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Ames Bridge #2
The Past Comes Home
Twenty years ago, Paxton Marshall realized he liked boys, in particular his brother’s best friend, Brad. Pax now runs a successful art gallery, but he’s never found anyone who stirs his heart the way Brad did.
Brad Watson is back in town for his twentieth high school reunion. However, the celebration of long-ago days is the last thing on his mind. He’s there for one reason: to finally tell Pax how he feels.
Pax is shocked to learn Brad is not only gay but also interested in him. Dating a man in Ames Bridge isn’t as simple as it sound, though. In order to make a relationship work, both men will have to bolster their courage and alter their expectations.
*This book is an expansion of a previously published short story titled Open to the Past. Over 35,000 words have been added.*
Brad Watson is back in town for his twentieth high school reunion. However, the celebration of long-ago days is the last thing on his mind. He’s there for one reason: to finally tell Pax how he feels.
Pax is shocked to learn Brad is not only gay but also interested in him. Dating a man in Ames Bridge isn’t as simple as it sound, though. In order to make a relationship work, both men will have to bolster their courage and alter their expectations.
*This book is an expansion of a previously published short story titled Open to the Past. Over 35,000 words have been added.*
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
48 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Silvia Violet
184 books1,188 followersSilvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 19, 2017
~2.5~
Pax was the biggest Debbie Downer of all time. He was scared of and worried about everything! His lifelong crush is back in town declaring his love, and all Pax focuses on is that Brad will leave.
Brad asks Pax to pick him up from a bar. Pax sulks because it's late and he doesn't want to get out of bed.
Brad tells Pax he's crushing on him. Pax asks, "You are?" Any declaration Brad makes, Pax questions.
Brad wants to visit Pax's parents (Brad was best friends with Pax's older brother); Pax worries that his mom will pressure Brad.
Brad kisses Pax. Pax freaks that it's too soon, too good, too something.
And on and on it goes. Every thought Pax has is negative. This got so tiresome.
The story spans just a few days, so everything felt rushed. The small town homophobia plot line has been done ad nauseam, and it wasn't particularly interesting here.
But I did like Brad (he deserved way better than Pax) and some of the secondary characters, particularly the MCs from the first book (which I liked better than this one).
Pax was the biggest Debbie Downer of all time. He was scared of and worried about everything! His lifelong crush is back in town declaring his love, and all Pax focuses on is that Brad will leave.
Brad asks Pax to pick him up from a bar. Pax sulks because it's late and he doesn't want to get out of bed.
Brad tells Pax he's crushing on him. Pax asks, "You are?" Any declaration Brad makes, Pax questions.
Brad wants to visit Pax's parents (Brad was best friends with Pax's older brother); Pax worries that his mom will pressure Brad.
Brad kisses Pax. Pax freaks that it's too soon, too good, too something.
And on and on it goes. Every thought Pax has is negative. This got so tiresome.
The story spans just a few days, so everything felt rushed. The small town homophobia plot line has been done ad nauseam, and it wasn't particularly interesting here.
But I did like Brad (he deserved way better than Pax) and some of the secondary characters, particularly the MCs from the first book (which I liked better than this one).
October 23, 2017
Sadtown
Population 1 Cupcake
I was crazy excited about this book. I mean, brother's best friend, age gap, unrequited love being requited twenty years later... what's not to like?
Pax. Pax is what I don't like. Let me tell you about Pax. There are realists. There are pessimists. Then there's Pax. He deserves a category unto himself with its own personal black cloud following him around like Pigpen. You'd think the fact that he's been crushing on and for all intents and purposes half in love with Brad since he was FOURTEEN would imbue him with an excitement the likes of which can only be witnessed in kids on Christmas morning when Santa has made it rain.
You'd be wrong. He acts like the prospect of getting with his fantasy man is on par with getting a root canal. It was painful, it went on far too long and it snapped my enjoyment like a twig. I skimmed the last 30ish% because I could not deal any more. I think I get the gist of his characterization and I do think it's plausible, maybe even likely, but woooooweeeeee did he get on my last good nerve.
Told from both of their perspectives Pax's negativism interfered with their dynamic making it seem awkward and forced at times, clunky. The ending is a happy one but I couldn't buy it. It's rushed, for one, I needed more time with them as a couple and then perhaps I could buy into their coupletry. But as it stands Pax is too negative to Brad's optimistic and gregarious personality for me to buy them long-term. Or maybe I just like Brad and feel like he deserves better?
The sex between them is hot. On paper. But since I couldn't connect with them I didn't really get into it. Brad's bossy and there's a bit of size difference between them which is typically my catnip, but Pax and his stuttering and general milquetoastness left me cold.
I like the premise of unrequited love finally being requited after twenty years in a small Southern town, no less, though be forewarned there is a significant amount of homophobia and general nastiness from some of the townsfolk. Some of them are really supportive and the general vibe of this small North Carolina town was well crafted.
This can be read as a standalone. I had no trouble keeping up and I may even be interested in the next one, but this one I can't recommend. Unfortunately.
Boy Meets Boy Reviews
An ARC was provided.
December 21, 2017
3.5 stars
Very nice. It's a solid story but I didn't like it quite as much as the first one. I didn't really feel their relationship as much and I didn't love the characters. Still a nice story and always beautifully written by Silvia Violet.
Very nice. It's a solid story but I didn't like it quite as much as the first one. I didn't really feel their relationship as much and I didn't love the characters. Still a nice story and always beautifully written by Silvia Violet.
December 25, 2020
I don't know why I thought the second book in this series would be any less filled with unecessary drama. It wasn't.
This would be a novella without it. There's so much of it.
