at their schools twenty year reunion and their chemistry ignites we get a slow burn story as they figure how to work out the logistics of their relationship.
October 7, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
I’ve been enjoying this series, high school reunion romance is such a fantastic premise. This one is Sam and Justin, who are both perfectly likable characters. This started strong for me than it finished, as there just wasn’t much story or plot to support the number of pages. It felt long to me, the couple is easy to root for, but sorry to say, I was a bit bored.
I’ve been enjoying this series, high school reunion romance is such a fantastic premise. This one is Sam and Justin, who are both perfectly likable characters. This started strong for me than it finished, as there just wasn’t much story or plot to support the number of pages. It felt long to me, the couple is easy to root for, but sorry to say, I was a bit bored.
October 12, 2025
I love the way the author has captured the two very different views of the town from Sam and Justin's perspectives. One, Justin, the one who has always fit in there and been successful and Sam, who got out and stayed out as quickly as he could, building a life elsewhere. When Sam impulsively decides to show up for the 20th class reunion, old secrets and wounds come back but so do old feelings and desires. This is a great series.
October 4, 2025
Beautiful!
One of the best things about reading is when you get pulled into the world. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into this. It may be a shared world but each author has made their own touch. Essie Sloane did that and gave us a look into King’s Bay. There were a lot of emotions felt here. The ending was perfect.
One of the best things about reading is when you get pulled into the world. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into this. It may be a shared world but each author has made their own touch. Essie Sloane did that and gave us a look into King’s Bay. There were a lot of emotions felt here. The ending was perfect.
October 6, 2025
Slow burn, second chance romance
Sam ends up back hone even though he hates everything about it on a challenge from his best friend.
His childhood was horrible.
Justin stayed but never really did anything other than just work.
They reconnect at the reunion and slowly develop a relationship.
I really enjoyed the realism and maturity of two older characters.
Sam ends up back hone even though he hates everything about it on a challenge from his best friend.
His childhood was horrible.
Justin stayed but never really did anything other than just work.
They reconnect at the reunion and slowly develop a relationship.
I really enjoyed the realism and maturity of two older characters.
October 6, 2025
This is part of a multi-author series that takes place in Gomillion. I really enjoyed this entry. Justin had been the typical popular guy in high school and has achieved well and settled in since. Sam fled Gomillion as soon as he could. And yet their chemistry is off the charts. I really liked this book and all the books in this series so far.
October 7, 2025
Essie Sloane is a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the story while getting to know Sam and Justin as adults. I was sad that most people at the reunion chose to see Sam as he was in high school. Justin has grown into a man who is comfortable in his sexuality. He sees the real Sam and wants more. I liked that their relationship grows realistically.
October 13, 2025
3.5 stars I found this book to drag a little in the middle, but the relationship between the two men was worth getting through. I really liked the final section where they both tried long distance and decided to and how to make it work long term as Sam's practice had issues, and Justin tried to have a legacy in town.
October 2, 2025
Sam and Justin is part of the multi-author Gomillion High Reunion series, each can be read as a standalone. This is a small town slow burn read about Justin and Sam. Really enjoyed the story and the characters.
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