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Somewhere on Mackinac

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How far would you go for the man of your dreams?

Now that he’s single, Chicago businessman Jordan Monroe can finally take his long-desired trip to Mackinac Island for the Somewhere In Time fan celebration weekend. On the first day, Jordan finds himself attracted to Miles Colter, a handsome local stable owner who is giving horseback tours of film locations.

Jordan is surprised and charmed that Miles pursues him. When Jordan learns the stable is in trouble, he wants to help despite Miles’s resistance. As their relationship grows personally and professionally, Jordan dreads the issues that face them—an ex who won’t let him go, the complications of a long-distance relationship, and a secret he knows he shouldn’t be keeping.

Can Jordan and Miles find a way to forge a love as timeless as the romance in their favorite film?

States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2017

13 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Jeff Adams

45 books223 followers
Jeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.

Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for CrabbyPatty.
1,712 reviews198 followers
January 23, 2020
If you're a fan of the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time you'll enjoy this story set on Mackinac Island during the annual Somewhere in Time weekend the end of October. Jeff Adams frames his story of Miles and Jordan with that of Richard and Elise from the film and beautifully captures the pace of island life where residents travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.
In some ways the movie is so simple, if you look past the time travel. Two people drawn together for reasons they don’t even understand. They pushed back against those keeping them apart and formed a bond for all time. I wanted that when I was sixteen. Now that I was closer to forty, I wanted it even more—the romance, a soul mate, maybe a family.
Jordan is a Chicago businessman specializing in connecting businesses with investors, while Miles owns a horse stable on the island and does horse and carriage rides as well as tours. Their relationship develops quickly and is not defined by sex-on-every-surface but rather island sunsets, dancing at the Grand Hotel, home-cooked dinners and stargazing which fits beautifully into the old-school charm of the setting.

I liked the flow of this story and the gentle chemistry between Jordan and Miles although a few plot points irked me (Jordan's thoroughly annoying ex-boyfriend Drake and the Big Misunderstanding that feels a bit forced). However, on the whole I enjoyed this story of romance and its beautiful setting. 3.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,194 reviews31 followers
April 24, 2017
When I saw the title and book cover, I knew I had to read this one. I spent three days on Mackinac Island this past October, a week before the Island wrapped up the season. Which, ironically, is about the same time frame as the book. I, however, did not stay at the Grand Hotel. A tich out of my price range, even for a special occasion splurge.

Premise of the book is Jordan is taking a much needed vacation from work and his ex: he’s going to spend a weekend at a Somewhere In Time convention at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac. There he meets Miles, a local, who runs a stable catering to horse rides, carriage rides, and tours. The two have an immediate connection, but business might come between the two men before they have the opportunity to see where their budding attraction leads.

I enjoyed the setting, even more so having just been there. I could easily follow where the characters went, I could relate to the weather (though it was nicer in the book than on my vacation) and the island sights as they were being described. I thought the idea of a small movie convention as backdrop was interesting, and was a bit disappointed it became an aside - as was the family Jordan befriended - as the plot progressed.

However, for as much as I loved reading about Mackinac, the romance never jelled for me and in fact, kinda rubbed me the wrong way. Weird? Right? For myself, the connection between Jordan and Miles was pure insta-love and while that was perhaps the point, the emotional connection never solidified in my mind.

Add in The Big Misunderstanding, the dramatic break-up, and following resolution, any romantic interest was gone for me.

I think what everything could have benefited from would have been a longer story. More time to flesh out Jordan’s issues with his ex. More time to build the attraction between Jordan and Miles so when the Bit Misunderstanding happened, it didn’t feel so out of proportion with the budding romance.

So, bottom line for me was Yay! Setting! Meh. Romance.

Overall
A fairly sweet read set on a fantastic vacation destination where two guys find some instant attraction and a possibility of a future, assuming they can over some personal business issues.

Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
May 2, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

I have read a number of books in this series - and it is fun to suspend belief and go with instalove every now and again. Given the short window of opportunity first presented to these men, it is inevitable that usual timelines get cut tightened.

I have not watched the film that the 'weekend' is dedicated to, so maybe there was an element of nuance that I could not appreciate. But I enjoyed the romance and whilst I had a good idea where it would go, I enjoyed the journey.

If you are prepared to accept that this is a start to a great love, rather than a fully finished story, then this is certainly a good way to spend an evening. Thank you Mr Adams.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Heather.
1,552 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Somewhere on Mackinac is part of the Dreamspinner Press States of Love series. This story is set on Mackinac Island and around a movie called Somewhere in Time. I have never watched or heard of this movie, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this story. But, I think if you enjoyed this movie, you will definitely enjoy this book. The setting of this story is a Somewhere in Time themed weekend on the island, so if you haven't watched the movie, and want to, you should definitely watch the movie before reading this. The author does warn about possible movie spoilers in regards to the movie.

