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Brady:

In high school, Aaron and I were the best trumpet players in band and practically inseparable. That was, until he kissed me at my graduation party and I freaked out, ran away, and didn’t come back for three years. Now I’m home, conflicted about my future, and determined to repair our broken friendship, though it seems he’ll never forgive me for hurting him.

Aaron:

Three years ago, I made a huge mistake. I kissed my friend at his graduation party. My very straight friend that I had a huge crush on. Because I couldn’t keep my lips to myself, he ran away and ghosted me. Oh well, his loss, right? Since then, I’ve moved on with my life, or so I thought.

Brady’s back in town, and I don't want anything to do with him. Then, he kisses me, leaving me reeling once again. But that doesn’t mean I plan on forgiving him. I didn’t think I’d find myself in a position to need his help, though. When he steps up to help my brass band out, he’s in my life again whether I want him there or not.

Blow Me is a 55,000 word friends-to-lovers novel about finding your soulmate through music, the unbreakable bond of high school band, forgiveness, and choosing what makes you happy. It features a bisexual awakening, humorous moments, steamy scenes, a small-town brass band, a pug named Petunia, and trumpets.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2020

40 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Mari Thorne

5 books43 followers

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5 stars
58 (39%)
4 stars
57 (38%)
3 stars
25 (17%)
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6 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Nev.
1,466 reviews222 followers
July 5, 2021
I’m gonna be honest, I mainly decided to read this book because the title and the series name made me chuckle. The two main characters Brady and Aaron had good chemistry with one another. But mostly this just felt like a pretty generic story that didn’t have anything totally special going for it.

One of my pet peeves is when it seems like the story is building towards a specific scene but then it happens off page rather than being fully present in the narrative. Also, the epilogue was way too cheesy. Overall I think this was a perfectly fine romance. It was an easy read but I don’t think anything about it will stick with me for too long.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,918 reviews212 followers
September 28, 2020


Amazon

Brady's back home, thinking of his former best friend, Aaron. He ghosted him years ago, after Aaron kissed him. Now he's back in their hometown, sees Aaron at the local Founders Day festival, and wants to make amends and resume their friendship. And perhaps more?

Aaron has never gotten over Brady leaving without a word. But Brady's back and wants to make amends and become friends again. Should he allow Brady back in, giving him a chance to break his heart again? He knows better than to pin his hopes on a straight guy. But perhaps Brady's not so straight, and perhaps Aaron can help him come to that realization. Perhaps they can be more than former friends.

A sweet, coming to terms story, I enjoyed it as the two became friends again. I liked how Brady came to terms with his true self, but I admit I wanted a bit more in that area. I loved the ending, though, and this story in general is enjoyable. I will be on the lookout for more of this series and more from this author.

ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews64 followers
February 16, 2022
Sweet second chance and small town romance
Profile Image for Beth.
2,937 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2020
3.5 stars...This is a sweet, friends to enemies to lovers story. It’s a quick read and fairly low angst. While it does get a bit repetitive with the lack of communication trope the good parts make up for the weaker parts.

Brady is home during the summer break between junior and senior year of college. He’s decidedly unhappy and trying to figure out what he wants from life. He hasn’t been home in three years and what he wants most right at the moment is to find his old friend Aaron and try to fix their friendship. Aaron is two years younger than Brady, staying local to go to the community college and help out his mother. He’s never gotten over the night things went bad with his friendship with Brady and how he ghosted him.

The set up needs a bit more explanation as it just seems odd. Why does Brady stay in California the previous two summers? No explanation of what he did or why. And coming home with no job plans or anything knowing how his father will react just seems unrealistic. Brady’s journey of self discovery is more a journey of getting over denial. The way he sees himself at the start of the book doesn’t jibe with how he describes things later. As a result the story seems disjointed.

Aaron is likeable right from the beginning but there comes a point where you want to smack him and say “move on man” as he keeps going back to the past and wallowing. I really wanted to invest in the relationship but I kept feeling like it was forced or something. That is until I got to the events leading up to the crisis moment and then what came after. Things seemed much more natural and compelling at that point I really liked the last part of the book.

