Stumble

Outback Boys #1

by Becca Seymour

Trey has a problem he’s worked hard to manage. It involves not turning into a bumbling mess while around a gorgeous brown-haired man who’s way out of his league. Eight months’ practice from being part of the same LGBTQI+ adventure group, Outback Boys, means he’s perfected the skill.

That’s until an epic stumble makes his head spin and he throws all caution to the wind. But there’s no turning back now, especially since a snow-filled trip means they’re forced to spend even more time together.

Mark has no concerns about the changes unfolding between him and Trey, the giant of a man who’s adorably reserved. He’s been crushing on him for so long that he’s eager to explore more. But when their latest adventure is over and they fall back into the real world, balancing work, life, and a relationship proves more challenging than he envisioned.

Something has got to give, and neither man knows the best way ahead without upsetting the status quo. Can the two Aussies work their way through their new connection, or will they stumble at the first hurdle in their way?

Outback Boys is a sweet and sexy low-angst M/M romance series complete with bruised butts, rope burn, and overworked muscles… all in the pursuit of adventure, of course!

This title was originally part of the Winter Wonderland Giveaway. The Amazon version, however, includes new bonus content--two extended scenes and a must-read epilogue.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Forced Proximity, Novella, Friends To Lovers

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2021

About the author

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek

Zone Defense

No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down


Fast Break

Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!


True-Blue 
Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us


Outback Boys 

Stumble | Bounce | Wobble


Fangs & Felons

Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone


Stand-Alone Contemporary

Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt


REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma

"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such

"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine

"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Meep · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle-Sort-ReRead
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This felt disjointed I never got to grips with the characters, who they were or how old they were. Felt the author had picked her trope then fit the characters into it without much development, or as if the reader was supposed to somehow know them already.

The 'Outback Boys' group isn't explained leaving me debating if they were a college activity group, workplace group, support for youngsters type group.... It seems to be just an adult outdoor sport group, possibly for gay men but that's not clear.

Mark is rich, successful, gorgeous, good at everything, rich.
Trey is big, shy, scared of everything - yet he does everything with little pause.
There's no tension, no sparks, they both clearly like each other so what's the story? Other characters mentioned are likely other books.

The writing didn't, draw me in and the characters never felt real, it was a struggle to finish.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was simple and sweet. A quick read with little to no angst.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the novella in this series so when I was looking for low-angst reads I knew this book would be perfect. And it really was great for my current mood. Loved the dynamic between Mark and Trey. I was always surprised when reading that Trey was taller than Mark because he was such a gentle giant!

There were lots of laughs, lots of adventure and a great amount of sexy time in their story. I loved the epilogue and their HEA! Definitely recommend this series and author if you are looking for a fun, low-angst read!

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The loving and heat filled story of Trey and Mark.

4 steady stars!

When Mark joins the Sunny Coast Outback Boys Club (in Australia), he is instantly interested in Trey, who is already a member. For 6 months, Mark lusts for Trey from afar. But when on a rock climbing outing with the Outback Boys, Trey looses his balance on the rock face and stumbles into Mark, who is beside him. The two men manage to get back to the ground safely, where their attraction to one another is instant.

The Club flies to Salt Lake City in the U. S. for a ski vacation. Trey, being quite tall, manages to bruise nearly his entire body just going down the bunny slope! Mark, naturally, is an expert skier...and wealthy. When the duo "stumble" into each other when Trey forgets how to stop his decent, Mark catches him. (And this begins the much overused word "stumble.")

The retreat indoors to relax and warm up. In short order, their attraction accelerates, bringing them closer to each other throughout the trip.

Once back in Australia, Mark goes back to his 14 hour work days and Trey heads north to his home and job. The two manage a long distance relationship via phone, weekend visits and social media. But Trey soon finds himself spending more time at Marks luxurious apartment than at his own home.

With wonderful world building, the author manages to make you learn about the Gold Coast of Australia, as well as the city of Brisbane. The dialogue is loving, snarky and humorous, fitting the characters perfectly. There is plenty of heat throughout the plot and the secondary characters are well used but not overused. The focus is mainly upon Trey and Mark, as it should be.

Stumble is the second book in the Outback Boys Club series. I look forward to reading the third book, "Bounce."

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trey and Mark are members of an adventure group in Australia and plan a trip to the US to go skiing. Trey is terrified of flying but Mark sits with him to help him through. Seems they've both been attracted but Trey thinks Mark is out of his league, however when a room disaster means they have to share, they jump in pretty quick. Once they return home they have to figure out where workaholic (and rich guy) Mark who runs his family business can adjust his life to include a boyfriend.

What I liked was the real Australian feel. They use language, place names, that are using Australian slang rather the proper names. Also seeing Trey's first time in snow was fun and all of their adventures learning to ski. There is a bit of drama as Trey has to adjust to having a boyfriend who can drop $40K at a charity auction without blinking but on the whole it's pretty low angst but I liked the sense of place.

I got this as a free give-away. Glad I picked it up.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rather sweet story of two men in the same adventure group, teaming up on a ski trip from Australia to Salt Lake City, UT, where they find out they've both been sharing similar feelings. After a week of bliss, getting back home to the real world puts them in a state of discovering their lives aren't easy to add a relationship into.

For the most part, I enjoyed the MC's and their story, but felt like the last quarter of the story didn't really match the vibe that had started their relationship. It just seemed to have come out of nowhere, which took me out of their sweet, meet-cute relationship a bit.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a sweet series! Set around an LGBT outdoorsy group in Australia, this first story follows two men in the group who have been attracted to each other for awhile and stumble into actually trying out a reltionship when they travel to the States for a ski trip. It starts with the joy and and ease of letting go and having a vacation romance, then works into figuring out how to transition that into work and life together. An easy and enjoyable read!

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Wonderland download. The plot begins with a ski trip to Utah, and returns to Brisbane. Mark and Trey are thirty somethings who have been eyeballing for months. While this is a novella, expanded would reveal the complexity of their makeup, and the depth of the relationship. The more brief version has them as giddy schoolboys in last. The heat level is merely simmering, glossing over details and skipping much. The resolution is satisfying, open for more.

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stumble is Book 1 in Outback Boys series based around a group of more mature gay men who enjoy outdoor activities. Mark and Trey have eyed each other for some time but the catalyst to getting closer is a ski trip to Utah. It was a light easy read based mainly on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia which is where I live. So, it added to the story knowing the local landmarks mentioned.

I look forward to reading more of the series.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful start to a new series. This is such an enjoyable, sweet read with no angst and two very likeable main characters in Mark and Trey. I’m looking forward to the extended version of their story which will be released on Jan 14.
I read this as part of the Winter Wonderland promotion.

[Smut Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the short story from the Winter Wonderland giveaway and loved every word. The characters are delightful and I love the notion of the group of friends who go on adventures - I'll definitely be reading the other books in the series. A highly engaging and sweet story!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes, absolutely yes. This was excellent. And impressed how much this story kept on giving despite only being short! Look forward to the full length book and the next ones in the series!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mates

I just finished reading this book, I loved it most of the time I was smiling laughing and mumbling while reading it. Loved the story line and the characters. Great job 👍

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I don’t know if I’m flattered or insulted that you think I’m, what, good-looking enough to hire out my services? That I’ve caught your attention enough to think someone like Mark would pay for a piece… well, damn, I think I quite like the idea.” — Trey (upon it being implied that he is an escort)

Warnings: homophobia

Stumble provides a pleasant escape from the realities of the world for a couple of hours. For some people, Trey will be highly relatable. When we meet him he is having some serious aerophobia. it is this anxiety that becomes the thing that pulls him and Mark together with Mark having a natural caring instinct, especially when it comes to Trey. They have known each other for a few months and Mark has always been there for Trey. Neither of them lies to themselves about their attraction to the other but neither vocalises the attraction.

The language used in Stumble is important. This is a book that is set between Queensland (Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast) and Salt Lake City using two Australian protagonists. The language used couldn't be American or British English, it had to use Australian preferably Queensland language (both spelling and slang). The language used is right but I would think still readable to an English speaker. Fark is said fairly early on. The requisite mate, trady. Fark is I think an even better choice, it is dialectic for Queensland.

I feel the financial positions of the protagonists needs to be addressed. It needs to be acknowledged that Trey and Mark come from very different situations. Trey is something like the everyman, a web developer working from home. He is used to living somewhat frugally but spends money on the things that mean the most to him. In contrast, Mark runs a multimillion-dollar construction company. He does work hard for his money and always has, he doesn't carry that air of entitlement but the money he and his family has is key to the story, it is to a degree the driver of the plot's drama.

We don't have the pleasure of meeting both protagonists for Bounce, the second book in the Outback boys series. However we do get to meet one though, Aiden, described as standoffish in the blurb for his book. Yeah, I can see that but when he opens up he has a contagious personality, he's a transplant from Alice Springs with a serious past I would guess.

Yeah sorry, this is a bit of a weird review that ignores most of the key points of the plot. Including meeting the family homophobe and the fantastic mother in play oh and the brilliant proposal in the epilogue (one gets in before the other but they both had the same idea) But I did enjoy it. Does it have some perhaps problematic elements? yep. But it still works.