Jordan is a single man from Chicago and a HUGE fan of the movie. He's dreamed of taking his vacation during the themed weekend but could never convince his ex-boyfriend to go the island with him. This year, nothing is stopping Jordan. He embraces everything about the time on the island and is open to every new experience he can have. Jordan has a personality that draws people to him, and he easily makes friends with those around him. He also meets Miles on his first day on the island. Miles owns the stables on the island and has lived there all his life, including when the movie was filmed. He loves the movie just as much as Jordan and has stories to tell of that time. Jordan and Miles strike up a friendship over their shared love, and their attraction grows. But, finding your dream guy while on vacation isn't easy when the vacation time comes to an end.

Both of the MC's were really likable in this story, the story was well written and it flowed easily. And Mackinac was a very important part of this story. I've never been to Mackinac Island, but if this story and descriptions are accurate, it sounds like a very quaint, enjoyable place to visit.

Rating: 4 stars
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books771 followers
January 24, 2020
Mackinac Island sounds like a very special place, and it is exactly the kind of scenery Jordan needs to get away from it all. He has faced a bad breakup (with an ex who is now trying to get back in his good graces), and while his business is doing well, it is stressful. A break dedicated to his favorite film – think historic reenactment but movie-themed – is something that might just restore his equilibrium, especially since any modern technology is “forbidden” and the isolation will mean focus on very different things.


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Les Joseph.
Author 5 books37 followers
May 9, 2017
I am a big fan of Dreamspinner Press's States of Love series. I find all the locations and landmarks and the unique characteristics from each state to be really compelling. When I read the blurb for Somewhere in Mackinac by Jeff Adams I was immediately intrigued. I admit that I've never seen the movie, Somewhere in Time, which plays a significant role in the book, so I think I missed out a bit on all of the connections between the setting and the book but all in all this book was a nice, easy read that I liked.

Jordan Monroe is a huge fan (understatement if there was one!) of the movie, Somewhere in Time, and now that he's currently single, he decides to embark on a weekend on Mackinac Island--where the move is set--for a fan celebration weekend. Once he arrives and is surrounded by all the things that he recognizes from the movie, Jordan is in heaven. Even more so when he crosses paths with Miles Colter, one of the locals who helps out at the hotel where Jordan is staying. There is an instant attraction between these two, and from there we watch Jordan and Miles get to know one another and yes, fall in love. I have to say that even though I've never seen the movie or been to Mackinac Island, Jeff Adams' love of both is readily apparent. He transports the reader to the picturesque setting where you travel by horse and carriage or bicycle and everyone calls out greetings as you walk down the street. From the fudge shop to the diner to the estate where the hotel is located, I could picture everything in detail with ease.

The romance between Jordan and Miles is sweet and lovely, if a bit on the old fashioned side. This is not a complaint, by the way. I like the fact that these two men took the time to really get to know one another in spite of their intense physical attraction to one another. I wasn't so much of a fan of Drake, Jordan's ex who was just insufferable, and the big misunderstanding between Jordan and Miles toward the end of the book. For two grown men who should know better, this was a bit frustrating for sure. But it really was the setting and the gentle romance between Jordan and Miles that saved the book for me. And made me want to watch the movie, too. If you're looking for something light and easy with a nice romance, make sure you check out Somewhere on Mackinac.

*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,736 reviews38 followers
May 8, 2017
This was a wonderful love story. I enjoyed all the movie references but I liked the build of Jordan and Miles' love affair even more. There are lots of romantic moments, a troublesome ex, some spicy moments and a few hurdles to get over to find their HEA. I left them with a huge smile.
Adult read
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
January 24, 2020
Somewhere on the Mackinac is a sweet romance set on Mackinac Island during the Somewhere in Time Convention. (If you haven't watched the movie and planned to this book may contain spoilers for those of us that have but long ago it may make you want to watch again!

Jordan lives in Chicago, has a business of his own, and a great friend. He has recently broken up with a boyfriend and sometimes business co-worker. He has wanted to go to the Somewhere in Time vacation for a long time and decided to go this year. He hates going alone. He meets a Stable owner Miles, and they instantly hit it off and are attracted. Jordan overhears Miles talking about his business being in danger and offers to help.

One thing I love about this book is how the setting is a big part of the book. I loved the quaint setting and longed to be there.
I didn't mind the instant attraction between Miles and Jordan as it didn't seem Insta-love, more a deep attraction. My only issue was the ex-boyfriend scenario didn't really fit. I think the book would have worked without it.
If you are looking for a short, sweet story full of romance, a romantic setting, and a sweet ending, I think you will enjoy this.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books771 followers
January 24, 2020
Mackinac Island sounds like a very special place, and it is exactly the kind of scenery Jordan needs to get away from it all. He has faced a bad breakup (with an ex who is now trying to get back in his good graces), and while his business is doing well, it is stressful. A break dedicated to his favorite film – think historic reenactment but movie-themed – is something that might just restore his equilibrium, especially since any modern technology is “forbidden” and the isolation will mean focus on very different things.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,134 reviews521 followers
May 4, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


Jordan has long desired to attend the Somewhere in Time festival held each October at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac. Drake refused to go last year and Jordan’s going alone —now that he’s single. His first day there Jordan meets Miles, the attractive stable owner who provides carriage rides and horseback tours. Miles also helps out with the festival, and he has lots of stories of his father—who assisted with transport for filming—and his own brushes with the actors. Jordan wants to learn all about Miles, and their connection is immediate—even if they delay on the physical.

There’s something special building between Miles and Jordan in those days. It’s enough to cause Jordan to extend his stay, and it’s only slightly upset by Miles’ financial difficulties. Miles bought his brother’s half share in their family stables, not knowing his brother had built up a lot of debt—and the loans are coming due. As a business financier, Jordan steps in to help, but none of his usual contacts are willing to spring for a partnership. Unwilling to let Miles suffer—even before they’re a couple, he makes a choice that will come back to hurt their fledgling relationship. But, a romance does bloom. Miles and Jordan decide what they are experiencing is more than mutual euphoria—it’s a kinship that grows as they make trips between Mackinac and Chicago. Jordan’s ex, Drake, makes some dramatic and unwelcome appearances, to drive a wedge that takes some effort to displace, but it’s all to the good in the end, with Miles and Jordan building an honest and healthy love between them.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,267 reviews489 followers
May 6, 2017
3.5 stars

This is sweet. I loved how Jordan embraced his love for Somewhere in Time the movie; that was adorable. The relationship felt mature -- and despite the tension that happened later, these two ended up talking things out.

I also really appreciated how this romance was on the low-steam territory. So there was genuine set-up that take a while rather than just a quickie during fan celebration moment.
Profile Image for Misty.
1,525 reviews
January 18, 2018
Love is an undeniable force which goes beyond us ...

I have been fascinated with the movie "Somewhere in Time" since I first saw it when it was released in 1980. The following year I took a trip to Mackinac island, Michigan and visited the Grand Hotel. It's a truly magical place!

Somewhere on Mackinac is charming. The romantic tension between Jordan and Miles is palpable and it makes their love affair convincing. For the hopeless romantics ;)
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,772 reviews39 followers
August 20, 2022
I've been to Mackinac Island, it's truly gorgeous, I always wanted to go back, sadly we never made it. I also loved the movie Somewhere in Time although I sobbed at its ending, so flipping sad. OK, sorry, I digressed, now on to this tale. Miles and Jordan's story is so freaking adorable, this was a wonderful read, gently written with a splash of angst, if you love a sweet, slow romance you'll love this one.
4 reviews
March 24, 2024
A Beautiful & Timeless Romance!

It was a delight reminiscing on the beautiful sites of Mackinac Island throughout the novel as I have visited the island myself many times growing up. I was very moved and excited to be reading a gay romance novel that coincides With the timeless and breathtaking movie, Somewhere In Time! This is a highly recommended read , especially for LGBT Michiganders.
Profile Image for kaitlphere.
2,047 reviews40 followers
August 9, 2025
I read this on a vacation to Mackinaw and it was exactly the kind of "beach read" I was hoping for; like a Mackinaw-themed Hallmark movie. The guy from the big city visits a quaint small town, falls in love with the local hottie, and saves a small business. The supporting characters contributed to the story nicely, particularly the repeat tourist family and the best friends. I didn't relate to the "Somewhere in Time" enthusiasm, but that theme worked well in this story.
4,557 reviews29 followers
April 6, 2025
Loveable characters and an interesting story. I have seen the movie referenced in this novel so there were lots of fun Easter eggs for me here. I am glad that the conflict about the big secret got resolved in a timely manner, and that Jordan owned his mistake and apologized.
1,401 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2022
Wonderful story!

Miles being a "hometown" boy and Jordan being a city boy didn't appear to me that they would hit it off. As the story progressed I was eager for them to "hookup" and settle down. Things did work out for them.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,878 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2017
4. 5 stars Jordan and Miles

Adorable, fresh, positive….things I love in a romance.

Jordan takes a break and goes to the ‘Somewhere In Time’ fan celebration weekend.
Something he wanted to do for a long time. On his own just enjoying and breathe in all the awesomeness.
After arriving, he takes a walk and then he sees a breathtaking beautiful man standing by a carriage with a horse.
Then this man is gone…

After a walk, he sees him again and he takes a ride with him on the carriage….
Miles has eyes for Jordan… and Jordan is head over heels.
They talk and talk and Jordan takes horse lessons at the farm… they have a great connection and spend the most time together. Jordan talks with his business partner and they agree that Jordan will stay longer.

Jordan his ex doesn’t like this at all and is trying hard and several times to destroy this budding love between Jordan and Miles. Jordan is determined…..

Overhearing a conversation from Miles, Jordan understands Miles has financial problems and that is just Jordan’s expertise. Jordan saves Miles farm….but don’t tells Miles who the money lender is…..

They consider a long distance relationship. They make it work and when Miles stays a weekend with Jordan he finds out who the lenders are…..he stands up and is gone…

Such a lovely read, I enjoyed this really hard. Not too much drama, just a little tiny bump in the road. Love is what’s matters here.
The pace is fast, but not in a hurry. The love is just….*sigh* lovely.
The writing is honest and fresh and in precise the right weight.

All those 113 pages are worth reading!

– ARC received from Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tina Marie.
492 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2020
What fun

I truly enjoyed this love story. What drew me first was that it was set in my home state and SOMEWHERE IN TIME is a favorite movie of mine. I wasn’t disappointed!! Miles and Jordan are a perfect match. A story full of love and laughter with a bit of jealous ex boyfriend tossed in. Great fun.
2,878 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aoo on 5/3

From that review: " Several things drew me immediately to this story. One, I'm a huge fan of the film Somewhere In Time, just like the main character Jordan Monroe. We can both spout the dialogue and scenes from the movie float in our heads. And both of us have always wanted to visit the very place where it was filmed and the story took place...The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Now thanks to Jeff Adams and his novel, Somewhere on Mackinac, I now know that The Grand Hotel has a special Somewhere In Time weekend so I'm busy looking at dates but back to this wonderful story. Yes, it's a sweet, romantic and heartwarming story!..."

For all our reviews, author interviews, and things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews137 followers
May 3, 2017
I’ve really been enjoying Dreamspinner Press’s States of Love series. All novella length, which is sometimes just what I’m looking for, and all seeming to promise a sweet romance. Honestly, sometimes I just need a hundred pages or less of shmoop. Ha! So, when I saw that Jeff Adams’s new book, Somewhere on Mackinac, was based around the film Somewhere in Time, I figured it was going to be insanely romantic and shmoopy.

Jeff wastes no time setting the scene for the story. The book takes place mainly over a Somewhere in Time weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, which happens in late October every year, and we jump right in with Jordan arriving on the island. The descriptions are all fantastic—of the lake, and the hotel, and the island itself—I absolutely felt transported there. Adams really did the island, and the hotel property and festivities, justice. In fact, I was so entranced by it all, and feeling nostalgia for the film, that I went online and looked at pics from the movie, and then to the Grand Hotel’s website. It really is breathtakingly beautiful; I can’t imagine seeing it in person. Especially for someone who’s a massive fan of the film, like our two main characters are.

I liked both Jordan and Miles a lot. Jordan was such a sweetheart and a romantic. I loved that he was holding out for someone to spend his life with who wanted the same things he wanted. His ex, Drake, who we meet in the book, is a complete douche—so, really, anyone would be a step up from him. But, Jordan definitely feels like he’s struck gold when he meets Miles. Aside from being the handsomest man Jordan has ever seen, he’s also got to be one of the nicest. Miles wants nothing more than to spend his life in the place he grew up, running his family’s horse and stable business (which is now his business). He appreciates the small community of Mackinac, and wants to show all of it to Jordan. I love how that shines through in the book.

What didn’t shine through as brightly for me, unfortunately, was their connection. For this reason, I actually wish the book had been a bit longer. I think if I’d gotten to know Miles and Jordan better, I would have felt more connected to their romance. Unfortunately, their togetherness did feel a little forced at times. Not at first…I loved the tentative attraction in the beginning. And when Miles asked Jordan to dance at the hotel banquet, it was pretty magical. But, after that it felt a bit rushed.

I did enjoy the book, but almost equally for the gorgeous setting as for the story. I think people who haven’t seen the movie that inspired the book will also enjoy it; but, I think those who have seen it will love the story even more.

Oh! And, kudos to the cover artist. The cover model for Miles is so much yummy perfection!

Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Profile Image for Lada.
865 reviews10 followers
Read
June 25, 2017
I was fine with this book, even though it's insta-love, until Miles turned into a drama queen and flounced back home upon finding out about Jordan's white lie. I just kind of lost my interest in the story after that. The epilogue helped, but still, I don't want to rate this book.

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