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Blueberry Boys
Connor Graham is a city boy—a celebrated fashion photographer in New York. When his uncle’s death drags him back to the family blueberry farm, all he wants to do is sell it as quickly as he can. Until he meets his uncle’s tenant farmer.
Jed Jones, shy and stammering, devout and dedicated, has always yearned for land of his own and a man to share it with. Kept in the closet by his church, family, and disastrous first love, he longs to be accepted for who he is. But now, with his farm and his future in Connor’s careless hands, he stands to lose even the little he has.
Neither man expects the connection between them. Jed sees Connor—appreciates his art and passion like no one else in this godforsaken town ever has. Connor hears Jed—looks past his stutter to listen to the man inside. The time they share is idyllic, but with the farm sale pending, even their sanctuary is a source of tension. As work, family, and their town’s old-fashioned attitudes pull them apart, they must find a way to reconcile commitments to their careers and to each other.
* * * * * * *
This is a standalone title from the author of Double Up and Rough Road — enjoy!
Word 46,100; page 186
Jed Jones, shy and stammering, devout and dedicated, has always yearned for land of his own and a man to share it with. Kept in the closet by his church, family, and disastrous first love, he longs to be accepted for who he is. But now, with his farm and his future in Connor’s careless hands, he stands to lose even the little he has.
Neither man expects the connection between them. Jed sees Connor—appreciates his art and passion like no one else in this godforsaken town ever has. Connor hears Jed—looks past his stutter to listen to the man inside. The time they share is idyllic, but with the farm sale pending, even their sanctuary is a source of tension. As work, family, and their town’s old-fashioned attitudes pull them apart, they must find a way to reconcile commitments to their careers and to each other.
* * * * * * *
This is a standalone title from the author of Double Up and Rough Road — enjoy!
Word 46,100; page 186
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2015
31 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa North
42 books522 followersAuthor of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, Vanessa North delights in giving happy-ever-afters to characters who don’t think they deserve them. Relentless curiosity led her to take up knitting and run a few marathons “just to see if she could.” She started writing for the same reason. Her very patient husband pretends not to notice when her hobbies take over the house. Living and writing in Northwest Georgia, she finds her attempts to keep a quiet home are frequently thwarted by twin boy-children and a very, very large dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
March 10, 2018
Review removed. This author is a bully and a liar, and I cannot support her work.
December 18, 2015
so sweet people must ask the author to dabble her fingers in their tea.
gently uplifting, with wonderfully thoughtful touches that made me smile fit to split my face.
a real sweetheart of a story, deceptively simple as it is. i've read it twice already since i saw pieces of it in draft, and both times i found gorgeously tender little touches i hadn't noticed before.
beautiful.
gently uplifting, with wonderfully thoughtful touches that made me smile fit to split my face.
a real sweetheart of a story, deceptively simple as it is. i've read it twice already since i saw pieces of it in draft, and both times i found gorgeously tender little touches i hadn't noticed before.
beautiful.
December 7, 2015
4 Stars!!'
What a lovely story this one turned out to be! I think “Blueberry Boys” was my favorite read by this author. It was a sweet and tender love story about two men who despite they are different and live in two different worlds they find love and understanding in each other arms.
Low in angst and drama, “Blueberry Boys” tells the story of Connor Graham who’s a successful New York City fashion photographer. Connor has returned to Blandford to deal with his family blueberry farm after his uncle death. All he wants is to take care of everything as soon as possible and leave the town, town who still holds some memories he wish he would forget. Some things have changed in the small town, but some things have stayed the same, but Connor never forget how conservative people are in the small town and how much they love to gossip. Jed Jones is the tenant on the farm. He lives a quiet life due to his stutter. He’s a religious, hard-working man who loves farming the land. He dreams someday to have his own land to farm, but for now he's happy to work on the blueberry farm. Even if he knows he is gay, Jed choose to stay in the closet. His religious beliefs and his conservative family forced him to stay this way. He doesn’t want to disappoint his loved ones so he accepts his reality even if he feels so lonely.
From the moments they meet, Connor and Jed feel a strong attraction towards each other. Jed admires Connor’s honesty. The man is out and proud and everything Jed wishes he could be. Connor never expected to feel so much for his uncle’s tenant. As much as they want to be together, Connor and Jed can’t forget there are some obstacles between them – even if they come from the same place they live in two different worlds, the blueberry farm and the fact that Jed refuses to come out.
This was a tender and romantic read that really made me smile. Both Connor and Jed were endearing characters. Both of them felt real, had depth and I really don’t know which one I loved more. Connor was sweet, tender, protective and so patient. I simply loved how he treated Jed - with so much kindness he warmed my heart. Jed was sweetheart from the beginning. He was genuinely a good, hard working man. I really felt for him at some point, but I was so glad everything turned out the way it did.
