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Open Road
“It’s one thing to live in a place and it’s another thing entirely to have it feel like home.”
Jake Davis knows exactly how much that hurts, and he’s had enough. After flunking out of college, he’s ready to kiss small-town North Carolina goodbye and start a new life without friends, a job or any real prospects in West Hollywood, California. At least there he’ll be accepted.
“I reckon you’ve got some damn good luck. You break down in a Podunk town and just happen to run into one of the best mechanics in the place.”
Mitch Robinson has spent his adult life in the closet, deeply afraid of himself and his feelings. His career as a mechanic in Kingman, Arizona has been enough to get him through without drawing too much attention to himself—until he finds Jake broken down on the side of the road and their worlds collide.
“If you spend too much time wondering how great things could be, you’re going to miss out on how great they already are.”
As the two get to know each other, they instantly discover that they have much more in common than either of them thought possible.
Will a lifetime of differences steer them into a ditch, or will their similarities keep them firmly on the open road of possibility?
Jake Davis knows exactly how much that hurts, and he’s had enough. After flunking out of college, he’s ready to kiss small-town North Carolina goodbye and start a new life without friends, a job or any real prospects in West Hollywood, California. At least there he’ll be accepted.
“I reckon you’ve got some damn good luck. You break down in a Podunk town and just happen to run into one of the best mechanics in the place.”
Mitch Robinson has spent his adult life in the closet, deeply afraid of himself and his feelings. His career as a mechanic in Kingman, Arizona has been enough to get him through without drawing too much attention to himself—until he finds Jake broken down on the side of the road and their worlds collide.
“If you spend too much time wondering how great things could be, you’re going to miss out on how great they already are.”
As the two get to know each other, they instantly discover that they have much more in common than either of them thought possible.
Will a lifetime of differences steer them into a ditch, or will their similarities keep them firmly on the open road of possibility?
90 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Garett Groves
16 books77 followersGarett Groves is a new M/M romance author based in Southwest Florida. There he enjoys spending time with his husband and their two cats. Their hobbies include: being disgustingly codependent, sleeping, eating junk food, and drinking copious amounts of red wine. Sadly, their cats don't share in the wine drinking--yet!
Author also writes as Orson Dubois
Author also writes as Orson Dubois
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 23, 2017
A May to December novella.
I loved this story.
The fact that these 2 characters, from 2 different age groups are dealing with, who they are, their pasts and where they want or need to go.
And with it ending as it did...I think it has left an Open Road for more stories.
This was a free download from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
I loved this story.
The fact that these 2 characters, from 2 different age groups are dealing with, who they are, their pasts and where they want or need to go.
And with it ending as it did...I think it has left an Open Road for more stories.
This was a free download from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
August 26, 2017
There's not much here in terms of story or character development, but it's a cute, quick read.
June 4, 2017
2 Stars because I finished it, but NO! You can only get this freebie if you sign up for the newsletter.
This was okay, eye roll inducing, but still okay, until I realized we were at 90% and the damn thing basically just started. Not cool. WAY too short.
Why was the 40 year old man acting like the 20 year old?
I was willing to give Groves another chance, but after reading reviews for A Spice of Life series I don't think this author is for me.
This was okay, eye roll inducing, but still okay, until I realized we were at 90% and the damn thing basically just started. Not cool. WAY too short.
Why was the 40 year old man acting like the 20 year old?
I was willing to give Groves another chance, but after reading reviews for A Spice of Life series I don't think this author is for me.
June 20, 2017
3.5
Short but sweet. Although I would have appreciated a bit more development for the characters and the relationship: seeing as this was less than 100 pages long, it kind of felt like things happened a bit too fast. I was also pleasantly surprised cause, in general,I'm not into relationships with an age gap like this was, but it was still fairly nice to read so I think that says a lot about it!
*Review of a copy provided by the author*
Short but sweet. Although I would have appreciated a bit more development for the characters and the relationship: seeing as this was less than 100 pages long, it kind of felt like things happened a bit too fast. I was also pleasantly surprised cause, in general,I'm not into relationships with an age gap like this was, but it was still fairly nice to read so I think that says a lot about it!
*Review of a copy provided by the author*
June 3, 2017
A bit too short to sufficiently delve into these two characters. I'd love to see the author expand this story quite a bit more. But overall I enjoyed the premise.
Read
June 21, 2017oooh, this was not for me...
November 28, 2017
First of all, the timeline is off right from the get-go. The story begins with Jake coming out to his parents at the dinner table. The next chapter begins with the title “Four Months Later” and has Jake loading up his car to leave home and head west. Several paragraphs in Jake refers to that “explosive episode” (i.e. his coming out) that he had with his father SIX months ago. He also mentions that he is 24 and we find out that he quit college after two years shortly after coming out. When did he actually start college? Most people have already completed their undergraduate degree by the time they are 21 or 22.
