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After Oscar #3
BTW: By the Way
James:
My assignment is simple: go to the Cape and seal the real estate deal for my most important client. No problem. I’m good at my job, I know how to close a sale, and this time won’t be any different.
Until I meet Sawyer, the sexy young bartender I accidentally kiss in the broom closet. Turns out, he’s one of the owners I’m here to negotiate with.
Okay, so that complicates things. As does the fact that he doesn’t want to sell. Or that we can’t keep our hands off each other despite being on opposite sides. And most of all… that I might be falling for him even though I know better. I’ve made the mistake of falling for a younger man before and I won’t do it again.
Sawyer:
For me, family is everything, and nothing represents ours more than the Sea Sprite, the motel that’s been in my family for eighty years. Sure, others (*cough*James*cough*) may describe it as rundown or derelict or in desperate need of a wrecking ball. But I call it our legacy.
I’ve got plans -- big plans to renovate the motel back to its vintage glory. The only thing standing in my way is James Allen, the fancy-schmancy lawyer from New York with his adorable smile, jaw-dropping assets, and his client’s millions of dollars.
James seems hellbent on destroying my future. But maybe there’s a way for us to build a new one together...
My assignment is simple: go to the Cape and seal the real estate deal for my most important client. No problem. I’m good at my job, I know how to close a sale, and this time won’t be any different.
Until I meet Sawyer, the sexy young bartender I accidentally kiss in the broom closet. Turns out, he’s one of the owners I’m here to negotiate with.
Okay, so that complicates things. As does the fact that he doesn’t want to sell. Or that we can’t keep our hands off each other despite being on opposite sides. And most of all… that I might be falling for him even though I know better. I’ve made the mistake of falling for a younger man before and I won’t do it again.
Sawyer:
For me, family is everything, and nothing represents ours more than the Sea Sprite, the motel that’s been in my family for eighty years. Sure, others (*cough*James*cough*) may describe it as rundown or derelict or in desperate need of a wrecking ball. But I call it our legacy.
I’ve got plans -- big plans to renovate the motel back to its vintage glory. The only thing standing in my way is James Allen, the fancy-schmancy lawyer from New York with his adorable smile, jaw-dropping assets, and his client’s millions of dollars.
James seems hellbent on destroying my future. But maybe there’s a way for us to build a new one together...
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2020
636 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,394 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
June 9, 2020
2.5 stars
I wasn't really feeling this story right from the start, so it's probably my fault for continuing anyway.
I found the story too predictable, which is not necessarily a bad thing - I usually enjoy the journey the characters take to find their HEA. However, this one was predictable in a way that made this journey not so interesting.
There's insta-love. I get insta-attraction, but I don't see how you can think about a future together after only a few days. There was also something about how James and Sawyer acted in certain situations and their sudden decisions that made the whole thing even less believable to me.
The characters are likable, it was cute at times, but overall it was too sweet and too unrealistic for my taste.
I wasn't really feeling this story right from the start, so it's probably my fault for continuing anyway.
I found the story too predictable, which is not necessarily a bad thing - I usually enjoy the journey the characters take to find their HEA. However, this one was predictable in a way that made this journey not so interesting.
There's insta-love. I get insta-attraction, but I don't see how you can think about a future together after only a few days. There was also something about how James and Sawyer acted in certain situations and their sudden decisions that made the whole thing even less believable to me.
The characters are likable, it was cute at times, but overall it was too sweet and too unrealistic for my taste.
May 13, 2020
Three cheers for Sawyer and James!
I liked everything about this book: enemies to lovers, age gap, beach setting, great secondary character, romantic HEA.
This is very much an insta love kind of story. James and Sawyer have a connection from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Even after Sawyer realizes James is the lawyer representing the investment firm that wants to buy Sawyer's grandparents' resort, he can't stay away.
James treats Sawyer with such kindness, even helping him with the design plans for the resort's renovation. Sawyer's dream is to return the resort to its original glory. He loves small town life, while James is a NYC kind of guy. Or is he? James hasn't lived for himself in a long time.
I do wish the story had been sexier. There are a few sexy scenes, but they are mostly muted and fade to black, which is not something I've come to expect from Lucy Lennox. (Don't mind me, though; I'm a perv.)
I also think the Oscar tie-in is completely unnecessary. I know that's the concept behind the series, but I felt like the authors were grasping at straws here. James had a couple text conversations with Oscar that were a throwaway.
But these are minor complaints. I really did enjoy this story (it's definitely my favorite of the three books thus far). Thank goodness this one's nothing like book two, which I almost DNF.
I liked everything about this book: enemies to lovers, age gap, beach setting, great secondary character, romantic HEA.
This is very much an insta love kind of story. James and Sawyer have a connection from the moment they lay eyes on each other. Even after Sawyer realizes James is the lawyer representing the investment firm that wants to buy Sawyer's grandparents' resort, he can't stay away.
James treats Sawyer with such kindness, even helping him with the design plans for the resort's renovation. Sawyer's dream is to return the resort to its original glory. He loves small town life, while James is a NYC kind of guy. Or is he? James hasn't lived for himself in a long time.