Connor and Jed’s relationship progressed in a very sweet way. I enjoyed all their sweet and sexy moments together and I loved how easily communicate with each other and also their honesty. They fit together perfectly. The sexy scenes between them were sweet and emotional, passionate and their tenderness so lovely.
Overall, a nice, enjoyable read!
What a lovely story this one turned out to be! I think “Blueberry Boys” was my favorite read by this author. It was a sweet and tender love story about two men who despite they are different and live in two different worlds they find love and understanding in each other arms.
Low in angst and drama, “Blueberry Boys” tells the story of Connor Graham who’s a successful New York City fashion photographer. Connor has returned to Blandford to deal with his family blueberry farm after his uncle death. All he wants is to take care of everything as soon as possible and leave the town, town who still holds some memories he wish he would forget. Some things have changed in the small town, but some things have stayed the same, but Connor never forget how conservative people are in the small town and how much they love to gossip. Jed Jones is the tenant on the farm. He lives a quiet life due to his stutter. He’s a religious, hard-working man who loves farming the land. He dreams someday to have his own land to farm, but for now he's happy to work on the blueberry farm. Even if he knows he is gay, Jed choose to stay in the closet. His religious beliefs and his conservative family forced him to stay this way. He doesn’t want to disappoint his loved ones so he accepts his reality even if he feels so lonely.
From the moments they meet, Connor and Jed feel a strong attraction towards each other. Jed admires Connor’s honesty. The man is out and proud and everything Jed wishes he could be. Connor never expected to feel so much for his uncle’s tenant. As much as they want to be together, Connor and Jed can’t forget there are some obstacles between them – even if they come from the same place they live in two different worlds, the blueberry farm and the fact that Jed refuses to come out.
This was a tender and romantic read that really made me smile. Both Connor and Jed were endearing characters. Both of them felt real, had depth and I really don’t know which one I loved more. Connor was sweet, tender, protective and so patient. I simply loved how he treated Jed - with so much kindness he warmed my heart. Jed was sweetheart from the beginning. He was genuinely a good, hard working man. I really felt for him at some point, but I was so glad everything turned out the way it did.
Connor and Jed’s relationship progressed in a very sweet way. I enjoyed all their sweet and sexy moments together and I loved how easily communicate with each other and also their honesty. They fit together perfectly. The sexy scenes between them were sweet and emotional, passionate and their tenderness so lovely.
Overall, a nice, enjoyable read!
September 5, 2015
In love....with this book, with the story, with the characters, with the writing.
Love. Simple, easy, genuine love.
I couldn't stop smiling....except for that one time I teared up.
Book perfection.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 5, 2015
What a lovely story. Have you ever read a book and felt an author's love through her words? Well, I felt it here. This book moved me. This is not a crazy story with wild twists and turns- instead it is a quiet love story between two men who fall in love. Which to be honest- I think are some of the hardest stories to write.
What I loved:
*Jed. He had this quiet intensity and strength to his character. Loved that he wouldn't settle for anything less than what he wanted- what he deserved.
*Connor. Loved his gentleness- and just his heart. I so badly want to say more, but I don't want to spoil it. I know that future readers will understand what I mean when they read the book.
*Jed and Connor together. They were so romantic.
*This book made me cry and I LOVE when books make me cry.
*The character development.
*The intimate scenes between the two main characters.
*It's told from a dual POV. Big thank you to the author for that!
*Great cast of secondary characters.
*Story had a nice, easy pace.
*And the end ♥ ♥ ♥
As to what I didn't love:
*I've got no negatives to point out.
This is a 5 Star read for me. It's going on my comfort re-read pile. It was just beautiful and I can't recommend it enough.
**ARC was kindly provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.
**This review has been crossposted at Reviews by JesseWave
http://reviewsbyjessewave.com/
December 3, 2015
What an incredible book! I could not have loved Jed and Connor any more. Both were sweet and kind and decent people who fit together perfectly. I am thrilled with their HEA, but I must admit That is not to say I didn't love where they ended up. It really didn't matter where they were because as long as they have each other, they had a home and a family.
Highly, highly recommended! These two boys will tug, hard, on your heartstrings and you won't be able to not fall in love them too.
When I was at GRL in San Diego this fall, I had the great pleasure of meeting author Vanessa. She is a fantastic, warm, funny lady. We missed saying goodbye, so she mailed my a signed copy of Blueberry Boys. How cool is that??
Read
December 2, 2015So, Blueberry Boys released everywhere yesterday, and I'm still all O.O about what to say and how to talk about this book, because it *is* a little different, but then I figure probably I shouldn't say anything and just let you all decide for yourselves. :)
Blueberry Boys is a standalone contemporary romance, and it's a story about home, family, loss, faith, and of course, love. I hope you enjoy it!
xoxo,
V
Blueberry Boys is a standalone contemporary romance, and it's a story about home, family, loss, faith, and of course, love. I hope you enjoy it!
xoxo,
V
Read
March 10, 2018Removing rating. This author has proven to be a bully of the worst kind. I cannot support her in any way.
