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Men of White Pines #1
Next Door Dads
FROM POPULAR AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE GARETH CHRIS
Book one in the Men of White Pines series
Two single dads. One unexpected love that shatters every certainty.
Upon learning his late uncle bequeathed him his White Pines, Vermont home, gay New York novelist Myles Parker decides to move there with son, Joshua. When they arrive, Myles learns the home has fallen into disrepair. Adding to his concerns, the neighbor next door is as unwelcoming as he is handsome.
Since construction worker Adam Tilson’s wife left him and their son, Flynt, a dozen years earlier, he’s shunned relationships that exceed an evening. He isn’t keen on making friends with the sophisticated city guy who moved next door. But when his son and his neighbor’s click, Adam’s resistance lowers, especially once Myles offers him a lucrative house renovation project.
Guilted by Flynt, Adam hosts his neighbors until the Parkers’ home can be habited. Although Adam believes the proximity will be an annoyance, he and Myles bond as single fathers and friends. When their boys begin to behave like the four are a family, Myles worries his growing feelings for Adam will be unrequited, and Adam grapples with his attraction to a man.
Book one in the Men of White Pines series
Two single dads. One unexpected love that shatters every certainty.
Upon learning his late uncle bequeathed him his White Pines, Vermont home, gay New York novelist Myles Parker decides to move there with son, Joshua. When they arrive, Myles learns the home has fallen into disrepair. Adding to his concerns, the neighbor next door is as unwelcoming as he is handsome.
Since construction worker Adam Tilson’s wife left him and their son, Flynt, a dozen years earlier, he’s shunned relationships that exceed an evening. He isn’t keen on making friends with the sophisticated city guy who moved next door. But when his son and his neighbor’s click, Adam’s resistance lowers, especially once Myles offers him a lucrative house renovation project.
Guilted by Flynt, Adam hosts his neighbors until the Parkers’ home can be habited. Although Adam believes the proximity will be an annoyance, he and Myles bond as single fathers and friends. When their boys begin to behave like the four are a family, Myles worries his growing feelings for Adam will be unrequited, and Adam grapples with his attraction to a man.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 30, 2026
ARC review
It was a good book.
I feel like the last 60% ot something were rushed. Their relationship and everything that happened after was just too fast.
I like Adam, being a father but giving his son enough freedom to be himself. He was afraid of being in a new relationship so he did everything he could to avoid. But he couldn't hide for long what he felt for Myles.
Myles wanted a new start for him and his son and he got it. He was afraid of his feelings for Adam because he was gay and Adam was straigh, but there was no reason for it.
The four of them were a family, blood or not and I just loved that
It was a good book.
I feel like the last 60% ot something were rushed. Their relationship and everything that happened after was just too fast.
I like Adam, being a father but giving his son enough freedom to be himself. He was afraid of being in a new relationship so he did everything he could to avoid. But he couldn't hide for long what he felt for Myles.
Myles wanted a new start for him and his son and he got it. He was afraid of his feelings for Adam because he was gay and Adam was straigh, but there was no reason for it.
The four of them were a family, blood or not and I just loved that
February 19, 2026
DNF @ 54%
Why exactly was Myles still wiling to send Joshua to visit his grandparents when neither of them wanted to support his sister when she had him AND they also didn't want Miles adopting Joshua when she died? Wtf? Was that not grounds for no contact? If my parents disowned my sister and nephew AND judged me for adopting him after she died, you can be sure that there's no way in hell my nephew/son would ever see their stupid, hateful faces.
Having Adam's son, Flynt, actually talk in slang during that first chapter was super cringe. I guess maybe that was the point but I didn't like it. I probably would've been fine with it if Adam hadn't been portrayed as such an asshole to begin with, then the slang talk could've been endearing, but since Adam andhis son were both being bitches, it just made them even more unlikable.
And wow, was Adam really supposed to be stupidly judgemental? The dude immediately shit talked Myles to his kid because he thought that Myles was a grifter who benefited from Ned's death without even thinking that there was a reason he never visited. He literally even said that Ned talked Myles up, so why the hell was Adam suddenly convinced that Myles was worth his derision off the bat? Was I supposed to dislike his character? Him suddenly acting all apologetic when Myles told him the reason he never visited just emphasized how much of a chump he was because not only did he make quick assumptions, the fact that he didn't even hesitate in assuming the worst out of Myles was supremely off-putting.
Wtf was that set up for Adam inviting Myles to write from his home office? We go from "Myles is probably a dumb opportunist who is reaping the benefits of his dead uncle's generosity" to "hey, you can write in my house while I do repairs on yours!" Adam had not been characterized as being so generous, so it felt like it just came out of nowhere because inviting a stranger to work out of your house is NOT a normal thing for people to do. That sort of exceptional act needs a justification and appropriate persona; Adam had neither since someone like him should've just let Myles figure out where to work on his own (or at most, offered to be quieter while he did repairs).
At least Adam asking Myles and his son to move in with them temporarily was believable because Flynt was egging him on. Idk why Flynt was so gung-ho about it though given how he and Joshua had only spent like one afternoon together AND Flynt was supposedly concerned about being seen interacting with a weirdo. Apparently the one day was enough for him to not only change his mind about Joshua but also to swing his perception so far in the other direction that he wanted them to have sleep overs. Ok, not the most unbelievable thing, but definitely toed the line on feeling contrived. Like what was even the point of having Adam and Flynt start off heavily disliking Myles and Joshua when the were so quick to change their minds after one interaction? It just made Adam and his son give a bad first impression to me.
Things were decent when Myles and Joshua moving in with Adam and Flynt. I liked that we saw clear attempts at Myles suppressing his attraction and some hints that Adam was feeling some himself. I liked seeing the kids become friends through shared interests and the pacing in general was pretty good.
I did not like the gun incident though. Ignoring Myles' weirdass "we're you two 'exploring' each other?" question to the kids, the entire situation was just annoying to read. It was like this book really wanted me to hate both MCs guts. Adam freaking out over Flynt and Joshua playing with the rifle was understandable, even him blowing up at Myles for keeping it in an easily accessible place was fine. Myles just forgiving him for how he was treated was not. What kind of self-respecting person would't be furious over being called an irresponsible parent? Regardless of whether or was justified or not, Myles should've been offended at the insinuation, not suddenly finding himself comforting Adam over how he thought he was driving Flynt away.
Then once the insta-forgiveness happens, Adam just gets all weirdly touchy for some reason, massaging Myles out of nowhere multiple times. That's not something that's within normal expectations so I needed justification for why he was so casually rubbing Myles' body. Myles being sore from helping with renovations was not reason enough for Adam to suddenly turn into a masseuse.
The dialogue was a bit awkward at times. Like Adam would be clearly joking but Myles would take it way too seriously, or one of them would just start blurting out random super personal details about their history unprompted, or they'd start a new topic without a proper segue.
Myles getting mad at Adam for not wanting to be seen as gay got to me. Yes, homophobia is bad, but that doesn't automatically mean that Adam needed to be a champion of gay rights and go all in on pretending he was in a gay relationship with Myles. Who the hell really cared anyway whether they were a family or not? It's a freaking event at a fair, literally the most casual thing ever. What gave Myles the right to be mad at the guy already pretending to be gay for not acting like he was proud of it? Hell even actual gay people could be hesitant on confirming their relationship, so it was unreasonable for Myles to get pissed at Adam for not showing pride for his fake sexuality.
TL;DR: There was an ok structure of a story here, but too many scenes landed wrong for me to enjoy it. Adam was incredibly unlikable in the first few chapters, then Myles got on my nerves for his insta-forgiveness then finally his tirade at Adam at the fair.