I loved Pax in the first book but in this he was so annoying. Being in his head, not listening to people, not letting them in. It hurt my head. Isn't it sad when a character turns out being nothing like you thought they would be?
So basically Pax and Brad have been crushing on each other for about 20 years. Brad is Pax's brothers best friend and he moves away. Pax have been comparing every man he's ever met to Brad and Brad is not much better. When feelings finally comes clean you think these two should be overjoyed, right? No. Not Pax. He worries and question every single thing. Having monologues with himself about why things wouldn't work out. Why Brad would leave. I was like: okay, this is not how I would react if someone I've had a crush on for 20 years told me they want me. But let's see how this goes. Well, it goes. And goes. And goes.
I really liked Brad. He's strong and steady. He deserved better than Pax.
This ends with a bang, literally. I have a hard time accepting my romances ending with the MC's having sex. It doesn't add anything to the story.
This would be a novella without it. There's so much of it.
I loved Pax in the first book but in this he was so annoying. Being in his head, not listening to people, not letting them in. It hurt my head. Isn't it sad when a character turns out being nothing like you thought they would be?
So basically Pax and Brad have been crushing on each other for about 20 years. Brad is Pax's brothers best friend and he moves away. Pax have been comparing every man he's ever met to Brad and Brad is not much better. When feelings finally comes clean you think these two should be overjoyed, right? No. Not Pax. He worries and question every single thing. Having monologues with himself about why things wouldn't work out. Why Brad would leave. I was like: okay, this is not how I would react if someone I've had a crush on for 20 years told me they want me. But let's see how this goes. Well, it goes. And goes. And goes.
I really liked Brad. He's strong and steady. He deserved better than Pax.
This ends with a bang, literally. I have a hard time accepting my romances ending with the MC's having sex. It doesn't add anything to the story.
November 9, 2018
Hm, sorry, dear book, but I didn't enjoy you very much.
I don't think the writing is bad per se, I just didn't feel the relationship, the longing between Pax and Brad. I couldn't really connect with the characters, in fact, I didn't even like Pax very much......
I don't think the writing is bad per se, I just didn't feel the relationship, the longing between Pax and Brad. I couldn't really connect with the characters, in fact, I didn't even like Pax very much......
December 18, 2017
Just problematic.
April 20, 2018
Updated for audio review:
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Past Comes Home is the second book in Silvia Violet’s Ames Bridge series, and it works fine as a standalone. I read the first book, and while Pax is a secondary character there, you don’t have to have read that book for this one to make sense.
Where Violet excels for me is characterization. Here we have two MCs who have both pined for the other. While this could have been too over the top, the author makes it work. These guys are believable in their attraction to each other, and how that could sustain over twenty or so years. I especially like that Brad had very realistic trouble of coming to terms with his sexuality, and then feeling like he needed to hide it for years before he was ready to tell his family, and then subsequently friends. It really added a nice layer to the story.
What I loved about this story is the connection between Pax and Brad. It was easy to see, right from the beginning, and I liked how it continued to grow as they got to know each other again. I also liked how there were hints about who they were when they were teenagers, so the reader could see that they’ve grown and changed, but are still, ultimately, the same type of people. These guys really worked, and their chemistry was outstanding. They drove the book.
The plot was a little predictable. Not necessarily a bad thing, but there were no surprises here. It all worked within the confines of the story, but I would have liked to see a twist or something that I wasn’t expecting to really take this story to the next level. I was here for the characters and watching them figure out how they would make a relationship work, so even though the plot was a little lacking for me, it didn’t bring things down too much.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Past Comes Home is the second book in Silvia Violet’s Ames Bridge series, and it works fine as a standalone. I read the first book, and while Pax is a secondary character there, you don’t have to have read that book for this one to make sense.
Where Violet excels for me is characterization. Here we have two MCs who have both pined for the other. While this could have been too over the top, the author makes it work. These guys are believable in their attraction to each other, and how that could sustain over twenty or so years. I especially like that Brad had very realistic trouble of coming to terms with his sexuality, and then feeling like he needed to hide it for years before he was ready to tell his family, and then subsequently friends. It really added a nice layer to the story.
What I loved about this story is the connection between Pax and Brad. It was easy to see, right from the beginning, and I liked how it continued to grow as they got to know each other again. I also liked how there were hints about who they were when they were teenagers, so the reader could see that they’ve grown and changed, but are still, ultimately, the same type of people. These guys really worked, and their chemistry was outstanding. They drove the book.
The plot was a little predictable. Not necessarily a bad thing, but there were no surprises here. It all worked within the confines of the story, but I would have liked to see a twist or something that I wasn’t expecting to really take this story to the next level. I was here for the characters and watching them figure out how they would make a relationship work, so even though the plot was a little lacking for me, it didn’t bring things down too much.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
October 14, 2017
Rate: 3.5 stars
November 1, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a nice story that showed love and the support of others can get you through. Pax is mostly happy with his life and has really closed himself off to love as he knows it is hard in their small town. Brad never got over his attraction to Pax and is finally at the point in his life where he wants to pursue him.
Brad and Pax haven’t really seen each other much since Brad graduated high school but neither have ever really let go of their crushes. Pax moved back home after his brother’s death to help out his aging parents knowing it would never really allow him to meet someone to spend the rest of his life with.
I understood Pax’s doubts and fears but he has let them rule his life for so long. He was a big supporter when his friends’ made their relationship public but isn’t sure is he is willing to g=fight so hard for his own. Brad just jumps in with both feet and is willing to move away from the city he loves to be with the man he loves. While I enjoyed the story there was a bit more of the stereotypical southern redneck attitude in some of the town and it just felt a little forced. I was glad to see Brad and Pax finally have the serious conversation they should have had all along to be able to have a real future together.