So I guess I’d say it has a slow start that needs some better backstory or fleshing out but which improves dramatically after a fashion and then has a very enjoyable finale.

**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Profile Image for RACHEL REED.
950 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
(4.5 stars)

This is the first book in the Dat Brass series, and can be read as a standalone.



Brady hasn't been home in 3 years, but nothing has really changed in Prickly Pear, Texas since he left. Now that he's back, he can't stop thinking about Aaron Hughs, his best friend who had kissed him at their graduation party, and who he then ghosted when he left for college. Back in the day, they were inseparable and the two best trumpet players in their school band.
When he finds him playing the trumpet at the Founder's Day Parade, all old memories come rushing back. Aaron is no longer the gangly sophomore he remembers, he has grown well into his tall frame.
Brady wants to desperately re-kindle their friendship once more and make amends with the way he left things between them.

“𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠."
~ "𝑈𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒"



Aaron Hughs made a huge mistake when he drunkenly kissed his former bestfriend at their graduation party.
Brady was the reason he discovered he was gay in the first play, and no one he dated could ever compare to him.
When he finds Brady at the parade with a pretty girl on his arm no less, he is jealous and knows nothing can come out of his pining for his former straight friend.

When in an attempt to get rid of a clingy date, Brady kisses Aaron and tries to pass it off as 'getting even'.
Aaron is furious and wants nothing to do with Brady or his excuses.



Will Brady avoid his mother's matchmaking attempts and realize that he is not so straight after all?
Will he rekindle his friendship with Aaron and maybe discover more about himself along the way? Or is it too late after all for them?



This was such a sweet, fluffy second chance romance. Brady struggling with his sexuality and saying the wrong things at the wrong time was all too relatable. Aaron was such a delightfully sweet character to read, I loved that he took care of his two younger siblings and was so helpful with his mom.
Harrison made such a great secondary character, and I would love to read more about him and his story.
And not to mention, Petunia, bless my heart was the sweetest most adorable pug. Literally cuteness overload!



I recommend this if you are looking for a light friends to lovers romance, set in a small town with a steamy bisexual awakening and all the feels.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
September 18, 2020
Blow Me is an amazing second chance romance. The first book in the Dat Brass series, I am delighted by this Mari Thorne book that explores forgiveness and trust.

With a kiss years ago, and the fears and doubts that followed, Brady and Aaron have a troubled past. Now Brady's home and his life is in an upheaval. His parents want to find him a girlfriend, he wants to renew his relationship with his former best friend, and he just doesn't know where he's headed in life.

Oh how I love and appreciate Brady and his struggles. He isn't just afraid to be with Aaron, he's desperately searching to discover who he really is and what he wants. In his own words, "I don't even know who the fuck I am, how can I know who I want to be with?"

But, good god, these two have some serious chemistry. Their friendship is an important foundation for them. I love that they overcame an age difference as a common interest brought them together as friends in high school.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, every emotion is front and center. I love the writing style, the tone, and the pace. The author drew me in at the start and I was riveted throughout. I need more from this author!

As for the band aspect of the story, it's both unique and well done. The connection to music is truly felt and I enjoy the way it fits into the tale.

Blow Me is a fabulous, compelling GFY novel. Mari Thorne had me devouring this romance quickly. It's a perfect choice the next time you are looking for a sweet NA romance.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,110 reviews68 followers
September 16, 2020
💞 🎺A great start for the book and a new author for me to read.
I loved the beginning, Aaron had a great relationship with his mom to talk about his past crush. Its a case of it not what it looks like that puts the cat amongst the.. well I'd say heartbreak. Brady sure does like to make a dramatic statements. lol. Back firing gets Brady not what wants but a bigger mess with Aaron. hmm he needed to think before he speaks. oops. A jump back in time to a first kiss I couldn't help feel for Aaron.
A great book including both POVs. I loved the chemistry with these guys. The book has a lot happening that kept me reading. Parent dramas along with cars troubles is not only thing happening. A fantastic ending for the book.. Yah I loved this.
• chemistry of past and present reacquainted
• Secret crushes
• not so straight after all
• hot sexy scenes and more
Brady was home after being away for 3 years even if it was only a season. Home and wanting to reconnect to his school friends especially Aaron.
Aaron played his trumpet in a street parade catching sight of Brady.

