That Something Feeling

Riverside Town #2

by Darla O'Malley

Duncan James’ parents had never been warm and fuzzy but when they found out he was gay at age sixteen, he never expected them to virtually disown him by exiling him to their converted attic and then kick him out of the house after he graduated from high school.

Now, after twenty-years of service as an army cook, Duncan decides it’s time to start a new chapter in his life especially, to his surprise, his parents left him a decent inheritance after they died. After moving into his old house in Riverside Town, he goes about his life as a diner cook until he meets Cammy, the guy of his dreams. There’s a hitch though; Cammy’s only eighteen. It also doesn’t bode well that Duncan’s never been in a serious relationship and doesn’t know how to handle having a crush on someone so much younger and better looking than himself.

When Cammy Hayes was twelve, his mother deserted his father, his older brother and himself. But not before drilling impossible rules into his head that she expected him to live his life by.

Cammy is focused on becoming a teacher and having a husband and family of his own, so when he meets Duncan—who helps him out of a tough spot—he’s pretty sure he’s found his dream man. But it turns out that Duncan is too emotionally immature for him which Cammy only realizes after he’s fallen for him.

Can Duncan figure out how to be a grown-up without the safety net the army provided? And can he rise above his parents’ past disdain for him, and become the man Cammy craves? And what will each have to sacrifice to achieve their dreams?

Author Note: male/male romance, standalone. Contains sexual acts between consenting adults, and strong language.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2020

About the author

Darla O'Malley had been writing male/male fiction and paranormal stories as a hobby for quite a few years, until encouragement from friends and family to become a published author had her finishing one of her many half-written novels. She's extremely happy she heeded their advice as having others read her creations has become an exhilarating experience.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww!

What a sweet book! A bit more angst than her other books. Totally lovable characters. Duncan’s imperfections were endearing. Cammy was perfect in every way. I only gave this four stars because the relationship between Cammy and Duncan lacked the depth of the characters in her previous books.

One major bonus was seeing some of the characters from Book 1. Another was the second epilogue. I cannot wait to read Book 3!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age is more than a number. Duncan, was rejected by his parents from the time he was 16 and they found out he was gay. They waited until he graduated when he was 18 before they kicked him out and resumed their lives without their son. He joined the Army and spent 20 years as a cook. When he retired, he returned home and moved into his parents' house and got a job as a cook in a diner. Cammy, wants to be a teacher, marry a fine man and have children to complete his circle of life. When they meet, they are wildly in like in spite of the 20 year age difference. It does give Duncan a bit of a pause. Then when they get to know each other, their emotional variances appear to put a crimp in the idea of a relationship. Can they overcome gaps, gullys and vallies? Do they have the will and commitment to try? Is there room and will to grow together toward each other? Great story. Fantastic flow as they learn and grow. Cammy's and Duncan's romance make you think and feel and open your mind and heart to possibilities. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan came out as gay as a teenager but his family didn't approve. They forced him to move to the guest house until he graduated and turned 18 and then they kicked him out. Having very few choices, he joined the military and learned how to cook. After serving almost twenty years, his parents die leaving him their house. He leaves the military and becomes a cook in his best friend's restaurant. Duncan has been hurt by his parents and friends rejection that he thinks that he is incapable of being in any real relationship. Then he meets Cammy who even though he is 18, has his life more together than Duncan. For the first time Duncan has feelings for someone else but is he brave enough to try a relationship?

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly liked the premise of this story and both Cammy and Duncan. There was an age gap, that's true but the real differences between them was more about maturity and having a sense of what you want, but also needing to lighten up as well. Both Cammy and Duncan had issues. They might not have resided in the characters in the ways that we are used to but that made me pause and really think about so many assumptions that lead the way we see and think about people. Both of these guys are neat and they make a good match and there is so much room for them to grow together. This was good stuff.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique take on an age-gap story, instead of a young unstable man Duncan is the one struggling with his insecurities. He is a veteran that has returned home after his parent's death. Their reaction to his coming out has made him feel unworthy of any type of deep relationship. When he has a chance meeting with Cammy he is drawn to him immediately but doesn't want to hold him back. Cammy is starting his college career and is learning to overcome adult problems but he is sure of what he wants. I enjoyed watching him step into his own. And I will warn you this story has a cliffhanger that sent me running to the Kindle store for the next book,

[Niàmh Loughran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, maybe not as much as the first one because that one holds a special place in my heart.

Duncan kind of annoyed me at the start but his character development throughout the book really changed my opinion of him. And omg Cammy, the most lovable character ever, him and Noah could be great friends.

Finally, that ending…?! I am beyond excited to jump into book 3 omg. Here I come daddy law

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did you do this to me.... I HAD to read book two as I liked the first in the series..... but the way this one ended.... leading to book 3.

Cammy and Duncan are beyond adorable. Cammy is the sweetist nicest guy ever, and hes completely loyal. Duncan is so innocent in terms of relationships, but his insecurities means that hes has mountaims for people to climb, just to be his friend.

But this book does teach us COMMUNICATION is always required

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for Duncan’s insecurities this book is a sweet, gentle love story. Duncan and Cammy have a bit of an age difference but who’s counting, right? When you find it you know it and Cammy knows he’s found his person. Sweetness, good friends, new and old, and a nice HeA, with a little forward looking tease. The story is very low drama which I truly appreciate and likable characters that warm your heart. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. After receiving an ARC copy of book 3 in the series I fell in love and had to start at the beginning. This was a fab as the others. Fantastic writing with great editing and a storyline that is engaging so you don’t want to stop reading. It does end on a slight cliff hanger which leads onto the next book, which you soooooo want to read because it’s sooooooo good, but it doesn’t effect the story of this book so can be read as a standalone if you wanted

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting better and better. I am so hooked. I just finished this book and I am immediately going to read book 3!

Cammy was 18 and Duncan 38, but in many ways Cammy was mature for his age, in all the ways it really counted. The MC’s were very likable and it was so easy to empathize with both. This is them overcoming their issues, and getting their HEA.

The supporting characters were wonderful and that’s why I am super excited for future books in this series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan, a diner cook after twenty years as an army chef, helps Cammy get his spare tyre from his brother to change his flat. As he has not socialised much or caring parents to obtain adulting skills and Cammy has had to become responsible from a young age, they have a lot of adjustment to get used to.
I am invested in this series and can't wait to read the rest.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters of Duncan and Cammy and age gap is one of my top tropes. Here, I enjoyed the fact that these two were on the same page in terms of their attraction for each other, but that Duncan had some real emotional growing up to do. Neither of these two guys had an easy childhood or great parental role models for learning self-acceptance or how to have a healthy relationship so they had to learn that together. A sweet, feel-good read in the best sense of both of those terms.

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan's character developed throughout the story and it was beautiful to watch. It shows you that sometimes age doesn't equal emotional maturity. Cammy is absolutely a delight and the perfect counterpart for Duncan. You will see some familiar faces from earlier books and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely book. It’s interesting to see Duncan navigate the first relationship he’s had so late in life. Cammy learning to live on his own as he navigates college and his attraction to Duncan. This was a easy read and you fall for both men. It does end with a cliffhanger, so plan on book 3.

Lady M.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

His parents were never warm to him which became worse when he came out as gay. They evicted him to an attic room and when he graduated they kicked him out. He spent years as a chef in the army and now he is home. He has been left an inheritance and he is about to meet a young man. How will that all go? Will he find the love of his life? Can it all go well? See just what is going to happen

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 if the Riverside Town series. The book just keep getting better and better. The characters are well written if when you don't agree with their attitude sometimes. But you can see where the both grow together Duncan and Cammy highly recommend this sweet story

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riverside Town

This is a good series. I enjoyed this story it was interesting and has great characters. Cammy is great and Duncan is a great match for him. They have a rough start but have a good ending. Good story.

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in this series is as good as the first.
Duncan is a shy but very likeable character and Cam is more forceful, especially when he knows what he wants. Duncan wants Cam but is unsure as to why Cam would want to be with him.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!!

I thought this book was pretty good. But then that ending…WOW!!! Now that’s how you set up the next one. I like how both this and the last ones be give you emotions you can relate to. Makes the read that much better.

[Readingbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this delightful series! I really enjoyed reading Cammy and Duncan's story! I liked book one a little bit more than book two!
I recommend reading the books in order! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan and Cammy ❤️

4 Angsty Stars ⭐️


Three words to describe this book: Angsty, Sexy, SWEET.....this was most definitely a feel good read, it was well worth the wait for these two! I would recommend.

* I received a ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

This book is sooo good!! I can’t wait for the next one!! Thank you Darla, for this wonderful book! :)

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than book 1!

Oh man, now I'm wishing all the books in this series were out already. It's gonna suck waiting for the next one. Loved this story and all the characters.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book, even better than the first. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Jill Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad read—book very well written and very entertaining. Wasn’t sure about the age of MC but it worked out in the end!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet read. A little more angst but that was good. Duncan and Cammy have you rooting for them all the way.

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked It

I enjoyed this book much more then the first book. The charters are good and the story flowed nicely in this book. Cammy and Duncan are super sweet together.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
This was super sweet, I really enjoyed this couple. The two main characters are very endearing, and sweet together. I also enjoyed the ending. Duncan’s Army buddies were a fun diversion and I loved the chaos that breaks out when Cammy’s dad comes to meet Duncan. Cute couple, cute read. Looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.