The cover art by Meredith Russell is nice and gives good visuals of the characters.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a nice story that showed love and the support of others can get you through. Pax is mostly happy with his life and has really closed himself off to love as he knows it is hard in their small town. Brad never got over his attraction to Pax and is finally at the point in his life where he wants to pursue him.
Brad and Pax haven’t really seen each other much since Brad graduated high school but neither have ever really let go of their crushes. Pax moved back home after his brother’s death to help out his aging parents knowing it would never really allow him to meet someone to spend the rest of his life with.
I understood Pax’s doubts and fears but he has let them rule his life for so long. He was a big supporter when his friends’ made their relationship public but isn’t sure is he is willing to g=fight so hard for his own. Brad just jumps in with both feet and is willing to move away from the city he loves to be with the man he loves. While I enjoyed the story there was a bit more of the stereotypical southern redneck attitude in some of the town and it just felt a little forced. I was glad to see Brad and Pax finally have the serious conversation they should have had all along to be able to have a real future together.
The cover art by Meredith Russell is nice and gives good visuals of the characters.
February 2, 2018
A great second chance romance!
The Past Comes Home is book two in the Ames Bridge series. It can be read as a standalone but I believe you will enjoy it more if you read book one first. We met Pax in book one and learned a lot about him.
Paxton Marshall has lusted after his brother's best friend since he was a teen and first realized that the feelings he had weren't hero worship but something more. Too bad that Brad is straight – or is he?
I love a good second chance romance. Even though Paxton and Brad were never more than friends when they were young, I still think this one qualifies. It's a very emotional story that starts when they are young then skips ahead to 2015 and skips again to 2017.
Brad isn't out to anyone in the town where he grew up but he wants to have a relationship with Pax and he's decided that his twentieth high school reunion is the perfect time to come out. Pax tries to warn him that it might not go well and that people he thought were his friends wouldn't be happy.
Pax has wanted Brad as long as he can remember but he's afraid. He's afraid that Brad won't want to stay in Ames Bridge. Pax's business is here and so are his aging parents; leaving town isn't something he wants to do.
The connection between the two MCs is something I felt right away. Sylvia Violet's writing had me laughing and crying. I was on pins and needles to see how their relationship would work out.
If you like a good romance, with a bit of heat, I can recommend this story without reservation. I read it straight through in one sitting.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
The Past Comes Home is book two in the Ames Bridge series. It can be read as a standalone but I believe you will enjoy it more if you read book one first. We met Pax in book one and learned a lot about him.
Paxton Marshall has lusted after his brother's best friend since he was a teen and first realized that the feelings he had weren't hero worship but something more. Too bad that Brad is straight – or is he?
I love a good second chance romance. Even though Paxton and Brad were never more than friends when they were young, I still think this one qualifies. It's a very emotional story that starts when they are young then skips ahead to 2015 and skips again to 2017.
Brad isn't out to anyone in the town where he grew up but he wants to have a relationship with Pax and he's decided that his twentieth high school reunion is the perfect time to come out. Pax tries to warn him that it might not go well and that people he thought were his friends wouldn't be happy.
Pax has wanted Brad as long as he can remember but he's afraid. He's afraid that Brad won't want to stay in Ames Bridge. Pax's business is here and so are his aging parents; leaving town isn't something he wants to do.
The connection between the two MCs is something I felt right away. Sylvia Violet's writing had me laughing and crying. I was on pins and needles to see how their relationship would work out.
If you like a good romance, with a bit of heat, I can recommend this story without reservation. I read it straight through in one sitting.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
October 10, 2017
The setup for this story is just right, it’s got a second chance vibe without really being a true second chance romance, and one of my favorite tropes—brother’s best friend/best friend’s brother—all in one. Just from that I was already keen to get started on this book.
I was already interested in Pax after reading the first book in this series, and for the most part I was happy with him here in this story. My only nit-pick with him was his ongoing negative outlook at how things would be if Brad stays with him in Ames Bridge. It made it seem like Pax thought things would be doomed from the outset without giving it a chance, something Brad is fully prepared to do. I loved Brad, and I was proud of his determination to come out to his hometown friends, as well as his loyalty to Pax.
The story flows well, and Brad and Pax have pretty good chemistry together. I was definitely rooting for them right from the start, so when Pax was pulling out those negative thoughts I wanted to knock some sense into him so he wouldn’t sabotage what could be the best thing to happen to them both.
The Past Comes Home is a good follow up to Down on the Farm, and I liked visiting with Beck and Cal again. There’s also some hinting at who we might expect to see featured in future books in the series, so now my curiosity is piqued for the next story. This book was a 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan; and while you don’t need to have read the first book in the series before starting this one, you’ll probably want to go back and read it to get Beck and Cal’s story. This one’s meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I was already interested in Pax after reading the first book in this series, and for the most part I was happy with him here in this story. My only nit-pick with him was his ongoing negative outlook at how things would be if Brad stays with him in Ames Bridge. It made it seem like Pax thought things would be doomed from the outset without giving it a chance, something Brad is fully prepared to do. I loved Brad, and I was proud of his determination to come out to his hometown friends, as well as his loyalty to Pax.
The story flows well, and Brad and Pax have pretty good chemistry together. I was definitely rooting for them right from the start, so when Pax was pulling out those negative thoughts I wanted to knock some sense into him so he wouldn’t sabotage what could be the best thing to happen to them both.
The Past Comes Home is a good follow up to Down on the Farm, and I liked visiting with Beck and Cal again. There’s also some hinting at who we might expect to see featured in future books in the series, so now my curiosity is piqued for the next story. This book was a 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan; and while you don’t need to have read the first book in the series before starting this one, you’ll probably want to go back and read it to get Beck and Cal’s story. This one’s meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
October 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
Paxton and his older brother, Rob’s best friend, Brad, have always had a crush on each other, but neither is aware their feelings are mutual or that the other is even gay. Brad and Paxton both moved away after college, Brad to Chicago and Paxton to Savanna, but after Rob’s sudden death, Pax moves back home to help his parents get past their loss. Fast forward two years and Brad has returned to their small consecutive town for his 20th high school reunion, with a plan to finally win over the man he’s pined over for all these years.
This was a good story, and it’s well-written. It started off interesting, but the author lost me somewhere in the middle. I think the story was dragged out too long and the progression of Pax and Brad’s relationship was too slow. The build-up was good, but I eventually came to a point where I just wasn’t invested anymore and then after all that build up the story ended rather abruptly.
Still, the characters were likable and they had heaps of sexual tension and chemistry. The storyline was intriguing and I’m sure plenty will absolutely love it. Recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Paxton and his older brother, Rob’s best friend, Brad, have always had a crush on each other, but neither is aware their feelings are mutual or that the other is even gay. Brad and Paxton both moved away after college, Brad to Chicago and Paxton to Savanna, but after Rob’s sudden death, Pax moves back home to help his parents get past their loss. Fast forward two years and Brad has returned to their small consecutive town for his 20th high school reunion, with a plan to finally win over the man he’s pined over for all these years.
This was a good story, and it’s well-written. It started off interesting, but the author lost me somewhere in the middle. I think the story was dragged out too long and the progression of Pax and Brad’s relationship was too slow. The build-up was good, but I eventually came to a point where I just wasn’t invested anymore and then after all that build up the story ended rather abruptly.
Still, the characters were likable and they had heaps of sexual tension and chemistry. The storyline was intriguing and I’m sure plenty will absolutely love it. Recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 10, 2017
3.75 stars
This is an enjoyable read with likable characters that will make you root for their happiness and success. I really liked Brad and his strength, tenacity and big heart. Pax was a little more difficult. Don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but his persistent, and often unfounded, doubts about Brad grated my nerves a bit. Even though several background characters were introduced throughout the book, I didn’t feel as though it was weighed down by them. They were all necessary to effectively tell Brad and Pax’s story.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet, second-chance-at-love story, The Past Comes Home is the one for you!
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
This is an enjoyable read with likable characters that will make you root for their happiness and success. I really liked Brad and his strength, tenacity and big heart. Pax was a little more difficult. Don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but his persistent, and often unfounded, doubts about Brad grated my nerves a bit. Even though several background characters were introduced throughout the book, I didn’t feel as though it was weighed down by them. They were all necessary to effectively tell Brad and Pax’s story.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet, second-chance-at-love story, The Past Comes Home is the one for you!
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
October 6, 2017
Overall i liked the story, Pax is very cute and Brad came back for him, after twenty years nothing is changed, the chemistry is there. One thing have me a bit puzzled , the two main characters have both more than thirty years but not looks as it from some dialogues and behaviour.
October 24, 2017
The Past comes Home is the second book in the Ames Bridge series, and we reunite with Pax, who we met in the first book when he supported Beck and Cal. In this book, we start off when he is a teenager. He is watching his older brother and his brother's best friend, and realises that what ticks his boxes is NOT the female anatomy. The years pass, and tragedy strikes Pax's family, but his feelings towards his brother's best friend remain the same. So when Brad comes back to town for a school reunion, Pax has to try and keep it cool being as Brad is straight... except that he isn't and he has had the same feelings for Pax and for pretty much the same amount of time.
With the same wonderful cast of characters, and yep, the not-so-wonderful are still there too, it was a pleasure to come back to this series. With a different set of circumstances and dilemmas, Pax and Brad's story is different from Beck and Cal, and I'm happy to announce that they show up in this one too.
One of the things that Silvia Violet does so well is to keep the tension and attraction going between her main males. The circumstances might not be right, but the attraction simmers. That means that when they DO get together, that attraction explodes into some of the steamiest, sensual, and sexy, reads I have had the pleasure of reading.
I was a fan of Silvia Violet's after reading Professional Distance (Thorne & Dash #1), and the Ames Bridge series has just compounded my love of her writing style. As expected, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I read this book in a single sitting - the world (and my children) having to wait until I had reached the end of Pax and Brad's story. An excellent addition to the series, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
With the same wonderful cast of characters, and yep, the not-so-wonderful are still there too, it was a pleasure to come back to this series. With a different set of circumstances and dilemmas, Pax and Brad's story is different from Beck and Cal, and I'm happy to announce that they show up in this one too.
One of the things that Silvia Violet does so well is to keep the tension and attraction going between her main males. The circumstances might not be right, but the attraction simmers. That means that when they DO get together, that attraction explodes into some of the steamiest, sensual, and sexy, reads I have had the pleasure of reading.
I was a fan of Silvia Violet's after reading Professional Distance (Thorne & Dash #1), and the Ames Bridge series has just compounded my love of her writing style. As expected, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I read this book in a single sitting - the world (and my children) having to wait until I had reached the end of Pax and Brad's story. An excellent addition to the series, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
October 4, 2017
Loved
I loved the past comes home it was such a amazing story
I fell in love with pax and brads story they stole my heart their journey had my emotions all over the place
Well following pax and brads journey you feel like your with them during ups and downs and uncertainty you just want to grab them and hug them
The past comes home was such a beautifully written story
I loved the past comes home it was such a amazing story
I fell in love with pax and brads story they stole my heart their journey had my emotions all over the place
Well following pax and brads journey you feel like your with them during ups and downs and uncertainty you just want to grab them and hug them
The past comes home was such a beautifully written story
June 12, 2019
All of the stars
Yep, just as awesome as the first one. I think I liked this one his a smidge more because of that small act of violence at the end. It makes my heart race. please say there is another book?
Yep, just as awesome as the first one. I think I liked this one his a smidge more because of that small act of violence at the end. It makes my heart race. please say there is another book?
June 15, 2019
My favorite trope!!!
Brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes and this was not disappointing. I would have liked more of the "secret" to have come out to Pax but they all ready had so much against them with the town that it would have been overkill
Brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes and this was not disappointing. I would have liked more of the "secret" to have come out to Pax but they all ready had so much against them with the town that it would have been overkill
October 12, 2017
3.5 stars
May 17, 2019
Great book
January 3, 2020
Wonderful
I loved Brad and Pax’s story. Finally seeing them get together after all those years and fighting to be together despite the homophobes in their town. A great love story.
I loved Brad and Pax’s story. Finally seeing them get together after all those years and fighting to be together despite the homophobes in their town. A great love story.
April 14, 2018
I'm liking this series so far. Although I think I might have liked Down on the Farm a little bit better, it's not enough to make me want to choose between the two couples. The interesting thing is that there were some similarities between the couples in both books, they just took slightly different routes in reaching their HEAs. ;)
I liked both these guys and I'm really glad that readers got both POVs. There was a lot of back story with Brad and Pax and some of it was heart breaking. Brad kind of knew that Pax had a crush on him from the time they were kids, but he kept his mutual feelings to himself for a lot of reasons. By the time he was ready to admit to himself and others that those feelings existed, it was almost too late.
Because Brad hid not only his feelings but his sexuality from Pax and he wasn't even out to people in his home town, Pax was more than a little hesitant to get his hopes up. He practically discouraged Brad from coming out at all. He knew what Ames Bridge was like and he didn't want Brad to lose the support and respect of the members of the town he grew up in. Brad knew what he was doing... kind of... there was only one person's opinion he cared about.
Ames Bridge may not be a very progressive town, but it's full of interesting characters that balance out the small minded bigotry. I can't wait to see what else Silvia Violet has in store for the residents of this town.
I liked both these guys and I'm really glad that readers got both POVs. There was a lot of back story with Brad and Pax and some of it was heart breaking. Brad kind of knew that Pax had a crush on him from the time they were kids, but he kept his mutual feelings to himself for a lot of reasons. By the time he was ready to admit to himself and others that those feelings existed, it was almost too late.
Because Brad hid not only his feelings but his sexuality from Pax and he wasn't even out to people in his home town, Pax was more than a little hesitant to get his hopes up. He practically discouraged Brad from coming out at all. He knew what Ames Bridge was like and he didn't want Brad to lose the support and respect of the members of the town he grew up in. Brad knew what he was doing... kind of... there was only one person's opinion he cared about.
Ames Bridge may not be a very progressive town, but it's full of interesting characters that balance out the small minded bigotry. I can't wait to see what else Silvia Violet has in store for the residents of this town.
November 5, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
The Past Comes Home is the second book in the Ames Bridge series by Silvia Violet. In the first book we met Cal and Beck along with some friends. Pax was one of those friends we met. He’s an artist, business owner, and an out gay man in a small town. The only one besides Cal (and now Beck).
I actually despise Ames Bridge and if I lived there I’d move. There is no one that could make me live where I had to fear insults, slurs, blatant bigotry, and possible harm on a daily basis. I have no idea how Pax does it.
Pax left for college, but he came back home to help out his mother after a stroke. He decided he wanted/needed to stay for good.
Brad was Pax’s brother, Rob’s, best friend growing up. Pax was Brad’s first boy crush and vice versa, but Brad kept himself firmly from anyone in Ames Bridge in the closet until 5 years ago. Brad lives in Chicago and is a successful businessman. Brad comes back to Ames Bridges for his 20th High School reunion and what a reunion it is, with sports dinners, “hanging with the guys”, and one of high schools famous events.
Brad really took me a while to get warmed up to, for some reason. I liked Pax from the first book, but Brad not so much. To me, he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get the insults hurled thrown all the time. He doesn’t get putting on invisible armor. He doesn’t get how life really is in Ames Bridges as a gay man. I felt like Pax had valid concerns that should have been addressed more, instead of running away from the hard answers or getting mad they’re being asked.
I kind of missed the townspeople in this one, well the non-homophobic ones. I felt like it was just Brad and Pax for too much of it and I wanted to see them out together more. Maybe show Brad what life is truly like there?
Brad and Pax have been wanting each other for twenty years. Is it too late? Can a high school crush last? Can you trust that it’s really love? Will Pax let himself have what he wants? Will Brad take the easy way out and go back to Chicago or will he stay and face Ames Bridge with Pax?
Hmm…do I see Jack’s story in the future? He intrigues me. What about Luke’s?
3.5 stars
The Past Comes Home is the second book in the Ames Bridge series by Silvia Violet. In the first book we met Cal and Beck along with some friends. Pax was one of those friends we met. He’s an artist, business owner, and an out gay man in a small town. The only one besides Cal (and now Beck).
I actually despise Ames Bridge and if I lived there I’d move. There is no one that could make me live where I had to fear insults, slurs, blatant bigotry, and possible harm on a daily basis. I have no idea how Pax does it.
Pax left for college, but he came back home to help out his mother after a stroke. He decided he wanted/needed to stay for good.