Why exactly was Myles still wiling to send Joshua to visit his grandparents when neither of them wanted to support his sister when she had him AND they also didn't want Miles adopting Joshua when she died? Wtf? Was that not grounds for no contact? If my parents disowned my sister and nephew AND judged me for adopting him after she died, you can be sure that there's no way in hell my nephew/son would ever see their stupid, hateful faces.
Having Adam's son, Flynt, actually talk in slang during that first chapter was super cringe. I guess maybe that was the point but I didn't like it. I probably would've been fine with it if Adam hadn't been portrayed as such an asshole to begin with, then the slang talk could've been endearing, but since Adam andhis son were both being bitches, it just made them even more unlikable.
And wow, was Adam really supposed to be stupidly judgemental? The dude immediately shit talked Myles to his kid because he thought that Myles was a grifter who benefited from Ned's death without even thinking that there was a reason he never visited. He literally even said that Ned talked Myles up, so why the hell was Adam suddenly convinced that Myles was worth his derision off the bat? Was I supposed to dislike his character? Him suddenly acting all apologetic when Myles told him the reason he never visited just emphasized how much of a chump he was because not only did he make quick assumptions, the fact that he didn't even hesitate in assuming the worst out of Myles was supremely off-putting.
Wtf was that set up for Adam inviting Myles to write from his home office? We go from "Myles is probably a dumb opportunist who is reaping the benefits of his dead uncle's generosity" to "hey, you can write in my house while I do repairs on yours!" Adam had not been characterized as being so generous, so it felt like it just came out of nowhere because inviting a stranger to work out of your house is NOT a normal thing for people to do. That sort of exceptional act needs a justification and appropriate persona; Adam had neither since someone like him should've just let Myles figure out where to work on his own (or at most, offered to be quieter while he did repairs).
At least Adam asking Myles and his son to move in with them temporarily was believable because Flynt was egging him on. Idk why Flynt was so gung-ho about it though given how he and Joshua had only spent like one afternoon together AND Flynt was supposedly concerned about being seen interacting with a weirdo. Apparently the one day was enough for him to not only change his mind about Joshua but also to swing his perception so far in the other direction that he wanted them to have sleep overs. Ok, not the most unbelievable thing, but definitely toed the line on feeling contrived. Like what was even the point of having Adam and Flynt start off heavily disliking Myles and Joshua when the were so quick to change their minds after one interaction? It just made Adam and his son give a bad first impression to me.
Things were decent when Myles and Joshua moving in with Adam and Flynt. I liked that we saw clear attempts at Myles suppressing his attraction and some hints that Adam was feeling some himself. I liked seeing the kids become friends through shared interests and the pacing in general was pretty good.
I did not like the gun incident though. Ignoring Myles' weirdass "we're you two 'exploring' each other?" question to the kids, the entire situation was just annoying to read. It was like this book really wanted me to hate both MCs guts. Adam freaking out over Flynt and Joshua playing with the rifle was understandable, even him blowing up at Myles for keeping it in an easily accessible place was fine. Myles just forgiving him for how he was treated was not. What kind of self-respecting person would't be furious over being called an irresponsible parent? Regardless of whether or was justified or not, Myles should've been offended at the insinuation, not suddenly finding himself comforting Adam over how he thought he was driving Flynt away.
Then once the insta-forgiveness happens, Adam just gets all weirdly touchy for some reason, massaging Myles out of nowhere multiple times. That's not something that's within normal expectations so I needed justification for why he was so casually rubbing Myles' body. Myles being sore from helping with renovations was not reason enough for Adam to suddenly turn into a masseuse.
The dialogue was a bit awkward at times. Like Adam would be clearly joking but Myles would take it way too seriously, or one of them would just start blurting out random super personal details about their history unprompted, or they'd start a new topic without a proper segue.
Myles getting mad at Adam for not wanting to be seen as gay got to me. Yes, homophobia is bad, but that doesn't automatically mean that Adam needed to be a champion of gay rights and go all in on pretending he was in a gay relationship with Myles. Who the hell really cared anyway whether they were a family or not? It's a freaking event at a fair, literally the most casual thing ever. What gave Myles the right to be mad at the guy already pretending to be gay for not acting like he was proud of it? Hell even actual gay people could be hesitant on confirming their relationship, so it was unreasonable for Myles to get pissed at Adam for not showing pride for his fake sexuality.
TL;DR: There was an ok structure of a story here, but too many scenes landed wrong for me to enjoy it. Adam was incredibly unlikable in the first few chapters, then Myles got on my nerves for his insta-forgiveness then finally his tirade at Adam at the fair.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Next Door Dads by Gareth Chris is the first book in his Men of White Pines series. It is the story of a man who moves into an inherited house with his teenage son and the next-door neighbor, also with a son of the same age, who helps him fix it up, face some problems together, and fall in love. Myles Parker was a novelist from New York City who inherited a house from his Uncle Ned in White Pines, Vermont. He had adopted his sister’s son, Joshua, when she died after doing drugs and centered his life around him. He had been bullied throughout his life, not only from his parents but those around him and didn’t have many friends. This caused him to pull in on himself and as Joshua had grown up and seen him do this, he acted the same way. He was shy, studious, and not into sports so also didn’t have many friends and his therapist thought the move would be good for him and give him a fresh start in a smaller town. When they arrived at the house, they found it to be rather run down and needed a lot of repairs and renovations which they weren’t expecting. However, Myles had saved money and was ready to hire a contractor to make them. Adam Tilson lived next door with his son Flynt and when he saw them there, he went to investigate. When he found out that Myles was Ned’s nephew, he wasn’t very friendly because he thought he had neglected him and never visited to help out. Adam was originally the chief of police in the town but the mayor was not a good person and was asking him to do things he wouldn’t do so he quit. He was now a contractor and one of the best in town. He had gotten his girlfriend pregnant when they were very young and they married but she was not happy, got in with a crowd that was doing drugs, and left him when Flynt was a toddler. Myles and Joshua went to the diner in town for dinner and met Simone, a wonderful woman who was a server there and was able to tell them that Adam was the best contractor around but after the greeting they got he wasn’t sure. It wasn’t long until Adam learned the real reason why Myles hadn’t visited and realized he was wrong about him. Myles hired him to renovate the house and while he didn’t have any experience, he helped him as much as he could and Joshua and Flynt became very good friends and started doing everything together. When they discovered there were mice in the house Myles nearly had a heart attack because of something that had happened earlier in his life and Joshua was scared of them also, so Flynt coerced Adam into inviting them to stay with them until they could take care of the problem, which would take some time. This started them being together and learning about each other. Myles was attracted to Adam from the beginning but Adam was very straight so he tried his best not to do anything that would hurt their friendship. Adam wasn’t interested in anything serious after what happened with his wife so he had a series of one-night stands and that was it. But he was also feeling an attraction to Myles that he didn’t understand. They both had some issues with the boys as you will with teenagers and they went to the fair together and had to share a bed. When they visited the ocean Adam went away with a woman he met there and then realized that the only person he wanted was Myles and when he told him they started experimenting and had some hot love scenes. The boys caught them together and Adam told them that this was serious and he wasn’t going to leave Myles so they continued being together. When something happens that is hurting them and the town Adam also gets into the mayor’s reelection race to try to unseat the one that was doing things to hurt the town and this leads him to telling Myles he loves him and Myles says he loves him too. The boys are really happy with this situation because now they can become real brothers. I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Chris has a way of telling this story with humor and feeling and you see where both men and their sons are coming from. He depicts the teenage boys just as they are in real life with their struggles and victories and with Joshua being shy and introverted and Flynt being outspoken and ornery and how they are able to help each other. Myles hasn’t had an easy life but Joshua means everything to him and wanted the move to be good for him. Adam was hiding the resentment he had for his wife leaving him and refused to be in another loving relationship until Myles wore him down. He apologized often but saw what they could be to each other and their sons and was willing to try a life very different from his own straight one because he knew Myles was the one for him. The boys were central to the story and Simone was a big help, especially when it came to the campaign to beat the mayor. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men with teenage sons who see something in each other that could grow to be more, go through some trials to see if it can work, and then fall in love and form the new family that they all want.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) in exchange for an honest review. It Is available NOW on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
www.amazon.com/B0FT3359RH
This is a 289-page Fast Paced, Single Father x2, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Families Collide, Gay For You MM Romance. This is the first book in the Men Of White Pines series.