I do wish the story had been sexier. There are a few sexy scenes, but they are mostly muted and fade to black, which is not something I've come to expect from Lucy Lennox. (Don't mind me, though; I'm a perv.)
I also think the Oscar tie-in is completely unnecessary. I know that's the concept behind the series, but I felt like the authors were grasping at straws here. James had a couple text conversations with Oscar that were a throwaway.
But these are minor complaints. I really did enjoy this story (it's definitely my favorite of the three books thus far). Thank goodness this one's nothing like book two, which I almost DNF.
May 25, 2020
3.5 Stars!
I didn't read the other books in the series, some mixed reviews across my GRs friends. Lucy Lennox is hit or miss for me. I've loved some of hers but then gotten tired of some of the endless series' and OTT antics.
The blurb on this one appealed to me, so I thought I would give it a shot. And I enjoyed it. Didn't wow me but I really liked Sawyer and James. And I enjoyed the Cape setting.
It was an easy read that kept my attention. Moderate to low in the steam department which was a bit disappointing. But all in all a recommended read and I may check out Richard's book after meeting him in this one.
I didn't read the other books in the series, some mixed reviews across my GRs friends. Lucy Lennox is hit or miss for me. I've loved some of hers but then gotten tired of some of the endless series' and OTT antics.
The blurb on this one appealed to me, so I thought I would give it a shot. And I enjoyed it. Didn't wow me but I really liked Sawyer and James. And I enjoyed the Cape setting.
It was an easy read that kept my attention. Moderate to low in the steam department which was a bit disappointing. But all in all a recommended read and I may check out Richard's book after meeting him in this one.
May 10, 2020
Another fabulous entry in this very sweet and funny series from Lucy and Molly.
Up this time is James, the lawyer from book one, and he finds love when he goes to close a deal on a rundown motel on the Cape.
What i really enjoy about this series, and especially in this book, is that there's no unnecessary dramedy.
The tensions are created from situations which feel completely natural to the narrative.
Here it's Sawyer feeling he wouldn't be good enough to fit into James' New York city life, while James is fearful he's killed all his chances because of his involvement in a deal to buy the inn Sawyer loves so much.
There's an easy pace to the story, it just flows beautifully from chapter to chapter and draws itself along to a deserved conclusion.
Thoroughly enjoyable and nicely steamy without ever going into overkill.
I'm interested to see how book four goes, as it will focus on Richard, James's ex boyfriend, who seems superficial on the surface but who I suspect has much more to him.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Up this time is James, the lawyer from book one, and he finds love when he goes to close a deal on a rundown motel on the Cape.
What i really enjoy about this series, and especially in this book, is that there's no unnecessary dramedy.
The tensions are created from situations which feel completely natural to the narrative.
Here it's Sawyer feeling he wouldn't be good enough to fit into James' New York city life, while James is fearful he's killed all his chances because of his involvement in a deal to buy the inn Sawyer loves so much.
There's an easy pace to the story, it just flows beautifully from chapter to chapter and draws itself along to a deserved conclusion.
Thoroughly enjoyable and nicely steamy without ever going into overkill.
I'm interested to see how book four goes, as it will focus on Richard, James's ex boyfriend, who seems superficial on the surface but who I suspect has much more to him.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 31, 2024
I can absolutely see why so many loved this story, but it simply wasn’t for me. It wasn’t bad per se, it was… fine, I guess? But also too predictable, too unrealistic, too many feelings too soon.
I don’t know if I’m simply not a fan of the author in general or if I’m more intolerant towards the insta-love trope than I already thought (and knew) I was. The setting was nice though and I liked the MCs, it just wasn’t enough for me to love the book or to not skim a little in the middle 🙈
2,5 ‘it’s-probably-not-you-it’s-me’ ⭐️
I don’t know if I’m simply not a fan of the author in general or if I’m more intolerant towards the insta-love trope than I already thought (and knew) I was. The setting was nice though and I liked the MCs, it just wasn’t enough for me to love the book or to not skim a little in the middle 🙈
2,5 ‘it’s-probably-not-you-it’s-me’ ⭐️
May 9, 2020
I took this book too seriously. It's an everyday story, yet the story made me cry. BTW is a wonderful story with a happy ending.
Highly recommended!
I was blown away. Sawyer and James are a dream couple. Their romance didn't go really smooth, it was full of ups and downs, mostly doubts.
This was an enemy to lovers served on silver plate.
One day Sawyer and James wanted to rip each other clothes, by the next morning they wanted to rip each other throats, literally.
But when love find us, it always find the way. I always believe it.
I liked how much love James and Sawyer showed each other. Yeah it's an insta-love affair between them, but it felt real, you know.
I can felt the frustration when they're realized that they're actually on the opposite to each other.
But like I said, love will find the way, this time, through Oscar! Oscar, the king of ex-boyfriends :)
I really love Sawyer, OMG Sawyer can make me cry! It's not everyday a main character make my cold heart melt! But Sawyer, he's the sweetheart, no wonder James falling head over heels for him.
Gave up everything just to be with Sawyer and built a new dream. Sigh.
Now I just cannot wait to read the next installment about Richard (James's ex), and mostly about Oscar!
Highly recommended!