*An GRR advanced reader copy for and an honest review.
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
746 reviews34 followers
September 21, 2020
I enjoyed this one a lot. I don't think I have read a book that featured band musicians like trumpeters before. I recently read one about a saxophone player, so loving that aspect.

The second chance trope in the book was handled well, and I don't think that Aaron and Brady's issues were resolved too quickly. I did find myself frustrated at times because a lot of their issues could have been resolved through communication, but their sexual chemistry kind of interfered with that.

I was interested in the dynamic between Aaron's mother and how he said she was more like a sister. I did wonder if that dynamic was healthy, but she was ultimately supportive of Aaron. Whereas Brady had to contend with living up to his overbearing father's expectations. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I am quite hopeful that Harrison, the band leader, will find himself his own HEA.

*ARC provided, and I have given my honest review*
Profile Image for Shelia.
720 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2020
LOVE IT!!!!

One reason this book was so good to me is because it reminded me of all the fun I had playing trumpet in my HS band! The story of Aaron and Brady is one that breaks your heart one minute then pieces it back together the next. I love the way Brady comes to his realizations concerning his feelings and sexuality. It was hard to read what it does to Aaron, but it was necessary for them to truly move forward and figure out if they could have a forever with each other. Not saying either of them handled every situation correctly but then again who does? It is also good that each had support from family concerning their choice of who to care for and what career to choose. Although it took some family members longer to come around than others just as in "real" life. There were several great characters in this book that I would like to read about, such as Harrison?! Harrison seems like a great guy that needs to find his own Mr. Right. Just a thought 😊
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
824 reviews39 followers
September 27, 2020
4.5 Stars

This story was one of self discovery and second chances. It pulls you in from the moment you start reading. The writing is well done, making the storyline flow easily, and the characters are well written.

Brady and Aaron are both very likable characters, and easy to root for. They have great chemistry, both in friendship and romantically. I enjoyed their mutual love of the trumpet. I have a weak spot for band, what can I say?

Overall this was a very enjoyable read. It wasn’t angst free, but it wasn’t drowning in it either. It was a fun read, and I definitely recommend it.

***I voluntarily accepted an advanced readers copy from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
Profile Image for Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp.
161 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2020
This was SO GOOD! I read it in one setting... in like two hours, lol. Yes, I read fast, but it was just too good to stop. Aaron and Brady were fabulous together, and their chemistry was off the charts. I also loved the band and reading about something different for a change. A trumpet band was definitely different. A little angst is always appreciated in a book. It makes the HEA so much sweeter. I’m looking forward to reading more books by the author and in the series.

I received this ARC from GRR, but the opinions are ALL my own. I definitely recommend grabbing this book and devouring it!
Profile Image for Tammy Jones.
805 reviews8 followers
September 11, 2020
This book made me feel like I just watched a Hallmark Movie....at first angsty, and then all warm and fuzzy! Aaron and Brady found each other through high school band, and connected immediately. When it was Brady's time to leave for college, Aaron, with the aid of some liquid courage, kissed him. Brady wasn't quite ready to embrace his feelings, so he ran....and didn't come back for 3 years. This was a story of forgiveness, trust, and standing up for what you believe in. The characters were genuine and had an intense physical attraction to each other that made for some very steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,103 reviews95 followers
September 17, 2020
When I saw the title of this book, and then the series name on top of it, I knew I HAD to read it. And what a delight it was! This is a second chance friends to lovers tale about two trumpet players and it is absolutely adorable. Three years after a kiss gone wrong Aaron and Brady reunite and it is amazing. It doesn’t all go right, Brady hasn’t come to terms with his bisexuality, but I loved reading about the journey these two went on together. They have amazing chemistry as both friends and lovers, and this book just gave me all the warm fuzzies.
1,697 reviews11 followers
September 21, 2020
Everything relates back to the night of Brady's graduation party. Decisions taken or run from, emotions displayed or hidden. Brady returned to Prickly Pear with his thoughts on his friend he left behind three years ago. Aaron had completed his high school and went on to take odd jobs while studying locally and helping his mother.
There was so much fear of the unknown and what ifs that caused such a lot of pain and frustration.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,594 reviews48 followers
September 26, 2020
This is an excellent take on the friends to lovers and second chances tropes involving a high school kiss gone wrong and two men getting a second chance to find out what they really are to each other. The use of the brass band, trumpet playing backdrop was interesting and something out of the ordinary where music is concerned. Brady and Aaron are both well drawn characters and the author shows both of them growing and maturing nicely throughout the story.
Profile Image for Leah.
115 reviews
September 21, 2020
Sweet second chance romance

This was a short, sweet friends to lovers, bi-awakening. I loved the musical connection between the two characters. I normally don't enjoy when the "straight" friend is full of loathing and disbelief about his burgeoning feelings, but I thought the author handled it very well in this case.
239 reviews
September 25, 2020
Good start to a series

Aaron and Brady were best friends in high school one silly mistake cause Brady to run away now he is back and he looking for Aaron. I really enjoyed this book it’s a nice book to start the series now I can’t wait for the next book to come out. Ps love the innuendos.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,900 reviews
September 26, 2020
Fluffy trumpet players.

This second or is it third chance novel is good, a little angsty but mostly fluffy story about letting go of the past and living your best life. The characters were well developed and written with flaws that they have to accept and get over.
This is a really enjoyable reading experience, I hope that Harrison's HEA is next.
453 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2020
Blow Me!

A gay romance with mild angst, snarky humour,sticking up for yourself,trust and understanding with love and patience and family accepting who and what makes you happy and loving you for who you are and who you love unconditionally and finally accepting yourself as you truly you ❣️💃🏻😜💆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️
46 reviews
April 30, 2021
Great Love Story!

Don’t let the title fool you! I probably would have passed right over Blow Me from the title ( sounds more like porn ) But after reading the excerpt at the end of Pitching Tents ( also great ) I one clicked it right away! So glad I did! A great, sexy love story with such great characters, I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,800 reviews39 followers
August 2, 2021
A nice, cozy read although I had a hard time liking Brady for a good chunk of the story, I didn't dislike him, I just didn't like him much. To be fair Brady was feeling guilty about their past and how he had treated Aaron, and confused about his sexuality, but, he still didn't handle it well. A gorgeous story of friends to enemies to friends again, to lovers maybe?
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,296 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2020
Good read!

This was a good start to what looks like a fun series. I like that we will get to know more about the band members. Aaron and Brady were best friends and seeing them get that friendship back and watching it become more with all the bumps along the way was a real pull to keep me reading nonstop. I needed to know how it went. Can’t wait to see who is next.
Profile Image for Patricia Nelson.
1,739 reviews20 followers
September 26, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this charming, engaging, grab-you-by-the-feels, delightful, steamy, tug-at-your-heartstrings, and totally awesome second chance friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story. It's a great start to an intriguing new series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Cariad Dussan.
601 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2020
Sweet low angst HEA story.
good storyline and characters, fun title, no life chattering turns of events, no near death experiences, no one lands in hospital.
Just sugar and spice and everything nice. And sometimes that is just what's needed.
Will book 2 be Nathaniel's story?
Profile Image for Raven Immortas.
607 reviews
October 12, 2020
New to me and awesome

New to me author and I loved this book. I can't wait to see who is next from Dat Bass. Loved this friends to lovers. Brady finally figuring it out was fun. Loved it. Check it out!
165 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2020
This was an angsty sweet love story that got better and better as you read it.

The characters were amusing and quirky, the plot believable and raw and the ending was adorable tender and sweet. I look forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Chelsea Moore.
456 reviews11 followers
December 5, 2020
I was so excited to read this book and it was so incredible! It is such a great start to a new series! I loved Aaron and Brady so much! Such a beautiful love story about acceptance and true friendship!
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritch.
196 reviews12 followers
September 18, 2020
Excellent first read

Such a fun read. I really liked the story. Can’t wait to see more of the additional characters and see the series develop.
Profile Image for Crystal ( Meeka).
470 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2020
Sweet read!!

I really enjoyed this sweet feel good book. I really love the story and lesson behind it!! This book left me feeling good and heartwarming!!! Great read!!
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