So back to the story. Jake heads west and breaks down in Kingman, AZ where he is rescued by Mitch, a 40 year old mechanic. The two have an instant attraction which slow burns for a day until they act upon their attraction. As we watch the two of them interact, Jake acts like the more mature one and Mitch is written so that he comes across as a dumb hick. If he owns his own home and business and is a skilled mechanic, in reality he would be anything but dumb. Also, Mitch is clearly traumatized by something in his past but we never learn what really happened because the story ends so fast. Jake prepares to leave and asks Mitch to come along.
The story essentially ends as their relationship begins. It’s not an HEA and not even a HFN. There is no character development and no relationship building. Since there doesn’t appear to be a sequel, Open Road is just left Open. We’re left to our own imaginations to decide what happens to our MCs.
So back to the story. Jake heads west and breaks down in Kingman, AZ where he is rescued by Mitch, a 40 year old mechanic. The two have an instant attraction which slow burns for a day until they act upon their attraction. As we watch the two of them interact, Jake acts like the more mature one and Mitch is written so that he comes across as a dumb hick. If he owns his own home and business and is a skilled mechanic, in reality he would be anything but dumb. Also, Mitch is clearly traumatized by something in his past but we never learn what really happened because the story ends so fast. Jake prepares to leave and asks Mitch to come along.
The story essentially ends as their relationship begins. It’s not an HEA and not even a HFN. There is no character development and no relationship building. Since there doesn’t appear to be a sequel, Open Road is just left Open. We’re left to our own imaginations to decide what happens to our MCs.
May 28, 2017
Thank you to the author for the free download.
I enjoyed this novella very much.
In a short time Mitch and Jake became real and believable. Their romantic feelings made sense and the sex came naturally from the kind of people they were.
What was interesting was that although the story appeared to have more in it about Jake I felt I knew and understood Mitch better. Often gay or m/m romance is centred on young men coming-out/coming to terms/finding love for the first time so it was great to have someone a bit older in that situation.
Mitch and Jake were extraordinary in their ordinariness.They accepted each other and took a chance, hoping for happiness. I would like to read more about them.
I enjoyed this novella very much.
In a short time Mitch and Jake became real and believable. Their romantic feelings made sense and the sex came naturally from the kind of people they were.
What was interesting was that although the story appeared to have more in it about Jake I felt I knew and understood Mitch better. Often gay or m/m romance is centred on young men coming-out/coming to terms/finding love for the first time so it was great to have someone a bit older in that situation.
Mitch and Jake were extraordinary in their ordinariness.They accepted each other and took a chance, hoping for happiness. I would like to read more about them.
September 10, 2017
This short opens with Jake coming into dinner and telling his parents he needs to talk. He just blurts out he is gay. His parents are crestfallen. We jump to two years later and Jake is packing his old Cadillac to and heading off to West Hollywood. Mom has come to terms with Jake being gay, but Dad is still disgruntled. When his car dies after nightfall, Jake is rescued by middle aged mechanic named Mitch. Mitch offers his couch while he repairs the car and both hide their feelings for a while.
It has an ending appropriate for a short story but I wanted more. The road trip could certainly provide for a number of other scenarios to explore. I enjoyed it but I wanted the story to continue
It has an ending appropriate for a short story but I wanted more. The road trip could certainly provide for a number of other scenarios to explore. I enjoyed it but I wanted the story to continue
May 17, 2017
Jake leaves home after the atmosphere becomes too unbearable following coming out to his parents. His mother was okayish but his dad was furious. Jake was going to drive to California but on the way he breaks down and Mitch comes to his rescue towing him to his garage and then putting him up at his home on the couch. Sparks immediately fly between them but both know that if anything happens it is going to be a nothing more than a one night hook up. Or is it?
This is a well written short story with a unique theme.
This is a well written short story with a unique theme.
May 23, 2017
Got free from a newsletter for a honest review.
I love reading from a new author. Makes me happy that I will have another author, to keep a eye out for more of their books to read. I loved the story. I thought it was well written. For a short story I felt a little connection with the characters. The two characters Jake and Mitch had chemistry. Like most short stories, I want more of the two characters. I hated that it ended.
Thank you for letting me read your story. Hope to read more from you.
I love reading from a new author. Makes me happy that I will have another author, to keep a eye out for more of their books to read. I loved the story. I thought it was well written. For a short story I felt a little connection with the characters. The two characters Jake and Mitch had chemistry. Like most short stories, I want more of the two characters. I hated that it ended.
Thank you for letting me read your story. Hope to read more from you.
May 30, 2017
Open Road is a short sweet sad story about two gay men who meet by accident. Jake Davis who is in his twenties, decides he has to leave his parents and his small town. It will never be home for him. He meets Mitch Robinson in another small town when his car breaks down on his way to California. Mitch happens to be a mechanic in his forties and has always been in the closet and always thought he would be. It looks like a happy ending! We need to read more about them to know for sure! I'm voluntarily giving my honest review to an ARC of this book. Loved it, need more!!!!
July 8, 2017
I received an ARC from the author. This is the first book I've read by Mr. Groves but I plan on reading everything he writes.