May 30, 2020
4 Loved it Stars!!😍🤩 This book totally redeemed the series for me.. after "LOL" 😱 I wasn't sure if I was even interested in the rest of the stories of all those characters..🙄 Thankfully, James had been a supporting character in "IRL" and seemed like a likable person stuck in an blase` relationship.
When we catch him in this book, it has been a few months since he broke up from his then boyfriend and he seems ready to move on. He is in Cape Cod to close a deal to buy a sea-side hotel/inn for his rich client (who is incidentally the father of his ex). While out exploring the area he meets a young, sassy/flirty bartender and sparks fly immediately😍. But before anything can happen between the two, he realizes that the cute bartender is actually one of the owners of the hotel with whom he has to negotiate about the hotel buy-out. 😳
For his part, Sawyer (cute bartender) is instantly attracted to the handsome stranger in his Uncle's bar but when he finds out the next morning that the "stranger" is actually the lawyer who has come with an offer to buy his grand-father's hotel (which has been in his family for generations) to raze it to the ground and build a resort in its place; he is beyond mad😡. Not only does he feel betrayed, he also feels the pressure from his uncles who all are in a bind and would benefit from the sale. The only person holding up the sale, is him because he feels that he could revive the hotel to it's former glory with renovations.
Despite being adversaries, neither Sawyer nor James are able to resist their attraction to each other and soon find themselves steaming up James's hotel room💞🔥. However, with James's job being so dependent on this acquisition and with Sawyer being so opposed to the sale, can they find a happy medium? 💔Even if Sawyer relents and agrees to the sale, is he ready to leave the familial bonds of Cape Cod and move to New York to be with James?😢 And how long can James keep putting his job before his relationships? 💘
BTW is a great story which illustrates very clearly how two really good people, both with genuine reasons can be on opposing sides. It also highlights that one doesn't have to win to be a winner🏆 and sometimes one has to go all in to find true love💘. Highly recommended!! 👍👍
P.S. I'm curious about Oscar, but is he that important that we have the series named after him? 🤷♀️At this point in the series, he is not at all relevant or connected to the stories..🤔
When we catch him in this book, it has been a few months since he broke up from his then boyfriend and he seems ready to move on. He is in Cape Cod to close a deal to buy a sea-side hotel/inn for his rich client (who is incidentally the father of his ex). While out exploring the area he meets a young, sassy/flirty bartender and sparks fly immediately😍. But before anything can happen between the two, he realizes that the cute bartender is actually one of the owners of the hotel with whom he has to negotiate about the hotel buy-out. 😳
For his part, Sawyer (cute bartender) is instantly attracted to the handsome stranger in his Uncle's bar but when he finds out the next morning that the "stranger" is actually the lawyer who has come with an offer to buy his grand-father's hotel (which has been in his family for generations) to raze it to the ground and build a resort in its place; he is beyond mad😡. Not only does he feel betrayed, he also feels the pressure from his uncles who all are in a bind and would benefit from the sale. The only person holding up the sale, is him because he feels that he could revive the hotel to it's former glory with renovations.
Despite being adversaries, neither Sawyer nor James are able to resist their attraction to each other and soon find themselves steaming up James's hotel room💞🔥. However, with James's job being so dependent on this acquisition and with Sawyer being so opposed to the sale, can they find a happy medium? 💔Even if Sawyer relents and agrees to the sale, is he ready to leave the familial bonds of Cape Cod and move to New York to be with James?😢 And how long can James keep putting his job before his relationships? 💘
BTW is a great story which illustrates very clearly how two really good people, both with genuine reasons can be on opposing sides. It also highlights that one doesn't have to win to be a winner🏆 and sometimes one has to go all in to find true love💘. Highly recommended!! 👍👍
P.S. I'm curious about Oscar, but is he that important that we have the series named after him? 🤷♀️At this point in the series, he is not at all relevant or connected to the stories..🤔
December 1, 2023
Lighthearted Hallmark romance without the Christmas trope 🥰
After reading and loving book 1, I trusted the reviews written by my besties here and skipped the second book in this series and jumped right to this one. Good news is: you really don’t feel like you’ve missed anything plotwise- this is the book in which James, Conor’s lawyer friend, gets his HEA.
I mean - it was obvious in book 1 that Richard isn’t a good fit for him, and this book has James recently single, and busy securing a deal for his biggest client, who happens to be Richards’s father.
Said deal is to buy a dilapidated inn on a pittoresk island, owned by 3 brothers and their nephew, Sawyer. Sawyer has plans to renovate the inn, but doesn’t have the money he needs. And James’ offer to buy the inn (and replace it with a newly built luxury resort) is too tempting for the other owners to let it pass.
And you guessed it: Sawyer and James fall for each other. It’s a bit insta-everything, but it’s… cute. Nice. Hot. Funny. Filled with banter, and with more or less realistic drama. Sadly we get the 3rd act breakup 🙄 but it’s not too badly done, even though I really hate it when couples decide “to know what’s best for the other one” and just leave without talking to each other first.
While certainly no 5 star read, I still had a lot of fun reading it and I’ll jump right into the next book, the one about Richard.