October 31, 2015
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the author because she is nice, and I wanted to read it. No special consideration was given to this book because of that, or because we are friendly on assorted social media platforms. Any stars the author got from me she earned the hard way. I respect her time, and effort too much to bullshit her with false praise.
It was a beautiful Sunday, and I was spending the day at the pond looking for something to hold my interest when I remembered this book. I started it not sure if it would hold my interest, and I was hooked almost immediately. I am from a different part of New England, the Maine coast, as opposed to Massachusetts, but there was a lot in this book that rang true to where I come from. I think the author nailed the tension between some of the more traditional values, and the more progressive ideals. This was a region settled by Puritans, but it has always been a region known for a deep sense of individualism, and a respect for personal privacy, and the right to live on your own terms. It has always made for some odd tensions, and I love how well the author captured that feeling.
The characters were well drawn, and I appreciated that Jed was religious, but in the more personal way that so many people are religious here. I appreciated that his issues didn't arise from a conflict with his sexuality, and his personal faith, but were more about himself, and his family, and community. I loved that, even though he was shy, he wasn't the stereotypical timid virgin. He was sexually confidant, and passionate, and I loved that about him. I found Connor to be an equally interesting character, and I could understand how he still carried the baggage from his younger years with him. How he still, in some ways, saw himself as the boy he used to be. I understood his anger, and his insecurity, but I appreciated how he didn't let that rule him, and I love the life he made for himself. The balance between the two was nice, and I liked how much of the story was about them getting to know, and understand each other, and it wasn't about one of them saving or fixing the other.
The plot was nicely done, and I liked that it wasn't just about Jed and Connor, but about their families and their community as well. The secondary cast added a lot to the story, and I really liked Connor's models. I appreciated that they were real people, and that the photography and modeling was treated as a real job, and not a fantasy. I thought the conflict was nicely nuanced, and not nearly as simple as I feared it could be. I loved that this story gave all of it's characters the room to grow, and change, and it didn't feel like anyone was a stock hero or villain. The ending was nicely done, and it really fit the feeling, and the mood of the story. A happy ending, but one without miracle saves, or too much sap. I'm so happy I got a chance to read this one early.
It was a beautiful Sunday, and I was spending the day at the pond looking for something to hold my interest when I remembered this book. I started it not sure if it would hold my interest, and I was hooked almost immediately. I am from a different part of New England, the Maine coast, as opposed to Massachusetts, but there was a lot in this book that rang true to where I come from. I think the author nailed the tension between some of the more traditional values, and the more progressive ideals. This was a region settled by Puritans, but it has always been a region known for a deep sense of individualism, and a respect for personal privacy, and the right to live on your own terms. It has always made for some odd tensions, and I love how well the author captured that feeling.
The characters were well drawn, and I appreciated that Jed was religious, but in the more personal way that so many people are religious here. I appreciated that his issues didn't arise from a conflict with his sexuality, and his personal faith, but were more about himself, and his family, and community. I loved that, even though he was shy, he wasn't the stereotypical timid virgin. He was sexually confidant, and passionate, and I loved that about him. I found Connor to be an equally interesting character, and I could understand how he still carried the baggage from his younger years with him. How he still, in some ways, saw himself as the boy he used to be. I understood his anger, and his insecurity, but I appreciated how he didn't let that rule him, and I love the life he made for himself. The balance between the two was nice, and I liked how much of the story was about them getting to know, and understand each other, and it wasn't about one of them saving or fixing the other.
The plot was nicely done, and I liked that it wasn't just about Jed and Connor, but about their families and their community as well. The secondary cast added a lot to the story, and I really liked Connor's models. I appreciated that they were real people, and that the photography and modeling was treated as a real job, and not a fantasy. I thought the conflict was nicely nuanced, and not nearly as simple as I feared it could be. I loved that this story gave all of it's characters the room to grow, and change, and it didn't feel like anyone was a stock hero or villain. The ending was nicely done, and it really fit the feeling, and the mood of the story. A happy ending, but one without miracle saves, or too much sap. I'm so happy I got a chance to read this one early.
September 6, 2015
Aww, this book was very sweet, I will admit I even got a little sappy toward the end.
This was my first book by Vanessa North, and I was impressed! I loved the characters, even the side characters had depth. I especially liked Hannah. Something I appreciated about the story was that the two guys were just normal, imperfect guys...and that made their characters and the story feel more real. I know authors in romance tend to write characters with perfect buff bodies ect, but that actually gets old after awhile because I've read it so many times before. I was impressed with the emotional depth of the story, especially considering it wasn't very long.
I'm going to be honest, religion in books is most of the time an immediate turn off to me. I've dnf'd books for that reason several times. I thought the way she handled that here was interesting and positive though. I don't want to spoil anything, but it wasn't what I expected.
I'm sorry this review is so lame, I wrote a decent one last night and my computer ran out of battery before I saved it. I've lost my reviewing mojo..*sigh*. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone looking for a sweet, MM romance with great character development.