Even though this was a novella you were able to come to know the characters so well in these few chapters. Jake and Mitch may have nothing in common, at first glance. But more importantly they have a desire for something better. Something real that will last for years.
I don't know if there will be a follow up to this book but I'd love to know more about them a few years from now. I do love a HEA.
Even though this was a novella you were able to come to know the characters so well in these few chapters. Jake and Mitch may have nothing in common, at first glance. But more importantly they have a desire for something better. Something real that will last for years.
I don't know if there will be a follow up to this book but I'd love to know more about them a few years from now. I do love a HEA.
May 24, 2017
4.5 stars. I loved this little slice of life novella. Jake and Mitch both have fathers that don't accept them. While it has stagnated Mitch, it has spurred Jake to find something better. I liked that it was Jake that was willing to change everything and strong enough to lead Mitch into to make a new life for the both of them. Mitch's vulnerability with Jake and his leap of faith made me smile and cheer for him.
Adult read
Adult read
May 26, 2019
as a man at the upper part of middle ages, this book was dreamy. two men with year apart come across each other as Jake is starting his trip to freedom from his home. both men, old and young fall for each other quickly and start to take chances in each other. the ending i particularly likes.... dreamer in his mid life crisis...
but heh how this is what such books are for...
This was a free download from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
but heh how this is what such books are for...
This was a free download from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
This is a free novella I received for signing up for the author's email list. I enjoyed it, although I think it definitely could have been fleshed out more. I think the characters of Jake and Mitch could have easily been made more complex which would have contributed, overall, to the richness of the story.
July 9, 2017
Jake is 20-something, getting away from his unaccepting parents. He is on his way to California when his car breaks down. Mitch is the older mechanic who stops to help him out. This is a sweet short story of two people who come into each other's lives at just the right time. The author was new to me, but I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 15, 2018
This is really just a snippet of a story but it ends up in a good place. I like both heroes but seeing the life the older hero had so much trouble leaving would have enhanced.
The thing that threw me off is the mention of a Southern accent but they were in Arizona??
The thing that threw me off is the mention of a Southern accent but they were in Arizona??
May 26, 2017
A May/December romance; we meet Jake going on a cross country trip, and Mitch who's a lonely man. I enjoyed this story, it was well written with a good storyline,
May 28, 2017
A short sweet story
June 3, 2017
I needed more. Wish it was longer.
July 14, 2017
I liked this very short story. It was fast paced, I liked both Jake and Mitch. I hope there will be more about them. I would recommend this story.
July 30, 2017
A great storyline not limited to just the problems of a gay man coming out. This is a story you can get immersed in quite easily.
July 31, 2017
This was a short M/M e-read I loved it. I hope you add to the book or make a second book of their journey. Happy endings are the best.
August 3, 2017
Sweet story. Light reading but enjoyable.
August 11, 2017
Extremely well written, and well plotted for a short. I was expecting salaciousness, but what i got was a surprisingly realistic love story.
August 23, 2017
2.5 stars
September 3, 2017
Short sweet story. May/December relationship. Coming out and learning who you are.
July 9, 2018
This May-December love affair from Garett Groves is set in North Carolina just as college drop-out Jake sets his sights to moving to West Hollywood. Along the way, he stumbles into Mitch, a roadside mechanic who offers to help get his car fixed and a home to spend a couple of nights in.
As the two get to know each other, they discover they got more in common than the differences their lives have steered into thus far, but will those keep them together or apart in the open road of possibility?
I love a good age-gap romance, especially when the “roles” in the relationship are somehow subverted. Jake is young but is deadset on his goals to living a life free of judgement. Mitch might be older, but he’s been sitting on a web of indecision for so long that he’s more stuck than he’s ever been when he was in Jake’s age. I liked the subtle powerplay between the main characters, in bed and especially out of it. The conflict is admittedly not as high stakes as, say, the next MM romance on the shelf, but it’s believable and it works for this v short, light novella.
The ending is a satisfying HFN in the general flow of the story, but it’s open enough for me to want more for Jake x Mitch. 3⭐️.
*This review also appears as a bookstagram on my IG: @bentchbites
As the two get to know each other, they discover they got more in common than the differences their lives have steered into thus far, but will those keep them together or apart in the open road of possibility?
I love a good age-gap romance, especially when the “roles” in the relationship are somehow subverted. Jake is young but is deadset on his goals to living a life free of judgement. Mitch might be older, but he’s been sitting on a web of indecision for so long that he’s more stuck than he’s ever been when he was in Jake’s age. I liked the subtle powerplay between the main characters, in bed and especially out of it. The conflict is admittedly not as high stakes as, say, the next MM romance on the shelf, but it’s believable and it works for this v short, light novella.
The ending is a satisfying HFN in the general flow of the story, but it’s open enough for me to want more for Jake x Mitch. 3⭐️.
*This review also appears as a bookstagram on my IG: @bentchbites
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews