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Maple Springs #4
Strawberry Moon
It was supposed to be a one-night stand.
Josh isn’t even my type. I mean, physically, sure, with those hopeful green eyes and hips that fit perfectly in my hands, he's insanely sexy. But the guy talks too much, tries too hard, flirts way too shamelessly. From the moment I met Josh, I knew he'd drive me crazy.
I didn't think it mattered for one night. I suck at relationships, so I stopped trying long ago. I didn't expect to ever see Josh again. And I definitely didn’t expect him to turn out to be sweeter, kinder, and genuinely a better person than a guy like me deserves. I should know better than to want someone like him.
It was supposed to be a one-night stand. So why the hell can’t I let him go?
It freaking figures.
The night I finally have some meaningless fun--and, incidentally, the hottest hook-up of my life--I manage to pick the one guy in the bar who I’m gonna have to see for the rest of the summer. How was I supposed to know that Trevor had a competing claim on my grandma’s cabin? Or that he’s the only person who can help me get it ready to sell by the end of the season?
It would be so much easier if I could hate him. Trevor’s got that whole tall, dark, and mysterious thing down - emphasis on mysterious. He’s aloof to the point of arrogance and deals with emotions about as well as a tree-trunk. He swears he’s no good for me, but the more time I spend with him, the more I know he's wrong.
It freaking figures. So what the hell am I supposed to do now?
Strawberry Moon is Book 4 in the Maple Springs series. While each book focuses on different characters and can be read on its own, they've even more fun to read together. Strawberry Moon is an 85,000 word m/m romance with enemies-to-lovers, out-for-you, and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Josh isn’t even my type. I mean, physically, sure, with those hopeful green eyes and hips that fit perfectly in my hands, he's insanely sexy. But the guy talks too much, tries too hard, flirts way too shamelessly. From the moment I met Josh, I knew he'd drive me crazy.
I didn't think it mattered for one night. I suck at relationships, so I stopped trying long ago. I didn't expect to ever see Josh again. And I definitely didn’t expect him to turn out to be sweeter, kinder, and genuinely a better person than a guy like me deserves. I should know better than to want someone like him.
It was supposed to be a one-night stand. So why the hell can’t I let him go?
It freaking figures.
The night I finally have some meaningless fun--and, incidentally, the hottest hook-up of my life--I manage to pick the one guy in the bar who I’m gonna have to see for the rest of the summer. How was I supposed to know that Trevor had a competing claim on my grandma’s cabin? Or that he’s the only person who can help me get it ready to sell by the end of the season?
It would be so much easier if I could hate him. Trevor’s got that whole tall, dark, and mysterious thing down - emphasis on mysterious. He’s aloof to the point of arrogance and deals with emotions about as well as a tree-trunk. He swears he’s no good for me, but the more time I spend with him, the more I know he's wrong.
It freaking figures. So what the hell am I supposed to do now?
Strawberry Moon is Book 4 in the Maple Springs series. While each book focuses on different characters and can be read on its own, they've even more fun to read together. Strawberry Moon is an 85,000 word m/m romance with enemies-to-lovers, out-for-you, and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
333 pages, ebook
First published March 26, 2017
92 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Spears
44 books442 followersSpencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 30, 2017
~3.5~
Fairly low on the angst and moderately high on the smex, Strawberry Moon can definitely be read as a standalone.
I liked both MCs and the friendship that developed between them, as well as the cabin/marina setting (there's just something about two men together in the woods, especially when they get all hot and sweaty doing manly things like pounding nails and stuff).
I also enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Trevor's "adopted" parents and his dog Mustard.
The pacing was steady (the plot is almost entirely relationship focused), and the ending didn't feel rushed. You have to sign up for the author's mailing list to get the "bonus" epilogue (which, seriously, how is an epilogue a bonus? It's practically a MUST HAVE). I do strongly recommend grabbing the epilogue; it provides nice closure for Trevor and Josh.
