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Superbia Springs #1

Spring Forward

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A heartbroken single dad. A handyman with a past full of secrets.
And the small town that would change them forever.


It should've been a dream come true for Liam, inheriting the old
mansion named Superbia Springs. It helped him meet Mason, the
handyman who kept the town running. Mason is sweet, generous, and
good with his hands. (If only he'd use those hands on Liam...) But
Mason has a secret, and the old house has a secret, and the whole town
seems full of secrets.

Mason knows he can't fall for Liam, no matter how the man makes him
burn with passion. Gay single dads are off limits when you're stuck
in the closet. Liam hates secrets, and after hearing what happened to
Liam's father and his ex, Mason desperately wants to give him his
heart...and his whole story. But how can he tell Liam what's really
keeping him in the closet, when it could destroy people's lives?

Liam knows he should pack up his bags and his baby and head straight
back for his home in the city...but something about Superbia draws him
back inexorably. Maybe it's the town itself. Maybe it's the mansion,
with all its mysteries. Or maybe it's because he can't get Mason out
of his mind, out of his dreams, out of his heart.

Can the irresistible desire the two men feel for each other overcome
the small-town grudges, feuds and scandals that threaten to keep them
apart?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2020

58 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Kane

40 books91 followers
I like writing about boys with TERRIBLE PROBLEMS who nonetheless manage to find love. But seriously, terrible problems. Like, dude, get some therapy before you go on this date.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
52 (34%)
4 stars
55 (36%)
3 stars
34 (22%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for mich ⚘.
563 reviews26 followers
February 29, 2020
Spring Forward was a sweet book and honestly a pretty good start off to this new series. We meet Liam and Mason -- a single dad and a handyman stuck in the closet. Two men who couldn’t be more right for one another but who have to really fight for their HEA due to secrets and heartbreak.

I was pretty invested in this book. I couldn’t help but adore Liam and Mason...the two were so perfect for one another. But, I did get pretty frustrated reading this at times. That’s kind of a given though for me when single dads and someone stuck in the closet are mixed into one book -- and then you add in family drama and secrets. Yeah, a mess.

Overall though, I liked this story and I think the author built up some pretty interesting characters that have me wanting to return to this series.

3.5 stars

♡ arc given in exchange for an honest review ♡
Profile Image for Monika .
2,342 reviews39 followers
June 5, 2020
This was one of those stories that I had trouble deciding how to rate. I liked it but there were places it totally confused me. The MCs are likable enough but sometimes it felt like the spark was missing. So I decided to go with a middle of the road rating of 3 Stars. I liked the book but I didn't love it. I am curious about some of the secondary characters so I'm sure I'll be reading more of the Superbia Springs Series.

TAGS
-- single dad -- lots of family secrets -- in the closet -- coming out -- likable MCs... Liam & Mason -- missing that spark -- a bit too wordy
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,888 reviews212 followers
February 29, 2020


When Liam inherits a mansion from a relative he'd never heard of before, it's in a small town called Superbia, something else he'd never heard of. Of course his first thought upon seeing the mansion in such disrepair is to have it renovated and sold. The amount of money he could make off the sale would be more than enough to support himself and his daughter for eternity.

But then...Mason happens. The sweet, solid contractor in Superbia who can give him the inspiration needed to stay put in his new town. They'll have to fight their way through obstacles, though, and secrets, so many small town secrets.

Though I found Spring Forward sweet, its pace was a bit slow and I found the connection between the two men lacking a touch. Not that there's anything horribly wrong with this story, it just isn't particularly exciting unfortunately.

ARC via LesCourt/GRR ARC Team for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Mac Paterson.
325 reviews
February 16, 2020
A brand new series set in the small town of Superbia, I’m sure there will be a few books in this series as this town has a lot of secrets waiting to be discovered.

Mason and Liam are the first couple we meet although there is a strong supporting cast who I’m sure will have their own tales to tell. Both men fear loss and pain so gave a really hard time admitting to each other and themselves how they feel and what they want.

This story is full of drama, secrets and incredible chemistry, I enjoyed how the story unfolded although I did feel the end was a bit rushed. I was like looking forward to a big showdown and found the ending a bit anticlimactic. However this didn’t ruin the overall story and I look forward to another visit to Superbia.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,080 reviews39 followers
August 4, 2020
This was a sweet book. Liam and Mason each had a lot of baggage to work through, but I liked how they eventually communicated. It took a little to get there, but it didn’t feel so angsty where I wanted to bash their heads in. It was written in a comfortable pace with a good balance of sweetness and angst. They were totally adorable together and I was glad to see Liam put himself out there despite his concerns of being a single father. Roo was adorable. I enjoyed reading this and definitely want more in this new series.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
3,223 reviews47 followers
May 7, 2020
This is a good story and a good setup for more down the road, but I’ve got to tell you, it’s a good thing these aren’t interactive books, because I would have been smacking a certain someone upside her evil, twisted head. When you read this, you will see.
Liam is confused as to why he’s inherited a house he knows nothing of, in a town he knows nothing of. Especially when he finds out the house was supposed to go to his father, and his father wanted nothing to do with it. Another secret of his father’s apparently he wasn’t meant to know. So here he is in Superbia Springs, looking at this mansion and lusting over the local contractor who has as many secrets as his father and his husband, who recently died. And Liam can’t live with another secret. But something about this house and Mason keep drawing him back. He wants to sell, knowing he will never be able to afford fixing it up right, but then he looks at it again and discovers more or makes new memories and can’t. But he can’t abide the secrets and lies of this either. But Mason can’t take anymore either. And with the push of his best friends, he finally tells Liam everything. Including why he was staying silent about being gay all this time. And now it’s time to put a stop to it all. But can they after the evil that has the hold on this town, or will the evil overtake them?
I totally get the secrets thing. I deal with it within my own family and had to cut that mess off. So I understood where Liam was coming from. Between his own father and his husband, secrets and lies destroyed him. And others. And all are trying to cope with it in their own way, and honestly, it’s not working well. Liam’s never even had a chance to properly grieve for what he’s lost and now he’s caught up in another web of lies, greed and secrets again. And funnily enough, revolving around his father. I don’t know if I could do what Liam did. Yes, I get this is a story, but even in a story, there is a part of us reflected in it. And if it was me, I think I may have had to wash my hands of it. Then again, maybe not, especially when the whole truth was found out. Because that would eat at me until I could find a way to fix it.
It’s an interesting story though. Full of history, although possibly fake, it still adds life to the story. The characters are eclectic and full of life. It’s a good story. And with all that’s about to change in this town, it’s going to get more interesting, I think. Because the evil witch will be up to something for sure.

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Profile Image for Beth.
2,917 reviews27 followers
February 26, 2020
This is the first book in a new series with no mention of the plans for the second book. There are several secondary characters introduced that could be the subjects of that future book though. In this book, MCs Liam and Mason need to overcome fears, secrets and an outside powerful force in order to find love and happiness.

The book starts out slowly and I almost threw in the towel. There are continual references to the past and secrets and threats that are meant to provide mystery and suspense but instead become irritating. It gets to a point where I just thought “who cares? I’m done.” But I stuck with it and there was a decent payoff further into the book.

The story arc moves much too slowly as does the character development thanks to what I mentioned above. When the crisis moment comes it is so hard to feel sympathy for Mason because you just want to yell at him and scream for him to fight back. The villain is suitably awful and urges you towards craving violence. I was totally invested at that point, really wanting to see them get their comeuppance. The vehicle for the crisis resolution is interesting and could have been so much more. The ultimate ending is disappointingly anti-climactic, and the final chapter is written in a totally different voice and tense which is jarring.

I found several of the secondary characters interesting and am hoping any future books will avoid the things that disappointed me in this one as we will have moved past the barriers that slowed the story arc here.

As a result of the items mentioned above I gave the book three stars (in my rating system that means OK but with serious flaws but parts are very enjoyable.) The book also has quite a few typos and some editing issues.

*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,544 reviews48 followers
February 28, 2020
Liam and Mason get their happy ever after, but not without much pain from digging up the past of both Liam's father and Mason. Liam's dad hid the fact that he was gay and Liam's husband kept a secret about his health. Both these secrets had fatal and long lasting consequences for Liam's family and for his ability to trust anyone not totally honest with themselves and others. Mason wants to be honest, but secrets from his past and threats both past and present keep him in the closet and almost cost him everything he ever wanted. It is impossible to be too detailed about the story without ruining the way the author sets up the revelations. There are multiple layers to peel back before all is revealed and it is done very slowly. I enjoyed the long build up and all the angst because I was in the mood for a book where the main characters knew they should be together but spent a lot of time pining for each other and being afraid of honesty. I think a small town setting was required for the type of story this is, with its class distinctions, fears of being seen as "different", virulent homophobia and everyone getting into everyone else's business. If you like that kind of claustrophobic atomosphere, almost old fashioned gothic overtones of family secrets, a ruined mansion with its own secrets and an eventual romantic payoff you will enjoy this book. As other reviewers have mentioned, the last chapter's drastic change in point of view is strange and a bit jarring but did not ruin the ending for me.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
February 23, 2020
Rachel Kane's Spring Forward, the first book in the Superbia Springs series, is a sweet and tender read.

When Liam arrives in Superbia Springs, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. He's in town to see the property he inherited, hoping to solve some mysteries about the place and his father. But, he never expected to find love.

Mason and Liam's story includes a closeted father, family secrets, and controlling and powerful townspeople. But, most of all, it includes the promise of a beautiful future. And a baby.

Liam's backstory is well developed, baby and all. He's a lovable character who the reader desperately wants to find love again. And Mason. Ahh Mason. He's been hiding his true self forever, and is sure he can never come out. The conflict is entertaining, emotional, and riveting.

The author does a wonderful job, carrying off a pleasant tone throughout. The writing is great, with lots of suspense, intrigue, and chemistry. There's plenty of passion and romance to satisfy.

I love Spring Forward. This Rachel Kane romance looks to be the start of a fantastic small town series. With plenty of glimpses into the surrounding secondary characters, I am excited to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Ivy.
422 reviews12 followers
February 23, 2020
Liam is a single dad who inherited from an old uncle a mansion. A superb mansion.
Mason is a small-town handyman. He’s adorable and sweet and in the closet.
Mason wants to help Liam with the mansion, but he also wants Liam in his life.
Liam has too much pain and worries in his life to really have time for a man in his life. But Mason is special, and he will let his mark on Liam.
Can’t they really have it all?
Spring Forward is book one in the Superbia Springs series. It was my first book by Rachel Kane, and I had a real pleasure to discover her style.
Liam and Mason are made to be together. But they have so much pains, hurts and secrets in their life that they will have to fight their past and fears if they want a happy future together.
The story and the plots are focus on Liam and Mason and it also put the background of the series. The secondary characters are interesting and there’s an atmosphere of secrecy that give me the desire to read more books in this series to discover them all.
It’s a good start for this new series.
Profile Image for Kaylee Cooper.
113 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2020
I struggled with this

I will admit, there is something that draws you through the story. I was glad I finished it. But it wasn't easy for me. The over abundance of internal dialogue felt too heavy for me. Especially because the internal didn't match the external. Characters that are proclaimed as overwhelmingly practical were drowned by heavily poetic and philosophically romantic thoughts. I had to skip over the sex scenes because the dramatic prose took away from any realistic passion. Add in the copious crossover of genres, and I nearly gave up. Is it a mystery? A drama? Romance? Comedy? Are there actual skeletons in closets? Or just secrets? So many secrets that it's hard to remember why they even matter?

Don't get me wrong, there are times I crave that style of writing, that amount of detail. Unfortunately, I believe the weight of words hampered what could have been a 5 star story for me.
660 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2020
This is a great first book in the new Superbia Springs series by Rachel Kane. The book centers around a crumbling, old mansion and dried up hot springs known as “Coopers Folly,” that has been willed to Liam Cooper for reasons unbeknownst to him. When he travels to the small town to see the property he makes the acquaintance of town contractor Mason Tisdale and the sparks between the men are immediate. However, Liam is a widower with a young child and Mason is a man with secrets he can’t share. Liam cannot deal with secrets b/c of past deceptions. But, Superbia Springs has its own secrets that one family in particular will work hard to keep hidden. Can Liam and Mason uncover the towns secrets while baring their own? Or will they walk away from a truth that neither can deny? I can’t wait to see which side character gets their HEA next in Superbia Springs 😍.
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
820 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2020
4 ½ Stars
I enjoyed this book. Liam and Mason are lovable characters who made me want to grab them up and give them cuddles so they could take a break from the world. They are well-drawn and compelling with the complexities in their lives.
The baby is just precious, and the other secondary characters are interesting and well placed in the story. In future books, I hope to see more of Liam's brother and the friends with which they surround themselves.
The antagonist is sufficiently mean and intimidating enough to have me rooting for Liam and Mason and cheering for the downfall of the one who would harm them and their loved ones.
The passion is strong, the love and other emotions are believable, and the HEA is satisfying.
I had a near-constant case of the warm fuzzies while reading this.
I look forward to more from this author.
3,557 reviews38 followers
February 17, 2020
This is the first book of what will prove to be a wonderful series. I'm confident...because Rachel writes in such a way that you feel like you're living the lives of the characters right along side of them! Some more admirable than others.

There are a couple of people you'll want to put 'in time out' until they develop compassion for others. Your heart will ache for the pain several have lived through or are still working their way through. But luckily they have friends who always have their backs and encourage them to keep trying. They are convinced they will find love.

When a shadowy character from the past emerges...the balance of power shifts. Exciting times ahead!

Prepare to fall in love with Superbia Springs!
545 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2020
Spring Forward is book one in the new Superbia Springs series by Rachel Kane. In Spring Forward, we are introduced to widower and single dad, Liam Cooper, who inherits a piece of land called Coopers Folly. It was once a prosperous and well known hot springs which drew many visitors. Once the hot springs dried up what was left behind was a dilapidated mansion and grounds that has been left to Liam. He mets local town contractor Mason Tisdale. The are definitely attracted to each other, but both have secrets and pain that prevent them from jumping head first into a relationship. Spring Forward was a pretty good read, long at times, but filled with a bit of drama, mystery and sexual tension.
9,376 reviews140 followers
February 16, 2020
This is a small town romance with strong characters in Liam and Mason. The author does a great job building the story and pulls you in with all the emotions,secrets,anxiety and fear as well as the sexual tension and hot chemistry between the two men. She adds in a cast of supporting characters to help bring the story to life along with her detailed and vividly painted scenes. I was glued to the pages reading their story as secrets are revealed and the love grows. It's an emotional love story , moves fluidly and I loved reading. Highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Philip Cowsill.
289 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2020
I was only a short way into the book when I was hit with the realisation that Spring Forward was going to be a great read. I was not disappointed with my thought.

The two main characters, Liam and Mason, were both just so likeable that I was wanting an HEA for them right from the start. All the supporting characters were well rounded including the conniving Mulgrews, the arch enemies of the other leading family of the past in the town and now again with the arrival of Liam.

Rachel Kane has outdone herself! I highly recommend Spring Forward, Book 1 in Superbia Springs. I hope that the rest of the series live up to the standard of Book 1!
758 reviews4 followers
February 29, 2020
I loved Liam and Mason’s story. They were so sweet and adorable. This house was amazing, and I still feel like there’s so much more to discover. I liked how they courted each other I thought the way the story built, introducing other characters who I know I’ll see as MCs in future stories in the series was great. They didn’t overtake the story, but helped it develop. I love a story with a single dad and how he figures things out, whether he’s a super natural or a little hopeless. And there’s something that pulls the heartstrings when a man can’t live how he wants and needs to. Their love story was cute, hot and sexy. I totally recommend this book and can’t wait for book number two.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,155 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2020
Lots of Secrets

I found the storyline interesting and a bit shorter than I expected. It ends at a comfortable stopping point but I wished for more in the story. There were story threads left unresolved and the future was alluded to but not realized. There were several extremely wordy sex scenes which I skimmed through. They appeared written mostly for self gratification as they added no information to Mason and Liam’s story. I’m willing yo sample the next book but not sold on the series yet.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews39 followers
February 17, 2020
A great beginning to what is gearing to be a great new series: a small town, the people who live in it, and the secrets they keep. Intriguing, isn't it:?

The characters in this first book are attractive and well-constructed, the conflict realistic and well resolved, and the writing, excellent. Although this last one is a given when Rachel Kane is the author :P

I'm looking forward to seeing what will come next :)
316 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
This was a really enjoyable, sweet story.When Liam inherits a family estate that none of his family knew about, he has a big decision to make. When he meets Mason, the contractor in the small town that the estate is in, the attraction is obvious but both Mason and Liam both have a lot of baggage to overcome. This book has a bit of everything, family tragedy, family secrets and mysteries, secrets and blackmail.
Profile Image for Li Taylor.
1,861 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2021
Excellent

Great I actually read this series in the wrong order I guess I read the last one first then discovered there was a whole series about the non MCs in the book. This is great I’ve download Noah’s Dads story too, which I’ve no doubt will be a tear jearker and it has to be said Violet is one of the best villains I’ve met to date , she’s absolutely evil. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Rachel.
3,972 reviews62 followers
August 12, 2025
3.5 stars
It took so long for these guys to get together for real, I was glad they finally got together, but the conclusion of the story felt fast after such a slow burn. It was teasing the mysteries about Liam's dad forever, and then suddenly all of them come out at once. Then, they manage to outmaneuver their enemy in town, and everything is going well.
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,045 reviews9 followers
February 18, 2020
This book is full of drama & intrigue, with a little mystery thrown in. It's not the typical book I choose to read, but I really enjoyed it. It's my first book by Rachel Kane, and she does an amazing job of putting the reader into the story & letting us know how the MCs feel. I'm looking forward to book 2.

I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,263 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2020
So good!

This book is full of mystery and packs lots of feelings. The backstories are important. At times it may seem like a lot to get through but it’s worth it and I think the series will be better and smoother because of it. Plus we need to see what Liam and Mason have planned. We also have some single guys who could use their own HEA.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,731 reviews8 followers
February 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
It uses dual P.O.V. which might be hard for some people, but I really encourage you to give it a try, it's so worth it.
Liam, Mason and Roo were such beautiful characters.
The author brought them to life so vividly and I absolutely loved the secondary cast for characters, including the small town of
Superbia Springs.
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
451 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2020
Sweet start to the series set in small town Superbia Springs.

Liam a single dad to cute Rooney and closeted handyman Mason are so right for each other. They both hold secrets that they need to overcome before they can get their HEA.

There are some interesting secondary characters that leave me wanting more.

Drama, secrets, family love and great friends make this an enjoyable read.
765 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2020
I read this series backwards . ding realize it until.was to late

But even though I kind of knew what ended up happening I still enjoyed b this story of Liam and Mason. Secrets have a way to surface regardless of how hard you try to bury them. From reading the other stories I knew these two were together but it was nice to see how they came together. Loved this series.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
February 16, 2020
Spring Forward by Rachel Kane is the first book in the Superbia Springs series. It is a contemporary m/m story that mixes drama with romance. Liam and Mason are good characters that made me want them to find a Happily Ever After. Definitely a satisfying read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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