Oh and that “After Oscar” thing - I really love it, it’s funny to get to know Oscar better via text messages- I wonder if we’ll get to know him for real at some point, and if he’ll get his own (second chance?) book 🙂
After reading and loving book 1, I trusted the reviews written by my besties here and skipped the second book in this series and jumped right to this one. Good news is: you really don’t feel like you’ve missed anything plotwise- this is the book in which James, Conor’s lawyer friend, gets his HEA.
I mean - it was obvious in book 1 that Richard isn’t a good fit for him, and this book has James recently single, and busy securing a deal for his biggest client, who happens to be Richards’s father.
Said deal is to buy a dilapidated inn on a pittoresk island, owned by 3 brothers and their nephew, Sawyer. Sawyer has plans to renovate the inn, but doesn’t have the money he needs. And James’ offer to buy the inn (and replace it with a newly built luxury resort) is too tempting for the other owners to let it pass.
And you guessed it: Sawyer and James fall for each other. It’s a bit insta-everything, but it’s… cute. Nice. Hot. Funny. Filled with banter, and with more or less realistic drama. Sadly we get the 3rd act breakup 🙄 but it’s not too badly done, even though I really hate it when couples decide “to know what’s best for the other one” and just leave without talking to each other first.
While certainly no 5 star read, I still had a lot of fun reading it and I’ll jump right into the next book, the one about Richard.
Oh and that “After Oscar” thing - I really love it, it’s funny to get to know Oscar better via text messages- I wonder if we’ll get to know him for real at some point, and if he’ll get his own (second chance?) book 🙂
June 12, 2020
Two men who have been waiting for the "one" !
* Sawyer, 26, with dirty blonde hair is running the Sea Sprite resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but his renovation plans aren't cheap, and his three Uncles want to sell the 80 yr. old family legacy.
* James, 38, NYC, is a fancy Lawyer with salt n' pepper hair, who needs to land this resort deal to please his greedy boss and not lose his lonely, but lucrative job.
Each man has wanted the same thing in his core; someone to love, grow with and raise a family together. Neither has found that.
To Sawyer his family legacy is everything, his priority. James is trying to please his boss, and has been a slave to his work.
So, we see their attraction grow, the sexy times flow, and the complications mount.
We get to know our men's thoughts, and this story is fascinating, easy to follow, and meaningful.
Highly recommended. The epilogue is great !
ENJOY !
========
* Sawyer, 26, with dirty blonde hair is running the Sea Sprite resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but his renovation plans aren't cheap, and his three Uncles want to sell the 80 yr. old family legacy.
* James, 38, NYC, is a fancy Lawyer with salt n' pepper hair, who needs to land this resort deal to please his greedy boss and not lose his lonely, but lucrative job.
Each man has wanted the same thing in his core; someone to love, grow with and raise a family together. Neither has found that.
To Sawyer his family legacy is everything, his priority. James is trying to please his boss, and has been a slave to his work.
So, we see their attraction grow, the sexy times flow, and the complications mount.
We get to know our men's thoughts, and this story is fascinating, easy to follow, and meaningful.
Highly recommended. The epilogue is great !
ENJOY !
========
September 19, 2024
Mostly loved this! Loved the setting (I would love to go to Cape Cod some day!) Really liked both characters. Loved the side character of the cousin, and I enjoyed the side plots. I mostly really loved everything. A few things I thought would go in one direction and annoy me but they never did thankfully.
My one big gripe, which was the exact same as my gripes from book 1 & 2 so I guess I should have been expecting it was
Ignoring that gripe, I did love the book.
My one big gripe, which was the exact same as my gripes from book 1 & 2 so I guess I should have been expecting it was
Ignoring that gripe, I did love the book.
June 4, 2020
This was good, I enjoyed it.
James is Conor from the first book's best friend, who we met in book one and who seemed to have...not the best boyfriend.
Well in this he and his boyfriend are now exes, but James is still working for his father, who is a reach realtor business man, and said man sends James to a small town near Boston to snatch up an old, run down motel so he can build a luxury hotel to compete with this other guy.
So James goes, and on his first night there before he's supposed to meet with the people who own the motel, James meets Sawyer, who works at the only bar in town and who also happens to be one of the four owners of the motel.
They hit it off before either know who the other is, though, and there is instant attraction and feelings between them.
But the next day when Sawyer finds out who James is, things sour, although a the same time Sawyer can't help but be attracted to and drawn to James.
I loved this third installment, I enjoyed these two together and I thought they were cute together. I did give this a star off because I felt their love happens very quickly and very rushed. It wasn't too rushed that I felt it was badly done or anything, but it's just that these two are ready to be together for the long haul after like...1 whole week or so, and that's just way too fast, in my opinion. They could have given it a few more weeks or months, at least.
Also, the sex was lacking in this. These two had chemistry and the romance was definitely there, but the sex in this was very glossed over, not very detailed, and just disappointing all around. Like no, we don't need a ton of sex scenes, but at least one or two detailed sex scenes would have been nice, especially for their first time - which was way too glossed over for my liking. If you include sex scenes, do better with them, please, be detailed, otherwise what's the point of having them?