I wish Trevor's "nobody loves me" mantra, not to mention Josh's "I'm not good enough" routine, were toned down a touch. (Josh's fuckwatt of a dad really did a number on his head.) I also wanted more of them working together to fix up the cabin; that was almost glossed over.
I'm taking off half a star for the editing; I found a few typos/grammatical issues. I've read much worse, but the mistakes pulled me out of the story at times.
Fairly low on the angst and moderately high on the smex, Strawberry Moon can definitely be read as a standalone.
I liked both MCs and the friendship that developed between them, as well as the cabin/marina setting (there's just something about two men together in the woods, especially when they get all hot and sweaty doing manly things like pounding nails and stuff).
I also enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Trevor's "adopted" parents and his dog Mustard.
The pacing was steady (the plot is almost entirely relationship focused), and the ending didn't feel rushed. You have to sign up for the author's mailing list to get the "bonus" epilogue (which, seriously, how is an epilogue a bonus? It's practically a MUST HAVE). I do strongly recommend grabbing the epilogue; it provides nice closure for Trevor and Josh.
I wish Trevor's "nobody loves me" mantra, not to mention Josh's "I'm not good enough" routine, were toned down a touch. (Josh's fuckwatt of a dad really did a number on his head.) I also wanted more of them working together to fix up the cabin; that was almost glossed over.
I'm taking off half a star for the editing; I found a few typos/grammatical issues. I've read much worse, but the mistakes pulled me out of the story at times.
January 24, 2018
First off a quick disclaimer. I received this book as a free ARC with the understanding that I would write a honest review for it once I had read it.
So here it goes...
Strawberry Moon is the fourth book in the Maple Springs series and having previously read the first three I have to say that I had high expectations for this one. The author more than met those expectations, in fact this may just be the best book of the series. Though the characters from the previous book have only very small parts in this story, that and the setting mean it is fondly familiar. This book needed to be hyper-focused on Trevor and Josh; not just because the book is about their falling for one another. I was necessary because both Josh and Trevor are some of the most complex characters I have seen created by an author. Then add into that their family situations and it leaves a heck of a lot to explore and be explained. I absolutely loved the Josh inheriting the cabin and needing to fix it up to sell idea as a way of putting he and Trevor in the pot and starting things cooking. It worked so very well. Josh and Trevor were so meant to be and the author tells their story of each figuring that out in such an enthralling, charming way that I just could not put the book down and read it straight through start to finish. It made me cry more than a few times and the love scenes are totaly hot. All in all this book is an awesome read.. if you have not read the previous books in the series than do so immediately. If you are not planning to do that then at least read this one. You will not be disappointed!!!!
So here it goes...
Strawberry Moon is the fourth book in the Maple Springs series and having previously read the first three I have to say that I had high expectations for this one. The author more than met those expectations, in fact this may just be the best book of the series. Though the characters from the previous book have only very small parts in this story, that and the setting mean it is fondly familiar. This book needed to be hyper-focused on Trevor and Josh; not just because the book is about their falling for one another. I was necessary because both Josh and Trevor are some of the most complex characters I have seen created by an author. Then add into that their family situations and it leaves a heck of a lot to explore and be explained. I absolutely loved the Josh inheriting the cabin and needing to fix it up to sell idea as a way of putting he and Trevor in the pot and starting things cooking. It worked so very well. Josh and Trevor were so meant to be and the author tells their story of each figuring that out in such an enthralling, charming way that I just could not put the book down and read it straight through start to finish. It made me cry more than a few times and the love scenes are totaly hot. All in all this book is an awesome read.. if you have not read the previous books in the series than do so immediately. If you are not planning to do that then at least read this one. You will not be disappointed!!!!
September 9, 2017
*** Sleek, savvy, and stylish ! ***
We have an underlying mystery of Trevor's past, as we navigate their relationship.