And they were sexy. Mark knew how to wear glasses, and not in a simple “throw them on your face and be able to see and not walk into a wall” way of wearing glasses. He was my very own Clark Kent. Okay, not my own—a man could wish. But he was Clark Kent hot. I was thinking Christopher Reeves and Henry Cavill levels of sexy. Seriously, the best Supermen to have been cast. — Trey

A representative gif:

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super sweet, fun and low angst romance with two men who have been attracted to each other for months but it takes confinement on a long haul flight and then a week sharing a room for any step to be taken.
Trey is a quiet, shy type but when it comes to Mark, his nerves really get the better of him. Mark is aware of Trey's attraction and finds it endearing, feeling the same way about the other man. When they get out of their own ways, they have a lot of fun together and it seems to come really easy to them, spending time together in the bedroom and our of it. When it comes to getting back to real life, there are a couple things that they have to work to overcome but it's totally worth it in the end; Mark's intense work schedule and Trey's unsure on what he can offer to a man who has it all.
I loved reading these two together. There's a great balance of sweet, sexy and emotional moments between them and the story flows well from the start.
A great start to the series and I'm looking forward to more from the Outback Boys.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Stumble is the first book in Becca Seymour’s new Outback Boys series, which looks to be focused on members of the adventure group. It was originally released for free as part of the Winter Wonderland giveaway, and has since been expanded to include more content and an epilogue. This is a cute and easy book about two guys who have been interested in each other for a while, but neither has worked up the nerve to say anything. Their ski trip gives them a chance to be in close proximity and get to know one another better, as well as act on their attraction. I appreciated that Seymour moves this beyond just a week-long vacation romance. The first half or so of the book deals with the guys while they are on their trip, but the second half brings them home to work through integrating their romance into real life. Both Mark and Trey are sweet and likable and there is a nice, easy tone here as the men fall for one another and find their happiness.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, a nice story, and one with feels, but there was something missing. Some kind of punch that was needed to make the men and their evolution really hit him and sink deep. As it was, both men were interesting, their dynamic sweet, and there was a point that I really enjoyed myself while reading, but it never truly moved me. I'm definitely in for more of the series, though my opinion is that it's one to read for light enjoyment and a good way to pass an hour or two.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute read. I will watch for the next book in the series for my Kindle.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this marvelous, sweet, charming, adorable, grab-you-by-the-feels, lovely, wonderful, delightful, steamy, tug-at-your-heartstrings, and totally awesome start to an amazing new series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a brand new series by Becca Seymour :) I'm so excited to read her expanded version of Stumble (Outback Boys#1) when it's released. Love these men and the Outback Boys gang :)

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start with a trip from the outback to snow for The Outback Boys.
Trey is adorable with his fear of flying but Mark gets him throught it. You never know what a stumble or even limited rooms can do for opening up a relationship. A few bumps and brusies on and off the snow but a hot chemistry heats up. This is a gorgeous book and the start of a new series.

Trey 37 yrs was crushing on Mark big time despite that they where about to board a plane, that Trey hated.
*A full extended book after the Winter Wonderland Giveaway.
*GRR Advanced readers copy.

[Heather (AllTheJuicyBits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stumble is a quick read, following Trey and Mark as they grow their tentative friendship into love. They first meet as part of an outdoorsy club called the Outback Boys and they spend a long time dancing around each other. But it's Trey's anxiety over a long flight from Australia to the US where their relationship starts to turn. Mark is a more seasoned traveler and he helps distract Trey from his fear of flying. When there's a mix up with the rooms at their hotel and they have to share, well that's it. They end up together and don't look back. When they get home to Australia they definitely have some issues to resolve; things like the fact that Mark is quite wealthy while Trey is more middle class, and the fact that they live over an hour away from each other. But they handle those issues like adults, and even possible roadblocks like Mark's idiot ex-boyfriend and homophobic brother-in-law don't manage to shake their feelings for each other.
If you're looking for a fast and very low-angst read, set in snowy Utah and sunny Australia, put Stumble on your list and you won't be disappointed.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and sweet tale about two men taking the leap and finding their HEA.

I loved Mark and Trey - they were good and kind and human. It’s always a treat to find a book that is heartwarming, sweet and gentle whilst still being grounded in reality. These two weren’t perfect, they each had their own insecurities and they each had to push themselves to overcome them. At the end of the day though, they were willing to try that bit harder and take that risk so that they could find a future together. There were some really fun, light and funny moments (nothing like some cheeky innuendo!) but also some truly tender ones. The best part was the people who might have caused drama were dealt with in a matter of fact way - no excess drama or upset (man did I love how Trey dealt with Keith!). Great all round and definitely worth the read. I can’t wait to see what happens with Aiden!

* An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

[Devy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely better than the 2nd book.
Finally a good book after all the skipping and dnfing and deceptions lately. It’s been while I haven’t had butterflies in my stomach 😄
I loved everything about this book. The MCs, the very sweet romance, the beautiful relationship development. I’m happy both didn’t think it was just a holiday fling and they were very keen to make things work after getting back home.
Their 1st kiss is so cute. Shy Trey isn’t that shy even if it took him 8 months to make a move.
Mark and Trey was amazing together, caring, kind, and loving. from the start. They’re couple goals.
There isn’t a lot of sex but enough to fit the story and it’s sweetly hot but a lot of gratifying kisses and romantic intimate moments.
Mark’s family is awesome, his dad is funny and his mum is so sweet. I’m glad his sister divorced that asshole of homophobic and cheater husband of her.
I would’ve loved to know more about Trey’s family.
The HEA is just perfect, it made my heart melt.

I have a few books of this author in my tbr I’ll ne reading next.

I highly recommend.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really shouldn't read books set in Australia, only because it's on my bucket list to visit and reading about it makes me want to go more.

Synopsis - Trey and Mark are members of the 'Outback Boys' a group for gay men who meet and go on outings together, like hiking, climbing, skiing.

That's it, as simple as that. Before we meet them in the book, it's been a slow burn for them, months of liking each other but never pulling that trigger, and each having their reasons why. Put together on a long flight across to the states, they find themselves having to share a room and the rest is pretty much history. They're so sweet together I didn't really mind the usual trope of being thrown together and forced to stay in the same room.

This is a sweet, short-ish story of two guys finding each other and realising that they can have their HEA without too much angst and honestly, it's just a lovely story.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s contemporary romances, and was invested in Trey and Mark as soon as I started reading. An added bonus for me was the Australian setting, and I liked the set up for the series, and how the title relates to their story.

I liked that Mark and Trey talked through the potential issues of a holiday romance not working out, and that they go the extra mile to make sure they’re able to pursue their relationship despite Mark’s long working hours. They’re both nice guys, and I enjoyed spending time with them and watching their growing friendship and romance.

I loved the charity auction part of the story. Mark’s family put him in an awkward situation and his brother-in-law is a total arse. The way Trey handles things, bids for his man is perfect, and shuts down any ideas of Mark’s ex moving in, is perfect.

The epilogue is wonderfully sweet, and the perfect HEA for these guys. I’m looking forward to seeing them in future books in the series.

[Nissy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark and Trey had been into each other for the past eight months since the original meet, when Trey had joined OutBack Boys group. I just loved Trey, he was so sweet it hurt. During a ski trip to the states they get to know each other and both are too scared of facing rejection from the other, they really don't know how to handle it. Mark uses Trey's fears to connect and Trey uses that to his own advantage also. Once they jumped the hurdle and decided to be more, the real life issues came in. It was more so on Trey's end because he had to deal with his insecurities. Even though he had them, he did not allow them to hinder his being with Mark. They both wanted their HEA and they both fought for it. Mark made changes and so did Trey which made for a great ending and love story. Super sweet love and read. Totally enjoyed it.
I received an ARC and voluntarily read it for an honest review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already a fan of the author here and her True Blue series so I was expecting good things. She didn't let me down. I loved this story! Two men go on a ski trip to Utah with several other members of their Aussie group "The Outback Boys." Mark and Trey have been hovering around each other ever since Trey joined the group for a hike. One nerve-wracking (for Trey anyway) trans continental flight and a shared room later, these two find themselves going back to their home on the Sunshine Coast as more than just friends. This was such a cute story and I look forward to more stories about the guys in this fictional Facebook group! This is a no angst sweet tale about two guys literally stumbling into a relationship. It was a nice quick read.

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written sweet love story between two men who have been attracted to each other from the very beginning of meeting each other, but never seem to show each other how much until they both went on an international trip for their Outback group. I love how sweet they are to each other, and how true they are with their feelings, even though there are insecurities sometimes, once they started.

Low angst, which is always welcome, and the main characters are truly amazing! Trey and Mark bring a special quality into their relationship, and because they both know that this indeed is a special one (not just a hookup), they are working hard towards achieving what they both want, each other.

I look forward to the next books in the series.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stumble = To trip or momentarily lose one’s balance- almost fall —in love perhaps?
Trey decided to join a LGBTQI+ adventure group where he met Mark .
Trey is a stumbler. He knows he has feelings , rather hot feelings for Mark —

A loner, Mark is intrigued by Trey , perhaps their feelings could be mutual?
On a trip together to Utah for a ski trip Mark realised that Trey needs comfort during the flight as Trey absolutely doesn’t enjoy flying at all!


This is an extremely sweet read with hardly any angst , a pleasure to read.
A New Series- Outback Boys... situated on the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia- two hours from me .
Both Trey and Mark are adorable they appealed to me from the beginning.
Mark will always be there to catch Trey when he stumbles....