I'm looking forward to trying more of this author's books!
*arc kindly provided by Netgalley.
January 15, 2016
A blueberry farmer and a city fashion photographer. It sounds like an odd pair, but this was so good!
I absolutely loved that the MCs were physically realistic. These two weren't muscle gods with twelve-pack abs, 12-inch schlongs, and jawlines you could cut glass with. They were two regular men, with the common body image issues that come with being human. Connor has a bit of a belly and has dealt with weight and body issues since he was child. Jed has a stammer that hampers his ability to communicate and adds to his insecurities.
Those insecurities and slight "imperfections" are what made both of the main characters so real and easy to relate to.
The romance is a lot quieter than some of Vanessa North's more recent works. There's no kinky millionaire, or a trip to Paris. 'Blueberry Boys' is exactly the kind of slow-paced small-town romance that plucks my sappy heartstrings.
There's a lot of focus on family, community, and even religion. But in no way do these topics overwhelm the relationship. Connor and Jed's romance grows slowly, step by step, and the HEA is so worth it.
If you're looking for an easy and low-drama MM romance, I'd highly recommend 'Blueberry Boys'!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
I absolutely loved that the MCs were physically realistic. These two weren't muscle gods with twelve-pack abs, 12-inch schlongs, and jawlines you could cut glass with. They were two regular men, with the common body image issues that come with being human. Connor has a bit of a belly and has dealt with weight and body issues since he was child. Jed has a stammer that hampers his ability to communicate and adds to his insecurities.
Those insecurities and slight "imperfections" are what made both of the main characters so real and easy to relate to.
The romance is a lot quieter than some of Vanessa North's more recent works. There's no kinky millionaire, or a trip to Paris. 'Blueberry Boys' is exactly the kind of slow-paced small-town romance that plucks my sappy heartstrings.
There's a lot of focus on family, community, and even religion. But in no way do these topics overwhelm the relationship. Connor and Jed's romance grows slowly, step by step, and the HEA is so worth it.
If you're looking for an easy and low-drama MM romance, I'd highly recommend 'Blueberry Boys'!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
May 4, 2017
***4.5 Stars***
What an absolutely beautiful love story! This is my first Vanessa North book and it certainly won't be my last! The emotive effortlessness of her writing hooked me by the second paragraph.
After years of being away, Connor, now a successful photographer, is back in his hometown. Back to deal with his deceased uncle's blueberry farm. A place that holds a lifetime of memories. Some good, some bittersweet and some he'd love to forget.
The town was a stranger now, though it had shaped him like nothing else. He hadn't just left town. He'd abandoned it, and he'd never looked back.
Many things have changed, yet many have stayed the same...and Connor is having a hard time being the man he is today, in a place that reminds him of the boy he once was.
Jed Jones is the tenant on the farm. He lives a quiet life, due to his stutter. He's a hard worker. He's a good man. He keeps his head down. He has big dreams of owning his own land. He's a churchgoing man who stands by his faith. He's a closeted gay man.
The two are drawn to each other. Connor is everything that Jed wishes he could be...wishes he could have. Connor doesn't hide who he is. Isn't afraid of going after what he wants. Connor is living his life on his terms. Jed is the epitome of what Connor's family wanted of him. He's the visual representation of why he needed to leave...why he never came back.
"You're what they wanted me to be. You're tending the farm. You might be gay, but you're not out. You're quiet and stoic and nobody could accuse you of not being masculine."
But what future could Jed and Connor have when their lives are completely different? Jed is a simple farmer in small town Massachusetts. Connor is a fashion photographer in big city New York. Can two men who may have come from the same place but live in two totally different worlds find common ground?
This was a beautifully quiet love story. No over the top drama. No crazy twists and turns. Just two men trying to sort out their lives, their fears and their pasts and navigate through the possibilities of what their future might hold.
Connor had to reconcile the man he is now with the town he remembers. Deep wounds heal slowly and even with the passage of time, scabs remain. Connor never hid who he was growing up, and so many things about Jed are a reminder of what his life might have been like if he did. If he buried himself in a closet, kept his head down and lived his life behind closed doors.
Connor was a reminder to Jed that there's a whole world out there. That there are places where gay men live their lives openly. Hold hands in public. Express their love freely. Jed has big dreams about simple things...and Connor is starting to open his eyes that maybe it's okay to hope for what he wants. That maybe it's possible to have what he wants.
"I want to grow things, with a man at my side. I want to hold my head high in church and live my life without lying or hurting people. And I want to see more of the world than the little corner of it willing to wait patiently for me to talk. I want you. I want you so much, I shake with it."
Seeing Connor's patience with Jeb was breathtaking. He allowed Jeb to move at his own speed. He knew when to push, when to retreat and when to walk by his side.
The romance was just that....romantic. It was intimate. It was passionate. Jeb and Connor fit in a way that felt right from their first interaction. The comfort they felt with each other came across loud and clear when the clothes came off.
One aspect of the story that I really loved is that religion wasn't vilified. Jeb's faith is important to him, to his family. They go to church every Sunday. They believe in sin. They believe in right and wrong. But what they do not believe in is hate. And while it may have taken most of Jeb's family a while to come around, his brother Mike and Mike's wife Hannah gave my heart a hug with their honesty.
" - we prayed for you, not because we wanted to make you un-gay or anything. We prayed that the world would be kind to you and that no one would hurt you, and we knew, the way you do, that sometimes you have to be the first person to do the thing you're praying for."
This is the perfect book to pick up when you're looking for a beautiful romance to make your heart pitter patter. When you're looking for a story about two guys discovering all the wonderful things that love has to offer and the genuine fear, joy and comfort that comes from the journey of finding it.
"Nothing grows in the dark, Connor."
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review***
January 11, 2016
Oh, Blueberry Boys.....
Why couldn't I love you like so many others did?
I don't know!
But this is my first book by this author and it might be my only. The flow of the book just didn't work for me. It felt rushed and not believable for me. Sometimes the rush and unbelievable can work for me but I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. So it fell flat. Not saying that the writing wasn't good, because it was. I just couldn't get in rhythm with the characters or the flow of it. It just didn't work for me.
Why couldn't I love you like so many others did?
I don't know!
But this is my first book by this author and it might be my only. The flow of the book just didn't work for me. It felt rushed and not believable for me. Sometimes the rush and unbelievable can work for me but I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. So it fell flat. Not saying that the writing wasn't good, because it was. I just couldn't get in rhythm with the characters or the flow of it. It just didn't work for me.
December 4, 2015
Vanessa said "I promise you. Nothing out of your comfort zone. Just a beautiful romance".
Man, did she deliver.
This book contains one of those stories that could easily melt the coldest of hearts. It surely warmed mine and has, almost a week later, kept it warm.
Where the story could have gone full on angst it didn't. It kept a level tone and made you believe and hope and for sure, want.
The writing was as lovely as the author and I am so glad she shared this story with us.
One of the highlights of my 2015 year was getting to meet Vanessa in San Diego at GRL. Her giving me a copy of this book was just an added bonus. I had to wait to read it though. I couldn't bring myself to do anything to my signed dead tree copy but look at it. THANK YOU VANESSA!! Muah! ♥
Man, did she deliver.
This book contains one of those stories that could easily melt the coldest of hearts. It surely warmed mine and has, almost a week later, kept it warm.
Where the story could have gone full on angst it didn't. It kept a level tone and made you believe and hope and for sure, want.
The writing was as lovely as the author and I am so glad she shared this story with us.
One of the highlights of my 2015 year was getting to meet Vanessa in San Diego at GRL. Her giving me a copy of this book was just an added bonus. I had to wait to read it though. I couldn't bring myself to do anything to my signed dead tree copy but look at it. THANK YOU VANESSA!! Muah! ♥
December 14, 2015
Great book and story overall with likable characters! It's really nice to read about men that don't have perfect bodies...
I just missed how they were attracted to each other in the beginning. And there were some weird story jumps.
4 STARS!
I just missed how they were attracted to each other in the beginning. And there were some weird story jumps.
4 STARS!
November 30, 2015
This was sweet and simple. There were no fancy tricks here, no big bangs. It was... Romance and light (but not fluff, that's an important distinction here). And ye gods, her prose, her writing just made me FEEL and see in my mind's eye so clearly.
In a word, this was beautiful.
PS: Jed. That is all.
In a word, this was beautiful.
PS: Jed. That is all.
September 5, 2015
~ Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review ~
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
We found love on the blueberry field...
My 2nd book (High and Tight was the first) by V. North and what a heartfelt story! A story with depth about family bonds, faith, self-discovery and love along with endearing and reletable characters. It was sweet, moving, emotional and inspiring and another thing that stood out for me is the lovely writing style.
Connor Graham, the established photographer, returns to his small, conservative hometown not of free will, but forced by tragedy and gets smitten by the beautiful and deeply in the closet farmer Jed Jones on the blueberry field on the very first day of his arrival. Unlike Jed who is in love with work on the field and very close to his family, Connor has more than enough bad childhood memories that he doesn't regret a bit his decision to leave that place and people who scorned upon and bullied him when he was younger.
Will love be enough for the two blueberry boys to compromise when it comes to their dreams and life goals? Buy the book and find out!
4 stars, because I liked the emotional 1st half of the story slightly better than the 2nd half which was more focused on the romance. Recommended to every mm romance fan!
November 4, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Men's fashion photographer Connor Graham returns to his hometown in Blandton, Massachusetts to attend his uncle's funeral. He raised him and his brother, Scott, following their mother's death and owns property with a tenant blueberry farmer, Jed Jones. It's Connor's first trip back to the place that holds nothing but bad memories.
Jed's intrigued by Connor, who's always been openly gay, even when he lived in Blandton. Jed's also a sensitive man of faith who's deeply closeted. His relationship with Connor develops beautifully in the midst of difficult circumstances, both of them learning something from each other.
The story is honest, romantic and at times poignant. I loved how Connor didn't pressure Jed to come out of the closet but instead served as an effective sounding board for his questions, concerns and fears. Jed's faith was deftly handled under the circumstances of his sexual orientation. If only...
The writing is extraordinary and the story well done with relevant issues and very thoughtful approaches. Jed and Connor are well-developed, appealing characters that make this a favorite. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Men's fashion photographer Connor Graham returns to his hometown in Blandton, Massachusetts to attend his uncle's funeral. He raised him and his brother, Scott, following their mother's death and owns property with a tenant blueberry farmer, Jed Jones. It's Connor's first trip back to the place that holds nothing but bad memories.
Jed's intrigued by Connor, who's always been openly gay, even when he lived in Blandton. Jed's also a sensitive man of faith who's deeply closeted. His relationship with Connor develops beautifully in the midst of difficult circumstances, both of them learning something from each other.
The story is honest, romantic and at times poignant. I loved how Connor didn't pressure Jed to come out of the closet but instead served as an effective sounding board for his questions, concerns and fears. Jed's faith was deftly handled under the circumstances of his sexual orientation. If only...
The writing is extraordinary and the story well done with relevant issues and very thoughtful approaches. Jed and Connor are well-developed, appealing characters that make this a favorite. 4.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
September 27, 2015
A beautiful and gently flowing romance set in rural America.
Connor left his home town for New York and a career as a photographer. The death of his uncle has forced him to return to his home town so that he can settle the estate and sell off the blueberry farm. But the farm is leased to Jed, a gentle stammering man who loves his home town and his life there even though it means he has to live in the closet.
But does he? For Connor his return home ignites memories of life in his home town and reasons why he left and he has no regrets, but when he meets Jed questions arise about the possibility of a relationship between two men from completely different worlds.
I loved this story because it was just so rich in imagery. The language transported me to rural America and a small town and community with conservative values and religious beliefs that maintain the status quo. This is a community rooted in tradition, knowing each other and remaining within the boundaries defined by community but sometimes change happens even within those boundaries.
I loved how Connor and Jed respond to their community and ways of life. Connor finding it restrictive and Jed finding a life within those boundaries. It made for very realistic reading because that's what life is. Life is a journey which involves reconciling individuality with community and we do this within families, within faiths, within our different communities and also at the national and international level. Here two men have negotiated two totally different worlds for themselves and the question is whether love can create a bridge between the two worlds. Can Jed and Connor negotiate and reconcile their love for each other despite their very different world?
I also loved the sense of going back home to find that everything has changed and this really came alive in the story. This resonated with me, especially having had a childhood of constant moves, constant change and different cultures. This has enriched my life but left me with a restlessness and it always amazes me when I look at the people I have left behind and realise that for them not much has changed. And so with Jed who has a life of farming in a small town. The blueberries are his first love. Connor's first love is his photography and his life is New York but he sees the beauty of being where the heart leads.
And together the two men embark on this journey that could see two worlds slowly integrating or indeed two worlds remaining apart.
A lovely story and beautifully romantic.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Connor left his home town for New York and a career as a photographer. The death of his uncle has forced him to return to his home town so that he can settle the estate and sell off the blueberry farm. But the farm is leased to Jed, a gentle stammering man who loves his home town and his life there even though it means he has to live in the closet.
But does he? For Connor his return home ignites memories of life in his home town and reasons why he left and he has no regrets, but when he meets Jed questions arise about the possibility of a relationship between two men from completely different worlds.
I loved this story because it was just so rich in imagery. The language transported me to rural America and a small town and community with conservative values and religious beliefs that maintain the status quo. This is a community rooted in tradition, knowing each other and remaining within the boundaries defined by community but sometimes change happens even within those boundaries.
I loved how Connor and Jed respond to their community and ways of life. Connor finding it restrictive and Jed finding a life within those boundaries. It made for very realistic reading because that's what life is. Life is a journey which involves reconciling individuality with community and we do this within families, within faiths, within our different communities and also at the national and international level. Here two men have negotiated two totally different worlds for themselves and the question is whether love can create a bridge between the two worlds. Can Jed and Connor negotiate and reconcile their love for each other despite their very different world?
I also loved the sense of going back home to find that everything has changed and this really came alive in the story. This resonated with me, especially having had a childhood of constant moves, constant change and different cultures. This has enriched my life but left me with a restlessness and it always amazes me when I look at the people I have left behind and realise that for them not much has changed. And so with Jed who has a life of farming in a small town. The blueberries are his first love. Connor's first love is his photography and his life is New York but he sees the beauty of being where the heart leads.
And together the two men embark on this journey that could see two worlds slowly integrating or indeed two worlds remaining apart.
A lovely story and beautifully romantic.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
May 3, 2022
Wow. What a reading experience.
Sweet, low angst, slow burn romance.
Reread 2022-05-03
Sweet, low angst, slow burn romance.
Reread 2022-05-03
August 10, 2016
*** A very different M/M story of a photographer and the farmer, *** which will capture your heart. I know it's called Blueberry Boys, but they are grown men, 40-ish, and it's a wonderful romance. Connor is now a city dweller, gay, successful photographer
of men's fashion, and his personal endeavors.
He comes home to his roots for a funeral.
Slender, tall, Jed, is leasing Connor's Blueberry Farm and loving it.
He's close to family, church, and can make things grow, but his stutter and being closeted has made his life tougher than most. Jed, meets Connor, and Connor immediately wants to take his picture as the sun rises on this handsome farmer. There is awkwardness, discovery, emotions, and events that bring them together. Their attraction is mutual, plus they understand what makes the other tick. Very hot sexiness with these two, and we get Jed's first time topping and bottoming. Deeply moving feelings and passion.
Connor and his brother will be selling the farm, and of course this affects Jed's future. Much happens in between the events, also, like a photo shoot at the farm, contract and negotiations proceed, in addition to "coming out" to family, and more.
Beautifully written story: so interesting as it engages our hearts. Just when I thought I knew what would happen, I was surprised again.
* An amazing romance that I highly recommend !
ENJOY !
=============
of men's fashion, and his personal endeavors.
He comes home to his roots for a funeral.
Slender, tall, Jed, is leasing Connor's Blueberry Farm and loving it.
He's close to family, church, and can make things grow, but his stutter and being closeted has made his life tougher than most. Jed, meets Connor, and Connor immediately wants to take his picture as the sun rises on this handsome farmer. There is awkwardness, discovery, emotions, and events that bring them together. Their attraction is mutual, plus they understand what makes the other tick. Very hot sexiness with these two, and we get Jed's first time topping and bottoming. Deeply moving feelings and passion.
Connor and his brother will be selling the farm, and of course this affects Jed's future. Much happens in between the events, also, like a photo shoot at the farm, contract and negotiations proceed, in addition to "coming out" to family, and more.
Beautifully written story: so interesting as it engages our hearts. Just when I thought I knew what would happen, I was surprised again.
* An amazing romance that I highly recommend !
ENJOY !
=============
August 21, 2016
3 Stars
This was just the unassuming romance I needed to lift my spirits. Beautifully written and full of richly developed, relatable characters; I couldn't help but root for Connor and Jed's happiness. Overall, a lovely story.
This was just the unassuming romance I needed to lift my spirits. Beautifully written and full of richly developed, relatable characters; I couldn't help but root for Connor and Jed's happiness. Overall, a lovely story.
Read
March 11, 2018Rating and review removed.
Read
March 9, 2018Review removed
September 1, 2015
This is such a sweet story about two not so perfect people that find each other. The epilogue was beautiful. :)
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
Vanessa North’s books are always such quite wonders, studies of melancholy with superb characterization. The honesty of her prose makes her books a rare find, and her rich style consistently leaves me in awe. Her two-book Lake Lovelace series is one of my genre favorites, and Blueberry Boys easily joined that list.
On the surface, this seems like a fairly simple story about two men with deep hurts and a whole lot of love. But once Vanessa North starts exploring those hurts, all kinds of things come to light and the story proves to be anything but simple or superficial. She explores these characters deeply and efficiently, giving us a complete picture and two characters we never want to leave.
Through Jed, North addresses the troubles of one deeply religious gay man, but she does so delicately, with no moralizing whatsoever. It’s so difficult to find that balance between your true self and your beliefs even when you’re merely an ally. I admire authors who dare to tackle this subject and especially those who do so with sensitivity and respect. Jeb struggles with coming out to his family and uncovering his dishonesty from the past. He sees his dates with various women over the years as a great sin and his lies as something that doesn’t deserve forgiveness. North approaches this with deep sympathy and understanding, and if there’s a message here, it’s that coming out is a deeply personal process, and the steps along the way something that doesn’t require an apology.
Unlike Jed, Connor spent his life in the open, but it was so hard for him to be accepted and loved for who he was. His family rejected him and the people of his small town made him feel like an outcast until he finally left and never looked back. Now that he’s finally returned, things are mostly changed, but in some ways they are just the same, and Connor needs to find within himself the strength to forgive and to separate his present from his past.
Blueberry Boys packs a strong punch for such a brief novel (or a longish novella). North unfailingly delivers strong emotions, even in her shorter works. There is very little relationship angst here, but both men go through difficult journeys. Blueberry Boys is a novel I highly recommend to fans of the genre and those who are new to it.
On the surface, this seems like a fairly simple story about two men with deep hurts and a whole lot of love. But once Vanessa North starts exploring those hurts, all kinds of things come to light and the story proves to be anything but simple or superficial. She explores these characters deeply and efficiently, giving us a complete picture and two characters we never want to leave.
Through Jed, North addresses the troubles of one deeply religious gay man, but she does so delicately, with no moralizing whatsoever. It’s so difficult to find that balance between your true self and your beliefs even when you’re merely an ally. I admire authors who dare to tackle this subject and especially those who do so with sensitivity and respect. Jeb struggles with coming out to his family and uncovering his dishonesty from the past. He sees his dates with various women over the years as a great sin and his lies as something that doesn’t deserve forgiveness. North approaches this with deep sympathy and understanding, and if there’s a message here, it’s that coming out is a deeply personal process, and the steps along the way something that doesn’t require an apology.
Unlike Jed, Connor spent his life in the open, but it was so hard for him to be accepted and loved for who he was. His family rejected him and the people of his small town made him feel like an outcast until he finally left and never looked back. Now that he’s finally returned, things are mostly changed, but in some ways they are just the same, and Connor needs to find within himself the strength to forgive and to separate his present from his past.
Blueberry Boys packs a strong punch for such a brief novel (or a longish novella). North unfailingly delivers strong emotions, even in her shorter works. There is very little relationship angst here, but both men go through difficult journeys. Blueberry Boys is a novel I highly recommend to fans of the genre and those who are new to it.
October 22, 2015
You can never go home again… or so the saying goes. The place really doesn’t change, but you do. Connor left for the big city and never looked back. Being an openly gay kid in a small town is hard, especially given the assumed time period.
It’s when Connor’s uncle dies and he is forced to return for the funeral and deal with the farm that he faces his sour and unloving brother, who has decided that he needs the money, and that selling the whole farm is in his best interests.
Jed is a beautiful soul: afflicted with a stutter, but has a strong will to make things grow and be a part of the farming community. He never thought that he would have a connection with one of the owners, as well as a lease about to become null and void.
I really liked Jed and Connor. Their problems are realistic and heartfelt. I wish we could have luxuriated with their internal thoughts more, though. I wanted to feel the connection and indecision on a deeper level. At times it could feel brushed over.
Coming out is never easy, and no one ever wants to jump back in the closet. Eventually, many family issues are addressed and some common ground can be found.
All in all, though, it’s a solid read.
3.5
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing
Review submitted via NetGalley 10/22/15
KT Book Reviews tour 11/30/15
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It’s when Connor’s uncle dies and he is forced to return for the funeral and deal with the farm that he faces his sour and unloving brother, who has decided that he needs the money, and that selling the whole farm is in his best interests.
Jed is a beautiful soul: afflicted with a stutter, but has a strong will to make things grow and be a part of the farming community. He never thought that he would have a connection with one of the owners, as well as a lease about to become null and void.
I really liked Jed and Connor. Their problems are realistic and heartfelt. I wish we could have luxuriated with their internal thoughts more, though. I wanted to feel the connection and indecision on a deeper level. At times it could feel brushed over.
Coming out is never easy, and no one ever wants to jump back in the closet. Eventually, many family issues are addressed and some common ground can be found.
All in all, though, it’s a solid read.
3.5
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing
Review submitted via NetGalley 10/22/15
KT Book Reviews tour 11/30/15
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
March 11, 2018
Note (added 11/03/2018):
In light of recent events, I can no longer recommend this book to my friends (or any reader, for that matter).
However, my Goodreads review space provides me an opportunity to rate and review books, expressing how they made me think, feel, question, or react at a particular moment in time. Sometimes, I use my review space to share stories about my life or comment on the world around me, drawing comparisons between myself and the characters and plot lines that I read about. As such, they are a time capsule of sorts and the historian in me won't let me erase them from the historical record.
So I am going to leave my ratings/reviews intact, but reiterate that I can no longer recommend this book to my friends.
Originally rating and/or review:
Because: Vanessa.
And don't worry, friends, I've already started harassing Vanessa for some ficlets featuring Jed and Connor. I have definitely not gotten my fill of these two sweet men. She didn't give a hard no, so I'm feeling hopeful! :)
In light of recent events, I can no longer recommend this book to my friends (or any reader, for that matter).
However, my Goodreads review space provides me an opportunity to rate and review books, expressing how they made me think, feel, question, or react at a particular moment in time. Sometimes, I use my review space to share stories about my life or comment on the world around me, drawing comparisons between myself and the characters and plot lines that I read about. As such, they are a time capsule of sorts and the historian in me won't let me erase them from the historical record.
So I am going to leave my ratings/reviews intact, but reiterate that I can no longer recommend this book to my friends.
Originally rating and/or review:
Because: Vanessa.
And don't worry, friends, I've already started harassing Vanessa for some ficlets featuring Jed and Connor. I have definitely not gotten my fill of these two sweet men. She didn't give a hard no, so I'm feeling hopeful! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews