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Gomillion High Reunion
Caden & Theo
Theo and Caden were never supposed to fall in love.
Best friends. Teammates. Just two boys from a small South Carolina town trying to make it out. But in secret, between late-night drives and stolen glances, they became everything to each other—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak.
Then came the night that changed everything.
One mistake. One moment.
And in its aftermath, Caden lost more than the boy who once held his heart.
Fifteen years later, Theo’s still in Gomillion, teaching English at their old high school and trying to forget the one person he’s never stopped loving. Caden rebuilt his life on the other side of the country, turning pain into purpose as an adaptive fitness trainer. He’s successful, admired—and utterly alone.
When a high school reunion pulls Caden back to the place he never planned to return, both men are forced to face the ghosts they’ve carried for years. Regret. Guilt. And the kind of love that never really fades.
Their story began in a town too small to hold it.
This time, Theo’s not letting it end there.
Book Content Warning:
This story contains material that may be sensitive to some readers. For a complete list of content warnings, please visit my website
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!
Best friends. Teammates. Just two boys from a small South Carolina town trying to make it out. But in secret, between late-night drives and stolen glances, they became everything to each other—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak.
Then came the night that changed everything.
One mistake. One moment.
And in its aftermath, Caden lost more than the boy who once held his heart.
Fifteen years later, Theo’s still in Gomillion, teaching English at their old high school and trying to forget the one person he’s never stopped loving. Caden rebuilt his life on the other side of the country, turning pain into purpose as an adaptive fitness trainer. He’s successful, admired—and utterly alone.
When a high school reunion pulls Caden back to the place he never planned to return, both men are forced to face the ghosts they’ve carried for years. Regret. Guilt. And the kind of love that never really fades.
Their story began in a town too small to hold it.
This time, Theo’s not letting it end there.
Book Content Warning:
This story contains material that may be sensitive to some readers. For a complete list of content warnings, please visit my website
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!
332 pages, ebook
Published November 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Becca Seymour
50 books626 followersBecca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 31, 2025
I was not expecting to cry at this book but it was so emotional!
I knew something big had happened between Caden and Theo after reading Cam & AJ by Hinsel Meyer, but I had no idea it would be so devastating 💔
What I liked most though was that we get their full origin story. We see them fall in love, share their firsts, plan their lives, and it was so sweet. Their chemistry was great, but all the while it was like I could hear the ominous Jaws music in the background...
This was a great second chance romance, and honestly I could have kept reading about these two for much longer. Definitely one of my favourite Becca Seymour books - and I'm pretty sure I've read them all 😂
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I knew something big had happened between Caden and Theo after reading Cam & AJ by Hinsel Meyer, but I had no idea it would be so devastating 💔
What I liked most though was that we get their full origin story. We see them fall in love, share their firsts, plan their lives, and it was so sweet. Their chemistry was great, but all the while it was like I could hear the ominous Jaws music in the background...
This was a great second chance romance, and honestly I could have kept reading about these two for much longer. Definitely one of my favourite Becca Seymour books - and I'm pretty sure I've read them all 😂
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
November 4, 2025
Becca decided to break their story into before and after the events that changed everything. Making the story so much more impactful and showing us why these two mere meant to be together even if it took a separation for them to be ready. For the first part of the story we see young love and how it affects you so powerfully at that age but then life happens. Caden & Theo may have understood they were in love yet they weren't ready to move past the events. Yes it hurt a lot for theor separation yet they both needed it to move forward. The second part is the after starting with the high school reunion. With trepidation on both sides these two see that even time apart did not take away their love.
As with previous books in this universe so happy to see the consistency of events at the reunion with each authors own twist. Becca does a brilliant job in showing their own voice while staying true to the series. A beautiful series I wont soon be able to forget.
I was give a early release copy for my honest review.
As with previous books in this universe so happy to see the consistency of events at the reunion with each authors own twist. Becca does a brilliant job in showing their own voice while staying true to the series. A beautiful series I wont soon be able to forget.
I was give a early release copy for my honest review.
December 17, 2025
I liked this story. My first with this author. Caden and Theo were great but there was something missing for me in this second chance romance. I loved the beginning of the story…their beginnings: their friendship, growing up together, how they realized how they felt more for each other, falling in love, letting their families know, needing to keep it secret for Caden’s future. But the second half didn’t seem as realistic, I guess. It happened so fast after 15 years apart. And me saying this is different because I *love* an insta love story…when it’s done right. Them staying away from each other - especially Caden, since he’s the one who made that happen - just didn’t fit here. And the end was pretty rushed for me.
October 19, 2025
Arc review
Theo Brooks has been in love with his best friend for years. Having come out to him at thirteen, he has never looked back. They have been in each others lives since they were three, when their parents moved next door to each other.
Caden North is a promising basketball player and finds himself being close to being professional. Before he graduates high school he finds himself thinking more and more about his best friend. Theo is his ride or die, his everything. He has never once thought about kissing a boy but he wants to try it with Theo. While running from a foam machine at his prom party, he kisses Theo and his works tilts.
They become boyfriends and are very happy, until one fateful day when everything changes.
Fifteen years later they are both invited to Gomillion High School’s reunion. They both have sent their rsvp and are attending, knowing each other will be there. Facing each other again, can they sort out what happened and learn to live and love again?
I loved this offering from Becca Seymour in the multi author ‘Gomillion High’ series.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance.
The back story was so beautifully written, and their love felt so powerful over the pages.
The emotion I felt when fifteen years had passed was heartwarming.
The tenderness shown between them was so beautiful to read, it was not about the spice, but about two men in love and being gentle, intimate and understanding.
I adored this book.
Theo Brooks has been in love with his best friend for years. Having come out to him at thirteen, he has never looked back. They have been in each others lives since they were three, when their parents moved next door to each other.
Caden North is a promising basketball player and finds himself being close to being professional. Before he graduates high school he finds himself thinking more and more about his best friend. Theo is his ride or die, his everything. He has never once thought about kissing a boy but he wants to try it with Theo. While running from a foam machine at his prom party, he kisses Theo and his works tilts.
They become boyfriends and are very happy, until one fateful day when everything changes.
Fifteen years later they are both invited to Gomillion High School’s reunion. They both have sent their rsvp and are attending, knowing each other will be there. Facing each other again, can they sort out what happened and learn to live and love again?
I loved this offering from Becca Seymour in the multi author ‘Gomillion High’ series.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance.
The back story was so beautifully written, and their love felt so powerful over the pages.
The emotion I felt when fifteen years had passed was heartwarming.
The tenderness shown between them was so beautiful to read, it was not about the spice, but about two men in love and being gentle, intimate and understanding.
I adored this book.
November 4, 2025
Caden and Theo's story is split into two parts. Then and now. And let me tell you both parts are equally beautiful and devastating. I feel like such a baby because I cried throughout this book. To read about a love so pure born from childhood friendship and understanding each other better than anyone else in the world and then to have one mistake one snowy night change the course of both of their lives. They both lost so much but rose from the ashes even if they never felt completely whole. When the silence of 15 years became too much until a high school reunion brings Caden back to the hometown he never thought he'd step foot in again after rebuilding his life and becoming a fitness trainer with his own buiness to the man he left behind who lived his life and came back to their hometown to teach English and couch basketball. Now Theo and Caden have to face the ghosts of the past if they ever want to move on. Expect they find they don't want to move on from each other. There's still something there that was pushed down by fear, guilt and too much time. But it's there and they feel it. Now they have to figure out if that feeling is worth fighting for again like they fought since they were teenagers hiding because small towns arent always welcoming and Caden had plans to go pro in basketball. But even all those years ago their love could never be denied and it refuses to again 15 years later when the love of their life opens themselves up even when they're scared. Their story broke my heart but also put it back together again. I love that the author let us into their world and showed us how their love story started and how years later it never seemed to have ended but waited. I flew through this book and am so happy I picked it up. Theo and Caden have my heart just like they have each other's.
November 9, 2025
I was not prepared for Caden & Theo😭 I don’t think I can get over this book any time soon.
Becca did such a wonderful job giving us the beginning of their love story. The way everything fell into place for Caden to fall in love with Theo, was so sweet and exactly what a teenage love story would be. The innocence of first love and how deep it can be.
Theo had been in love with Caden most of his life and though he always dreamed that someday Caden would reciprocate, he never believed it could, until it did. Caden falling for him was the best thing that could have happened to Theo.
Even knowing that eventually Caden would leave for college to pursue his basketball career, he knew that they would always be together despite the distance. That they would make it work somehow.
Caden was living his dream until everything changed.
What happens next is 15 long years of misery, guilt and heartbreak. Fifteen years of loving each other but too afraid to let the past go and let forgiveness in.
It was so heartbreaking seeing how they both couldn’t stop loving each other but just couldn’t get through what broke them apart. It wasn’t until their high school reunion that Caden finally takes the first step towards mending their broken hearts and decides to take a chance.
There’s so much they needed to unpack in order to give their love a second chance and I’m glad that Caden was finally able to realize that Theo was the other half of his heart. That they needed each other in order to be whole. There simply wasn’t a Caden without Theo and vice versa.
This story is definitely one of my most favorite from the series. I can’t get over Caden and Theo. They’re definitely gonna be in my heart forever.
Becca did such a wonderful job giving us the beginning of their love story. The way everything fell into place for Caden to fall in love with Theo, was so sweet and exactly what a teenage love story would be. The innocence of first love and how deep it can be.
Theo had been in love with Caden most of his life and though he always dreamed that someday Caden would reciprocate, he never believed it could, until it did. Caden falling for him was the best thing that could have happened to Theo.
Even knowing that eventually Caden would leave for college to pursue his basketball career, he knew that they would always be together despite the distance. That they would make it work somehow.
Caden was living his dream until everything changed.
What happens next is 15 long years of misery, guilt and heartbreak. Fifteen years of loving each other but too afraid to let the past go and let forgiveness in.
It was so heartbreaking seeing how they both couldn’t stop loving each other but just couldn’t get through what broke them apart. It wasn’t until their high school reunion that Caden finally takes the first step towards mending their broken hearts and decides to take a chance.
There’s so much they needed to unpack in order to give their love a second chance and I’m glad that Caden was finally able to realize that Theo was the other half of his heart. That they needed each other in order to be whole. There simply wasn’t a Caden without Theo and vice versa.
This story is definitely one of my most favorite from the series. I can’t get over Caden and Theo. They’re definitely gonna be in my heart forever.
November 4, 2025
Part one of this book is absolutely swoon worthy. Caden and Theo’s best-friends-to-more story is engrossing and consuming, much like their love for each other. I hate the distance and the hiding for them but their relationship becomes so solid and true, built on communication and trust, intimacy and a lifetime of memories.
Unfortunately, things go sideways as they often do in books, as in real life. By the time I hit the page marking part 2, I was a teary, sobbing mess.
The second part started on a reflective note as Theo is back in Gomillion, South Carolina, now teaching at his old high school. “…the knowledge that this place held us but never fully embraced us. Coming back as an adult, I’ve had to learn how to carry that duality. To love the pieces of Gomillion that raised me while refusing to excuse the parts that cut deep.” Because, at its most basic, this is a story of two Black boys, growing up in the south.
Then the reunion weekend rolls around. And I was not ready for the roller coaster of emotions I cycled through. Aren’t second-chance romances the best?!?! This was a masterclass in my favorite trope. 5 stars.
Unfortunately, things go sideways as they often do in books, as in real life. By the time I hit the page marking part 2, I was a teary, sobbing mess.
The second part started on a reflective note as Theo is back in Gomillion, South Carolina, now teaching at his old high school. “…the knowledge that this place held us but never fully embraced us. Coming back as an adult, I’ve had to learn how to carry that duality. To love the pieces of Gomillion that raised me while refusing to excuse the parts that cut deep.” Because, at its most basic, this is a story of two Black boys, growing up in the south.
Then the reunion weekend rolls around. And I was not ready for the roller coaster of emotions I cycled through. Aren’t second-chance romances the best?!?! This was a masterclass in my favorite trope. 5 stars.
November 5, 2025
Caden and Theo were friends and teammates until they became boyfriends but they kept it a secret. This relationship continued into college and university until one night an accident leaves both physically and emotionally changed.
Caden became a high school teacher at Gomillion while Theo moved to San Francisco and built a new live there.
At the high school reunion they reunited and help deal with the shadows of the past.
The emotional growth of both Caden and Theo is big. Especially Caden forgiving Theo of his role in the accident that changed both of them. I also like how they were able to communicate their feelings and their thoughts so that they can heal and then full integrate their lives together.
Caden became a high school teacher at Gomillion while Theo moved to San Francisco and built a new live there.
At the high school reunion they reunited and help deal with the shadows of the past.
The emotional growth of both Caden and Theo is big. Especially Caden forgiving Theo of his role in the accident that changed both of them. I also like how they were able to communicate their feelings and their thoughts so that they can heal and then full integrate their lives together.
November 8, 2025
This broke me. A true roller coaster of a read that hit my emotions hard. It was so expertly done. Every action and its effects well thought out. Then there is the research that the author had to have done to get so many details right. It will shred you but that ending will have you happy, whole, and stronger just like Caden and Theo.
November 15, 2025
Holy shit does this book pack a punch! Caden and Theo’s story is full of first time love, heartbreak, and healing. I loved the use of the past and present timelines. It really helped develop the depth of the story and the love these two share. Just truly so beautifully done!
November 7, 2025
Theo and Caden were teammates in highschool and BF's but also in love. Caden goes to college and both go on in their lives, hiding their love until a shattering mistake breaks them apart and Caden ghosts Theo. 15 years later they meet again at their reunion. A second chance. Caden has finally realized how wrong his actions were. This was such a sad book, two broken hearts because life threw them a curve, one unforgiving, one full of guilt. It took too long to recover and start again I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.
November 8, 2025
Great story
This was such an epically emotional story that completely broke me. These two completely deserved their hard fought HEA. I really liked how we got to see their entire beginning and backstory. It was such a sweet start.
This was such an epically emotional story that completely broke me. These two completely deserved their hard fought HEA. I really liked how we got to see their entire beginning and backstory. It was such a sweet start.
November 9, 2025
What a wonderful book by Becca Seymour! Great addition to this multi-authored series! I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
October 16, 2025
This beautiful story of young love, heartache, forgiveness and forever love is divided into two parts. The “Then” is when teenaged Theo and Caden turn their many years of friendship into more. They balance their relationship as best as humanly possible when outside forces and different colleges lessen their time together. Then everything is changed in the blink of an eye and their lives are transformed causing me to have lots of feels.
The “Now” is fifteen years later and their first contact in all that time is at their high school reunion. The way they interact after all that time is so beautifully written and once again gave me all the feels. And I then had more feels as these two wonderful men finally got their long awaited HEA. So yeah, there’s lots of feels in this incredibly well written story of a forever love born in all the joys of a teenage first love romance. A romance that has a 15 year hiatus and when reignited burns stronger than ever with the advantage of maturity, communication and two men who can’t stop loving each other. This book had me fully invested from start to finish and it pained me when I had to stop reading due to the extremely late (or early morning) hour. I loved the ebb and flow between Caden and Theo and the LEGO scene just stole my heart.
(This is part of a multi author series and each book can be read as a standalone)
The “Now” is fifteen years later and their first contact in all that time is at their high school reunion. The way they interact after all that time is so beautifully written and once again gave me all the feels. And I then had more feels as these two wonderful men finally got their long awaited HEA. So yeah, there’s lots of feels in this incredibly well written story of a forever love born in all the joys of a teenage first love romance. A romance that has a 15 year hiatus and when reignited burns stronger than ever with the advantage of maturity, communication and two men who can’t stop loving each other. This book had me fully invested from start to finish and it pained me when I had to stop reading due to the extremely late (or early morning) hour. I loved the ebb and flow between Caden and Theo and the LEGO scene just stole my heart.
(This is part of a multi author series and each book can be read as a standalone)
October 26, 2025
I am not sure what I was expecting for this one. This book is about half and half: then and now. Oh my god, it absolutely destroyed me. Not giving anything way plot-wise here but Caden almost completely broke Theo in all the ways. He was allowed to heal but Theo was not. Theo lost everything and then had to claw his way back to build his own life. Caden did the same thing, but he had something Theo did not: knowledge of himself. It was very cruel. I think that is what stuck with me the most. The ending is so sweet though. They desperately needed to come together and talk and see each other again. The first half ripped my heart out. The second half healed it. This story is so good. Be prepared to be devastated, but the ending is worth it.
October 26, 2025
This was such a heartfelt and moving book. It grabs you right from the start and doesn’t let go. The love and friendship between Theo and Caden are incredibly powerful—I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug them both. This story is truly about triumph over tragedy. It’s a total page-turner because you can’t help but want to know what happens next.
Leave it to a class reunion to bring them back together after years apart! The emotions run deep in this story—friendship, love, honesty, and fear are all beautifully woven throughout. Make sure to have a few tissues handy for this one.
I received this ARC from GRR and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
Leave it to a class reunion to bring them back together after years apart! The emotions run deep in this story—friendship, love, honesty, and fear are all beautifully woven throughout. Make sure to have a few tissues handy for this one.
I received this ARC from GRR and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
November 14, 2025
Caden & Theo by Becca Seymour
Length: 332 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵 Childhood best friends to strangers to lovers
💙 High-school sweethearts
🩵 Second chance romance
💙 'It's always been you'
🩵 Small town
💙 Hurt/comfort
🩵 Forced proximity
💙 Emotional redemption and forgiveness
AUTHOR'S BLURB
Theo and Caden were never supposed to fall in love.
Best friends. Teammates. Just two boys from a small South Carolina town trying to make it out.
But in secret, between late-night drives and stolen glances, they became everything to each other—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. Then came the night that changed everything.
One mistake. One moment. And in its aftermath, Caden lost more than the boy who once held his heart.
Fifteen years later, Theo’s still in Gomillion, teaching English at their old high school and trying to forget the one person he’s never stopped loving. Caden rebuilt his life on the other side of the country, turning pain into purpose as an adaptive fitness trainer. He’s successful, admired—and utterly alone.
When a high school reunion pulls Caden back to the place he never planned to return, both men are forced to face the ghosts they’ve carried for years. Regret. Guilt. And the kind of love that never really fades.
Their story began in a town too small to hold it. This time, Theo’s not letting it end there.
MY THOUGHTS
I will straight-up admit I was not prepared for how emotional this book was (and so how emotional it made ME). These two are head over heels for each other the entire book, and I really enjoyed getting to see their childhood friendship and early romantic relationship. (The setup is necessary for the second part of the book; just trust that it's worth it.) It made their story that much more stirring and impactful. This is miscommunication done in a way I can handle iwithout wanting to throw the book at the wall. There's never any doubt that these two will figure it out, and watching that happen is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Being privy to their inner thoughts about one another is some of the prettiest, most lyrical writing in the book; they are SO incredibly in love and never stopped.
BOOKS WITH SIMILAR SECOND-CHANCE VIBES
📗 But make them stepbrothers: That One Moment by C.S. Autumn
📗 But make them musicians: Summer Skin by Dani Lakely
📗 But make them rivals: Off the Rim by Rebecca Rathe
BOTTOM LINE
As usual, Becca delivers the emotion and real-life romance I expect when I read one of her books. This definitely makes me want to check out the rest of the Gomillion series.
CONTENT WARNINGS
On-page car crash, amputation, medical and hospital trauma, disability, prosthetic use, explicit sexual content
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
–A🩷
Thanks to GRR and Becca Seymour for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Length: 332 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵 Childhood best friends to strangers to lovers
💙 High-school sweethearts
🩵 Second chance romance
💙 'It's always been you'
🩵 Small town
💙 Hurt/comfort
🩵 Forced proximity
💙 Emotional redemption and forgiveness
AUTHOR'S BLURB
Theo and Caden were never supposed to fall in love.
Best friends. Teammates. Just two boys from a small South Carolina town trying to make it out.
But in secret, between late-night drives and stolen glances, they became everything to each other—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. Then came the night that changed everything.
One mistake. One moment. And in its aftermath, Caden lost more than the boy who once held his heart.
Fifteen years later, Theo’s still in Gomillion, teaching English at their old high school and trying to forget the one person he’s never stopped loving. Caden rebuilt his life on the other side of the country, turning pain into purpose as an adaptive fitness trainer. He’s successful, admired—and utterly alone.
When a high school reunion pulls Caden back to the place he never planned to return, both men are forced to face the ghosts they’ve carried for years. Regret. Guilt. And the kind of love that never really fades.
Their story began in a town too small to hold it. This time, Theo’s not letting it end there.
MY THOUGHTS
I will straight-up admit I was not prepared for how emotional this book was (and so how emotional it made ME). These two are head over heels for each other the entire book, and I really enjoyed getting to see their childhood friendship and early romantic relationship. (The setup is necessary for the second part of the book; just trust that it's worth it.) It made their story that much more stirring and impactful. This is miscommunication done in a way I can handle iwithout wanting to throw the book at the wall. There's never any doubt that these two will figure it out, and watching that happen is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Being privy to their inner thoughts about one another is some of the prettiest, most lyrical writing in the book; they are SO incredibly in love and never stopped.
BOOKS WITH SIMILAR SECOND-CHANCE VIBES
📗 But make them stepbrothers: That One Moment by C.S. Autumn
📗 But make them musicians: Summer Skin by Dani Lakely
📗 But make them rivals: Off the Rim by Rebecca Rathe
BOTTOM LINE
As usual, Becca delivers the emotion and real-life romance I expect when I read one of her books. This definitely makes me want to check out the rest of the Gomillion series.
CONTENT WARNINGS
On-page car crash, amputation, medical and hospital trauma, disability, prosthetic use, explicit sexual content
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
–A🩷
Thanks to GRR and Becca Seymour for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
November 11, 2025
As part of the Gomillion Reunion series, this is Theo and Caden’s story. Twenty years ago, Caden was a senior and Theo was a junior, both played basketball, and they were inseparable best friends from the age of three. Theo announced he was gay at thirteen and knew he loved Caden pretty much from then on. Caden always thought he was straight, but in the months leading up to graduation, he started to notice Theo in a different way, which culminated in a kiss during the prom after party. Thus began a relationship which stayed in the shadows for years, Theo out and proud, Caden hiding in the closet, snatching time together when they could, until an unforeseen event changed everything. The first more than half of the book is about THEN — the first five years of the relationship. The NOW part covers the reunion and the aftermath of how things had changed between them as they worked to discover if what had been could be reclaimed.
There is so much backstory in THEN on the first five years they were together, you get a very good sense of how good they were together, even though circumstances often found them physically apart, until it was no longer good. NOW has very little on what the intervening fifteen years were like for both Caden and Theo, picking up at the 3 days of the reunion and with a little more in the following year. I personally would have liked to learn more on what happened with each in more detail for the fifteen years apart, and then later, the adjustments made after the reunion to get them to the point at the end of the book, but that may just be me. The event was life changing, and I would have liked much more on how each coped with those years.
I did like the appearance of main characters from previous books popping in and out, I liked the development of the relationship overall and the accommodations both made to make their relationship work during those first five years, as well as the closeness and support of the two families and their roles in Caden and Theo’s lives. I also appreciated how the author addressed the challenges faced by black students and families in small towns in the South, especially challenges for those that might be gay. Things were not particularly easy for young men like Theo and Caden in the early 2000s, and the author depicted that.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and this addition to the Gomillion series. The characters were realistic and easy to identify with, the challenges they faced were appropriate for the times, and character reactions were understandable for both. The world building for the reunion is expanded by each author, fleshing out the town and reunion itself in a relatable way and increasing the mind pictures for the reader. I would definitely recommend any of the books in the series as good reads.
I received an advance review copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
There is so much backstory in THEN on the first five years they were together, you get a very good sense of how good they were together, even though circumstances often found them physically apart, until it was no longer good. NOW has very little on what the intervening fifteen years were like for both Caden and Theo, picking up at the 3 days of the reunion and with a little more in the following year. I personally would have liked to learn more on what happened with each in more detail for the fifteen years apart, and then later, the adjustments made after the reunion to get them to the point at the end of the book, but that may just be me. The event was life changing, and I would have liked much more on how each coped with those years.
I did like the appearance of main characters from previous books popping in and out, I liked the development of the relationship overall and the accommodations both made to make their relationship work during those first five years, as well as the closeness and support of the two families and their roles in Caden and Theo’s lives. I also appreciated how the author addressed the challenges faced by black students and families in small towns in the South, especially challenges for those that might be gay. Things were not particularly easy for young men like Theo and Caden in the early 2000s, and the author depicted that.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and this addition to the Gomillion series. The characters were realistic and easy to identify with, the challenges they faced were appropriate for the times, and character reactions were understandable for both. The world building for the reunion is expanded by each author, fleshing out the town and reunion itself in a relatable way and increasing the mind pictures for the reader. I would definitely recommend any of the books in the series as good reads.
I received an advance review copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
November 10, 2025
3.75 stars
This is another in the Gomillion High Reunion multi author series and features Caden and Theo, both Gomillion boys though Caden was a year ahead of Theo.
There’s nothing new I can add that either the blurb or any of the reviews hasn’t already said, probably better than I ever could, so I’m just gonna give you my personal opinion. Keep in mind, opinions are like a-holes, we all have one, so cut me some slack. I both loved this book AND hated it—not necessarily in equal amounts either. For the first however long, I absolutely LOVED it and even after that, even ugly crying, I was still ok with it ‘cause I knew there was gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel but then, in the space of a couple of paragraphs, my heart was devastated and I was wishing I had just quit reading while I was ahead. I will say, it did improve and, for the most part we got an HEA, but it was filled with a lot more realism—and a ton of angst—than I prefer in my fictional romances. I had been so excited to read Caden and Theo’s book after finishing Cam and AJ’s (theirs was low angst and sweet), but I wasn’t prepared AT ALL for the reality of this one. Readers who prefer grittiness and realism in their reads are probably gonna be delirious with excitement but it was just a little too much realism for me. Don’t let me put you off though, I’m just still a little put out at those precious boys being put through the wringer. Give it a try for yourself though, you may find it’s your favorite book of the year. For me, 3.75 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another in the Gomillion High Reunion multi author series and features Caden and Theo, both Gomillion boys though Caden was a year ahead of Theo.
There’s nothing new I can add that either the blurb or any of the reviews hasn’t already said, probably better than I ever could, so I’m just gonna give you my personal opinion. Keep in mind, opinions are like a-holes, we all have one, so cut me some slack. I both loved this book AND hated it—not necessarily in equal amounts either. For the first however long, I absolutely LOVED it and even after that, even ugly crying, I was still ok with it ‘cause I knew there was gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel but then, in the space of a couple of paragraphs, my heart was devastated and I was wishing I had just quit reading while I was ahead. I will say, it did improve and, for the most part we got an HEA, but it was filled with a lot more realism—and a ton of angst—than I prefer in my fictional romances. I had been so excited to read Caden and Theo’s book after finishing Cam and AJ’s (theirs was low angst and sweet), but I wasn’t prepared AT ALL for the reality of this one. Readers who prefer grittiness and realism in their reads are probably gonna be delirious with excitement but it was just a little too much realism for me. Don’t let me put you off though, I’m just still a little put out at those precious boys being put through the wringer. Give it a try for yourself though, you may find it’s your favorite book of the year. For me, 3.75 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
🏀Bestfriends to lovers
🏀First love
🏀Small town
🏀Future/teacher
🏀Future pro-basketball-ers?
🏀Coming of ages
I knew it was a two-part story from the blurb, and that there’d be some kind of second-chance twist… but wow.. 🥹 But this sweet loving couple are soooo adorable, I dont know what could happen to break this kind of trust!! *please, let it not be some stupid sh!t. Fingercross*
Omg. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Love to see baby gays getting from highschool first love, all their feelings, how to navigate the world with all the stick in their path. The distance, the closet, the world, the unknown. From friend to lovers to hidden boyfriend to.... what now?
He's still chasing his dream of Basketball...Not completly draft but still playing...hum I dont know that sport so I read as its says. Still in closet, still hiding, still trying to make it all fit.
And then, O-M-F-G !!!!!! What! WOW. I did NOT see that coming! 😲 but what a twist.
What follows is such a touching, sometimes painful, always beautiful exploration of growing up, growing apart, and maybe… finding your way back. They don’t know who they are anymore, but one thing hasn’t changed: the love. It never left.
This story hit me right in the heart. Raw, emotional, and so full of hope.
Even without knowing a thing about basketball, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not really about the sport, it’s about love, dreams, and who you become when the world pulls you in a different directions.
🏀First love
🏀Small town
🏀Future/teacher
🏀Future pro-basketball-ers?
🏀Coming of ages
I knew it was a two-part story from the blurb, and that there’d be some kind of second-chance twist… but wow.. 🥹 But this sweet loving couple are soooo adorable, I dont know what could happen to break this kind of trust!! *please, let it not be some stupid sh!t. Fingercross*
Omg. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Love to see baby gays getting from highschool first love, all their feelings, how to navigate the world with all the stick in their path. The distance, the closet, the world, the unknown. From friend to lovers to hidden boyfriend to.... what now?
He's still chasing his dream of Basketball...Not completly draft but still playing...hum I dont know that sport so I read as its says. Still in closet, still hiding, still trying to make it all fit.
And then, O-M-F-G !!!!!! What! WOW. I did NOT see that coming! 😲 but what a twist.
What follows is such a touching, sometimes painful, always beautiful exploration of growing up, growing apart, and maybe… finding your way back. They don’t know who they are anymore, but one thing hasn’t changed: the love. It never left.
This story hit me right in the heart. Raw, emotional, and so full of hope.
Even without knowing a thing about basketball, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not really about the sport, it’s about love, dreams, and who you become when the world pulls you in a different directions.
November 10, 2025
sad pretzel & desserts, fireman LEGO, GPS barnacle, Axe, Nelly, cinnamon spiral wheel, phantom limb, AJ & Cam, dad bod
Of all the books in the "Gomillion High Reunion" series, this, by far, is my favorite. IMHO, it's the best of the series. The way it's crafted, the way it's written, and the descriptions of the imagery sets this apart from the other books. I'm glad I read the other books as there were many of those characters here. It's awesome how the various authors, not only collaborated, obviously also corroborated across the series.
The story opens when Caden and Theo are still in high school at Gomillion. They are seniors and juniors, respectively. They're also inseparable best friends - where you see one, you'll find the other nearby. The whole town knows and accepts this automatically. The story continues through their college years.
The second half is in Gomillion, just a few days before Caden's 20-year class reunion. Both men's lives are shown 20 years later. Just as much happens here as it did in the first half. I can't and won't say more because I want you to experience the book in its entirety. You may know more from other reviews and gotten the gist already, but not having expectations will enhance the breadth of the story.
I enjoyed reading this immensely, and came away feeling better for having read it. Caden's and Theo's journey is indeed arduous, but so worth reading.
Of all the books in the "Gomillion High Reunion" series, this, by far, is my favorite. IMHO, it's the best of the series. The way it's crafted, the way it's written, and the descriptions of the imagery sets this apart from the other books. I'm glad I read the other books as there were many of those characters here. It's awesome how the various authors, not only collaborated, obviously also corroborated across the series.
The story opens when Caden and Theo are still in high school at Gomillion. They are seniors and juniors, respectively. They're also inseparable best friends - where you see one, you'll find the other nearby. The whole town knows and accepts this automatically. The story continues through their college years.
The second half is in Gomillion, just a few days before Caden's 20-year class reunion. Both men's lives are shown 20 years later. Just as much happens here as it did in the first half. I can't and won't say more because I want you to experience the book in its entirety. You may know more from other reviews and gotten the gist already, but not having expectations will enhance the breadth of the story.
I enjoyed reading this immensely, and came away feeling better for having read it. Caden's and Theo's journey is indeed arduous, but so worth reading.
November 6, 2025
This book is divided into two sections, “THEN”, which covers when Caden & Theo were in high school/college, and “NOW”, which covers the reunion the series is named for, as well as some time preceding and following the reunion. The “THEN” section was really good, and covered some things I feel were missing in the other books of this series that I’ve read, including a discussion of race, which is very important in a South Carolina town. The parents in this part were honest and open about “living while Black”, a continuing issue even though we know it shouldn’t be. The intersectionality of non-standard sexuality and race, and how both homophobia and racism are still alive, continues to make me sad. “THEN” is a five star read.
Unfortunately, the “NOW” section had very repetitive sections of text, going through pages of text that were already well covered, such as repeating the LEGO creation that was already shown in the “THEN” section. It almost felt like the author had decided to either repurpose a book for this series, or changed her mind about how to structure the book in the middle of writing. Fitting the reconciliation into the structure of the reunion seemed almost like a square peg in a round hole. It was okay, but brought my overall rating of the book down.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, the “NOW” section had very repetitive sections of text, going through pages of text that were already well covered, such as repeating the LEGO creation that was already shown in the “THEN” section. It almost felt like the author had decided to either repurpose a book for this series, or changed her mind about how to structure the book in the middle of writing. Fitting the reconciliation into the structure of the reunion seemed almost like a square peg in a round hole. It was okay, but brought my overall rating of the book down.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
Theo and Caden were best friends and teammates—two boys from a small Southern town who found first love in secret. But one devastating night tore them apart, leaving Caden to rebuild his life far away and Theo rooted in the past, still teaching at their old high school and quietly nursing a broken heart. Fifteen years later, a high school reunion brings Caden back to Gomillion, forcing both men to confront the memories, mistakes, and unresolved feelings that have haunted them. As they face the truth of what they lost, they discover that some love stories never truly end—and this time, Theo is ready to fight for the one that got away.
I loved this story of a poignant exploration of first love, loss, and the enduring hope for redemption. I loved how Theo and Caden’s relationship began with innocence and intensity—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. Their bond was forged in secrecy and emotional urgency, making the eventual rupture all the more devastating. I liked that their reunion is not just about rekindling romance, but about confronting who they’ve become. Their second chance explores how love can evolve, how timing matters, and how emotional maturity allows for deeper, more honest connection. A story full of emotions and feelings that will generate the odd tear. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story of a poignant exploration of first love, loss, and the enduring hope for redemption. I loved how Theo and Caden’s relationship began with innocence and intensity—first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. Their bond was forged in secrecy and emotional urgency, making the eventual rupture all the more devastating. I liked that their reunion is not just about rekindling romance, but about confronting who they’ve become. Their second chance explores how love can evolve, how timing matters, and how emotional maturity allows for deeper, more honest connection. A story full of emotions and feelings that will generate the odd tear. This was an MM story with mature content.
October 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️. I honestly like the first half of this book better. The “then” half, watching them grow up, watching Theo and Caden’s relationship morph from friends to lovers and seeing how they managed to stay together through distance and college and the start of a career was beautiful. The accident that separated them was horrific but their back story as a whole I loved. Then we get to the “Now” half and that’s where it lost me. First of all was the reunion itself. We got to see a few of the characters from other books in the series, however some of the small details about those characters didn’t match up with their books, as well as details about the town from those other books. The names were right but not much else and it was these little nuances that brought the story down for me. Caden and Theo’s relationship after the fact seemed a bit fast for being separated for 15 years but I did like the honesty about being scared and taking time before any big changes happened. I also really enjoyed the reunion with each others parents as they were a huge part on the beginning. So while I didn’t love parts of this book, overall it wasn’t bad and I do enjoy a good best friends to lovers book.
I received this ARC from GRR and these are my honest opinions.
I received this ARC from GRR and these are my honest opinions.
October 27, 2025
Small town vibes. First times. Tragedy. Recovery. Love. Caden & Theo was an immense read.
Becca Seymour is a new-to-me author, and again I struck gold. Seymour's writing is very nearly perfect. It is beautiful and enticing, stunning and sharp. I honestly didn't know what I was getting into when I cracked open Caden & Theo, but from the very beginning I was hooked on Seymour's prose alone.
This is also an example of a very well done "dual" timeline. This time we get a chronological past and present with a 15-year time jump - and what can I say? I was here for it. Caden & Theo's past was such a wonderful coming of age story. There is a lot to unpack (two Black boys who fall in love in the south while one aims to become a pro athlete), but Seymour doesn't overwhelm the reader. The pacing is fantastic, character development and motives are fleshed out and meaningful, and their HEA is earned.
The tragedy is real, too. If this was titled "The tragedy of Caden & Theo" I would believe it. And its not due to the accident and subsequent physical consequences, but because the years they live without each other is, each one, a tragedy. That is the power of Seymour's storytelling.
Read it.
Becca Seymour is a new-to-me author, and again I struck gold. Seymour's writing is very nearly perfect. It is beautiful and enticing, stunning and sharp. I honestly didn't know what I was getting into when I cracked open Caden & Theo, but from the very beginning I was hooked on Seymour's prose alone.
This is also an example of a very well done "dual" timeline. This time we get a chronological past and present with a 15-year time jump - and what can I say? I was here for it. Caden & Theo's past was such a wonderful coming of age story. There is a lot to unpack (two Black boys who fall in love in the south while one aims to become a pro athlete), but Seymour doesn't overwhelm the reader. The pacing is fantastic, character development and motives are fleshed out and meaningful, and their HEA is earned.
The tragedy is real, too. If this was titled "The tragedy of Caden & Theo" I would believe it. And its not due to the accident and subsequent physical consequences, but because the years they live without each other is, each one, a tragedy. That is the power of Seymour's storytelling.
Read it.
November 3, 2025
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading
I did not expect this book to have such an emotional impact! Holy hell, I don't know what Seymour put into this book, but I absolutely devoured it in one sitting and fell in love with Caden and Theo through the highs and lows of their relationship.
I loved that Seymour dedicated just as much of the book to the events of high school (and into college) as she did with the reunion itself. We really got to understand the dynamics of Caden and Theo's friendship and relationship before the inevitable hit, and I think that added extra impact to the heartbreak of it all - yes, trying to write this spoiler free is tricky.
While my heart broke for these two boys, it also grew epically throughout their romance. There were so many sweet romantic moments, and the spice was perfect for these two boys learning just how much they love each other - it's perfectly woven in, never feels forced, and elevates the story; you truly feel the yearning and the pining as the two MMCs are separated through the course of the story.
If Seymour were to ever return to these two boys, I'd eat up anything she gave us. Keen to check out the rest of the series, too (this was my first book in the series, despite it being the penultimate book in the interconnected standalones).
Thank you to the author and @hottreepublishing for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Check CWs before reading
I did not expect this book to have such an emotional impact! Holy hell, I don't know what Seymour put into this book, but I absolutely devoured it in one sitting and fell in love with Caden and Theo through the highs and lows of their relationship.
I loved that Seymour dedicated just as much of the book to the events of high school (and into college) as she did with the reunion itself. We really got to understand the dynamics of Caden and Theo's friendship and relationship before the inevitable hit, and I think that added extra impact to the heartbreak of it all - yes, trying to write this spoiler free is tricky.
While my heart broke for these two boys, it also grew epically throughout their romance. There were so many sweet romantic moments, and the spice was perfect for these two boys learning just how much they love each other - it's perfectly woven in, never feels forced, and elevates the story; you truly feel the yearning and the pining as the two MMCs are separated through the course of the story.
If Seymour were to ever return to these two boys, I'd eat up anything she gave us. Keen to check out the rest of the series, too (this was my first book in the series, despite it being the penultimate book in the interconnected standalones).
Thank you to the author and @hottreepublishing for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
November 23, 2025
I loved Theo and Caden’s story. I appreciated meeting them at the beginning of their friendship and relationship, and their journey to where everything fell apart, before picking up again at the reunion. I enjoyed the role of their friends and families too.
I didn’t expect the moment that changed everything. I knew something was going to happen but not that life changing. I loved how neither of them forgot or stopped loving the other, and it made their reunion so much more satisfying.
I liked that it doesn’t define who they are as people, and though the aftermath and their reactions were realistic. I loved how both Caden and Theo grow as people apart from each other before they reunite again, which is something they needed to do before building a life together to move forward.
I loved the emotional intensity of the story, in both good times and bad. These are men who feel deeply and it makes that one day that changes everything more gut-wrenching and real.
Their HEA is worth waiting for, makes for a very satisfying ending, and reminds me why I love this author’s books.
I didn’t expect the moment that changed everything. I knew something was going to happen but not that life changing. I loved how neither of them forgot or stopped loving the other, and it made their reunion so much more satisfying.
I liked that it doesn’t define who they are as people, and though the aftermath and their reactions were realistic. I loved how both Caden and Theo grow as people apart from each other before they reunite again, which is something they needed to do before building a life together to move forward.
I loved the emotional intensity of the story, in both good times and bad. These are men who feel deeply and it makes that one day that changes everything more gut-wrenching and real.
Their HEA is worth waiting for, makes for a very satisfying ending, and reminds me why I love this author’s books.
October 17, 2025
The book’s split into two parts of roughly equal length. We spend the first half with the MCs around age seventeen, watching their relationship slowly unfold through to the end of college. Part Two is a pure reunion story.
Part One? Solid four stars. You really get to know them, you root for them, and it all feels genuine and well-paced. But Part Two lost me. The reunion itself seemed to take priority over the people involved. The conversations we did get felt surface-level, missing the depth and rediscovery that should come with years apart - for them and for us as readers.
The prose also tipped a bit too “flowery” for my taste. It sometimes read like the author wanted to experiment with a more poetic style, but it didn’t quite land... more confusing than moving.
Still, it’s a good book overall. Strong premise, heartfelt first half, but the second half didn’t quite keep up the emotional connection.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Part One? Solid four stars. You really get to know them, you root for them, and it all feels genuine and well-paced. But Part Two lost me. The reunion itself seemed to take priority over the people involved. The conversations we did get felt surface-level, missing the depth and rediscovery that should come with years apart - for them and for us as readers.
The prose also tipped a bit too “flowery” for my taste. It sometimes read like the author wanted to experiment with a more poetic style, but it didn’t quite land... more confusing than moving.
Still, it’s a good book overall. Strong premise, heartfelt first half, but the second half didn’t quite keep up the emotional connection.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
October 28, 2025
Theo and Caden DO get their HEA, but for much of the book I was wondering if an HEA was even possible, or if it even should happen. The first half of the book is the 2 of them as Gomillion high school students, then college students, hiding their relationship due to Caden's attempt to go pro in basketball. A car crash ruins all that and causes them to break up.
15 years later it's time for the reunion, and neither of them have moved on from each other. They get back together slowly over the 3 days, and Theo decides to spend some time with Caden in San Francisco. It's a year of back and forth before they make the move to be together. I thought the timing was well done - nobody made quick, rash decisions. I wasn't really sure there was a way forward for them, but the author moved them forward realistically and slowly.
I've read most of the Gomillion series, and I think this book best uses the reunion as a pivotal point in moving the story forward, even setting so much of their backstory in the school. Loved this, hard a hard time putting it down.
15 years later it's time for the reunion, and neither of them have moved on from each other. They get back together slowly over the 3 days, and Theo decides to spend some time with Caden in San Francisco. It's a year of back and forth before they make the move to be together. I thought the timing was well done - nobody made quick, rash decisions. I wasn't really sure there was a way forward for them, but the author moved them forward realistically and slowly.
I've read most of the Gomillion series, and I think this book best uses the reunion as a pivotal point in moving the story forward, even setting so much of their backstory in the school. Loved this, hard a hard time putting it down.
November 10, 2025
4.25 stars
“Caden & Theo” by Becca Seymour is part of the multi-author ‘Gomillion High Reunion’ series, and features former high-school sweethearts Caden & Theo. Their relationship is shattered by a tragedy, and when they meet again at the reunion, they must decide if they can rekindle what they once had.
This contemporary gay romance starts as a new-adult story for two-thirds of the book before it segues into the complexities that accompany the high school reunion that reopens old wounds so they can be lanced and allowed to heal. This starts out as a beautiful tale of young love and becomes an emotional, angst-filled but deeply satisfying romance. Tissue is definitely required, and I love that both characters were still connected by the smallest of tokens that nonetheless held significant meaning to each man. Each of the stories in this series can be read as a standalone tale, and this is an excellent addition to the collection.
A copy of this story was provided for review
“Caden & Theo” by Becca Seymour is part of the multi-author ‘Gomillion High Reunion’ series, and features former high-school sweethearts Caden & Theo. Their relationship is shattered by a tragedy, and when they meet again at the reunion, they must decide if they can rekindle what they once had.
This contemporary gay romance starts as a new-adult story for two-thirds of the book before it segues into the complexities that accompany the high school reunion that reopens old wounds so they can be lanced and allowed to heal. This starts out as a beautiful tale of young love and becomes an emotional, angst-filled but deeply satisfying romance. Tissue is definitely required, and I love that both characters were still connected by the smallest of tokens that nonetheless held significant meaning to each man. Each of the stories in this series can be read as a standalone tale, and this is an excellent addition to the collection.
A copy of this story was provided for review
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