Brad was Pax’s brother, Rob’s, best friend growing up. Pax was Brad’s first boy crush and vice versa, but Brad kept himself firmly from anyone in Ames Bridge in the closet until 5 years ago. Brad lives in Chicago and is a successful businessman. Brad comes back to Ames Bridges for his 20th High School reunion and what a reunion it is, with sports dinners, “hanging with the guys”, and one of high schools famous events.
Brad really took me a while to get warmed up to, for some reason. I liked Pax from the first book, but Brad not so much. To me, he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get the insults hurled thrown all the time. He doesn’t get putting on invisible armor. He doesn’t get how life really is in Ames Bridges as a gay man. I felt like Pax had valid concerns that should have been addressed more, instead of running away from the hard answers or getting mad they’re being asked.
I kind of missed the townspeople in this one, well the non-homophobic ones. I felt like it was just Brad and Pax for too much of it and I wanted to see them out together more. Maybe show Brad what life is truly like there?
Brad and Pax have been wanting each other for twenty years. Is it too late? Can a high school crush last? Can you trust that it’s really love? Will Pax let himself have what he wants? Will Brad take the easy way out and go back to Chicago or will he stay and face Ames Bridge with Pax?
Hmm…do I see Jack’s story in the future? He intrigues me. What about Luke’s?
October 12, 2017
I love a good second chance romance and while Brad and Pax never acted on their first chance, there was still a lot of history between them to overcome. In small town Ames Bridge, acceptance is a slow moving process and while more of the town is standing behind Cal & Beck (Book 1), there are still (loud) dissenters. Pax knows all about them, having been the subject of their bullying all his life. He’d gotten out once, but after the death of his older brother, he returns to be closer to his aging parents and despite the odds, builds a life where not everyone wants him. It works because he’s single and no one sees him with another man—sort of that out of sight, out of mind mentality.
Enter Brad, former high school jock and Pax’s brothers best friend. Back in the day, he didn’t know he was gay and would have never broadcasted the confusing feelings he had been having. Especially about Pax. The years have brought them each professional success, but neither has forgotten the other and when Brad returns for the brother’s funeral, all feelings rise to the surface over pie in the sweetest scene ever. Still, wrong place, wrong time and they separate again until Brad’s school reunion gives him a reason to come back. Only, he doesn’t just want to connect with his old teammates, he wants to come out and claim Pax in the process.
There was a lot of sweet in this story, along with the grieving and angst of fighting against homophobia from people they’ve known their whole lives, and I wanted to love it so much. My problem was Pax. My heart broke for him, truly, and he was so deserving of a happily ever after with Brad...but he was so damn stubborn and sure of what he believed—that Brad would never stay—that he did everything to push him away even when he was standing at his side.
What started out a self-protective measure became a brick wall that was frustrating for Brad and as a reader, had me shaking my kindle while I envisioned Pax. Still, the ending as sweet as a Madonna ballad and a frosted cookie put together, and made this a solid comfort read.
I received a copy of The Past Comes Home from the author in exchange for an honest review
Enter Brad, former high school jock and Pax’s brothers best friend. Back in the day, he didn’t know he was gay and would have never broadcasted the confusing feelings he had been having. Especially about Pax. The years have brought them each professional success, but neither has forgotten the other and when Brad returns for the brother’s funeral, all feelings rise to the surface over pie in the sweetest scene ever. Still, wrong place, wrong time and they separate again until Brad’s school reunion gives him a reason to come back. Only, he doesn’t just want to connect with his old teammates, he wants to come out and claim Pax in the process.
There was a lot of sweet in this story, along with the grieving and angst of fighting against homophobia from people they’ve known their whole lives, and I wanted to love it so much. My problem was Pax. My heart broke for him, truly, and he was so deserving of a happily ever after with Brad...but he was so damn stubborn and sure of what he believed—that Brad would never stay—that he did everything to push him away even when he was standing at his side.
What started out a self-protective measure became a brick wall that was frustrating for Brad and as a reader, had me shaking my kindle while I envisioned Pax. Still, the ending as sweet as a Madonna ballad and a frosted cookie put together, and made this a solid comfort read.
I received a copy of The Past Comes Home from the author in exchange for an honest review
December 26, 2017
The Past Comes Home is the second book in the Ames Bridges series by Silvia Violet. In the first book we met Cal and Beck along with some friends. Pax was one of those friends we met. He’s an artist, business owner, and an out gay man in a small town. The only one besides Cal (and now Beck).
I actually despise Ames Bridges and if I lived there I’d move. There is no one that could make me live where I had to fear insults, slurs, blatant bigotry, and possible harm on a daily basis. I have no idea how Pax does it.
Pax left for college, but he came back home to help out his mother after a stroke. He decided he wanted/needed to stay for good.
Brad was Pax’s brother, Rob’s, best friend growing up. Pax was Brad’s first boy crush and vice versa, but Brad kept himself firmly from anyone in Ames Bridges in the closet until 5 years ago. Brad lives in Chicago and is a successful businessman. Brad comes back to Ames Bridges for his 20th High School reunion and what a reunion it is, with sports dinners, “hanging with the guys”, and one of high schools famous events.
Brad really took me a while to get warmed up to, for some reason. I liked Pax from the first book, but Brad not so much. To me, he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get the insults hurled thrown all the time. He doesn’t get putting on invisible armor. He doesn’t get how life really is in Ames Bridges as a gay man. I felt like Pax had valid concerns that should have been addressed more, instead of running away from the hard answers or getting mad they’re being asked.
I kind of missed the townspeople in this one, well the non-homophobic ones. I felt like it was just Brad and Pax for too much of it and I wanted to see them out together more. Maybe show Brad what life is truly like there?
Brad and Pax have been wanting each other for twenty years. Is it too late? Can a high school crush last? Can you trust that it’s really love? Will Pax let himself have what he wants? Will Brad take the easy way out and go back to Chicago or will he stay and face Ames Bridges with Pax?
Hmm…do I see Jack’s story in the future? He intrigues me. What about Luke’s?
I actually despise Ames Bridges and if I lived there I’d move. There is no one that could make me live where I had to fear insults, slurs, blatant bigotry, and possible harm on a daily basis. I have no idea how Pax does it.
Pax left for college, but he came back home to help out his mother after a stroke. He decided he wanted/needed to stay for good.
Brad was Pax’s brother, Rob’s, best friend growing up. Pax was Brad’s first boy crush and vice versa, but Brad kept himself firmly from anyone in Ames Bridges in the closet until 5 years ago. Brad lives in Chicago and is a successful businessman. Brad comes back to Ames Bridges for his 20th High School reunion and what a reunion it is, with sports dinners, “hanging with the guys”, and one of high schools famous events.
Brad really took me a while to get warmed up to, for some reason. I liked Pax from the first book, but Brad not so much. To me, he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get the insults hurled thrown all the time. He doesn’t get putting on invisible armor. He doesn’t get how life really is in Ames Bridges as a gay man. I felt like Pax had valid concerns that should have been addressed more, instead of running away from the hard answers or getting mad they’re being asked.
I kind of missed the townspeople in this one, well the non-homophobic ones. I felt like it was just Brad and Pax for too much of it and I wanted to see them out together more. Maybe show Brad what life is truly like there?
Brad and Pax have been wanting each other for twenty years. Is it too late? Can a high school crush last? Can you trust that it’s really love? Will Pax let himself have what he wants? Will Brad take the easy way out and go back to Chicago or will he stay and face Ames Bridges with Pax?
Hmm…do I see Jack’s story in the future? He intrigues me. What about Luke’s?
October 12, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Signal Boost Promotions for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
The Past Comes Home is Book 2 in Silvia Violet’s Ames Bridge series. You could probably read this book as a standalone but the town where the story takes place and most of the characters appeared in Book 1 so it would be more enjoyable to read this in the appropriate order.
Paxton figured out at a young age that he liked boys thanks to his crush on his brother’s best friend. Pax graduated and moved away from his small town but when his mother had health issues, he ended up moving back. He has an art gallery and teaches art to students and anyone else interested. He has a good life. Paxton is taken by surprise when he hears from Brad who’s coming back to town for his high school reunion. It’s been two years since Pax’s brother’s death and two years since he last saw Brad. Brad is ready to see if there’s anything between him and Pax. The last words he and his best friend shared were him being warned away from Pax. But Brad is ready to settle down and can work from anywhere.
I really liked Paxton and Brad’s characters, though I was frustrated with Paxton’s hot/cold routine. He’d wanted Brad for years and when given the chance, he tried to push him away. That behavior really seemed to come from nowhere and just didn’t make any sense to me. I felt like it was just used to create some type of angst in the story. Instead, it seemed to make the story drag a little and made me lose a little interest in it.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I loved getting to see a little bit of Beck and Cal and how they’re doing.
Rating: 4 stars
The Past Comes Home is Book 2 in Silvia Violet’s Ames Bridge series. You could probably read this book as a standalone but the town where the story takes place and most of the characters appeared in Book 1 so it would be more enjoyable to read this in the appropriate order.
Paxton figured out at a young age that he liked boys thanks to his crush on his brother’s best friend. Pax graduated and moved away from his small town but when his mother had health issues, he ended up moving back. He has an art gallery and teaches art to students and anyone else interested. He has a good life. Paxton is taken by surprise when he hears from Brad who’s coming back to town for his high school reunion. It’s been two years since Pax’s brother’s death and two years since he last saw Brad. Brad is ready to see if there’s anything between him and Pax. The last words he and his best friend shared were him being warned away from Pax. But Brad is ready to settle down and can work from anywhere.
I really liked Paxton and Brad’s characters, though I was frustrated with Paxton’s hot/cold routine. He’d wanted Brad for years and when given the chance, he tried to push him away. That behavior really seemed to come from nowhere and just didn’t make any sense to me. I felt like it was just used to create some type of angst in the story. Instead, it seemed to make the story drag a little and made me lose a little interest in it.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I loved getting to see a little bit of Beck and Cal and how they’re doing.
Rating: 4 stars
October 11, 2017
3.5 stars
The past comes home is a sweet and rather touching love story. Twenty years after they both privately admitted to themselves they were attracted to the other, Pax and Brad at last confess as much to each other. In theory it should be an easy and exciting coming together of two men who were always meant to be together; in practice it is a wee bit more complicated as misunderstandings, doubts, and hostile locals make life complicated for our two men.
I loved the setting of this book because the various reactions Brad and Pax encounter from their neighbours and acquaintances are true to life. Not everybody is accepting and a few former friends are outright hostile, but on the other hand there are those who support and encourage them all the way.
In fact, this would have been a perfect read for me — low on angst, sweet, and sexy — if it hadn’t been for the fact that neither Brad nor Pax sound and act their age. These two men are supposed to be in their mid to late thirties but come across and react more like guys in their early twenties.
But, apart from that minor hiccup, I have to admit that I read this book with a smile on my face while rooting for two men who are obviously meant to be together. I should also add that the fact that I didn’t read the first book in this series, never interfered with my enjoyment or my understanding of what was going on and why. In short, The Past Comes Home is a thoroughly enjoyable story if you just want to lose yourself in two men finding their rightful place in life.
The past comes home is a sweet and rather touching love story. Twenty years after they both privately admitted to themselves they were attracted to the other, Pax and Brad at last confess as much to each other. In theory it should be an easy and exciting coming together of two men who were always meant to be together; in practice it is a wee bit more complicated as misunderstandings, doubts, and hostile locals make life complicated for our two men.
I loved the setting of this book because the various reactions Brad and Pax encounter from their neighbours and acquaintances are true to life. Not everybody is accepting and a few former friends are outright hostile, but on the other hand there are those who support and encourage them all the way.
In fact, this would have been a perfect read for me — low on angst, sweet, and sexy — if it hadn’t been for the fact that neither Brad nor Pax sound and act their age. These two men are supposed to be in their mid to late thirties but come across and react more like guys in their early twenties.
But, apart from that minor hiccup, I have to admit that I read this book with a smile on my face while rooting for two men who are obviously meant to be together. I should also add that the fact that I didn’t read the first book in this series, never interfered with my enjoyment or my understanding of what was going on and why. In short, The Past Comes Home is a thoroughly enjoyable story if you just want to lose yourself in two men finding their rightful place in life.
October 11, 2017
4-1/2 Stars
Paxton Marshall has crushed on his big brother's BFF since he was a teenager. Brad Watson has been crushing on his BFF's little brother since high school. Will twenty years and learning the other has felt the same be enough for these two to finally find happiness or did they miss their opportunity ages ago?
The Past Comes Home is a lovely read with interesting characters that will warm your heart, it may break your heart too at times but it's the warmth that is at the heart of this story. We all had that one crush that we wish we had the courage to speak to back in school, the one where we wonder what could have been so its not hard to imagine how Pax and Brad both feel when they come face to face again after twenty years apart. Most of us don't really want to go back and wouldn't change our lives as they are but Silvia Violet's The Past Comes Home gives us the opportunity to dream and imagine through Pax and Brad's eyes.
Having said all that, don't go into this book expecting everything to be smooth sailing, to be all sunshine and roses just because both men have been harboring the same feelings for the other all this time. Past is fiction after all and drama always finds a way but for me its this very drama that makes this story wonderful and heartwarming. I look forward to more tales of Ames Bridge.
Paxton Marshall has crushed on his big brother's BFF since he was a teenager. Brad Watson has been crushing on his BFF's little brother since high school. Will twenty years and learning the other has felt the same be enough for these two to finally find happiness or did they miss their opportunity ages ago?
The Past Comes Home is a lovely read with interesting characters that will warm your heart, it may break your heart too at times but it's the warmth that is at the heart of this story. We all had that one crush that we wish we had the courage to speak to back in school, the one where we wonder what could have been so its not hard to imagine how Pax and Brad both feel when they come face to face again after twenty years apart. Most of us don't really want to go back and wouldn't change our lives as they are but Silvia Violet's The Past Comes Home gives us the opportunity to dream and imagine through Pax and Brad's eyes.
Having said all that, don't go into this book expecting everything to be smooth sailing, to be all sunshine and roses just because both men have been harboring the same feelings for the other all this time. Past is fiction after all and drama always finds a way but for me its this very drama that makes this story wonderful and heartwarming. I look forward to more tales of Ames Bridge.
December 29, 2017
I love friends to lovers…especially when they’ve been in love for so long like Pax and Brad. This also has the feel of a 2nd chance romance even though they really never got a first chance.
I love Brad. I love how he finally is going after what he wants and how he pretty much has always done and will always do anything for Pax. I love how open to change he is, especially when potentially moving back to a not so open town. The statement he makes with the reunion activity is awesome and he makes a couple of really sweet gestures toward Pax to convince him how he feels.
One of the things that bothered me about this book is Pax being so negative and not listening to what Brad had to say. Brad demonstrated more patience with him that I would have. I understand Pax wanting to protect himself but he took it too far over and over again. The other thing that bothered me is that the story was pretty drawn out and developed until about 91% and then Pax just does a 180 and everything is solved. The ending seemed so rushed!
We have the same bigoted bunch of folks in this book but we also have a couple of great characters come forward. Overall, I liked the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
I love Brad. I love how he finally is going after what he wants and how he pretty much has always done and will always do anything for Pax. I love how open to change he is, especially when potentially moving back to a not so open town. The statement he makes with the reunion activity is awesome and he makes a couple of really sweet gestures toward Pax to convince him how he feels.
One of the things that bothered me about this book is Pax being so negative and not listening to what Brad had to say. Brad demonstrated more patience with him that I would have. I understand Pax wanting to protect himself but he took it too far over and over again. The other thing that bothered me is that the story was pretty drawn out and developed until about 91% and then Pax just does a 180 and everything is solved. The ending seemed so rushed!
We have the same bigoted bunch of folks in this book but we also have a couple of great characters come forward. Overall, I liked the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
July 16, 2019
Silvia Violet's The Past Comes Home, is a heart-warming brother's best friend romance. The second book in her Ames Bridge series, it's easily read as a standalone
After secretly crushing on one another, twenty years later, Brad's back in town for a reunion. With a second chance at their feet, he and Pax end up confessing their feelings for each other. I love the way it's handled, finding it realistic and believable.
It's a tender tale of choosing love and fighting for the one you love. It's a tale about overcoming homophobia and living your truth. It's definitely sad that there's been so much wasted time.
Brad and Pax clearly have feelings for one another. That is never in doubt. I love how their feelings spanned many years, and they are now learning about this current version of each other. And even better is seeing Brad claim his truth.
As I'd expect from Silvia Violet, The Past Comes Home is an excellent second chance like romance. As usual, her writing is smooth, with great development and lovable characters. I definitely recommend this one when you're looking for something sweet.
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