Written in dual 1st person POV, the plot is presented in a Character Development Forward format in the beginning two-thirds of the novel while setting up the side plot. It is kept moving by teenage antic and family fun activities. The City Boy in a Small Town Romance starts with Myles and his 13-year-old son moving from NYC to a small town in Vermont. They inherited a house from his uncle and took the opportunity to change their lives for the better. Only what they got was a rundown house in need of a ton to repair and a grouchy neighbor named Adam and his own 13-year-old son, Flynt. When the kids become fast friends, the two dads are that are complete opposites in every way including how they parent, are forced to be friendly… then feelings start to bloom.
Adam is a long-time resident of White Pines and used to be the Chief of Police, until Powers That Be forced him out. He now is the best Handyman and Woods Crafter in the area. Myles is a City Boy through and through. Moving to a small-town to start over and give his son a chance to grow as a person in an area that can give him space is the most important thing to him. When these two families come together, learning opportunities for everyone presents themselves in authentic life choices that are too real to be written in a fluff romance. I loved that the author showed that challenges in life shouldn’t be seen as a challenge, but as an opportunity to see life differently, as long as you see it through someone else’s eyes. The dads not only support each other and their own kids but in raw circumstances, the adults let each other parent and teach the other’s kids in new life occurrences without backlash. Another situation used in the story that got repetitive was homophobia and how it can be perceived in different ways and POVs. I liked what the author was trying to present, but it did get slightly soapboxy which made the novel vibe off-balance.
The Spice was great! 3.5/5🌶 . I really enjoyed the scenes and the meaning behind them. It wasn’t spice just to be spice which I appreciated. It brought learning opportunities to the MCs as well as the kids (in an appropriate way). If the author had written it in any other way or format, it wouldn’t have made sense as the main plot is so important, and this needed to fit like a puzzle piece.
The ensemble was minimal. This novel is definitely MC focused. However, Simone is an awesome character with just enough flame to not overpower the spotlight. I can see her being a great support character in all the books in the series, which I can��t wait to see. Other than her, all other ensemble characters are presented late in the game for the side plot which I think will carry over to all the future books. Mitch, a cop on the force in town and Cliff, a former teacher now millionaire club owner. They both hold keys to locks in the plot and I can’t wait to see what is behind their doors. My only other major constructive criticism would be that the side plot should have been weaved into the book sooner than it did. Yeah, it was hinted and little drops here and there but at about 75% through, the book goes from being about one thing to another. I loved the side plot, it just needed blended in better and earlier.
This is a great story about the strength it takes to be a single parent, no matter your life situation. It gives great perspectives not only from the parents POV but the raw reactions from teenagers and how they perceive their own lives, and adulthood. Everyone has emotions but emotions are not the same for everyone, we all process differently to the same situation.
💜Happy Reading🫶
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) in exchange for an honest review. It Is available NOW on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
www.amazon.com/B0FT3359RH
This is a 289-page Fast Paced, Single Father x2, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Families Collide, Gay For You MM Romance. This is the first book in the Men Of White Pines series.
Written in dual 1st person POV, the plot is presented in a Character Development Forward format in the beginning two-thirds of the novel while setting up the side plot. It is kept moving by teenage antic and family fun activities. The City Boy in a Small Town Romance starts with Myles and his 13-year-old son moving from NYC to a small town in Vermont. They inherited a house from his uncle and took the opportunity to change their lives for the better. Only what they got was a rundown house in need of a ton to repair and a grouchy neighbor named Adam and his own 13-year-old son, Flynt. When the kids become fast friends, the two dads are that are complete opposites in every way including how they parent, are forced to be friendly… then feelings start to bloom.
Adam is a long-time resident of White Pines and used to be the Chief of Police, until Powers That Be forced him out. He now is the best Handyman and Woods Crafter in the area. Myles is a City Boy through and through. Moving to a small-town to start over and give his son a chance to grow as a person in an area that can give him space is the most important thing to him. When these two families come together, learning opportunities for everyone presents themselves in authentic life choices that are too real to be written in a fluff romance. I loved that the author showed that challenges in life shouldn’t be seen as a challenge, but as an opportunity to see life differently, as long as you see it through someone else’s eyes. The dads not only support each other and their own kids but in raw circumstances, the adults let each other parent and teach the other’s kids in new life occurrences without backlash. Another situation used in the story that got repetitive was homophobia and how it can be perceived in different ways and POVs. I liked what the author was trying to present, but it did get slightly soapboxy which made the novel vibe off-balance.
The Spice was great! 3.5/5🌶 . I really enjoyed the scenes and the meaning behind them. It wasn’t spice just to be spice which I appreciated. It brought learning opportunities to the MCs as well as the kids (in an appropriate way). If the author had written it in any other way or format, it wouldn’t have made sense as the main plot is so important, and this needed to fit like a puzzle piece.
The ensemble was minimal. This novel is definitely MC focused. However, Simone is an awesome character with just enough flame to not overpower the spotlight. I can see her being a great support character in all the books in the series, which I can��t wait to see. Other than her, all other ensemble characters are presented late in the game for the side plot which I think will carry over to all the future books. Mitch, a cop on the force in town and Cliff, a former teacher now millionaire club owner. They both hold keys to locks in the plot and I can’t wait to see what is behind their doors. My only other major constructive criticism would be that the side plot should have been weaved into the book sooner than it did. Yeah, it was hinted and little drops here and there but at about 75% through, the book goes from being about one thing to another. I loved the side plot, it just needed blended in better and earlier.
This is a great story about the strength it takes to be a single parent, no matter your life situation. It gives great perspectives not only from the parents POV but the raw reactions from teenagers and how they perceive their own lives, and adulthood. Everyone has emotions but emotions are not the same for everyone, we all process differently to the same situation.
💜Happy Reading🫶
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
Next Door Dads is one of those cozy small town romances that are perfect for a nice light reading, even if a few seams show here and there.
The story follows Myles Parker, a shy New York novelist who inherits his uncle’s rundown house in White Pines, Vermont, and moves there with his teenage nephew, Joshua. The house is a disaster, the town is tiny, and Myles is basically one frayed nerve away from a meltdown. Enter Adam Tilson, the grumpy-but-good contractor next door, who also happens to be a single dad to Flynt, a loud, confident teen who’s Joshua’s total opposite. The boys hit it off immediately, and that relationship becomes the spark for the rest of the story. Their friendship feels real, awkward, funny, and full of that teenage mix of bravado and vulnerability.
Myles and Adam’s relationship is a little slower burn. Myles is openly attracted from the start, while Adam, who’s always identified as straight, is confused, hesitant, and carrying a lot of baggage from his past relationship. Their dynamic is sweet, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally a little melodramatic, but it kind of works. The forced proximity is classic, kind of cliché romance fuel, but Chris uses it well.
The book strength are the emotional beats. Myles’ lifelong insecurity, Adam’s fear of being hurt again, the boys’ growing confidence, and the sense of found family forming piece by piece.
The flaw is mostly the pace. Some scenes feel a little too long, while others, especially the shift in Adam’s feelings, feels rushed and could’ve used more breathing room. But even with those bumps, the story has charm. There’s enough banter, the characters feel real, and the romance is sweet. The spice feels a little forced at times, especially with Adam trying to stick to his heterosexuality, it makes some bits cringy.
The small-town politics subplot adds some stakes, though it can feel a bit rushed compared to the relationship arc. Also, it feels unfinished.
Anyway, If you second chance romance, single dads and two families slowly knitting themselves together, you will probably enjoy this one.
*mild spoilers ahead*
Next Door Dads is one of those cozy small town romances that are perfect for a nice light reading, even if a few seams show here and there.
The story follows Myles Parker, a shy New York novelist who inherits his uncle’s rundown house in White Pines, Vermont, and moves there with his teenage nephew, Joshua. The house is a disaster, the town is tiny, and Myles is basically one frayed nerve away from a meltdown. Enter Adam Tilson, the grumpy-but-good contractor next door, who also happens to be a single dad to Flynt, a loud, confident teen who’s Joshua’s total opposite. The boys hit it off immediately, and that relationship becomes the spark for the rest of the story. Their friendship feels real, awkward, funny, and full of that teenage mix of bravado and vulnerability.
Myles and Adam’s relationship is a little slower burn. Myles is openly attracted from the start, while Adam, who’s always identified as straight, is confused, hesitant, and carrying a lot of baggage from his past relationship. Their dynamic is sweet, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally a little melodramatic, but it kind of works. The forced proximity is classic, kind of cliché romance fuel, but Chris uses it well.
The book strength are the emotional beats. Myles’ lifelong insecurity, Adam’s fear of being hurt again, the boys’ growing confidence, and the sense of found family forming piece by piece.
The flaw is mostly the pace. Some scenes feel a little too long, while others, especially the shift in Adam’s feelings, feels rushed and could’ve used more breathing room. But even with those bumps, the story has charm. There’s enough banter, the characters feel real, and the romance is sweet. The spice feels a little forced at times, especially with Adam trying to stick to his heterosexuality, it makes some bits cringy.
The small-town politics subplot adds some stakes, though it can feel a bit rushed compared to the relationship arc. Also, it feels unfinished.
Anyway, If you second chance romance, single dads and two families slowly knitting themselves together, you will probably enjoy this one.
February 4, 2026
Okay but hear me out: “Next Door Dads” is one of those books that makes you go “aww 🥹” while also squinting at the page like, “Wait… are we in love already??”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The *idea* of it? Elite. Two single dads, grumpy sunshine vibes, teenage sons who become instant besties, small-town Vermont energy, found family galore? Yes, please, I’ll take two. The plot itself is genuinely sweet and comforting, and the whole “family isn’t just blood” theme absolutely worked on me. I was emotionally invested in these four becoming a little chaotic blended unit, and honestly? They nailed that part.
Adam as a dad? Gold star. I loved how he balanced being protective while still letting his son be his own person. And Myles? Soft, anxious, trying-his-best energy that made me want to wrap him in a blanket and hand him a cup of tea. Individually, both characters were solid and likable, which made rooting for them super easy.
That said… the chemistry between Adam and Myles didn’t always fully *spark* for me. It was there in theory, but sometimes it felt more like “we make sense on paper” than “I am feral for you.” I wanted more tension, more lingering moments, more of that *oh no, I’m catching feelings* panic before things escalated. When they did finally move forward, it happened kind of fast, which made it harder to really sit in the emotional buildup.
The pacing overall was a bit uneven. The beginning took its time setting everything up (which I liked), but the back half felt like it hit fast-forward. Big emotional milestones and relationship developments flew by so quickly that I barely had time to process them before we were already onto the next thing. I didn’t hate where the story went; I just wanted it to breathe a little more.
Still, the heart of this book is strong. The kids, the small-town side characters, the sense of healing and second chances. That all worked. Even with the pacing hiccups and slightly muted romantic chemistry, I closed the book feeling warm and mostly content.
ARC provided by GRR. Review is voluntary.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The *idea* of it? Elite. Two single dads, grumpy sunshine vibes, teenage sons who become instant besties, small-town Vermont energy, found family galore? Yes, please, I’ll take two. The plot itself is genuinely sweet and comforting, and the whole “family isn’t just blood” theme absolutely worked on me. I was emotionally invested in these four becoming a little chaotic blended unit, and honestly? They nailed that part.
Adam as a dad? Gold star. I loved how he balanced being protective while still letting his son be his own person. And Myles? Soft, anxious, trying-his-best energy that made me want to wrap him in a blanket and hand him a cup of tea. Individually, both characters were solid and likable, which made rooting for them super easy.
That said… the chemistry between Adam and Myles didn’t always fully *spark* for me. It was there in theory, but sometimes it felt more like “we make sense on paper” than “I am feral for you.” I wanted more tension, more lingering moments, more of that *oh no, I’m catching feelings* panic before things escalated. When they did finally move forward, it happened kind of fast, which made it harder to really sit in the emotional buildup.
The pacing overall was a bit uneven. The beginning took its time setting everything up (which I liked), but the back half felt like it hit fast-forward. Big emotional milestones and relationship developments flew by so quickly that I barely had time to process them before we were already onto the next thing. I didn’t hate where the story went; I just wanted it to breathe a little more.
Still, the heart of this book is strong. The kids, the small-town side characters, the sense of healing and second chances. That all worked. Even with the pacing hiccups and slightly muted romantic chemistry, I closed the book feeling warm and mostly content.
ARC provided by GRR. Review is voluntary.
February 5, 2026
I gave this story 3 stars because I like the premise, and there were some satisfying moments in the plot. However, I did have issues with it that made it hard for me to go higher.
Myles and Adam, the two single dads in this small-town romance, find their forever loves after a hostile beginning, which foreshadows all the angst that keeps getting in the way of their relationship until the last quarter of the book. Though the story is character-driven ---which Iove---both men irritate me a lot more than I expected or liked. Each spends a lot of time second-guessing himself, the other guy, and the situation between them. Adam's behavior is especially grating, and though I understand why he's confused about his attraction, it got to be more than I enjoyed 3after the umpteenth time of him lashing out unreasonably at Myles without thinking things through first. For his part, Myles sometimes came off as a much younger, more immature man, which doesn't help with how he dealt with his own insecurities.
Ultimately, the character development is uneven, with all the going back and forth that these two do, as well as in how the writer presents Flynt, Adam's son. At times, he sounds much too mature for a 12-year-old, despite the dynamic that exists between him and his father, and at other times, he is exactly how you expect a teenager to be. Josh, Myles's son, has a much smoother character arc than the others. The twists at the end, while unexpected, are not unwelcome. Adam reimagines his future and realizes it with some help from others. The major source of that help appears (like a Greek play's "deus ex machina") right when he's needed ... a little too convenient to be credible, but maybe he's in some previous story that I haven't read. Also, the very coincidental connection of Myles's father to the town, and his unexpected withdrawal are also just too convenient for the ending.
Myles and Adam, the two single dads in this small-town romance, find their forever loves after a hostile beginning, which foreshadows all the angst that keeps getting in the way of their relationship until the last quarter of the book. Though the story is character-driven ---which Iove---both men irritate me a lot more than I expected or liked. Each spends a lot of time second-guessing himself, the other guy, and the situation between them. Adam's behavior is especially grating, and though I understand why he's confused about his attraction, it got to be more than I enjoyed 3after the umpteenth time of him lashing out unreasonably at Myles without thinking things through first. For his part, Myles sometimes came off as a much younger, more immature man, which doesn't help with how he dealt with his own insecurities.
Ultimately, the character development is uneven, with all the going back and forth that these two do, as well as in how the writer presents Flynt, Adam's son. At times, he sounds much too mature for a 12-year-old, despite the dynamic that exists between him and his father, and at other times, he is exactly how you expect a teenager to be. Josh, Myles's son, has a much smoother character arc than the others. The twists at the end, while unexpected, are not unwelcome. Adam reimagines his future and realizes it with some help from others. The major source of that help appears (like a Greek play's "deus ex machina") right when he's needed ... a little too convenient to be credible, but maybe he's in some previous story that I haven't read. Also, the very coincidental connection of Myles's father to the town, and his unexpected withdrawal are also just too convenient for the ending.
February 9, 2026
I enjoyed this found family, straight to gay, small town romance with characters I could identify with, and a storyline that seemed realistic and timely. When Myles and his son Joshua move to White Pines, Vermont, the initial meeting with neighbor Adam does not go well. Luckily, things improve, Adam will do the renovations on Myles’s home, and his son Flynt and Joshua become friends. Myles is openly gay and finds Adam very attractive, but knows he is straight, so puts those thoughts to the back of his mind. But Adam is noticing things about Myles, too, unsettling things and thoughts he cannot get out of his head. As the boys’ friendship grows, both seem to be gaining good things from each other, helping to foster a family atmosphere, especially once Myles and Joshua move in with Adam and Flynt, thanks to field mice. The first time they pose as a family unit is at the county fair, and it feels really right. When Adam finally figures out he’s not as straight as he thought, at least as far as Myles is concerned, the relationship begins to move forward in a different way, and the family unit is strengthened, then challenged when Adam is called to serve his community. Is the bond strong enough to survive the challenges and lead to a HEA for the fathers and their sons? Guess you should read the book to find out.
Great characters in realistic situations in small town New England, complete with the wide range of citizens on both sides of the political spectrum, are much like a slice of America today. There are a few interesting side characters to make for an additional book or two, and a small town it is easy to become a part of. I enjoyed this visit there, and look forward to the next one when book 2 comes out.
I received an advance copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
Great characters in realistic situations in small town New England, complete with the wide range of citizens on both sides of the political spectrum, are much like a slice of America today. There are a few interesting side characters to make for an additional book or two, and a small town it is easy to become a part of. I enjoyed this visit there, and look forward to the next one when book 2 comes out.
I received an advance copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
January 31, 2026
Myles and his son Joshua are moving to White Pines to a house he inherited from his uncle that passed. He figured they could use a change of scenery from New York and now they're in a fixer up and unsure what the future holds. Add a sexy divorced single dad with a 13 year old named Flynt as neighnors while Adam doesn't give the warmest of welcomes and the attraction Myles feels being there and unwelcome as well and you have a book worth reading. Both have preconceived notions of the other but when they clear the air and push their first impressions aside they decide to be good neighbors that turn out to be great friends as the boys click and they find themselves getting to know each other and spending time with the four of them together. They feel like a family especially when the attraction Myles feels turns to more than lust. And now Adam is questioning the new way he's seeing Myles. He's finds him appealing and he's curious about this new found yearning and questioning everything he thought he knew about his sexuality and the way he used to use hook ups as a way to emotionally detached himself from relationships. They all make each other better and I loved the slow progression of two single dads who seem meant to be. Even when things are hard and mistakes and understandings happen they talk and make sure to do the best to be there for their kids but also for each other. The way their kids mesh and the way Myles and Adam have their own connection with each other's kids as well is beautiful. This was a great start to the series and I'm excited for more. So if you love gay for you romance, serious issues, delicious spice and sweet found family moments then this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Myles and his son move into the house his uncle left them, with Myles hoping to help Joshua overcome his social anxiety. Next door live Adam and his boy, Flynt, and they start off on the wrong foot due to assumptions and misunderstandings.
Simone is a friend to both men, and encourages Myles to hire Adam to do his renovation. When they hear mice in the house, Adam offers to put them up at his place while he gets rid of them and works on fixing things up.
The boys seem to have become fast friends, and each man sees the potential benefits of their kid accepting influence from the other. Myles worries Adam might be homophobic, but in fact, for the first time ever, he’s attracted to a man, and it’s confusing him.
Their friendship blooms, as do deeper feelings, and when they give in to their attraction things just seem right. The boys are happy to have them together, and they all move into the bigger house, Myles’s.
The mayor is corrupt, so Adam decides to run against him, and with their relationship being stable, as well as becoming a family, it helps to show him in a good light.
As the new mayor there’s lots to do to stop all the bad guys the former mayor brought in, but with his new love and family, he’s got all the focus and energy he needs to save their town.
I loved the way this relationship unfolded, with rocky bits that make both men sure before they pursue anything. After they get together things go at a faster pace, which is a bit odd, but still made for a good story.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
Simone is a friend to both men, and encourages Myles to hire Adam to do his renovation. When they hear mice in the house, Adam offers to put them up at his place while he gets rid of them and works on fixing things up.
The boys seem to have become fast friends, and each man sees the potential benefits of their kid accepting influence from the other. Myles worries Adam might be homophobic, but in fact, for the first time ever, he’s attracted to a man, and it’s confusing him.
Their friendship blooms, as do deeper feelings, and when they give in to their attraction things just seem right. The boys are happy to have them together, and they all move into the bigger house, Myles’s.
The mayor is corrupt, so Adam decides to run against him, and with their relationship being stable, as well as becoming a family, it helps to show him in a good light.
As the new mayor there’s lots to do to stop all the bad guys the former mayor brought in, but with his new love and family, he’s got all the focus and energy he needs to save their town.
I loved the way this relationship unfolded, with rocky bits that make both men sure before they pursue anything. After they get together things go at a faster pace, which is a bit odd, but still made for a good story.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars
Lovely story of two single dads and their sons, who become a wonderful family.
Myles and Joshua moves to White Pines after Myles inherits a house from his beloved late uncle. Adam and his son Flynt are their neighbours and soon, because of a mice situation, they will also welcomed them in their house, Myles is out as gay while Adam has the reputation of a womanizer.
I like the development of their relationship, how they got to know each other and work through their issues from their previous relationship and their past and also how Adam dealt with hi bi awakening. I especially appreciated that both Joshua and Flynt were very present in the story and the author was very attentive about the relationships with their father. I loved how Adam and Myles became dads to both of them.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
the physical scenes were great but I had the impression that Adam didn't do certain activities in the bedroom (like giving oral) as if he wanted to hold on on part of his heterosexuality.
I hoped to see Joshua and Flynt in high school since he was a big concern for their parents that took up quite a lot of space in the first part of the story, but it's glossed over.
Lastly, the author said that there's a cliffhanger for the series and a HEA for the couple, but for me it was actually more of a HFN since we don't get to see what the MCs are planning in the end.
Anyway, the side characters, Mitch and Chris, are very interesting: next book will be about Mitch and I think I'm going to read it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Lovely story of two single dads and their sons, who become a wonderful family.
Myles and Joshua moves to White Pines after Myles inherits a house from his beloved late uncle. Adam and his son Flynt are their neighbours and soon, because of a mice situation, they will also welcomed them in their house, Myles is out as gay while Adam has the reputation of a womanizer.
I like the development of their relationship, how they got to know each other and work through their issues from their previous relationship and their past and also how Adam dealt with hi bi awakening. I especially appreciated that both Joshua and Flynt were very present in the story and the author was very attentive about the relationships with their father. I loved how Adam and Myles became dads to both of them.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
the physical scenes were great but I had the impression that Adam didn't do certain activities in the bedroom (like giving oral) as if he wanted to hold on on part of his heterosexuality.
I hoped to see Joshua and Flynt in high school since he was a big concern for their parents that took up quite a lot of space in the first part of the story, but it's glossed over.
Lastly, the author said that there's a cliffhanger for the series and a HEA for the couple, but for me it was actually more of a HFN since we don't get to see what the MCs are planning in the end.
Anyway, the side characters, Mitch and Chris, are very interesting: next book will be about Mitch and I think I'm going to read it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
It's a romance between 2 single dads - one straight, one gay. Myles, the writer, has come to White Pines with his son, Joshua, to move into the house his uncle left him. Adam, former police chief turned handyman, and his son Flynt live next door. Initially things are cool between them, but after a misunderstanding is cleared up, they work together to update Myles' house. There's also a plot with the mayor trying to buy the town, which leads to Adam running for mayor, which is pretty interesting.
Adam is straight until he meets Myles - even then it's not an immediate thing - it takes awhile for him to decide that he really does like Myles "like that". Adam is portrayed as a 'nice guy', but several times in the book he gets awfully angry about things that seem like a red flag. There's an altercation at the fair (although this something Myles does) that seems more like something that kids would do - not adults. There's a whole lot of the kids in this book. They're very much part of the story - so much a part that that dads make sure everything they do is ok with the boys first (this part annoys me, because as a parent, THEY are the adults and shouldn't need their kids' permission to move forward with their relationship). There's also a WHOLE lot of talking between the dads and their sons - lots and lots of parenting. I was getting pretty tired of the lecturing myself.
Anyhow, nice enough book, but I doubt I'll read further books. Way too much 'kids' in this (although they are written very well) - just not my cup of tea.
Adam is straight until he meets Myles - even then it's not an immediate thing - it takes awhile for him to decide that he really does like Myles "like that". Adam is portrayed as a 'nice guy', but several times in the book he gets awfully angry about things that seem like a red flag. There's an altercation at the fair (although this something Myles does) that seems more like something that kids would do - not adults. There's a whole lot of the kids in this book. They're very much part of the story - so much a part that that dads make sure everything they do is ok with the boys first (this part annoys me, because as a parent, THEY are the adults and shouldn't need their kids' permission to move forward with their relationship). There's also a WHOLE lot of talking between the dads and their sons - lots and lots of parenting. I was getting pretty tired of the lecturing myself.
Anyhow, nice enough book, but I doubt I'll read further books. Way too much 'kids' in this (although they are written very well) - just not my cup of tea.
January 27, 2026
A SMALL TOWN SEXUAL AWAKENING!💕
This is a new to me author and I definitely will read more!
Two single dads get off on the wrong foot on their first meet cute but due to them living next door to each other they do get a do over!
New York k Novelist Myles Parker inherited his uncles desperate in need of some TLC home in White Pines, Vermont so moves with his shy withdrawn adopted 13 year old son Josh and meets the new neighbours- sexy handyman and carpenter Adam Tilson and his mouthy 13 year old son Flynt.
Adam is known for being a womaniser who only “dates” once and then moves on to the next hookup until sweet, sexy Myles…
They get along like a house on fire and soon form a close knit found family of friends as Adam is straight and Miles is gay but soon things change… attraction and sexual discoveries…
“He was a guy I could fall in love with if he weren’t straight and relationship-averse. But he was both of those things, and I needed to remember it.”
I I enjoyed their slow burn from friends to lovers with a chosen family an mouse infested house and town friends.
The side plot was interesting and engaging with a corrupt Bigot Mayor and Police Chief…
“In a short time, Myles had made me feel more valued, admired and worthy than anyone before him except for my son.”
Although it was a slow burn it did catch fast once ignited and then caused an inferno of emotions, acceptance and love!
A sweet epilogue into their future a couple of months later…
I look forward to the next book!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author and GRR for an honest non biased review.
This is a new to me author and I definitely will read more!
Two single dads get off on the wrong foot on their first meet cute but due to them living next door to each other they do get a do over!
New York k Novelist Myles Parker inherited his uncles desperate in need of some TLC home in White Pines, Vermont so moves with his shy withdrawn adopted 13 year old son Josh and meets the new neighbours- sexy handyman and carpenter Adam Tilson and his mouthy 13 year old son Flynt.
Adam is known for being a womaniser who only “dates” once and then moves on to the next hookup until sweet, sexy Myles…
They get along like a house on fire and soon form a close knit found family of friends as Adam is straight and Miles is gay but soon things change… attraction and sexual discoveries…
“He was a guy I could fall in love with if he weren’t straight and relationship-averse. But he was both of those things, and I needed to remember it.”
I I enjoyed their slow burn from friends to lovers with a chosen family an mouse infested house and town friends.
The side plot was interesting and engaging with a corrupt Bigot Mayor and Police Chief…
“In a short time, Myles had made me feel more valued, admired and worthy than anyone before him except for my son.”
Although it was a slow burn it did catch fast once ignited and then caused an inferno of emotions, acceptance and love!
A sweet epilogue into their future a couple of months later…
I look forward to the next book!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author and GRR for an honest non biased review.
January 30, 2026
The gift of inheritance brings Myles Parker, a gay author, and his son, Joshua, to White Pines from New York City. This move was to get a fresh start after Myles realized that he was living smaller than he wanted to model for his son - who he adopted after his sister died. When they get to the house they realize that it is a fixer upper that needs a lot of fixing. And he needs lots of help. That is where his next door neighbor Adam Tilson lives with his teenage son. Adam was not especially welcoming when Myles and Joshua moved in. Adam is not a happy guy and he is judgmental towards Myles. Life has not gone the way he might have wanted. But it turned out he was just who these newcomers needed because Adam is a good contractor. Myles tried to do it himself but he winds up hiring Adam and because Joshua and Flynt, Adam's son, become good friends, they wind up hosting Joshua and Myles in their house during the renovation process and that proximity helps them first develop a friendship, commiserating around raising teenagers and then more feelings develop between them. This evolving relationship, which includes a bi-awakening for Adam, brought something unexpected for them both, especially Adam. Good messages about assumptions and the need to be open minded as you never know.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
January 16, 2026This was a lovely read. The author has done a good job of character building.
MC 1 Adam is ex police chief with a son Flynt who has been working to raise his son whilst being a tradesmen. His wife left when Flynt was young and this has cause both to be a bit abrasive.
Myles is an author whose son Joshua have a beautiful relationship but even with this you can still have faults.
As the blurb and story states they live next door to each other, and after some preconceived ideas on both sides, things start to settle.
What I like in this story is the how the author has made the beguiling and development of the storyline include the parenting aspects for both sides, the inclusion of the teenage angst and behaviour.
What you have is a well written book with two men learning life lessons from each other and their own children. The reality of which is missing in our own lives, having these lessons in a book can be a good reminder for ourselves.
On the whole the book is well written, has some very cute moments and some that are heartfelt. It had a well developed and moving forward read. I did enjoy it and loved how there was a great subplot of the local towns mayor and police chief being shady. With the two men taking them on for the town.
MC 1 Adam is ex police chief with a son Flynt who has been working to raise his son whilst being a tradesmen. His wife left when Flynt was young and this has cause both to be a bit abrasive.
Myles is an author whose son Joshua have a beautiful relationship but even with this you can still have faults.
As the blurb and story states they live next door to each other, and after some preconceived ideas on both sides, things start to settle.
What I like in this story is the how the author has made the beguiling and development of the storyline include the parenting aspects for both sides, the inclusion of the teenage angst and behaviour.
What you have is a well written book with two men learning life lessons from each other and their own children. The reality of which is missing in our own lives, having these lessons in a book can be a good reminder for ourselves.
On the whole the book is well written, has some very cute moments and some that are heartfelt. It had a well developed and moving forward read. I did enjoy it and loved how there was a great subplot of the local towns mayor and police chief being shady. With the two men taking them on for the town.
January 31, 2026
I was really taken by surprise by this story in the most positive way. What begins as a quiet and likely awkward neighboring case gradually turns into one that is warm and significant, both to the adults and their children. I also loved the fact that it was not only about romance, but also about healing and the creation of a feeling of safety and belonging.
I was always very real with both Myles and Adam, in that they were questioning their assumptions and taking their time to figure out what they wanted. Adam accepting that he is attracted to it was not pressured, and I enjoyed the fact that the two did not jump into anything before they were confident. Friendship among the boys played an equally significant role as the romance, and the fact that they flourish also given so much heart to the story.
The second part is slightly faster, particularly after they are a family, and that worked too since it was already based on emotional groundwork. All in all, this was a reassuring encouragement read on second chances, finding family and deciding to take a step forward despite life seeming complex.
ARC READ
I was always very real with both Myles and Adam, in that they were questioning their assumptions and taking their time to figure out what they wanted. Adam accepting that he is attracted to it was not pressured, and I enjoyed the fact that the two did not jump into anything before they were confident. Friendship among the boys played an equally significant role as the romance, and the fact that they flourish also given so much heart to the story.
The second part is slightly faster, particularly after they are a family, and that worked too since it was already based on emotional groundwork. All in all, this was a reassuring encouragement read on second chances, finding family and deciding to take a step forward despite life seeming complex.
ARC READ
January 30, 2026
This book had a lot going for it, but it took me a while to fully settle into the romance. While Adam does redeem himself, I spent a good portion of the book finding him irritating. I understand the angst that comes with suddenly realizing you're not as straight as you thought, but his constant comparisons between Myles and women felt cringeworthy. It seemed like he was trying to talk himself into feelings and actions he wasn't ready for yet.
That said, I did really enjoy the story. The found family aspect really worked for me, adn the relationship between Flynt and Joshua was especially well done. Their friendship and growing sense of brotherhood felt natural and believable, and it added a lot of heart to the story. Overall, this is a solid, easy read with good character growth and strong found family dynamics, even if the romantic journey had a few bumps along the way. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
That said, I did really enjoy the story. The found family aspect really worked for me, adn the relationship between Flynt and Joshua was especially well done. Their friendship and growing sense of brotherhood felt natural and believable, and it added a lot of heart to the story. Overall, this is a solid, easy read with good character growth and strong found family dynamics, even if the romantic journey had a few bumps along the way. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
February 11, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This is not the typical only-one-bed type of romance here, but there is a bisexual awakening. Adam hadn’t considered men sexually before, but he can’t help noticing how attractive Myles is, and how comfortable he is in Myles’ company. For the first time in more than a decade, Adam has a person to help co-parent Flynt, and Flynt’s behavior actually improves being around mild-mannered Joshua and Myles. Their camaraderie builds a rapport that both men enjoy, though Myles is careful not to try to make Adam uncomfortable, even though he’s admittedly attracted.
This is a pretty sweet read, with a little spice and some decent introspection for Adam on his fluid sexuality. The book sets up the Men of White Pines series, which features other queer characters from the area.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This is not the typical only-one-bed type of romance here, but there is a bisexual awakening. Adam hadn’t considered men sexually before, but he can’t help noticing how attractive Myles is, and how comfortable he is in Myles’ company. For the first time in more than a decade, Adam has a person to help co-parent Flynt, and Flynt’s behavior actually improves being around mild-mannered Joshua and Myles. Their camaraderie builds a rapport that both men enjoy, though Myles is careful not to try to make Adam uncomfortable, even though he’s admittedly attracted.
This is a pretty sweet read, with a little spice and some decent introspection for Adam on his fluid sexuality. The book sets up the Men of White Pines series, which features other queer characters from the area.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
January 10, 2026
I give this book 3.5 stars ⭐️ I did put 4 on here because we we can’t give half stars
This book of two single dads who meet and have a not so great first impression due to the part of one Dad having a bad view due to misunderstanding!
The friendships they build and the forced proximity was perfect the Bi awakening and how our MCs son handled it was handled perfect!
The talk of drug addiction and how theses MCs became single dads was perfect the communication was a little off when it came to the feelings these MCs had as grown men they just needed to be upfront even when they said they would they still struggled a little the teenagers were more upfront than the grown men lol 😂 it I lived both boys and how they built a brother relationship so quick and the influence they had on each other!
This book was well done just missed on some points but still a good book Arc was received from GRR
January 31, 2026
3.75 stars
“Next Door Dads” by Gareth Chris is the first book in ‘The Men of White Pines’ series and follows the events that transpire after single dad and novelist Myles moves in next door to single dad Adam, who has to revise his preconceptions and find a way to interact with his new neighbor. Fortunately, their respective sons have no such constraints and may find a way to forge a friendship despite their dads’ conflicts.
This adult contemporary gay romance provides a glimpse of small-town life and some of the challenges inherent in moving to such an insular location. I had trouble connecting to the main characters even though I definitely sympathized with their challenges as single dads. Some of the action seems uneven and a bit awkward to me, but I liked seeing the guys striving to be good dads and set positive examples for their respective sons.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Next Door Dads” by Gareth Chris is the first book in ‘The Men of White Pines’ series and follows the events that transpire after single dad and novelist Myles moves in next door to single dad Adam, who has to revise his preconceptions and find a way to interact with his new neighbor. Fortunately, their respective sons have no such constraints and may find a way to forge a friendship despite their dads’ conflicts.
This adult contemporary gay romance provides a glimpse of small-town life and some of the challenges inherent in moving to such an insular location. I had trouble connecting to the main characters even though I definitely sympathized with their challenges as single dads. Some of the action seems uneven and a bit awkward to me, but I liked seeing the guys striving to be good dads and set positive examples for their respective sons.
A copy of this title was provided for review
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This novel does a good job of laying out the reasons for everyone’s behaviors and actions (e.g., Adam’s aversion to starting a relationship, Myles misreading people’s intentions, Josh’s insecurities), so nothing ever felt inauthentic. The characters all have flaws like real life, yet all are likable. Flynt was my favorite — the “cute little rascal.”
I also appreciated that it wasn’t insta love. That would have felt off, considering Myles’ relative inexperience and Adam never having been attracted to a man before). The premise and the events believably lead to something more meaningful than love evolving from lust.
Some might not like the pivot at the end (no spoilers), but I did. I thought it provided the satisfying ending not only for the relationship, but also for the good people of the town.
I also appreciated that it wasn’t insta love. That would have felt off, considering Myles’ relative inexperience and Adam never having been attracted to a man before). The premise and the events believably lead to something more meaningful than love evolving from lust.
Some might not like the pivot at the end (no spoilers), but I did. I thought it provided the satisfying ending not only for the relationship, but also for the good people of the town.
Review of advance copy
I haven’t read this author before but I love books set in a small town. When I saw this up for review on GRR I had to request it. I’m so glad I did. Not only did I find a new author to love. This was such a great read. I love how realistic the town is with its good and ugly parts. I thought the way the author showed how people with different social and economic standing can be affected by something that has been hurting people in towns and cities all across the country. But the part I loved the most was the relationships between the dads and the sons. All of them took the time to listen and hear when big feelings were involved. A lot of times people listen but don’t really hear what’s being said. I would have loved to see how Thanksgiving went though. I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
January 31, 2026
I love small‑town stories and the people (like Simone, and references to Ned) who bring them to life. This book delivered on that. It has just the right amount of drama, with Josh and Flynt standing out as two intelligent kids already showing the promise of becoming solid young adults. Their interactions with their parents felt so real and full of emotion. Flynt’s humor made me smile, and I loved seeing those early sparks of confidence growing in Josh. Their found family is such a gift for him.
Adam and Myles are great together - spicy, supportive, and a reminder that love really is what matters. It’s always satisfying when the good guys rise above negativity and the bad guys’ efforts fall flat. This story highlights how found families can sometimes be more loving, supportive, and joyful than the ones we’re born into
Adam and Myles are great together - spicy, supportive, and a reminder that love really is what matters. It’s always satisfying when the good guys rise above negativity and the bad guys’ efforts fall flat. This story highlights how found families can sometimes be more loving, supportive, and joyful than the ones we’re born into
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sometimes, you need a book you can just fall into, and wile away a few hours on a wet afternoon in January. And this is such a book.
It's a slow burn, Myles and Adam butt heads at first, but they soon become friends and then something more.
It's smexy, but in a sweet way, rather than a hawt way. Adam is fighting the attraction to Myles all the way, but not in a negative way, he just never saw himself with a man.
It's emotional. Both Myles and Adam come with teenage boys in tow, and they both have some emotional baggage.
And it's a first from this author for me, and I bloody well WILL be reading more of the Men of White Pines!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded revbview will appear elsewhere
Sometimes, you need a book you can just fall into, and wile away a few hours on a wet afternoon in January. And this is such a book.
It's a slow burn, Myles and Adam butt heads at first, but they soon become friends and then something more.
It's smexy, but in a sweet way, rather than a hawt way. Adam is fighting the attraction to Myles all the way, but not in a negative way, he just never saw himself with a man.
It's emotional. Both Myles and Adam come with teenage boys in tow, and they both have some emotional baggage.
And it's a first from this author for me, and I bloody well WILL be reading more of the Men of White Pines!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded revbview will appear elsewhere
February 1, 2026
Dads
I will give this book a 5/5. I enjoyed reading it. A lot it is art imitating life and for me that makes the book better. This book is about two fathers and their sons. One of the fathers, Adam, is straight. The other father, Myles is gay. Myles moves into the house that his uncle left him. Adam thinks that Myles neglected his uncle and the two men get off on the wrong foot. But their sons really get along with each other. Because of that the four of them end up living together as the renovations happen on Myles’ home. The two men get closer but Myles is concerned because Adam is such a ladies man. Adam is not sure if Myles likes him and he has concerns about his son. What a mess. But it makes a good book.
I will give this book a 5/5. I enjoyed reading it. A lot it is art imitating life and for me that makes the book better. This book is about two fathers and their sons. One of the fathers, Adam, is straight. The other father, Myles is gay. Myles moves into the house that his uncle left him. Adam thinks that Myles neglected his uncle and the two men get off on the wrong foot. But their sons really get along with each other. Because of that the four of them end up living together as the renovations happen on Myles’ home. The two men get closer but Myles is concerned because Adam is such a ladies man. Adam is not sure if Myles likes him and he has concerns about his son. What a mess. But it makes a good book.
January 15, 2026
I received an e-book arc from GRR.
Overall this was a decent book. It seemed to drag at first, lots of miscommunication and misinterpretation between the two male characters. The it hit the 70% mark and it’s like someone put the pedal to the metal and these characters went from friends to more in 2.5 seconds. I was worried we wouldn’t get everything in that needed to be explained before the book ended.
My reasoning for a 3 was the last 30% of the book just seemed incredibly rushed and the ending just felt meh. I’d be willing to give the author another shot in the 2nd book of the series to see if things improve.
Overall this was a decent book. It seemed to drag at first, lots of miscommunication and misinterpretation between the two male characters. The it hit the 70% mark and it’s like someone put the pedal to the metal and these characters went from friends to more in 2.5 seconds. I was worried we wouldn’t get everything in that needed to be explained before the book ended.
My reasoning for a 3 was the last 30% of the book just seemed incredibly rushed and the ending just felt meh. I’d be willing to give the author another shot in the 2nd book of the series to see if things improve.
January 28, 2026
This story was honestly better than I was expecting. Adam makes some snap judgments about his new next door neighbor without knowing him, things he quickly learns aren’t true. He also learns that sometimes his own actions can come back to him when he least expects it. I am not someone who agrees with shaming people for their extra curricular activities (so to speak) but he does learn what can happen when you don’t talk to people, especially your own kids about it. It causes doubts about your sincerity in a relationship. Myles is very sweet and deserves all the best. It is a good story and has an amazing lesson about standing up for what you believe in hidden in there too.
January 30, 2026
The misunderstandings were annoying, and sometimes the characters come off immature but outside those moments, the slow burn neighbors/friends to lovers was cute. They were slightly co-parenting without meaning to, and it was nice to see the kids also get along well and be a positive influence on each other.
This was also very slow-paced and very slice-of-life and day-to-day. Not much going on, until the last 10% or so, when Myles and their friend Simone, urge Adam to go for something he never thought he'd do. We meet more lgbtq+ characters at that point and I'm excited to read their books next.
This was also very slow-paced and very slice-of-life and day-to-day. Not much going on, until the last 10% or so, when Myles and their friend Simone, urge Adam to go for something he never thought he'd do. We meet more lgbtq+ characters at that point and I'm excited to read their books next.
January 30, 2026
Small town single dad's romances are my weakness, and this one fills my love of this genre. I loved both men and their sons, watching them move from a thawed interaction to a hot and spicy one. Myles has moved to VT after inheriting a house and not only finds a house in a sad state but also the most unwelcoming neighbor. It was fun watching them interact (with help of their boys). And Adam struggling with his identity was written so realistically and well. A low angst romance that I read in one sitting and I am so ready for book two. I cannot wait to see what happens next in White Pines. A great read!
January 30, 2026
A warm story about second chances and unexpected love. The small-town setting works beautifully, and the slow build between Myles and Adam feels natural and grounded in their shared experiences as single fathers.
I especially enjoyed how the boys’ friendship mirrors the adults’ growing bond, giving the story a real sense of family and belonging. The emotional hurdles dealing with grief, fear, and the risk of wanting more are handled with care, making the romance feel earned. A heartfelt start to the series that blends tenderness, humour, and hope.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I especially enjoyed how the boys’ friendship mirrors the adults’ growing bond, giving the story a real sense of family and belonging. The emotional hurdles dealing with grief, fear, and the risk of wanting more are handled with care, making the romance feel earned. A heartfelt start to the series that blends tenderness, humour, and hope.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
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