Otherwise I really liked this, and it was enjoyable, I definitely recommend. I can't wait for the next book in this series too. Wonder who it will be about ;)
James is Conor from the first book's best friend, who we met in book one and who seemed to have...not the best boyfriend.
Well in this he and his boyfriend are now exes, but James is still working for his father, who is a reach realtor business man, and said man sends James to a small town near Boston to snatch up an old, run down motel so he can build a luxury hotel to compete with this other guy.
So James goes, and on his first night there before he's supposed to meet with the people who own the motel, James meets Sawyer, who works at the only bar in town and who also happens to be one of the four owners of the motel.
They hit it off before either know who the other is, though, and there is instant attraction and feelings between them.
But the next day when Sawyer finds out who James is, things sour, although a the same time Sawyer can't help but be attracted to and drawn to James.
I loved this third installment, I enjoyed these two together and I thought they were cute together. I did give this a star off because I felt their love happens very quickly and very rushed. It wasn't too rushed that I felt it was badly done or anything, but it's just that these two are ready to be together for the long haul after like...1 whole week or so, and that's just way too fast, in my opinion. They could have given it a few more weeks or months, at least.
Also, the sex was lacking in this. These two had chemistry and the romance was definitely there, but the sex in this was very glossed over, not very detailed, and just disappointing all around. Like no, we don't need a ton of sex scenes, but at least one or two detailed sex scenes would have been nice, especially for their first time - which was way too glossed over for my liking. If you include sex scenes, do better with them, please, be detailed, otherwise what's the point of having them?
Otherwise I really liked this, and it was enjoyable, I definitely recommend. I can't wait for the next book in this series too. Wonder who it will be about ;)
June 4, 2020
S & J
3.25 stars
Cute story. Definitely better than the last.
Sawyer is trying to save his family's inn when a lawyer comes into town to strike a deal that can change everything.
3.25 stars
Cute story. Definitely better than the last.
Sawyer is trying to save his family's inn when a lawyer comes into town to strike a deal that can change everything.
September 19, 2024
3.9 - 4⭐
I think this was the best installment so far.
The book still has that part I dislike the most - the very little amount of time it takes for main characters to fall for each other - but I can honestly say I really liked this story, I think Lennox was more prominent in this one; I liked the writing, the main characters and the setting, so pretty much everything besides those few hook-ups was good.
🟣 Nice setting - Cape Cod
🟡 Family business, old family hotel
🟢 MMCs both gay
🔵 Age gap - 12 years 26/38
🟣 Ex drama but nothing serious
🟠 Love the cover 🔥 (James)
🌶️ Good smut, would've liked more of it; oral, penetrative; both vers
This story is one of those where everything was really perfect - the main characters, the plot, I liked the storytelling and the book really pulled me in.
But there's that one thing that didn't turn this sweet age gap story into a really fantastic one and that's the insta-love part. it just didn't fit in here.
Both main characters demanded more time together to really pull out all the feelings and the potential and go for it but sadly the authors (again) decided on a quick hook-up and the amazing love that supposedly instantly followed.
Sawyer is one of the guys who co-owns The Sea Sprite, a small family hotel in Cape Cod that's falling apart. He has his own ideas about renovating the place but his family gets a very good offer and decides to sell it.
James is the lawyer who's taking care of the acquisition and completely falls for Sawyer. He likes Sawyer's spirit, dedication, his love for the family hotel and the small town life where everyone knows each other and the pace of life is definitely slower and more intimate than what he's used to.
I liked James' life story very much, he has a very humble beginning and he's a really hard worker who's also very unlucky in love. Think Richard.
James is 38 years old and wants to settle down so when he meets Sawyer he thinks the guy's too young and won't want anything serious but he's definitely wrong about that - they're both serious about wanting to have a peaceful, laid back life and starting a family.
"Finally, I’d met a man who wanted nothing more than family and stability— a white picket fence that had been the Gilleys’ for generations— and not only could I not have him, but I was here to rip it away from him."
What threw me off a little was Sawyer realizing he wants a future with James after everything was said and done already and just taking off to New York, going to James' house and declaring his love.
Sawyer and James were together for a few days - that's it. They parted their ways on not so good terms and didn't talk anymore. Didn't call, nothing.
So Sawyer had to really have the balls to just run off to New York unannounced and say to a guy he hardly knows that he wants a relationship with him.
I can't see it happening, honestly. Even in a fictional scenario it's hard to wrap my mind around it because Sawyer and James didn't have enough time one-on-one for that love to really develop. For Sawyer to even have a good enough reason to make that trip. I mean, a phone call would do, right? Who drives 5 hours because of a good hook-up to say to the guy hey, let's settle down together? Reeks of desperation a bit.
It might be just me, I don't know. In that case the insta love part should've been really strong. But it wasn't.
We did get this
"Sawyer shrugged and looked away. “It’s crazy, right? I mean… we’ve only known each other a few days. Why… why do I feel like I…” He stopped and clamped his mouth closed.
I thumbed his bottom lip. “Say it,” I whispered. “Please. I feel the same way.”"
Now they're deciding to give it a shot, they make plans and Sawyer suddenly bails, blocks and ghosts James and the guy doesn't even come after Sawyer (again), but he makes a big gesture and that's it, that's the thing that does it for Sawyer.
Back and forth all the time. Their connection should've been extremely strong all along for me to really buy into this. And it was good, but again, they didn't spend enough time together.
Turns too Hallmark-y for me. Why not give them a mature, serious love story? They are such good characters, everything was so well written and their chemistry was off the charts, but that ridiculous development and the break-up after less than a day of being boyfriends was just completely off.
I did like the epilogue though, they're living in McBride, own the family hotel and get engaged, so yeah, I definitely liked that outcome.
My favourite couple so far.
And the best installment so far despite that weird development in the last few chapters.
I think this was the best installment so far.
The book still has that part I dislike the most - the very little amount of time it takes for main characters to fall for each other - but I can honestly say I really liked this story, I think Lennox was more prominent in this one; I liked the writing, the main characters and the setting, so pretty much everything besides those few hook-ups was good.
🟣 Nice setting - Cape Cod
🟡 Family business, old family hotel
🟢 MMCs both gay
🔵 Age gap - 12 years 26/38
🟣 Ex drama but nothing serious
🟠 Love the cover 🔥 (James)
🌶️ Good smut, would've liked more of it; oral, penetrative; both vers
This story is one of those where everything was really perfect - the main characters, the plot, I liked the storytelling and the book really pulled me in.
But there's that one thing that didn't turn this sweet age gap story into a really fantastic one and that's the insta-love part. it just didn't fit in here.
Both main characters demanded more time together to really pull out all the feelings and the potential and go for it but sadly the authors (again) decided on a quick hook-up and the amazing love that supposedly instantly followed.
Sawyer is one of the guys who co-owns The Sea Sprite, a small family hotel in Cape Cod that's falling apart. He has his own ideas about renovating the place but his family gets a very good offer and decides to sell it.
James is the lawyer who's taking care of the acquisition and completely falls for Sawyer. He likes Sawyer's spirit, dedication, his love for the family hotel and the small town life where everyone knows each other and the pace of life is definitely slower and more intimate than what he's used to.
I liked James' life story very much, he has a very humble beginning and he's a really hard worker who's also very unlucky in love. Think Richard.
James is 38 years old and wants to settle down so when he meets Sawyer he thinks the guy's too young and won't want anything serious but he's definitely wrong about that - they're both serious about wanting to have a peaceful, laid back life and starting a family.
"Finally, I’d met a man who wanted nothing more than family and stability— a white picket fence that had been the Gilleys’ for generations— and not only could I not have him, but I was here to rip it away from him."
What threw me off a little was Sawyer realizing he wants a future with James after everything was said and done already and just taking off to New York, going to James' house and declaring his love.
Sawyer and James were together for a few days - that's it. They parted their ways on not so good terms and didn't talk anymore. Didn't call, nothing.
So Sawyer had to really have the balls to just run off to New York unannounced and say to a guy he hardly knows that he wants a relationship with him.
I can't see it happening, honestly. Even in a fictional scenario it's hard to wrap my mind around it because Sawyer and James didn't have enough time one-on-one for that love to really develop. For Sawyer to even have a good enough reason to make that trip. I mean, a phone call would do, right? Who drives 5 hours because of a good hook-up to say to the guy hey, let's settle down together? Reeks of desperation a bit.
It might be just me, I don't know. In that case the insta love part should've been really strong. But it wasn't.
We did get this
"Sawyer shrugged and looked away. “It’s crazy, right? I mean… we’ve only known each other a few days. Why… why do I feel like I…” He stopped and clamped his mouth closed.
I thumbed his bottom lip. “Say it,” I whispered. “Please. I feel the same way.”"
Now they're deciding to give it a shot, they make plans and Sawyer suddenly bails, blocks and ghosts James and the guy doesn't even come after Sawyer (again), but he makes a big gesture and that's it, that's the thing that does it for Sawyer.
Back and forth all the time. Their connection should've been extremely strong all along for me to really buy into this. And it was good, but again, they didn't spend enough time together.
Turns too Hallmark-y for me. Why not give them a mature, serious love story? They are such good characters, everything was so well written and their chemistry was off the charts, but that ridiculous development and the break-up after less than a day of being boyfriends was just completely off.
I did like the epilogue though, they're living in McBride, own the family hotel and get engaged, so yeah, I definitely liked that outcome.
My favourite couple so far.
And the best installment so far despite that weird development in the last few chapters.
November 20, 2023
4.5
Loved James and Sawyer.
Extremely low angst, although I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the decisions made towards the end this was still a really nice read that just felt like a warm hug by the end of it. 🥺
Loved James and Sawyer.
Extremely low angst, although I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the decisions made towards the end this was still a really nice read that just felt like a warm hug by the end of it. 🥺
May 31, 2020
Why o why did I wait so long to review this? Its been like two weeks and many books later since I read this so this review is going to be vague.
What I do know is that I enjoyed reading this book as with the other books in the series. The chemistry between James and Sawyer was palpable; even when they were on opposite sides so to speak.
I liked the progression of their relationship and the characters that helped it along. Hell I even liked the annoying ex by the end of the day. Oscar, of course made an appearance(albeit virtually) but he was funny and impactful in his own special way all the same).
Their HEA was the perfect solution for their conundrum and I had a goofy smile by the end of the epilogue. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
What I do know is that I enjoyed reading this book as with the other books in the series. The chemistry between James and Sawyer was palpable; even when they were on opposite sides so to speak.
I liked the progression of their relationship and the characters that helped it along. Hell I even liked the annoying ex by the end of the day. Oscar, of course made an appearance(albeit virtually) but he was funny and impactful in his own special way all the same).
Their HEA was the perfect solution for their conundrum and I had a goofy smile by the end of the epilogue. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
May 12, 2020
An easy, enjoyable, somewhat predictable love story about 2 men from different backgrounds and lives who compliment each other perfect if they could just overcome the obstacles in their way.
July 1, 2020
3.5 stars!
Really liked James and Sawyer! Especially James! This can be considered as instant love but you would really see that they had more than just physical attraction.
A bit lacking on sexy times especially that there has been a lot of tension, teasing and staring so basically you'd expect more than fast sex parts, right?
And I felt that there were some things missing in the plot AND things that were there but unnecessary.
Like for example- I know that James was happy and he loved it there, but would have loved to see more of his thoughts about moving to McBride. It has been great nonetheless and I would love to see more of James and Sawyer 💙
Really liked James and Sawyer! Especially James! This can be considered as instant love but you would really see that they had more than just physical attraction.
A bit lacking on sexy times especially that there has been a lot of tension, teasing and staring so basically you'd expect more than fast sex parts, right?
And I felt that there were some things missing in the plot AND things that were there but unnecessary.
Like for example- I know that James was happy and he loved it there, but would have loved to see more of his thoughts about moving to McBride. It has been great nonetheless and I would love to see more of James and Sawyer 💙
May 13, 2020
I really struggled to get through this book, which surprised me, because I usually love a good Lucy Lennox book. Looking thru the reviews, I’m obviously in the minority here, so this may be a case of it’s not you, it’s me.
The good...proper grammar and punctuation. Which can go a long way to elevating an otherwise boring story.
The bad...this was a boring story. I had zero connection to the MC’s, I didn’t feel a connection between the MC’s, I hated the setting and how building up a broke down motel was the backbone, and I really hated how predictable this book was. Before finishing ch. 1 I knew exactly how this story would play out and how it would end. Which is likely why I found it so boring.
Hopefully the next book will be a better fit for me.
The good...proper grammar and punctuation. Which can go a long way to elevating an otherwise boring story.
The bad...this was a boring story. I had zero connection to the MC’s, I didn’t feel a connection between the MC’s, I hated the setting and how building up a broke down motel was the backbone, and I really hated how predictable this book was. Before finishing ch. 1 I knew exactly how this story would play out and how it would end. Which is likely why I found it so boring.
Hopefully the next book will be a better fit for me.
May 14, 2020
There were a lot of bad choices James could have made-would have made in many romances-instead he chose to do the right thing, which was refreshing. Both MCs were likeable guys and were good for each other. Enjoyable read and nice to get a glimpse of some of the past characters in the series...and just enough Oscar to make me want more.
May 12, 2020
At one point of BTW I had this image in my head of James and Sawyer, guns out, one facing the other in a Wild West shootout. But somehow, the confrontation ended up inside the saloon, or the Sea Sprite Inn, as it were, with them making out and having sex.
Because that was pretty much how things worked between them for a part of the book, one moment fighting and the next all over each other. No doubt, they burned hot either way, and I had so much fun seeing them on opposite sides of a negotiating table over the Sea Sprite's fate, enemies yet incredibly attracted to each other.
And, although I expected a happy ending, I was excited to see how the authors would solve their differences. THAT, you'll have to discover by yourselves, because you don't want to miss this stunning, funny, hot, romantic story. I loved it!
Because that was pretty much how things worked between them for a part of the book, one moment fighting and the next all over each other. No doubt, they burned hot either way, and I had so much fun seeing them on opposite sides of a negotiating table over the Sea Sprite's fate, enemies yet incredibly attracted to each other.
And, although I expected a happy ending, I was excited to see how the authors would solve their differences. THAT, you'll have to discover by yourselves, because you don't want to miss this stunning, funny, hot, romantic story. I loved it!
May 23, 2022
This was still a good Lucy/Molly book but it was just lacking that extra something. An easy read, but overall probably forgettable.
Read
September 12, 2022DNF
April 6, 2025
Catching up on the series and I really like Sawyer and James aside from the weirdly long eyelash description. A good mix of romance and drama. Glad I jumped back into it and I'm determined to finish the rest of the books.
May 18, 2020
My eyes leaked with this one. Excellent!
May 21, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
BTW follows along with the After Oscar series, where the books are connected by one of the MCs being an ex of a character named Oscar. Sawyer and James’ story takes this series to a romance where city guy meets small town guy and, if you read a lot of romance, you already know from that description how it will end. However, it was enjoyable getting there.
The attraction between the men is instant and heated from the first glance and from the first meeting. The guys know they have found the one, but there is a lot standing in their way. The emotions of the relationship do move quickly, but I was okay with that here and, while there are a few small misunderstandings, they move on quickly as the guys want to be together. If you have been following this series, this book is also a lot less OTT than the previous ones, which worked much better for my tastes.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
BTW follows along with the After Oscar series, where the books are connected by one of the MCs being an ex of a character named Oscar. Sawyer and James’ story takes this series to a romance where city guy meets small town guy and, if you read a lot of romance, you already know from that description how it will end. However, it was enjoyable getting there.
The attraction between the men is instant and heated from the first glance and from the first meeting. The guys know they have found the one, but there is a lot standing in their way. The emotions of the relationship do move quickly, but I was okay with that here and, while there are a few small misunderstandings, they move on quickly as the guys want to be together. If you have been following this series, this book is also a lot less OTT than the previous ones, which worked much better for my tastes.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 18, 2020
Finally, James' story and it was so good. He and Sawyer were just perfect together. Low angst, sweet moments together, all the conflicts were settled nicely and the story was wrapped up with cameo from Conor and Wells, even citing Roman and Scotty. They were really cute as a couple. Waiting for the fourth book on Richard's story and hopefully, the end (5th book) wraps up with Oscar's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2020
Sweet. A romance trope I dislike reared its ugly head at the end, but otherwise a nice, fluffy romance.
May 18, 2020
I was delighted when I saw the next book in the After Oscar Series was recently released. I read the synopsis and thought that this might be just the book I was looking for, but yet it left me somewhat disappointed as I read the last page.
I liked both James and Sawyer as characters, they had an undeniable chemistry and it was fairly obvious, early on that these men were going to click. There were numerous giggle worthy moments in the first quarter of the story and they had me excited for the rest of the book. From their meet cute to their actual meeting...I was grinning like a fool. But as the story progresses, it loses some of this initial magic.
I think a big portion of this is that this book is an insta-love story. I mean, they knew each other for several days, had a few external encounters, and they both were willing to throw away their entire lives for each other. And this was just something I couldn't buy into. Throughout the rest of the story there was a voice in the back of my head constantly whispering how they hardly knew each other and had no foundation for a relationship. Which I mean, it wasn't wrong. There are some tender, heartfelt moments but at the end of the day, I don't really know what makes either of these men tick on a deeper level.
The ending was stupidly cute and I liked the Oscar tie in throughout the story. It was enough to pull Oscar into the story and shed more light on him but at the same time, he didn't control the story line. I loved that you got glimpses of the previous couples in the series but I have to say that the Author's Note mentions the next story is James' ex...and I really, really, really don't like that.
I liked both James and Sawyer as characters, they had an undeniable chemistry and it was fairly obvious, early on that these men were going to click. There were numerous giggle worthy moments in the first quarter of the story and they had me excited for the rest of the book. From their meet cute to their actual meeting...I was grinning like a fool. But as the story progresses, it loses some of this initial magic.
I think a big portion of this is that this book is an insta-love story. I mean, they knew each other for several days, had a few external encounters, and they both were willing to throw away their entire lives for each other. And this was just something I couldn't buy into. Throughout the rest of the story there was a voice in the back of my head constantly whispering how they hardly knew each other and had no foundation for a relationship. Which I mean, it wasn't wrong. There are some tender, heartfelt moments but at the end of the day, I don't really know what makes either of these men tick on a deeper level.
The ending was stupidly cute and I liked the Oscar tie in throughout the story. It was enough to pull Oscar into the story and shed more light on him but at the same time, he didn't control the story line. I loved that you got glimpses of the previous couples in the series but I have to say that the Author's Note mentions the next story is James' ex...and I really, really, really don't like that.
June 24, 2024
Ohhhhhhhhhhh this is what hallmark dreams are made of. Small town boy who wants to inherit his family's business vs corporate city lawyer who is trying to buy the business??? yes please.
This book was fun and I loved how even though they were on opposite sides, James and Sawyer were as supportive as they could be of the other. James truly believed in Sawyer's vision and while he had to play the bad guy for a while his grand gesture at the end was so sweet. I loved how snarky Sawyer was throughout and how he wouldn't give up on his dream for his family's inn. The dynamic between these two was just a lot of fun. There was so much push and pull, the cautious way they didn't want to open up too much mixed with being unable to resist their growing feelings??
This book was fun and I loved how even though they were on opposite sides, James and Sawyer were as supportive as they could be of the other. James truly believed in Sawyer's vision and while he had to play the bad guy for a while his grand gesture at the end was so sweet. I loved how snarky Sawyer was throughout and how he wouldn't give up on his dream for his family's inn. The dynamic between these two was just a lot of fun. There was so much push and pull, the cautious way they didn't want to open up too much mixed with being unable to resist their growing feelings??
May 17, 2020
LOVED
I loved this so much! Sawyer and James were beautiful together. My favorite kind of insta-love with a mini enemies to lovers plot going on.
We also get to see Wells and Conor, which I adored!
I’m actually looking forward to Richard’s story, and cannot wait for our Oscar’s story!
I loved this so much! Sawyer and James were beautiful together. My favorite kind of insta-love with a mini enemies to lovers plot going on.
We also get to see Wells and Conor, which I adored!
I’m actually looking forward to Richard’s story, and cannot wait for our Oscar’s story!
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