Trevor, 30, handyman at a resort,
meets Josh at a club for a one-nighter. Neither guy can forget that hook up. When Josh, 23, a ginger and freckled teacher,
and slave to his father's wishes, inherits his Aunt Trudy's cabin, it is Trevor who is the guy who helps Josh get it ready to sell. It's a magical summer of fun, work, loving and living. Super hot sexiness and explosive emotions are shown.
This is wonderfully written, it's sweet and romantic, and a delightful story, with a great cast of characters.
I recommend this lovely romance. ENJOY !
===================
We have an underlying mystery of Trevor's past, as we navigate their relationship.
Trevor, 30, handyman at a resort,
meets Josh at a club for a one-nighter. Neither guy can forget that hook up. When Josh, 23, a ginger and freckled teacher,
and slave to his father's wishes, inherits his Aunt Trudy's cabin, it is Trevor who is the guy who helps Josh get it ready to sell. It's a magical summer of fun, work, loving and living. Super hot sexiness and explosive emotions are shown.
This is wonderfully written, it's sweet and romantic, and a delightful story, with a great cast of characters.
I recommend this lovely romance. ENJOY !
===================
June 1, 2020
I’m happy I’m done with this one because I’m absolutely exhausted after reading it. I haven’t read any other books in this series but I have seen a lot of people saying that this is the best one in the series. So I’m not sure I will go back and read the other books.
Anyway.
Positive things first. I really liked Trevor and Josh at times. Mostly when they had their sweet moments without Trevors walls being higher than Mount Everest and Josh being insecure. I really, really liked the last 18 or something percent of this book, when things finally was somewhat good. That’s why I’m leaving this book two stars. It might be a bit too generous and I might have to go back and change it later but let’s stay with it for now. A little extra star for the cover. It’s gorgeous.
And here’s the negative things:
Trevor and Josh are pushing and pulling. Pushing and pulling. Pushing and pulling through the whole damn book.
One of them did something, the other reacted in a dramatic way. There was almost nowhere for me to be left to breathe. When things were okay they were okay for maybe two or three pages before some push and pull happened again. As I said. Push and pull, push and pull.
And then there’s the whole not being out thing. I knew what I was getting into when I picked up this book. It’s extremely clear. It still bothered me. It’s me not the book. But I didn’t really get Trevors reasoning for not being out. It felt constructed to add some more drama to the book that wasn’t really necessary since it’s full of it anyway.
There were some editing errors. I have seen much worse but they were still there for me to react to and English ain’t my first language so if I reacted to it...
I would have needed a bit more of their story told. Like the friends of Josh’s reaction to the relationship. Especially since their picture of Trevor is all wrong. And what happened to Josh’s relationship with his family. I might get that when I subscribe to Spears news letter. But seriously I have to do that to get the epilogue. Really?
Anyway.
Positive things first. I really liked Trevor and Josh at times. Mostly when they had their sweet moments without Trevors walls being higher than Mount Everest and Josh being insecure. I really, really liked the last 18 or something percent of this book, when things finally was somewhat good. That’s why I’m leaving this book two stars. It might be a bit too generous and I might have to go back and change it later but let’s stay with it for now. A little extra star for the cover. It’s gorgeous.
And here’s the negative things:
Trevor and Josh are pushing and pulling. Pushing and pulling. Pushing and pulling through the whole damn book.
One of them did something, the other reacted in a dramatic way. There was almost nowhere for me to be left to breathe. When things were okay they were okay for maybe two or three pages before some push and pull happened again. As I said. Push and pull, push and pull.
And then there’s the whole not being out thing. I knew what I was getting into when I picked up this book. It’s extremely clear. It still bothered me. It’s me not the book. But I didn’t really get Trevors reasoning for not being out. It felt constructed to add some more drama to the book that wasn’t really necessary since it’s full of it anyway.
There were some editing errors. I have seen much worse but they were still there for me to react to and English ain’t my first language so if I reacted to it...
I would have needed a bit more of their story told. Like the friends of Josh’s reaction to the relationship. Especially since their picture of Trevor is all wrong. And what happened to Josh’s relationship with his family. I might get that when I subscribe to Spears news letter. But seriously I have to do that to get the epilogue. Really?
April 23, 2017
This was a sweet read and it made me very happy.. I felt like the two together was awesome.. but i did wish that the issue between trevor and josh's friends had been fixed.. i felt like that one wasn't resolved and it felt like it was left open lol.. i loved all the things about this book though.. they werent even friends and then one day it just... became.. and they had to figure all that out. it was lovely and im so glad i got to review it
November 11, 2019
Smoking hot between the two of them, but...they just didn't float my boat overall. At least I can feel good that I've finished the series finally.
October 5, 2017
This is the first Spencer Spears' book I have read, and I must say, I really like it. I quickly felt engaged in Josh and Trevor's lives and the fact that I love stories where the protagonists are a little bit damaged, and falling in love is what aids or even prompts the process of healing didn't hurt.
Josh is funny, sweet, and self-deprecating, with a father less than stellar in... well, everything. And Trevor is... hard. He doesn't trust people, has no reason to do it. And he is well into the closet. When these two met in what should have been a one-night stand, sparks flew. But it was meant just as a hook-up, so nothing should come from it.
Until they met again in the most awkward coincidence possible. *laughs*
I won't spoil the story, but I'll tell you this: you'll find yourself wanting to either cuddle or slap these two almost every single page. Sometimes at the same moment. And then laughing out loud. And then, back to the slapping.
So yeah, if you're looking a sweet m/m romance, with a bit of angs and lots of hot sex, this book is for you. Go for it!
Josh is funny, sweet, and self-deprecating, with a father less than stellar in... well, everything. And Trevor is... hard. He doesn't trust people, has no reason to do it. And he is well into the closet. When these two met in what should have been a one-night stand, sparks flew. But it was meant just as a hook-up, so nothing should come from it.
Until they met again in the most awkward coincidence possible. *laughs*
I won't spoil the story, but I'll tell you this: you'll find yourself wanting to either cuddle or slap these two almost every single page. Sometimes at the same moment. And then laughing out loud. And then, back to the slapping.
So yeah, if you're looking a sweet m/m romance, with a bit of angs and lots of hot sex, this book is for you. Go for it!
July 28, 2021
A story that will touch your heart! When your depth of your despair takes everyone down with you - only sets you free!
Josh the over the top flirt that you love to have as your friend. Not everyone gets the fairytale love story. One knows the harder to find the true live the more worth while it will be! Josh has his family crushing him. Trevor has no family but the chosen ones he let in. When you been devastated the walls are too high for anyone to penetrate. Can two abused, neglected, abandon ships actual find peace, acceptance or love? This is a story with layers that will keep you reading late st night . V3, S2 MM Romance. Abuse of minors is a unacceptable act. So trigger warning for some. More book reviews then check out @my2centsbooklover. Thank you for stopping in.
Josh the over the top flirt that you love to have as your friend. Not everyone gets the fairytale love story. One knows the harder to find the true live the more worth while it will be! Josh has his family crushing him. Trevor has no family but the chosen ones he let in. When you been devastated the walls are too high for anyone to penetrate. Can two abused, neglected, abandon ships actual find peace, acceptance or love? This is a story with layers that will keep you reading late st night . V3, S2 MM Romance. Abuse of minors is a unacceptable act. So trigger warning for some. More book reviews then check out @my2centsbooklover. Thank you for stopping in.
June 23, 2017
A very sweet 3 stars
I have not read the earlier books in this series and for the most part this was not an issue. There are some references to past characters, plus one visit with them that really was not needed for this book. Just felt like awkward updating for readers of the first books.
I liked Trevor and Josh. They fit well together and they fit into the cabin they are sharing. I loved their private interactions and those with the neighbour ladies. And of course who does not like a dog. There were a few times that logical behaviour went by the wayside and that irked me a bit but the whole thing was sweet enough I got over it quickly. I would certainly consider something else by this author.
I have not read the earlier books in this series and for the most part this was not an issue. There are some references to past characters, plus one visit with them that really was not needed for this book. Just felt like awkward updating for readers of the first books.
I liked Trevor and Josh. They fit well together and they fit into the cabin they are sharing. I loved their private interactions and those with the neighbour ladies. And of course who does not like a dog. There were a few times that logical behaviour went by the wayside and that irked me a bit but the whole thing was sweet enough I got over it quickly. I would certainly consider something else by this author.
March 27, 2017
I think Strawberry Moon it's probably my favorite Spencer Spears book, and I've read A Lot!! I absolutely love Trevor and Josh on the outside the seem complete opposite but they are perfect together, when they both get out of their heads. I very rarely read a book in one day but I could not put this book down. From the absolutely amazing main characters to all the equally enthralling side characters there is nothing I didn't love about this book. The only thing I could have wished for was more. I would of loved to see how a few of these situations played out a little more, but still an amazing entertaining read with characters you will love.
October 29, 2017
Touching
Another well written and scripted novel by Spencer. The protagonists, Josh and Trevor are wonderfully developed . Well edited, it's smooth reading. Now the next book should be about all the Maple Springs guys getting together and tying up loose ends. One question that isn't answered is the relationship between the town and the reservation. More, please?
Another well written and scripted novel by Spencer. The protagonists, Josh and Trevor are wonderfully developed . Well edited, it's smooth reading. Now the next book should be about all the Maple Springs guys getting together and tying up loose ends. One question that isn't answered is the relationship between the town and the reservation. More, please?
February 23, 2018
Best of the series
This was a much better story than the three previous, though they weren't bad at all. For one thing, this one was nearly a full-length novel which allowed for a much more detailed plot and character development encouraging a reader's emotional investment in the story line. Very well done.
This was a much better story than the three previous, though they weren't bad at all. For one thing, this one was nearly a full-length novel which allowed for a much more detailed plot and character development encouraging a reader's emotional investment in the story line. Very well done.
September 25, 2018
Finally I managed to finish it!!!
I found this poorly edited,slow paced and predictable story, if it can be called a story, extremely boring. I was struggling whit this book for almost 6 months reading a few pages each day and the fact that I was reading some well written and well edited books parallel to it didin't help at all!
I found this poorly edited,slow paced and predictable story, if it can be called a story, extremely boring. I was struggling whit this book for almost 6 months reading a few pages each day and the fact that I was reading some well written and well edited books parallel to it didin't help at all!
August 5, 2019
I loved this book! I think it's the best one in the whole series. Highly emotional. Both Josh and Trevor have a huge baggage and a ton of insecurities left, in different ways, by their family issues. None of them is easy to trust and let others in, but the pull towards each other and their undeniable bond is not easy to oversee. Together they will find a way to be stronger and make things better!
November 1, 2022
It's ok. parts are quite hot but overall the story doesn't work well. There's a lot that's left off the page or brought up and never addressed again and the main conflicts of the story, namely both main character's terrible relationships with their parents, are agonized over endlessly only to be abruptly solved and put away just in time for an HEA. It didn't feel realistic.
May 11, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed Strawberry Moon. Great read
Enjoyed this entry in the series. Great main characters, good plot. Sexy scenes. More versatile characters would have been appreciated
Enjoyed this entry in the series. Great main characters, good plot. Sexy scenes. More versatile characters would have been appreciated
November 17, 2017
Wonderful love story
A chance hook up at a bar and then a chance meeting again at a cabin. Between the guilt trip that Trevor was on and the emotional abuse suffered by Josh it finally came to a head and they both found love together
A chance hook up at a bar and then a chance meeting again at a cabin. Between the guilt trip that Trevor was on and the emotional abuse suffered by Josh it finally came to a head and they both found love together
December 24, 2017
Sweet and not serious but in a good way
A quick and easy read. Enough plot to keep it moving along without too much seriousness to cause any legitimate plot anxiety. Definitely a HEA finish.
A quick and easy read. Enough plot to keep it moving along without too much seriousness to cause any legitimate plot anxiety. Definitely a HEA finish.
October 17, 2019
This was a fun one; hit all the notes I enjoy without over-dwelling on any of the requisite hurdles. There need to be some obstacles to the HEA, but it's happiest if they aren't deep slogs of angst, and if they are lightened with some humor. This has got it just right, so, yay!
April 19, 2023
The whole Maple Springs series is fun to read, it's light and sometimes fluffy... but, I don't mind it. Since Spencer Spears pours in the romance like I pour too much sugar in my coffee; we both like it SWEET AF and he never disappoints ;)
May 14, 2017
*** Review Coming Soon ***
April 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Josh's sense of humor, he was a delightful character. Trevor was a bit of a tool unfortunately, maybe if he'd maintained his crusty bad-temper rather than devolving into moodiness I would have enjoyed it better.
August 9, 2019
I loved this book. It might be my favorite of the series. Loved Josh and Trevor, and their chemistry was amazing. Didn't want the story to end.
January 27, 2020
Freaking Adorable
These characters were so cute together. I got "Sweet Home Alabama" vibes with their little banter 'you're talking to much'...Dang this couple is one to love.
These characters were so cute together. I got "Sweet Home Alabama" vibes with their little banter 'you're talking to much'...Dang this couple is one to love.
March 30, 2025
DNF
Based on the other three books, I didn't read this one. I didn't want to waste my time on it. I'm so disappointed in this author.
Based on the other three books, I didn't read this one. I didn't want to waste my time on it. I'm so disappointed in this author.
June 16, 2025
Recommend
I got involved with the subjects from start to finish .
You will to .
Cheers to love and lifr
I got involved with the subjects from start to finish .
You will to .
Cheers to love and lifr
November 18, 2025
3.5 stars
March 27, 2017
After reading my second book by Spencer Spears he has become one of my favorite authors. Actually he probably had me after the first book!
I asked to receive the ARC of Strawberry Moon and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
Strawberry Moon brings us back to Maple Springs where we met Ryan & Graham and the rest of their friends in the book Sugar Season. We now meet Josh one of Ryan's friends from NY and Trevor who has lived here his whole life. I don't want to say much more and give the story away.
The characters are so good in both of these books and the storylines are wonderful. You don't have to read the first to enjoy Strawberry Moon, not at all. But I would suggest that both books are books you must read! They are both going on my favorites list.
I asked to receive the ARC of Strawberry Moon and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
Strawberry Moon brings us back to Maple Springs where we met Ryan & Graham and the rest of their friends in the book Sugar Season. We now meet Josh one of Ryan's friends from NY and Trevor who has lived here his whole life. I don't want to say much more and give the story away.
The characters are so good in both of these books and the storylines are wonderful. You don't have to read the first to enjoy Strawberry Moon, not at all. But I would suggest that both books are books you must read! They are both going on my favorites list.
March 27, 2017
OMf***ingG. This book is like the best I have read in quite some time. The characters are just amazing. The style of writing is just wow.
What was supposed to be a hookup without any strings attached and never ever get to see each other again gets thrown out the door when the two of them meet a few days later and are to spend the summer together by helping each other out... Well Josh - the chatty one who never seems to stop talking and Trevor - the brooding one with a hurtful past who just wants to be left alone. Very amazing to read through the book, the hilarious dialogs and of course the development of both of them hopefully finally finding their way - ad one. Very well done, Spencer! You got yourself a new fan :) Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
What was supposed to be a hookup without any strings attached and never ever get to see each other again gets thrown out the door when the two of them meet a few days later and are to spend the summer together by helping each other out... Well Josh - the chatty one who never seems to stop talking and Trevor - the brooding one with a hurtful past who just wants to be left alone. Very amazing to read through the book, the hilarious dialogs and of course the development of both of them hopefully finally finding their way - ad one. Very well done, Spencer! You got yourself a new fan :) Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews