Down by the Sea

Landmarks #3

by Felice Stevens

Will Alexi return to England to study if Cam isn't able to go with him or will they find a way to stay together?

Alexi has come out to his family and is living his dream in England with his boyfriend Cam. He's always wanted to leave Coney Island and see what else the world has to offer.

But when Alexi discovers Cam may not be able to return with him after summer vacation, he must look deep inside to see what and who is most important, and whether or not that dream he's been searching for was with him all along...down by the sea.

Genres: LGBT, M M Romance

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down by the Sea is book three in the Landmarks series by Felice Stevens. This is a short addition to Alexi and Cam’s story in Under the Boardwalk.

Alexi’s life has changed in so many ways. He finally found the courage to come out to his family. He achieved his dream to travel and is attending school in England. And the man he is hopelessly in love with, Cam, has moved there and is living with him. They are back in New York for the summer break and once again, Alexi is helping his family with the frozen custard stand on Coney Island. It’s wonderful seeing his family again and now that everything is out in the open, he feels even closer to them, especially since he can be open with his relationship with Cam. But once home, he is surprised at how much he missed everything. He had been in such a hurry to get away. But now that he is back, he sees it all through new eyes.



Cam has been keeping secrets from Alexi. He can’t sing anymore and doesn’t know what direction his life is going to go in. He feels lost. He hasn’t been able to find work in England and his visa has run out. He is more in love than ever with Alexi but he might not be able to return with him when he goes back to school in the fall.



Cam and Alexi are both forced to re-evaluate their lives. Their relationship, although stronger than ever, is still new. They are still learning how to be a couple. Both are used to keeping things to themselves so they have to learn how to share their burdens with each other. With the end of the summer fast approaching, they might be put to the ultimate test when forced into a long distance relationship.

This was such a sweet addition to Cam and Alexi’s story. I loved seeing Alexi’s relationship evolve with his family and how their acceptance of Cam progressed. I also loved this new Alexi. He’s so much stronger, sure of himself and what he wants. This was short but also sexy, sweet and so very enjoyable.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follow up to Under the Boardwalk picks up after Alexi and Cam have returned to Coney Island following their year abroad in England for Alexi's studies. When we left them last time, Alexi and Cam were happy but not everything in their lives had been tied up in a neat bow (and in my review I had hoped we would get more). This story gives closure and confirms just how good they are together.

Alexi and Cam face some tough decisions here. They need to work a bit on their communication, but their love for each other is stronger than ever. It seems as if one hurdle after another is cropping up, but it gives both men a chance to think about how their lives have changed since finding each other and realize that maybe their dreams have changed just a bit too.

I loved them in the first book and was happy to get just a bit more here. With love, family and a summer by the sea - Nathan's fries included of course - Felice Stevens wrapped this story up with a very happy ending.

[Dawn Nicole Costiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexi and Cam are back in Down By The Sea and they are even sweeter then I remember. Although real life problems plague them, their love and devotion for one another oozed off the pages.

While Alexi was living his dream studying in England, Cam was along for the ride. While his own deams were slipping away. Life seemed to be going good for them... or was it???

While home in Brooklyn for the Summer, realizations and secrets began to surface. Unfortunately, life was throwing them a curve ball... Cam might not be able to return to England and Alexi wasn't sure what he should do. Would this force them to go in different directions or could they find a way to stay together?

Alexi and Cam are a special couple and I loved catching up with them.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back with Cam and Alexi from Under the Boardwalk. They are just as sweet as I remembered them.
In this book they are starting to face real-life challenges as an established couple, and the thing that stands out the most is the deep love and devotion they have for each other. They have moments of anger, fear, doubt… but they always end up communicating and leaning on the other knowing they will have their support. Together they can face anything live has in store for them.
Beautiful, romantic, touching and so very sweet!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The beautiful thing about love is that it follows you, no matter where you go. The heart will always know when it’s home.”

Down By The See is the first book I finished in 2021.


Alexi and Cam faced a challenge to have a long distance relationship in the future if Alexi have to go back to London to continue his education there. But Cam cannot comeback there because his visa has expired. It sucks though.
But home is where the heart is. All Cam and Alexi always wanted is to be together. And Alexi missed his hometown, his family and all the feeling of being home. Not just with Cam.
I liked how Cam and Alexi talked to each other about their problem, and made decision the adult way. Not by pouting or not talking or fighting.

I know this is a short story, a continuation of Alexi and Cam's love story. But the feeling of coming back to them after they went to London, and seeing they grew up, made my heart full.
After witnessing a full blown drama in two months (that's another story, don't ask), I was glad Alexi and Cam's story can make my heart full of warmth and love again.

Down by the Sea is a heartwarming story of a true love, a good opening to a great new year ahead. Crossed my fingers!

Recommended .... and happy new year 2021. Let's never talk about that year we left behind again. Ever.

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy to have more of Cam and Alexi

Cam and Alexi are one of my favorite Felice Stevens' couples. And they're definitely the sweetest. I love that we're getting a little bit more of their story. They were the same Cam and Alexi that I know and love just a but older and more mature. The story picks up about a year after Under the Boardwalk ended and they're back in New York for the summer. But real life has intruded and they have some decisions to make.

I loved being back on the Boardwalk with these guys. I hadn't realize how much I had missed them until I had them back on my Kindle again. Their love for each other is intense yet romantic and sweet. I love that they're always touching each other. Whether they're walking down the beach holding hands or putting their hands on each other in a gesture of support or cuddling after sex, I love how expressive they are with each other.

These boys, and this story, made me smile and I can't think of a better way to start a new year of reading.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is simply a delight to read. It is a quick short read that will bring a smile to your face, but before you read this one you must read Under the Boardwalk, since this is a continuation of Alexi and Cam's story. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Alexi an Cam, and seeing how their relationship has progressed. Since they have returned from England and they are no longer in the throes of a brand new relationship, Alexi and Cam realize that, besides love, every lasting relationship must have communication, and it was a joy to watch the two of them navigate falling even more in love with each other as a result of them learning to openly communicate with each other. Thank you, Felice Stevens for this wonderful read.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down by the Sea Is a continuation of Cam and Alexi’s love story and finding happiness either in England or New York.

The guys have a broken path of which Alexi is chasing his dream in England with school and Cam is being held back to NY due to his Visa.

However, both love each other immensely and trying to figure out where their final destination with happiness will land and how both are keeping secrets are separating them some.

Will They find happiness in NY or England? Will Cam find a job in either locations? What about Alexi and school? Read this novella and all your questions will be answered

[Jonny_Jinx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Under The Boardwalk

This book should have been #1.5 in the Landmarks series, given that it ties up the loose ends of Under The Boardwalk (#1).

Book #2 (His Uptown Guy) split the two Boardwalk stories with completely different MMCs and storyline and should have been spun-off as a standalone.

It also appears as if it was written quickly, to complete that first book.

Unfortunately, I had to give 2.75, rounded up to 3 stars. I have never given this author that low a rating, and I have almost all of her works.

[MiaReadsMMBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me wanting a *little* more...

I did enjoy this return to Cam and Alexis's world and the real world problems associated with living overseas, visas and the ever present feeling of homesickness and worry for loved ones back home. In typical style for this author, the love for one another shines through the MCs in their words and actions, and the care and concern for their partners happiness is paramount to their own.

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down by the sea is the continued story of alexi and cam from under the boardwalk

Being back with them was like coming home

My heartbroke at times but also got put back together again

I was so hooked and didn't want to put the story day

You can feel alexi and cam's love for each other on every page and strong intense love that everyone dreams of having it was perfect

I fell in love with alexi and cam all over again

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet novella bringing Alexi and Cam to us again, taking up from the first story. Alexi is still studying in England but they are home for the summer break, choices need to be made, someone needs to make sacrifices, will their hearts be broken? Alexi's homophobic father finally meets Cam face to face, something the two young men have worried about, he begrudgingly welcomes Cam into his home. A lovely short story giving these two a sweet hea.

[Louise Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely to catch up with Alexi and Cam in this novella. I like how realistic the book was and we saw the issues these two were facing while constantly reassuring each other of their love and dedication which was very sweet. It was nice to return to the beach and the boardwalk and spend some more time with an adorable and memorable couple.

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved catching up with Alexi and Cam. These two are navigating a long distance relationship, which is never easy.
There is loneliness, miscommunication, hurt feelings and more.
I was so happy to see that the love these two have for each other carry's them over any obstacle life puts in their way.
It was wonderful getting a chance to revisit some of my favorite characters.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short catching us up on Alexi and Cam. They're back from England for a visit and they realize that an HEA includes communication & compromise. It was great revisiting these characters.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down by the Sea is a lovely sequel to Under the Boardwalk. Alexi and Cam are home for the summer after a year abroad and readers get to see how their relationship has progressed. From meeting Alexi’s parents to Cam’s follow-up appointment with his doctor, to issues with Cam’s visa, there’s a lot of stress testing their relationship. At the heart though, is the deep love these guys have for each other. There’s a lot of story packed into this novella, as Alexi and Cam work through some communication issues to figure out where the future will take them.

[booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic short but sweet story. Loved it.!